Launceston's Lively Airwaves: A Tasmanian Club Balances Technical Pursuit with Social Grace

LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA – In the northern reaches of Tasmania, the Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Inc. (NTARC) cultivates a welcoming environment for radio amateurs of all stripes. From casual conversations over local repeaters – "rag-chewing" in hobbyist parlance – to explorations of "cutting-edge communications technology," the club deliberately emphasizes social cohesion, frequently pairing construction projects or technical discussions with the convivial atmosphere of a barbecue. All interested individuals are actively invited to attend any of its functions or meetings as visitors.

NTARC's formal bi-monthly meetings demonstrate an adroit adaptation to Tasmania's distinct seasons. During the cooler winter months, members convene on the second Saturday afternoon (2:00 pm). As summer arrives, these gatherings shift to the second Wednesday evening (7:30 pm), a pragmatic adjustment likely reflecting daylight hours and member preferences. These meetings, held at the Rocherlea Scout Hall on Archer Street, are occasionally fashioned as purely social dinner or BBQ events, with details promulgated via the weekly VK7 radio broadcasts – a traditional yet effective means of member communication.

Beyond the structured bi-monthly schedule, the Rocherlea Scout Hall serves as a more frequent, informal hub. Every Friday morning at 10:00 am, irrespective of public holidays, members gather for "coffee and catch up," fostering a consistent sense of community. This is further complemented by a dedicated technical focus on alternate Wednesday evenings: an 80-meter "Tech Net" (on 3.567 MHz) commences at 7:30 pm, while on the intervening Wednesdays, an in-person Technical Session takes place at the clubrooms from 6:30 pm. Prospective attendees are advised to inquire about the current schedule for these alternating Wednesday activities, with upcoming dates also advertised on the Sunday VK7 broadcast.

True to its aim of catering to all, NTARC facilitates amateur radio licensing assessments on an "as-needed" basis. Prospective candidates or those seeking to upgrade their qualifications can contact the club (primarily via its email vk7taz@gmail.com) to make arrangements or seek guidance from the Training Officer, Peter Dowde (VK7PD, education@ntarc.net). Courses are similarly organised based on demand, ensuring pathways into the hobby remain accessible.

The Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club, under the presidency of Idris Rees (VK7ZIR), with Stefan Bochenek (VK7ZSB) as Secretary and Andre Bochenek (VK7ZAB) as Treasurer, thus presents a model of a well-rounded local club. By thoughtfully blending structured technical pursuits with a strong emphasis on regular social interaction and adapting its operational tempo to the rhythms of the year, NTARC ensures that amateur radio remains a vibrant and accessible pursuit in Launceston and its environs.