Mackay's Active Signals: A Hub for Ham Radio Since 1972

Mackay, Queensland - Founded in 1972 by a dedicated group of local amateur radio operators, the Mackay Amateur Radio Association INC. (VK4WIM) has been a driving force in promoting the hobby throughout the Mackay region. With a current active membership of around 30 individuals, the club engages in a wide spectrum of amateur radio activities year-round.

The Mackay Amateur Radio Association is actively involved in various field day events, including the prestigious John Moyle Memorial Field Day Contest and Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) in collaboration with the Scouts. They also provide crucial communications support for events such as horse endurance trials and other community activities. For comprehensive information about the club and its activities, be sure to visit their website at www.vk4wim.com.

The club maintains an extensive repeater network across the region, catering to various modes and frequencies:

• VK4RMK Mt Blackwood: Off air.
• VK4RSA Sarina: 146.675MHz -600 91.5 FM and P25
• VK4RSA Sarina: 439.625MHz -5Mhz 91.5 Linked to CHARC
• VK4RSA Sarina: 147.075MHz +600 Multimode P25, DMR, NXDN
• VK4RSA Sarina: 438.275MHz -5.4Mhz Dstar
• VK4RBM Blue Mt: 146.775MHz -600 91.5 FM
• VK4RBM Blue Mt: 439.300MHz -5Mhz Dstar
• VK4RBY Black Mt: 146.650MHz -600 P25, DMR, NXDN
• VK4RBY Black Mt: 438.600MHz -5Mhz Dstar
• VK4RUS Sarina Beach: 438.450MHz -5Mhz Dstar
• VK4RRR Mt Seaview: 146.975MHz -600 91.5 Linked to CHARC
• VK4RDL St Lawrence: 147.175MHz +600 91.5
• VK4RDL St Lawrence: 438.875MHz -7Mhz Dstar

The Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc. holds its general meetings every second Tuesday of the month. Currently, these meetings are conducted online using the Teams platform. Specific connection details are disseminated via email shortly before each meeting.

In addition to their online meetings, the club regularly organizes social gatherings at the Campwin Beach Coral Point Park Lookout on Saturdays. These events often involve BBQs and coincide with special amateur radio activities such as the John Moyle Field Day and the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend, or simply provide an opportunity for fellowship. For details regarding the next meeting and connection information, please email vk4wim@outlook.com.au. The club encourages members and visitors to bring items for "show and tell" to enhance the enjoyment of the meetings.

The Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc. actively participates in a wide range of events, including the John Moyle Memorial Field Day, the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend, JOTA (Jamboree on the Air) for Scouts, and provides communications support for horse endurance rides and various other activities throughout the year.

Annually, on the second weekend in May, the club joins other amateur radio clubs in Central Queensland for a gathering at Clairview. A major highlight of this event is a Monster Auction and raffles, which serve as important fundraising initiatives for the club.

The club also hosts regular on-air nets:

• Monday Night 7:30pm: 80 Metres on 3597kHz
• Wednesday Night 7:30pm: 2 Metres on 146.675MHz with a - Offset and 91.5 CTCSS tone.

For further details about the club's activities and events, please visit www.vk4wim.com.

Currently, the Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc. holds its general meetings online using the Teams platform. Details for joining these virtual meetings are sent out via email prior to each meeting, typically occurring on the second Tuesday of the month. The club also frequently organizes in-person social gatherings, often involving BBQs, at the Campwin Beach Coral Point Park Lookout on Saturdays, particularly for special events.

Roy Moore VK4RM serves as the club's accredited WIA Assessor and Training & Assessment Co-Ordinator. He is available to conduct exams and assessments for all three levels of amateur radio licenses as needed. For more information regarding training and assessment, please visit www.vk4wim.com. Exams and assessments can be arranged by contacting Roy Moore directly at vk4rm@hotmail.com, though some advance notice is required.

The Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc. can be contacted at P.O. Box 1065, MACKAY QLD 4740, via their website (http://www.vk4wim.com), or by phone at 0409 597 410.

The dedicated committee members leading the association include President Roy Moore VK4RM (07 4956 4515), Secretary Gary Crothers VK4CUZ (contactable via email), and Treasurer Wayne O'Donnel (contactable via email).

The Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc. continues to be a vibrant and active force in the Central Queensland amateur radio community, providing a platform for enthusiasts to connect, learn, and participate in a wide array of activities and events.