ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS, NSW — The Manly-Warringah Radio Society (MWRS), affectionately known as "surfing the airwaves since 1923," is one of Australia's most storied amateur radio groups. Formed as the Manly & District Radio Club on 26 February 1923, MWRS is celebrating its centennial year with a special event station, VI 100 MB, active throughout the year. With nearly 100 years of history, the club continues to thrive as a hub for both seasoned radio operators and newcomers alike.
A Club for All Radio Enthusiasts
The MWRS is a diverse community of radio enthusiasts, dedicated not only to the technical aspects of amateur radio but also to its use as a means of emergency communication. The society works closely with accredited emergency service organizations, ready to set up reliable voice and low-speed data communication links at a moment's notice—operating independently from the Internet, telecommunications carriers, and government infrastructure.
The society’s membership is open to anyone with an interest in radio communication, whether you’re already an accredited radio operator or still learning about the field. MWRS is affiliated with the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), WICEN NSW Inc, and Amateur Radio NSW, ensuring it remains at the forefront of amateur radio activities.
Where to Meet: A Hub for Radio Enthusiasts
MWRS members gather every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm at the 1st Terrey Hills Guides Hall, located at Beltana Avenue, Terrey Hills, NSW. The club holds a variety of meetings to cater to different interests:
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Business Meetings: On the second Wednesday of the month at 8:00 pm, members discuss club business for about an hour, followed by a social time of informal activities.
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Lecture Nights: On the third Wednesday of each month, the club hosts a technical lecture at 8:00 pm, usually featuring expert presentations on various aspects of radio. These meetings are followed by more social time. Past lectures can be accessed via the club’s YouTube channel (VK2MB-TV).
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Informal Meetings: On all other Wednesdays, the club engages in informal activities, from hands-on radio operations to casual discussions on everything radio.
In January, the business meeting is replaced by an informal gathering, and in December, the lecture night is also informal. July’s business meeting doubles as the Annual General Meeting.
Club Activities & On-Air Events
MWRS is fully operational with HF, VHF, and UHF radio stations, which are used during club activities, business meetings, lectures, and informal nights. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced operator, there’s always someone to show you around and help you get on the air.
The club runs daily HF nets on 80m and 40m, and also operates APRS internet gateways on 2m VHF and 30m HF bands, keeping track of amateur radio travellers. You can even tune in to their 2m repeater audio stream live online, or check out the KiwiSDR web-connected HF receiver available at MWRS WebSDR.
The club also hosts an annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), where it welcomes visiting Scouts and Guides to learn about radio communication. Additionally, MWRS regularly participates in contests and on-air events, often operating from various portable locations around the state.
A Training Hub for Aspiring Operators
If you’re looking to get licensed, MWRS recommends the excellent training and assessment services provided by Amateur Radio New South Wales (ARNSW) at Dural. For more information about training courses and exams, visit ARNSW Exams.
The MWRS Training Coordinator, Brian Donn (VK2AXC), is always available to assist new members with study materials and preparation for assessments. Simply drop by a Wednesday evening meeting for some extra help.
Leadership Team Driving Success
The club is led by a passionate team dedicated to fostering a welcoming and educational environment for all members:
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President: Geoff Osborne (VK2TGO)
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Secretary: Des Cottle (VK2TGJ)
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Treasurer: Greg Lee (VK2XE)
For further inquiries about the club, including membership or training opportunities, you can reach out via phone at 0459 999 725 or via email through the club’s website: mwrs.org.au.
Looking to the Future: A Century of Radio Excellence
As the Manly-Warringah Radio Society celebrates 100 years of excellence in amateur radio, the club remains committed to both preserving the rich history of wireless communication and embracing new technologies. Whether you’re a newcomer to amateur radio or a seasoned operator, MWRS offers a welcoming community where everyone can share in the excitement of radio.
Stay connected with the club on social media via Facebook (ManlyWarringahRadioSociety), Twitter, and YouTube (@VM2MB).
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