Mount Gambier's Modulators: A Regional Club with National Reach

MOUNT GAMBIER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA – In the regional city of Mount Gambier, nestled near the Victorian border, the South East Radio Group (SERG) has served as a dynamic focal point for amateur radio enthusiasts since its founding in 1962. With approximately 60 members drawn from a 100km radius, SERG is a notably active club, its members demonstrating a broad spectrum of interests from construction and satellite communication to repeater systems, VHF/UHF operations, long-distance DXing, direction-finding foxhunts, and even EPIRB location – a testament to their technical acumen and community service ethos.

The club boasts strong ties with local emergency organisations, a relationship undoubtedly bolstered by its well-honed capabilities in emergency communications, including a dedicated communications trailer ready for rapid deployment. This practical application of radio skills is a hallmark of the group.

A jewel in SERG's annual calendar is its Convention, held each June. This event garners widespread interest, not least because it hosts the prestigious Australian Fox Hunting Championships, drawing competitors and enthusiasts from across the nation to Mount Gambier.

Regular engagement is a cornerstone of SERG's activities. The club convenes on the first and third Fridays of each month at its clubrooms in O'Halloran Terrace, Mount Gambier, located within the Reidy Park centre (the former Reidy Park Junior Primary School). Meetings commence at 7:30 pm, with the first Friday typically dedicated to an activity night and the second to club business. For evenings when formal meetings are not scheduled, members connect via a session on the linked 2-meter repeater network at the usual meeting times. Further fostering camaraderie, a "Coffee Club" is held every Thursday morning at 10 am at the clubrooms.

SERG's technical prowess is evident in its extensive support for repeater and beacon infrastructure. The club maintains the VK5RSE beacons (50.458, 144.550, 432.550, and 1296.550 MHz) from its site at Mt Graham near Millicent. It also supports a significant linked 2-meter repeater network encompassing VK5RMG (146.900MHz) at The Bluff, VK5RKN (147.375MHz) near Robe, VK5RNC (146.650MHz) at Naracoorte, VK5RBT (147.350MHz) at Willalooka near Bordertown, VK5RSE (146.800MHz) near Millicent, and even extending into Victoria with VK3RSW (146.875MHz) at Mt Richmond near Portland. A 70cm UHF repeater at The Bluff (439.825MHz) offers both FM and Yaesu Fusion C4FM digital capabilities.

Members are active across diverse specialised fields such as Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, satellite operations, and Amateur Television (ATV). The club’s community involvement is extensive, providing communications and television support for the local "Legends of the Lakes Hillclimb" event, numerous local car rallies, and the internationally significant "Generations in Jazz" festival – the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Participation in VHF/UHF Field Days is another highlight, often yielding competitive successes.

For those aspiring to join the amateur ranks, SERG provides assessments on demand through its accredited assessors, Tim Hann (VK5AV) and John Drew (VK5DJ). The club also periodically runs courses to support future amateurs.

Under the leadership of President Peter Becker (VK5BE), Secretary Col. Huon (VK5HCF), and Treasurer Andrew Fartch (VK5VKC), the South East Radio Group stands as a vibrant and technically proficient organisation. Its blend of strong community ties, extensive technical infrastructure, national-level events, and commitment to emergency preparedness makes it a cornerstone of the amateur radio landscape in south-eastern South Australia and beyond.