Mount Isa, Queensland - The Mount Isa and District Amateur Radio Group Incorporated (VK4WII) has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when a group of radio enthusiasts, affectionately known as the "Mount Isa Bacon Board" (a playful term for "ham"), began meeting at the Mount Isa Tavern.
The group's commitment to community service became apparent during the Gregory Canoe race in 1979, where they observed the communication challenges faced by CB radio users. Recognizing their potential to provide better support, the group stepped in to assist in 1980 and continued to do so for many years thereafter. Their community involvement also extended to providing communications for horse endurance events and off-road car rallies.
Currently, the club operates a 2-meter repeater (VK4RMI) equipped with IRLP and Echolink connections, facilitating wider communication for its members. They also have a 70cm repeater (VK4RIC) in the testing and build phase, indicating their ongoing commitment to expanding their infrastructure. Additionally, a 2-meter APRS digipeater is undergoing testing and is expected to be fully operational soon, complementing their existing APRS iGate.
Looking towards the future, the Mount Isa and District Amateur Radio Group Inc. is exploring the addition of an Allstar link, a popular mode among many of their members, further enhancing their communication capabilities.
The Mount Isa And District Amateur Radio Group Inc. can be found at 26 Buckley Avenue in Mount Isa, Queensland.
The club facilitates assessments for amateur radio licenses at mutually agreeable times to accommodate prospective candidates. Interested individuals can contact Darrin Archer VK4GEO (dfarcher@bigpond.net.au) or Eric Baker VK2TRD/4 (ericbakervk2trd@gmail.com) to arrange assessments. For a comprehensive list of ACMA Accredited Assessors, you can visit https://www.acma.gov.au/assessors.
The club has a Foundation Assessment scheduled for March 29, 2025, for any individuals in the area ready to take the exam. Those interested can contact Darrin VK4GEO at dfarcher@bigpond.net.au. Darrin Archer VK4GEO serves as the club's training course coordinator and can be reached at 0418 981 353 or via email.
The Mount Isa And District Amateur Radio Group Inc. can be contacted at 26 Buckley Avenue, Mount Isa QLD 4825, via their website (https://mtisaarc.wixsite.com/vk4rmi), or by phone at 0438 893 098.
The dedicated committee members leading the group include President Daryl Richards VK4MIC (0438 893 098), Secretary Darrin Archer VK4GEO (0418 981 353), and Treasurer Albert Shelley (contactable via email).
The Mount Isa and District Amateur Radio Group Inc. plays a vital role in connecting amateur radio enthusiasts in the remote North West region of Queensland. With their active repeater infrastructure and commitment to training and community support, they provide a valuable resource for the local ham radio community.
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