Peaks to Coast Connections: The Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club Extends its Reach

The Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club Inc. (SMARC), proudly known by its callsign VK2SNO, plays a vital role in fostering amateur radio communication across the expansive Snowy Mountains region and the New South Wales Far South Coast, effectively bridging the areas in between. This active club champions the use of amateur radio as a reliable long-distance communication tool, connecting a diverse community of all ages, backgrounds, and interests throughout their region, across Australia, and indeed, the world.

SMARC extends a friendly invitation to any visitors exploring the stunning Snowy Mountains or the picturesque NSW Far South Coast to reach out via their repeaters – they'd be delighted to connect!

Formal meetings are held "at call," determined on a casual basis to suit the availability of members across their wide coverage area. However, the club maintains a consistent weekly presence on the airwaves with their Club Net, held every Saturday evening at 1930 hours on VK2RSE 147.375 MHz (no CTCSS tone). This net is hosted by Bill VK2ZZF operating under the club's callsign VK2SNO.

SMARC's repeater infrastructure is crucial to their regional connectivity. Their 70cm Club Repeater VK2RLJ operates on 438.450 MHz (no CTCSS tone), providing coverage across the Perisher Ranges and resort areas, as well as Jindabyne, Nimmitabel, Dalgety, and surrounding locales.

Demonstrating their commitment to extending communication links, SMARC, through the efforts of Peter VK2DIE, has established temporary connections from the Monaro region to the Far South Coast and into North East Victoria. Currently, VK2RSE 147.375 MHz (no tone) on the Monaro Plains is linked with VK2RFS 146.750 MHz (no tone) on the Far South Coast and VK3RDH 146.625 MHz (no tone) in North-Eastern Victoria.

Further enhancing their accessibility, this 2-meter Repeater Network can be accessed via IRLP Node 6211 and Echolink via node 685091.

The Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club actively participates in Field Days, providing opportunities for members to engage in practical radio activities in various outdoor settings. For detailed information on past and upcoming Field Day events, interested individuals are encouraged to visit their website at http://www.smarc.org.au.

For those interested in training and assessment information, Russell Wood VK2VRW can be contacted via email at russell.wood7@bigpond.com.

The Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club can be reached at Perisher Valley NSW 2624 or via their website. Phone enquiries can be directed to 0419 278 690.

The dedicated individuals currently leading the Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club include the President (TBA, contactable at 0419 278 690), Secretary Angelo Giuffre VK2NWT (0419 278 690), and Treasurer Bruce Carroll VK2DEQ (contactable via email).

From the snowy peaks to the coastal plains, the Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club plays a vital role in connecting communities across a vast and diverse region through the power of amateur radio.