Peel's Resilient Wavelengths: An Amateur Radio Group Deeply Integrated with Local Emergency Services

MANDURAH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Founded in 1982, the Peel Amateur Radio Group (PARG) in Western Australia operates not merely as a collective for radio and electronics enthusiasts, but as a significant partner in local emergency preparedness. This not-for-profit volunteer group, with approximately 35 financial members, has cultivated an exceptionally close association with the Mandurah State Emergency Service (SES) Unit. This relationship is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding and underscored by the fact that around 20 percent of PARG members also serve with the SES, creating a valuable skills overlap.

PARG's operational ambit primarily covers the Peel region—stretching from the City of Kwinana in the north, through the municipalities of Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Murray, to Waroona in the south, and incorporating the coastal cities of Rockingham and Mandurah—though its membership extends Australia-wide. Its role as a member of the Mandurah City Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) further solidifies its official standing in regional resilience efforts. Regular meetings, typically workshop or technical nights, are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM WAST, fittingly at the Mandurah SES HQ on Education Drive. Provisions for remote attendance via Teams or Zoom demonstrate a nod to modern operational flexibility, though attendees are advised to confirm details with the Club Secretary due to potential short-notice changes.

The group maintains robust communication infrastructure, including a VHF repeater (VK6RMH on 146.850 MHz) located at the SES HQ, which is integrated with the AllStar Network (Node 57463) and Echolink (VK6RMH-R). Future plans indicate an expansion with a potential 70cm repeater on the Darling Ranges and a new Flex 6400 HF remote station for PARG members within the Shire of Murray. Critically, PARG operates the primary west coast of Australia HF WinLink (Vara) gateway across multiple frequencies (7044.5 kHz, 10132.5 kHz, 14093.0 kHz, 21096.0 kHz) and a UHF packet link, providing essential data communication capabilities vital for both hobbyists and potentially during emergencies.

Beyond its strong emergency service links, PARG fosters a vibrant hobbyist community. It participates in events such as Jamboree On The Air (JOTA), the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend, and various field days. Its annual "PARGfest Swap Meet," touted as the largest amateur radio gathering south of the Swan River, is a significant event, featuring their annual Mega Raffle draw. The next PARGfest is scheduled for the first Saturday in February 2026 at the Mandurah Bowling Club. For formal training, PARG pragmatically refers aspiring operators to the specialised courses offered by Ham College, ensuring access to structured learning while the club itself focuses on practical application and community engagement.

Under the leadership of Peter Bassett-Scarfe (VK6PBS), who uniquely serves as both President and Secretary, and Treasurer Bruce Williams (VK6CX VK6BW), the Peel Amateur Radio Group (operating under callsigns including VK6ARG, VK6COM, VK6RMH, and VK6SES) exemplifies how a technical hobby can be powerfully leveraged for community benefit. Its deep integration with the SES, commitment to modern communication infrastructure, and active event calendar make it a dynamic and strategically important entity in Western Australia's Peel region.