Riverina Connections: The Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club - A Long-Standing Presence on the Airwaves

Representing the interests of amateur radio enthusiasts across the Riverina region, the Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club Inc. has been a continuous presence on the airwaves since its formation in 1968. Proudly holding a multitude of callsigns – VK2WG, VK2GRI, VK2RTW, VK2RTD, VK2RBE, VK2RGA, VK2RGR, VK2RYG, and VK2RTU – the club has been actively renovating its clubrooms since 2001. Situated in a charming small park at the end of Small Street, nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, their welcoming space is always open to visitors.

A key focus of the Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club is the ongoing maintenance and improvement of their extensive linked repeater system. Strategically located near the towns of Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga, Young, and the Narrandera/Griffith areas, these repeaters operate on the following frequencies: 146.750, 146.775, 146.800, 146.825, 146.850, 146.875 (all using 91.5Hz CTCSS), and 438.025 MHz (also with 91.5Hz CTCSS), ensuring robust communication across a wide area.

The club's regular meetings take place at their clubrooms, located at 9 Small Street, Wagga Wagga, on the last Friday of each month at 8 pm. Outside of these formal gatherings, members can often be found at the clubrooms on most Saturday mornings from 10:00 am, offering a casual opportunity for a cuppa and a friendly chat with visitors.

The Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club actively participates in various amateur radio contests, including the John Moyle Field Day, Trans Tasman Contest, and Remembrance Day Contest (RD). They also maintain IRLP node 6260 and operate a number of repeaters and APRS digipeating facilities, contributing to the broader amateur radio infrastructure in the region.

Committed to community service, the club is always available to assist with local events. In the past, they have provided crucial communications support for organisations such as WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network), the SES (State Emergency Service), the Lake to Lake Fun Run, the Wagga and District Car Club, and various Horse Enduro events. Their dedication extends to providing safety and competitor communications for the challenging Hume & Hovell Ultra Marathon, held on the second weekend in October near Tumbarumba.

For those interested in obtaining their amateur radio license, the Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club boasts a number of accredited AMC Assessors within their membership. They conduct Foundation Courses on an ad-hoc basis and offer examinations for all license grades upon request. Individuals interested in upcoming courses or exams are encouraged to contact the club for specific details. John Eyles VK2YW (2-004) serves as the club's training course coordinator and can be reached at 0439 644 946.

The Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club can be contacted at PO Box 294, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, via their website https://www.warc.org.au/, or by phone at 0438 428 153.

The dedicated committee members leading the club include President James Ashley VK2NKJ, Secretary Alisha Ashley VK2FASH (0438 428 153), and Treasurer Michael McDonnell VK2DAI (0427 354 850).

With a long and active history, the Wagga Wagga Amateur Radio Club continues to be a cornerstone of the amateur radio community in the Riverina, fostering technical expertise, community engagement, and a vibrant presence on the airwaves.