Scout Radio & Electronics Service Unit: Pioneering Youth in Radio Since 1959

In a quiet Mount Waverley scout hall, the next generation of radio enthusiasts is being nurtured. The Scout Radio & Electronics Service Unit (SRESU), with its impressive collection of 24 callsigns, represents one of Australia's most unique amateur radio organizations - where the spirit of scouting meets cutting-edge communications technology.

More Than Just a Radio Club

As an official service unit of Scouts Australia (Victorian Branch), SRESU:
• Provides critical health & welfare communications for major scouting events
• Manages Victoria's Jamboree On The Air (JOTA/JOTI) operations
• Operates two portable repeaters (VK3RSR/RSS) for field operations
• Welcomes both licensed and unlicensed members

"We're about creating pathways from cub scouts to licensed operators," says President Luke Byrnes VK3BYR. "Many of our leaders first encountered radio through JOTA as kids."

Monthly Gatherings with Purpose

The unit meets:
🗓 2nd Tuesday monthly (except January)
📍 Branch Activity Centre, Legana St, Mount Waverley
🛠 Combining radio theory with practical scouting needs

Recent activities have included:
• Building portable antennas for camp communications
• Demonstrating emergency radio procedures
• Preparing for international JOTA contacts

Youth-Focused Training

With a dedicated training team led by Philip Adams VK3JNI, SRESU offers:
✅ Foundation license courses tailored for young learners
✅ Electronics badge support for scout groups
✅ Mentoring programs linking youth with experienced operators

"Our youngest licensed member was 11," notes Training Officer Adams. "Seeing kids make their first contact is magical."

Join the Movement

Participation is open to:
1️⃣ Current scout members (any age)
2️⃣ Leaders with radio interests
3️⃣ Licensed amateurs wanting to support youth

Contact:
📞 0478 708 246 (Training Officer)
🌐 sresu.asn.au
📍 Legana St, Mount Waverley (Monthly meetings)

In an age of digital distraction, SRESU continues its 65-year mission of turning scout halls into gateways for global communication - proving radio remains one of the most powerful tools for youth development.

—
Follow The Australian for more stories about technology and youth education.

[Did You Know?]
SRESU's collection of callsigns (including rare sequential blocks like VK3SAA-SAY) is one of the largest held by any Australian amateur organization, reflecting their decades of special event operations. Their portable repeaters have supported everything from bushwalking expeditions to international scout jamborees.