South Otago, Balclutha Hams: A Resilient Hub for Regional Communications

Balclutha, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the picturesque South Otago region, the Balclutha amateur radio branch (Branch Number 35) serves as a vital and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With regular bi-monthly meetings and consistent activity on both HF and VHF nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community, keenly focused on both hobby and emergency preparedness.

The club holds its gatherings at their clubrooms, located next to 268 Clyde Street, Balclutha. For postal correspondence, their address is 40 Kakapuaka Road, Balclutha 9272.

Dedicated Leadership and Comprehensive Technical Support

The South Otago, Balclutha branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong emphasis on crucial amateur radio functions, including emergency communications and technical infrastructure:

• President: C.J. Landreth (Callsign ZL4CJL) leads the branch, and can be reached at cjlandreth@mblc.co.nz.
• Secretary: Barry Munro (Callsign ZL4MB) handles the club's administration and is also one of the Club Callsign Trustees. He can be contacted at munro.barry@gmail.com or by phone at 027 379 7238.
• Alternative Contact & Exam Supervisor & Branch Repeater Trustee (Mt Stuart): Cliff Gray (Callsign ZL4AS) serves as a key alternative contact, an Exam Supervisor, and is instrumental in maintaining the Mt Stuart repeater. He can be reached at Cliff.ZL4AS@gmail.com or by phone at 027 414 0055. Cliff is also a Branch Repeater Trustee for Kuriwao 675.
• AREC Group Leader & Club Callsign Trustee & Exam Supervisor & Branch Repeater Trustee (Mt Stuart): Gary Wills (Callsign ZL4GJW) holds multiple critical roles, spearheading the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts, managing the club's on-air identity, and contributing to new member development and repeater maintenance. He can be reached at glsthotago@arec.nz or by phone at 022 632 6533. Gary is also reachable at gjw2876@gmail.com for exam-related inquiries.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Branch Repeater Trustees: Cliff Gray (ZL4AS) and ZL4SY for the Kuriwao 675 repeater, and Cliff Gray (ZL4AS) and Gary Wills (ZL4GJW) for the Mt Stuart repeater, ensuring reliable regional communication.

Consistent Meetings and Active Nets

The South Otago, Balclutha branch offers a consistent schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meeting: Held on the second Tuesday of even months, plus March and November. Meetings start at 8:00 PM (or 7:30 PM in winter). This structured schedule ensures regular opportunities for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the South Otago, Balclutha branch maintains a strong presence on the airwaves with its regular nets:

• HF Net: Held on 3585 kHz every Monday at 8:30 PM.
• VHF Net: Connect on the Kuriwao 675 repeater every Monday at 7:30 PM.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The South Otago, Balclutha branch is highly committed to fostering new talent, boasting a dedicated team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process:

• Gary Wills (Callsign ZL4GJW), gjw2876@gmail.com
• Cliff Gray (Callsign ZL4AS), Cliff.ZL4AS@gmail.com
• Norm MacLeod (Callsign ZL4NORM), norm@yrless.co.nz

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" looking for a vibrant local community, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license, or simply interested in the world of wireless communication and its vital role in regional connectivity and emergency services, the South Otago amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Balclutha.

For more details on the South Otago amateur radio group and their activities, reach out to their dedicated officers or tune into their weekly nets!