In the heart of Western Australia’s Great Southern region, the Southern Electronics Group WA (SEGWA) serves as a vital hub for amateur radio enthusiasts and electronics tinkerers. Operating under callsigns VK6SR and VK6CRO, this Mount Barker-based club bridges vast rural distances through wireless innovation, proving that even in WA’s sprawling landscapes, communication knows no bounds.
A Regional Network with Global Reach
While details of SEGWA’s history remain scarce, its presence in Mount Barker underscores its role in:
• Supporting emergency communications across WA’s remote areas
• Maintaining repeater infrastructure critical for regional connectivity
• Fostering electronics expertise through hands-on projects
"Radio isn’t just a hobby here—it’s a lifeline," says President Rob Seaman VK6LD, emphasizing the club’s importance in a region where mobile coverage remains patchy.
Community-Driven Activities
Though specific events aren’t listed, typical SEGWA operations likely include:
📻 Weekly on-air nets coordinating with regional operators
🔧 Electronics workshops (antenna building, circuit design)
🌾 Field day operations testing portable setups in rugged terrain
The club’s VK6CRO callsign suggests special event capabilities, potentially used for:
• ANZAC Day commemorations
• Scout JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) support
• Community outreach demonstrations
Join the Great Southern Airwaves
Enthusiasts can connect via:
1️⃣ Monthly gatherings (details via website)
2️⃣ Technical mentorship from experienced members
3️⃣ Participation in statewide emergency drills
Contact:
📞 0414 445 195 (President Rob VK6LD)
🌐 hamradio.org.au
In a state where distances challenge conventional communication, SEGWA members keep the Great Southern connected—one contact at a time.
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Follow The Australian for more stories about regional innovation.
[Did You Know?]
The club’s Mount Barker base sits near the iconic Porongurup Range, where elevation advantages may support exceptional VHF/UHF propagation. Their VK6SR callsign could hint at specialized repeater systems serving WA’s southwest.












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