Nestled in the lush hinterland of Richmond Hill near Lismore, the Summerland Amateur Radio Club (SARC) has been a cornerstone of regional communications for over six decades. What began as the Far Northern Radio Club in Brunswick Heads has evolved into a vibrant hub for radio enthusiasts across the Northern Rivers.
A Club Steeped in History
With roots tracing back to 1959, SARC boasts:
• 43 active members (local and international)
• Multiple repeaters covering VHF/UHF bands across the region
• IRLP node 6220 connecting members worldwide
• Historic VK2SRC callsign used for all club operations
"We've weathered floods, fires, and pandemics, but our airwaves never go silent," says President Ross Dowse VK2ARD.
Weekly Nets for Every Interest
The club maintains an impressive schedule of on-air activities:
📻 Monday: Club info net (146.800MHz)
💻 Tuesday: Digital modes net (transitioning to 144.230MHz USB)
📶 Wednesday: 70cm chat net (438.675MHz)
🌐 Thursday: "Tri-bander" net hopping across bands
🌅 Daily: "Dawn Patrol" HF net (3.604MHz at 6:30am)
Community-Focused Operations
SARC plays a vital role in regional communications:
• Supporting emergency communications during disasters
• Providing repeater coverage across challenging terrain
• Participating in field days and special events
Informal Sunday Gatherings
The club meets:
⏰ 1:00pm Sundays at their Richmond Hill clubhouse
📍 412 Richmond Hill Road (COVID protocols permitting)
"Some members drive over an hour to share knowledge and friendship," notes Secretary Paul McGuiness VK2AMT.
Join the Northern Rivers Radio Family
While formal training is currently paused, interested parties can:
1️⃣ Visit during Sunday meetings
2️⃣ Join one of their daily nets
3️⃣ Contact via sarc.org.au
Contact:
📧 vk2src@gmail.com
📍 412 Richmond Hill Rd, Richmond Hill (Sunday meets)
In a region frequently impacted by natural disasters, SARC members stand ready with their radios - proving that sometimes the oldest technology is the most reliable when modern systems fail.
—
Follow The Australian for more stories about regional resilience.
[Did You Know?]
The club's Mt Nardi repeater (438.675MHz) sits at an elevation of 812 meters, providing exceptional coverage across the Northern Rivers region. Their IRLP node connects directly to similar systems worldwide.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.