Victoria's Voice: Amateur Radio Victoria - Connecting the State

Amateur Radio Victoria (ARV), operating under the callsigns VK3WI and VK3BWI, stands as the pre-eminent statewide membership organisation for amateur radio enthusiasts across Victoria. Located at 40G Victory Boulevard, Ashburton VIC 3147, ARV provides a comprehensive range of services and activities for its members.   

 

A cornerstone of ARV is its extensive and highly regarded amateur repeater network, ensuring reliable communication across the state. The organisation is also a major provider of education, training, and licence assessment services, nurturing the next generation of radio amateurs. To further support newcomers, ARV hosts a weekly on-air net specifically designed to help them get started in the hobby.   

 

Recognising the importance of public awareness, ARV actively engages in appropriate and effective publicity to promote amateur radio and its diverse applications. They also offer valuable advice on interference issues and provide guidance on local government radio mast applications, advocating for the interests of the amateur radio community.

For more detailed information on ARV's wide array of activities and services, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit their comprehensive website at www.amateurradio.com.au.

The Annual General Meeting of Amateur Radio Victoria (WIA Victorian Division) is held in May each year, providing an important forum for members to participate in the organisation's governance. Additionally, regular meetings of the homebrew group, fostering the spirit of experimentation and construction, are held on the first Saturday of each month. Interested individuals should consult the ARV website for specific details regarding these meetings.

ARV actively encourages on-air participation through its operating awards. The prestigious Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award promotes portable operation within Victoria's national parks, encouraging members to combine their love of the outdoors with their radio skills. The Victorian Local Government Award recognises amateur radio activity to and from the state's 79 municipal areas, fostering connections across local communities. Full details on these and other awards can be found in the Awards section of the Amateur Radio Victoria website.

ARV also demonstrates its commitment to the broader amateur radio community through regular participation in significant international events such as the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August and Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) in October, connecting Victorian amateurs with their counterparts worldwide.  

 

Amateur Radio Victoria is a leading provider of amateur radio training in the state, holding Foundation Licence Training and Assessments once a month. Assessments for all amateur radio licence grades are also available, and occasional bridging upgrade courses are offered for Foundation licensees wishing to progress to the Standard Licence. Enrolments and inquiries regarding training should be directed to Barry Robinson VK3PV at arv@amateurradio.com.au or 0428 516 001.  

 

The club's training course coordinator is Peter Cossins VK3BFG, who can be contacted at 03 9885 9261.   

 

Amateur Radio Victoria can be reached at 40G Victory Boulevard, Ashburton VIC 3147, via their website, or by phone at 03 9885 9261.   

 

The dedicated committee members leading Amateur Radio Victoria include President Tony Hambling VK3XV (03 9885 9261), Secretary Ross Pittard, and Treasurer Ross Pittard VK3CE (both contactable via email).

As the peak body for amateur radio in Victoria, Amateur Radio Victoria plays a vital role in supporting, promoting, and connecting radio enthusiasts across the state, ensuring a vibrant future for the hobby.