Voices Among the Gums: Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Connects a Region

GLENBROOK, NSW — In the quiet town of Glenbrook, nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the crackle of HF signals and the hum of VHF transmissions echo with purpose. This is the domain of the Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club (BMARC)—a longstanding pillar of the local radio community and a gathering place for those who believe in the enduring magic of wireless communication.

Established to serve the Blue Mountains and surrounding districts, BMARC operates under the callsign VK2HZ and has become a key focal point for licensed amateur operators and newcomers alike. Its mission? To educate, connect, and keep the spirit of amateur radio thriving—one frequency at a time.

A Club With Rhythm and Routine

BMARC runs like a well-tuned transceiver. Club meetings take place on the first Friday of each month, with doors opening at 7:00pm and proceedings commencing by 7:30pm. For more casual meet-ups, the club also opens its doors on the first and third Saturday of the month, from 10am to 2pm—a perfect opportunity for coffee-fuelled project discussions or gear troubleshooting.

Weekly on-air nets provide additional structure to the club’s operations. The HF net transmits every Tuesday at 8:00pm local time on 3543 kHz LSB, adjusting for QRM as needed. The VHF net runs on Wednesday evenings, also at 8:00pm, via the VK2RBM repeater. These nets ensure members remain in touch, whether perched on a mountain ridge or nestled in a valley suburb.

A Hub for Learning

Training is a cornerstone of BMARC’s mission. The club routinely holds Foundation Licence courses, with Standard and Advanced Licence assessments offered as needed. Prospective hams are encouraged to visit www.bmarc.org for up-to-date course schedules and enrolment details.

The club’s training and assessment activities are overseen by Jan van Ekris (VK2FEB)—a veteran operator with a passion for mentoring. Jan can be reached at 02 9606 7404 for inquiries.

Where to Find BMARC

BMARC’s physical meetings are held at the Scout Hall, 4 Moore Street, Glenbrook, a fitting venue in a town where community and tradition still matter. Club correspondence is directed through PO Box 54, Springwood NSW 2777, and inquiries can be made via phone at 0438 606 740, the number for club secretary Irene van Ekris (VK2VAN).

Leadership and Stewardship

Guiding the club is a dedicated committee led by:

• President: Jan Van Ekris (VK2FEB)

• Secretary: Irene Van Ekris (VK2VAN)

• Treasurer: Roger Mangraviti (VK2HDR)

Together, they uphold a legacy of technical excellence, community involvement, and enduring enthusiasm for a craft that’s as much about communication as it is about camaraderie.