Western Melbourne Connections: The Wyndham Amateur Radio Club Inc.

The Wyndham Amateur Radio Club (WARC), an acronym of its name, primarily serves the amateur radio interests of the South Western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

Formally established in late 2015 as WANDARC (Western and Northern Districts Amateur Radio Club), the club underwent a name change in September 2020, following a member vote, to WARC. This new name more accurately reflects the geographical concentration of the majority of its members.

WARC is committed to providing a welcoming and friendly environment where members and others can share and enjoy all facets of the fascinating hobby of amateur radio. Whether your interests lie in electronics, computing, or radio communication, you'll find like-minded individuals within the club eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

The club holds regular Meetings, Social Events, and Field Days, with up-to-date details available on their website's "What's Happening/Calendar" tab.

WARC is actively involved in training for and conducting examinations for the basic Foundation Licence, laying the groundwork for new entrants to the hobby. They also have aspirations to offer training and examinations for both the Standard and Advanced Licences in the near future, supporting the progression of their members.

Membership in WARC is open to everyone, and you do not need to hold an Amateur Radio Licence to join their welcoming community.

For those on Facebook, the club maintains an active page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/warcc), and all are welcome to join their online group.

Licensed members of WARC can often be found connecting via their preferred 2-meter FM Repeater: VK3RGL (147.000MHz output with a 600kHz negative shift on transmit and a 91.5Hz CTCSS tone), located atop Mt Anakie near Geelong. All are welcome to join in and say "G'day" at any time.

Meetings are held on the first and third Saturdays of every month at the club rooms. For specific dates and details, please refer to the "What's Happening/Calendar" section of their website.

WARC also hosts a WEEKLY CLUB NET every Thursday at 8 pm on the VK3RGL repeater (147.000MHz, -600kHz offset, 91.5 CTCSS). All are welcome to participate.

A major event for the club is the WARC HAMFEST 2025, billed as the "ONLY Western Suburbs Hamfest." This event is scheduled for Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, and will be held at the Wyndham Encore Events Centre, a centrally located, huge, undercover, and air-conditioned indoor venue with ample free parking and close proximity to public transport. The venue offers full disability access. Entry to the Hamfest is $10 (cash only), which includes entry into major and minor door prize draws (extra tickets will be available for purchase). Doors will be open from 10 am to 1 pm, with tickets on sale from 9 am. A kiosk will be available from 10 am selling drinks and food (card only, no cash). The Werribee Plaza Shopping Centre is also a short walk away. For those interested in selling, tables are available for $20, including one free entry. To book a table, please contact Michael at 0426-239-658. Further details can be found on the WARC website and Facebook group.

Training courses for amateur radio licenses are "Soon to commence," with specific dates "To Be Advised." Julian Perrin VK3JFP serves as the club's training course coordinator and can be contacted at 0457 585 974.

The Wyndham Amateur Radio Club Inc. can be reached at 38 Hunter Avenue, Hoppers Crossing Vic 3029, via their website, or by phone at 0413 463 349.

The dedicated committee members leading WARC include President Michael Wilson VK3FAAO (0426 239 658), Secretary Frank Drandi VK3FDFD (0400 525 557), and Treasurer Julian Perrin VK3JFP (0457 585 974).

Serving the western suburbs of Melbourne, the Wyndham Amateur Radio Club Inc. provides a welcoming and active community for amateur radio enthusiasts of all levels, offering regular meetings, on-air activities, and upcoming training opportunities.