Whiteman Park's Pragmatists: A Western Australian Radio Club That 'Just Does It'

WHITEMAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – For over three decades, the Northern Corridor Radio Group (NCRG) has carved out a distinct niche in Western Australia's amateur radio landscape. Eschewing formality and what it terms "procrastinating," this collective of enthusiasts prides itself on being an "active" club. Its focus is firmly on practical on-air operations, vigorous participation in contests, advancing the technical boundaries of the hobby, and, as they readily admit, organising the occasional Hamfest and enjoying a convivial beer – all while prioritising "fun."

This robustly informal ethos is palpable in their regular gatherings at the club premises within the Whiteman Park Equestrian Centre (access via Gnangara Road). While formal general meetings convene at 10:00 am on the fourth Sunday of each month, the true spirit of NCRG is perhaps best captured by its weekly Sunday morning sessions. From 8:00 am until midday, members engage in a combination of "working bee, chat session, and BBQ breakfast," a testament to their hands-on approach and strong social cohesion. It is a far cry from staid boardroom discussions; the club's motto appears to be, "we just do it!!"

NCRG's commitment to active on-air engagement is further underpinned by the significant infrastructure it maintains. This includes several repeaters: VK6RNC on 146.625 MHz (which also serves as part of the WIA news rebroadcast network, relaying transmissions from Perth's VK6RAP repeater), and VK6RMB on both 439.925 MHz and the 1.2 GHz band (1293.800 MHz RX / 1273.800 MHz TX). The club also hosts the Perth 10-meter beacon on 28.264 MHz and broadcasts the WIA Sunday news bulletin on the 80-meter band from 9:00 am local time, actively encouraging call-backs. Most members maintain a listening watch on the 146.425 MHz simplex frequency or one of the club's repeaters, ensuring a lively local communication environment.

True to its practical bent, NCRG provides amateur radio training courses and examinations, extending a welcoming hand to newcomers aiming for a foundation license or existing operators seeking to upgrade. While they may refer candidates to external bodies like Ham College, the club’s core commitment is to "assist you in any way we can – and you'll have a lot of fun along the way!" Phil van Leen (VK6KHV) coordinates these training initiatives, with further details anticipated on the NCRG website.

Under the leadership of President Chris Pfeil (VK6LOL), Secretary Glynn Davies (VK6PAW), and Treasurer Martin de Pannone (VK6ZO), and operating under callsigns including VK6ANC, VK6NC, VK6NE, and VK6N, the Northern Corridor Radio Group exemplifies a model of amateur radio engagement that prioritises action and tangible results. Its sustained activity over 30-plus years suggests that this pragmatic, hands-on, and explicitly "fun" approach continues to resonate strongly with those who prefer doing to deliberating in the world of wireless communication.