WHYALLA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA – In the industrial heartland of Whyalla, a city forged in steel, the Whyalla Amateur Radio Club Inc. (W.A.R.C.), callsign VK5BWR, serves as a dedicated enclave for enthusiasts of radio communication. The club's stated purpose is to provide a common ground for those with a shared interest in Amateur Radio, while actively encouraging and assisting aspirants in obtaining their operator's licenses, thereby ensuring the hobby's continuity in this key regional centre.
W.A.R.C. maintains a regular, if somewhat industrially themed, meeting schedule. Formal club gatherings, open to all, convene on the last Wednesday of each month at the club rooms of the Steel City Drag Club on McBryde Terrace, with proceedings typically commencing around 7:30 pm. A more informal social evening is held at the same venue on the second Wednesday of the month, also starting at 7:30 pm, fostering camaraderie amongst members.
Recognising the challenges of distance in regional Australia, the club has adopted a hybrid approach to its on-air nets, which are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm. The first Wednesday sees members connect via the Port Pirie VK5RMN 2-meter repeater (146.700MHz), while the third Wednesday leverages the digital platform ZOOM, with access details disseminated by the club secretary. This dual strategy aims to keep both local and remote members connected. The club even extends an invitation for listeners who may be unable to transmit to make contact via email, a nod to ensuring broad inclusivity. Further diversifying their activities, members also engage in Amateur Television (ATV) sessions on 445.500MHz during evening hours.
While formal training courses are "not at this time" a standing offer, the club is equipped with Australian Maritime College (AMC) Exam Service accredited assessors, enabling it to facilitate licensing examinations within Whyalla as the need arises. This capacity is crucial for nurturing new talent within the hobby.
The Whyalla Amateur Radio Club, under the leadership of President Roger Jordan (VK5YYY) and Secretary John Groffen (VK5NL), demonstrates a pragmatic commitment to sustaining amateur radio. By blending traditional face-to-face meetings with contemporary digital networking tools, W.A.R.C. ensures that the spirit of radio communication continues to resonate through South Australia's "Steel City." Enquiries can be directed to the Secretary or via the club's website.
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