WICEN Victoria: The Silent Guardians of Emergency Communications

When Victoria's communication networks fail during disasters, a dedicated team of radio operators stands ready. WICEN Victoria - the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network - represents the state's most experienced volunteer communications force, with decades of silent service supporting emergency agencies when conventional systems collapse.

More Than Just Radio Enthusiasts

Operating under Victoria's emergency response plans, WICEN:
• Maintains 24/7 readiness to deploy communications support
• Provides trained operators to emergency coordination centers
• Operates statewide VHF/UHF/HF networks independent of infrastructure
• Assists with search operations and emergency messaging

"We're the backup system no one sees until everything else fails," says President Ross Sargent VK3SF, a 30-year emergency communications veteran.

Real-World Deployments

Recent activations include:
🔥 2019-20 Bushfire Season - Providing critical links for isolated communities
🌊 2022 Flood Events - Maintaining contact when phone networks collapsed
🚑 Major Public Events - Backup communications for mass gatherings

Rigorous Training Regimen

Members undergo:
✅ Emergency operations procedures
✅ Portable repeater deployment
✅ Inter-agency communication protocols
✅ Digital message handling

"Our training scenarios are as real as we can make them," explains Secretary Alan Stratford. "When called, we need to perform flawlessly."

Join Victoria's Communications Reserve

WICEN seeks:
1️⃣ Licensed amateur operators (all grades welcome)
2️⃣ Technical specialists in radio systems
3️⃣ Logistics and support volunteers

Contact:
📞 0411 192 249 (President)
🌐 vic.wicen.org.au

In an era of climate-driven disasters, WICEN Victoria remains the state's communications safety net - proving that sometimes the most vital technology is that which works when nothing else does.

—
Follow The Australian for more stories about emergency preparedness.

[Did You Know?]
WICEN's VK3AWI callsign has been activated in every major Victorian disaster since the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires. Their operators regularly train with emergency services to maintain seamless interoperability.