• 2026 JANUARY 25 WIA NATIONAL NEWS BROADCAST ON VK1WIA

    From National News Broadcast Email List@3:633/10 to All on Friday, January 23, 2026 07:49:20
    Weekly news from the WIA:
    MP3 edition of news available at: http://www.wia-files.com/podcast/wianews-2026-01-25.mp3 Text edition:

    2026 JANUARY 25 WIA NATIONAL NEWS BROADCAST ON VK1WIA ------------------------------------------------------------*

    THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK

    THIS LINK IS A VIDEO VERSION OF NEWS COMPILED BY VK5BD BEVAN tinyurl.com/WIA-News-Videos

    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    ELEVEN (11) IN WIA NATIONAL NEWS THIS WEEK:-

    Graham VK1GVC. -

    Alan VK2COD. -

    Jason VK2LAW. -

    Angelo VK2NWT. -

    Chris VK3FY. -

    Col VK3GTV. -

    Laurie VK4BLE. -

    Felix VK4FUQ. -

    Nick VK7WW. -

    Peter VK8ZZ. -
    BUT WAIT - THERE'S MUCH MUCH MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE
    WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA AND IT'S FOR WEEK COMMENCING
    SUNDAY JANUARY 25 2026

    I'M EDITOR GRAHAM VK4BB

    REMEMBER WIA NATIONAL NEWS IS FOR RECREATIONAL USE ONLY.
    WIA
    JOIN THE WIA
    tinyurl.com/yyj87b9y
    WIA did the WIA ever do for us?

    So what DID the WIA ever do for amateur radio?

    I mean, apart from being around since 1910.

    And apart from being the national peak body for amateur radio.

    And apart from being the only group recognised internationally.

    And apart from talking to the regulator so we dont have to.

    And apart from maintaining the band plan so we dont all transmit on top
    ofeach other.


    And apart from advocating and defending our spectrum whenever someone wantsto sell it.


    And apart from running the QSL bureau.

    And apart from running contest and awards.

    And apart from running a bookshop and publishing helpful information.

    And publishing Amateur Radio magazine.

    And providing insurance so clubs can actually meet.

    And supporting training and assessors.

    And keeping clubs informed through the National News broadcast and website. Apart from all that

    What did the WIA ever do for us?
    [pause]

    Right then. Moving on.

    (Nick VK7WW via VK7WI News)
    WIAs VK8ZZ REPORTS:-
    WIA GRANTS PROGRAM.

    The WIA has an annual grants program which provides for grants of up to
    $250.00 for educational programs and up to $500 for Repeaters, Beacons and other infrastructure projects.


    I am very please to announce that the Board of the Wireless Institute of Australia at its meeting this week approved a number of WIA Grant
    applications totalling $2,250.


    The clubs have been sent an email confirming the approval of the grants. Applications are now open for grants to be considered in the 2026 allocation. Grant applications need to be submitted on the approved form

    available on the WIA web site.
    MERIT AWARDS:-

    The WIA Merit Award program identifies and recognises sustained outstanding achievement in the diverse field of Amateur Radio that furthers the science
    of radio, and/or service to the WIA. It plays an important role in promoting excellence with nominations made by WIA members and decided by the WIA Board
    of Directors.


    Nominations are made using a special form that details the achievements of
    the individual along with supporting information.

    Awards are announced at the WIA annual general meeting, and where possible presented at that gathering of members. Each WIA Merit Award is not
    necessarily awarded every year.


    A list of WIA Merit Award recipients and their achievements are published
    later in Amateur Radio magazine and on WIA National News.

    Nominations for WIA Awards to be presented at the AGM in May 2026 will close
    on 1st March 2026.


    The WIA Merit Awards that are able to be awarded by the WIA are detailed on
    the WIA web pages. I encourage listeners to put pen to paper and nominate individuals for a WIA Merit Award.


    This has been WIA Director and Company Secretary Peter Clee VK8ZZ

    This is Angelo, VK2NWT WIA Affiliated Clubs Coordinator.

    As we are now in the early stages of 2026, all clubs by now will have held their 2025 Annual General Meeting perhaps resulting in some changes to the
    club committee and contact details.


    As I have asked in the past and am now asking again, would all clubs please take some time today to ensure your WIA Club webpage is now up to date with
    any recent changes. Whilst the WIA does its best to maintain an accurate contact list for all clubs, that list is only as accurate as the information that your club details on your WIA webpage. Unfortunately, we still get a significant number of bounced emails, wrong email addresses, and other incorrect contact details when reaching out to your club, so I am seeking
    your help to minimize that problem.


    Furthermore, and as mentioned in past WIA Broadcasts and the last couple of Affiliated Clubs Presidents Webinars, the new WIA website is continuing development and will go live in the near future. All Affiliated Clubs pages will appear on the new website of course, however, what wont be available anymore once the website is live, is the ability for clubs to directly edit their respective webpage. This means that any changes to your clubs committee positions, contact details and general content will then need to be sent to
    the Affiliated Clubs Coordinator to be uploaded. This is another reason why
    Im appealing to clubs to ensure that your Club webpage is as up to date as possible prior to the changeover.


    So please, just take a few minutes today to check your clubs WIA webpage and make sure its accurate.


    As always, if you have any questions about this or any other Affiliated Clubs matters please dont hesitate to contact me using the following email address: clubs@nationaloffice.wia.org.au.


    This has been Angelo VK2NWT for WIA National News.

    Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY
    Candidate for the WIA Board of Directors

    I have been a licensed Amateur Radio operator since 1979. For more than 46 years, Amateur Radio and the communications industry have been central to my life, both professionally and personally. My career has taken me from
    hands-on technical roles through to senior leadership positions as a communications consultant, project manager, business development manager,

    company director, and primary producer. That experience has given me a strong appreciation of sound governance, financial responsibility, and the
    importance of planning for the future.


    Amateur Radio is not just a hobby for me; it is a family passion. I am
    married with three children, all of whom are licensed Amateur Radio operators and proud members of the Wireless Institute of Australia. I have seen
    firsthand how our hobby can educate, inspire, and bring generations

    together, and I want to ensure it remains strong and relevant for those who follow us.


    I have been a long-time WIA member and active participant in many Amateur
    Radio clubs. I am currently serving on the WIA Board of Directors and will
    have completed four years of service at the 2026 WIA AGM. During this time, I have worked to represent members with integrity, practical experience, and a clear understanding of both the technical and human sides of Amateur Radio.


    Over the years, I have also served the amateur community as a WIA Accredited Assessor, AMC Assessor, ACMA Accredited Assessor, and ARRL Volunteer Examiner (VEA). These roles have kept me closely connected to grassroots operators,
    new licensees, and experienced amateurs alike, and

    they have reinforced my belief that the strength of the WIA lies in its members.


    Amateur Radio Leadership & Service
    WIA Board of Directors (May 2022 present)
    President, South Pacific Contest Club (1985 present)
    Founder and current Trustee, AUS Repeater Net Wires-X 24160 (since 2015) Provided technical communications support for the Tour de Freedom Charity
    Bike Ride over five years, helping raise $1.8 million for Team Challenge in Western Australia

    Life Associate Member, Philippine Amateur Radio Association
    Memberships, of many clubs and groups over the years including but not
    limited to WANSARC, Portland ARC, Northern Corridor Amateur RC, ZWARC, SPCC, Down-Under DXers Contest Club, VEA.


    Management & Financial Experience

    Managed projects with overall responsibility exceeding $120 million per annum Managed national project teams of over 2,000 personnel
    Involved in securing more than $3 billion in telecommunications
    infrastructure and services projects across Australia and New Zealand


    Qualifications (selected)

    Associate degree in Electronics Engineering RMIT
    Governance Essentials Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
    Amateur Operators Certificate of Proficiency (AOCP)
    Broadcast Operators Certificate of Proficiency (BOCP)
    FCC Extra Class Licence (USA)
    NTC Class A Licence (Philippines)
    What I Believe In
    Embracing and advancing new technologies within Amateur Radio
    Delivering greater value, accountability, and transparency to WIA members Encouraging broader participation across the entire amateur community Strengthening partnerships between WIA members, affiliated clubs, and the
    ACMA

    Growing and sustaining the WIA membership base
    Introducing Amateur Radio to younger generations and the wider community Actively involving young people in competitions, including contesting, which fosters skills, confidence, and engagement

    Ensuring Amateur Radio remains fun, relevant, and accessiblefor todays operators and for those who will become the future custodians of the hobby

    Providing education, technical resources, presentations, and study materials for members and prospective new amateurs


    I look forward to again serving the Amateur Radio community and would be honoured to receive your support.


    Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY
    chris.dimitrijevic@board.wia.org.au

    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    INTERNATIONAL NEWS is with thanks to Amateur Radio Daily, ARRL,
    DX-WORLD, eHam, Hackaday, IARU, IRTS, NEWSLINE, NZART, RAC,
    Radioworld.com, RSGB, SARL and the World Wide sources of WIA.
    Military grade signal jamming is reportedly being used to cripple the
    satellite constellations effectiveness


    On December 28 last year, rapid hyperinflation of the Iranian rial (their monetary currency) saw shopkeepers implement a general strike, which soon spiralled into nationwide protests. With demonstrations gaining momentum at
    the start of 2026, the state implemented a nationwide internet blackout on January 8.


    The blackout itself has seen Irans internet traffic plummet. According to internet traffic observation company NetBlocks, Iran has seen a 98% drop in connectivity to the outside world.


    The shutdown was largely facilitated by Irans Telecommunication
    Infrastructure Company (TIC), which controls Irans international gateways.
    The company has issued withdrawal messages to global routers, effectively making Iranian IP addresses unreachable from outside the country.


    It's reported however, Starlink is being effectively blocked by the
    government, potentially by military grade jammers. Around 30% of Starlinks Iranian traffic was disrupted in the early hours of the protests, later
    rising to over 80%.


    totaltele.com/iran-jams-starlink-enters-fourth-day-of-internet-blackout/

    Philip Shields VK2CPR sent us a note this week, working with commercial broadcasters, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Persian service Radio Farda has resumed shortwave broadcasts aimed at Iran, providing an

    alternative to state-controlled media amid an ongoing internet blackout
    imposed by their.


    The return to shortwave is intended to help listeners inside the country continue receiving independent news and vital information at a time when digital access is restricted.
    Read more here:
    tinyurl.com/tv6xsr94

    For some operators, Bouvet Island represents the ultimate technical
    challenge. For Vadym Ivliev (UT6UD), it is something more personaland more mysterious.


    From his home in Kyivfar removed from the ice, storms, and isolation of BouvetVadym has long been drawn to the island not only for its legendary
    radio silence, but for the stories it inspires. Years ago, he published a
    piece of fiction set in the dark, icy waters off the islands coastan eerie
    tale that captured readers imaginations and earned a literary award. Unlike anywhere on the mainlandwhere human presence, history, and infrastructure are always close at handBouvet exists almost entirely outside the familiar world, untouched and indifferent. Now, as part of the 3Y0K DXpedition, fiction gives way to firsthand experience.


    With ice expected on the rigging and a small international team at his side, Vadym heads south carrying both radio gear and a storytellers curiosity. For him, Bouvet is not just a rare DX entityit is a place utterly unlike home or any other station on Earth, where isolation strips everything down to essentials and new stories are waiting to be told.


    One does wonder, however, which is more dangerous, Bouvet or Kyiv!

    A story about "radio amateur spies" aired on STB, a state-owned Belarusian television channel on January 15. In it, presenter Roman Protasevich claims that a structure for intercepting secret information allegedly operated under the guise of radio amateur communities.


    Some of the arrested are charged with espionage and treason. The latter
    carries a punishment up to the death penalty.


    In the STB story, monitoring of available frequencies is interpreted as "pumping out state secrets" and an attempt on the President Lukashenko's

    security. The publication of recordings online is presented as "transferring informational sovereignty" into foreign hands. However, the connection of the people in the story to foreign intelligence services is not proven in any
    way.


    The liquidation of a "large network" of more than 50 people is announced. It
    is clarified that seven people have been arrested including "hams"EW1AEH and EW1ACE.


    In the UK, the regulator Ofcom has proposed changes in radio-spectrum that would make it Europes first country to implement the sharing of the same frequencies between two different technologies. The proposal looks
    specifically at the upper portion of the 6 GHz band, where priority usage
    would be given in one portion to Wi-Fi devices such a routers and another to mobile devices, such as cell masts.


    Ofcom said the move to this so-called prioritised spectrum would most
    directly benefit businesses, households and the UK economy in general. The change would affect indoor and lower-power Wi-Fi, and any higher-power Wi-Fi under the control of an Automated Frequency Control system as protection against interference.


    The regulator will be accepting comments on the proposal no later than 20 March.

    Meanwhile

    In the US, the 6 GHz band is getting new users.

    The Federal Communications Commission intends to approve unlicensed operation on 6 GHz by a new category of devices known as "GVP" devices - which stands
    for geofenced variable power. The devices are commonly used with short-range hotspots, indoor navigation, automation and augmented or virtual reality devices. A number of tech companies, such as Apple, Microsoft and Qualcomm, have been advocating for the move.


    The FCC will grant the devices a higher power than previously permitted for other unlicensed devices, and require them to use geofencing systems so they
    do not interfere with radio astronomers and fixed microwave links


    The FCC's vote is set for the 29th of January.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    OPERATIONAL NEWS -

    NOW CONTEST WISE:- 2026
    WIA contest page :- wia.org.au/members/contests/about/

    --------------
    ---------------

    UK.EI.CC 80m Contests to Trial Self-Spotting from February 2026

    As a trial for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, self-spotting will be allowed in The United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club's 80m contests
    beginning with the SSB contest February 4 ending with their CW contest on
    April 29th.

    Entrants who self-spot or ask to be spotted must enter in the category
    "Single Operator Connected", which is sometimes called "Assisted".

    The aim of this SELF SPOTTING trial is to increase participation in
    SSB contests and, at the same time, bring SSB contesters more closely
    in line with CW contesters who benefit from spots via the Reverse Beacon Network.

    CW and SSB entrants who do not self-spot or ask to be spotted and are
    otherwise unconnected and unassisted will continue to enter the category
    Single Operator Unconnected.

    Rules for the 80m contests will be updated to reflect this temporary
    change and should be consulted for full details.

    These can be found at ukeicc.com

    (irts)

    --------------

    The RSGB, after a comprehensive review of long-term options, has entered into
    a formal contractual agreement with the German national radio society, DARC,
    to process all incoming and outgoing RSGB QSL cards.


    This partnership is said to provide a robust and effective QSL bureau service for RSGB members.


    The new service preserves the traditional bureau structure but will offer additional options for Members who send cards.


    For full details please visit rsgb.org/qsl
    (rsgb)
    ------------

    ROSS HULL concludes at end of this month, January.
    ----------------

    JANUARY 2026 AX DAY CONTEST JANUARY 26 THIS MONDAY ONLY.
    --------------

    FEBRUARY 21 and 22 ARRL DX CW
    --------------

    MARCH - Jock White Memorial Field Day

    This annual contest is named to honour Jock White ZL2GX, NZART Contest
    and Awards Manager for over 40 years, for the service that he gave to
    NZART during that time.

    Feb 28, Saturday, 1500-2400 NZDT and Sunday March one 0600-1500 NZDT.

    40 and/or 80 metres, PHONE (SSB) and/or CW, 100 watts PEP maximum.

    Stations using two transmitters may operate simultaneously on both bands, however only one transmitter may be operated on a single band at a time.

    Single transmitter stations may operate on one or both bands.

    (nzart.org.nz)

    --------------------

    MARCH 7 - 8 ARRL DX SSB
    --------------

    MARCH 15 BERU
    ---------------

    MARCH 21 and 22 JOHN MOYLE MEMORIAL FIELD DAY
    (even more new rules for 2026) -----------------------------------------------------------------
    NOW LET'S OPEN THE DX WINDOW TO THE WORLD ------------

    Chas, NK 8 O is active again as 5 H 3 DX from Tanzania between
    17 January and 9 February. In his limited spare time he will
    operate CW and/or digital modes on 20-10 metres and possibly 6 metres.
    QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or direct to home call, again that's NK 8 O.
    (425DXNEWS)
    ----------

    Established in 1947, the British Faraday Antarctic Station was
    transferred to Ukraine ownership in February 1996, and renamedAkademik Vernadsky.


    Celebrating this 30th anniversary, five special call signs will be
    active from 1 February to 1 March:

    Loo0k for the EM 30 prefixes on air.
    (425DXNEWS)
    ------------

    Central African Republic.

    Operating is TL 8 BNW until June on 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres using SSB
    and digital with a dipole.
    (sarl)
    ------------

    Namibia

    Gunter, once again active as V 51 WH until 24 March with activity from a
    farm near Omaruru from 160 to 6 metres (60 m included).
    (sarl)
    ------------
    South Sudan.

    Z 81 D until 30 March.

    Activity from 40 to 6 metres using SSB and digital.QSL via OM3JW, LoTW.

    (sarl)
    ------------

    Mikkel will be active as OX7AKT from Greenland, 10 - 17 February 2026.
    Maybe a good time to get Greenland "in the log" whilst it IS still an entity! -------------
    REMINDERS JANUARY
    -------------
    Harald, DF2WO will be active again as 9X2AW from Rwanda, starting 22 January 2026 until the 8th of February 2026. He will operate on 160 6m, CW, SSB, Digital modes and QO-100 satellite.

    (m0oxo.com)
    -------------
    The D A R C Team SES are active as DH 2026 EM between the 10th of January and the 10th of February during the Men's European Handball Championship being co-hosted by Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

    (newsline2515)
    -------------
    ZL 100 C is the callsign celebrating the centenary of NZART
    the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters which was formed
    on 16 August 1926.

    The callsign is valid until 6 August 2026.

    QSL via the bureau and LoTW.

    (425dxnews)

    -----------

    Yannick is active as CN 2 YD from Marrakech, Morocco until the 31st of
    March this 26 year. You can find him using SSB on the 20 to 10m bands.
    QSL via F6FYD directly or via the Bureau
    (rsgb)
    ---------

    -------------

    SOTA Croatia is marking 10 years. Listen for the special callsign
    9 A 10 SOTA. The callsign is on the air through to 2026, the 30th of
    September 2026 to be precise.

    A certificate will be available for contacts made between the 1st of October and the 31st of December THIS YEAR.. QSL via LoTW.

    (newsline2501)
    ------------------------------------------------------------*
    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ASTRONOMY (and Wireless Weather)

    DXLook has released a new VOACAP View that makes professional-grade HF propagation predictions accessible to amateur radio operators for the first time, without requiring technical expertise or specialized software.


    VOACAP (Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program) is the gold standard for
    HF propagation prediction, originally developed by the U.S. government for international broadcasting. It uses sophisticated ionospheric modelling to predict which frequencies will work between any two points on Earth, based on solar activity, time of day, and seasonal variations. Until now, using VOACAP required command-line tools and configuration files that put it out of reach for most hams.


    What makes DXLook's approach unique is how the VOACAP data is presented:
    using the same visual language as DXLook's Reports view. If you already understand how Reports work, you'll understand VOACAP immediately same coloured arcs showing propagation paths, same band indicators, same signal quality visualization. Zero learning curve.


    The VOACAP View is driven by real-time solar data, automatically adjusting predictions based on current smoothed sunspot numbers (SSN). Predictions
    update hourly and cover all HF amateur bands from 80m to 10m.


    The VOACAP View is now live and available to all users on:-
    dxlook.com
    (ard)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FINAL FRONTIER
    AMSAT-VK Secretary - secretary@amsat-vk.org

    The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is
    seeking formal and informal educational institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an amateur radio contact with a
    crew member on board the International Space Station (ISS).


    ARISS anticipates the contact would be held between July 1 and December 31, 2026. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates.


    To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan.


    The deadline to submit a proposal is February 27, 2026. Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines, and the proposal form can be found at www.ariss.org.

    (arrl)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - IOTA
    iota-world.org/---------------
    ----------------
    OC REMINDERS
    ------------
    ----------

    OC-047 - H44MS - Malaita Island in the Solomons.

    Bernard, H44MS will be active from Manakwai village, nearby Maluu
    (northern Malaita island) covering the 2026 period January 25 / April 10.

    (dx-world)

    -------------

    OC-66 - TX9XG - Rangiroa Atoll.

    Haru, JA1XGI has announced that he will be active from Rangiroa Atoll,
    French Polynesia (OC-066) as TX9XG during April 1-8, 2026. He plans to
    QRV on 40-10m; CW, SSB, RTTY & FT8 using the new IC-7300 MK2.

    QSL TX9XG via Haru's home call, JA1XGI using OQRS Club Log.

    (dx-world)
    ----------------

    OC-150

    Jozef is active again as YB9/ON6HX from Mataram on Lombok Island
    (OC-150)until 11 March.


    Listen for YB9/ON6HX as he operates CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, and FT4 from 0C-150 and QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via home call which again is ON6HX.

    (425dxnews)
    -------------------
    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR YOUNG TIMERS - YOTA
    (Youngsters On The Air OR maybe renamed this week to
    YOUNGSTERS ON THE PARADE GROUND
    Here is Alan VK2COD
    Thank you

    And we turn to another achievement by Australian Army Cadets.

    The Head Land Capability Futures Program is an AAC national STEM initiative designed to develop future workforce skills in emerging defence technologies, particularly in the field of drone capability and robotics.

    Key components of the program include technical training, including hands-on experience in building 5-inch racing drone platforms from the ground up, precision soldering, and drone flight coding.


    A bunch of cadets descended on Adelaide earlier in January ready for a week
    of innovation, STEM engagement and competitive racing.


    55 Cadets, Instructors, ACS and ADF members from the ADF Drone Racing Team
    came together for the immersive, hands-on learning experience.

    The focus for the day was the construction of the 5-inch racing drone
    platform, built entirely from the ground up.


    Cadets jumped straight in, developing practical technical skills and learning precision solderinga fundamental capability underpinning high-performance
    drone racing and future workforce development.

    An outstanding start to the program, setting a strong foundation for innovation, teamwork and the development of the next generation of drone capability within the Australian Army Cadets.


    For WIA National News, I am Alan, VK2COD in Sydney.

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO

    A 50-year-old Russian lady who had converted to Hinduism five years ago,
    was at Sagar Island on 11 January to take a holy dip.

    She travelled from a small town in Russia but lost her bag containing her passport, bank cards, and a 'wad' of cash in both Dollars and Rubles.
    Most of all, she lost her cellphone and, with it, her connectivity with assistance.

    Her bag had been snatched, the police surmised, as language was a
    problem. The lady broke down after the loss and was taken to Gangasagar
    Coastal Police Station. Ham operators positioned there deciphered her
    language and contacted the Russian Embassy.

    Again, thanks to Amateur Radio a happy ending!

    (eHam)

    REPEATER NEWS

    Alan VK2MG from the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club outside of Sydney
    advises that at the time of submission, all services at VK2RAG Somersby are operational.


    The WICEN multimode repeaters on 438.8MHZ and 147.125MHz are now operating
    as analogue FM or P25 only.

    The DMR Repeater on 438.85MHz, part of ARNSW RadNet, is operating well and provides good DMR coverage.

    The Clubs weekly net is on Thursday night at 8pm, on the VK2RAG 2m repeater thats 146.725MHz with a 91.5Hz sub-audible tone, and via EchoLink on the HAM conference. It is also live video-streamed on the clubs Facebook page.

    (vk2wi)

    Graham, VK1GVC with more repeater news now:-

    On Saturday 17 January a team from the Canberra Region Amateur Radio
    Club changed the frequency split on the Mt Ginini 70cm repeater to
    negative 7MHz. This is to get away from QRM in the 433MHz LIPD band
    where the repeater receive channel had been.

    As one of Australia's highest amateur radio repeater sites, Mt Ginini
    has a few challenges of its own. The trip had been planned for one week earlier but was cancelled at late notice due to an extreme heat
    forecast, a total fire ban and the access road was locked by National
    Parks. On 17 January the weather was more like winter with fog, rain
    and wind with the apparent temperature below zero. Thanks to the hardy
    souls who stuck it out long enough to complete the frequency change and
    filter retuning before abandoning the site as the weather further
    deteriorated around 2pm.

    Reports after the WIA news on Sunday 18 January, the day after the
    frequency change, were very good and the number of callers on 70cm was above average.


    To access this repeater you will need to programme your radio with a
    receive frequency of 438.050MHz, a transmit frequency of 431.050 MHz and
    a CTCSS tone of 91.5Hz. Details of all CRARC repeaters are listed on
    our website which can be found here:-

    crarc.org.au/services/repeaters/
    I'm Graham, VK1GVC.

    ------------------------------------------------------------*
    IT'S A DATE

    Clubs are welcome to email text with audio for this section, nationalnews@wia.org.au

    Details of all WIA affiliated clubs and societies can be found
    on the WIA website, including email addresses and website links.

    --------------------- SOCIAL SCENE 2026 ------------------
    VK3 - Ballarat Amateur Radio Group Hamvention Sunday Feb 1 (wiacal)

    VK6 - PARGFEST Mandurah Bowling Club February 7 9am (vk6pbs)

    VK4 - Redfest - Deception Bay North State School 9am April 11. (vk4ble)

    This is Laurie VK4BLE from the Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club.

    The Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club presents Redfest 2026
    Saturday the 11th of April at Deception Bay North State School.

    This year's highlight: major prize draw for the brand-new Icom IC-7300 Mark
    II transceiver!


    Enjoy hands-on workshops with excellent technical speakers, including the FreeDV team from Victoria demonstrating open-source digital voice over HF.

    Plenty of resellers offering new and pre-loved gear, plus breakfast,
    morning tea, and fresh barista coffee on site.

    Join us for trading, learning, prizes, and great company on Saturday 11
    April 2026. We can't wait to see you at Redfest!"
    Cheers
    Laurie
    VK - WIA AGM May 2 at 2pm Albury VK2 couples with ICOM VK SUMMIT 2026
    also in Albury May 2 and 3. (wiacal/ARMAG )
    VK5 - Adelaide Amateur Radio & Electronics Car Boot Sale Dogs SA
    Showground, Cromwell Road, Kilburn 10.00am. November 21. (wiacal)
    Reception Reports

    Now we DO like to hear where in the world you are listening to this,
    the WIA NATIONAL NEWS SERVICE.

    WIA News rebroadcasters often give Short Wave Listeners a
    welcome to the broadcast as they commence call-backs
    straight after the Local News. Local news follows National
    news in all states. It would be great if those SWL's would
    email their reception reports and location to
    callbacks@wia.org.au

    Not only but also those watching us on YouTube, leave a comment , access
    is just below the picture on screen and again tell us where and maybe
    even the day and time you are listening
    Submitting news items

    If you would like to submit news items for possible inclusion
    in the VK1WIA broadcasts, please email your item in text to nationalnews@wia.org.au and don't JUST send url's links or
    posters, but take the time to pen YOUR contribution.

    To submit audio, email nationalnews@wia.org.au
    and send BOTH the audio and the text

    We would appreciate items certainly no longer than 1.5 mts in
    length as we only have a half hour.

    Remember the sooner you submit material the more the
    likelihood of it being broadcast in the very next edition of
    WIA National News.

    Each recorded item will only be broadcast once, if you want a couple
    of mentions, please submit different slants to keep your
    event 'fresh' and always if the news room is to read your
    item --- write it in the 3rd person. (First if YOU are
    reading your own item). If you are mentioning your own name / call
    in the story, say something like "and myself, Pat, vk11abc"

    Promote your local rebroadcast; details on wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/

    A reminder when supplying HamFest info we obviously can't
    plug DEALS from commercial traders "on air", but we at the
    WIA will put your supporters 'goods' in this text edition
    "no worries."

    We will not give blatant 'plugs' to raffles, be it raffles
    at the event or "on-line".

    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    Oh... and to contact us with your news because
    If It Matters To You It Matters To Us!
    Click the links below to download the most recent edition of
    National News, BUT this is ONLY the backup site!

    WIANEWS backup thanks to Brendan VK4BLP can be found on
    wiaq.org.au

    BACKUPS OF THE BACKUP!! thanks to Tony VK7AX
    www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/

    wia.org.au/members/broadcast/wianews/ (This is the link
    to the original text version and original audio on wia site) ------------------------------------------------------------*

    WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide.

    TWITTER twitter.com/VK1WIA

    Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed
    prior to the actual broadcast date, e-mail
    nationalnews@wia.org.au

    Call-backs follow the RF editions, but also for text readers
    you may lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who
    knows, you might even get a "cheerio call".

    Thanks to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who
    utilize their time and equipment in bringing you this weekly
    broadcast.
    Who and where are they?
    wia.org.au/members/broadcast/where/
    Promote your local rebroadcast; details on wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/
    The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of
    interest to WIA affiliated clubs and active amateurs residing
    in Australia and the globe.

    We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of
    Australia and participation in the activities of local clubs.
    Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who
    submit material and do not necessarily reflect those of the
    rebroadcasters, nor the National WIA, but IF broadcast, are
    done so in the spirit in which they were submitted."

    If you would like to see the call-backs reported each
    broadcast, OR have call-backs to contribute to the National
    News call back tally then please send through your call-backs
    to callbacks@wia.org.au

    How do I join this REBROADCASTERS List?
    (subscribe for an automatic feed.)
    Email to vk1wia-broadcasters-join@lists.wia.org.au
    from the email account that you wish the emails to go to.

    How do I join this National News List?
    (subscribe for an automatic weekly feed.)
    Email to vk1wia-news-join@lists.wia.org.au
    from the email account that you wish the emails to go to.
    How do I leave this National News List? (unsubscribe your
    weekly feed)
    Open mail program which sends mail from the address you want
    to unsubscribe from. Send unsubscribe to the list
    unsubscribe address vk1wia-news-leave@lists.wia.org.au
    You will be sent a confirmation mail and must follow the
    instructions given in that mail to complete the
    unsubscription.

    Once your unsubscription has been processed, you will
    probably receive a message confirming your unsubscription
    from the list and at that point you should stop receiving
    messages.

    ------------------------------------------------------------* _______________________________________________
    Vk1wia-news mailing list
    Vk1wia-news@lists.wia.org.au http://lists.wia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/vk1wia-news


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    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)