Broadcast - 28 June 2026
Cast your mind back for a moment. Something significant happened here in Tasmania on the 31st of March
2020 - the day we entered Covid-19 lockdown. Overnight, club-room activities were off the table for the
foreseeable future. But by the 8th of April, Nic - then VK7BEE, which tells you just how much time has
passed, had already stepped up. Now known to us all as VK7WW, or “Whiskey Whiskey”, he launched an
on-air net to keep the club members connected.
With no physical gatherings and “isolation fever” setting in, that weekly ritual became a lifeline until the
worst of the pandemic eased. And it didn’t stop there. For more than six years now, the net has continued
almost every Wednesday, with only a short break over Christmas and New Year periods. Nic has been at the
helm throughout, with the occasional helping hand from other net members when illness or meetings got in
the way.
And speaking of those who’ve helped keep the Technical Net running so smoothly, we really do need to
acknowledge a few familiar VKs. A big thank you to Paul VK7KPA and Phil VK7ZPD for keeping the
Discord side of things rock-solid, including the live audio stream that many of us rely on when our receiving
conditions are a little more modest. And heartfelt thanks as well to Phil VK7ZPD, Rick VK7HBR, Jordan
VK3ACU, and Keiran VK3BTV, who have all stepped in to host the net, sometimes with very little notice.
Their willingness to help has kept the Wednesday night tradition running without a hitch. It all adds up to
well over three hundred sessions, a remarkable run by any measure and greatly appreciated by club members
and participating amateurs.
Nic is now taking a well-earned break and is stepping back from hosting the Technical Net, but he’ll still be
very much part of the airwaves through his CW coaching - or perhaps the better term is CW mentoring,
because that’s exactly what he’s been doing all along.
Position vacant - With Nic stepping down from hosting the Technical Net, this opens the door to anyone
who might like to continue the net fun. NTARC membership isn’t a requirement as amateur radio has a
wonderful way of connecting people across clubs and across states, and everyone is welcome.
If you are the type of amateur that has the time and enjoys a friendly mid-week catch up on the air, keeping
conversations moving, and helping amateurs stay connected, you might be just the person. No need to be an
expert, just a steady voice and a bit of enthusiasm. It could be a really rewarding role with an interesting
learning curve. If you feel even a little curious about giving it a go, have a chat with the committee.
Our mid-year Club get-together and meal at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill is shaping up nicely. A big thank
you to everyone who booked early, it has allowed us to give the venue a solid working number for catering.
The team there know how clubs operate and have assured us they’re very flexible, so if you make a lastminute
decision to come along, even on the night itself, they willl be able to accommodate you. Looking
forward to seeing you there.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CW course - Every Wednesday night, on 3.580 MHz from 7 to 7.30 pm. Your CW Coach for the evening is
Nic, VK7WW.
On Air Test and Technical gathering - Wednesday nights, on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm.
Club Room Technical night - The next session will be Wednesday the 8th July and will commence at the
usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Mid-year Club get-together - Wednesday 15th July at Iron Horse Bar and Grill. 6pm for a 6:30 meal.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally - If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address
news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
That’s all folks,
73, Stefan VK7ZSB.
