2024 VKFF NATIONAL
GET TOGETHER.
GET TOGETHER.
Bendigo, Victoria.
The 2024 VKFF National Get Together was held in Bendigo, Victoria, on Friday 25th, Saturday 26th, & Sunday 27th October 2024.
The event included a Friday evening dinner at the Hotel Shamrock, various guest speakers during the day at the Lakeside Hotel, a Saturday evening meal at the Lakeside Hotel, a Sunday morning BBQ breakfast, followed by numerous park activations.
This year's logo featured a gold miner with a gold pan. About $8 billion worth of gold in today's value was found in the Bendigo region.
The event included a Friday evening dinner at the Hotel Shamrock, various guest speakers during the day at the Lakeside Hotel, a Saturday evening meal at the Lakeside Hotel, a Sunday morning BBQ breakfast, followed by numerous park activations.
This year's logo featured a gold miner with a gold pan. About $8 billion worth of gold in today's value was found in the Bendigo region.
LOCATION OF BENDIGO.
Bendigo is located in north central Victoria.
- 153 km north of Melbourne
- 837 km south west of Sydney
- 614 km southeast of Adelaide
VIDEO ON BENDIGO, VICTORIA.
COST.
- Friday evening dinner - meals and drinks at own cost
- Saturday presentations - $20.00 (includes morning & afternoon tea)
- Saturday evening meal - meals and drinks at own cost (a la carte menu)
- Sunday BBQ breakfast - $10.00
LIST OF ATTENDEES.
Below is a list of people who attended the event.
- Chris VK1CHW
- Andrew VK1DA
- Ian VK1DI
- Alan VK2COD
- Gerard VK2IO
- Peter VK2KNV
- Pete VK2LP
- Rob VK2VH (VK4AAC)
- Liz VK2XSE
- Trevor VK3DCQ
- Dean VK3DL
- Julie VK3FOWL
- Mandi VK3FQSO
- Geoffrey VK3GCM
- Garrick VK3GJG
- David VK3GP
- Graeme VK3GRK
- Craig VK3KLI
- Bryan VK3LF
- Daryl VK3MCB
- Mal VK3OAK
- Peter VK3PAH
- Peter VK3PF
- Peter VK3PWG
- Steve VK3SPX
- Geoff VK3SQ
- Bob VK3SSS
- Bob VK3SX
- Peter VK3TKK
- David VK3TUN
- Mark VK3UA
- Stephen VK3WSG
- Wayne VK3XF
- Anthony VK3YSA
- Joe VK3YSP
- Tony VK3YV
- Peter VK3ZPF
- Ray VK4NH
- Wayne VK5AAF
- Sue VK5AYL
- John VK5DM
- Chris VK5FR
- Ivan VK5HS
- Andy VK5LA
- Marija VK5MAZ
- Mark VK5MK
- Paul VK5PAS
- Craig VK5QA
- Richard VK5ZNC
- Hans VK6XN
APOLOGIES.
- Adam VK2YK
- Geoff VK3MGM
- Mark VK4SMA
- Wendy VK5GMA
- Stef VK5HSX
ATTENDEE WELCOME PACK.
Each attendee received a Welcome pack which contained:-
- Hard copy of attendee manual (see below)
- lanyard with name/callsign
- Bendigo Visitor Guide
- Greater Bendigo National Park Visitor Guide
- Experience Bendigo Outdoors brochure
- 2024 VKFF National Get Together fridge magnet
- Bendigo CBD Street Map
- Greater Bendigo - Attractions & Services map
- Bendigo district map - Goldfields region
- Bendigo Heritage buildings brochure
- writing pad
- pen
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ATTENDEE CERTIFICATE.
Each attendee received a special attendee certificate.
The certificate features a photograph of a WHite Plumed Honeyeater. Photo taken by Paul VK5PAS.
The certificate features a photograph of a WHite Plumed Honeyeater. Photo taken by Paul VK5PAS.
COMMENTS FROM ATTENDEES.
Pete VK2LP
"I really appreciate the time and effort from all the volunteers to make this a great Get Together."
Trevor VK3DCQ
"Thoroughly enjoyed it all. Well done"
Geoff VK3GCM
"The event was well organised and presented."
Garrick VK3GJG
"A great weekend, well organised and good to put faces to a voice. Thanks to the organisers and all the speakers."
Graeme VK3GRK
"Thanks for a great weekend"
Bryan VK3LF
"Fantastic event, very informative and educational. The organisation and delivery of the weekened exceeded all my expectations."
Malcolm VK3OAK
"The organisers again did an excellent job. Really well done."
Steve VK3SPX
"All in all, a very enjoyable weekend."
Geofff VK3SQ
"Great get together and meet-up....very well organised."
Mark VK3UA
"I really enjoyed the whole event."
Stephen VK3WSG
"What an outstanding event."
Tony VK3YV
"A great event with a chance top meet other activators and Hunters."
Joe VK3YSP & Julie VK3FOWL
"An outstanding event: Informative, entertaining and social."
Sue VK5AYL
"Thoroughly enjoyed it."
John VK5DM
'As an outsider to WWFF I found the comradeship very inspiring and the weekend a credit to MAZ and PAS"
Mark VK5MK
"That's 2 great Get Togethers now. A great job by all involved to put this one together."
Hans VK6XN
'I can't really find fault'
"I really appreciate the time and effort from all the volunteers to make this a great Get Together."
Trevor VK3DCQ
"Thoroughly enjoyed it all. Well done"
Geoff VK3GCM
"The event was well organised and presented."
Garrick VK3GJG
"A great weekend, well organised and good to put faces to a voice. Thanks to the organisers and all the speakers."
Graeme VK3GRK
"Thanks for a great weekend"
Bryan VK3LF
"Fantastic event, very informative and educational. The organisation and delivery of the weekened exceeded all my expectations."
Malcolm VK3OAK
"The organisers again did an excellent job. Really well done."
Steve VK3SPX
"All in all, a very enjoyable weekend."
Geofff VK3SQ
"Great get together and meet-up....very well organised."
Mark VK3UA
"I really enjoyed the whole event."
Stephen VK3WSG
"What an outstanding event."
Tony VK3YV
"A great event with a chance top meet other activators and Hunters."
Joe VK3YSP & Julie VK3FOWL
"An outstanding event: Informative, entertaining and social."
Sue VK5AYL
"Thoroughly enjoyed it."
John VK5DM
'As an outsider to WWFF I found the comradeship very inspiring and the weekend a credit to MAZ and PAS"
Mark VK5MK
"That's 2 great Get Togethers now. A great job by all involved to put this one together."
Hans VK6XN
'I can't really find fault'
SPECIAL MERCHANDISE.
A number of special items were on offer to be purchased by attendees at the 2024 VKFF National Get Together.
This included coffee mugs, beanies, baseball caps, polo shirts, and stubby holders.
This included coffee mugs, beanies, baseball caps, polo shirts, and stubby holders.
FRIDAY EVENING DINNER - 25th OCTOBER 2024.
An evening meal was held at 6.30 p.m. at the Hotel Shamrock, corner of Pall Mall & William Street, Bendigo,
Above:- The Hotel Shamrock. Image c/o Trip Advisor.
SATURDAY PRESENTATIONS - 26th OCTOBER 2024.
The Saturday presentations were held in Lake Drive Room 2 at the Lakeside Hotel, 286 Napier Street, Bendigo.
Above:- The Lakeside Hotel. Image c/o https://www.lakesidehotel.com.au/
Above images c/o https://www.lakesidehotel.com.au/
OUR MC.
Our MC for the Saturday presentations and Saturday evening was Chris VK5FR.
GUEST SPEAKERS - SATURDAY PRESENTATIONS.
0830-0840 Welcome - Paul VK5PAS, VKFF National Co-Ordinator
0840–0910 An introduction to the WWFF/VKFF program – Paul VK5PAS
0910–0940 Tips for Activators and Hunters – Peter VKZ3PF
0940–1010 Mapping – How to find a VKFF park – Hans VK6XN
1010–1040 Morning tea
1040–1110 Activating parks on King Island – Peter VK3PWG & Malcolm VK3OAK
1110–1140 Satellites from VKFF parks – David VK3TUN
1140–1210 Snake awareness & safety – Tameeka, Greater Bendigo Snake Control
1210–1310 Lunch
1310–1340 parksnpeaks website – Marija VK5MAZ
1340–1410 Activator logs & Logsearch – Peter VK3PF
1410–1440 Afternoon tea
1440–1510 CW & digital modes from VKFF parks – Andy VK5LA
1510–1540 Antennas and power supplies – Ivan VK5HS
1540–1610 Question and answer session with the VKFF Team & presentations of certificates
1610 Conclusion – Paul VK5PAS
0840–0910 An introduction to the WWFF/VKFF program – Paul VK5PAS
0910–0940 Tips for Activators and Hunters – Peter VKZ3PF
0940–1010 Mapping – How to find a VKFF park – Hans VK6XN
1010–1040 Morning tea
1040–1110 Activating parks on King Island – Peter VK3PWG & Malcolm VK3OAK
1110–1140 Satellites from VKFF parks – David VK3TUN
1140–1210 Snake awareness & safety – Tameeka, Greater Bendigo Snake Control
1210–1310 Lunch
1310–1340 parksnpeaks website – Marija VK5MAZ
1340–1410 Activator logs & Logsearch – Peter VK3PF
1410–1440 Afternoon tea
1440–1510 CW & digital modes from VKFF parks – Andy VK5LA
1510–1540 Antennas and power supplies – Ivan VK5HS
1540–1610 Question and answer session with the VKFF Team & presentations of certificates
1610 Conclusion – Paul VK5PAS
Paul VK5PAS.
Lives at:
5 acre property at Ashbourne, south-south-east of Adelaide.
Personal info:
Married to Marija VK5MAZ. Has 2 grown up children & 2 beautiful grandchildren.
Working life:
Recently retired after 40 years in the Police Force, the majority of that time as a Detective
When licenced:
June 2010 with Foundation call of VK5FPAS. Upgraded to Standard call of VK5PAS in June 2011.
Member of:
previously a WIA Director and member of the WIA Awards Committee. Is an official card checker for ARRL awars, e.g. DXCC. Is an official card checker for CQ awards, e.g. Worked All Zones. Is a Net Control station for the Australia New Zealand Africa (ANZA) DX Net.
Other callsigns:
Holds the call of VK9PAS and has operated from Norfolk Island.
Special event calls:
Has operated under numerous special event callsigns
DXpeditions: Was a team member of the VK5TIL Troubridge Island trip. Was a team member of the VK5FIL Flinders Island trip.
WWFF/VKFF:
Since the inception of the VKFF program in 2013, has been the VKFF National Co-Ordinator. Previously held the role of International Chairperson of WWFF. Is the National Co-Ordinator of the ZLFF New Zealand program. Has operated from Belgium and Germany in WWFF parks and SOTA peaks as ON4IPA.
WWFF/VKFF stats:
Enjoys working DX. Currently has worked 290 DXCC entities. Is active in all portable aspects of the hobby.
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio, hobbies include driving his 1972 Valiant VH Ranger, wine collecting, gardening, family history, short wave listening. Loves travelling around Australia to obscure and remote locations and activating parks whilst there.
5 acre property at Ashbourne, south-south-east of Adelaide.
Personal info:
Married to Marija VK5MAZ. Has 2 grown up children & 2 beautiful grandchildren.
Working life:
Recently retired after 40 years in the Police Force, the majority of that time as a Detective
When licenced:
June 2010 with Foundation call of VK5FPAS. Upgraded to Standard call of VK5PAS in June 2011.
Member of:
- Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA)
- Radio Amateurs Society Australia (RASA)
- American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
- Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS). Former Vice President of the club. Currently is the webmaster and historian for the club.
previously a WIA Director and member of the WIA Awards Committee. Is an official card checker for ARRL awars, e.g. DXCC. Is an official card checker for CQ awards, e.g. Worked All Zones. Is a Net Control station for the Australia New Zealand Africa (ANZA) DX Net.
Other callsigns:
Holds the call of VK9PAS and has operated from Norfolk Island.
Special event calls:
Has operated under numerous special event callsigns
DXpeditions: Was a team member of the VK5TIL Troubridge Island trip. Was a team member of the VK5FIL Flinders Island trip.
WWFF/VKFF:
Since the inception of the VKFF program in 2013, has been the VKFF National Co-Ordinator. Previously held the role of International Chairperson of WWFF. Is the National Co-Ordinator of the ZLFF New Zealand program. Has operated from Belgium and Germany in WWFF parks and SOTA peaks as ON4IPA.
WWFF/VKFF stats:
- 2,597 WWFF references worked in 60 different DXCC entities
- 2,036 of those are VKFF, the remainder from overseas
- 521 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 2,025 issued
- VKFF Activator Honour Roll 500 issued
- 2,169 Park to Park contacts
Enjoys working DX. Currently has worked 290 DXCC entities. Is active in all portable aspects of the hobby.
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio, hobbies include driving his 1972 Valiant VH Ranger, wine collecting, gardening, family history, short wave listening. Loves travelling around Australia to obscure and remote locations and activating parks whilst there.
Peter VK3ZPF
Lives at:
Peter lives in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Personal info:
Peter is married with 3 adult children
When licenced:
Peter was first licenced in 1984 with the Limited licence and call sign VK3ZPF. He has held that call sign ever since.
Other info:
In 1989 Peter started working portable providing 2 metre comms support for Scout hiking events 3 time a year. The licence restructure in October 2005 gave Peter access to all the HF bands, with his first logged HF contact in April 2006 from a scout camp in the Wombat State Forest. Peter started working toward the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award in late 2008, SOTA in 2016 and VKFF from 2013. Peter has an amateur radio blog vk3zpf.com. He is the producer of vk port-a-log, an Android application to assist with logging functions associated with various portable programs including WWFF.
WWFF/VKFF:
Peter has been the VKFF VK3 State Rep since June 2018. In that time he has uploaded more than 2500 activator logs and processed more than 800 VKFF certificates. Why VKFF? Peter enjoys setting up and working portable where there is no noise and is able to run 100 Watts without hearing "Did you break the Internet - again?"
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
Other than amateur radio Peter's interests include scouting.
Peter lives in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Personal info:
Peter is married with 3 adult children
When licenced:
Peter was first licenced in 1984 with the Limited licence and call sign VK3ZPF. He has held that call sign ever since.
Other info:
In 1989 Peter started working portable providing 2 metre comms support for Scout hiking events 3 time a year. The licence restructure in October 2005 gave Peter access to all the HF bands, with his first logged HF contact in April 2006 from a scout camp in the Wombat State Forest. Peter started working toward the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award in late 2008, SOTA in 2016 and VKFF from 2013. Peter has an amateur radio blog vk3zpf.com. He is the producer of vk port-a-log, an Android application to assist with logging functions associated with various portable programs including WWFF.
WWFF/VKFF:
Peter has been the VKFF VK3 State Rep since June 2018. In that time he has uploaded more than 2500 activator logs and processed more than 800 VKFF certificates. Why VKFF? Peter enjoys setting up and working portable where there is no noise and is able to run 100 Watts without hearing "Did you break the Internet - again?"
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
- 1,451 WWFF references worked in 13 different DXCC entities
- 1,416 of those are VKFF, the remainder from overseas
- 128 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 1,400 issued
- VKFF Activator Honour Roll 100 issued
- 751 Park to Park contacts
Other than amateur radio Peter's interests include scouting.
Peter VK3PWG
Lives at:
Peter lives at Ballarat, Victoria.
Personal info:
Peter is married to Jill with 3 adult children 3 grand children.
When licenced:
Peter was first licenced in 2016.
Member of:
Ballarat Amateur Radio Group (BARG)
Other callsigns:
VK3TTK.
Other info:
Inspired by Peter VK3YE and his videos. Had an interest at high school and took 50 years to take it up.
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
Recently taken up learning CW, nt easy for a septuagenerian. QRP.
Other hobbies:
Caravanning, motorcycles, indoor bias bowls.
Peter lives at Ballarat, Victoria.
Personal info:
Peter is married to Jill with 3 adult children 3 grand children.
When licenced:
Peter was first licenced in 2016.
Member of:
Ballarat Amateur Radio Group (BARG)
Other callsigns:
VK3TTK.
Other info:
Inspired by Peter VK3YE and his videos. Had an interest at high school and took 50 years to take it up.
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
- 328 WWFF references worked in w different DXCC entities
- 29 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 300 issued
- Silver VKFF Activator issued
- 64 Park to Park contacts
Recently taken up learning CW, nt easy for a septuagenerian. QRP.
Other hobbies:
Caravanning, motorcycles, indoor bias bowls.
Malcolm VK3OAK
Lives at:
Mal lives at Buninyong, just outside of Ballarat.
Personal info:
Mal;'s XYL is VK3JEN. They have 2 children who both held licences at one point.
When licenced:
Mal was first licenced in 2012.
Other callsigns:
VK3GUM.
WWFF/VKFF:
VKFF provides an opportunity to get out to some parks that Mal had otherwise may not have even realised were there.
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
Cycling and bushwalking.
Mal lives at Buninyong, just outside of Ballarat.
Personal info:
Mal;'s XYL is VK3JEN. They have 2 children who both held licences at one point.
When licenced:
Mal was first licenced in 2012.
Other callsigns:
VK3GUM.
WWFF/VKFF:
VKFF provides an opportunity to get out to some parks that Mal had otherwise may not have even realised were there.
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
- 592 WWFF references worked in 2 different DXCC entities
- 138 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 575 issued
- VKFF Activator Honour Roll 125 issued
- 413 Park to Park contacts
Cycling and bushwalking.
David VK3TUN/VK5DG
Lives at:
David lives at Mount Gambier, South Australia.
Personal info:
Married to Catriona (who also comes along to most parks for a good walk), two children
When licenced:
David was first licenced in 1987.
Other callsigns:
VK5DG, VK5DG/9.
WWFF/VKFF:
I had done some John Moyle Field Days but the spark was the Keith Roget National Parks Award. I wanted to be the first to earn it via satellite.
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
satellites, working HF DX, remote station, kit building, QRP
Other hobbies:
travel
David lives at Mount Gambier, South Australia.
Personal info:
Married to Catriona (who also comes along to most parks for a good walk), two children
When licenced:
David was first licenced in 1987.
Other callsigns:
VK5DG, VK5DG/9.
WWFF/VKFF:
I had done some John Moyle Field Days but the spark was the Keith Roget National Parks Award. I wanted to be the first to earn it via satellite.
WWFF/VKFF Stats:
- 196 WWFF references worked in 11 different DXCC entities
- 224 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 175 issued
- VKFF Activator Honour Roll 150 issued
- 202 Park to Park contacts
satellites, working HF DX, remote station, kit building, QRP
Other hobbies:
travel
Hans VK6XN
Lives at:
Hans lives in the inner southern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia.
When licenced:
Hans found his way into amateur radio in the late 1970s via the then very popular 11 metre band such as it was at that time. It gave Hans a desire to find out how it all worked through some education. Hans gained his first amateur radio licence in September 1979 with the Novice callsign of VK6NJF. By late 1981 Hans had obtained the Advanced callsign of VK6XN which he still holds today
Other info:
Through the early years Hans was active in most aspects of amateur radio including DXing, RTTY, Packet Radio and satellites (both low earth orbit and OSCAR 10).
Eventually however, a career as an industrial chemist, marriage, children, and life in general caused Hans to drift away from all radio activities. Following his retirement in 2016, Hans returned to amateur radio with a renewed enthusiasm though little idea of direction after 20 years absence.
WWFF/VKFF:
It was at that time that Hans was introduced to WWFF by a long time friend VK6ADF. One park and Hans was hooked. Hans has since taken on the role of VK6 & VK8 VKFF State Rep.
VKFF stats:
Portable equipment:
Hans’ portable station includes a Yaesu FT-857d mounted in a go-box, a Perite vertical antenna, a home brew end fed half wave which is resonant on 80, 40, 20, 15, & 10m.
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio Hans interests include reception of APT weather satellite pictures, photography of merchant shipping, boating in his 18 foot runabout, Astro-photography, cargo cruising, and the occasional bit of fishing. In 2015 Hans spent 6 weeks as a passenger on board a container ship travelling from Melbourne to London via New Zealand, Panama and USA. Sadly at that time he wasn't carrying any radio gear so a great opportunity was lost. In August 2018 Hans boarded another cargo ship in Southhampton and was able to operate maritime mobile throughout the journey to Port Kelang in Malaysia. From there Hans transferred to another ship for the run down to Fremantle, also operating marine mobile.
Hans lives in the inner southern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia.
When licenced:
Hans found his way into amateur radio in the late 1970s via the then very popular 11 metre band such as it was at that time. It gave Hans a desire to find out how it all worked through some education. Hans gained his first amateur radio licence in September 1979 with the Novice callsign of VK6NJF. By late 1981 Hans had obtained the Advanced callsign of VK6XN which he still holds today
Other info:
Through the early years Hans was active in most aspects of amateur radio including DXing, RTTY, Packet Radio and satellites (both low earth orbit and OSCAR 10).
Eventually however, a career as an industrial chemist, marriage, children, and life in general caused Hans to drift away from all radio activities. Following his retirement in 2016, Hans returned to amateur radio with a renewed enthusiasm though little idea of direction after 20 years absence.
WWFF/VKFF:
It was at that time that Hans was introduced to WWFF by a long time friend VK6ADF. One park and Hans was hooked. Hans has since taken on the role of VK6 & VK8 VKFF State Rep.
VKFF stats:
- 459 WWFF references worked in 9 different DXCC entities
- 449 of those are VKFF, the remainder from overseas
- 73 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 425 issued
- VKFF Activator 50 issued
- 255 Park to Park contacts
Portable equipment:
Hans’ portable station includes a Yaesu FT-857d mounted in a go-box, a Perite vertical antenna, a home brew end fed half wave which is resonant on 80, 40, 20, 15, & 10m.
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio Hans interests include reception of APT weather satellite pictures, photography of merchant shipping, boating in his 18 foot runabout, Astro-photography, cargo cruising, and the occasional bit of fishing. In 2015 Hans spent 6 weeks as a passenger on board a container ship travelling from Melbourne to London via New Zealand, Panama and USA. Sadly at that time he wasn't carrying any radio gear so a great opportunity was lost. In August 2018 Hans boarded another cargo ship in Southhampton and was able to operate maritime mobile throughout the journey to Port Kelang in Malaysia. From there Hans transferred to another ship for the run down to Fremantle, also operating marine mobile.
Marija VK5MAZ
Lives at:
Ashbourne on a small rural property
Personal info:
Is married to Paul VK5PAS. Proud grandma of Flynn and Iris.
Working life:
Works in the insurance industry
When licenced:
First licenced in April 2016 with the Foundation call of VK5FMAZ. Upgraded in April 2021 to the Standard call of VK5MAZ
Member of:
Was formerly the ALARA Contest Manager
Other callsigns:
Has operated from Norfolk Island as VK5FMAZ/9.
Special event calls:
Has operated under the following special event callsigns: VI10AF, VK100AF, VK90ABC, VI80LAN. Was part of the VK5TIL Troubridge Island DXpedition.
WWFF/VKFF:
Enjoys working DX and has worked 149 different DXCC entities. Marija has just started using FT8.
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio enjoys walking and travelling around Australia and overseas. Loves travelling and combining park activities with travel to different parts of Australia.
Ashbourne on a small rural property
Personal info:
Is married to Paul VK5PAS. Proud grandma of Flynn and Iris.
Working life:
Works in the insurance industry
When licenced:
First licenced in April 2016 with the Foundation call of VK5FMAZ. Upgraded in April 2021 to the Standard call of VK5MAZ
Member of:
- Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA)
- Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (ALARA)
Was formerly the ALARA Contest Manager
Other callsigns:
Has operated from Norfolk Island as VK5FMAZ/9.
Special event calls:
Has operated under the following special event callsigns: VI10AF, VK100AF, VK90ABC, VI80LAN. Was part of the VK5TIL Troubridge Island DXpedition.
WWFF/VKFF:
- 1,074 WWFF references worked in 21 different DXCC entities
- 992 of those are VKFF, the remainder from overseas
- 223 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 975 issued
- VKFF Activator Honour Roll 220 issued
- 691 Park to Park contacts
Enjoys working DX and has worked 149 different DXCC entities. Marija has just started using FT8.
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio enjoys walking and travelling around Australia and overseas. Loves travelling and combining park activities with travel to different parts of Australia.
Peter VK3PF
Lives at:
Churchill, Victoria
When licenced:
16 January 1979 as VK3VBA and VK3YPV. Became VK3KAI in December 1981. Added VK3PF in December 2010.
Member of:
Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club Inc (EZARC) since 1987.
Committees & Boards:
Committee member of EZARC since 1987. President 1990 – 2000, 2002 - 2019, 2022 - current. Chair of WIA Publications Committee and Editor Amateur Radio magazine, December 2005 to end June 2019. Member of WIA National Technical Advisory Committee (Microwaves) 2007 - .
Other info:
Initiator of the Gippsland Technical Conference (GippsTech) and Chair of Organising Committee since 1998.
WWFF/VKFF:
Peter has had a long interest in portable operating, initially focussed on VHF, UHF and microwave weak signal communications. Peter became interested in Parks operations in 2010 following the revitalisation of the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award. This led on to participation in SOTA and then VKFF.
WWFF/VKFF stats:
Having always enjoyed being in the outdoors, combining amateur radio activities with being out in the field was an obvious step. Fresh air, the sound of wind in the trees and birds, perhaps a babbling stream… enjoyable and mind cleansing! Add the benefit of (usually) low RF noise conditions, the combination makes field operations a simple choice!
Churchill, Victoria
When licenced:
16 January 1979 as VK3VBA and VK3YPV. Became VK3KAI in December 1981. Added VK3PF in December 2010.
Member of:
Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club Inc (EZARC) since 1987.
Committees & Boards:
Committee member of EZARC since 1987. President 1990 – 2000, 2002 - 2019, 2022 - current. Chair of WIA Publications Committee and Editor Amateur Radio magazine, December 2005 to end June 2019. Member of WIA National Technical Advisory Committee (Microwaves) 2007 - .
Other info:
Initiator of the Gippsland Technical Conference (GippsTech) and Chair of Organising Committee since 1998.
WWFF/VKFF:
Peter has had a long interest in portable operating, initially focussed on VHF, UHF and microwave weak signal communications. Peter became interested in Parks operations in 2010 following the revitalisation of the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award. This led on to participation in SOTA and then VKFF.
WWFF/VKFF stats:
- 2,695 WWFF references worked in 23 different DXCC entities
- 2,553 of those are VKFF, the remainder from overseas
- 347 WWFF reference areas activated
- VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 2,550 issued
- VKFF Activator Honour Roll 325 issued
- 2,191 Park to Park contacts
Having always enjoyed being in the outdoors, combining amateur radio activities with being out in the field was an obvious step. Fresh air, the sound of wind in the trees and birds, perhaps a babbling stream… enjoyable and mind cleansing! Add the benefit of (usually) low RF noise conditions, the combination makes field operations a simple choice!
Andy VK5LA
Lives at:
Andy lives in the Riverland in S.A.
When licenced:
Andy was first licenced via a WIA 6 month course at the old Burley Griffith building at Thebarton in Sept. 1995 as VK5XAW. He upgraded to VK5KAW after about 4 months with 5wpm Morse…(listening to unsquelched 10m FM will motivate you!) In late 1999 he upgraded to VK5LA
Member of:
Andy is an active and current member of the Riverland Radio Club. He has held all office positions several times, currently the secretary.
Other info:
Andy did a fair bit of VHF and above and lots of Packet radio as well. Joined SCARC when he got my licence. Was on the roster for the WIA 80m Sunday Morning broadcast/callback. Andy had lots of fun on 15 and 10m DX for a couple of years before moving to the Riverland mid 1998. Helped out with transmitting the twice weekly slow Morse sessions with Kingsley VK5AKN(SK). Did a fair bit of RTTY contesting in those days. Andy wWas one of the original 20 examiners for the foundation licence at its introduction. Was fairly inactive for a few years while the kids were young, until he became interested in Microwaves around 2005 and built transverters for all bands to 10Ghz and participated in many VHF/UHF field days, winning the Spring VHF/UHF Field Day 8hr Nationally. Andy really enjoys getting outdoors and the whole drive, setup and operate, trip.
He is also a very keen homebrew antenna guy and loves the associated tech and gadgets with ham radio.
He has recently started concentrating on chasing DX parks and the awards that go with them, especially using CW. Have had some ripper CW P2P’s with USA and UK stations recently!
WWFF/VKFF:
In 2013 Andy started chasing SOTA summits amd became a Shack Sloth in 2013.
He heard about VKFF via Larry VK5LY(SK) and gradually started hunting parks and in 2017 started activating parks. Recently began using Morse, hunting and activating parks after VK2IO did a massive Rove to Queensland, activating many parks with his KX3. He couldn’t hear him well enough on QRP SSB to work him, but could hear him on CW, hence the motivation. CW adds another dimension to WWFF
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio Andy’s interests include playing the guitar in a band.
Andy lives in the Riverland in S.A.
When licenced:
Andy was first licenced via a WIA 6 month course at the old Burley Griffith building at Thebarton in Sept. 1995 as VK5XAW. He upgraded to VK5KAW after about 4 months with 5wpm Morse…(listening to unsquelched 10m FM will motivate you!) In late 1999 he upgraded to VK5LA
Member of:
Andy is an active and current member of the Riverland Radio Club. He has held all office positions several times, currently the secretary.
Other info:
Andy did a fair bit of VHF and above and lots of Packet radio as well. Joined SCARC when he got my licence. Was on the roster for the WIA 80m Sunday Morning broadcast/callback. Andy had lots of fun on 15 and 10m DX for a couple of years before moving to the Riverland mid 1998. Helped out with transmitting the twice weekly slow Morse sessions with Kingsley VK5AKN(SK). Did a fair bit of RTTY contesting in those days. Andy wWas one of the original 20 examiners for the foundation licence at its introduction. Was fairly inactive for a few years while the kids were young, until he became interested in Microwaves around 2005 and built transverters for all bands to 10Ghz and participated in many VHF/UHF field days, winning the Spring VHF/UHF Field Day 8hr Nationally. Andy really enjoys getting outdoors and the whole drive, setup and operate, trip.
He is also a very keen homebrew antenna guy and loves the associated tech and gadgets with ham radio.
He has recently started concentrating on chasing DX parks and the awards that go with them, especially using CW. Have had some ripper CW P2P’s with USA and UK stations recently!
WWFF/VKFF:
In 2013 Andy started chasing SOTA summits amd became a Shack Sloth in 2013.
He heard about VKFF via Larry VK5LY(SK) and gradually started hunting parks and in 2017 started activating parks. Recently began using Morse, hunting and activating parks after VK2IO did a massive Rove to Queensland, activating many parks with his KX3. He couldn’t hear him well enough on QRP SSB to work him, but could hear him on CW, hence the motivation. CW adds another dimension to WWFF
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio Andy’s interests include playing the guitar in a band.
Ivan VK5HS
Lives at:
Renmark in the Riverland region of S.A.
Personal life:
Is married and has 4 grand children all boys. Just recently celebrated his 50 year wedding anniversary
Working life:
Is retired after a career as a mechanic, firefighter, and a radio tech
When licenced:
first licenced in 1989 as a Novice with the call of VK5PAW. Upgraded a few years later to VK5HS
Member of:
Co-ordinates and looks after the local Riverland repeaters VK5RLD 2m and VK5RMK 70 cm. Loans radio and equipment to new members. Co-ordinator of the Riverland Radio Club’s club education, training and examinations. Has run the communication for the Variety Club Bashes for more than 25 years. That activity gave him a lot of HF radio experience in operating portable
WWFF/VKFF:
Became involved in park activations a long time ago when Larry VK5LY (now a silent key) started in the parks program. Ivan’s grandfather and father were wood cutters so he spent his childhood in the scrub and still prefers to be out in the bush enjoying his hobby of amateur radio
Other interests in the hobby:
Enjoys experimenting with antennas and testing them at park activations
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio Ivan’s interests include boating, caravaning and travel
Renmark in the Riverland region of S.A.
Personal life:
Is married and has 4 grand children all boys. Just recently celebrated his 50 year wedding anniversary
Working life:
Is retired after a career as a mechanic, firefighter, and a radio tech
When licenced:
first licenced in 1989 as a Novice with the call of VK5PAW. Upgraded a few years later to VK5HS
Member of:
- Riverland Radio Club
- Has held the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer with the club
Co-ordinates and looks after the local Riverland repeaters VK5RLD 2m and VK5RMK 70 cm. Loans radio and equipment to new members. Co-ordinator of the Riverland Radio Club’s club education, training and examinations. Has run the communication for the Variety Club Bashes for more than 25 years. That activity gave him a lot of HF radio experience in operating portable
WWFF/VKFF:
Became involved in park activations a long time ago when Larry VK5LY (now a silent key) started in the parks program. Ivan’s grandfather and father were wood cutters so he spent his childhood in the scrub and still prefers to be out in the bush enjoying his hobby of amateur radio
Other interests in the hobby:
Enjoys experimenting with antennas and testing them at park activations
Other hobbies:
Other than amateur radio Ivan’s interests include boating, caravaning and travel
STATIC DISPLAYS.
- Andy VK5LA will have his fly wire vertical on display.
- Ivan VK5HS will have his home brew half wave antenna and radiating element on display
- Joe VK3YSP & Julie VK3FOWL will have a display on their pedestrian mobile station. They will also be setting up their portable station on Saturday during the lunch break in the park opposite the venue.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THE GUEST SPEAKERS AND THE MC.
A special certificate was issued to all of the guest speakers and the MC:-
The certificate was designed by Paul VK5PAS and features a photograph of Bendigo and one of its iconic trams.
- Peter VK3ZPF
- Hans VK6XN
- Peter VK3PWG
- Malcolm VK3OAK
- David VK3TUN
- Marija Vk5MAZ
- Peter Vk3PF
- Andy VK5LA
- Ivan VK5HS
- Paul Vk5PAS
The certificate was designed by Paul VK5PAS and features a photograph of Bendigo and one of its iconic trams.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THE STATE/TERRITORY REPS & VKFF NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR.
A special framed certificate was presented to the attending VKFF State/Territory reps, the VKFF Treasurer, and the VKFF National Co-Ordinator, for their ongoing efforts of keeping the VKFF program flourishing behind the scenes.
The certificate was mailed to the VKFF State Reps who were not able to attend the Get Together.
The certificate was mailed to the VKFF State Reps who were not able to attend the Get Together.
- Ian VK1DI - VK1 VKFF State Rep
- Gerard VK2IO - VK2 VKFF State Rep
- Peter VK3ZPF - VK3 VKFF State Rep
- Mark VK4SMA - VK4 VKFF State Rep
- Adam VK2YK - VK5 VKFF State Rep
- Hans VK6XN - VK6 VKFF State Rep
- Andrew VK7DW - VK7 VKFF State Rep
- Marija VK5MAZ - VKFF Treasurer
- Paul Vk5PAS - VKFF National Co-Ordinator
RAFFLE.
A raffle with various prizes will be run and drawn on Saturday.
Sponsors include:
JMM Solutions
RivComm Radio Solutions
Jaycar
Haverford
Sponsors include:
JMM Solutions
RivComm Radio Solutions
Jaycar
Haverford
All proceeds from this year's raffle were donated to Trees for Life.
A total of $529.00 was raised.
A total of $529.00 was raised.
- 1st prize - UHF CB Starter kit valued at about $329.00 - donated by RivComm Radio Solutions - won by Geoff VK3SQ.
- 2nd prize - Solder station valued at about $130.00 - donated by JMM Solutions - won by Graeme VK3GRK
- 3rd prize - $100.00 voucher - donated by Jaycar - won by Geoff VK3SQ
- 4th prize - $50.00 voucher - donated by Jaycar - won by Peter VK3PAH
- 5th prize - $50.00 voucher - donated by Jaycar - donated by Jaycar - won by Craig VK5QA
- 6th prize - 6 metre Haverford squid pole valued at about $39.00 - donated by Haverfords - won by Graeme VK3GRK
- 7th prize - VKFF Get Together pbeanie valued at about $29.00 - donated by the VKFF Team - won by Ray VK4NH
- 8th prize - VKFF Get Together baseball cap valued at about $25.00 - donated by the VKFF Team - won by Rob VK2VH
SATURDAY EVENING DINNER.
An evening meal was held at the Quality Lakeside Hotel.
An A la carte menu was available (see below).
An A la carte menu was available (see below).
We were very pleased to have Jordan Crook, Parks and Nature Campaigner, from the Victorian National Parks Association, attend our Saturday evening dinner.
Jordan’s work focusses on protecting and caring for wildlife and natural places. His background in conservation work ranges from the ocean to the tall forest of the Central Highlands, and he has worked with all levels of government to get results for the natural world for many years. Jordan teaches conservation and land management at a tertiary level and has an academic background in conservation and land management, arboriculture and training and assessment.
Jordan’s work focusses on protecting and caring for wildlife and natural places. His background in conservation work ranges from the ocean to the tall forest of the Central Highlands, and he has worked with all levels of government to get results for the natural world for many years. Jordan teaches conservation and land management at a tertiary level and has an academic background in conservation and land management, arboriculture and training and assessment.
SUNDAY MOPRNING BBQ BREAKFAST - 27th OCTOBER 2024.
A BBQ breakfast was held on Sunday morning at 8.30 a.m, hosted by the Bendigo Amateur Radio & Electronics Club (BAREC) at their clubrooms at the Bendigo East Hall, 35 Lansell Street, East Bendigo. The cost was $10.00 per person.
SUNDAY PARK ACTIVATIONS.
FEEDBACK ABOUT THE EVENT.