2025 VKFF NATIONAL GET TOGETHER - CANBERRA, ACT
FEEDBACK.
If you attended the 2025 VKFF National Get Together in Canberra, please complete the form below and ensure that you complete all parts of the feedback survey. We would love to hear your feedback about the event.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE EVENT.
If it were not for the magnificent efforts of Marija VK5MAZ in helping VK5PAS put together this year’s event, the 2025 VKFF National Get Together would not have been possible.
Paul VK5PAS leaving the supermarket in Canberra with a trolley load of goodies for the Sunday morning BBQ breakfast
Paul VK5PAS collecting the Icom transceiver from Watts Communications
Paul VK5PAS collecting brochures from the Canberra Visitor Centre for the Welcome pack
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Sorting the VKFF National Get Together welcome packs in the motel room of VK5MAZ & VK5PAS. L-R: Paul VK5PAS, Hans VK6XN, Chris Vk5FR, & Marija VK5MAZ
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THANKYOU
Marija VK5MAZ and Paul VK5PAS would like to acknowledge the following:
- to everybody who attended the event
- special mention to Hans VK6XN and David VK6DS who travelled from Western Australia
- special mention to Dan VK4DNO and Hide 7M4MON from Icom Australia
- to all of the guest speakers
- Chris VK5FR, our MC, for another brilliant job done
- all of the sponsors of the raffle
- Icom Australia
- Danny Vk5DW from RivComm Radio Solutions
- Watts Communications
- JMM SOlutions
- Haverford
- Jaycar
- and the VKFF Team
- Ivan VK5HS for his magnificent work on the linked dipole project
- Lighthouse Pub for the Friday evening meal
- Eastlake Football Club for the Saturday venue
- Gunghalin Lakes Golf Club for the SUnday venue
- Vistaprint for their production of the merchandise
ATTENDEES.
- Hide 7M4MON
- Andrew VK1AD
- Tom VK1CAT
- Chris VK1CHW
- Andrew VK1DA
- Ian VK1DI
- Fergus VK1FM
- John VK1JG
- Janith VK1JAN
- James VK1JIM
- Paul VK1OZ
- Jim VK1RF
- Bill VK1RT
- Wimal VK1WA
- Colin VK2GOM
- Compton VK2HRX
- Gerard VK2IO
- Jared VK2LDJ
- Alan VK2MG
- Richard VK2OKR
- Tony VK2VIC
- Geoff VK2XGB and wife Julie
- Walter VK2XWB
- Gavin VK2YAK
- Adam VK2YK
- Trevor VK3DCQ
- Garrick VK3GJG
- Geoff VK3MGM
- Malcolm VK3OAK
- Peter VK3PF
- Peter VK3PWG
- Geoff VK3SQ and his wife Liz
- Mike VK3TDK
- Tony VK3YV
- Peter VK3ZPF
- Dan VK4DNO
- David VK5DG
- Chris VK5FR
- Ivan VK5HS
- Andy VK5LA and his wife, Liz
- Marija VK5MAZ
- Paul VK5PAS
- David VK6DS and his wife Cherie
- Hans VK6XN
APOLOGIES.
- Chris VK1CT
- Alan VK2COD
- Peter VK2KNV
- Peter Vk2LP
- Alec VK2MV
- Rob VK2VH/VK4AAC
- Craig VK3CDN
- Geoff VK3GCM
- Ray VK4NH
- Sue VK5AYL
- John VK5DM
- Craig VK5QA
- Richard VK5ZNC
FRIDAY EVENING DINNER - 6.00 p.m. 24th OCTOBER 2025.
The Friday evening dinner was held at the Lighthouse Pub, 80 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT. This is Belconnen's local hotel and is situated on the shore of Lake Ginninderra.
A total of 42 people attended the dinner.
Attendees gathering at the Lighthouse Pub
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L-R: Geoff VK3MGM, Chris VK1CHW, Mike VK3TDK, & Jared VK2LDJ
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L-R: Andrew VK1DA, Andrew VK1AD, Adam VK2YK, Peter VK3ZPF, & Ivan VK5HS
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Geoff VK3SQ and his wife Liz
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L-R: Compton VK2HRX, Andrew VK1DA, Andrew VK1AD, Glenn VK3YY & Gerard VK2IO
L-R: Peter VK3PF, Geoff VK3MGM, James VK1JIM, Tony VK3YV
L-R: Peter VK3ZPF, Trevor VK3DCQ, & Malcolm VK3OAK
L-R: Cherie (wife of VK6DS), Alan VK2MG, David VK6DS, & Hans VK6XN
L-R: Chris VK1CHW, Jared VK2LDJ, & Mike VK3TDK
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L-R: Chris VK5FR, Ivan VK5HS, & Colin VK2VAR
L-R: Gavin VK2YAK & Peter VK3PWG
L-R: Julie (Wife of VK2XGB), Geoff VK2XGB, & Paul Vk1OZ
L-R: Mike VK3TDK, Richard VK2OKR, & Walter VK2XWB
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SATURDAY PRESENTATIONS 8.30 a.m. SATURDAY 25th OCTOBER 2025.
The Saturday presentations were held at the Eastlake Football Club, 3 Oxley St, Griffith, ACT.
Attendees enjoyed several guest speakers and also enjoyed morning tea consisting of scones with jam and fresh cream, and afternoon tea consisting of assorted muffins.
A total of 45 amateurs and their wives attended the presentation sessions.
Attendees enjoyed several guest speakers and also enjoyed morning tea consisting of scones with jam and fresh cream, and afternoon tea consisting of assorted muffins.
A total of 45 amateurs and their wives attended the presentation sessions.
OUR MC.
Our MC for the Saturday presentations and Saturday evening was Chris VK5FR.
GUEST SPEAKERS.
Below is a list of the guest speakers on Saturday.
Click on their callsign/name to view more information on the speaker.
Click on their callsign/name to view more information on the speaker.
0840-0850 Introduction & Welcome - Chris VK5FR & Paul VK5PAS, VKFF National Co- Ordinator
0850–0920 An introduction to the WWFF/VKFF program – Marija VK5MAZ
0920–0950 Tips for VKFF Activators & Hunters - Tony VK3YV
0950–1020 How are VKFF parks added and how do you find them - Hans VK6XN
1020–1050 Morning tea
1050–1120 Operating from Flinders Island – Chris VK5FR
1120–1150 Spotline, the new WWFF spotting and alerting system - Adam VK2YK
1150–1220 How to get the most out of Logsearch - Peter VK3PF
1220–1320 Lunch
1320–1350 Park access, safety & etiquette - Paul VK5PAS
1350–1420 Antennas - Hans VK6XN, Andy VK5LA, & Paul VK5PAS.
1420–1450 Afternoon tea
1450–1520 CW from parks - Andy VK5LA
1520–1550 FT8 from parks - Peter VK3ZPF
1550–1620 What worked for you and what did not work? - a group session
1620 - 1630 Question/answer session with VKFF Team
1630 - 1640 Presentations of certificates
1640 - 1645 A rundown on VK1 VKFF parks - Ian VK1DI
1645 - 1650 Raffle draw & 2026 Get Together announcement – Paul VK5PAS
1650-1655 Conclusion & group photograph – Paul VK5PAS
0850–0920 An introduction to the WWFF/VKFF program – Marija VK5MAZ
0920–0950 Tips for VKFF Activators & Hunters - Tony VK3YV
0950–1020 How are VKFF parks added and how do you find them - Hans VK6XN
1020–1050 Morning tea
1050–1120 Operating from Flinders Island – Chris VK5FR
1120–1150 Spotline, the new WWFF spotting and alerting system - Adam VK2YK
1150–1220 How to get the most out of Logsearch - Peter VK3PF
1220–1320 Lunch
1320–1350 Park access, safety & etiquette - Paul VK5PAS
1350–1420 Antennas - Hans VK6XN, Andy VK5LA, & Paul VK5PAS.
1420–1450 Afternoon tea
1450–1520 CW from parks - Andy VK5LA
1520–1550 FT8 from parks - Peter VK3ZPF
1550–1620 What worked for you and what did not work? - a group session
1620 - 1630 Question/answer session with VKFF Team
1630 - 1640 Presentations of certificates
1640 - 1645 A rundown on VK1 VKFF parks - Ian VK1DI
1645 - 1650 Raffle draw & 2026 Get Together announcement – Paul VK5PAS
1650-1655 Conclusion & group photograph – Paul VK5PAS
Paul VK5PAS with the welcoming address
Tony VK3YV speaking about Tips for Activators & Hunters
Chris VK5FR, our MC, in action
Hans VK6XN speaking about how to find VKFF parks
Adam VK2YK speaking about the WWFF Spotline system
Hans VK6XN speaking about end-fed antennas
Andy VK5LA speaking about the ZS6BKW antenna
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Marija VK5MAZ speaking about the WWFF/VKFF program
Chris VK5FR speaking about the Flinders Island DXpedition
Peter VK3PF
Andy VK5LA speaking about Park activating using CW
Paul VK5PAS speaking about Park access, safety & etiquette
Peter VK3ZPF speaking about FT8 in parks
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POWERPOINT HANDOUTS OF THE PRESENTATIONS.
An introduction to the WWFF/VKFF program - Marija VK5MAZ
| vk5maz_2025_vkff_national_get_together__1_-compressed.pdf |
Tips for VKFF Activators and Hunters - Tony VK3YV
| tips_for_activators_and_hunters-vk3yv_compressed.pdf |
How are VKFF parks added and how do you find them - Hans VK6XN
| vkff_2025_-_canberra_-_hwef_antenna_compressed.pdf |
Operating from Flinders Island - Chris VK5FR
| vk5fil__vk5fr__presentation__1__compressed.pdf |
Spotline, the new WWFF spotting and alerting system - Adam VK2YK
| wwff_spotline_compressed.pdf |
How to get the most out of Logsearch - Peter VK3PF
| get_more_from_logsearch_vk3pf_compressed.pdf |
Park access, safety & etiquette - Paul VK5PAS
| park_access_safety___etiquette_compressed.pdf |
Antennas - Hans VK6XN, Andy VK5LA & Paul VK5PAS
| vkff_2025_-_canberra_-_hwef_antenna_compressed.pdf |
| zs6bkw_compressed.pdf |
| linked_dipoles_compressed.pdf |
CW from parks - Andy VK5LA
| cw_from_parks_compressed.pdf |
FT8 from parks
| ft8_from_parks__compressed.pdf |
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH THE VKFF TEAM.
Following the presentations a question and answer session was held with the attending VKFF Team members.
L-R: Ian VK1DI, Gerard VK2IO, Adam VK2YK, Peter VK3ZPF, Hans VK6XN, Paul VK5PAS, Garrick VK3GJG, & Tony VK2VIC
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THE GUEST SPEAKERS & MC.
Each of the guest speakers and the MC were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Ivan VK5HS was also presented with a certificate for his involvement in tnhe linked dipole project.
Ivan VK5HS was also presented with a certificate for his involvement in tnhe linked dipole project.
Tony VK3YV
Peter VK3PF
Paul VK5PAS
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Marija VK5MAZ
Andy VK5LA
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ASSISTANCE CERTIFICATES
Certificates were issued to the following:
- Marija VK5MAZ - in recognition of her invaluable effort in organising the 2025 VKFF National Get Together
- Chris VK5FR - for his MC duties and assisting in the linked dipole project
- Ivan VK5HS - in recognition of his assistance in the linked dipole project
Marija VK5MAZ
Ivan VK5HS
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Chris VK5FR
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PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THE ATTENDING VKFF TEAM MEMBERS.
Each of the attending VKFF Team members received a Certificate of Appreciation from Paul VK5PAS for their ongoing efforts in maintaining the VKFF program.
Certificates were issued to:
Certificates were issued to:
- Ian VK1DI - VK1 VKFF Territory Rep
- Gerard VK2IO - VK2 VKFF State Rep
- Tony VK2VIC - VKFF awards manager - International applicants
- Adam VK2YK - VK5 VKFF State Rep
- Garrick VK3GJG - VKFF awards manager - International applicants
- Malcolm VK3OAK - Boomerang Award Manager
- Peter VK3PWG - VK3 VKFF publicity officer
- Peter VK3ZPF - VK3 VKFF State Rep
- Marija VK5MAZ - VKFF Treasurer
- Paul VK5PAS - VKFF National Co-Ordinator
- Hans VK6XN - VK6 State VKFF Rep & VK8 Territory State Rep
Ian VK1DI
Peter VK3ZPF
Hans VK6XN
Tony VK2VIC
Malcolm VK3OAK
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Gerard VK2IO
Adam VK2YK
Garrick VK3GJG
Peter VK3PWG
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SATURDAY STATIC DISPLAYS.
Icom Australia had a display showcasing some of their portable-focused products.
This included the new Icom IC-7300MK2 transceiver. We were the first in Australia to see this new transceiver 'in the flesh'.
Thank you to Dan VK4DNO/VK3DNO & Hide 7M4MON for their attendance and support of the event.
This included the new Icom IC-7300MK2 transceiver. We were the first in Australia to see this new transceiver 'in the flesh'.
Thank you to Dan VK4DNO/VK3DNO & Hide 7M4MON for their attendance and support of the event.
Andy VK5LA had his fly wire vertical on display
Above: Andy VK5LA's vertical antenna set up.
There was also a table with various handouts, VKFF certificates and various portable equipment c/o Paul VK5PAS & Andy VK5LA
RAFFLE.
A raffle was held on Saturday. There were over $2,200.00 worth of prizes. Proceeds this year went to the VKFF Team.
A big thank you to our very generous sponsors. It is greatly appreciated.
A big thank you to our very generous sponsors. It is greatly appreciated.
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1st PRIZE
ID-50A VHF/UHF dual bander with D-STAR valued at about $700.00, kindly donated by Icom Australia.
WINNER - Geoff VK3MGM
ID-50A VHF/UHF dual bander with D-STAR valued at about $700.00, kindly donated by Icom Australia.
WINNER - Geoff VK3MGM
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Geofff VK3MGM being presented with his dual bander by Hide 7M4MON, with an imposter in the background
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2nd PRIZE
GME TX3510S compact UHF CB radio valued at about $529.00, kindly donated by RivComm Radio Solutions.
WINNER - Jim VK1RF
GME TX3510S compact UHF CB radio valued at about $529.00, kindly donated by RivComm Radio Solutions.
WINNER - Jim VK1RF
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Jim VK1RF being presented with his CB radio & antenna by Hide 7M4MON
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3rd PRIZE
Icom IC-2730A VHF/UHF Dual Band Mobile Transceiver valued at about $500.00, kindly donated by Watts Communications.
WINNER - Geoff VK2XGB
Icom IC-2730A VHF/UHF Dual Band Mobile Transceiver valued at about $500.00, kindly donated by Watts Communications.
WINNER - Geoff VK2XGB
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Geofff VK2XGB being presented with his transceiver by Hide 7M4MON
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4th PRIZE
Solder station, valued at about $145.00, kindly donated by JMM Solutions.
WINNER - Trevor VK3DCQ
Solder station, valued at about $145.00, kindly donated by JMM Solutions.
WINNER - Trevor VK3DCQ
5th PRIZE
7 metre heavy duty telescopic squid pole, valued at about $54.00, kindly donated by Haverford.
WINNER - Garrick VK3GJG
7 metre heavy duty telescopic squid pole, valued at about $54.00, kindly donated by Haverford.
WINNER - Garrick VK3GJG
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Garrick VK3GJG being presented with his squid pole by Hide 7M4MON
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6th PRIZE.
Voucher - $50 off of every $500 purchase from Online Store, kindly donated by RivComm Radio Solutions.
WINNER - Andrew VK1AD
Voucher - $50 off of every $500 purchase from Online Store, kindly donated by RivComm Radio Solutions.
WINNER - Andrew VK1AD
Andrew VK1AD being presented with his voucher by Paul VK5PAS
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Geofff VK3SQ being presented with his voucher by Hide 7M4MON
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Andrew VK1AD being presented with his voucher by Hide 7M4MON
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9th PRIZE
Voucher - $25 off every $250 purchase from Online Store, kindly donated by RivComm Radio Solutions.
WINNER - Richard VK2OKR
Voucher - $25 off every $250 purchase from Online Store, kindly donated by RivComm Radio Solutions.
WINNER - Richard VK2OKR
Richard VK2OKR being presented with his voucher by Hide 7M4MON
10th PRIZE
Baseball cap valued at about $23.00, kindly donated by the VKFF Team.
WINNER - Geoff VK3SQ
Baseball cap valued at about $23.00, kindly donated by the VKFF Team.
WINNER - Geoff VK3SQ
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Geofff VK3SQ being presented with his cap by Paul VK5PAS
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11th PRIZE
Beanie valued at about $21.00, kindly donated by the VKFF Team
Beanie valued at about $21.00, kindly donated by the VKFF Team
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Tony VK2VIC being presented with his beanie by Paul VK5PAS
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MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
Marija VK5MAZ, the VKFF Treasurer was active selling WWFF flags and WWFF mousepads.
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SATURDAY EVENING DINNER 6.00 p.m. 25th OCTOBER 2025.
The Saturday evening dinner was held at the Eastlake Football Club.
L-R: Paul VK5PAS, Chris VK5FR, Hide 7M4MON, Dan VK4DNO, Adam VK2YK, & Hans VK6XN
L-R: Gerard VK2IO, Glenn VK3YY, Peter VK3PWG, Malcolm VK3OAK, Andrew VK1AD, Ian Vk1DI, & Chris VK1CHW
L-R: Fergus VK1FM, Trevor VK3DCQ, Alan VK2MG, Geoff Vk3SQ, Liz (wife of VK3SQ), Peter Vk3ZPF, Andrew VK1DA, & Tony VK3YV
L-R at rear: Geoff VK2XGB, Paul VK1OZ, Richard VK2OKR, Gavin VK2YAK, Walter VK2XWB, David VK5DG. Front: Julie (wife of VK2XGB) & Catriona (wife of VK5DG)
L-R: Bill VK1RT, Geoff VK3MGM, Mike VK3TDK, Compton VK2HRX, & Jared VK2LDJ
L-R: Ivan VK5HS, Andy VK5LA, Liz (wife of VK5LA), Peter VK3PF, & Garrick VK3GJG
Our Saturday evening guest speaker was Dan VK3DNO/VK4DNO, from Icom Australia. He spoke about ICOM's equipment suitable for mobile and portable operations.
Dan was issued with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Paul VK5PAS presenting the certificate of appreciation to Dan VK4DNO
SUNDAY MORNING BBQ - 8.00 a.m. 26th OCTOBER 2025.
The Sunday morning BBQ breakfast was held at the Black Mountain Peninsula BBQ area.
Garyowen Drive, Acton, ACT. Breakfast included bacon and egg roll, tea & coffee, and orange juice.
A total of 38 amateurs attended the BBQ breakfast.
Thank you to our chefs, Malcolm VK3OAK and Peter VK3PWG.
Garyowen Drive, Acton, ACT. Breakfast included bacon and egg roll, tea & coffee, and orange juice.
A total of 38 amateurs attended the BBQ breakfast.
Thank you to our chefs, Malcolm VK3OAK and Peter VK3PWG.
SUNDAY MORNING ANTENNA CONSTRUCTION SESSION.
On Sunday morning, following the BBQ, there was a linked dipole construction session. It was an opportunity for many to construct their very first antenna.
The wire winders and centre pieces were printed on the 3D printer of Paul VK5PAS. All other sourcing of material and production was undertaken by Ivan VK5HS. A big thank you to Ivan.
The wire winders and centre pieces were printed on the 3D printer of Paul VK5PAS. All other sourcing of material and production was undertaken by Ivan VK5HS. A big thank you to Ivan.
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Above: a video of the wire winder being made on the 3D printer of VK5PAS
Above: a video of the dipole centre piece being made on the 3D printer of VK5PAS
A total of 22 amateurs took part in the linked dipole construction project. For some it was the first time that they had used a crimping tool and constructed an antenna.
Following the completion of everbody's dipole, we set up Hide 7M4MON's linked dipole and tested it on air. Below is a short video of some of Hide's QSOs.
SUNDAY PARK ACTIVATIONS.
Following the Sunday morning BBQ breakfast, several people headed out into the field to activate VKFF parks.
For those who were brand new to VKFF park activating, some experienced VKFF ops offered to take new activators out to a park to lend some valuable tips.
For those who were brand new to VKFF park activating, some experienced VKFF ops offered to take new activators out to a park to lend some valuable tips.
- Ian VK1DI - Black Mountain Nature Reserve VFF-0834
- Paul VK5PAS - Calum Brae Nature Reserve VKFF-0836
- Peter VK3ZPF - Red Hill Nature Reserve VKFF-0860
- Peter VK3PF - Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve VKFF-0850
Below are some photographs of the activation of Calum Brae by Marija Vk5MAZ, Chris Vk5FR, Hans VK6XN, Hide 7M4MON, Dan VK4DNO, & Paul VK5PAS.
SUNDAY EVENING DINNER - 6.00 p.m. 26th OCTOBER 2025.
A dinner was held on Sunday evening at the Gunghalin Lakes Golf Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls, ACT.
Left side of table from front: Fergus VK1FM, Walter VK2XWB, Ian VK1DI, Mike VK3TDK. Right side of table from front: Andy VK5LA, Tony VK3YV, Peter VK3PF, & Adam VK2YK
Left side of table from front: Trevor VK3DCQ, Gerard VK2IO, Peter VK3PWG, Richard VK2OKR. Right side of table from front: Alan VK2MG, Peter VK3ZPF, Chris VK1CHW, Malcolm VK3OAK, Colin VK2VAR, & Gavin VK2YAK
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L-R: Andrew VK1DA, Chris VK5FR, Paul VK5PAS & Hans VK6XN
L-R: Gavin VK2YAK, Colin VK2VAR, & Paul VK5PAS
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MONDAY 27th OCTOBER 2025.
Visit to the Royal Australian Mint.
Visit to the Australian War Memorial.
ATTENDEE WELCOME PACK.
Each attendee at the 2025 VKFF National Get Together received a Welcome pack which contained:
- hard copy of the attendee manual
- lanyard with name/callsign
- Attendee certificate
- 2025 VKFF National Get Together fridge magnet
- writing pad
- 2025 VKFF National Get Together pen
- WWFF sticker
- Canberra Visitor Guide
- Explore Canberra - guide to parks
- Namadgi National Park - A Brief Guide
- Canberra City Map
- VKFF promotional brochure
- VK5 Parks Award brochure
- wristband (to be worn at BBQ to confirm payment)
Below is a copy of the attendee manual.
| 2025_vkff_national_get_together_kit-compressed.pdf |
ATTENDEE CERTIFICATE.
Each attendee received an attendee certificate.
The photograph features a photograph of Canberra, taken by Paul VK5PAS.
The photograph features a photograph of Canberra, taken by Paul VK5PAS.
MERCHANDISE FOR ORDER.
A variety of special merchandise for the 2025 VKFF National Get Together was available for sale leading up to the event. This included polo shirts, baseball caps, beanies, coffee mugs,m and stubby holders.
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ITEMS FOR THE WIA BROADCAST & NEWSWEST.