Calling all stations for Radiofest

AMATEUR and CB radio enthusiasts will converge on the Bendigo East Hall when the city’s Radiofest switches on this weekend.

The Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club event will be held at the Lansell Street hall from 10am on Sunday 18 August and is expected to attract hundreds of existing operators, and those curious about the hobby, from throughout Victoria and interstate.

It will feature new and pre-owned equipment, displays and raffle prizes, with highlights to include a display of Fire Rescue Victoria firefighting drones and a portable amateur radio satellite station.

Club media officer Graeme Knight said the fest was the first under the club’s current structure, and Bendigo had been without an event for ‘ham’ radio enthusiasts for many years.

Amateur radio is a term encompassing an interest in technical aspects of radio communication such as electronics, antennas and other equipment.

“It’s not broadcast radio or community radio, it’s to do with experimenting with the technical aspects of radio,” he said.

Amateur radio equipment operators must have a licence, while CB radio users do not need one, and anyone interested in amateur or CB radio is welcome to attend, with as many as 200 likely to participate.

“Hamfests are very popular in the amateur radio community, so we’re hoping for a good day,” Mr Knight said.

The Bendigo club has about 70 active members, while the national tally of operators stands at about 16,000.

Mr Knight said the existence of an amateur or ham radio network was not widely publicised, but could come into its own when other forms of communication failed, for example in times of natural disasters.

People are very reliant on the mobile phone network and the internet, he said, but in countries such as India and China it is the amateur radio system that keeps communications running until the other systems are restored in times of floods, earthquakes, fires and other disasters.

The Bendigo Chinese Association Southern Lions and Drums will perform an official event opening at the Radiofest. Entry will be $5 with free parking and food and drink available.