On Saturday 21st of March members of the South East Radio Group set up at picturesque Lake Leake, 35 Km NNW of Mount Gambier S.A. in order to participate in the 2026 John Moyle Memorial Field Day Contest.
Our aim was to be involved in the contest while enjoying a relaxed family day in the sun.
The weather was absolutely perfect with the only downside being the stiff breeze that started up later in the afternoon which caused a couple of members to roll up their awnings before any damage was caused.
Radio conditions were not great and for a while the ops experienced a lot of interference from nearby vehicles. That was partially overcome by reorienting the half wave end fed multi band antenna which was kindly supplied by Tim, VK5AV.
We must also thank club president Nick, VK5NJS for towing our club trailer to Lake Leake and then back home again.
A number of members had a spell on the radio using our club callsign of VK5SR, while the rest were quite content to sit in the shade and swap tall tales, lies and general gossip.
The camp ground was quite busy with a number of caravans on site and a large group of backpackers were camped at the Southern end of the grassy camp area. Fortunately, they were away for the day apple picking in local orchards and so caused us no bother.
With a decent toilet block and a solid shelter containing a free BBQ we were easily able to cook our sausages, burger patties, onions and whatever else was fancied.
Lake Leake used to be a very popular playground here in the Lower South East of South Australia and speed boat racing was a regular occurrence a few years ago, but the water level has fallen to such an extent that the Lake is not even any good for canoeing now. It is fed entirely from rainfall and that has been lacking over the last few years.
All present thoroughly enjoyed the day and we will be doing more of this sort of club activity over the coming months.
A big thank you to Tim, VK5AV, for suggesting our participation in the John Moyle Field Day and helping make it a relaxed and casual event for all to enjoy.
Jack, VK5EBA, Tim, VK5AV, Owen, VK5HOS and Tony, VK5AGE setting up the half wave end fed multiband antenna.
Some of the members, (and partners), just enjoyed the social side of the day, (and the sunshine of course).
Tony, VK5AGE, Peter, VK5BE and Tom, VK5EE solving the world’s problems in front of the excellent shelter which contained the free BBQ.
Jack, VK5EBA and Tim, VK5AV on the radio in our club/s communication trailer, club president Nick, VK5NJS and Greg, VK5ZGY in the foreground (with Tom, VK5EE in the background).