Author: Col Huon

As our coffee morning in Millicent wound down David, VK5HDW, who is the Chairperson of the station very kindly asked if we would like to have a guided tour of the station.

Most present were keen and so we adjourned to the old railway station which is home to the station.

David very kindly led us through all of the rooms explaining their purpose as we went along. With help from Peter, VK5BE, who pointed out some of the finer points from the technical side of things we were able to get a pretty good idea on how everything works.

A fair bit of time was spent in one of the studios that is used to put sessions to air with David walking us all through how it all gets put together.

A fascinating and interesting tour. Many thanks to David and the two staff members who put up with our intrusion.

Thursday 3rd. SEPTEMBER 2026

The coffee morning, which was held at Acky’s Cafe and Restaurant, could only be described as an outstanding success.

Attended by 19 or twenty members, (including wives and partners), all present thoroughly enjoyed the morning.

The service from Acky’s staff was friendly and efficient and the prices were reasonable.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and informal.

It was good to be able to visit Millicent and partly compensate our Millicent and District members for all their travel to the Mount to attend coffee mornings and meetings and I am pretty sure that this will become a regular event on our calendar.

As the morning neared it’s end David, VK5HDW, asked if we would like a tour of the Community Radio Station 5THEFM.

Of course most present jumped at the opportunity. (See separate post.)

Wow. What a great day it turned out to be.

The weather was anything but promising in Mount Gambier early but it turned out to be an almost perfect day at Lake McIntyre.

There were occasional gusts of wind but we also had patches of sunshine and it turned out to be an almost perfect day.

A record attendance of just under 30 members and a very relaxed day of conversations and a bit of playing radio.

At last Friday’s Activity Meeting President Peter, VK5BE, made the Award Presentations that he was unable to make at the A.G.M. because he was elsewhere.

He derived a great deal of pleasure in awarding the Roy Goodwin Award to Nick, VK5NJS, for his outstanding contributions to the Club over the last twelve months.

Nick has been very much involved in getting the Mount Richmond Repeater Site infrastructure built and installed, (and almost ready to be commissioned), as well as helping out with various car rallies and other projects.

His efforts have proved to be invaluable to the Club.

Next up was The President’s Trophy.

After a lot of head scratching a clear winner emerged in the form of Tim, VK5AV.

Tim has helped many Club Members in obtaining a brand new Amateur Licence and Call Sign over the years and has gone “Over and above” in making new members feel relaxed and welcome.

A thoroughly well deserved Award.

We congratulate Nick and Tim on their efforts.

Well done.

Following the presentation of John VK5JA (sk) home brew equipment at our last Activity Night, the club had a day-time excursion to visit the Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum, where more for John’s home brew equipment was on display.

The tour guide was Trevor, son of VK5JA, who gave a very informative tour of the museum. After 2 hours, it was closing time, & there was still more to see, so some will need to plan a return visit one day.

For those who were unable to attend, may I recommend this display as one of the best of its kind.More information about the museum can be found here.

Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum | Grant District Council (dcgrant.sa.gov.au)

• Ian, VK5NBL, has kindly researched the current cost of Club clothing items from Hip Pocket here in Mount Gambier. Thank you Ian.

• BUCKET HAT. (Style 3929) HiVis. Approx. $15.00 ea
• BASEBALL STYLE CAPS. $17.60 ea. (Includes cost of Logo)
• POLO FLEECE. $21.95. (Cost of Monogram is extra)
• HAT BAND. $5.50. (Cost of Monogram is extra)

Ideally we should all have the same design and colour for Club clothing as it does not look very good if we are all wearing different colours and designs.

A small group of S.E.R.G. Club Members assembled in our Clubrooms to watch the live Stream of Trevor, VK5NC’s Funeral Service.

The service commenced on time and was a very quiet and dignified, yet simple, service as befitted the man.

Present, in no particular order, were Dale, VK5DA, (very kindly bought along by Gary, VK5JR), Chris, VK5MC and Josie, Colin, VK5DK, Tom, VK5EE, Owen, VK5HOS, David, VK5DG, Ian, VK5NBL and Col, VK5HCF.

Club President, Peter, VK5BE, had intended to be there but was called away for work and, unfortunately, was not able to attend. No doubt many watched from the comfort of their homes as Trevor was a very well liked and highly respected man.

Anyone who missed the service may do so at any time in the next 90 days by scrolling down to the post with the link on it and clicking on the link.

It has been decided to hold a “Coffee and Cake” session in the Clubrooms once a week.

To this end we will hold a session each Thursday.

START TIME:  10.00 a.m.

FINISH: Approx. 11.30 a.m.

Bring along a plate, (and perhaps, a Project or homebrew item), and be prepared to have a chat, and possibly, operate from the shack for a while.

The Day was cloudy and cool but that did not deter the 20 plus hardy souls who attended our Annual Christmas BBQ.

Held at the home of Life Member Greg, VK5ZGY and wife Gabi we were pampered with an undercover paved area well sheltered from any weather. A very BIG “Thank you” Greg N Gabi.

Ample BBQ facilities made cooking easy and all present enjoyed an excellent afternoon of social interaction.

Tom, VK5TA, (VK5EE), bought along his newest power supply. (A switch mode unit which, when slightly modified can deliver 13.8 volts at 60 + Amps), and a very need foldable 60 Watt Solar Panel complete with regulator, stand and all necessary connections.

Chris, VK5MC, bought along a 1989 Edition of the Clubs Magazine which proved to be very interesting and nostalgic.