The birth of the South East Radio Group can be traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s when, over a period of time, a small group of enthusiastic short-wave listeners visited the shack of Stuart VK5MS and listened to a number of talks given by Col VK5CJ. It was, however, the transfer of Al Rechner VK5ZCR, later VK5EK (SK) from Adelaide to Mount Gambier that triggered the callsign explosion in the early 1960s, leading directly to the formation of the South East VHF Radio Group in 1962. With the members all having “Z” calls, there was a common interest in that part of the radio spectrum 50MHz and above; hence the initial VHF bias. A “Who’s Who” of foundation members include:
For the first two years, meetings were held at the homes of members before the group moved to its first clubrooms, a two-roomed building at the rear of a deserted house situated close to the edge of a quarry at Glenburnie, some distance to the east of Mount Gambier. This old but comfortable building was used as the clubrooms for about 10 ten years, but as the quarry expanded the group was forced to move.
After several temporary meeting places, the group approached the Corporation of the City of Mount Gambier for assistance in finding a permanent home. The result of this application was a small building in Olympic Park, just off O’Halloran Terrace on the southern side of the city.
Mount Gambier has a population of about 25,000, and an amateur population of some 50 callsigns. Many amateurs in the area are “Old Timers” and can go back quite a way (some even remember valves). The club has members from throughout the South-East of SA, and from across the border in Western Victoria. The club has had supportive Patrons in Eric Jamieson VK5LP (SK) and now Kevin Johnson, now VK4UH. (The above information was based on an article by Ivan VK5QV (AR May 1993) but updated to reflect current circumstances.
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The SERG meeting room |
The new storeroom floor
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New shack takes shape
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Looking south – our tower
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” This morse code is rivetting, I’m so alert” (Mystery club member prepares for a code exam).
The thumb nails depict our clubrooms as of 10 October 2003. A new floor covering is in the storeroom – thanks Mathew and Charles.
![]() VK5SR field day site in the 80s |
![]() Graham VK5YM at VK5SR portable |
![]() Tom VK5EE at VK5SR portable |
![]() Wayne VK5ZX at VK5SR portable |
Roy Goodwin VK5AXV (dec), John Lewis (VK5XO), Wayne Stackpoole, David Stackpoole (VK5ZOO), Trevor Hutchesson (VK5TH)
in the early 70s
Tom VK5EE operates VK5SR portable in 1982 field day
Caravans lined up for February 1982 Field Day at Barn Ridge