"Merry Xmas from the Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.

Robert Thomson VK4TFN here.

You see:

There is this fella Kris Krinkle

Whose eye has a bright merry twinkle.

For merry mirth and good cheer

He spreads far and near

To all with a generous sprinkle.

So have yourself a merry little xmas

and remember if you're going to drink, don't drive

or if you're going to drive, well then don't drink.

and we'll see you all at REDFEST 2024 in April.

Robert Thomson VK4TFN

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

It was perhaps a warning of the things to come when storms battered large parts of the southern hinterland. In blissful ignorance, we watched and listened to the wind, rain and thunder and thought how much good the soaking rain would bring.

It came as a shock to see the stories carried on the afternoon and evening news with graphic views of damage and enormous hail. It had passed us by that day.

However, the development of Cyclone Jasper has renewed caution and preparation along much of the Queensland coast and much speculation as to its track and severity. It is a lottery that no one wants to win and the presents these systems bring are far from the welcome treats we look for around Christmas.

Naturally, the government authorities have initiated the necessary contingency planning if Jasper creates a path of onshore destruction.

Where there are active WICEN units, they will be on standby or already activating to assist various response bodies in their areas. Then what about the rest of us?

It is a topic that I have continued to address for some years, now. That is how does the radio hobbyist integrate into a support network to be an effective assistant in times of emergency? Does the individual need to be part of an organisation or can they safely contribute to ad hoc nets? To the last question, some years ago there was a regular storm net run on the 147 Brisbane repeater where anyone with relevant information would call in. This was a great innovation for motorists, commuters and others seeking local information to best negotiate the prevailing situation. I don’t know if it still operates but it was much appreciated in its time.

The point is, I think, that all of us with experience and amateurs who have passed an exam to get on air is capable of assisting in an emergency.

Yes our use of pro-words might not be to professional standards and we may lack any formal training but the time spent in contesting and exchanging numbers has given us the experience to pass information. There are CB-based groups such as CREST and ACREM that can offer experienced operators too.

Hopefully, all the campers will have the batteries charged, the generator fuelled and everyone will have adequate survival supplies to weather a couple of days of severe weather. If you have neighbours who are elderly or infirm, ensure they are as prepared as can be with food, water and medicines at hand. It is times like this when Jasper can shake the tiles from the roof that we can be of the most help to those around us. Radio is a wonderful hobby but it is also a powerful tool when needed and we can all do our bit in the next few days.

I’m Geoff Emery and that’s what I think….how about you?