This is Graham VK4CEG for the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club.

It was an excellent first day back at Brisbane Amateur Radio Club. Rick, S77RP, VK4HC when in Australia, visited from the Saychelles. We contacted two stations in the Saychelles on 20, 15, 24, and 10 meters using the Club station VK4BA. Several members all took turns passing the microphone around. Surprisingly 10 meters was excellent armchair copy from Brisbane.

On the same day, Michael, VK4MWL showed his home built VHF UHF antenna and explained Satellites Communications. Mike made two contacts through the International Space Station to VK2 and VK3. Mike's antenna can be seen on the Brisbane Amateur Radio Clubs facebook page.

This is Graham VK4CEG for the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club.

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

It is hardly a mystery that the weather has loomed large in most peoples’ minds with both a moderate heat wave affecting comfort and sleep for many in the east of VK4 and then we have the promised cyclone. The disruption to lives of people in the areas targeted by the tropical low with its deluge of rain and winds is both a mental issue and a physical one with stress and property damage being issues that reflect the personal impacts of so-called “acts of God.”

However, the shops are not only sporting early entrance to Easter with buns and chocolate eggs but the earlier festive day, the 14th of February, now sporting items to tinkle the keys of the cash registers and point of sale terminals. Love may have been the motive for the majority of popular music but it is surely the reason for Valentine’s Day to also be the anniversary date of the change over to decimal currency back in 1966. Love may make the world go round but the almighty dollar keeps us motivated in survival mode.

Regardless of these traditional things, there is coming change which will impact all amateur licences on the Australian register and that is the introduction of class licensing. Like many, we have received the letter from the ACMA telling us of the immediate effects on our own licences.

From posts to various groups, it is patently obvious that the language being used is causing much confusion to many people who have also received this letter.

One of the useful publications for many people who have to put into writing the things that others need to be aware of and that is the Australian Government Style Guide. It is a book that is readily available and often is used as an adjunct to course work in college courses. The premise is that the language we use should be appropriate to our audience and it seems this letter misses the mark. I find that I peck at the material which the Australian Communications Authority has provided us as my mind tires in interpreting bureaucratise into plain English, these days. I had hoped for a smaller set of instructions in plain language but it seems the subject matter has been rendered into prolix language for what reason?

On the ground, or in the shack, there will be little change to what we radio amateurs do so really there should be little cause for concern. The annual dip into the wallet to pay a licence fee is being abolished so many people will find it easier to join the WIA and receive the benefits of being a member as a result.

We live in hope of better days ahead and to those who are surviving the weather conditions, you are in our thoughts.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?