Australian Travellers Net (2017)
VK4ADC > 02-09-2017, 08:17 AM
Australian Travellers Net (2017):
With nearly 3 million square miles, Australia is a big country - and with plenty of remote regions, it doesn't have the sort of distances you want to cross by yourself, unless your companion happens to be your HF mobile rig.
Then you're in good company - you've got the Australian Travellers Net.
ROSS: When a traveller calls in we want to know where he is at the time of course and that everything is all right. We also want to know where he is going to stop overnight and all of that is logged in the computer. So that is how it works.
GRAHAM: That’s Ross Cunningham VK5KMH, the Australian controller for this net, which serves as a lifeline to travellers on land and even those on water, 365 days a year. Its relay teams can be found on 14.116 MHz, for check-ins at 0200 UTC and on 21.185 MHz for check-ins at 0400 UTC to be accessible to hams with VK Foundation licenses.
Most of the time, the communication is uneventful but crises DO come up:
ROSS: Yesterday I had to get a hold of a fellow that was out in the Harts Range here and tell him that his mother had passed away the night before. Not good news but these things happen and sometimes we are the only communications that some of the amateurs have got.
GRAHAM: As Ross notes, land or sea, it all comes down to personal safety.
ROSS: The other day a fellow came from Darwin down to Alice Springs and went on a holiday in the Tanamai Desert. He was out there for quite a few days before coming back to Alice Springs. So these fellows like to get in out-of-the-way places and it is the Travellers Net that gives them the mantle of safety. If they break down out there we get the RAA or whatever to go out there and tow them in or get their cars fixed so they can travel on.
GRAHAM: Ross said the Net has a need for more relays, most especially in Australia's western and northern territories. The Travellers Net also extends its coverage into the ocean surrounding the continent, taking care of maritime travellers. Contact Ross if you can help. His email address is rossco18 ( at) optusnet.com.au
Thanks Graham and Ross
The “Australian Travellers Net” controllers - Ross Cunningham VK5KMH, Noel Des Jardins VK4NL, Victor Stallan VK4WST, George Turner VK4HGT and Bob Lockley VK6KW – were honoured at the 2017 WIA AGM. Again well done!
From WIA News for 3rd September 2017