This is Aidan, VK4APM for this week's board comment.
2018 was a year dedicated to righting the ship and dealing with sins of the past.
As the dawn rises on 2019 we look forward to an exciting and future focussed year for Amateur Radio in Australia. Over the coming months we expect:
A new qualification system to be implemented and regardless of who the ACMA selects this promises to positively change the landscape of Amateur Radio in Australia.
We will begin delivering a number of new services of value to both Amateur Radio and the wider community. The IT Team will be bringing online a range of upgraded information technology systems. Several new teams will be introducing themselves to the amateur community.
But first up for 2019, we are happy to announce a change which, frankly, has been a long time coming.
Many of you belong to clubs and associations which provide discounted or free membership for a period of time after an operator has passed their foundation course to encourage the new operator to be part of the community.
At a recent meeting the WIA board voted to provide a level of complimentary WIA membership to all operators who receive new qualifications. During discussion on this matter the issue of "fairness" to those who have recently completed qualifications was robustly discussed with a further decision being taken to begin this program from the first of January, 2018.
So what does this all mean I hear you ask.
If you receive an AOCP (Foundation, Standard or Advanced) at any time since the first of January, 2018 and are not a member of the WIA you are eligible for a complimentary 1 year WIA membership.
If you are already a WIA member (now, or when you receive your qualification in the future) you are eligible to receive a 1 year membership extension or a $100 discount off a 5 year membership.
If this is you, or someone you know all that is needed is a completed WIA membership form and a copy of the relevant AOCP qualification showing the date of qualification being later than the 1 January 2018 email it to support@wia.org.au
I hope everyone has a fantastic 2019, until next time, that's all
from me, VK4APM.
Note : 1st Jan 2018, not 2019
From WIA News for 12 Jan 2019