Between those early years and now a remarkable amount of development has taken place.
Progress in this field continues and amongst those involved are the world's Amateur Radio Operators
of which around 18,000 are located in Australia.

Amateur Radio operators study and become qualified by passing examinations
in Radio Theory, Regulations and Morse Code
set down under rules made by a Federal Government authority.

They have access to radio channels defined by International Agreement made at special conferences
held under the auspices of the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva.

The fascination of the hobby of Amateur Radio may be due to the variety
of activities it provides for operators, both young and old.

These activities can include keeping regular contact with other operators within Australia
and overseas or speaking with an astronaut flying in one of the space shuttles.

An operator could be talking to a yacht off the coast of Africa,
a man driving his car in Brazil or someone merely out enjoying a fishing trip.
Contact with stations in such places as the Antarctic or in aircraft are common.

Some operators collect "QSL" cards, station cards sent by operators
of other stations to confirm contacts which have been made.
Somewhat like picture postcards, they are very interesting and colourful
and often issued by stations to mark special events such as the Olympic Games.

Other operators gain AWARDS in the form of certificates
issued for special performance in contacting a certain number of stations or countries.

Each year competitions (Contests) are held both on an international and local basis.
Certificates and plaques can be won.

To train operators for emergencies an annual "Field Day" contest is held where stations are set up
to simulate emergency conditions running from power not provided by the normal electricity supply.

Amateur radio satellites orbiting the earth can be used for such purposes as direct communication
as well as transmission of data stored and retransmitted to stations all around the world.

Signals transmitted can include voice, messages in printed text form,
computer data and even colour pictures.
Some specialised stations communicate by signals reflected from the surface of the moon.

Scouts and Guides throughout the world enjoy the benefits of amateur radio, many with their
own club stations. An annual event is the  "Jamboree On The Air" (JOTA)  where a weekend
is set aside especially for these youth to contact each other, both locally and on a worldwide basis.

Many amateur operators concentrate on developing new electronic techniques and equipment
and in this way make a valuable contribution to science, engineering and the community.

It is well known that Amateur Radio operators lend a helping hand in emergencies.
When Cyclone Tracy hit the northern city of Darwin just over 20 years ago amateur radio
operators provided the only available form of communication links for several days.

In cases of bushfire, flood and earthquake it is often such operators who assist
the other emergency services as they have skills from self training as well as
equipment which is more versatile than that used by other services.

In Australia the Amateur Radio Operators are represented by their National body,
the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) which is the oldest such organisation in the world.

The WIA liaises with other national societies through the International Amateur Radio Union.

Amateur Radio benefits the community in many ways.
It is a hobby based on self training and improvement.

It provides a pool of skilled personnel available in emergency and of significant strategic value.

It fosters good international relationships.

It is ideally suited to a wide age range and also to handicapped people.

What is more - "IT IS FUN"

WIA WA - AR Guide - Amateur Radio A Modern Hobby
With thanks to the original writer

Page 3 index - Page 4 - Page 5

The WIA exists for all Radio Amateurs, Does it speak for you.
Amateurs Unite and Conquer, United we stand, Divided we fall.