This recruitment letter was written
in the early 1980’s by the then President.
Dear Amateur,
This letter is to ask you to consider joining the Wireless Institute
of Australia.
Amateurs now enjoy many more privileges than in former years, none
of these has resulted from the Department of Communications (DOC) initiative.
They have been obtained through negotiations by the WIA. Some
examples of gains achieved in the last five - ten years or so are:
Exam Question Bank
AOCP Syllabus
WIA input to EMC Standards
WIA Submission on Spectrum Planning
WIA input to new TLS’s
Accreditation of Examineers
Devolvement of Amateur Exams
29.0-29.7MHz FM for the Limited/Intermediate Licencees
More Power for Novices
Digital Modes for the Novices
70cm for the Novice Licencees
Creation of the Novice Limited Licence
2 Metres 146-148 FM for Novices
Permission for store and forward Packet BBS’s and Digipeaters
Novice Syllabus
80m DX window for full calls
Lowering of Licencing age
Creation of the Novice Licence - having no time limit.
Multiple choice examinations.
Third party traffic.
VFO control for Novices.
Extension of the 80 metre Novice sub-band.
Examinations in remote areas.
Three new bands - 10, 18, 24 MHz - through participation at
World Administration Radio Conference 1979.
Creation of “K” licence, to reduce licence fees.
Consultation on the new Wireless Telegraphy Act.
Revision of the Amateur Operators Handbook.
Permission for portable repeaters for emergency use.
Permission for linking repeaters for broadcasts.
Authorisation for Narrow Band Voice Modulation experiments.
Your support as a member is needed because:
The Institute’s case on behalf of the Amateur Service is strengthened
by a larger membership -
the authorities respect numerical strength.
The Institute wants to represent the interests of all licencees.
You have expertise and ideas to contribute which are uniquely
yours.
Larger Membership leads to lower individual subscription.
As a member, the Institute offers you the following benefits;
Representation at National and International level.
Direct representation in State DOC - WIA joint meetings.
An opportunity to express your views at monthly meetings.
Use of the QSL Bureau.
“Amateur Radio “ magazine.
Free classified advertisements in “Amateur Radio” magazine.
Support in disputes with local authorities over erection of
aerials.
Access to the Divisional videotape library.
Lectures, specialised groups, social activities, the chance
to meet other amateurs personally.
I have enclosed an Application for Membership,
if you can afford a rig or afford to maintain your amateur station, please
allow just that little bit extra to become a member of the Institute.
The Institute has fought for the privileges you now enjoy, and the
maintenance of a strong Institute is your insurance for the future.
Yours sincerely,
B. Hedland Thomas.
President. April 1980-April 1988.
