Supporting Amateur Radio and Technology since 1949
Supporting Amateur Radio and Technology since 1949
Communications Support (WICEN)
theTARCinc runs an active communications support program, providing volunteer radio operators for community events across the Townsville region — horse endurance rides, off-road racing, open water swims, and cyclone/disaster preparedness activities. It’s a great way to get real air time, meet other operators, and put your radio skills to practical use.
WICEN
Our comms support program operates under WICEN — the Wireless Institute of Australia Civil Emergency Network — which has coordinated volunteer amateur radio operators for emergency and community communications since 1946 nationally (WICEN NQ since 1971). WICEN operators maintain reliable contact in case of infrastructure failures and provide communications for organisations that need it.
The WICEN VK4 Net runs every Sunday for operators interested in maintaining emergency-ready skills:
- 14125kHz from 8:00am (2200UTC)
- 10122kHz from 8:00am (2200UTC)
- 7105kHz (+/- QRM) from 8:30am (2230UTC)
2025–2026 Events We Support
| Event | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| B2B Paluma Passion Horse Endurance Rides | Sat 18 – Sun 19 July | Bluewater Park Equestrian Centre |
| NQORA Charters Towers Short Circuit Off Road Racing | Sat 25 – Sun 26 July | Millchester MSRC |
| TOWSA Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim | Sat 15 August, from 5:30am | Strand Park |
| B2B Spring Shore Horse Endurance Rides | Sat 5 – Sun 6 September | Bluewater Park Equestrian Centre |
| NQORA QLD Off-Road Championship Round 1 | Sat 19 – Sun 20 September | Millchester MSRC |
These events run every year on a similar cycle, alongside occasional one-off requests (Scout activities, council emergency preparedness days, and similar). Exact dates are confirmed each season — see the Events & Net Calendar page for the current schedule.
Get Involved
No special equipment is usually required beyond a handheld or mobile VHF/UHF radio — checkpoints and mobile positions are briefed beforehand, and experienced operators are always happy to show newer members the ropes. It’s genuinely good fun: a day outdoors, useful radio practice, and a chance to directly support your local community.
To volunteer or find out more, contact our Communications Support Coordinator:
Gavin “Og” Reibelt, VK4ZZ — 0427 182 469