Submitted by VK2YJS on

After 16 days of searching, of which WICEN was deployed for 15, the search for the bushwalker, Sevak Simonian was called off last Monday. WICEN established a station at Kanangra Tops in the Kanangra Boyd National park area, south of Jenolan, and 50 km by road from Oberon. WICEN provided specialist communications support to Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Service and NSW Cave Rescue, National Parks, NSW Police, State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service, and NSW Ambulance, using various non-Amateur VHF, UHF and HF channels. Some teams were inserted and extracted by National Parks helicopter, Lifesaver 1, and Firebird 225, and WICEN was able to provide UHF radios to assist in this (not VHF airband radios). WICEN also established Amateur band VHF and UHF P25 links to Sydney for logistics. Thanks to the users of these systems which allowed WICEN uninterrupted use of these repeaters. They are now free for general use. Thanks likewise goes to the owners and users of the Mt Bindo repeater. A debrief is planned for early December for those involved. WICEN received a very positive write-up on the BWRS facebook page.

Members should be aware that the this summer is expected to be both hotter and drier than last, with an associated increase in risk of fire, and fire severity.

WICEN has a twitter account: @wicennsw

Facebook users will find the official WICEN New South Wales page, an informal national WICEN group, and interstate groups.

WICEN ACT is part of the Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club, and supports events in the ACT and surrounding areas. The club's website at http://www.crarc.ampr.org includes details of both WICEN and general events, including training.

The BMSC website indicates that the 2014 "Rallye des Femme" has been called off, but will be back in 2015.

WICEN Victoria will be supporting the YMCA Massive Murray Paddle between Yarrawonga and Swan Hill from Monday 24th to Friday 28th November, replacing the post Christmas event. See: http://www.vic.wicen.org.au for details.

Coming events include:

Induction Day at Morisset on Sunday 23 November
YMCA Massive Murray Paddle from Monday 24th to Friday 28th November

Submitted by Julian Sortland VK2YJS on behalf of the WICEN State Management Committee.