Submitted by VK2YJS on

WICEN, and other VRA squads, continue to support the RFS at various Fire Control Centes (FCCs), currently at a reduced level, although this is subject to change. Other WICEN members are active on the fire-ground with the RFS; and with the SES.

Members are encouraged to take advantage of the free courses offered by the Office of Emergency Management, at: https://www.emtraining.nsw.gov.au/

WICEN groups across Australia will be supporting Dementia Australia Memory Walk and Jog events. These short Sunday morning events run for several months from February, although NSW's first event is at Penrith on April 5th.

Amateurs, including those travelling, are welcome to use WICEN's Amateur repeaters. VK2RWK at Kurrajong Heights covers much of Sydney on 439.825 MHz, with a minus 5MHz offset. FM users need to use a 91.5Hz tone, and P25 users the default NAC 293. There is also a 2 metre DMR device.

WICEN will also be present at the Wyong Field Day on Sunday, February 23rd.

For Facebook users, there is an official WICEN NSW page; and an informal national WICEN group.

The WICEN Mid North Coast Region monthly meeting is held on the first Saturday of the month, at SES HQ, Central Road, Port Macquarie, beginning at 15:30. The region runs an HF net on Thursday evenings at 19:00, on the WICEN frequency, 3.600 MHz.

WICEN ACT is part of the Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club, and supports events in the "Capital Country" region, and on the South Coast. The BMSC "NatCap" Rally is March 21st and 22nd. For more info visit: http://www.crarc.ampr.org

WICEN Victoria will support a fun run between Dromana and Rosebud on January 26th. The Pajero Challenge runs from February 7th to 9th at Walhalla in Gippsland. February 14th to 16th is the Oscar's 100 "Hut to Hut", raising funds for Autism. Memory Walk and Jog events include Mildura on March 1st; and Ballarat at Wendouree on March 15st (support TBC). The weekly net is on each Tuesday at 8:30 pm, on 3.6 MHz. WICEN Victoria's website is: http://vic.wicen.org.au

WICEN wishes members a very Happy New Year!

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