Giving Thanks where Due

The exciting developments that have facilitated the introduction of Winlink in Australia will benefit amateur radio in Australia, and internationally. It would not have been possible without the support of a number of individuals and organizations in Australia and elsewhere. In alphabetical order, these are:

American Radio Relay League (ARRL) This organization, representing the interests of radio amateurs in the US continues to provide valuable information and support, among other, toward the development and enhancement of digital amateur radio communications. It has contributed to gaining US Government support for the Amateur Radio Service.  Currently, ARRL is in the process of recommending an overall bandplan which is supported by the ITU and IARU that will greatly increase the opportunity to develop and utilize enhanced digital technologies.  Members of the Winlink Development Team took part in the deliberations of the ad-hoc committee that was established to address this topic. It led to the recognition of Winlink of a potentially valuable backup system to public disaster and emergency relief operations.

Australian Communications Authority: ACA, like similar regulatory government agencies in other countries, on the one hand is probably asked to perform an increasing number of difficult tasks. On the other hand, it is expected to cope with decreasing budgets. Under these circumstances, amateur radio did not appear to be high on its list of priorities.

It is Aussie Winlink's opinion that ACA has risen to the challenge. Following the conclusions of the World Radio Conference of 2003 it has conducted an indepth review of, what it refers to as, REgulation of the Amateur Radio Service. It has implemented already a number of sweeping reforms. The abolition of the Morse code proficiency requirement; a new licensing structure; and innovative decisions that allow the convergence of amateur radio with other forms of communication technology, such as, the Internet has opened the door for a rejuvenation of amateur radio in Australia. ACA has progressively made public its decisions and is expected to shortly publish the new License Determinations together with explanatory statements. Australian radio amateurs should be pleased by this official government recognition of amateur radio as a potentially valuable national resource.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority: While AMSA was not in the position to officially and publicly voice its opinions on issues, several individual staff members have provided valuable support. It is noteworthy to know that AMSA much appreciates the assistance given by the Australian Amateur Radio Service in cases of search and rescue operation concerning recreational yachts though to be missing at sea. The availability of Winlink PMBOs, that through its links with a multitude of marine nets, can be a valuable added resource to AMSA and that at no cost to the Australian Government.

Legal Advisors: Valuable advise has been received from legal practitioners about the Australian Radio Communications Act and Regulations and the internal workings of the Australian Communications Authority.

Marc (VK2BUA):  Using his extensive experience and understanding of the telecommunications industry and the needs of travelers in remote locations, Marc provided significant support through his discussions with ACA and with the Wireless Institute of Australia to address and resolve issues that were unresolved at the time.

Productivity Commission: Australia is blessed with having a transparent and public system of Inquiry. The Productivity Commission is charged with undertaking Inquiries that are of importance to Australia's productivity in a wide range of sectors. The Inquiry into Radio Communications was just one of the many undertaken over the last few years. The interests of amateur radio were but a very small component under the broader heading of "Radiocommunications." The Productivity Commission's Final Report is now published. That Report was instrumental in setting the stage for significant reforms. 

SailMail: Jim Corenman, the developer of the AirMail software, sails his boat "Heart of Gold", across oceans and, of course uses HF Email. The boat's name also describes the person. His contribution to the amateur radio community, by continuously updating the Airmail software and making it available for free to radio amateurs - worldwide. It is an example of the contributions made by amateur radio operators to society.

Seven Seas Cruising Association: The 10,000 member Seven Seas Cruising Association has provided extensive support by provided space for hundreds and hundreds of cruising sailors to attend briefings, lecturers and demonstrations of Winlink. It also reports on Winlink developments through its Commodores Bulletin.

Waterway Cruising and Radio Club: The WCRC brings together the best of both worlds - radio amateurs and recreational cruisers. AussieWinlink was given an opportunity to briefly speak to a meeting of its members about Winlink in Australia.

Winlink Development Team: While AussieWinlink has no formal relationship with the Winlink Development Team, it is very much indebted to Steve (K4CJX) for the unselfish and invaluable advice about Winlink's features. Of particular interest was the comparison of the governmental support for amateur radio comparing the USA and Australia. The US Congress absolved US hams from the payment of any license or equipment fees in recognition of the services provided during emergencies and sporting and public social events.

Winlink Users: Hundreds of Winlink 2000 Users from around the world sent expressions of support for Winlink in Australia. To gain an impression of Users appreciation of Winlink, click on the link below titled: "Read this for Messages of Support Received. PDF Document - Consolidated Submission (200 Respondents)."

Wireless Institute of Australia: The WIA is the oldest organized radio amateur body in the world. It was setup as a federation of state-based divisions. As interest in amateur radio declined so did the efficiency of the administration of amateur radio. After an energized debate, WIA has reinvented itself as a national organization. Members are now in direct control and influence of the policies and practices of the new organization.

All but one of the state-based divisions have ceased to operate as separate organizations and have joined the new national organization. It is hoped and expected that the single "hold-out" state will sooner or later join the national WIA. It is understood that the New WIA has been well received by Australian radio amateurs and that many have rejoined the new organization often after an absence of many years. The New WIA has also been very receptive to new ideas, especially as regards the acceptance of new technologies such as digital amateur radio communications supported by Winlink 2000. AussieWinlink welcomes these new developments and encourages all radio amateurs holding Australian amateur radio licenses to support the Management and Staff of WIA by rejoining and maintaining their WIA membership.

Copyright © 2002-2008 AussieWinlink. Material may be quoted with acknowledgement of its source. Last modified: September 28, 2008