Late July 2025
- Australia (South Australia – Adelaide region):
The Amateur Radio Experimenters Group (AREG) initiated a major restructuring of the local repeater network. With the loss of the previous central hub (VK5RAD), AREG offered to host the new 70 cm network hub at their Summertown site. The new hub, VK5RSB on 147.175 MHz (+600 kHz, CTCSS 91.5 Hz), began installation on 23 August, replacing the outdated 439.925 MHz hub. While migration is in progress, other repeaters—VK5RSA (438.025 MHz) and VK5RKW (438.050 MHz)—remain operational for 70 cm access. (northeastradioclub.org.au,Wikipedia,areg.org.au) - Regulatory Landscape (Australia-wide):
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) continues managing club affiliations and repeater registrations. Recent updates include promotion of a universal licence for rebroadcasting VK1WIA national news, monitoring of lapsed callsigns, and a proposed restructuring within the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) (wia.org.au,ahrs.au).
Early August 2025
- New Zealand (Nationwide):
The “NZ Net News” newsletter (Issue 160, dated 7 June 2025) shared several interesting items that were still resonating through August:- SteppIR, the manufacturer of automatic-tuning aerials beloved by hobbyists, announced its exit from the amateur-radio market effective 31 August 2025, though commercial production will continue. (wikipedia, RadioZL1NZ, AREC [Amateur Radio Emergency Communication], NZART [New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Inc])
- Straight Key Monday (SKM) continues its popularity—enthusiasts enjoyed the click-clack of vintage keys (e.g., Admiralty Pattern No. 7681), with cryptic QNC challenges and community engagement maintained into August. (Radio ZL1NZ)
Mid August 2025
- New Zealand (South Otago):
A heartfelt recognition: Cliff Gray, a stalwart of the South Otago branch of NZART and long-time secretary (since 1993), was awarded life membership. The branch also celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of service to amateur radio in the region. Gray’s personal achievements include working 336 of the world’s 340 recorded frequencies—a testament to his dedication.(AREC [Amateur Radio Emergency Communication],NZART[New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Inc])
Late August 2025
- Australia (Emergency Communications):
While not tied to a single event this month, WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network) remains a critical pillar of emergency amateur radio support across the country. The organization continues to provide training and readiness for disaster response, including drills and coordination for fires, floods, and public events—highlighting the ongoing value of amateur radio in civil resilience.(Wikipedia-WICEN) - New Zealand (Beacons Status):
Though updated earlier in the year (25 February 2025), the status of ZL Amateur Radio Beacons 2024 remains actively monitored by enthusiasts. Operators are encouraged to report inaccuracies in the lists to the VHF Records Coordinator, sustaining engagement in beacon tracking well into late August. (NZART, VL2VH)
Summary & Highlights
| Region | Key Development |
|---|---|
| Australia | Repeater network migration in Adelaide (AREG’s new VK5RSB hub); WIA continues licensing updates; WICEN’s ongoing emergency training. |
| New Zealand | SteppIR withdrawal; Centenary IARU event winding down; Museum Ships Weekend legacy contacts; SKM engagement; Life membership + 90th anniversary; Beacon status monitoring. |
In just the past month, the amateur radio field in both countries has seen a blend of technical transitions, organizational milestones, and community celebrations. From repeater upgrades in Australia, to heartfelt recognition in New Zealand, and the gradual phase-out of beloved equipment—this vibrant hobby continues to evolve, grounded in both tradition and modern adaptation.