Good evening all, unfortunately we have been advised that there will not be a Battle of the Beasts event (the mountain bike race in the Southern Namadgi Park) held this year. So sad news for those who have enjoyed assisting in the last couple of years Batle of the Beast events. However, there will be a "Call of the Beasts" event which is an endurance obstacle race held on 08 November 2014.

The organisers have asked for our support again this year to assist in the provision of an admin/safety/emergency traffic net. The event is run around a hill on the Caloola farm - simplex comms back to the HQ is borderline due to the terrain, so we will put in a lightweight portable repeater on the hill and run on 70cm or the UHF commercial frequency (WICEN commercial equipment would be provided to operators if we use the commercial frequency).

This email is not calling for vounteers this far out (we will be asking in probably early October), but just a heads up for those interested.

As to other WICEN activities, we have well and truly entered the mid year lull in activity - we have no confirmed requests for support until roughly October, so enjoy the time off and take the opportunity to get your gear ready for the the busy season later in the year.

Late breaking news! Have been advised the following: ===============================================

From WICEN NSW we have the following invitation to WICEN ACT / CRARC members to an exercise to be held in a yet to be disclosed location about 2.5 - 3 hours travel time from Canberra. The NavShield exercise is a great activity for those people who like to get out "bush" and play radio along with "Bush Camping".

Hi WICEN Members

This is a call for expressions of interest to participate in the provision of communications at the 2014 NavShield Event being conducted on 5th & 6th July 2014

As usual, the location is embargoed from general distribution and will be provided to those placing an expression of interest.

I can advise though, that the location is around 2.5 hours travel, generally to the South, from the Sydney CBD.

This year I will be the WICEN Event Commander, assisted by Deputy Commander Jan VK2FEB who is training up as an event commander.

Detailed planning is not yet complete, but we are aiming for the following staffing at up to 5 sites.

Base A repeater site Radio Checkpoints x 3

This year some of the checkpoints may be accessible for 2WD. The Base site certainly will be.

Some members have made enquiries regarding the need for the recently introduced VRA Induction qualification, to attend NavShield.

The WICEN State Committee has provided the following guidance, from the recent Committee Meeting, for WICEN events in general, and which will apply to NavShield.

Training Policy - Some time was spent discussing the impact on WICEN of the State Rescue Board (SRB) and VRA policies in connection with requiring certain competency based training (CBT) before operators were allowed to be deployed. - It was decided that, for the moment, WICEN will apply the policy that any WICEN team leader must hold VRA induction or higher. Other members deployed with that team leader are considered trainees. Expect that this requirement will be ratcheted up as the SRB and VRA issue more detailed requirements for support squads. - A team leader includes a WICEN commander, a checkpoint leader, a person deployed in the field alone (a team of one), etc. - Currently 33 WICEN members have completed VRA induction requirements

In accordance with this policy, I am asking for those who hold the Induction certification to attend, as well as those without. This will mean that we will need to juggle the mix of people at each site, but I don't see this being a problem.

This year we will be encouraging the use of digital modes such as Psk31 for data transmission, but it will not be mandatory.

Participants will need to provide both 2m & 70cm radios (mobile / 25W or similar, and deployable away from your car), mast and antennas, on a team basis. Radios & antennas for commercial frequencies will be supplied by WICEN.

If you are interested in participating, please advise me via email:

mal.alexander@bigpond.com

Would it be possible to advise in your email. the following:

VRA Induction yes / no 4WD or 2WD Portable Mast yes / no Portable Batteries yes / no 2m radio yes / no 70cm radio yes / no

Some members have already sent in an expression of interest, however, could you please resend with the brief questionaire above.

I will endeavour to hold a Site Survey early to mid June.

Regards

Mal Alexander VK2YVA =============================================== Could I ask that if anyone does participate that they let Phil and myself know via the VK1 WICEN email address (wicen@crarc.ampr.org) please.

Regards

Matt VK1MA / Phil VK1PL WICEN ACT