2025 WISHLIST

Hello members...

The year 2024 has been fantastic for the club and many of its members, though we did lose two remarkable individuals: Bill VK3MMM and the beloved Bruce VK3UV.

Aside from those losses, the club has thrived, welcoming many new members and making upgrades to our club shack.

This is all due to our outstanding members and their incredible efforts and dedication.

I have relished my role as president, and despite experiencing some highs and lows, along with a bit of frustration, I have been honored to serve the club and its members.

I wish all our members a safe and healthy 2025 and extend my gratitude for your support and understanding.

While 2024 was an excellent year, I would like to share my Wishlist for the club for 2025.

My 2025 wishlist for the club:

2M Full Duplex FM Repeater Project:

A 2-meter repeater (a full duplex FM repeater) that is, if possible, linked to the AllStar Network, allowing our members to stay in touch while away from home.

For the repeater to join the AllStar network, it needs a communications port and, like any Duplex Repeater, the appropriate 2M cavities, along with an antenna system. Additionally, a prime location with internet access is essential.

Not too much hey?

BIG NEWS!

Since creating this wish list for 2025, I have been in talks with the administrators at Moorabbin Club, and they have generously donated a VHF 2M Repeater along with Cavity Filters to our club. I must say I was amazed by their generosity. And we thank them!

So for 2025, we will have an exciting project indeed... The setup, tuning, and testing of a VHF 2M Repeater. I expect that once we learn how to do this, we will use our club rooms as a temporary location, as the next part of the project is to find a suitable location for it.

I believe this is a significant step for our club, and I hope it will enable our members to engage more with one another by utilising their own club repeater.

club room split system air conditioner:

Our good friend Stanley vk3bot, along with others, proposed a Split system for the club to enhance our comfort. This is an excellent idea since it tends to get quite chilly in winter and very hot in summer.

club room soldering bench:

Another initiative is to establish a soldering workbench equipped with two or more soldering stations for everyone to use. We have sufficient tables, and with some rearrangement of our tables, chairs, and other items, we can set up a soldering station.

club MEMBERS CARD:

How about a club members Laminated Card with the details, which include our discounts from both Jaycar and Altronics. The card would display our club logo, website link, etc along with the Discount details for each of the above stores. This would be a laminated card which you can then keep handy for when you go shopping for some gear.

MORE CLUB OUTING ETC:

This year, we launched a Club Coffee and Cake morning, typically taking place on a Monday each month. It has been very successful, providing an opportunity for both members and non-members to catch up and chat. Depending on the interest from members, I would like to continue this event and possibly expand it to include a pub meal. I have also discovered a new venue, Harbourside Cafe Hastings.

However, it would be wonderful if members could suggest other locations!

MORE FAMPARC CAMPING TRIPS:

This year, Stanley VK3BOT organized our Famparc Camp-Out, which was once again a success, and I encourage Stanley to keep it going for 2025. In 2024, we camped twice at The Poplars, a beautiful spot about an hour and a half from the Frankston area, perfect for a few days to a week. Stanley has suggested including a weekend in 2025 to accommodate members who can't get away during the week. Well done, Stan... I'm sure many of us are looking forward to it again.

THANKYOU!

That's all from me for now... until I think of another great idea! LOL..

If you have any project suggestions for the club and its members, please feel free to share them in the comments below.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members who have supported me as president. It has been, and continues to be, a pleasure to serve the club. Your assistance, support, and guidance have been invaluable, and I thank you sincerely.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and enjoyable New Year 2025.

Craig

vk3ncr

Famparc President