Well this has been a week dominated by Covid-19 and attempts to mitigate spread of the virus both here and world-wide.  Our hobby is often seen to be already to significantly self-isolating but yes we do like to be both educated and to have social contacts and so, unfortunately a fair part of this bulletin is notices of cancellations of meetings and events.

On a positive note there is already a reversal swing that is to actually get meetings working on the medium that we should be using that is, on air.  There are already many local and international nets available, but we are sure at NewsWest, clubs will soon be getting new nets up and running and we hope that they’ll keep us informed so we can publicise them to you, our audience. There’s information on assistance on this and running virtual meetings as well.

This week is our contesting edition and we have four items relating to contests that are in the offing but for club focus next week we would like to hear of how your club or you as a self-distancing individual got on during the John Moyle and don’t forget to put in that log or all your efforts were in vain.

We are not professional journalists, but our standards are high.  We do not put to air gossip or non-factual information, more on this in this edition from Bob.

All the usual segments are included, including some interesting information on changes to call sign prefix designators flagged by discussions at the ACMA and the continued wishes of our regulator to devolve Amateur Radio matters to the sector.

Oh, and by the way no Banjos this week!

15 March 2020

NewsWest for Sunday 15th March 2020 is the New Amateurs edition, and we will recognise newcomers to Amateur Radio in Western Australia, or who have upgraded.  In case you havent noticed, today is the Ides of March. Should we be wary of assassination? Perhaps. Stay tuned.

We take a look at how the pandemic may affect Amateur Radio events, Dan interviews Gary VK6OD

There are some last minute comments and reminders about next weekend’s John Moyle Memorial Field Day. and Andrew gives us an update on the ACMA’s Curriculum Review project concerning the Foundation License syllabus, and there’s Roy with his weekly round of Helpline.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer: Bob VK6POP

March 8th 2020

NewsWest for Sunday 8th March 2020 is the the history of Amateur Radio edition, where we take a look to see what was going on way back when.

In this bulletin, Andrew provides an update on last week’s story on reciprocal licenses, we remind you about preparation for the John Moyle Field Day, NewsWest launches on DMR, and there’s Roy’s Helpline. All this and more on NewsWest.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer: Bob VK6POP

20200301

NewsWest for  Sunday 1st March 2020 is the Club Focus edition, and we have news from several Western Australian clubs.

There’s some information from the Australian Communications and Media Authority that’s been brought to our attention concerning reciprocal licenses, which may affect those Aussie residents who obtained an Australian Amateur Radio license on the strength of holding a license from another country.

Along with the regular weekly items there’s Club Focus the series where we take a look at your club’s spark emitter, we discuss a recent bullying episode, and after some questions were asked online during the week, we give you an update on Amateur Radio nets operating around Perth. 

Welcome to autumn. Summer certainly went out with a bang. We had nearly a week of thunderstorms and rain.  Summer thunderstorms aren’t uncommon, however I really can’t recall such a prolonged run of storms every day.  I’ve had my antennas disconnected since after the news broadcast last Sunday evening.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer:Bob VK6POP

23 February 2020

NewsWest for Sunday 23rd February 2020 is the contesting edition, and we take a look at a few contests coming up in the near future, including a roundup of where locals will be doing the John Moyle Field Days. 

Yes, February is all but done, as is summer.  Next week will be the first of March, the first day of Autumn.

There’s more news about PerthTech and the raffle, an item about QRM Guru, and more on NewsWest.

There’s some local news, and the usual weekly round of Roys Helpline and Over the Back Fence.

There’s more news about PerthTech and the Raffle, and we’re excited that there’s only a few weeks until ticket sales open for the raffle, and registrations open for PerthTech.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer: Bob VK6POP

16 Feb 2020

In NewsWest this week, we acknowledge those who have recently gained a new callsign, and welcome newcomers to the hobby.

We’ve got some exciting updates on PerthTech and the raffle, and you’ll hear those in this bulletin.

Included this week is a reflection by Marc VK6OP on Amateur radio and its influence on his life and well being. It’s a good listen.

Dan talks about on air experimentation with FreeDV.

Chris brings you an update on QRM dot Guru, I deliver another episode of New Hams the Series, Roy delivers helpline to us, and there’s more.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer: Bob VK6POP

Sunday 9th February

In NewsWest for Sunday 9th February we look at Amateur Radio history. We have news items from a couple of clubs, and a report from Glenn vk4du, the president of the Radio amateur Society of Australia (RASA) on his recent meeting with the ACMA in his role as, and he also discusses the current WIA survey on callsigns. 

And there’s an interesting story from Dan interviewing Steve VK6CS on his experience with microwaves, and there’s  Roy’s Helpline.

The NewsWest team will be at the Peel Amateur Radio Group’s Swap Meet, and  we look forward to meeting you there.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer: Bob VK6POP

02 Feb 2020

In Western Australia on Sunday 2nd February, NewsWest presents Club Focus, where we give Amateur Radio Clubs the floor to promote themselves.  

NewsWest is the Amateur Radio news programme for the VK6 call area. 

Where in the world is Signy Island, and who’s going there?  You’ll find out later on. Barry VK6SP tells his Amateur Radio story, there’s more news about PerthTech, and of course the regular items of Roys Helpline, Over the Back Fence and an installment of the Club Focus series.

NewsWest invites contributions to the news programme. You can send contributions by email to newswest@vk6.net

You'll find links to resources on the vk6.net website where you'll also find information on where to hear the news, where to download it, how to rebroadcast this news and how to register your callbacks.

If you want to join in, you can. Send an email to newswest@vk6.net and we'll be happy to respond. Send your stories, tall or true, audio production, scripts, events, updates, membership information, meeting announcements, AGM alerts, contests, swap-meets and more to us and we'll happily present your contribution on-air.

Please register your callback, either on-air, or on-line. Visit vk6.net and click on the callback button.

Originating in Perth Western Australia NewsWest is produced by WA Amateur Radio News for listeners on-air, on-line and on-demand.

NewsWest audio (mp3) is available for download from our website, vk6.net. Click on the “LISTEN” tab.

For Podcast simply search for "Newswest" on any of the major Podcatcher sites. Thanks to Ed DD5LP

Whichever way you're listening, whether you're a licensed radio amateur or not, experienced or just a beginner, old or young, thanks for being here and thanks for joining us.

Get your copy: http://vk6.net/news/

NewsWest is broadcast and relayed across VK6 and far beyond by many transmitters and operators. Details can be found on vk6.net.

The main VK6 NewsWest broadcast occurs at 09:30 WST (01:30 UTC).

If you'd like to broadcast this news in your local area, you can. There are no restrictions on broadcasting NewsWest, other than that you must broadcast it as supplied without any modification.

We ask that broadcasters advise us that they're transmitting the news.

Our address is newswest@vk6.net

Producer: Bob VK6POP