W.I.C.E.N Bundaberg

Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network

"Professional Volunteer communicators linking the community in time of need"

WICEN about us

Who / What is WICEN

WICEN Bundaberg began in the 1970's when members of the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club took over the communications role after Civil Defence was disbanded.
When an emergency occurs communications can be lost and our Radios, powered by 12volt batteries, remain the only form of communication.

Response in Emergencies

WICEN Amateur Radio operators are activated all around the country. They are autonomous groups who forge partnerships with emergency agencies in each State. Regular training ensures our accredited operators can be relied on in an emergency.

We are Volunteers

Our members volunteer their time to serve our local community.
The Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club funds WICEN and we currently have 12 club members actively serving as WICEN volunteers.

Our Aims

Our aim is to be prepared. We are part of the Bundaberg Regional Council Disaster Management Plan to provide Radio Communications between emergency and welfare services.
WICEN operators sit behind the highly trained SES & EMQ personnel, allowing them to do the life-saving work.

Equipment

With a mix of ICOM and YAESU radios we maintain a Base station plus 4 Portable Emergency Radio kits with field antennas.
Our radios have tri-band capabilities, that's HF, VHF and UFH so we're versatile.

Training Exercises

Exercises and Training are a vital part of our preparedness and we have a full calendar of training in radio operations and message handling.
Field exercises test our skills regularly so that we know the coverage area of our equipment around this large and geographically diverse region.

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WICEN at Work

We're staying relevant and keeping up with fast moving technologies but... when technology fails who ya gonna call? WICEN! Because we run on 12-volt batteries and we're here to help.

Ex1

VK4BRG(sk) & VK4UO

Training Exercise, testing the Club's portable station at a remote evacuation hall for Bundaberg Council's Disaster Plan.

Ex6

VK4JRO & VK4FHAM Bundy - Gayndah Exercise

Coordinated by the Police responsible for Disaster Management, we had a team in Gayndah using HF to pass messages to Bundaberg, to prove our capability.
We set up in Council premises at each location and local emergency and response organisations sent their teams to gain an appreciation of what we can achieve using 12-volt battery and a homemade wire antenna.

Ex2

VK4FHAM, VK4ION & VK4FCCW On display

We regularly attend expos to ensure the public is aware of our capabilities and hopefully to inspire some locals to join us.

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