Contesting is an excellent way for new amateur radio operators or those returning to the hobby, to gain some operating experiencing without the fear finding something to talk about. In a contest, contacts between stations are very structured with exchange of callsign, signal reports and usually a serial number.

Further information on many Australian contests can be found at the Wireless Institute of Australia

Attendees to the regular monthly gatherings of The St George Amateur Radio Society can experience technical presentations on a variety of amateur radio related topics. The presentations would be of interest for those new to the hobby as well as the more experience operators. Presentation gatherings are held at our club rooms on the 1st Wednesday of each month from February to November, commencing at 7.30 PM, unless advised otherwise.

The St George Amateur Radio Society has a team of educators dedicated to assisting new comers to amateur radio in obtain their licence, and for existing licensees to upgrade to a higher licence category. Obtaining an amateur radio licence is easy with the Foundation entry level accreditation. During the year SGARS educators will hold licence training and assessment weekends within the St George or Sutherland Shire. For more information about amateur radio licence training, handbooks and to reserve your place, please email education@sgars.org

During the year, The St George Amateur Radio Society conducts member contests, including 2m VHF Summer Contest from 1st December to the last day of February and 80m HF Contest in July. These contests are open to operators of all licence categories and a number of awards are given for various achievements within the scope of the contest. SGARS members may also participate in many other amateur radio contests during the year. Details can be found in SGARS Field Day events.

Field Days are an opportunity for operators to enjoy the hobby of amateur radio either solo or with the company of other operators. Field Days can encompass a variety of amateur radio activities, including contests, operation with special event call signs, testing of radio equipment, radio direction finding, operation from parks and peaks, and Jamboree On The Air. Operators can participate in field days from the comfort of their home shack or from the great outdoors. Members of The St George Amateur Radio Society will participate in a selection of field days during the year.

In accordance with the constitution, a yearly Annual General Meeting of The St George Amateur Radio Society Inc is held in December. Other member meetings may held during the year as required. SGARS financial members will be notified by email of pending member meetings. Members and visitors are welcome to attend our technical presentations at our monthly gatherings held from February to November. Details can be found in SGARS Presentation events.

A Christmas sausage sizzle is part of the The St George Amateur Radio Society December gathering, attended my members, family and visitors. Other social events may held during the year.

Obtaining an amateur radio licence is easy with the Foundation entry level accreditation. The introduction of the new entry level foundation licence in 2006 has re ignited a high level of interest in the hobby. There is no morse code to learn, you don't need technical qualifications and there are no age limits. Anyone can start to participate in the exciting hobby of Amateur Radio by reading the Foundation License Manual and attending a weekend of training and assessment. The assessment consists of a 25 question multiple choice exam paper and a straight forward practical assessment.

The St George Amateur Radio Society (SGARS) will be holding Foundation licence courses and assessments throughout the year. The dates are shown below;

The St George Amateur Radio Society has a team of educators dedicated to assisting new comers to amateur radio in obtain their licence, and for existing licensees to upgrade to a higher licence category. During the year SGARS educators will hold licence assessment weekends within the St George or Sutherland Shire. For more information about amateur radio licence training and assessment please email education@sgars.org