WICEN – Amateur Radio Supporting Emergency Communications

SGARS Monthly Meeting – Wednesday 2 September 2026

How would emergency services communicate if the telephone network, mobile phones or other conventional communications systems were unavailable?

At the September meeting, SGARS welcomes Doug Rosser, VK2DCR, a member of WICEN NSW and VRA Rescue NSW, who will provide an insight into the important role amateur radio can play when communications infrastructure is damaged, overloaded or unavailable.

WICEN – the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network – is a volunteer organisation whose members provide emergency and safety communications using radio. In NSW, WICEN operates as a specialist communications support squad of VRA Rescue NSW, working within the State's emergency management and rescue framework.

WICEN operators are trained to establish and maintain communications in challenging circumstances. Depending on the situation, this can involve VHF and UHF radio networks, portable repeaters, HF communications and digital radio systems. WICEN can also provide radio-based messaging independent of the internet and conventional telecommunications networks.

While emergency communications are a major part of WICEN's role, its members also provide communications support for community events such as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, charity events, navigation exercises and other activities where reliable communications are required over difficult or remote terrain.

About Doug Rosser VK2DCR

Doug has been involved with WICEN NSW for many years and has served in a number of roles, including Treasurer of WICEN NSW.

Doug's professional background in information technology, together with his extensive involvement in WICEN, provides an interesting perspective on the relationship between modern communications technology and the robust, independent communications capabilities that amateur radio can provide when conventional systems fail. His WICEN involvement dates back to at least 2012.

This promises to be an interesting and informative evening for anyone interested in emergency communications, radio technology, public safety or the practical applications of amateur radio.

Meeting Details

Wednesday 2 September 2026
7:30 pm start
Mortdale RSL
Address: 25 Macquarie Pl, Mortdale NSW 2223, Australia

All SGARS members and visitors are welcome.