The heart of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society is our clubhouse, a vibrant hub of activity, learning, and community. Located at 85 Harper Street, Molendinar, the building is more than just a meeting place; it is a physical testament to the dedication and hard work of generations of club members.
The history of the clubhouse is intrinsically linked to the growth of the club itself. Following its re-establishment in the 1970s, the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society (then known as the Gold Coast Radio Club) operated from various locations. However, the dream of a permanent home began to take shape in 1983 when construction on the current building commenced.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and the generosity of our members, the building was completed, and the first official meeting was held there in January 1986. This moment marked a significant milestone, providing the club with a dedicated space for its various activities.
Today, the clubhouse serves as the central point for our operations. It is home to our dedicated training and assessment facilities, where we welcome newcomers to the hobby and help them earn their Foundation, Standard, and Advanced licenses. The building also houses a well-equipped workshop for members’ projects, a library of technical resources, and our club station, a place for members to get on the air and test their skills.
In addition to its role as a social and educational hub, the clubhouse is a technical site in its own right. It is the location of our 6-meter beacon, VK4RGG, which operates on 52.652 MHz. This beacon provides a valuable service by allowing amateurs across the region to test and monitor for propagation conditions on the VHF 6-meter band, demonstrating the club’s commitment to both local and long-distance communication.