Supporting the Gold Coast community for over 50 years.
The story of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society (GCARS) is a journey from a small group of enthusiasts to a cornerstone of the Gold Coast community. It is a history of technical innovation, public service, and a passion for communication and electronics that spans over five decades.
The origins of our club trace back to the Southport Radio Club. In October 1970, a new chapter began when the Gold Coast Radio Club was formed, absorbing the members and assets of its predecessor. This new organization was created to serve the growing number of amateur radio operators on the Gold Coast, and it quickly became a central point for the local amateur radio community.
A pivotal moment occurred on September 15, 1974, with the first use of a 2-meter repeater on the Gold Coast. This pioneering effort demonstrated the potential for wide-area communication and laid the foundation for the club’s extensive repeater network.
In 1978, the club underwent a significant transformation, officially changing its name to the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society, as we are known today. This change reflected the club’s growing professionalism and its expanding role in the amateur radio and electronics community.
From its inception, the club has been dedicated to the practical skills of electronics, not just the operation of radios. Our constitution defines a purpose that extends beyond simple communication to encompass the art and science of electronics.
This commitment is most visible in our clubhouse, which is equipped with a dedicated workshop. Here, members gather to build, repair, and experiment with electronic circuits and radio equipment. We hold regular “TechNets” and workshops focused on electronics projects, from soldering and circuit design to antenna construction and equipment repair. This hands-on approach ensures that members understand the technology they use, fostering a deeper appreciation for the hobby and cultivating valuable technical skills. This dedication to electronics is a core part of our identity and a key factor in our ability to maintain and innovate our repeater network and other technical assets.
For many years, the club operated from various temporary locations. The dream of a permanent clubhouse became a reality in 1983 when construction began at our current location on Harper Street, Molendinar. Built with the dedication of countless volunteer hours and the generosity of our members, the clubhouse was officially completed, and the first meeting was held there in January 1986. This new home provided a stable environment for meetings, training sessions, and club activities, solidifying GCARS as a permanent fixture on the Gold Coast.
From the beginning, the club has been at the forefront of technical innovation, particularly with its repeater network.
The Springbrook Repeater (VK4RGC): The club’s flagship 2-meter repeater, operating under the historic call sign VK4RGC, has been a central part of the Gold Coast amateur radio scene for decades. Its high-elevation location on Springbrook provides unparalleled coverage across the Gold Coast, into Brisbane, and down into the Tweed Valley. This site has been continually maintained and upgraded. In 2023, a significant project was completed to relocate the repeater to a new, purpose-built facility on Springbrook to ensure its long-term future and continued service to the community.
Wongawallan Site (VK4RBT): The club’s commitment to technology led to the establishment of the Wongawallan repeater site in 2018. This facility is a multi-mode hub, providing services for:
DMR (Digital Mobile Radio): A modern digital repeater that connects local users to a worldwide network.
P.25 UHF and Analog UHF: Catering to both new and legacy digital and analog equipment.
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System): A crucial service for real-time tracking and tactical communication.
Analog VHF: A dedicated repeater to complement the Springbrook coverage.
The Clubhouse Beacon (VK4RGG): The clubhouse itself is a technical site, housing our 6-meter beacon, VK4RGG, which operates on 52.652 MHz. This beacon assists amateurs in testing for propagation conditions on the 6-meter band, a key tool for long-distance communication.
Throughout its history, GCARS has maintained a strong focus on public service. This commitment is most visible in our Community Communication Centre (CCC) trailer. This mobile communications hub is a self-contained unit, equipped with multi-band radios and independent power, ready for rapid deployment. The trailer is used for:
Emergency Communications: Providing a critical link during natural disasters or major incidents when other communication services are compromised.
Event Support: Assisting with communication for local sporting events and community functions.
Training: Serving as a platform for realistic disaster and emergency communication exercises.
The CCC trailer showcases the value of amateur radio in supporting the community in times of need and reinforces the club’s role as a trusted partner in public safety.
From its humble beginnings to its modern status as a leader in amateur radio, the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society continues to build on its rich history, fostering a passion for radio technology and a dedication to community service.
