Thankyou to all of the VKFF activators who have contributed to my most recent WWFF certificate, the VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 950.  Issued for having worked 950 different VKFF reference areas.

Our second park for ANZAC Day was the Bunbury Conservation Reserve VKFF-1691, which is located about 40 km west of the town of Keith, on the western side of Bunbury Road.  This was to be a unique park for both Marija and I for the WWFF program.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Bunbury Conservation Reserve.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

Bunbury Conservation Reserve is about 1,945 hectares (4,810 acres) in size and was proclaimed on the 11th November 1993.

Above:- Aerial shot of the park, with Adelaide and my home QTH in the distance.  Image courtesy of google maps

The park takes its name from the property ‘Bunbury’ once held by James W.D. Dening (1842-1930) who emigrated to Australia in 1849 with his parents aboard the Louisa Baillie.

The park comprises mainly of white sand dune and watercourses, with Pink Gum, Yellow mallee, Desert Banksia, Sand heath yacca, Swamp paper-bark, Short-leaf honey-myrtle, Round-leaf wilsonia, and Samphire low shrubland.

Birds SA have recorded a total of 54 native species of bird in the park including Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Inland Thornbill, Australian Golden Whistler, Silvereye, Weebill, Spotted Pardalote, Scarlet Robin, White-browed Woodswallow, and Magpielark

We found a gate leading in to the park off the Bunbury Road and drove about 1 km along the sandy 4WD track and set up alongside of the track.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Bunbury Conservation Reserve showing our operating spot in the eastern section of the park.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

Prior to calling CQ Marija and I tuned across the 40m band to see if we could find any other park activators.  We found Ian VK1DI/2 on 7.150, activating the Yanunbeyan State Conservation Area VKFF-1400.  After logging Ian I moved up the band to find a clear spot.  As it was now late afternoon (about 4.00 p.m. local time), the 40m band was very busy with lots of VK and European stations.  I found 7.165 clear and started calling CQ.  This was answered by Peter VK3PF, followed by Graham VK7ZGK and then Steve AX5SFA.

The 40m band seemed to still be in good shape, albeit that the number of callers appeared to have dropped off from our previous activation.  However, there was a steady flow of callers from across Australia.  I qualified the park for WWFF with 44 contacts within 30 minutes.  I logged a total of 49 stations on 40m including another Park to Park, with Bill VK4FW/p who was in the  Glastonbury National Park VKFF-1197.  Marija also logged Bill.

Marija and I then swapped the mic.  Marija called CQ on 7.165 and this was answered by John VK4TJ, followed by Mark VK4SMA, and then Keith AX3FMKE.  After a few minutes, Marija had 10 contacts in the log, qualifying the park for VKFF.  Marija’s 10th contact was with Terry VK5ATN.  Marija went on to log a total of 40 stations on 40m, including two New Zealand contacts: Owen ZL4CY and Ken ZL4KD.  And also a further Park to Park, with Gerard VK2IO/p in the Marramarra National Park VKFF-0307.

We then lowered the squid pole and inserted the links for the 80m band and Marija commenced calling CQ on 3.610.  This was answered by John VK5BJE with a big 5/9 plus signal, followed by Steve VK5ST and then Adrian VK5FANA.  Marija logged a total of 9 stations on 80m from VK2, VK3 and VK5.  Adrian VK5FANA was her 44th contact, thus qualifying the park for the global WWFF program.

We then lowered the squid pole again and removed the links and headed to the 20m band.  But I had left it too late.  It was now after 0730 UTC (5.00 p.m. local time) and the band, long path to Europe, had closed.  I had no takers on 20m.  So it was back to 40m for one final round of calls.  I logged a further 15 stations, including Andre ZL1TM, and John AX6NU/p on SOTA peak VK6/ SW-039.

The sun was setting and it was also starting to get a bit chilly, and we had a good 2 hour drive to get back home.  So with a total of 114 QSOs in the log, including 6 Park to Park contacts, it was time to hit the road.  On the way home we worked Nick VK6NDX who was activating the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park VKFF-1430.  Nick had an excellent 5/9 signal into the mobile.  I also had a quick chat to my good mate Ted VK6NTE.  I also had a quick listen in on the 7130 DX Net, but could hear very few stations, so I decided not to check in.

We then stopped off at the Riverside Hotel at Tailem Bend for a meal.  We often stop off here and can highly recommend the meal.  During the day you can sit outside on the balcony which overlooks the mighty River Murray.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1DI/2 (Yanunbeyan State Conservation Area VKFF-1400)
2. VK4FW/p (Glastonbury National Park VKFF-1197)
3. VK4TJ
4. VK4SMA
5. AX3FMLE
6. AX2PKT
7. VK2PKT
8. VK3CDR
9. VK5FANA
10. VK5ATN
11. AX5ATN
12. VK3UCD
13. VK4NH
14. AX4NH
15. VK4DXA
16. AX4DXA
17. ZL4TY/VK4
18. VK4FDJL
19. VK2NP
20. ZL4CY
21. ZL4KD
22. AX2LEE
23. VK2LEE
24. VK2EMI
25. VK3ZD
26. VK3MB
27. VK3UH
28. VK3BBB
29. VK3PF
30. AX3PF
31. VK3KAI
32. AX3KAI
33. VK3SX
34. AX3SX
35. VK7JON
36. VK6PCT/3
37. VK3FIAN
38. VK2YK
39. VK2NEO
40. VK2IO/p (Marramarra National Park VKFF-0307)

Marija logged the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5BJE
2. VK5PF
3. VK5ST
4. VK5FANA
5. VK3SQ
6. VK5VC
7. VK2YK
8. AX3FMKE
9. VK2PH

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1DI/2 (Yanunbeyan State Conservation Area VKFF-1400)
2. VK3PF
3. AX7ZGK
4. AX5SFA
5. VK3MDH/p
6. VK3GGG
7. VK3PMG
8. AX3GGG
9. AX3PMG
10. AX3MRG/p
11. VK5BJE
12. VK7JON
13. VK2HOT
14. AX2HOT
15. VK2PKT
16. AX2PKT
17. VK3ZZS/p
18. VK2NP
19. VK2LEE
20. AX2LEE
21. VK3UCD
22. VK3FSPG
23. VK3MPR
24. VK5ATN
25. VK3LDB
26. VK2HHA
27. AX2HHA
28. VK4FW/p (Glastonbury National Park VKFF-1197)
29. VK2EIR/p
30. AX2FRKO/p
31. VK2JNG/p
32. VK3TKK/m
33. VK4NH
34. AX4NH
35. VK4DXA
36. AX4DXA
37. ZL4TY/VK4
38. VK4FDJL
39. AX3ANL
40. VK3ANL
41. VK5FANA
42. VK3SQ
43. VK4SMA
44. AX3FMKE
45. VK3FDI
46. VK3KSK
47. VK4PDX
48. VK2BHO
49. VK3BMT
50. VK2IO/p (Marramarra National Park VKFF-0307)
51. VK2NEO
52. ZL1TM
53. VK3ARH
54. AX2PDW
55. VK3OHM/6
56. VK2NP
57. VK3ZPF
58. AX2AKB
59. VK2AKB
60. VK2YK
61. VK3SX
62. AX3SX
63. AX4ITT
64. AX6NU/p (SOTA VK6/ SW-039)
65. VK3BFR

References.

Birds SA, 2018, <https://birdssa.asn.au/location/bunbury-conservation-reserve/>, viewed 26th April 2018

State Library South Australia, 2018, <http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, viewed 26th April 2018

Yesterday (Wednesday 25th April 2018) was ANZAC Day.  Some would say the most important date on the Australian calendar.  ANZAC Day is a National day of remembrance in both Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations”.

And each year on ANZAC Day, Australian amateurs can replace the normal VK prefix with the special prefix of AX.  It is normally raining at this time of the year here, but yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, and Marija and I decided to pack the 4WD and head to the Upper South East of South Australia to conduct two park activations: The Gum Lagoon Conservation Park, and the Bunbury Conservation Reserve.  These would both be unique parks for Marija and I in the World Wide Flora Fauna program and the VK5 Parks Award.

We had some travelling ahead of us.  We needed to travel to the town of Keith, about 200km to the south east of our home, and then our to the parks.  By the end of the day we had travelled around 450 km.

Above:- Map showing our route for the day.  Map courtesy of plotaroute.

Our first planned park activation for the day was the Gum Lagoon Conservation Park 5CP-083 & VKFF-0886, which is located about 269 km south east of Adelaide, and around 45 km south west of the town of Keith.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Gum Lagoon Conservation Park in the Upper South East of South Australia.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

We travelled out of Mount Barker along the South Eastern Freeway and along the way we logged Ivan AX5HS and Andy AX5LA who were activating the Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697 in the Riverland region of South Australia.  They were strength 9 into the mobile.  This was a good sign of things to come with band conditions.  Ivan and Andy informed us that Peter VK5PE was with them and was operating on 40m, so we headed there and also logged Peter who was 5/9 + into the mobile.  Here is a link to the Riverland Radio Club’s website with info on their activation…..

https://rrc.org.au/2018/04/25/anzac-day-activation-25-04-2018/

Both Marija and I then logged Rob VK4AAC/2 who was activating the Murramarang National Park VKFF-0371.  Rob had a good 5/8 signal into the mobile.

We then continued onto the Dukes Highway, passing through the towns of Coomandook, Yumali, Ki Ki, Coonalpyn, Culburra, and Tintinara, until we reached the town of Keith.   Along the way we logged Stef AX5HSX/3 who was activating the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954.  We also chatted with Mike VK3KMH, Ross AX7ALH and Mark VK3MDH/p.  Just outside of Tintinara we logged Danny AX5DW in the Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697.

We then took the Mount Charles Road and then turned left onto Cantara Road.  It is amazing some of the things we have seen in our travels.  And this trip didn’t disappoint.  Not sure what the significance is, but we found the fellow below hanging from a tree.

A little further on we spotted the two Wedge Tailed Eagles below, soaring in the breeze above some paddocks.  Unfortunately they were a little too far away and too high for any good photos.  Wedge Tailed Eagles are the largest bird of prey in Australia.  They have a wingspan of up to 2.84 metres.  The females are larger than the males and can weigh up to 5.8 kg.  The wedge tail of the bird is clearly visible when they are in flight.

As we travelled along Cantara Road we logged Mick AX3GGG/p who was in the Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118.  We soon reached the north eastern corner of the park at the intersection of Cantara Road, Wicks Road and Eatts Road.  This section of the park is known as Blacket Scrub, and is well signposted.

We drove a little further up Cantara Road, looking for a clearing in the scrub.  Cantara Road is dirt but is in good condition and was quite busy.  It links the Dukes Highway with the Princes Highway and the Coorong.

The Gum Lagoon Conservation Park is a large park, comprising around 2,700 hectares.  It was originally proclaimed as Gum Lagoon National Park in August 1970 and constituted as Gum Lagoon Conservation Park on proclamation of the National Parks and Wildlife Act in 1972.  Historically, the area that is now Gum Lagoon Conservation Park had been held under miscellaneous and pastoral leases for “grazing and cultivation”.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Gum Lagoon Conservation Park, with the Coorong National Park to the left of the picture, and my home QTH and Adelaide in the distance.  Image courtesy of google maps

The park contains grasslands, herblands, heathlands, woodlands and scrub.  About 375 native plants have been recorded within the park, including four which are nationally threatened or rare.

The Duck Island Watercourse flows through the park.  It is an important flushing mechanism for the Tea-tree heathlands and wetland basins along its route.  The watercourse sustains a corridor of wetland habitat joining wetlands on Duck Island with Naen Naen Swamp in the park.

The conservation park has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area, principally because it supports an apparently sustainable population of the vulnerable Malleefowl.  The Malleefowl is a stocky ground-dwelling bird, about the size of a domestic chicken. They are notable for the large nesting mounds constructed by the males.

Above: Mallefowl.  Image courtesy of wikipedia.

Birds SA have recorded a total of 133 bird species in the park including  Malleefowl, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Brown Hornbill, White-browed Woodswallow, Grey Shrikethrush, Grey Fantail, Swamp Harrier, White-necked Heron, Spotted Nightjar, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Slender-billed Thornbill, and Red-browed Finch

A number of native animals call the park home including some mammals of conservation significance including the rare Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Red-necked Wallaby, and Common Wombat, and the regionally rare Little Pygmy Possum.

We found a clearing in the scrub off Cantara Road and set up, rolling out the awning on the 4WD as the sun had quite some bite to it.  We used the Yaesu FT-897 and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Above:- Map of the Gum Lagoon Conservation Park showing our operating spot in the north eastern corner of the park.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

After setting up Marija and I had a tune across the 40m band and found Stef AX5HSX/3 on 7.139, activating the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954.  It was a great way to kick off the activation, with a Park to Park contact.  We then found Mick AX3GGG/p on 7.144 in the Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118 in western Victoria.

Following logging Mick we moved down to 7.150 where I commenced calling CQ.  This was answered by Brett VK3FLCS and then Ivan AX5HS/p and Andy AX5LA/p who were in the Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697 in the Riverland region of South Australia.  And they were roaring in at signal strength 5/9 plus.

The 40m band was in very good condition.  The best I have heard it in a long time.  There was no fading (QSB) on signals as there has been in recent weeks, with signals from all across Australia coming in exceptionally well.  And it was pleasing to have the good old mini VKFF pile ups occurring.  The band was in such good shape, that within 30 minutes I had 44 contacts in the log, having qualified the park for the VKFF program.  Erick AX7EK was my 44th contact.

I logged a total of 66 contacts on 40m before swapping the mic with Marija.  As Marija holds a Foundation licence, her power output is limited to 10 watts PEP.  Marija’s first contact after calling CQ was with Peter VK3PF, followed by Linda VK7QP (Marija’s 10th contact), and then Charlie VK5VC.  Marija had qualified the park for VKFF and continued on, logging a total of 57 stations from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7.  This included some more Park to Park contacts & a SOTA contact:

• Gerard VK2IO/p – SOTA VK2/ SY-001
• Craig VK3NCR/2 – Koscisusko National Park VKFF-0269
• Liz AX2XSE/p – Jimberoo National Park VKFF-1172
• Peter VK2KNV/p – Jimberoo National Park VKFF-1172
• David VK2CDS/p – Hunter Wetlands National Park VKFF-0595
• Ivan AX5HS/p – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698
• Ivan VK5HS/p – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698
• Andy AX5LA/p – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698
• Andy VK5LA/p – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698
• Peter VK5PE/p  – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698
• Danny AX5DW/p – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698
• Danny VK5DW/p – Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698

I then called CQ again on 7.150 and logged a further 11 stations including two further Park to Park contacts:

• Neil AX4HNS/p  – Mount Barney National Park VKFF-0338
• Ian VK1DI/2 – Yanunbeyan State Conservation Area VKFF-1400

It was very hard getting off 40m as there were so many callers.  And we were running a little short of time.  So I had to cut it short with a few of the final callers, as I really wanted to quickly try 80m and 20m and then head off to the next park.  So with 88 contacts in the log we moved to 3.610 on 80m.  First in the log was John VK5BJE, who was patiently waiting for us.  John had a brilliant 5/9 plus signal from the Adelaide Hills.  Next up was Peter VK5ZPG at Quorn in the north of South Australia, and then Greg AX5GJ who was running QRP with just 5 watts, with a good 5/8- signal.  I logged a further 3 stations on 80m, David VK3UCD, Keith AX3FMKE and finally Eric VK5KBB.

To complete the activation I put out a few quick calls on 14.310 on 20m.  I logged George VK4GSF and then Greg AX5GJ.  However a further dozen CQ calls yielded no takers, so we packed up and hit the road.  Sadly I didn’t have time to try the 15m band.

This was a great activation, with excellent band conditions on 40m.  Between us we had 159 contacts in the log, including 44 Park to Park contacts.

As we were about to drive out of the park we logged from the mobile, Peter AX3ZPF/p who was in the Adams Creek Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2034.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. AX5HSX/3 (Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954)
2. VK5HSX/3 (Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954)
3. AX3GGG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
4. AX3PMG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
5. VK3GGG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
6. VK3PMG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
7. AX5HS/p (Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697)
8. AX5LA/p (Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697)
9. VK3PF
10. VK7QP
11. VK5VC
12. VK2KYO
13. VK5FANA
14. VK5BMC
15. VK5KLV
16. VK3SQ
17. VK2HHA
18. AX2HHA
19. VK2UH
20. VK5KX
21. VK3HQZ
22. VK3VT
23. VK3GG
24. VK3AB
25. VK3MUD
26. VK5LA/m
27. AX5LA/m
28. VK3UCD
29. VK5HS/m
30. AX5HS/m
31. VK3MIJ
32. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ SY-001)
33. VK3UH
34. VK3NBL
35. VK3CWF
36. VK3MDH/p
37. VK3MRG/p
38. AX3MRG/p
39. VK3NCR/2 (Koscisusko National Park VKFF-0269)
40. AX3FMKE
41. VK3FCMC
42. AX2XSE/p (Jimberoo National Park VKFF-1172)
43. VK2KNV/p (Jimberoo National Park VKFF-1172)
44. AX3PF
45. VK2NP
46. VK2CDS/p (Hunter Wetlands National Park VKFF-0595)
47. VK4GSF
48. AX3FSTU
49. AX7ALH
50. VK3SS
51. AX5HS/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
52. VK5HS/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
53. AX5LA/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
54. VK5LA/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
55. VK5PE/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
56. AX5DW/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
57. VK5DW/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
58. AX4HNS/p (Mount Barney National Park VKFF-0338)
59. VK1DI/2 (Yanunbeyan State Conservation Area VKFF-1400)

Marija logged the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5BJE
2. VK5ZPG
3. AX5GJ

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. AX5HSX/3 (Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954)
2. VK5HSX/3 (Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954)
3. AX3GGG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
4. AX3PMG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
5. VK3GGG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
6. VK3PMG/p (Jilpanger Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2118)
7. VK3FLCS
8. AX5HS/p (Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697)
9. AX5LA/p (Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697)
10. VK5HS/p (Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697)
11. VK5LA/p (Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697)
12. VK2EMI
13. VK3MVS
14. VK7JON
15. VK5FANA
16. VK5KLV
17. VK3FSPG
18. VK3MPR
19. VK3SQ
20. VK2HHA
21. AX2HHA
22. VK3BBB
23. VK2CCP/3
24. VK2NP
25. VK5BJE
26. AX3AHR
27. VK5TN
28. AX2PKT
29. VK2PKT
30. VK3TKK/m
31. AX3TKK/m
32. VK3VIN
33. VK5KX
34. VK7QP
35. VK3ARH
36. VK4TJ
37. VK3UH
38. VK4NH
39. AX4NH
40. VK4DXA
41. AX4DXA
42. ZL4TY/VK4
43. VK5MR
44. AX7EK
45. AX5GJ
46. VK5FMWW
47. VK3AB
48. VK3MUD
49. VK3MDH/p
50. VK3MRG/p
51. AX3MRG/p
52. VK2KYO
53. VK3ANL
54. AX3ANL
55. VK3NCR/2 (Koscisusko National Park VKFF-0269)
56. VK5ATN
57. VK2VW
58. AX5TRM
59. VK5TRM
60. AX3FLJD
61. VK6PCT/3
62. VK3HQZ
63. VK3VT
64. VK3GG
65. VK5VC
66. VK5BMC
67. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ SY-001)
68. AX2XSE/p (Jimberoo National Park VKFF-1172)
69. VK2KNV/p (Jimberoo National Park VKFF-1172)
70. VK2CDS/p (Hunter Wetlands National Park VKFF-0595)
71. AX5DW/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
72. VK5DW/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
73. VK5PE/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
74. AX5HS/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
75. VK5HS/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
76. AX5LA/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
77. VK5LA/p (Chowilla Regional Reserve, VKFF-1698)
78. AX3ASU
79. VK5ZPG
80. VK3FKL
81. VK2USH
82. VK5PL
83. VK4FDJL
84. AX4HNS/p (Mount Barney National Park VKFF-0338)
85. AX5KBB
86. VK3KOP/p
87. VK5DC
88. VK1DI/2 (Yanunbeyan State Conservation Area VKFF-1400)

I logged the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5BJE
2. VK5ZPG
3. AX5GJ
4. VK3UCD
5. AX3FMKE
6. VK5KBB
7. AX5KBB

I logged the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4GSF
2. AX5GJ

References.

Birds SA, 2018, <https://birdssa.asn.au/location/gum-lagoon-conservation-park/>, viewed 26th April 2018

Department for Environment and Heritage, 2005, Gum Lagoon Conservation Park Management Plan

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day>, viewed 26th April 2018

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedge-tailed_eagle>, viewed 26th April 2018

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malleefowl>, viewed 26th April 2018

And here is my latest global WWFF certificate, issued for having activated 198 different WWFF reference areas and for reaching 44 QSOs in each reference.

Thankyou to all of the hunters and thanks to Friedrich Dl4BBH, the WWFF Activator Award Manager.

Yesterday’s activation of Ferguson Conservation Park was my 225th unique VKFF park as an activator.

Many of those parks I’ve been back to 3-7 times over, so they all count towards the Boomerang Award. But Ferguson was my 225th unique.

I didn’t plan on doing a park activation today (Saturday 21st April 2018), but when I heard so many park activators out this morning, I decided to head out and enjoy the sunshine myself.  We have been experiencing very unseasonal weather here, with some very warm days for April.  And today was no exception, with the temperature being about 28 deg C.

I chose to head to the Ferguson Conservation Park 5CP-066 & VKFF-0880, which is a park I have not previously been to.  The park is located in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, in the suburb of Stonyfell, about 7 km east of the Adelaide central business district.

This was to be my 225th unique park as an activator in the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Ferguson Conservation Park in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

The Ferguson Conservation Park is about 8 hectares (20 acres) in size and was established on 1st January 1949.  The park consists of undulating land in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges.  The highest point in the park is around 180 metres above sea level (ASL).  The lowest point in the park is around 140 metres ASL.  Two creeks drain the park, including the Stonyfell Creek which is the larger of the two.  The park is bordered by Stonyfell Road, Marble Terrace, and Hallett Road in the suburb of Stonyfell and is surrounded by housing the St Peters Girls School.

Above:- Aerial shot showing the Ferguson Conservation Park in the foreground, surrounded by the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.  Image courtesy of google maps.

The park consists of open woodland, with remnant blue gum, native pines and sheaoks.  Over 145 native plant species have been recorded from the park, including 17 species of grasses, 23 species of orchids and 14 species of lilies.  It is quite amazing to think that the Adelaide Plains once looked like this prior to European settlement in the 1800’s.

The history of this park is extremely interesting.  Between 1879-1881 Simpson Newland (1835-1925) purchased two parcels of land which nowadays, together comprise the St Peters Girls School and the Ferguson Conservation Park.  Newland was born in Staffordshire England and was a pastoralist, author and politician.  He was a competent stockrider and bushman and served in parliament from 1885-1886.  During his life he was President of the South Australian branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, and the South Australian Zoological and Acclimatization Society.

Above:- Simpson Newland.  Image courtesy of http://www.adb.anu.edu.au

Newland purchased 3.5 hectares of land in December 1879 (shown as Area A below) and in 1882 he purchased a further 4.5 hectares (shown as Area B below).  The current day Ferguson Conservation Park is composed of Areas A and B.  In 1881, one portion of the land purchased by Newland, now the school, was sold.

Above:- The Ferguson Conservation Park is composed of the areas designated as A and B above.  Image courtesy of National Parks SA

In 1902 Simpson Newland transferred the remaining property to his son, Sir Henry Simpson Newland (1873-1969).  Henry Newland was a surgeon and served during World War One with the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt, Lemnos, Gallipoli and France, gaining experience of military surgery at Ypres and Passchendale in Belgium.  He was knighted in 1928.

Above:- Sir Henry Simpson Newland.  Image courtesy of SA State Library

In 1926, following the death of Simpson Newland, Alexander Melrose (1865-1944) acquired the land.  Melrose was a solicitor, writer and patron of the arts.  He was a governor of the Botanic Garden, Adelaide (from 1927), and of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia (1928-40).  Miss Alice Euphermia ‘Effie’ Ferguson (1871-1949), Melrose’s niece, lived with him and cared for him at his home Chiverton, at Wattle Park  (adjacent to the park) in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide until his death in 1944.

Above:- Alice Ferguson? at Chiverton, c. 1910.  Image courtesy of State Library of South Australia

Upon his death in 1944 it was his wish that his niece, Alice Ferguson, be offered the land.  Miss Ferguson purchased the land from his estate and shortly before her death in June 1949, at the suggestion of Sir Henry Newland, she gave the land to the South Australian Government ‘for the benefit of the public in perpetuity’.  It was just 7 days before her death that she added a codicil to her will by which she bequeathed the property to the Minister of the Crown.

The South Australian Premier at the time, Thomas Playford said:

“With the expansion of the metropolitan area, the need for parks in the outer areas is becoming more acute….Miss Ferguson;s gesture will do much to preserve the high reputation for open spaces that Adelaide possesses”.

Above:- Article from The Advertiser, Fri 24th June 1949.  Courtesy of Trove.

In 1957 Sir Henry Simpson wrote the following of his father’s and Alexander Melrose’s interest in the Ferguson Park property:

“I have had an interest, dating from boyhood, in the welfare of the native woodland at Erindale, now known as the Ferguson Reserve.  My father cherished its bird life.  When the late Mr. Alick Melrose acquired the property he continued to bestow the same care on it and planted many native Australian trees and shrubs with his own hands, adding to its attractions.  When he died it appeared likely that subdivision and housing would be its fate.  However Miss Ferguson, a very old friend and my patient at the time, adopted my suggestion that she should purchase that portion of her uncle’s estate.  With the co-operation of his executors, and the devoted interest of her agent, this was achieved, the property at Miss Ferguson’s wish becoming a public recreation reserve in perpetuity”.

Ferguson was initially managed by the South Australian Government Tourist Bureau as the Ferguson National Pleasure Resort.  In 1972 it came under the control of the National Parks & Wildlife Service and until 1976 it was known as the Ferguson Recreation Park.

Mr. Ken A. Preiss (posthumously recognised with an Order of Australia in the 2014 Australia Day Honours for his contribution to conservation, the environment and the community) submitted several reports highlighting the importance of preserving the native bushland in Ferguson Park.  In 1973 Preiss made a submission through the Nature Conservation Society of South Australia to the National Parks & Wildlife Advisory Council that the park be rescheduled as the Ferguson Conservation Park.  Following receipt of Preiss’s submission, the Council recommended to the Minister of Environment & Conservation that the Ferguson Recreation Park should be managed as a Conservation Park.

The then Minister enquired of the South Australian Crown Solicitor if reclassifying the park would violate the terms of Miss Alice Ferguson’s bequest.  This was again this could take place and subsequently recommended to the South Australian Governor, Sir Mark Oliphant.

On the 24th June 1976 the park was gazetted as the the Ferguson Conservation Park.  Interestingly, shortly after being gazetted it was realised that the correct procedure to gazette the park had not been followed.  As a result the gazettal was found to be invalid and the park was correctly gazetted on 2nd June 1977.

A number of native animals call the park home including koalas, Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum.  Numerous native birds can also be found in the park including Rainbow Lorikeets, Noisy Miners, Red Wattlebirds, and Kookaburras.

The park is well signposted and has an information board and a memorial plaque which reads:-

“This Park was presented to the Government of South Australia by the late Miss A.E. Ferguson in June 1949 at her express wish it has been dedicated as a National Pleasure Resort for the benefit of the public in perpetuity”.

There are some ornamental stone gates off Hallett Road on the western side of the park  which were erected between 1950-1951.

I initially drove along Marble Terrace and followed the southern boundary of the park.  Houses are located on the southern side of Marble Terrace, and I was a little worried that the noise floor might be a bit high.  So I headed to Stonyfell Road and the northern side of the park.  I parked the car on Stonyfell Road and entered the park near the eastern boundary of the St Peters Girls School.

Above:- Stonyfell Road, with houses on the left and the park on the right of the picture.

It was coming up towards 11.30 a.m. local time and it was quite a warm morning, so I chose a nice shady spot underneath some gum tree.  For this activation I ran the Yaesu FT-897, 40 watts output, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Ferguson Conservation Park showing my operating spot.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

I kicked off the activation by having a tune across the band, and found Gerard VK2IO/p on 7.139 in the Towra Point Nature Reserve VKFF-2004.  Gerard was a good 5/7 signal from New South Wales.  I then moved up to 7.144 and called CQ.  This was answered by Dick VK7DIK in Tasmania, followed by Ron VK3AHR and then Rob VK2QA.  Signals were down a bit compared to normal, due to a recent eruption from the sun, throwing the HF bands into a bit of a spin.

I had 10 contacts in the log after 12 minutes, thus qualifying the park for VKFF.  That makes 225 unique VKFF references for me as an activator.  Four QSOs later I logged another Park to Park contact, this time with Gerard VK2JNG/p who was in the Woomargama National Park VKFF-0547.  It was great to be able to log Bob VK6POP all the way over in Western Australia, around 2,100 km away (a local QSO here in Australia).  I also logged my lovely wife Marija VK5FMAZ.

But callers dried up very quickly, so I took the opportunity of heading to the 80m band.  I found Ivan VK5HS/p on 3.610 in the Moorook Game Reserve VKFF-1729 with a booming 5/9 plus signal.  Ivan was logged Park to Park and kindly handed over the frequency to me.  Here is a link to the Riverland Radio Club website about Ivan and Danny’s activation….

https://rrc.org.au/2018/04/21/moorook-game-reserve-activation-21-04-2018/

Next in the log was John VK5NJ down in Mount Gambier, who had followed me down from 40m.  Danny VK5DW/p who was with Ivan in the Moorook Game Reserve then called in, followed by Marija VK5FMAZ, Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula, and finally Mike VK5FMWW.  But once again, despite the band being in quite good shape, I didn’t receive any further calls, particularly from the VK5’s.

With 27 contacts in the log, I moved back to 7.139 on 40m and called CQ.  Brian VK3BBB was first up, followed by Andrew VK2UH, and then Tony VK3XV/m with Joe VK3YSP/m and Julie VK3YSP/m.  All were mobile on their way to Murrayville in western Victoria.  And wow, did they have a great signal coming out of the mobile, strength 9 plus.

I logged a further 14 contacts on 40m, including a Park to Park with Ken VK2KYO/3 in the Rutherglen Nature Conservation ReserveVKFF-2185.

I then moved to 20m and headed to 14.310 where I found Gerard VK2JNG/p in the Woomargama National Park VKFF-0547 VKFF-0547.  It was great to log Gerard Park to Park on a second band.  Gerard kindly handed over the frequency to me, and in response to my CQ call, Cliff VK2NP called in, followed by Dennis VK2HHA.  I logged a total of 7 contacts on 20m, including a Park to Park with Gerard VK2IO/p in the Towra Point Nature Reserve VKFF-2004 VKFF-2004, and also Kyoyu JA8RJE in Japan.

To finish off the activation I headed back to 40m and put out a final CQ call on 7.139.  Bob VK5FPAC gave me a shout with a 5/9 plus signal, followed by Andy VK5LA/p in the Lawari Conservation Park VKFF-1767 and then Adrian VK5FANA.  Prior to ‘calling stumps’ for the day I tuned across the band and logged Rob VK4AAC/2 who was activating the Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve VKFF-1979.

Despite a fairly slow start, I had qualified this new park for VKFF & WWFF, with a total of 57 contacts, including 9 Park to Park QSOs.  And my 225th unique park as an activator.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/p (Towra Point Nature Reserve VKFF-2004)
2. VK7DIK
3. VK3AHR
4. VK2QR
5. VK2EXA
6. VK2HHA
7. VK3MRG
8. VK7JON
9. VK3UH
10. VK3FCMC
11. VK1AT
12. VK4FDJL
13. VK4AAC
14. VK2JNG/p (Woomargama National Park VKFF-0547)
15. VK2NP
16. VK2LEE
17. VK1DI
18. VK7FOLK
19. VK5NJ
20. VK5FMAZ
21. VK6POP
22. VK3BBB
23. VK2UH
24. VK3XV/m
25. VK3YSP/m
26. VK3FOWL/m
27. VK3TKK/m
28. VK4ARW
29. VK3BCM
30. VK5BJE
31. VK3PF/m
32. VK3UA
33. VK3PAH
34. VK2VW
35. VK2KYO/3 (Rutherglen Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2185)
36. VK5FPAC
37. VK5LA/p (Lawari Conservation Park VKFF-1767)
38. VK5FANA
39. VK4AAC/2 (Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve VKFF-1979)

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5HS/p (Moorook Game Reserve VKFF-1729)
2. VK5NJ
3. VK5DW/p (Moorook Game Reserve VKFF-1729)
4. VK5FMAZ
5. VK5FANA
6. VK5FMWW

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2JNG/p (Woomargama National Park VKFF-0547)
2. VK2NP
3. VK2HHA
4. VK4GMH
5. VK4SMA
6. VK2IO/p (Towra Point Nature Reserve VKFF-2004)
7. JA8RJE

References.

Australian Dictionary of Biography, 2018, <http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/melrose-alexander-11105>, viewed 21st April 2018

Australian Dictionary of Biography, 2018, <http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/newland-simpson-sim-7828&gt;, viewed 21st April 2018

Australian Dictionary of Biography, 2018,<http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/newland-sir-henry-simpson-7826>, viewed 21st April 2018

Burnside Historical Society Inc, 2009, Newsletter March 2009

Christian Clare Robertson, 2018, <https://ccrobertson.com/adelaide/>, viewed 21st April 2018

National Parks and Wildlife Service, 1984, ‘Ferguson Conservation Park Management Plan’

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferguson_Conservation_Park>, viewed 21st April 2018

Today (Tuesday 17th April 2018) I headed down south to activate a brand new park for me, the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park 5CP-003 & VKFF-0866.  The park is located about 48 km south of Adelaide, and about 60 km south west of my home.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park, south of Adelaide.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

The Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park is 266 hectares in size and was proclaimed on the 7th November 1985.  It is home to a diverse range of rare plants and is recognised as a significant area for the conservation and protection of the region’s flora and fauna.  The park represents one of the last remnant patches of native coastal scrubland along the Adelaide coastline.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park.  Image courtesy of google maps.

The area which is now the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park was part of the territory of the Kaurna aboriginal people.  The scrub and adjacent coastline  yielded a rich and bountiful supply of food and materials used for utensils.   Shellfish, fish, marsupials, reptiles, birds and plant foods such as nardoo, muntries, yams and quandongs were abundant in the area.  It is believed that Aldinga is a corruption of the aborignal word ‘Nal-dinga’ meaning ‘open wide’.  However there are other suggestions that it means ‘much water’, while other sources suggest it means ‘good place for meat’, ‘open, wide plain’ or ‘tree district’.

Above:- A Kaurna tribe.  Image courtesy of http://www.researchgate.net

The nearby town of Aldinga was laid out by Lewis Fidge (1827-1895), farmer of Aldinga, circa 1857, who had arrived in the colony of South Australia aboard the Duchess of Northumberland in 1839.

In the 1960s the Willunga Council became concerned that subdivision of the area would cause erosion of the important sand dunes in the area.  Between 1965 and 1982, 300 hectares were purchased at Aldinga to be managed by the State Planning Authority as an Open Space Reserve.  In 1985 the reserve was declared Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park.

The park contains sand dunes, sand blows which are mobile dunes, mallee box woodland, remnant river red gum forests and closed heaths.  There are areas of bracken and tall shrubland dominated by Golden Wattle.  There are several rare species found in the park including the unique Lacy coral lichen, Aldinga dampiera and numerous native orchids.

Numerous native animals call the park home including Western Grey kangaroos and Short-beaked echidnas.  Various reptiles can also be found in the park including the Common Brown snake, Lined Worm Lizard, Marbled Gecko, and the Bearded Dragon.

Numerous native birds can be found in the park.  Birds SA have recorded a total of 133 species including Crested Pigeon, New Holland Honeyeater,  Eastern Spinebill, Striated Thornbill, Dusky Woodswallow, Australian Golden Whistler, Painted Buttonquail, Peaceful Dove, Tawny Frogmouth, White-winged Triller, and the Red-browed Finch.  Some of the birds I spotted and photographed are shown below.

I travelled to the park from home via Echunga, Meadows and then Willunga.  I travelled to the end of Hart Road and soon reached the north eastern corner of the park.  There were some terrific views here of the Southern Vales wine region, one of the most famous wine growing areas in Australia.

I parked the Toyota Hil Lux alongside the gate at the end of Hart Road.  There is a carpark here.  I was surprised to find the gate open, with the padlock not having been cut.   I started unloading the vehicle and found a nice shady spot about 30 metres from the gate.  As I was carting gear from the vehicle to my operating spot a National Parks truck and trailer arrived and I had a chat with the 3 park rangers who were very friendly.  One of them remembered me from  a recent activation on the Fleurieu Peninusla.  They advised that there was a working bee at the park involving The Friends of Aldinga Scrub Group.  They have an excellent website with lots of information on the park.

I ran the Yaesu FT-857d, set at 40 watts output, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.  The dipole was supported on the top of a 7m telescopic squid pole.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park showing my operating spot in the north eastern corner.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

To kick off the activation I had a tune across the 40m band and found Gerard VK2JNG/p in the Livingstone State Conservation Area VKFF-1343.  Gerard was 5/9 plus.  After working Gerard I moved up the band and called CQ on 7.150.  This was answered by Mark VK3UA, followed by Dennis VK2HHA, and then Peter VK5ZPG.  There was a slow and steady mini pile up and within 13 minutes into the activation I had ten contacts in the log, thus qualifying the park for the VKFF program.

It was a weekday and activity on the band was much slower than a weekend.  I logged a total of 21 stations on 40m from VK2, VK3, VK4 and VK5, before callers dried up.  I took the opportunity of tuning across the band and logged Jeff VK3HJA/p in the Alpine National Park VKFF-0619.

I then lowered the squid pole and inserted the links for the 80m band and headed to 3.610.  Sadly there was a strength 7 noise floor on 80m and the Over the Horizon radar.  My CQ call was answered by John VK5BJE, then Tony VK5MRE, John VK5NJ, and finally Adrian VK5FANA.  There were others calling but sadly I wasn’t able to pull them through due to the noise floor.

I then headed back to 40m and put out a few CQ calls on 7.144.  John VK5NJ at Mount Gambier was first in the log.  This was followed by Mark VK3MDH mobile and then John VK2YW.  It was really slow going and I logged a further 8 stations including Horst VK2HL/p who was in the Coolah Tops National Park VKFF-0111.

Above:- ‘The Shack”, a magnificent outlook across the scrub and the vineyards to the southern Mount Lofty Ranges

I now had 38 contacts in the log and required another 6 to qualify the park for the global WWFF program.  The squid pole was lowered again and I removed the links for the 20m band.  I put out a CQ call on 14.310 and this was answered by John VK4TJ, followed by Colin VK4PDX.  Sadly they were my only callers, so I headed down the band and booked in to the ANZA DX Net.  I logged a total of 9 stations on the net including Peter ZL2BAQ in New Zealand.  I also spoke to my good mate Ted VK6NTE who was 5/9 +++.

I checked the various Facebook pages on my phone and saw that David VK5PL had listened out for me on 80m but had missed me.  So I sent a message back to David and headed to 3.610.  I logged David who was 5/9, but despite spotting on parksnpeaks, David was my only caller.

I headed back to the 40m band and found Bill VK4FW/p on 7.141 who was activating the Tarong National Park VKFF-0479.  I called Bill and at the same time Bill received a phone call, and whilst he was on the phone, Rob VK4AAC/2 snuck in to log me.

I then moved down the band and called CQ on 7.130.  Peter VK2NEO called in with his normal booming signal.  This was followed by Gerard VK2JNG mobile and then Keith VK2PKT.  I logged a further 21 stations, including some interesting contacts.  One of those was Joe VK3YSP who was portable at the Moorabin & Districts Radio Club with some students from he and Julie’s School Amateur Radio Club Network.  I had a quick chat with some of Joe and Julie’s students: Henry, Stefano, and Hannah.

I also logged Andrei ZL1TM in Auckland, New Zealand and Owen ZL4CY in New Zealand.  And I was very pleased to have been called by Grant (VK5GR) YJ0AG in Vanuatu.  Grant is holidaying on Efate Vanuatu, and I was Grant’s first SSB contact.

Above:- my gear, the Yaesu FT-857d and my hand written log

So after a very slow start to this activation I now had 78 contacts in the log, including 4 Park to Park QSOs.  It was 4.30 p.m. and time to pack up and head home.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2JNG/p (Livingstone State Conservation Area VKFF-1343)
2. VK3UA
3. VK2HHA
4. VK5ZPG
5. VK3AHR
6. VK4FDJL
7. VK3HJ
8. VK5LV
9. VK4HNS
10. VK3WAR
11. VK5WF
12. VK5FANA
13. VK3SQ
14. VK2IO
15. VK3ANL
16. VK4TJ
17. VK4/AC8WN
18. VK4/VE6XT
19. VK5KIK
20. VK2VW
21. VK2NP
22. VK3HJA/p (Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)
23. Vk5NJ
24. VK5JN
25. VK3MDH/m
26. VK2YW
27. VK4NH
28. VK4DXA
29. ZL4TY/VK4
30. VK3XP
31. VK2EXA
32. VK4PDX
33. VK2HL/p (Coolah Tops National Park VKFF-0111)
34. VK3MEG/p
35. VK4AAC/2
36. VK4FW/p (Tarong National Park VKFF-0479)
37. VK2NEO
38. VK2JNG/m
39. VK2PKT
40. VK4GSF
41. VK6POP
42. VK5MCB/p
43. VK2LEE
44. VK3YSP/p
45. VK5VC
46. VK3TKK/m
47. VK7HCK
48. VK5PET
49. VK3VGB
50. VK7LTD
51. VK3FOWL/p
52. ZL1TM
53. VK3NCR/2
54. VK3MLU
55. YJ0AG
56. VK7AN
57. ZL4CY
58. VK4FARR
59. VK3TB
60. VK6QM

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5BJE
2. VK5MRT
3. VK5NJ
4. VK5FANA
5. VK5PL

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4TJ
2. VK4/AC8WN
3. VK4/VE6XT
4. VK4PDX
5. VK6NTE
6. VK7XX
7. VK4DV
8. VK4NH
9. VK4DXA
10. ZL4TY/VK4
11. ZL2BAQ
12. VK2HOT
13. VK4DGU

References.

A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia, 2018, <http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, viewed 17th April 2018

Birds SA, 2018, <https://birdssa.asn.au/location/aldinga-scrub-conservation-park/>, viewed 17th April 2018

National Parks South Australia, 2018, <https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/Fleurieu_Peninsula/aldinga-scrub-conservation-park>, viewed 17th April 2018

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldinga_Scrub_Conservation_Park>, viewed 17th April 2018

Today I downloaded my certificate for the 2017 CQ World Wide DX Contest.  I entered into the Single Operator – Low Power category.  I came 1st in Australia and 3rd in Oceania.

Thankyou to CQ Magazine for running this fun contest.

Our second park for the day was the Mantung Conservation Park 5CP-269 & VKFF-1055.  The park is located about 228 km north east of the city of Adelaide and about 45 km west of Loxton.  Again, this was to be a unique park for both Marija and I as activators, for both WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Mantung Conservation Park.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer

The Mantung Conservation Park is about 1,696 hectares (4,190 acres) in size and was proclaimed on the 16th October 2014.  So in the scheme of things, Mantung is a relatively new park.

At the opening of the park, Natural Resources South Australian Murray-Darling Basin District Manager, Mallee and Coorong, Paul Gillen stated:

“Proclaiming the Mantung area as a Conservation Park complements a large network of adjoining Vegetation Heritage Agreements in the area which are well-managed by local farmers and the Mantung-Maggea Land Management Group with support from the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning group and Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin…….The local community has really taken Mantung under its wing, taking part in extensive native habitat restoration work in recent years.”

Above:- Aerial shot showing the Mantung Conservation Park and the surrounding countryside.  Image courtesy of Google maps

Mantung is a local aboriginal word literally meaning ‘water on a native road’.   Aborigines traversing through the area, followed sandhills from Jadko about 6·5 km north of Swan Reach, via Bakara eastward to Loxton.  They obtained water from mallee trees, while sandhills contained root foods.  Needle bush roots also yielded water for indigenous travellers.

The Hundred of Mantung, County of Albert, was proclaimed on 15th June 1893.  The name was shown as an Aboriginal waterhole on an 1864 land tenure plan.  The town of Mantung, was proclaimed on 8th July 1915.

The conservation park is important for the conservation of the following bird species: Malleefowl, Southern Scrub Robin, Shy Heathwren, Inland Thornbill, White-browned Babbler, and Purple-gaped honeyeater.

After leaving Bakara, we travelled south on Start Road until we reached Bakara Well Road where we turned left and travelled east.  We continued east on Carnell Road and then Evans Road, and upon reaching the junction of Evans Road and Farr Road, we took Farr Road.  We soon reached the north western corner of the park.  There was an open gate at this location, with a Mantung Maggea Land Management Group sign.

We continued along Farr Road and found another open gate and a 4WD track leading into the park.  We travelled along the track for about 500 metres and set up underneath the shade of some trees.  It was a warm afternoon, with the temperature approaching 35 deg C.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Mantung Conservation Park, showing our operating spot in the northern section of the park.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer

I kicked off the activation, calling CQ on 7.144.  This was answered by Mike VK5FMWW who had a big 5/9 plus signal.  It was great to see the 40m band open around South Australia.  Next in the log was Gerard VK2IO/p who was activating the Dharawal National Park VKFF-1167.  Marija and I swapped the mic so she could log Gerard Park to Park.  She then decided to stay in the operators chair and within7 minutes had logged 10 stations, qualifying the park for the VKFF program.  Contact number 10 for Marija was a QSO with Bill VK4FW/p who was activating the Baywulla Creek Conservation Park VKFF-1470.  I also logged Bill Park to Park.

I then jumped into the operators chair and called CQ.  Deryck VK4FDJL was the first taker, followed by Helen VK7FOLK and then Linda VK7QP.  The 40m band had improved quite dramatically compared to conditions during our first park activation at Bakara.  There was a steady flow of callers, with mini pile ups at times.  Contact number 44 was a QSO with Mike VK3FCMC.

I also logged the following Park to Park contacts (Marija also logged these):

• Liz VK2XSE/p -Jerrawangala National Park VKFF-0248VKFF-0248
• Nik VK3NLK/p – Gippsland Lakes Conservation Park VKFF-0747
• Peter VK3ZPF/p – Cathedral Range State Park VKFF-0755
• VK4SMA/p – Maryland National Park VKFF-0309
• VK2IO/p – Dharawal State Conservation Area VKFF-1313

During the activation the wind really picked up and the squid pole came crashing down.  As we had so many callers we didn’t get the opportunity of hammering the squid pole holder back into the dry and rocky ground.  So Marija and I took turns holding the squid pole upright.  Apparently our signal was still strong, even when the squid pole was lying on the ground.

After logging a total of 46 stations on 40m I headed off to 14.310 on the 20m band where I spoke with Peter VK2NEO and Rob VK7VZ.

It was now really hot and there wasn’t a huge amount of shade under the mallee shrubs, so Marija and I decided to call it a day.  Sorry, we didn’t try 80m during this activation.  It was just too hot and we wanted to get back into the air conditioned comfort of the Hi Lux.

Marija had qualified the park for VKFF with 16 contacts in the log, and I had qualified for the park for VKFF & WWFF with 48 QSOs.  We also had 14 Park to Park contacts in the log from Mantung.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/p (Dharawal National Park VKFF-1167)
2. VK3QB
3. VK5FMWW
4. VK7QP
5. VK3CWF
6. VK3PGK
7. VK3FSPG
8. VK3MPR
9. VK7FOLK
10. VK4FW/p (Baywulla Creek Conservation Park VKFF-1470)
11.  VK2XSE/p (Jerrawangala National Park VKFF-0248)
12. VK3NLK/p (Gippsland Lakes Conservation Park VKFF-0747)
13. VK5FANA
14. VK3ZPF/p (Cathedral Range State Park VKFF-0755)
15. VK4SMA/p (Maryland National Park VKFF-0309)
16. VK2IO/p (Dharawal State Conservation Area VKFF-1313)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5FMWW
2. VK2IO/p (Dharawal National Park VKFF-1167)
3. VK4FW/p (Baywulla Creek Conservation Park VKFF-1470)
4. VK4FDJL
5. VK7FOLK
6. VK7QP
7. VK3FSPG
8. VK3MPR
9. VK2LEE
10. VK2USH
11. VK3ZD
12. VK7VZ
13. VK5VBR
14. VK7JON
15. VK2NP
16. VK3BBB
17. VK3UH
18. VK3PF
19. VK2PKT
20. VK3FRAB
21. VK3UCD
22. VK5HS
23. VK7DW/p
24. VK4HNS
25. VK5FMLO
26. VK2XSE/p (Jerrawangala National Park VKFF-0248)
27. VK3ARH
28. VK5DW
29. VK3NLK/p (Gippsland Lakes Conservation Park VKFF-0747)
30. VK5KLV
31. VK5FANA
32. VK3ZPF/p (Cathedral Range State Park VKFF-0755)
33. VK7EK
34. VK4TJ
35. VK4/AC8WN
36. VK4/VE6XT
37. VK2NEO
38. VK5PL
39. VK2YE
40. VK4SMA/p (Maryland National Park VKFF-0309)
41. VK2IO/p (Dharawal State Conservation Area VKFF-1313)
42. VK3ANL
43. VK3HY
44. VK3FCMC
45. VK3SQ
46. VK3KMA

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2NEO
2. VK7VZ

After packing up we drove into the little town of Mantung.  There isn’t a huge amount here nowadays.  It is another town which has suffered at the hands of the closure of the railway line.  But there are a number of interpretive signs pointing out historic sites in the town, courtesy of the Mantung Centenary Committee.  At the old hall there are 2 brochures which detail the historic railway towns of Mantung, Mercunda, Maggea, Galga and Eastern Well, and also the Mantung Centenary Walk.

In 1893 the Hundred of Mantung was surveyed into 14 large sections, however virtually no interest was shown.  In 1910 the Hundred of Mantung was surveyed into 46 smaller sections and these were all taken up and new pioneer families moved onto their land.

Approaching Mantung township

The old General store

The old hall

What is left of Mantung railway siding

We then travelled south west on the Galga Road, and we worked Gerard VK2IO/p from the mobile.  Gerard was in the Dharawal State Conservation Area VKFF-1313 and was a strong 5/8 into the mobile.

We stopped briefly to have a look at the old settlement of Mercunda, originally known as Mattala.  Again, there is not a lot here, as the town collapsed following the closure of the railway.  However there is an interpretive sign at the old Mercunda hall and school.  Mercunda once boasted a railway siding with goods platform, passengers platform, stock loading yards, wheat shed and wheat stacking area, cottages for railway workers, several saw benches set up by wood merchants in the 1920’s and 30’s, a general store, blacksmith, post office, twon hall, school, football and tennis teams and also a golf club (1965-1974).

Our next stop was the town of Galga which was surveyed in October 1915 by Mr. A. Thomas, after the Waikerie railway line from Karoonda to Waikerie was opened in 1914.  The town was gazetted on 10th February 1916 and in its heyday consisted of a post office (opened in September 1915), a telephone exchange, a general store (opened in 1921), the Galga hall used for dances, two churches, and a school.  In 1920 the Galga Football Club was formed and originally played in a paddock until recreational land was surveyed in the town in 1922.

Perhaps Galga’s most famous former resident is singer, Julie Anthony (1951-).  She was born in Galga and was raised on the family farm.

On the way home we spoke with Ian VK1DI/2 on 40m from the mobile.  Ian was in the Tallaganda State State Conservation Area VKFF-1375 and was a good 5/8 signal.  I also worked Bernie on 20m who was using the special call of VI4GAMES for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

We arrived home in the late afternoon.  We had a terrific time away.  Again, thanks to all of the organisers of the BRL Gathering, and thanks to those who called Marija and I during our park activations.

References.

All Music, 2018, <https://www.allmusic.com/artist/julie-anthony-mn0000840426>, viewed 9th April 2018

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin, 2018, <http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/samurraydarlingbasin/news/141125-mantung-cp>, viewed 9th April 2018

State Library South Australia, 2018, <http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, viewed 9th April 2018

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantung_Conservation_Park>, viewed 9th April 2018

Wikipedia, 2018, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galga,_South_Australia>, viewed 9th April 2018