The Parilla silos VK-PRA5 were my next Silos On The Air (SiOTA) activation for Monday the 12th day of July 2021. The little town of Parilla is located about 214 km south-east of the city of Adelaide, and about 14 km east of Lameroo.

The government town of Parilla was proclaimed on the 1st day of August 1907. The town was named after the Hundred of Parilla. Parilla is believed to be an aboriginal word meaning ‘cold place’. The Hundred of Parilla, County of Chandos was proclaimed on the 4th day of January 1894. The first pastoralist in the immediate vicinity was J.W.D. Denning who took up pastoral lease no. 2290 as from the 30th day of June 1873.

The town’s mascots are Alf and Edith the Galah and Echidna. You can find a sign announcing this just as you enter the town.

Also as you enter town there is a small display which includes a Stump Jump plough, and an old door from the Parilla Jail.

At the 2016 Australian Census, Parilla had a population of 211.

I found this interesting video on Parilla on the internet which dates back to the 1980s.

When in Parilla, make sure you have a look at the ‘Impressions of Parilla 1914’ mural. It was designed by artist Rossy Reeves (Hentschke) and was developed from various photographs and references from the Local History book.

Parilla was once on the Tailem Bend to Pinaroo railway line. Not much remains today except for a Centennary marker, and old crane, and an old railway telephone box.

Parilla has traditionally been a local centre for grain growing, although it is now known for growing vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. Some historic photographs of farming in Lameroo can be seen below (all c/o Trove)

The bulk grain silos at Parilla are located adjacent to the railway line, however grain is freighted out by road, as are vegetables.

I kicked off this activation by calling CQ on 3.610 on the 80m band. First in the log was Sue VK5AYL, followed by Adrian VK5FANA, and then Marc VK3OHM. I logged a further 9 stations on 40m from VK3 and VK5.

I then QSYd to the 40m band and called CQ on 7.155. First in the log was Marija Vk5MAZ, followed by the ever reliable Brett VK2VW. I logged another 3 stations from VK3 and VK5, and despite the band being in quite good shape, I had no further callers.

I tried calling CQ on 14.310 for a few minutes, but as I had no takers, I called it quits and headed for my next silo at Pinnaroo.

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5AYL
2. VK5FANA
3. VK3OHM
4. VK5BJE
5. VK5PET
6. VK3PF
7. Vk3BEL
8. VK5GY
9. VK5MAZ
10. VK5WG
11. VK5TS
12. VK5GAZ

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5MAZ
2. VK2VW
3. VK5TS
4. VK3BEL
5. VK3ACZ

References.

1. A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia, 2021, <https://published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, viewed 16th July 2021.
2. Wikipedia, 2021, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parilla,_South_Australia>, viewed 16th July 2021.