Our next silo activation for 8th March 2023 was the Natimuk silo VK-NTK3 in western Victoria. Natimuk is about 332 km northwest of Melbourne, and about 24 km west of Horsham.

Above:- Map showing the location of Natimuk. Map c/o Google Maps.

Natimuk is one of my favourite little towns. It was also the home to my Nana in her final years.

Natimuk is derived from an aboriginal word meaning little creek. During 18701871 a number of South Australian farmers of German Lutheran tradition arrived in the Natimuk area and commenced farming. By 1874 a Lutheran church was opened. The township of Natimuk was served in 1875. The town was named Natimuk after the creek which empties into Lake Natimuk. In 1875 the Natimuk school was opened. Between 1875 and 1878 a flour mill was established.

There are a number of historic buildings in Natimuk, and Marija and I spent some time wandering up and down the main street admiring these old buildings.

The video below shows the town of Natimuk and nearby Mount Arapiles.

The Natimuk silos are located on Station Street, at the site of the old Natimuk railway station which has been demolished. Natimuk-based arts organisation ACT Natimuk has undertaken projections on the silos for the Natimuk Frinj Biennale.

Marija and I parked right alongside the silo and operated from the 4WD for this activation, running the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 (1.5-metre stainless steel whip).

Above:- The activation zone at the Natimuk silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5IS/m
2. VK3PF
3. VK7ALB
4. VK1AO
5. VK2MET

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK2IO

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5IS/m
2. VK3PF
3. VK7ALB
4. VK1AO
5. VK2MET
6. VK2EXA
7. VK5BJE
8. VK3UAO

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK2IO
4. VK2LEE

References.

1. Victorian Places, 2023, <>, viewed 5th May 2023.