Here are a few VI8POL QSL cards recently received.

Following our beautiful lunch in Wagga Wagga at the Thirsty Crow on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, Marija and I headed out to Kapooka.

Kapooka is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of winds.’ It is the home to the Department of Defence’s Blamey Barracks, from where the Army Recruit Training Centre conducts its operations. (Wikipedia 2025)

Not far from the barracks is the memorial for the Kapooka Tragedy.

In the field opposite the memorial, at 2.45 p.m. on the 21st day of May 1945, 26 soldiers were killed in an explosion while training for the war in the Pacific, at what was then the Engineer Training Centre.

The Sappers were seated in an underground bunker on a demolition range, receiving instruction on explosives. The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown; however, 24 men were killed instantly, with 2 dying in the hospital following the explosion.

Above: article from The Murrumbidgee Irrigator, NSW, Tue 22 May 1945. Image /co Trove

It was the Australian Army’s worst accident.

There is an avenue of trees with a plaque below with the name of each of the soldiers who were killed in the explosion.

Below is a video on the Kapooka tragedy.

Marija and I left Kapooka and travelled a short distance to Uranquinty, a small town located about 15 km south of Wagga Wagga.

Above: Map showing the location of Uranquinty, NSW. Map c/o Google Maps

Uranqunity is an Aboriginal word meaning yellow box tree and plenty of rain. The town was originally called Glenrouth and proclaimed on the 22nd day of September 1888. The following year, in 1889, the name was changed to Uranquintry. (Uranquinty 2025)

Above: article from the NSW Govt Gazette, Sat 3 Jun 1899. Image c/o Trove

In 1966, the name was officially changed to Uranquinty, although locals have referred to it as Uranquinty since the early 1900s. (Uranquinty 2025)

Above: article from the NSW Govt Gazette, Fri 6 May 1966. Image c/o Trove

The first permanent hotel, Hardiman’s Hotel, opened in 1890. In 1911, the name of the hotel was changed to the Uranquinty Hotel. In 1900, the Federal Hall was constructed, hosting numerous dances and various other special occasions. A new hall was built in 1910. It would appear from the newspaper article below that not all of the celebrations at the hall were of a quiet nature. (Uranquinty 2025)

Above: article from the Daily Advertiser, Wagga Wagga, Tue 6 Jun 1911. Image c/o Trove

During the early 1900s, Uranqunity had several businesses, including bakeries, butchers, blacksmiths, hardware stores, and food stores. There was also a police station and a post office. (Uranquinty 2025)

We visited the Uranquinty water tank art. The water tank was painted by artist Damien Mitchell in February 2003 and depicts Aboriginal fighter pilot Len Water, a Wirriway aircraft, and female mechanics working on an aircraft engine. (Australiansiloarttrail.com, 2023)

So why the aircraft and the defence theme on the water tower?

The No. 5 Service Flying Training School at Uranquinty was established by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the Second World War. The school was developed as part of the Empire Training Scheme. It was established in October 1941 and would go on to train over 1,500 pilots up until February 1946, when it was disbanded. (Nsw.gov.au 2025)

Above: View of the ‘main street’ at the Flying Training School, 1943. Image c/o Australian War Memorial.

Above: RAAF personnel at the Flying Training School, 1944. Image c/o Australian War Memorial.

In 1951, following the outbreak of war in Korea, the Flying Training School was reopened to train pilots. The main aircraft used for training was the WInjeel, which is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘young eagle.’ (Uranquinty 2025)

Below is a video on the Winjeel.

The base continued until November 1958, when training was moved to Point Cook. (Uranquinty 2025)

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Thu 31 Jul 1958. Image c/o Trove

There is a Flying Training School monument and an excellent display at the rest area on Olympic Highway in Uranquinty.

There are also monuments to those from Uranquinty and district who served in the World Wars.

Also in the rest area is a monument to commemorate the Uranquinty Migrant Centre Community 1948-1952.

Following the Second World War, about one million Europeans were displaced from their country of origin. In July 1947, the Australian Government signed an agreement with the United Nations International Refugee Organisation in which about 4,000 displaced persons would travel to Australia, where accommodation and employment would be arranged. The program was encouraged by Australia’s first Minister for Immigration, Arthur Calwell. It was a way for Australia to rebuild its agricultural and industrial sectors following the war and to increase Australia’s population against any potential future attacks by aggressors. The slogan ‘populate or perish’ was used to promote the program. (National Archives of Australia 2023) (UBC Web Design 2022)

Above: Arthur Calwell. Image c/o Wikipedia

From 1945, there was a winding down of the Flying Training School, and in 1949, the living area of the base was relinquished to the Department of Immigration. The Uranquinty Migrant Centre was established and accepted people from Eastern Europe. They comprised mostly women and young children from Yugoslavia, Estonia, Latvia and Poland. (Uranquinty 2025)

In 1949, a school was established to teach English. Over 250 babies were born in the hospital over the following 4 years. In 1951, the migrants were transferred to Bonegilla. This was due to the outbreak of war in Korea and the reopening of the Flying Training School to train pilots. (Uranquinty, 2025)

Below is an excellent video explaining the ‘Populate or Perish’ policy.

Marija and I then activated the Uranquinty silo for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

The silos are located alongside the Main Southern railway line.

The silos were built in the 1920s with 4,100 tonnes capacity. In 1973, extra bins (8,500 tonnes) were added. The silos were last used in 2007. (NSW Silos 2014) (Uranquinty, 2025)

Above: article from The Daily Express, Wagga Wagga, Sat 5 Aug 1922. Image c/o Trove

The Uranquinty railway station was opened on the 1st day of September 1880 and was known as the Sandy Creek Station. It comprised a waiting shed in the middle of the station building and a small ticket office, which was also used as a post office. It was renamed Uranquinty on the 4th day of February 1891. (Uranquinty 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

I found the newspaper articles below on Trove from 1882 regarding a robbery at the railway station.

Above: article from The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express, Fri 1 Sept 1882. Image c/o Trove

Above: article from the Evening News, Sydney, Tue 12 Sep 1882. Image c/o Trove

In October 1928, Uranquinty became a junction station following the opening of the railway line to Kywong. In June 1934, the Uranquinty railway station building was totally destroyed by fire and was rebuilt. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: article from the Daily Advertiser, Wagga Wagga, Mon 4 Jun 1934. Image c/o Trove

In May 1975, the Kywong line was closed. The Uranquinty railway station closed for all passenger services in 1984. In 1988, the buildings were demolished. (Uranquinty 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Marija and I parked in the rest area on the Olympic Highway, directly in front of the silos. We operated from the 4WD and ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Above: the activation zone at the Uranquinty silos. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK2IO
4. VK2GEZ
5. VK3FRC
6. VK2ETI
7. VK1CHW

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK2IO
4. VK2GEZ
5. VK3FRC
6. VK2ETI
7. VK1CHW

References.

1. Australiansiloarttrail.com. (2023). \r\n \n Uranquinty Water Tank Art\n \r\n. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/UranquintY [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
2. ‌National Archives of Australia (2023). Refugees displaced by World War II | naa.gov.au. [online] Naa.gov.au. Available at: https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/migrant-stories/refugees/refugees-displaced-world-war-ii. [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
3. ‌Nsw.gov.au. (2025). Uranquinty Flying Training School Memorial | NSW War Memorials Register. [online] Available at: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/memorials/uranquinty-flying-training-school-memorial [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
4. ‌NSW Silos. (2014). Silo Photos – U-W – NSW Silos. [online] Available at: https://nswsilos.com/silo-photos-w/ [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
5. ‌UBC Web Design (2022). Displaced Persons Memorial | Monument Australia. [online] Monumentaustralia.org. Available at: https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/landscape/settlement/display/93570-displaced-persons-memorial/photo/1 [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
6. ‌Uranquinty. (2025). Uranquinty | About Us | A Unique Village within the Riverina. [online] Available at: https://uranquinty.com.au/about-us/#history. [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
7. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Kapooka, New South Wales. Wikipedia.‌
8. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Uranquinty railway station. Wikipedia.‌

It was now Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, and our first morning in Wagga Wagga. After breakfast, we headed to the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens for a walk.

The Botanic Gardens are set over 22 acres and are located at Willans Hill. There is a mini zoo here and a flight aviary, but unfortunately, they were closed during our visit. Planning for the gardens commenced in 1969, and they were completed in 1969. (Wikipedia 2025)

The roses in the rose garden were in full bloom and absolutely beautiful.

There is a beautiful rainforest section to walk through.

We then headed to the Wagga Wagga silo for an activation for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program. On the way, we stopped to admire the historic Wagga Wagga Railway Station. The station building was completed in 1879.

The Wagga Wagga silos are located on the southern side of Edward Street and are alongside the Main Southern railway line connecting Sydney and Melbourne.

The silos are located alongside the old Murrumbidgee Co-operative Milling buildings.

On the 16th day of February 1889, a meeting was held at Monk’s Pastoral Hotel to discuss the establishment of a Co-operative Flour Mill. In August 1889, a general meeting of shareholders was held. A ballot resulted in the election of six gentlemen as directors to manage the Murrumbidgee Co-operative Milling business. (Trove 2025)

Above: part of an article from the Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Tue 19 Feb 1889. Image c/o Trove

A site for the mill was found alongside the railway line, and advertisements for tenders for the construction of the mill were circulated in newspapers in New South Wales and Victoria. (Trove 2025)

The mill was built in 1890 by Charles Hardy (b. 1864. d. 1934). The official opening of the mill took place on the 28th day of June 1890. One week later, the mill commenced operation. The mill initially had a 12 sack capacity plant. It was the second largest flour milling company in the state of New South Wales, outside of the city of Sydney. (Maddison 2023) (Nesbitt, 2025) (Trove 2025)

Above: Charles Hardy. Image c/o Wikipedia

The first managers were J.P. Adkins and his brother C.W. Adkins. They were members of a well-established English milling family. The trade name of ‘Wagga Lily Flour’ was adopted. With their expertise, the Wagga business rapidly expanded. Within 20 years, the mill was exporting flour around the world, including Europe, South Africa, and Egypt. (Maddison 2023)

Above: An advertisement for the mill. Image c/o Lost Wagga Wagga Facebook page

In 1908, the mill gained a gold medal diploma at the Franco-British Exhibition that was held in London. (Trove 2025)

Above: article from the Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Sat 12 Dec 1908. Image c/o Trove

By 1913, the mill was producing about 12,000 to 13,000 tons of flour per year. A Wolfe compound condensing superheating steam engine was installed at a cost of £4000. (Maddison 2023)

Four concrete grain silos were constructed in 1918.

Above: article from Australian Town and Country Journal, Sydney, Wed 5 Jun 1918. Image c/o Trove

In 1927, a further 10 silos were constructed. During that same year, the mill was producing 20,000 to 22,000 tons of flour per year. The old steam engine was replaced with electric power. (Maddison 2023)

Sunicrust Bread established a bakery alongside the mill. It closed in May 2003, and the building was demolished in 2007. (Wikimedia.org, 2006)

The mill ceased operation in August 1978. (Maddison 2023)

In 1981, the former flour mill was listed by the National Trust. (Maddison 2023)

In 2014, the site was cleared of a substantial amount of infrastructure, including some of the silos. Fortunately, the historic mill buildings survived. (Nesbitt, 2025)

Above: A view of the mill and silos, showing the surviving silos and the destroyed silos. Image c/o Lost Wagga Wagga Facebook page

Marija and I operated from the 4WD in Bolton Park opposite the silos. We ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Above: the activation zone at the Wagga Wagga silos. Image c/o SiOTA website

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3MCK
2. VK3PF
3. VK1AO
4. VK2MET
5. VK2LEE
6. VK2BAI
7. VK2MOE/m
8. VK1MO/m
9. VK5IS
10. VK2IO
11. VK1CHW
12. VK2MRF
13. VK3CLD
14. VK5QA
15. VK2DBF
16. VK7VZ
17. VK5CZ
18. VK2VAR
19. VK2GOM
20. VK2ZDM

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3MCK
2. VK3PF
3. VK1AO
4. VK2MET
5. VK2LEE
6. VK2BAI
7. VK2MOE/m
8. VK1MO/m
9. VK5IS
10. VK2IO
11. VK1CHW
12. VK2MRF
13. VK3CLD
14. VK5QA
15. VK2DBF
16. VK7VZ
17. VK5CZ
18. VK2VAR
19. VK2GOM
20. VK2ZDM

After the silo activation, we visited St Michael’s Cathedral at Wagga Wagga. The foundation stone was laid on the 26th day of April 1885, with the church opening in 1887. The architects were Tappin, Gilbert & Dennehy of Melbourne. A second stage of the church was built between 1922 to 1925 with the architect being W.J. Monks.

The internal roof timbers are exposed. The altars display some finely crafted marble.

We then visited the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) museum at Wagga Wagga. The museum is housed in the original guardhouse at the entrance to the RAAF base.

Below is an excellent video explaining the history of the RAAF base at Wagga Wagga.

Before you enter the museum building, you are greeted by several former RAAF aircraft, which are on display.

The first is a historic Canberra bomber. The Canberra was produced by the Australian manufacturing company, Government Aircraft Factories (GAF). They produced 48 Canberra aircraft, with the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation producing the Avon engines. On the 19th day of January 1951, the Canberra aircraft was officially named after Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. (Air Force 2023)

The Canberra aircraft on display at Wagga Wagga first flew on the 3rd day of September 1956 and was delivered to the RAAF in October 1956. It served with No 2 Squadron and was deployed to Butterworth in 1958 and Vietnam in 1967. It was used as a training aid from 1973 at the RAAF School of Technical Training, Wagga. (Air Force 2023)

Another one of the legendary aircraft on display is a Mirage.

In March 1961, the Mirage was chosen as the replacement for the Sabre. On the 14th day of March 1963, the first RAAF Mirage flew in France. The following month, on the 9th day of April 1963, it was delivered to the RAAF. The Mirage became the RAAF’s frontline fighter for over 20 years. (Air Force 2023)

The aircraft on display, Mirage A3-41, was delivered to the RAAF on the 4th day of August 1966 and served with Nos 75, 76, and 77 Squadrons. It caught fire on the 6th day of April 1976 and was forced to make an emergency landing in Nowra, New South Wales. In April 1977, the RAAF School of Technical Training received approval to rebuild the aircraft. (Air Force 2023)

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Sat 10 Apr 1976. Image c/o Trove

There is also an F-111 on display. This particular aircraft was chosen in 1963 to replace the Canberra. It took a further 10 years before the first F-111’s arrived in Australia. The F-111 served the RAAF for a total of 37 years.(Air Force 2023)

The F-111 on display is F-111 A8-142, which first flew on the 18th day of December 1968. It arrived in Australia on the 1st day of October 1973. It retired in 2010. (Air Force 2023)

Another aircraft on display is an Aermacchi MB-326H (Machi). These were selected by the RAAF in 1965 as a replacement for the Vampire trainer in 1965. (Air Force 2023)

And finally, there is a Meteor Mk.8. This was the first RAAF jet to be deployed in a war, with a total of 93 Meteors delivered to the RAAF for service in Korea. (Air Force 2023)

The museum also features a painted water tank. It is the work of artist Sam Brooks. The art features Norman Parry who was a famed pilot and instructor. You can also find a Tigermoth aircraft which was used as a training aircraft. Another person featured is Bill Newtown, a Victoria Cross recipient. (Australiansiloarttrail.com, 2025)

The museum features several rooms with very interesting displays.

I even found an old Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Ltd (AWA) receiver, transmitter/ATU.

They had a Morse key set up, and I tried my luck. Below is a video showcasing my limited Morse Code skills.

We then headed back into Wagga Wagga. The photograph below shows Wollundry Lagoon.

We drove past the old 2WG building in Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, just over the bridge over Wollundry Lagoon.

Radio station 2WG was launched on Wednesday, the 29th day of June 1932, by husband and wife team Eric and Nan Roberts. The station initially broadcast on the frequency of 1155 kHz, but by 1935 it had moved to 1150 kHz. Nearly 50 years later, in 1978, 2WG moved to 1152 kHz. (Facebook 2022) (Trove 2025)

Above: article from the Daily Advertiser, Wagga Wagga, Sat 25 Jun 1932. Image c/o Trove

Our next stop was the Museum of the Riverina, which is contained in the historic Council Chambers building, which was constructed in 1881. In 1998, the building was converted to a museum. (Museum Riverina, 2025)

The old council meeting room is most impressive.

During our visit, there was a display on Wagga Wagga’s media history. This included quite a bit of information about 2WG.

We then wandered over the road to the Victory Memorial Gardens on the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets. The gardens were established as a memorial for those men and women who served during the First World War. The land on which the gardens are now located was formerly the site of the Old Police Barracks. (Waggawaggaaustralia.com.au 2025)

The Chisholm fountain in the gardens was donated to the City of Wagga Wagga in 1885. It was presented to the Wagga Wagga Hospital by Frederick Chisholm who was the Hospital President. (Gissing 2016) (Waggawaggaaustralia.com.au 2025)

There are several military monuments in the park. The photo below is the monument to commemorate the 50th anniversary of RAAF base Forest Hill which commenced operations on the 1st day of July 1940.

The World War II memorial contains the names of service men and women who enlisted from the Wagga Wagga district during the Second World War. The memorial contains the eternal flame which was officially lit in 1990 by Ted Drake, on the 75th anniversary of the ANZA landing at Gallipoli. Ted was a former WWI serviceman. (Waggawaggaaustralia.com.au 2025)

Marija and I then wandered around Wagga Wagga admiring the historic buildings.

The former Post office building was opened in 188. Two years earlier in 1886, plans commenced for the construction of a new Post office. (UBC Web Design 2025)

The old Wagga Wagga courthouse features an impressive clock tower.

The Hotel Riverina is Wagga’s oldest hotel and is located on the corner of Fitzmaurice and Crampton Streets. The hotel was originally established as the Hope Inn in 1851. In 1865v the name changed to the Bridge Hotel. In 1925 it became the Riverina Hotel. (Facebook n.d.)

Hunters on the Hill has been in the same premises since 1872. The business was established in 1866 and is one of Wagga Wagga’s oldest and longest running businesses. It specialises in custom corporate uniforms, workwear and sporting apparel. (Hunters 1866, 2025)

The business was established by William Cowan Hunter who was born in December 1823 in Derry, Ireland. He arrived in Australia in 1859 and in the following year he married Emily Hunter Bushell. They had 11 children. In 1866 he established Hunters. The business was originally located at 110 Fitzmaurice Street, and in 1872 it was relocated to the present site following the severe floods in 1870. (ancestry 2016) (Hunters 1866, 2025)

Above: 1866 advertisement for W.C. Hunter’s store. Image c/o Trove

Marija and I then drove down to the Murrumbidgee River at Wagga Wagga. There is a monument to commemorate the discovery of the district in 1829 by Captain Charles Sturt. There are also sevreal information boards about Sturt and the river.

We then had lunch at the Thirsty Crow in Wagga Wagga. It was a very nice meal and the beer went down exceedingly well.

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025].
2. ‌Australiansiloarttrail.com. (2025). Wagga Wagga Water Tank Art RAAF Base. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/wagga-wagga-raaf-base [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
3. ‌Churchhistories.net.au. (2024). Australian Christian Church Histories – Wagga Wagga, NSW – St Michael’s Catholic Cathedral. [online] Available at: https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/wagga-wagga-nsw-st-michaels-catholic-cathedral. [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025]
4. ‌‌Gissing, P. (2016). Chisholm Fountain presented to Wagga Wagga Hospital – WWDHS. [online] WWDHS – Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society. Available at: https://www.wwdhs.org.au/chisholm-fountain-presented-to-wagga-wagga-hospital/ [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025].
5. ‌Maddison, M. (2023). Riverina Rewind: The final days of the Murrumbidgee Mill | Region Riverina. [online] Region Riverina. Available at: https://regionriverina.com.au/riverina-rewind-the-final-days-of-the-murrumbidgee-mill/44468/ [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
6. ‌Museum Riverina (2025). Historic Council Chambers site | Museum of the Riverina. [online] Museumriverina.com.au. Available at:https://museumriverina.com.au/about-us/historic-council-chambers-site [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025].
7. ‌Nesbitt, R. (2025). Murrumbidgee Milling Company Limited. [online] Blogspot.com. Available at: https://buildingwagga.blogspot.com/2024/02/murrumbidgee-milling-company-limited.html [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
8. ‌Trove. (2025). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 – 1954) – 25 Jun 1932 – p2. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/15641608?searchTerm=2wg%20wagga [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025].
9. ‌Trove. (2025). PROPOSED CO-OPERATIVE FLOUR MILL. – Wagga Wagga Advertiser (NSW : 1875 – 1910) – 19 Feb 1889. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/101887182?searchTerm=monks%20pastoral%20hotel [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
10. ‌UBC Web Design (2025). Centenary of Wagga Wagga Post Office Building | Monument Australia. [online] Monumentaustralia.org. Available at: https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/government/colonial/display/114071-centenary-of-wagga-wagga-post-office-building- [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025].
11. ‌Waggawaggaaustralia.com.au. (2025). Victory Memorial Gardens | History | Visitor Information | Wagga. [online] Available at: https://www.waggawaggaaustralia.com.au/visitor-information/history/victory-memorial-gardens/. [Accessed 28 Dec. 2025]
12. ‌Wikimedia.org. (2006). File:Former Sunicrust Bakery.jpg – Wikimedia Commons. [online] Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Former_Sunicrust_Bakery.jpg [Accessed 29 Dec. 2025].
13. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. Wikipedia.
14. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Wagga Wagga railway station. Wikipedia.‌
15. http://www.facebook.com. (n.d.). Log in or sign up to view. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/lostwaggawagga.

After leaving Oolambeyan National Park on Tuesday, 21st October, 2025, Marija and I headed towards Wagga Wagga, where we planned to stay for 3 nights. As we drove along Conargo Road heading towards the Sturt Highway, we passed dozens of paddocks of cotton.

We then drove east on the Sturt Highway towards Darlington Point. We had hoped to see the historic Toganmain woolshed, but the internet said that it was temporarily closed. So we had to view the woolshed at a distance from the highway.

Toganmain Station was established in the 1840s by Sir Alexander MacLeay. He and his son George ran the pastoral property, which comprised 192,000 acres on the south bank of the lower Murrumbidgee. (Trove 2025)

Alexander MacLeay was born in 1767 in Ross-shire, Scotland. In 1791, he married Elizabeth Barkclay. He emigrated to Australia, arriving in Sydney in January 1826 with his wife and 9 children. He was appointed the Colonial Secretary for New South Wales. He owned several pastoral stations throughout New South Wales. (Wikipedia 2025)

Sir George MacLeay was born in London and was the third son of Alexander MacLeay. He emigrated to Australia with his parents in 1826. Just 3 years later, he accompanied Captain Charles Sturt on his second expedition to the mouth of the Murray River and return. (Wikipedia 2025)

In 1876, Toganmain station was sold to Thomas Robertson. The station remained in the Robertson family until 1988. (Trove 2025)

The station was 167,000 acres in size and had a significant river frontage to the Murrumbidgee River. The woolshed is 75 by 25 metres in length and was equipped with 110 blade stands and later Wolseley machines. (Ian 2025)

In 1891, a total of 218,000 sheep were shorn at Toganmain. In 1893, Toganmain exceeded just over 300,000 acres. The property included the homestead, barracks, store, a carpenter shop, and a blacksmith’s shop. (masters n.d.)

Marija and I continued east and soon reached the town of Narrandera. The name Narrandera is derived from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal word ‘nharrang’, meaning ‘frill-necked lizard’. The first Europeans in the area were those who occupied Narrandera Run in the 1840s. The property was held by Edward Flood and comprised about 76,800 acres. In 1850, surveyor James Larmer reserved a site which would later become the town of Narrandera. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: James Larmer. Image c/o Wikipedia

Our first stop was the Charles Sturt memorial on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. It commemorates the explorer’s passing of this spot back on the 12th day of December 1829.

We then visited the Aerial Trunk Route memorial to commemorate the telecommunications “J” trunk route and the men who built it. Construction commenced in 1950 and was completed in 1965.

We then visited the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre. They have several information boards detailing the history of Narrandera.

But the main reason for our visit was to see the ‘Big Guitar.’ It was built in 1988 by Robert Palmer, a Narrandera local, to help promote the Country Music Club of Narrandera. No, not the English singer and songwriter, but another Robert Palmer. The guitar measures 5.820 metres by 2.019 metres and took more than 300 hours to complete. Until the year 2000, it held the record as the largest playable guitar in the world. (Visitnsw.com 2015)

We then went next door to the Tiger Moth Memorial, which commemorates the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 8 Elementary Flying School, which was established in August 1940 on the site of the present airport. (Visitnsw.com 2015)

Over a period of 5 years, a total of 3,818 student pilots commenced their elementary flying training on DH82 Tiger Moth Aircraft. (Visitnsw.com 2015)

Above: Leading Aircraftman Eliot Barnfather in front of the sign of the flying school at Narrandera. Image c/o WIkipedia

We then headed to the Narrandera Water Tower Art. It was completed in July 2019 and was the work of Geoff Filmer and his father. (Australiansiloarttrail.com 2025)

The water tower features the region’s natural beauty including koalas, banksias, an Eastern Bearded Dragon and a Murray Cod. They also feature the Tiger Moth, a paddle steamer, and the old Oakbank brewery.

There is quite a nice view of Narrandera from the water towers.

Just below the water tower is the historic Star Lodge Hotel. It was built in 1916 and closed in 1973. (Chirp 2025)

Our next stop was the Narrandera railway station, which is situated on the Hay railway line. It was formerly the junction station for the Tocumwal railway line. The station was built in 1880 by Charles Hardy to a design attributed to John Whitton. (Wikipedia 2025)

The old Oakbank brewery at Narrandera is a prominent landmark situated beside the Murrumbidgee River. In recent years, it has become part of a private residence.

In 1879, George Wildman established the Narrandera Brewery and Cordial Works. He had established a brewery in nearby Wagga Wagga in August 1873. In 1880, Wildman sold the brewery to William Jones. (Facebook 2016)

In 1882, Richard Heath built the Oakbank Brewery in opposition to the Narrandera Brewery. In 1885, it was purchased by George Rogers, who renamed it the Crystal Fountain Brewery. The brewery was then taken over by George Young and John Ferrier, who changed the name back to the Oakbank brewery. (Facebook 2016)

In 1888, the brewery was purchased by William Jones and Thomas Lincoln. They closed the Oakbank brewery and renamed the Narrandera brewery to the Oakbank Brewery. (Facebook 2016)

In 1894, the brewery was purchased by McIntyre Lincoln & Co. The brewery’s capacity at this time was about 10,000 bottles per day. (Facebook 2016)

On Tuesday, the 25th day of September 1894, the brewery was destroyed by fire. An employee by the name of Sheppard, who was sleeping on the premises, had to be pulled to safety. (Trove 2025)

Above: article from the Evening News, Sydney, Tue 25 Sept 1894. Image c/o Trove

By 1903, Tom Lincoln had become the sole proprietor and was trading as Lincoln & Co. A 1910 newspaper article stated:

“The excellence of the preparations turned out by the firm is certified to throughout the country and the extent of the business done proves their quality.”

Above: article from The Catholic Press, Thu 30 Jun 1910. Image c/o Trove

The 5-storey tower was built in 1912. It was designed by John Hill Robertson, an architect from Narrandera. (Facebook 2016)

In June 1920, Tom Lincoln died, leaving his brother Henry ‘Harry’ to carry on the brewery. By 1921, the brewery was daily producing 20,000 gallons of draught beer and stout, 10,000 bottles of beer and 15,000 bottles of cordial. (ancestry 2016) (Service 2023)

Above: Horsedrawn wagon with cordial from Oakbank Brewery, outside hotel – Jerilderie, NSW. Image c/o State Library NSW

In October 1923, the brewery was sold to Mr J.M. Whelan of Wagga. The brewery was sold to Tooths & Co in late 1924 for a reported price of between £100,000 and £200,000. It was subsequently closed. (Service 2023) (Trove 2025)

Above: article from The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 20 Nov 1924. Image c/o Trove

However, cordial was manufactured by various companies up until the 1980s. The last company to operate there was Webster’s Cordials. (Service 2023)

Above: Webster’s Cordials advertisement. Image c/o collections.monash.edu

We then visited the site of the wreck of the PS Wagga Wagga. The paddle steamer Wagga Wagga was the last operational paddle steamer on the Murrumbidgee.

Above: the PS Wagga Wagga. Image c/o State Library SA

On the 11th day of November 1918, it developed a fatal leak in the starboard side and was beached. Not much remains, and what does can only be seen when the river is low.

We then headed to the Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve VKFF-1974. The park is located on the southeastern side of Narrandera.

Above: the boundaries of the Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve. Image c/o Google Earth

The southern boundary is the Murrumbidgee River.

The park is about 1,998 hectares in size and was established in July 2010. It is part of the Murrumbidgee Parks, including the Murumbidgee Valley National Park, the Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park, and the Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve was originally reserved as Narrandera Nature Reserve in 1965 and changed its name under the Riverina Red Gum Reservations Act. (NSW NPWS n.d.) (NSW National Parks 2024)

We accessed the park via the end of Oakbank Street.

We travelled through the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve, along the Buridgerry Track. The Flora and Fauna Reserve is managed by the Narrandera Shire Council. We soon reached the sign for the Nature Reserve. (NSW National Parks 2024)

There is an excellent sign here detailing the Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve.

We stopped at the Koala picnic area.

There is a monument for the release of koalas in the park and for Ken Kiesling, who was in the Narrandera Koala Committee.

Koalas were released into Narrandera Nature Reserve on the 16th day of December 1972, to re-establish a natural colony. Koalas were found along the Murrumbidgee but became extinct during the early 1900s. The koalas came from Victoria and Queensland. More than 200 koalas live in the park’s river red gums and other habitat trees. (NSW NPWS 2008) (NSW National Parks 2024)

Councillor Ken Kiesling O.A.M. was the inaugural Chairman of Narrandera Koala Committee 1966-1989. Kenneth Lionel Kiesling was born in May 1920 at Narrandera. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. He and his wife, Jeannette, owned Kiesling’s Jewellers in Narrandera for a number of decades. He also served two terms as Mayor of Narrandera Shire from 1973-1975 and 1977-1979. He died in July 1989 at Narrandera. (ancestry 2016) (Argus 2023)

Above: the memorial plaque for Keneth Kiesling. Image c/o findagrave.com

Other wildlife in the park includes grey kangaroos, eastern rosellas, galahs and sulphur-crested cockatoos. (NSW National Parks 2024)

We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK2ZR
4. VK5HS
5. VK3UH
6. VK2VW
7. VK2HFI
8. VK2AKA
9. VK2BUG
10. VK3APJ
11. VK2IO
12. VK2GEZ

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK2ZR
4. VK5HS
5. VK3UH
6. VK2VW
7. VK2HFI
8. VK2AKA
9. VK2BUG
10. VK3APJ
11. VK2IO
12. VK2GEZ
13. VK2TM
14. VK5WU
15. VK2HAK
16. VK1HF
17. VK5IS
18. VK3MGM
19. VK3FS
20. VK3ATT
21. VK5DW
22. VK3CEO
23. VK3XEM
24. VK5AYL
25. VK5FANA
26. VK2BW
27. VK3PWG
28. VK2NWT
29. VK3UZI
30. VK3ABE
31. VK3MCK
32. VK2VAR
33. VK2GOM
34. VK5LA
35. VK5KAW
36. VK1DI
37. VK1DO
38. VK3EJ
39. VK2DA
40. VK1DA
41. VK4DJF
42. VK3HBG
43. VK3KRL
44. VK5CZ
45. VK5XE
46. VK7PJM
47. VK3GCM/p (Silo VK-BLN3)
48. VK3AIW
49. VK3AJE
50. VK3HJW
51. VK4SMA

After packing up at the park, we drove towards Wagga Wagga. We stopped briefly to have a look at the Colingullie Water Tank Art. They are located on the Sturt Highway in a truck parking bay 3km on the Wagga Wagga side of Colingullie. The tanks were painted in May 2019 by Wiradjuri Aboriginal artist Owen Lyons. (Australiansiloarttrail.com, 2022)

We continued into Wagga Wagga, where we booked into our accommodation, the Best Western Ambassador Motor Inn.

We then attended the Namaste restaurant for dinner. The meal was sensational and the staff were extremely friendly. And way too much to eat. We had to take away some of our meal in a ‘doggy bag.’

It was then back to the motel room for a good night’s sleep.

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025]
2. ‌Argus, N. (2023). Kiesling history book gifted to shire. [online] Narranderaargus.com.au. Available at: https://www.narranderaargus.com.au/news/kiesling-history-book-gifted-to-shire-o3m6yxbh [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
3. ‌/Australiansiloarttrail.com. (2025). Narrandera Water Tower Art. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/narrandera [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
4. ‌Australiansiloarttrail.com. (2022). \r\n \n Collingullie Water Tank Art\n \r\n. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/collingullie-water-tank-art. [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
5. ‌Chirp Internet (2025). Former Star Lodge Hotel in Narrandera < New South Wales | Gday Pubs – Enjoy our Great Australian Pubs. [online] Gdaypubs.com.au. Available at: https://www.gdaypubs.com.au/NSW/narrandera/48220/former-star-lodge-hotel.html [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
6. ‌Ian (2025). Home. [online] Toganmain. Available at: https://toganmain.org.au/ [Accessed 22 Dec. 2025].‌
7. Masters, B. (n.d.). Home. [online] http://www.csu.edu.au. Available at: https://www.csu.edu.au/.
8. ‌NSW National Parks. (2024). Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/murrumbidgee-valley-nature-reserve. [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
9. ‌NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Statement of Management Intent – Murrumbidgee Valley River Parks
10. NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2008, Narrandera Nature Reserve Plan of Management
11. Service, C. (2023). Brewery Flat. [online] NSW Government. Available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/brewery-flat [Accessed 25 Dec. 2025].
12. ‌Trove. (2025). NARRANDERA. – Tuesday. – The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 – 1939) – 25 Sep 1894. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/124730280?searchTerm=narrandera%20brewery [Accessed 25 Dec. 2025].
13. ‌Trove. (2025). SALE OF A BREWERY. – Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 – 1949) – 30 Oct 1923. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/190187721?searchTerm=narrandera%20brewery [Accessed 25 Dec. 2025].
14. ‌Visitnsw.com. (2015). Narrandera’s Big Guitar. [online] Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/riverina/narrandera/attractions/narranderas-big-guitar [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
15. ‌Visitnsw.com. (2015). Tiger Moth Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/riverina/narrandera/attractions/tiger-moth-memorial [Accessed 23 Dec. 2025].
16. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Alexander Macleay. Wikipedia.
17. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). George Macleay. Wikipedia.‌‌
18. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Narrandera railway station. Wikipedia.‌
19. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Narrandera. Wikipedia.‌

Our next activation for Tuesday, 21st October 2025, was the Oolambeyan National Park VKFF-0403. I was last out here 10 years ago in 2015, and it was such an amazing park that I had to bring Marija out for a visit.

Oolambeyan National Park is located about 90 km (by road) southeast of Hay in the Western Riverina region of south-western New South Wales. (NSW NPWS 2014)

Above: Map showing the location of the Oolambeyan National Park, NSW. Map c/o Google Maps

After leaving Carrathool, we travelled south on Conargo Road, passing the large RivCott complex where cotton ginning takes place. Ginning is the first crucial step in processing raw cotton.

We soon reached the junction of Conargo Road and Gum Creek Road, where we found a sign for the Oolambeyan National Park.

We continued on Gum Creek Road and then turned right onto Oolambeyan Road. We soon reached the boundary of the park.

There is only one public access road into the park, and that is via Oolambeyan Road. Jerilderie Road passes some km to the west of the park, while N Boundary Road passes several km south of the park’s boundary.

Above: the boundaries of the Oolambeyan National Park. Image c/o Google Earth

Oolambeyan National Park is 22,231 hectares in size and was gazetted on the 25th day of October 2002. (NSW NPWS 2014)(Wikipedia 2025)

Above: an aerial view of the park looking north. Image c/o Google Maps

The former pastoral station ‘Oolambeyan’ was purchased in October 2001. Oolambeyan had operated as a working pastoral and cropping station for over 100 years. The old Ooolambeyan homestead can be found in the park (I will talk about this a little later), shearing shed, shearer’s quarters and other structures. (NSW NPWS 2014)

Above: part of an article from The Australasian, Melbourne, Sat 3 Sep 1927. Image c/o Trove

Oolambeyan is believed to originate from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal word ‘Wulambiyan’. Wulam means ‘to call or give voice to’, and biyan can be past tense or ‘always and continuous’. Thus the word’s full meaning is ‘have always been calling’, the ‘voice of the wind calling in the trees’ or the ‘song of the wind passing through the trees’. (NSW NPWS 2014)

Two threatened plant species have been found on Oolambeyan National Park: the vulnerable slender Darling pea and the endangered austral pillwort. (NSW NPWS 2014)

I had told Marija that during my last visit, the park was absolutely teeming with wildlife, including emus and kangaroos. And this visit did not disappoint. We encountered emus as soon as we entered the park.

And dozens and dozens of Red kangaroos, Eastern Grey kangaroos, and Western Grey kangaroos. A total of 13 species of mammals have been recorded in the park. (NSW NPWS 2014)

There was also a substantial amount of birdlife. About 155 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Two species of birds are recorded as vulnerable: the Superb Parrot and the Plains Wanderer. (NSW NPWS 2014)

I was really keen to spot some Rainbow Bee Eaters, and it did not take long.

Marija and I were very fortunate to encounter an extremely friendly park ranger during our visit to Oolambeyan. He spent some time with us explaining the history of the park and took us through the old homestead.

Oolambeyan homestead was constructed in c. 1926. It has 2 separate areas, the kitchen wing and the manager’s wing. The exterior of the homestead features Federation Queen Anne and Federation Bungalow styles. (NSW NPWS 2014)

In 1924, Oolambeyan Station was sold for £84,000 to the Australian Estates and Mortgage Co. Ltd. (Trove 2025)

Above: Article from the Riverine Grazier, Hay, Fri 22 Aug 1924. Image c/o Trove

This was as a result of the death of Mr John ‘Jack’ Alexander Claude Kennedy Tyson. He was killed in France in April 1918 during the First World War. Jack was born in 1890 in Hay. His parents were Walter Searle Victor Tyson and Blanche Mary Tyson, nee Gwydir. Upon leaving school, Jack went to work on his father’s property at Oolambeyan. Upon his father’s death in 1902, Jack became the owner of Oolambeyan. (ancestry 2016) (Findagrave.com 2025) (Trove 2025)

The old shearing shed at Oolambeyan dates from the early 1920s. (NSW NPWS 2014)

It was a warm day, and the flies were out in force, so Marija and I operated from the comfort of the 4WD. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK2USH
4. VK2VW
5. VK2HFI
6. VK2AKA
7. VK2BUG
8. VK1AO/p (VKFF-3055)
9. VK2MET/p (VKFF-3055)
10. VK2IO
11. VK2GEZ
12. VK3HJW
13. VK5IS
14. VK2MOE
15. VK1MO
16. VK2DA
17. VK1DA
18. VK3CEO
19. VK3VIN
20. VK1DI
21. VK1AD
22. VK3SMW
23. VK3GCM/p (SiOTA VK-NLL3 & VK-NLH3)
24. VK3ZPF
25. VK2YL
26. VK3KRL
27. VK5HS
28. VK2HBR
29. VK3CLD
30. VK5QA
31. VK2DBF
32. VK3CJN
33. VK3QHU
34. VK4SMA/p (VKFF-3503)
35. VK3SQ
36. VK3JT
37. VK2BD
38. VK3MIJ
39. VK5LA
40. VK5KAW
41. VK5CZ
42. VK5XE
43. VK3LRX
44. VK2HLM
45. VK3APJ

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2VW
2. VK2HFI
3. VK2AKA
4. VK2BUG

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK2USH
4. VK2VW
5. VK2HFI
6. VK2AKA
7. VK2BUG
8. VK1AO/p (VKFF-3055)
9. VK2MET/p (VKFF-3055)
10. VK2IO
11. VK2GEZ
12. VK3HJW
13. VK5IS
14. VK2MOE
15. VK1MO
16. VK2DA
17. VK1DA
18. VK3CEO
19. VK3VIN
20. VK1DI
21. VK1AD
22. VK3SMW
23. VK3GCM/p (SiOTA VK-NLL3 & VK-NLH3)
24. VK3ZPF
25. VK2YL
26. VK3KRL
27. VK5HS
28. VK2HBR
29. VK3CLD
30. VK5QA
31. VK2DBF
32. VK3CJN
33. VK3QHU
34. VK4SMA/p (VKFF-3503)
35. VK3SQ
36. VK3JT
37. VK2BD
38. VK3MIJ
39. VK5LA
40. VK5KAW
41. VK5CZ
42. VK5XE
43. VK3LRX
44. VK2HLM
45. VK3APJ
46. VK1CHW
47. VK2CHW
48. VK2TRL
49. VK5DW

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/.
2. ‌Findagrave.com. (2025). Gunner Jack Alexander Claude Tyson (1890-1918) -… [online] Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56043640/jack-alexander_claude-tyson [Accessed 21 Dec. 2025].
3. ‌NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2014, Plan of Management Ooolambeyan National Park
4. Trove. (2025). BIG PROPERTY SALE. – OOLAMBEYAN BRINGS £84,000. To Be Used for Stud Sheep Breeding. – The Riverine Grazier (Hay, NSW : 1873 – 1954) – 22 Aug 1924. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/140120313 [Accessed 21 Dec. 2025].
5. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Oolambeyan National Park. Wikipedia.‌

A few days ago, I received the DXFF70 certificate for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program. It is issued for having worked WWFF references in 70 different DXCC entities.

Thank you to all of the WWFF activators, and thank you to Swa ON5SWA for the certificate.

Day four of our Canberra trip, Tuesday, 21st October 2025. We started off the day with some breakfast at a cafe in Hay.

We then drove down to the local roadhouse to get some photographs of the trucks for our grandson, Flynn.

Marija and I then headed to Carrathool, where we intended to activate the silo.

Above: Map showing the location of Carrathool, NSW. Map c/o Google Maps

We drove east along the Sturt Highway, which is a major link for vehicles and road freight between Sydney and Adelaide. The highway is 947 km in length. It commences near Gundagai in New South Wales, and completes at Gawler in South Australia. It is named in honour of the explorer, Captain Charles Sturt. (Wikipedia 2025)

About 35 km east of Hay, just off the Sturt Highway, you will find the grave of Charles Dunstan Thompson.

He was born in c. 1849. Charles was a storekeeper at Burrabogie Station. Charles died on the 8th day of September 1879 at Hay Hospital, aged 32 years. His cause of death was typhoid fever. (Newspapers.com 2019)

Above: article from The Riverina Grazier, Wed Sep 10, 1879. Image c/o newspapers.com

Burrabogie is derived from the Aboriginal words Burra, meaning quick and bogie, meaning swim. In 1875, Burrabogie was 500 square miles in size and had 140,000 sheep. The Burabogie homestead was recorded as one of the finest in the Riverina district. (Trove 2025)

Above: Burrabogie Station. Image c/o Trove

Burrabogie features in the Australian song ‘Flash Jack from Gundagai.’

Marija and I then travelled to the little town of Carrathool, about 64 km from Hay. I have found various versions of the origin of Carrathool. One source suggests it is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Native Companion’. Another suggests that it means ‘Brolga.’ (Wikipedia 2025)

The New South Wales Government Gazette in October 1852, recorded that a reserve of 4+¹⁄₂ square miles (12 km²) had been proclaimed (No. 13 in the Lachlan Pastoral District). It was situated at the location known as Currathool on the north bank of the Murrumbidgee River, “on a cattle run occupied by Mr. Rudd”. (Trove 2025)

Above: NSW Govt Gazette, Mon 25 Oct 1852. Image c/o Trove

Carathool was located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and played a key role as one of the early river ports in the paddle steamer trade. By 1882, the railway had arrived. A new village was established 3 km north of the Murrumbidgee River. The new Carathool was proclaimed on March 20, 1885. Several large merino sheep stations were located around Carathool, which were renowned for their premium wool. One of these was Uardry Station. A prized ram from Uardy was featured on Australia’s one-shilling coin. (Carrathool Shire Council, 2025)

Above: 1941 Australian shilling coin featuring a champion ram from Uardry Stud. Image c/o WIkipedia

Not much remains today at Carathool.

The Junee to Hay railway arrived at Carrathool in 1882. The line from Hay to Wilbriggie was closed in 1985. (Nswrail.net 2025)

The old Carathool station sign and an old tractor can be located along the public toilet block.

The Carrathool Races are held annually and attract thousands of racegoers. They are organised by the Carathool Jockey Club, which was established in 1883. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: article from the Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Thu 31 Dec 1891. Image c/o Trove

The Murrumbidgee River is located a short distance south of the township of Carrathool.

The historic Carrathool bridge, which was built in 1924, is a heritage-listed bascule lift span bridge. It is the last of its type in Australia. The bridge was constructed to replace the punt that operated on the river.

Above: article from The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 29 Jul 1924. Image c/o Trove

The lift span of the bridge was designed to rise for passing paddle steamers and barges. It was last lifted in 1961. The bridge is also no longer used for vehicular traffic, having been replaced with a new bridge in 2019. (Carrathool Shire Council, 2025)

We then headed back to the corner of the Sturt Highway and Conargo Road to activate the Carathool silos for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

We operated from 4WD on the side of the Sturt Highway adjacent to the silos. We ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Above: the activation zone at the Carrathool silos. Image c/o SiOTA website

Whilst activating the silo, Marija and I were entertained by watching a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles, which were being harassed by other birds.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK2IO
3. VK2GEZ
4. VK3VIN
5. VK2VW
6. VK2HFI
7. VK2AKA
8. VK2BUG
9. VK3BWS
10. VK3CLD
11. VK5QA
12. VK2DBF
13. VK5FANA
14. VK2XWB/p (VKFF-1921)
15. VK3DAC

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK2IO
3. VK2GEZ
4. VK3VIN
5. VK2VW
6. VK2HFI
7. VK2AKA
8. VK2BUG
9. VK2XWB/p (VKFF-1921)

References.

1. Carrathool Shire Council. (2025). Carrathool – Carrathool Shire Council. [online] Available at: https://carrathool.nsw.gov.au/visit/carrathool/ [Accessed 20 Dec. 2025].
2. ‌Trove. (2025). Burrabogie Station—Murrumbidgee River, N.S. W. – Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 – 1919) – 17 Apr 1875. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70490256 [Accessed 20 Dec. 2025].
3. ‌Trove. (2025). CROWN LANDS, WITHIN THE SETTLED DISTRICTS. – (RESERVES FROM LEASE.) – New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 – 1900) – 25 Oct 1852. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230053042/15678561 [Accessed 20 Dec. 2025].
4. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Carrathool. Wikipedia.
5. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Sturt Highway. Wikipedia.‌

Our final activation for Monday, the 20th day of October 2025, was the Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park VKFF-1786. We headed there after our dinner at the Riverina Hotel in Hay.

Above: Map showing the Murrumbidgee River. Image c/o Wikipedia

The Murrumbidgee River is the second-longest river in Australia. It flows through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Murrumbidgee is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘big water.’ The river flows for a length of 1,485 km, with its source being the Snowy Mountains. Its mouth is the confluence with the Murray River. (Wikipedia 2025)

The Murrumbidgee River runs through the traditional lands of the Ngarigo, Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, Nari Nari and Muthi Muthi Aboriginal peoples. (Wikipedia 2025)

In 1820, the New South Wales Government was advised that a river had been discovered by settlers who had travelled south from the Goulburn Plains and Lake George. This river was referred to by the Aboriginal people as ‘Morumbidge’. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931) (Trove 2025)

In December 1820, Governor Lachlan Macquarie organised an expedition party with provisions for one month to set out to locate the Murrumbidgee River. The party consisted of Joseph Wild, James Vaughan, and Charles Throsby Smith. Smith’s uncle, Charles Throsby, was under instruction from the Governor to launch the expedition. He had been advised of the existence of the Murrumbidgee River by the Aboriginal people. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931) (National Trust 2021)

Charles Throsby was born in 1777 in Leicester, England. In June 1802, he arrived in Australia aboard the Coromandel as the naval surgeon. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931) (Parsons n.d.)

Above: Charles Throsby. Image c/o ACT Heritage

Joseph Wild was born in c. 1759 in England. In August 1793, he was convicted of burglary and received 50 lashes and spent several years in prison. In 1797, he was transported for life to the colony of Australia. In August 1810, he received a ticket-of-leave, and in January 1813, he was granted a conditional pardon. He went on to take part in several expeditions of the continent of Australia. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931) (Parsons n.d.)

James Vaughan @ Vaughn, was born in c. 1770 in England. In 1790, at the age of 20, he was sentenced to transportation for life in a Dublin court. He arrived in Australia in 1791 aboard the Third Fleet. After being granted a pardon, he became a Constable. (National Trust 2021)

Charles Throsby Smith was born in March 1798 in Cambridgeshire, England. He emigrated to Australia in 1819. He resided for periods of time with his uncle, Charles Throsby. (ancestry 2016) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Charles Throsby Smith. Image c/o WIkipedia

On the 8th day of December 1820, Vaughan and Smith climbed Black Mountain. Having done so, they made the decision not to continue further and to return home. (National Trust 2021)

Smith would later write the following:

“I was sent by my uncle by order of the Governor in charge of half a dozen men and pack horses to explore the country to the south of Lake George, and to trace down a river an imaginary one so I found and to my great vexation, being so led astray by my uncle’s report, and on my return we had a serious quarrel and I left him and rented a farm at Appin.” (National Trust 2021)

In March 1821, Charles Throsby embarked on an expedition in search of the Murrumbidgee River, in company with Joseph Wild. In c. April 1821, he discovered the Murrumbidgee at its junction with the Molonglo River. Throsby died just 7 years later in 1828. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931) (Parsons n.d.)

Two years later, in 1823, an expedition team consisting of Mark Currie, John Ovens, and Joseph Wild set off from Throsby Park in Moss Vale, New South Wales. On the 31st day of May 1823, they arrived at the Murrumbidgee River. They were able to cross the river and camped near Tharwa, south of current-day Canberra. Over the following 5 days, they travelled in a southerly direction parallel with the Murrumbidgee. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931)

Above: Captain Mark Currie. Image c/o WIkipedia

In November 1829, Captain Charles Napier Sturt led an expedition party to solve the mystery of where the western-flowing rivers of New South Wales went. On the 7th day of January 1830, Sturt and his party travelled down the Murrumbidgee River in a whale boat. They reached the confluence of a larger river, which Sturt named the Murray River. They continued along the Murray until reaching the confluence with the Darling River and on to Lake Alexandrina by 9th February 1830. They then rowed back upriver during the Australian summer until their supplies ran out near current-day Narrandera in April 1829. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931) (Gutenberg.net.au, 2025)

The year 1838 saw one of the most severe droughts in Australian history, which continued until 1842. The Murrumbidgee River ceased to run for 2 years. As a result, all of the crops failed, and the price of wool fell from 36d in 1833 to 18d in 1841. (Commonwealth of Australia 1931)

Above: article from The Sydney Monitor & Commercial Advertiser, Wed 10 Oct 1838. Image c/o Trove

The Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park comprises several distinct areas along the Murrumbidgee River from Hay to west of Wagga Wagga. The Murrumbidgee Regional Park, the Murrumbidgee National Park, and the Murrumbidgee Nature Reserve were reserved on the 1st day of July 2010. The regional park is 1,180 hectares in size. The Murrumbidgee Valley River Parks protect part of the longest continuous tract of River Red Gum forest in the world. (NSW NPWS 2014)

We activated the park just outside of Hay.

Above: An aerial view of Hay and the section of the Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park that we activated. Image c/o Google Earth

We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3FS
2. VK3ATT
3. VK5LA
4. VK5KAW
5. VK2IO
6. VK2GEZ
7. VK1AO
8. VK2MET
9. VK5ACC
10. VK3MAW

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3FS
2. VK3ATT
3. VK5LA
4. VK5KAW
5. VK2IO
6. VK2GEZ
7. VK1AO
8. VK2MET
9. VK5ACC
10. VK3MAW
11. VK4EMP
12. VK4TI
13. VK4GKO
14. VK7PJM
15. VK6ASK/m
16. VK5LSB
17. VK2LWK
18. VK3LF
19. VK2OT/p
20. VK5NJ
21. VK2JAB/m
22. VK3AXK
23. VK6ADM
24. VK2FALL
25. VK2KEV/4
26. VK3VRU
27. VK5FANA
28. VK2XWB
29. VK4BR
30. VK3AMO
31. VK3DAU
32. VK5DW
33. VK5UV
34. VK2MFW
35. VK3PF
36. VK3KAI
37. VK4GAP
38. VK4BWL
39. VK2XLY
40. VK3JP
41. VK4WP
42. VK4DWS
43. VK3UH
44. VK3DEM
45. VK2DNI
46. VK3XEM
47. VK5HS
48. VK5PY
49. VK4SMA

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 19 Dec. 2025].
2. ‌Gutenberg.net.au. (2025). Dictionary of Australian Biography St-Sy. [online] Available at: https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks15/1500721h/0-dict-biogSt-Sy.html#sturt1 [Accessed 19 Dec. 2025].
3. ‌National Trust of Australia (ACT), 2021, ‘Heritage in Trust’
4. NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2014, Statement of Management Intent – Murrumbidgee Valley River Parks
5. Parsons, V. (n.d.). Charles Throsby (1777–1828). [online] Australian Dictionary of Biography. Available at: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/throsby-charles-2735 [Accessed 19 Dec. 2025]‌
6. Parsons, V. (n.d.). Wild, Joseph (1773–1847). [online] Australian Dictionary of Biography. Available at: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wild-joseph-2791.‌ [Accessed 19 Dec. 2025].‌
7. Trove. (2025). EARLY PIONEERS. – DISCOVERY OF THE MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER. – The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 – 1928) – 3 Apr 1916. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122202868?searchTerm=charles%20throsby%20%2B%20murrumbidgee [Accessed 19 Dec. 2025].‌
8. Wikipedia. (2020). Murrumbidgee River. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murrumbidgee_River. [Accessed 19 Dec. 2025].‌
9. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Charles Throsby Smith. Wikipedia.‌

Yesterday I drove up to the Clare Valley to attend a Christmas get-together for a group of amateurs who gather each morning on 3.680 MHz for a chat.

The event was suggested by Gordon VK5GY and hosted by Andrew VK5BL. Thanks, gentlemen. And thank you to Rod VK5UV for bringing the cake as a dessert.

Ivan VK5HS brought along his homebrew 6m yagi for all to see. There was also some other equipment on display, including an old Traeger radio.

It was a very enjoyable day despite the 40 degree C temperature.

All round, about a 420 km drive for me, but absolutely worth every km.

Those in attendance were:

• Andrew VK5BL
• Ian VK5CZ
• Gordon VK5GY
• Ivan VK5HS
• Ian VK5IS
• Mark VK5MK
• Hugh VK5NHG
• Paul VK5PAS (myself)
• Rod VK5UV
• Roger VK5WE

After packing up at Toogimbie on Monday, 20th October 2025, Marija and I headed out for a second bite at the Kalyarr National Park. We had activated Kalyarr the days before, but did not reach 44 QSOs.

This time, we entered the park via Thelangerin Road, which runs northwest out of Hay.

This was spectacular remote countryside with lots of Red kangaroos, emus, and even a few feral pigs.

And plenty of snakes and lizards.

The historic Thelangerin sheep station is located on the Lachlan River, adjoining the Kalyarr National Park. It is one of the Riverina’s original sheep stations and was originally a 640-acre area of land granted to Scottish pastoralist John Peter in 1867. Captain Andrew McFarland and his brother Robert acquired the property in 1872. (Apartments.com.au 2012)

Above: Andrew McFarland. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK3WSG
4. VK2IO
5. VK2GEZ
6. VK4HMI
7. VK3CEO
8. VK4SMA
9. VK3SQ
10. VK3JT
11. VK2BD
12. VK5FANA
13. VK3TDX
14. VK4SOE
15. VK4COA
16. VK3ACZ
17. VK3EJ
18. VK3SMW
19. VK7KT
20. VK2MAB
21. VK3CLD
22. VK5QA
23. VK2DBF

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK3WSG
4. VK2IO
5. VK2GEZ
6. VK4HMI
7. VK3CEO
8. VK4SMA
9. VK3SQ
10. VK3JT
11. VK2BD
12. VK5FANA
13. VK3TDX
14. VK4SOE
15. VK4COA
16. VK3ACZ
17. VK3EJ
18. VK3SMW
19. VK7KT
20. VK2MAB
21. VK3CLD
22. VK5QA
23. VK2DBF
24. VK3FTOM
25. VK7HOB
26. VK4EMP
27. VK4TI
28. VK4GKO
29. VK4LGC
30. VK4SOC
31. VK5OG/m
32. VKWETI
33. VK2AIT
34. VK2AIQ
35. VK2AIX
36. VK2AIZ
37. VK1DI
38. VK7IAN
39. VK3ALF
40. VK1AO
41. VK2MET

After successfully activating the park, we drove back into Hay and went out for dinner at the Riverina Hotel.

References.

1. Apartments.com.au. (2012). Riverina sheep station Thelangerin finds new owner after 140 years. [online] Available at: https://www.apartments.com.au/news/riverina-sheep-station-thelangerin-finds-new-owner-after-140-years [Accessed 17 Dec. 2025].‌