What is the KRMNPA? It is the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award which is sponsored by Amateur Radio Victoria. The aim of the award is to encourage and recognise portable operation in Victoria’s 45 National Parks.
The KRMNPA can trace its roots back to around 1970 when it was known as the Victorian National Parks Award. The driving force behind the award was Keith Vidmore Roget VK3YQ (silent key). Roget served on the Victorian Division Council of the Wireless Institute of Australia. He also served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.
During the mid 1980’s Roget’s widow Jean agreed that it was fitting that the award be renamed in his memory as the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award. Roger Baker VK3BKR was made custodian of the award. In September 2008, the KRMNPA was further revamped, covering Victoria’s 40 National Parks with the manager being Chris Brennan VK3QB. In 2009 Tony Hambling VK3VTH took on the position of Award Manager.
The award is open to park activators, park hunters, and short wave listeners.
Each Victorian National Park is worth one point. The basic award is issued where VK3 stations achieve 15 points, while other VK’s reach 10 points. DX stations require 5 points. The next certificate available is issued when 25 points are attained (25 Victorian National Parks activated or worked). Upon reaching 45 points (activated or worked all 45 Victorian National Parks), the Activated All/Worked All National Parks award certificate is issued. A merit plaque is also offered.
A Grand Slam plaque is available to those who have both activated and worked all 45 National Parks.
In March 2012 I was issued with the basic award, having worked 10 Victorian National Parks (endorsed as having worked 12 parks). In November 2013 I was issued with the 25 parks worked certificate (endorsed as having worked 33 parks).
In November 2014 I was issued with the Worked All National Parks certificate and also the merit plaque, for having worked all 45 Victorian National Parks.
In February 2016 I was issued with the basic award as an activator, having operated portable from 10 Victorian National Parks. And in January 2018 I was issued with the next level certificate, for having activated a total of 25 Victorian parks.
The first KRMNPA activation weekend was held in 2011, and an activation weekend has been held in November each year ever since. I have taken part in the KRMNPA Weekend in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
References.
Amateur Radio Victoria, 2016, <https://www.amateurradio.com.au/awards>, viewed 3rd Dece,ber 2016
VK5PAS 