Murray Park Reserve VKFF-4048

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On Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, Marija and I decided to head out into the field to activate some parks. I intended to use the special event call of VI100IARU.

Our first park for the day was Murray Park Reserve VKFF-4048, at Murray Bridge, about 75 km east of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of Murray Park Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

Murray Park Reserve is bordered by Eleanor Terrace, Thomas Street, and Albert Terrace.

Above:- An aerial view of Murray Park Reserve. Image c/o Google Earth.

Murray Park Reserve is a small piece (6 hectares) of remnant scrub located in the residential/industrial area of Murray Bridge.

A small area in the park is excluded from the park. It is the old Murray Park cemetery that was used as the first cemetery in Murray Bridge from 1885 to 1886.

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. VK5IS
  2. VK2YK
  3. VK5GA
  4. VK3ZPF
  5. VK3JW
  6. VK3SO
  7. VK3CEO
  8. VK3SQ
  9. VK2BD
  10. VK3ALF
  11. VK3MCK

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB before the UTC rollover:-

  1. VK5IS
  2. VK2YK
  3. VK5GA
  4. VK3ZPF
  5. VK3JW
  6. VK3SO
  7. VK3CEO
  8. VK3SQ
  9. VK2BD
  10. VK3ALF
  11. VK3MCK
  12. VK3ZSC

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB after the UTC rollover:-

  1. VK3CEO
  2. VK3APJ
  3. VK2EXA
  4. VK3VIN
  5. VK2YK
  6. VK5GA
  7. VK3ZSC
  8. VK6XL/7
  9. VK1MA
  10. VK5PL
  11. VK3PAH

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB before the UTC rollover:-

  1. VK4/ZL3MR
  2. ZL2BB
  3. VK2IO
  4. VK2GEZ

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB after the UTC rollover:-

  1. VK2IO
  2. VK2GEZ
  3. VK2KET
  4. VK2VW
  5. VK2HFI
  6. VK2AKA
  7. VK2BUG
  8. VK1AO
  9. VK2MET
  10. VK2USH
  11. VK7TO
  12. ZL2BB
  13. ZL1POTA
  14. VK4BJS
  15. VK4SYD
  16. ZL3RIK
  17. VK4HNS
  18. VK2BUS
  19. VK2MG

References.

  1. Dcceew.gov.au. (2023). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) 2022 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022 [Accessed 16 Jun. 2025].‌

HEMA Mount Observation VK5/ HSE-027

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On Tuesday 15th April 2025, I activated Mount Observation VK5/ HSE-027 for the HEMA program. The summit is located about 11 km south of Ashbourne and about 81 km south of the city of Adelaide.

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

I first tried to activate the summit via Signal Flat Road, which involved some door knocking. I got permission from one land owner, but this resulted in me falling short of the activation zone of the summit.

So I headed around to the western side of the summit and tried access via Bull Creek Road. I was lucky to find the electronic gate open at the commencement of the track leading to the summit. I knocked on a few doors of farms on the track and was very kindly granted permission to activate the summit.

The summit has a tower with radio communication equipment on it.

There are some nice views to be enjoyed of the surrounding countryside from the summit, which is about 262 metres above sea level and has a prominence of 101 metres. (HEMA 2021)

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

I tried my best to get the laptop up and going with FT8 during this activation, but I was unsuccessful with accurate timing.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3PF
  2. VK5HS
  3. VK5LA
  4. VK3TUX
  5. VK5PE
  6. VK5FANA
  7. VK3BEL
  8. VK3SQ

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK3PF
  2. VK2VW
  3. VK1BPM
  4. VK1AO
  5. VK2IO
  6. VK3YV
  7. VK4AS
  8. VK2LDJ

References.

  1. Hema.org.uk. (2021). HEMA VK5/HSE-027 – Mount Observation. [online] Available at: http://www.hema.org.uk/fullSummit.jsp?summitKey=59876 [Accessed 16 Jun. 2025].‌

White Sands silo VK-WHS5

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My final activation for 8th April 2025, was the White Sands silo VK-WHS5. White Sands is located about 9 km south of Murray Bridge and about 81 km southeast of Adelaide.

The White Sands silo is located on Flagstaff Road and is operated by Inghams.

The locality was named after the White Sands Ski Resort, a water skiing and wakeboarding facility, in March 2000. (Wikipedia 2024)

I parked on Flagstaff Road and operated from the 4WD, running 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 WHite Sands silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5MRE
  2. VK2EXA
  3. VK3VEF
  4. VK3TCT
  5. VK3CWM
  6. VK7ALH
  7. VK5LDM

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK1AO
  2. VK2MET
  3. VK5MAZ
  4. VK3PF
  5. VK3ASU
  6. VK3ZPF
  7. VK7PJM
  8. VK3ACZ
  9. VK1CHW
  10. VK3LOL
  11. ZL1XS
  12. VK1NC
  13. VK2LEE

References.

  1. Wikipedia Contributors (2024). White Sands. Wikipedia.‌

Murray Bridge East silo VK-MRT5 and Murray Bridge silo VK-MRE5

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After leaving Apamurra, I headed into Murray Bridge, where I got an evening meal.

I then activated the Murray Bridge East silo VK-MRT5 and the Murray Bridge silo VK-MRE5. Again, I used the special event call of VI100IARU.

Above:- Map showing the location of Murray Bridge, east of Adelaide. Map c/o Google Maps.

On my way to the activation zone for both silos, I passed the old Murray Bridge Railway Station on Railway Terrace. The station was opened in the 1880s as part of the Adelaide-Wolseley railway line. (Wikipedia 2025)

The Murray Bridge silo VK-MRE5 is located on Hume Reserve Road. The Murray Bridge East silo VK-MRT5 is located on Mary Terrace.

In 2023 it was planned that the Murray Bridge silos would become part of the Australian silo art trail. Sadly, this was cancelled.

I parked on Railway Terrace within the activation zone of the two silos and operated from the 4WD. I ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Above:- Map showing the activation zone at the two silos. Image c/o SiOTA website.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK5MAZ
  2. VK3PF
  3. VK1AO
  4. VK2MET
  5. VK7IAN
  6. VK2EXA
  7. VK2LEE
  8. VK2IO
  9. VK2EG
  10. VK7PJM
  11. VK2USH
  12. VK7LTD
  13. VK5DMO
  14. VK3BLG

References.

  1. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Murray Bridge railway station. Wikipedia.‌

Apamurra silo VK-APA5

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After leaving Cambrai on 8th April 2025, I headed to the Apamurra silo VK-APA5. Apamurra is located about 12 km northwest of Mannum and about 77 km northeast of Adelaide.

I have activated the Apamurra silo several times previously.

Apamurra is a railway siding on the former Monarto-Sedan railway. Apamurra is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘fresh water’. The township of Apamurra was laid out in 1921 on part sections 30-31, Hundred of Finniss, by Johann Gottfried Hartmann. It comprised 19 allotments contiguous to the railway station. On the 17th day of February 1922, the Apamurra Post Office opened. It closed on the 31st day of July 1971. (Place Names 2023)

The Apamurra silos are located on Milendella Road.

I parked on Milendella Road outside of the silos and operated from the 4WD, running 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 Apamurra silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK5MAZ
  2. VK1AO
  3. VK2MET
  4. VK3PF
  5. VK2USH
  6. VK2EXA
  7. VK5HYZ
  8. VK5RA
  9. VK2IO
  10. VK5FL
  11. VK5ADP
  12. VK2YW
  13. VK7PJM
  14. VK5DMO
  15. VK2LEE
  16. VK5FB
  17. VK7LTD

References.

  1. A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia, 2023, <https://published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, [Accessed 15 Jun. 2025]

Cambrai silo VK-CMI5

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After leaving the Derek Sutcliffe Reserve on 8th April 2025, I headed to the town of Cambrai where I intended to activate the Cambrai silo VK-CMI5 for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

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

I headed west on Jutland Road and stopped briefly to admire the old South Rhine Presbyterian (later Uniting) Church. The Foundation Stone was laid on the 26th day of April 1882, by Thomas Gray. Its closing service was held on the 25th day of April 2010. (Facebook 2022)

The sun was setting as I headed to Cambrai, and I enjoyed a magnificent sunset.

I stopped briefly at one of the lookouts with some amazing views out across the plains towards Victoria.

I soon reached the town of Cambrai, which was formerly known as Rhine Villa. It was one of several towns that were renamed during World War One to remove any connection with German place names. It was renamed Cambrai after the Battle of Cambrai. (Wikipedia 2025)

The Cambrai silos are located on SIlo Road.

I parked near the gates of the silos ane operated from the 4WD. I 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 Cambrai silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3WRD
  2. VK3ZLF
  3. VK2LDJ
  4. VK2IO
  5. VK3PWG/P
  6. VK3ACZ
  7. VK3NP
  8. VK5QA/P
  9. VK2DBF
  10. VK3CLD
  11. VK2USH
  12. VK3AGM
  13. VK3CJN
  14. VK3QHU
  15. VK7PJM
  16. VK2UAJ/P
  17. VK3PF
  18. VK6CAO
  19. VK3TDX
  20. VK1AO
  21. VK2MET

References.

  1. Facebook. (2022). Log into Facebook. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/profile/100066749306355/search/?q=south%20rhine [Accessed 15 Jun. 2025].
  2. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Cambrai. Wikipedia.‌

Derek Sutcliffe Memorial Reserve VKFF-6414

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My next activation for 8th April 2024 was the Derek Sutcliffe Memorial Reserve VKFF-6414. The park is located about 8 km east of the town of Springton and about 81 km northeast of the city of Adelaide.

The reserve is located on the southern side of Jutland Road, Springton.

The park commemorates Derek Sutcliffe, who was the first President of the Mount Pleasant Area Trees for Life Group. (Monument Aust 2025)

The reserve is about 20 hectares in size. It is surrounded by three other Heritage Agreements, including Guthrie Gorge.

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

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK7XX
  2. VK4JT
  3. VK1AC
  4. VK4NH
  5. VK4DXA
  6. VK5QA/M
  7. VK2DBF/M
  8. VK3CLD/M
  9. ZL2LDX
  10. VK2BUM
  11. VK2HDT
  12. VK2USH/P (VKFF-1008)
  13. VK1AO
  14. VK2MET
  15. VK3HJV
  16. VK3ANL
  17. VK2IO
  18. VK2GEZ
  19. VK2MOE
  20. VK1MO
  21. VK2LEE
  22. VK3AMO
  23. VK2VW
  24. VK2HFI
  25. VK2AKA
  26. VK2BUG
  27. VK3UH
  28. VK2MG
  29. VK6JK
  30. VK5XB
  31. VK5CZ
  32. VK5XE
  33. KG5CIK
  34. M0TRP
  35. VK4BT
  36. VK4IO
  37. VK4KTX

I worked the following stations on 20m FT8:-

  1. EA1AKD
  2. EA7TR
  3. DL2MIJ
  4. VK2IO
  5. EA7ST
  6. VK3AWA

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK4DNO
  2. VK3DNO
  3. VK3PF
  4. VK3KAI
  5. VK4HMI
  6. VK2MOE
  7. VK1MO
  8. VK3WSG
  9. VK7PJM
  10. VK5CZ
  11. VK5XE
  12. VK3CEO
  13. VK2LEE
  14. VK3BY
  15. VK5GY
  16. VK5HS
  17. VK5SFA
  18. VK3CJN
  19. VK3QHU
  20. VK5FANA

I worked the following stations on 40m FT8:-

  1. VK5CZ
  2. VK3PF
  3. VK5XE
  4. VK3KAI

References.

  1. UBC Web Design (2021). Derek Sutcliffe | Monument Australia. [online] Monumentaustralia.org.au. Available at: https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/community/display/119494-derek-sutcliffe [Accessed 15 Jun. 2025].‌

Mount Gawler VK5/ SE-013 and Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2888

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My next activation for Tuesday 8th April 2024, was the Mount Gawler summit VK5/ SE-013 for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program and the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2888 for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

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

I have activated this summit and the park several times previously.

Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve is about 1,044 hectares in size and consists of remnant native vegetation.

Mount Gawler is about 541 metres above sea level. It has been activated a total of 162 times for the SOTA program and is worth 2 points. (Sotadata.org.uk, 2025)

There are some nice views from the summit out to the east and the west.

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

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3PF
  2. VK3KAI
  3. VK5NRG
  4. VK5CZ
  5. VK5XE
  6. VK2EXA
  7. VK3ZSC/P (VKFF-2031)
  8. VK7DD
  9. VK2HAK
  10. VK5KVA
  11. VK5JW
  12. VKWYW
  13. VK5IS
  14. VK4NH
  15. VK4DXA

I worked the following stations on 40m FT8:-

  1. VK2HAK
  2. VK3PF
  3. VK3SQ
  4. VK3KAI
  5. VK1DI
  6. VK2IO

I worked the following stations on 20m FT8:-

  1. UA3PAB
  2. VK2IO
  3. VK2HAK
  4. VK4MGL
  5. VK5CZ
  6. VK1DI
  7. VK7XX
  8. VK3APJ
  9. LZ1YF

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK2VW
  2. VK2HFI
  3. VK2AKA
  4. VK2BUG
  5. VK2HAK
  6. VK3PF
  7. VK3KAI
  8. KG5CIK
  9. VK4DXA
  10. VK4NH
  11. VK5QA/M
  12. VK2DBF/M
  13. VK3CLD/M
  14. VK4MGL
  15. VK2USH/P (VKFF-1008)
  16. VK1DI
  17. VK3SQ
  18. VK2BD
  19. VK3JT
  20. VK3TBS
  21. VK4SMA
  22. VK4CK
  23. UT5PI

References.

  1. Forestry SA, 2016, Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve Management Plan
  2. Sotadata.org.uk. (2025). Sotadata3. [online] Available at: https://www.sotadata.org.uk/en/summit/VK5/SE-013 [Accessed 15 Jun. 2025].‌