After leaving the Carron I124 Bushland Reserve on 24th October 2024, Marija and I travelled to Donald where we intended to activate the two silos, Donald silo VK-DND3 and Donald South silo VK-DNT3.

Donald is a town of about 1,400 people and is a service centre for the surrounding district which grows wheat, barley, peas, lentils, canola, safflower and lambs and wool. The town lies on the banks of the Richardson River. Donald is known as the ‘Home of the Duck’ due to the large number of waterbirds located on the local waterways. (Aussie Towns 2018)

The town was named after the Donald family from Scotland. In 1844 William, John and James Donald established ‘Banyenong’ pastoral run. Banyenong was an aboriginal word meaning ‘plenty of water’. By 1863 a store and liquor shanty had been established alongside of a bridge crossing the Richardson River, upstream from Benyenong homestead. The proprietor was Johann August Meyer. His establishment was met with strong disapproval by William Donald and other pastoralists in the district. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018) (Trove 2025)

The following year in 1864 the bridge was relocated and Meyer constructed a weatherboard store and hotel at the site of the present Mount Jeffcott Hotel. Edward Miller then built the Royal Hotel and the town became known as Richardson Bridge. Two years later, the name ‘Donald’ appeared on survey maps. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018)

By the 1870s the town had several stores, blacksmiths, bakers, and flour mills. The railway reached the town in 1882. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018)

Above:- Falla General Blacksmith & Wheel-Wright, c. 1895. Image c/o Lost Country Victoria Facebook page

Donald is a beautiful little town with lots of historic buildings.

The old National Bank building is located in Wood Street. It as built in 1885 by the Colonial Bank. The manager’s residence was above the bank chambers. In 1918 the Colonial Bank was amalgamated with the National Australia Bank (NAB) in 1918 it became a NAB bank. The NAB later amalgamated with the CBC and the building was sold. (Aussie Towns 2018) 

The M.E. Morgans building on the main street of Donald was built in 1906. (Aussie Towns 2018)

The old Oakley Thompson building on Woods Street was built in 1906. It is now the Donald District Archive. (Aussie Towns 2018)

After having a quick look around the town, Marija and I visited the Old Police Camp. This was the first police station in the Donald district. It is located on Wood Street and was known as Richardson Crossing. The police building is a small four-roomed house constructed in 1869. It was established to control the drunken behaviour of shepherds. (Donaldlearninggroup.com.au, 2024)

The site contains other historical buildings that have been relocated from farms in the district. This includes an old shepherd’s hut from the 1840s. (Donaldlearninggroup.com.au, 2024)

The park contains the original cell from 1865.

You can also locate an old Furphy water tank. They were invented by John Furphy, an experienced blacksmith and wheelwright. They were used to provide water to soldiers serving in the trenches during the First World War.

Located in front of the Old Police Camp is a Bill’s Horse Trough. I have written about Bills Horse troughs before and it can be found at https://vk5pas.org/2023/12/17/werrimul-bushland-reserve-vkff-4122-and-werrimul-silo-vk-wru3/

We then headed to Apex Park and viewed the giant windmill measuring 7.62 metres. It was originally installed at the Donald pumping station in 1913. It was later used for irrigation on Glengar station before being donated. (Aussie Towns 2018) (Donaldlearninggroup.com.au, 2024)

We then drove down to the Richardson River which passes through Donald. The river rises on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and flows north for about 119 km and drains into Lake Buloke. It is named after John Matthew Richardson who fell from his horse during the 1836 expedition of Major Thomas Mitchell. (Wikipedia 2023)

We then viewed Bullock’s Head ​on the Richardson River in Byrne Street. It is a natural formation on an old gum tree that is strikingly similar to that of a Bullock’s Head. Donald has been the subject of several floods where the water has reached the ‘mouth of Bullock’s Head. (Aussie Towns 2018 (Donaldlearninggroup.com.au, 2024)

Significant floods have occurred in 1909, 1918, 1956, 1975, 1992, and 2011. The most severe flood was in January 2011 when the tops of the horns of the Bullock’s Heads were just visible. A viewing platform and information boards can be found here. (Aussie Towns 2018 (Donaldlearninggroup.com.au, 2024)

Above:- Floods at Donald, 1909. Image c/o Lost Country Victoria Facebook page.

On the opposite side of the Richardson River is a large metal sculpture of a Nassau Grouper. It was used in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games ceremony and later donated to Buloke Shire. (Aussie Towns 2018) (Donaldlearninggroup.com.au, 2024)

Our next stop in Donald was Heritage Train Park on Hammill Street. The park features an old J524 steam train and other rolling stock. (Aussie Towns 2018)

We then had a quick look at the Agricultural Museum that is located in front of the Donald Showground in Hammill Street. It features a collection of historic agricultural machinery.

Opposite is the old Donald flour mill and weigh station that was built in 1878

We then visited Donald Memorial Park located on the corner of Houston Street and Campbell Street. This was Donald’s first park. It contains a memorial to remember all those from the district who served in the various conflicts. It was originally erected to commemorate those killed during the First World War. (Aussie Towns 2018) (Monument Australia 2025)

The park also has memorial gates to commemorate the founder of Donald, Johann August Meyer. The gates were erected in 1963. (Monument Australia 2025)

The Donald silos VK-DND3 are located in Mill Street.

Marija and I parked on Racecourse Road within the activation zone of the two silos. We 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 zones of the two silos at Donald, Victoria. Map c/o SiOTA website.

This was probably the worst band conditions Marija and I had ever experienced. There had been a large X-class flare. We called CQ for about 10 minutes on 40m and had absolutely no takers. Fortunately, we were able to get a handful of stations each on the 20m band.

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4PDX
2. VK4JT
3. VK4LMB
4. VK4GRZ

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4PDX
2. VK4JT
3. VK4LMB
4. VK4GRZ
5. VK4WC

References.

1. Aussie Towns. (2018). Donald, VIC – Aussie Towns. [online] Available at: https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/donald-vic [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025].
2. ‌Donaldhistory.org.au. (2018). Donald | Donald History Society Inc. [online] Available at: https://donaldhistory.org.au/welcome/donald/ [Accessed 17 Mar. 2025].
3. ‌Donaldlearninggroup.com.au. (2024). Tourism. [online] Available at: https://www.donaldlearninggroup.com.au/tourism [Accessed 19 Mar. 2025].
4. ‌Trove. (2025). HISTORY OF DONALD – No. 67 of The Weekly Times Country Towns Series – Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954) – 7 Feb 1931. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223190398?searchTerm=country%20towns [Accessed 19 Mar. 2025].‌
5. UBC Web Design (2025). Donald War Memorial | Monument Australia. [online] Monumentaustralia.org.au. Available at: https://www.monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/multiple/display/31041-donald-war-memorial [Accessed 19 Mar. 2025].
6. ‌UBC Web Design (2016). Johann August Meyer | Monument Australia. [online] Monumentaustralia.org.au. Available at: https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/settlement/display/31044-johann-august-meyer [Accessed 19 Mar. 2025].
7. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2023). Richardson River (Victoria). Wikipedia.‌

On 24th October 2024, after leaving the Litchfield silo, Marija and I drove to our next activation for the day, the Carron I124 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4749.

The reserve is located about 43 km east of Warracknabeal and about 305 km northwest of Melbourne

Above:- Map showing the location of the Carron I124 Busland Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The reserve is located on the southern side of Pearse Road.

Above:- An aerial view of the Carron I124 Bushland Reserve. Image c/o Google Earth

The district of Carron takes its name from the village of Carron in Stirlingshire, Scotland. This is a small reserve, only about 1 hectare in size. It was established on the 22nd day of September 1987. (CAPAD 2022)

This was an easy park to access with no fences. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole supported on the 7-metre telescopic squid pole.

It was incredibly windy, and our squid pole snapped during this activation. We also experienced a solar flare, with the noise on the band going from zero to strength 8 and then back down to zero after a few seconds.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/P (SOTA VK3/ VE-237 & VKFF-0980)
2. VK3PF
3. VK3APJ
4. VK3ZSC
5. VK3MCA
6. VK3WSG
7. VK3HJW
8. VK3CEO
9. VK3KRL
10. VK5DW

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/P (SOTA VK3/ VE-237 & VKFF-0980)
2. VK3PF
3. VK3APJ
4. VK3ZSC
5. VK3MCA
6. VK3WSG
7. VK3HJW
8. VK3CEO
9. VK3KRL
10. VK5DW
11. VK1AO
12. VK2MET
13. VK5TR
14. VK7XX
15. VK3PWG
16. VK3TTK
17. VK3UH
18. VK3MIJ
19. VK2LEE

I worked the following stations on 40m FT8:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3CEO
3. VK3APJ
4. VK3KAI

I worked the following stations on 20m FT8:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK2MG
4. VK3APJ

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2VW
2. VK2HFI
3. VK2AKA
4. VK2BUG
5. VK7XX
6. 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 17 Mar. 2025].‌
2. Leslie James Blake, 1978, Place Names of Victoria.

Our next activation for 24th October 2024, was the Litchfield silo VK-LTD3 for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

Litchfield is located about 43 km east of Warracknabeal and about 295 km northwest of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of Litchfield, Victoria. Map c/o Google Maps.

European settlers commenced establishing properties in the district during the mid 1840s. In 1845, Charles Wedge established ‘Banyenong West’ run. In 1846 the run was owned by Robert Macredie and was divided into ‘Carron’ and ‘Papp’ runs. These were both subsequently acquired by George Pyers. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018)

Following the 1869 Land Act, which allowed the district to be opened up to smaller selectors, about 14 selectors took up about 4,000 acres of land in the Parish of Witchipool. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018)

The area around Litchfield was originally known as Witchipool, named after the Parish. It was taken up for farm selections between 1873 and 1876. In 1877 the Witchipool Post Office was opened. In 1879 the Witchippol East school was opened. This was followed by the Witchipool West School in 1880 and Carron in 1881. In 1882, the district’s hotel was opened at Carron. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

In 1893, the railway was extended from Donald to Birchip. A station was erected near a general store that was operated by Joseph Litchfield. The station was named after Litchfield. For several years, both names were used. In 1907, the Witchipool Post Office and school were named Litchfield. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Above:- Article from the Sunraysia Daily, Tue 30 Jun 1925. Image c/o Trove.

Today the Litchfield Public Hall and one of the schools remain.

During the 1920s, the Carron Catholic church building, which was constructed in 1893, was moved to Litchfield. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Not much remains at Litchfield today. If it were not for the imposing silos, you might not even notice the little town.

Litchfield was a large wheat-receiving point for the district. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Above:- Article from the Warracknabeal Herald, Tue 14 Mar 1916. Image c/o Trove

In 1939-40 silos replaced the shed that was used for storing bagged grain. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Above:- Article from The Argus, Melbourne, Tue 21 Mar 1939. Image c/o Trove

The Litchfield silos are located on the southern side of Sunraysia Highway.

Marija and I parked alongside of the silos and operated from the 4WD. 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 Litchfield silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. Vk3APJ
3. VK3WSG/M

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK4MGL

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3APJ
3. VK3WSG
4. VK2UW/M
5. VK2SLO/M
6. VK3MCA
7. VK5KVA

References.

1. Donaldhistory.org.au. (2018). Litchfield | Donald History Society Inc. [online] Available at: https://donaldhistory.org.au/welcome/rich-avon/ [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
2. ‌Victorianplaces.com.au. (2015). Litchfield | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/litchfield [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].‌

After leaving Brim (24th October 2024), Marija and I drove back into Warracknabeal, where we activated the Warracknabeal silo VK-WRL3 and the Warracknabeal North silo VK-WRT3.

Warracknabeal is about 338 km northwest of Melbourne.

It is believed that Warracknabeal is derived from the Wotjobaluk aboriginal language to describe the impressive river redgums that line the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek. (Aussie Towns 2016)

Before activating the silos, we visited the Warracknabeal racecourse. I have placed a few bets on horses running at this racecours over the years.

We could clearly see the concrete silos of VK/WRL3 from the racecourse.

The Warracknabeal North silos VK-WRT3 are located on the western side of the Henty Highway, on the northern side of Warracknabeal. They are operated by GrainCorp.

The Warracknabeal silos VK-WRL3 are located at the end of Duncan Street.

The silos are located at the site of the old flour mill which was owned by W.C. Thomas and operated until the mid 1960s. The mill prospered once the railway line from Murtoa and Minyip reached Warracknabeal. (Flickr 2025)

W.C. Thomas ran several flour mills throughout Victoria. This included the Warracknabeal mill which operated from 1884 to 1964. (Victorian Collections 2018)

Above:- W.C. Thomas & Sons advertisement. Image c/o National Library of Australia.

We parked on Borung Highway in the activation zone of the two silos, and operated from the 4WD. 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 two silos in Warracknabeal. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija logged the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3WSG
2. VK3PF
3. VK5FB
4. VK2IO/P (VKFF-2186)
5. VK3APJ
6. VK5TN
7. VK2VAR
8. VK2GOM

I logged the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3WSG
2. VK3PF
3. VK5FB
4. VK2IO/P (VKFF-2186)
5. VK3APJ
6. VK5TN
7. VK2VAR
8. VK2GOM
9. VK2KA
10. VK3ZSC
11. VK3BAP

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2LEE
2. ZL2AJ
3. VK1AO
4. VK2NET
5. VK4EHI
6. VK4EMP
7. VK4TI
8. VK4GKO

References.

1. Aussie Towns. (2016). Warracknabeal, VIC – Aussie Towns. [online] Available at: https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/warracknabeal [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
2. ‌Flickr. (2025). Warracknabeal. Flourmill of W C Thomas. This flour mill operated till the mid 1960s. [online] Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/82134796@N03/49544569406 [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].‌
3. Victorian Collections. (2018). Textile – Flour bag – W.C.Thomas, Warracknabeal. [online] Available at: https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/6747afcb64783dd9b2988f6e [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].‌

Our first activation for Thursday 24th October 2024, was the Brim silo VK-BRN, for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

Brim is located about 21 km north of Warracknabeal, and about 357 km northwest of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of Brim, Victoria. Map c/o Google Maps.

Prior to European settlement, the area around Brim was home to the Wergaia and Wotjobaluk aboriginal people. It is thought that Brim is a local First Nations word meaning “a spring” or “a well”. (Aussie Towns 2023)

The first European to settle in the area was Henry Davis in 1848. During the 1870s, more European settlers moved into the district. In 1870 Brim station homestead was built. In 1890, a school was opened in Brim and this was followed by a Post office. By 1893 the railway between Warracknabeal and Bealuh had opened, and the railway line passed through Brim. (Aussie Towns 2023)

In Simson Street, Brim, you can find the headstone of James Simson. Brime Station had a burial ground and one with a headstone survived, that of James Simson. It was moved to Simson Street. (Findagrave.com 2021)

Simson was formerly a Commander in the Honourable East India Company Service. He died in 1858 after being gored by a bullock. (Vic.gov.au 2015)

The Brim silos are part of the Australian SIlo Art Trail. They were painted in 2016 by the world-renowned Australian artist Guido Van Helten. The silos feature the anonymous faces of Victorian farmers. (Australiansiloarttrail.com 2022) 

There are excellent information boards at the silo detailing the silo art.

Below is an excellent video on Brim and the Brimi silo art.

Marija and I parked in the silo carpark and operated from the vehicle. We 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 Brim silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK7PJM
3. VK2VAR
4. VK2GOM
5. VK2IO/P (Ryans Lagoon NCR VKFF-2186)

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4CEG
2. VK2VW
3. VK2HFI
4. VK2AKA
5. VK2BUG

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK7PJM
3. VK2VAR
4. VK2GOM
5. VK2IO/P
6. VK3VMM
7. VK3UP/M
8. VK3EI
9. VK3DX
10. VK1AO
11. VK2MET
12. VK3WSG
13. VK3CR
14. VK3APJ
15. VK5MOS
16. VK3NDG
17. VK3CJN
18. VK3QHU
19. VK3HO
20. VK2IO/P (Ryans Lagoon NCR VKFF-2186)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4CEG
2. VK2VW
3. VK2HFI
4. VK2AKA
5. VK2BUG

References.

1. Aussie Towns. (2023). Brim, VIC – Aussie Towns. [online] Available at: https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/brim-vic [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
2. Australiansiloarttrail.com. (2022). \r\n \n Brim Silo Art\n \r\n. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/brim [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
3. ‌‌Findagrave.com. (2021). James Simson (1821-1858) – Find a Grave Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/227832483/james-simson [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
4. ‌Vic.gov.au. (2015). Brim. [online] Available at: https://www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/Discover-Yarriambiack/Towns-To-Visit/Brim-Town [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
5. ‌

Our final activation for Wednesday 23rd October 2024, was the Rainbow Bushland Reserve VKFF-5759 and the Rainbow silo VK-RNW3.

The reserve is located about 402 km northwest of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Rainbow Bushland Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The reserve is located on the western side of Park Street and the northern side of Kruger Road.

Above:- An aerial view of the Rainbow Bushland Reserve and the township of Rainbow. Image c/o Google Earth.

By the time we reached the reserve it was totally dark. The Rainbow Bushland Reserve is about 12 hectares in size and was established on the 8th day of May 1990. (CAPAD 2024)

We positioned ourselves in the northern section of the park in the activation zone of the Rainbow silo VK-RNW3. Unfortunately we were just outside of the activation zone of the Rainbiow 2 silo VK-RNO3.

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

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

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5LA
2. VK5KAW
3. VK3SQ
4. VK2BD
5. VK5HS
6. VK3WSG
7. VK4MRH
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK3GJG
11. VK2IO/P (VKFF-4631)
12. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-4631)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5LA
2. VK5KAW
3. VK3SQ
4. VK2BD
5. VK5HS
6. VK3WSG
7. VK4MRH
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK3GJG
11. VK5DW
12. KD1CT
13. VK3APJ
14. VK7PJM
15. VK3CEO
16. VK1AO
17. VK2MET
18. VK2PV/P
19. KG8P
20. VK5AMH
21. VK3ZSC
22. VK3KRL
23. VK2IO/P (VKFF-4631)
24. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-4631)
25. VK3ZK
26. VK7WC
27. VK2EG
28. VK2AGS
29. VK5FANA

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 14 Mar. 2025].‌

After leaving the Albacutya I257 Bushland Reserve on 23rd October 2024, Marija and I drove the short distance to our next park activation, the Albacutya I171 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4472.

The reserve is located about 9 km north of Rainbow in northwest Victoria.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Albacutya I171 Bushland Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The reserve is located on the northern side of Bullock Bottom Road.

Above:- An aerial view of the reserve. Image c/o Google Earth.

The reserve is about 133 hectares in size and was established on the 1st day of May 1979. It is signposted as the Bullocks Bottom Bushland Reserve.

This was another easy park to access, with an open gate and a 4WD track leading into the park. It was almost dark by the time we set up. Marija and I 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. VK5LA
4. VK5KAW
5. VK3PWG
6. VK3TTK
7. VK3SQ
8. VK2BD
9. VK1AO
10. VK2MET

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK5LA
4. VK5KAW
5. VK3PWG
6. VK3TTK
7. VK3SQ
8. VK2BD
9. VK1AO
10. VK2MET
11. VK3APK
12. VK7PJM
13. VK4SMA
14. VK5DW
15. VK4MRH
16. VK2LQ
17. VK2PCT
18. VK4HMI
19. VK2IO/M
20. VK2GEZ/M
21. VK3WSG
22. VK5HS
23. VK3KRL
24. VK2EG

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 14 Mar. 2025].‌

After dinner on 23rd October 2024, Marija and I activated the Albacutya I257 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4473.

The reserve is located about 9 km north of Rainbow.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Albacutya I257 Bushland Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The reserve is located on the southern side of Jacks Track, a few hundred metres from the Hopetoun-Rainbow Road.

Above:- Aerial view of the reserve. Image c/o Google Earth.

Albacutya is derived from the Wergaia aboriginal word for nearby Lake Albacatya “Ngelbakutya”. (Griffin 2018)

The reserve is about 4 hectares in size and was established on the 8th day of May 1990. It is signposted as Griggs Reserve.

This was an easy park to access. There were no fences and there was a 4WD track leading into the park. Marija operated from the 4WD, running the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metres stainless steel whip.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3SQ
2. VK2BD
3. VK3PF
4. VK3KAI
5. VK1AO
6. VK2MET
7. VK4HMI
8. VK4SMA
9. VK7PJM
10. VK3APJ

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3SQ
2. VK2BD
3. VK3PF
4. VK3KAI
5. VK1AO
6. VK2MET
7. VK4HMI
8. VK4SMA
9. VK7PJM
10. VK3APJ
11. VK3KRL
12. VK3PWG
13. VK3TKK
14. VK3GJG
15. VK5LA
16. VK5KAW
17. VK2IO/m
18. VK2GEZ/m
19. VK2EG
20. VK2PV/p
21. VK4MRH
22. VK3WSG

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 14 Mar. 2025].‌
2. Griffin, Darren; Muir, Ben, 2018, “Barringgi Gadyin – The Wimmera River and Wotjobaluk Connection to Country”

After leaving the Elam silo on 23rd October 2024, Marija and I continued north towards our next activation, the Albacutya silo VK-ALA3.

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

As we drove into the town of Rainbow, we stopped briefly to look at Rainbow Lake, a man-made lake popular for swimming and kayaking.

We then visited the little town of Rainbow on the southern edge of the Victorian Mallee country. The town’s name comes from a property in the area known as ‘Rainbow Rise’ which in turn was named due to it being located near a crescent-shaped ridge that in spring was alive with colourful wildflowers. (Aussie Towns 2025)

Rainbow has several murals that are located in and around Federal Street. The Centennary of Rail to Rainbow mural depicts one of the first passenger trains into Rainbow Station. The Commonwealth Hotel mural depicts the magnificent hotel that was demolished in 1959.

Marija and I then had a look at Yurunga Homestead in Rainbow. This heritage listed Edwardian style home was built in 1909 by Mr. A.G. Cust. (Visit Wimmera Mallee 2025)

Rainbow is a beautiful little town. In the main street, Federal Street, you can find the Rainbow War Memorial. The monument commemorates all those from the Rainbow district who served in World War One and World War Two.

The monument is surrounded by dozens of rose bushes which were in full bloom during our visit.

Marija and I then had dinner at the Eureka Hotel in Rainbow. The Eureka Hotel was built in 1905. (Flickr 2025)

On our way to the Albacutya silo we stopped to have a look at the murals located on the corner of Hopetoun-Rainbow Road and Albacutya Road. There are three murals painted on large panels. They depict the history of nearby Lake Albacutya.

The Albacutya silos are part of the Australian Silo Art Trail. The silo art was completed in May 2021 and is the work of Melbourne artist Kitt Bennett. (Australiansiloarttrail.com, 2022)

Kitt Bennett spent several weeks exploring the local area and speaking with locals. He commenced compiling a series of sketches and paintings that would form the basis of the final design of the silos. Kitt drew on his childhood experience in growing up in the bush and catching yabbies in the creeks. The concept of the boy on the motorbike was based on the son of the silo owner.

Marija and I parked in the silo carpark and operated from the 4WD. We 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 Albacutya silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3WSG
2. VK1CHW
3. VK7PJM
4. VK3APJ

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3WSG
2. VK1CHW
3. VK7PJM
4. VK3APJ
5. VK3USA
6. VK2IO/m
7. VK5WU
8. VK5FB
9. VK3SQ
10. VK2BD
11. VK1AO
12. VK2MET
13. VK7MAD

References.

1. Aussie Towns. (n.d.). Rainbow, VIC. [online] Available at: https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/rainbow-vic [Accessed 12 Feb. 2025]
2. ‌Australiansiloarttrail.com. (2022). \r\n \n Albacutya Silo Art\n \r\n. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/albacutya [Accessed 12 Feb. 2025].
3. ‌Flickr. (2025). Rainbow. One of the two grand hotels built in Rainbow in 1905. This is the Eureka Hotel. Almost next door is the Royal Hotel. [online] Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/82134796@N03/24108525150 [Accessed 12 Feb. 2025].
4. ‌Visit Wimmera Mallee. (2025). Yurunga Homestead – Visit Wimmera Mallee. [online] Available at: https://visitwimmeramallee.com.au/business-listing/yurunga-homestead/ [Accessed 14 Mar. 2025].‌

Here is a selection of the latest QSL cards received for VK5MAZ and VK5PAS.