Working together to benefit the industry

2016 has kicked off and already a number of meetings and events have taken place. Our website had been showing its age, so the website subcommittee has been very active in making changes to the ARCIA website with a view to making information more visible for the benefit of members. We need to provide information on topics that concern everyone who uses communications equipment — those who are directly employed in the industry, as well as general users.

The white paper on ANZEX Intrinsic Safety devices has been published and is available from the ARCIA website. (You will also find presentations on this topic at Comms Connect events.) ARCIA is preparing other white papers and guidelines for publication this year, such as the use of CB radios in industrial sectors such as construction.

The association took the decision last year to support the Comms Connect events around Australia for the benefit of our members, and we will continue that support this year. We felt that we needed to provide more content and give people more reasons to give up work for the day and get involved. With the impact the decline of mining is having on some businesses, we need to collaborate more to demonstrate the value of communications across many industry sectors. Comms Connect and ARCIA events are the places where the whole industry comes together, so make sure you make note of the dates for events in your state. The next event will be Comms Connect Sydney on 22–23 June, with the ARCIA gala industry dinner event to be held at the Novatel Hotel in Homebush on the evening of the 22nd.

It is pleasing to report that the relationship between ARCIA and the ACMA is continuing to build and that we are collaborating on a number of issues. ARCIA has also responded to the Department of Communications’ call for submissions on reform of the Radiocommunications Act. There is the potential for far-reaching changes in spectrum policy, which is why ARCIA is participating to ensure that the needs of our members and customers are considered.

At this time of year ARCIA renews its Promotional Partnerships, and we wish to thank our existing Partners — their support enables us to provide better services for our members and the industry in general. If you would like to become an ARCIA Partner, please contact us and get a copy of our Partnership Prospectus.

The ARCIA AGM is coming up fast, so now’s the time to consider how you can become a part of our vibrant and active association. The AGM will be held in Brisbane on 28 July (the day after the Brisbane Comms Connect mini-conference and ARCIA industry dinner) at the premises of Queensland Comms. Full details will be available soon.

Hamish Duff

President

Australian Radio Communications Industry Association