ARCIA update: engaging with industry in 2026

Whilst we may be well into January by the time you get to read this article and issue of Critical Comms, I hope you had a good break and I wish you all the best for 2026.

As we collectively start to think about the year ahead, and what it may deliver, I would urge you to continue to engage and collaborate at every opportunity with the wider market, both locally and nationally, as many of you did throughout 2025. The opportunities that gatherings such as Comms Connect and ARCIA’s state conferences, dinners and networking events offer, cannot be underestimated, and we will again see a busy year, with a calendar packed full of various gatherings for you to take advantage of — visit arcia.org.au/events to see what we, and others, have in store for 2026.

With our Hobart sundowner moving to 5 March this year, the first and one of the most enjoyable get-togethers will be the Spurious Challenge charity regatta, organised by RFI Technology Solutions, setting sail from Sydney’s Middle Harbour on 20 February. With a 34-year history, RFI has made this year a ‘Sail for a Cause’, with the Black Dog as this year’s chosen charity, and ARCIA as supporting Association. The updated format now means that you can book an individual person entry, or an entire boat for 10 people, with every single dollar generated going to charity. If you haven’t booked your spot, go to bit.ly/4qHAaRl for more info and bookings — it really is a great day out, with a very worthy cause.

As is the case each year, the committee will gather for our annual planning day in February, with discussions around training, spectrum, member value and of course ARCIA events. I see this as an essential day, with the committee coming together face-to-face to reflect on the year gone by, as well as, more importantly, to map out what we hope to be an even better year ahead for all those in the radio and critical communications community. The commitment to attend is not to be underestimated, with many travelling interstate to join in, and we are very grateful for the time and effort of the attendees and the companies behind many, that support this initiative.

As ever we will discuss our wireless workforce shortages and training initiatives, continuing the discussions that were held during panel sessions at Comms Connect. What is evident is that these are not uniquely Australian problems — panel members from Europe and the USA talked of the same issues. The training, both face-to-face and online, that ARCIA has been offering and developing over the last few years is an important part of the solution, and our courses have seen solid attendance these past 12 months. We will continue to develop and deliver more courses this year, with the aim of continuing to grow attendance and improve the skills base where required. As always, please reach out if we can help you and your teams.

Finally, what is clear and where ARCIA will be focusing some of the committee’s expertise in 2026, is in the area of spectrum use and management. There is an apparent and growing need for collaboration across various industry groups such as public safety, utilities, rail and industry in general, so that there is equitable access to modern spectrum across Australia, with ARCIA in a position to advocate for better spectrum outcomes. The growing demands of these sectors cannot be meet solely by public carriers and our industries need to be part of the solution.

Hamish Duff, President (Hon), ARCIA — Australia’s Radio & Critical Communications Association.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Ratsanai