ARCIA update: events season in Victoria

A number of ARCIA representatives attended the recent biannual RadComms conference, held in Melbourne from 25–26 August, to hear about the ACMA’s spectrum program across all sectors, as well as to add our sector’s voice when and where necessary. The ARCIA spectrum team have recently commented on a pricing review and were able to add some interesting international examples to inform the debate. This year’s conference was very interesting, particularly regarding the imminent changes for satellite direct-to-device spectrum and policy.

The annual general meeting of the association took place on 27 August, and we are pleased to report that all positions were filled with great representation from right around Australia. The industry is very fortunate to have so many passionate and committed people and organisations willing to share their time.

On 5 August the association held the first Victorian State Networking Dinner for many years, as a separate event from the Annual Gala Dinner. After feedback suggested there was interest, a poll of members to gauge support was carried out and the committee decided to run based on the results of the poll. Members gathered for an evening of local stories and entertainment from the MC and host for the evening, Col Cameron, and based on the very positive outcome, this event will continue in 2027, earlier in the calendar, so please keep an eye out. It also gave the association a platform to properly recognise the ARCIA State Professional of the Year, which was awarded to Josh Way for his work with Tait Communications.

The association continues to provide training around the country and, more recently, in New Zealand as part of our cooperation with RFUANZ. Thanks to Chris Stevens for all the preparation and for running the session, which is hopefully the start of stronger collaboration with our sister organisation. I know from our own experience that local technicians are getting a lot out of the training, with approximately 80 having attended this particular Antenna & Line Testing fundamentals course around the country in the past 12–18 months.

As we approach Comms Connect Melbourne in mid-October, I am sure everyone is looking forward to a busy week with the conference, associated events and of course the ARCIA Annual Gala Dinner & Excellence Awards, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.

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

Top image credit: iStock.com/FrankRamspott