GCARS - The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society Inc.

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GCARS - The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society Inc.

GCARS is a group of radio and electronics enthusiasts based on Queensland's Gold Coast. New members and guests are always welcome! Amateur Radio.

22/02/2026

It saddens me to report that Roger Bowden VK2LRB has recently gone Silent Key (passed away). Roger was a GCARS member for many years, and was frequently heard on the GCARS Nets. If I recall correctly, he may have been a Net Controller at one stage. He was a good friend of Reg VK2MNM (also SK) as they both lived in the NSW rural village of Crabbes Creek. In the past he had attended GCARS events like the Hamfest, Christmas Gatherings, Tours, Field Events and Presentations. Roger was also a radio operator for his local Marine Rescue base. Yes, he was frequently reminded that his radio callsign VK2LRB had a relationship to the music group Little River Band. Condolences to Roger's wife Anne and their children.

14/02/2026

POTA (Parks on the Air) presentation by Mark Perry VK4EMP, at GCARS (14/2/26). Mark is the Qld representative for POTA, and has many years of experience. Comprehensive details on enrollment, rules, frequencies & modes, logbooks, what are parks, equipment etc.

13/02/2026

Farewell ceremony today for Greg Ackman VK4BBX, best know for his 2-way antenna business Mobile One. Greg, a local GC resident, was tragically killed in a recent aircraft crash here on the Gold Coast. He attended the GCARS Hamfest for many years, selling his Mobile One products. Greg started making antennas as a 14 year old, then officially went into business when he turned 21 years of age. He was also a key player in the 1970’s, in getting Citizen Band radio legalised in Australia. Greg’s main passion was flying, which lead him to getting GCARS involved with the Pacific Airshow. I heard today about Greg’s charity work, Angel Flight, flying hundreds of flights from the outback with sick children to make their medical appointments in the large cities. 73 Greg, aka Bush Bandit … Cleared for your final flight, Blue skies and tailwinds

27/01/2026

More sad news with another Silent Key. Gold Coast AR Op. and Director of Mobile One antennas, Greg Ackman (VK4BBX), passed away from injuries following an aircraft crash yesterday. Greg regularly attended our Gold Coast Hamfest, selling his Mobile One brand equipment and assorted 2nd hand transceivers. Greg was passionate about flying, taking off on regular interstate flights in one of his aircraft. He will be sadly missed, especially his bartering on equipment at many of the SE Qld Hamfests. Our thoughts and prayers to Greg’s wife Tracy and their children. 73 good friend.

14/01/2026

A farewell today to GCARS member Stephan Sharp VK2ARS, who went Silent Key a few weeks back. Steve was a recently retired fireman, member of the VRA and SES, and Army Reservist. A large rollup of representatives from these agencies as well as members of GCARS and Summerland Amateur Radio clubs. Steve will be sadly missed by everyone,a true gentleman, and well respected community member. 73 good friend.

13/01/2026

The funeral service for GCARS member Stephan Sharp VK2ARS

When - Wednesday, 14 January 2026 1:00 PM (NSW time, so Midday for Queenslanders)

Where - Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Tweed Chapel

176 Kirkwood Road Tweed Heads South NSW 2486

Live stream -

27/12/2025

More sad news this week with another GCARS member going Silent Key. Stephen Sharp VK2ARS, unexpectedly passed away at his home. Steve lived down Tweed Heads way, and recently retired as a Station Officer fireman in the NSW Fire & Rescue. Steve lived an active life, serving in the Army Reserve, the NSW VRA, and recently as a specialist in the SES (aircraft coordinator). Steve could be heard regularly on the 146.7 repeater, mostly while he was mobile around the Tweed Heads area. He would also call into the morning GCARS Net when his work schedule allowed. Many of us would have last seen Steve at the GCARS Hamfest, last month. 73 my good friend, RIP, and thanks for the many QSO’s. You will be sadly missed by us all.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas everyone from the GCARS Exec & Committee. Did anyone catch Santa on a morning Net ? I believe he was aeronautical mobile, possibly while flying south to south-west over the Pacific Ocean.

20/12/2025

Yesterday’s wake following the recent passing (Silent Key) of GCARS member Reg Robinson, VK2MNM. Around 100 people attended including 7 or more amateur radio operators. Reg was a very active radio operator, and supporter of the GCARS morning nets. He was also very active with Lighthouse activations & JOTA, and a well respected resident of Crabbes Creek NSW. Reg was a Scout Leader, Volunteer Fireman, Pyrotechician (fireworks), school bus driver, and served on many community committees. He will be sadly missed by all … 73 my friend, and catch up over some QSO’s with Pete VK4BT & Kev VK4IW

10/12/2025

Message from Michele Robinson, daughter of Reg VK2MNM -

Dear Family & Friends

✨Celebrating Dad’s Life✨

Friday 19th December we are gathering at Crabbes Creek Hall from 5pm to celebrate Dad the way he would want — with laughter, stories, friends and a good time.

Bring your favourite photo of Dad, wear something bright, BYO your drinks of choice and your best memories to honour the legend he was.

Let’s come together, share the love and celebrate a truly remarkable man. ❤️

19/11/2025

Some very sad news today with Reg VK2MNM going Silent Key. Reg was a longtime member of GCARS, as well as a regular Net Controller for the club’s 8am Net. Reg was a well respected resident of Crabbes Creek (Far North NSW) where he was involved in many community groups and activities. He was also very active in Amateur Radio activities, including JOTA and Lighthouse activations. Reg will be sadly missed by us all.

09/11/2025

The 2025 Gold Coast Hamfest completed. Great attendance numbers, around 300 people for the 58 tables of sales and displays. Thanks to everyone that helped organise and run the event. Thanks also to the sellers etc that occupied the tables. Special thank you to those that came as buyers, some of you travelled a long distance, some driving for two days. My extreme gratitude to Dan from Icom Australia for coming up from Melbourne & showing the latest Icom transceivers. Next year will hopefully be bigger and better, with more table holders and greater selection of equipment. If you were at today’s Gold Coast Hamfest, I would appreciate your feedback on the event, thank you.

Address

85 Harper Street, Molendinar
Gold Coast, QLD
4214

Opening Hours

1:30pm - 4pm

Website

http://www.gcars.com.au/

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