Un-Incorporated!

Brisbane Area WICEN is set to take over the Queensland Digital Group packet and Voice networks as the QDG Inc. can no longer maintain the networks and will run out of funds within twelve months.

In order to keep the sites for Amateur Radio use, QDG reluctantly decided to close down, this way they are able to pass on the networks as a going concern, complete with some funds for maintenance and on going technical support.

A number of QDG Inc. members have joined WICEN to help maintain the equipment.

This decision has taken over three years, while they have tried other means to keep the networks going, but this is the only logical choice left.

The QDG'S VK4DGQ packet mailserver will also close, due to the decline in packet usage.

The Queensland Digital Group has started the slow process of shutting down feeds to Queensland and interstate packet BBS. Invisible to users, VK4DGQ has none the less been an integral part of the world wide packet radio network for twenty years and will be missed by many hams.

As the era comes to a close, so to does the VK4TX packet radio BBS run by Neville Mills. First on line in Maryborough in 1982 the well known BBS was soon attracting packet users in the Brisbane region. The BBS was used by many in the 1980's and 1990's and in the last few years, as a forwarding gateway.

Actually the first digipeaters operational in the region were at Black Mountain and Mt Kanigan in 1982

B4AB (site now known as VK4RZC) Maleny licensed in 1984/5

B4AC (site now known as VK4RZB) Mt Cootha licensed in 1987

QDG was incorporated for more than 30 years. The infrastructure will remain operational with thanks to the Brisbane Area WICEN group. Users of the system are encouraged to become members of WICEN to support the
continuation of the network.

After transferring their packet and voice networks to Brisbane Area WICEN the QDG will un-incorporate, with a new QDG club emerging as a social group dedicated to the technical side of Amateur Radio.

The well known QDG Web site will continue to be maintained as will hosting of other clubs pages.

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia, VK4YAR Alan and VK4TX Neville