Aussies embrace their lighthouses

Just four weeks to go to International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on the 16th and 17 of August there's been strong support from Australia's radio amateurs and clubs.

When this annual event began in 1999, there were only four VK stations participating, VK2CE, VK4CHB, VK7TS and VK7WS who was the keeper at Bruny Island light at the time.

However Australian lighthouses registered for next month's event number 35, second only to Germany with 37 entries out of more than 250 so far worldwide.

Another way of looking at it is that with about 400 lighthouses around the Australian coastline nearly 10 per cent of them will be activated. There's still a few accessible lighthouses not registered.

For example, there are two lighthouses in Portland, Western Victoria, and another at Port Adelaide. Any takers for these?

Why not do it yourself or organise one or two mates to spend some time at a lighthouse over the weekend - and you can also take part in the Remembrance Day Contest operating portable.

Sunday the 17th August, is also International Lighthouse Day which involves some lighthouses opening to the public and possible media attendance that has in the past help promote amateur radio.

Visit the website ILLW.NET to register or for more details.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Wireless Institute of Australia