WICEN News

This  is a quiet time for WICEN, officially, but paradoxically it
can be our busiest; it is worth  reminding  listeners  that  this
month  is  the 20th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, which flattened
Darwin on Christmas Day 1974, and the 5th anniversary of the New-
castle  Earthquake, which did its best to level Newcastle on 28th
December 1989.  WICEN members were heavily involved in the after-
math  of  both  events,  and continue to be involved where normal
communications break down following a  disaster;  those  Amateurs
who  "just want to help" are advised that only suitably-qualified
personnel are permitted to enter a disaster area, and an "Amateur
ticket"  is  no  longer sufficient -- one has to be a member of a
recognised rescue squad.

The only scheduled  event  this  month,  apart  from  the  afore-
mentioned  anniversaries  for  which  there are undoubtedly other
plans, is the Hunter region meeting on Monday 19th  December,  at
the  Emergency  Operations Centre, corner of Elizabeth and Hannel
Sts, Carrington, commencing at 7pm.

Those who are planning for next year should note the RTA NSW Bike
Ride  over the 4-11th March, the Bungonia Cave Rescue exercise on
the weekend of 18-19th March, the Goulburn  Training  Seminar  on
the  weekend of 13-14th May, the Hawkesbury Classic Paddle on the
weekend of 14-15th October, and JOTA on the weekend of  21st-22nd
October.

Those regions wishing to have their activities publicised on this
broadcast are requested to get the details to the Publicity Offi-
cer,  Dave  VK2KFU, by Thursday night at the latest; packet radio
is the preferred medium, to VK2AAB, VK2OP, or VK2GJB.

-- Dave VK2KFU, WICEN (NSW) Inc. Publicity Officer