Geelong Amateur Radio Club

GARC Clubrooms

During World War 2 (1939 to 1945), all amateur radio operation was banned. Some of the men that enlisted for service received technical training in radio and radar. In 1938 there were nine amateur radio operators listed in the Geelong area. By the time the war was over and amateur radio operation was once again permitted the number of licensed amateur radio operators in the area had grown to fifteen. On the 7th of June 1948 a meeting was called, and from there the Geelong Amateur Radio Club (GARC) was formed with weekly meetings drawing 15 to 20 people. On the 7th of December in 1948 the GARC christened it's new call sign - VK3ATL. The first contact was on 40m to VK2EQ by Dick Heighway, VK3ABK using his Type 3 Mark 2 transmitter. The GARC callsign VK3ATL has been in operation ever since.

Early Days - a review of the GARC from 1948 to 1965 written by Dick Heighway VK3ABK (SK).

Visitors are always welcome. Club rooms are open every Friday from 6:30pm. All meetings, technical talks and activities start at 8.00pm unless otherwise stated.

 As of the 5th of June 2013 the GARC will be open on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. If you can't make it on Friday this is the perfect opportunity to drop in and see what the GARC is all about.

Sister Club - W4DOC Atlanta Radio Club

In 2010 Dallas VK3DJ travelled to the US to visit some amateur radio friends he'd met on air. During his travels he visited the Atlanta Radio Club and from all accounts had a great time with the guys. The ARC was established in 1911 and in 2011 they celebrate their 100th Anniversary. The GARC congratulates the ARC on this amazing milestone and wishes them great success for the future.  Please click on the logo to visit their site.