Scout Radio Victoria
Curious about communications? Tune in to your interest with our expert team.
Learn how radios work, tinker with the technical side, and chat to people on the other side of the world.
We’re surrounded by mobile phones and internet, but some of the alternatives are more important than ever. They can even be a vital lifeline in remote areas.
Join us for the fun of ham radio and the opportunity to learn about marine or aviation communication.
SCOUT RADIO VICTORIA
Scout Radio Victoria provides youth members with amateur radio experience, contacting people locally and around the world. We also offer communication services for major Scouting activities in Victoria.
The Radio and Electronics Team meets monthly in Mt Waverley, and you can use our website to request a visit to your Group.
Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA, JOTI)
Whether you’re new to radio operating or highly experienced, there is a once a year opportunity to be involved in something huge! In fact, the annual Jamboree of the Air and Jamboree on the Internet is the largest activity in global Scouting. Half a million Scouts and Guides gather at their local halls around the world and make contact through amateur radio and the internet. It’s a giant exercise in making new friends, exchanging stories and sharing different cultures.
JOTA and JOTI are a fun reminder to youth members that they’re part of a worldwide Movement. It doesn’t need a lot of technical knowledge, just the right people helping out. And participants also receive a Special Activity Badge.
Amateur Radio Operator Badge
Scouts who obtain an Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency, in accordance with Government regulations, can also proudly wear the Amateur Radio Operator Badge.
Amateur radio licences - Foundation, Standard and Advanced – are made available by the Australian
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA).
Marine Radio Licences
The Radio and Electronics Team provides training in the Short Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency. We also facilitate exams in both Short Range and Long Range Certificates of Proficiency.
You must be aged at least 16 years to receive marine radio licences.
“Scout” Call signs
Our own call signs are a great way to find like-minded friends out there. Amateur Radio Operators with a Certificate of Proficiency may apply to the Scout Radio Team for a Scout Call Sign.
Mafeking Amateur Radio Group
Mafeking Rover Park is the home of the Mafeking Amateur Radio Group - a radio group focused on young people enjoying, learning, and using radios at the Park. The Group is supported by current Rovers and older members of Scouts Victoria and is designed to give young people a hands on experience in learning all about amateur radio. The group provide JOTA services and radio activities for youth members to participate in both on site and on the air. Our call sign is VK3SCM, and further information on the group can be found at www.vk3scm.com.
Equipment Accessibility
To help us help you, we have communications equipment able to be loaned to Scouting members at reasonable rates that can both help keep you safe on your outdoor adventures, and can be fun to use while adventuring too!
This includes UHF radios, a SPOT emergency beacon, and HF Emergency Radio communications systems.
For any enquiries, from requesting a training session, a weeknight program activity, assistance with communications at an event, joining a Scouting Radio community, or anything you might be curious about, please contact us at info@radioactivescout.com or call 03 9112 5884 and our team will be more than happy to help you explore the world of radio.
Contact
Luke Byrnes, State Leader – Communications Technologies