From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:58:36 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 9/3/09

The following stations logged into the net, VK3BAF, VK3XMU, 
VK3KMG, VK3JJB, VK3KIC port., VK3FKD, VK3IFM, VK3DPW, 
VK3JFK, VK3JED, VK3BTV, VK3YG.

The Activation Report email dated 9/3/09 at 1409 was broadcast. 
The email advised that for Wicen the activation was concluded and 
thanked all the operators for their assistance.

VK3BAF advised that Alexandra ICC had closed today despite a 
last minute accident in the field. He has sundry items from 
Alexandra for return to various people.

No further traffic.

I would like to thank all those people who participated in the HF 
Nets for their co-operation and assistance.

Regards to all,
Mark (ZR) NCS

Date: Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:09:47 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

I have received word from Woori Yallock ICC that WICEN will not be 
required there after today. The operators remaining in Alexandra will 
also return home today. As these are the last WICEN operators remaining 
in the field, Monday March 9th will be the last day of WICEN's 
activation that began on Monday February 9th.

I'll be compiling statistics on the work WICEN has done over the 28 days 
of the activation, and we will be in touch with all the non-WICEN 
amateurs who offered their services. We will also advise on the date(s) 
and location(s) of debriefing sessions.

All that remains for this final activation update is to thank everyone 
who has assisted or offered to assist, and congratulate you all on the 
way you worked together, and with the other agencies to provide the best 
possible service.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:15:28 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 9/3/09

The following stations logged into the net, VK3JED, VK3KIC, 
VK3JJB, VK3KMG, VK3JM, VK3YG, VK3UP, VK3JTP.

No traffic.

Next and probably final session for the emergency will be at 2130 
9/3/09.

Cheers  
Mark (ZR) NCS

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:33:34 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net report 2130 8/3/09

The following stations called in, VK3FKD, VK3YG, VK3YZP, 
VK3BTV, VK3JJB port., VK3KMG, VK3UV, VK3JTT, VK3DPW 
port., VK2ANE port. Bendigo, VK3FTIM (Kim, 5W power).

No Traffic.

Next Session 1000 hrs 9/3/09

Cheers  
Mark (ZR) NCS

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:25:09 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 8/3/09

Three stations logged in as follows, VK3JXD, VK3YG, VK3DPW.

No Traffic.

Next Session 2130 8/3/09.

Regards,
Mark (ZR) NCS

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 2009 09:21:28 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 7/3/09

The following stations logged into the net, VK3FKD, VK3JJB port., 
VK3JED, VK3KTS, VK3YZP, VK3YG, VK3KIC port., VK3DPW 
port., VK3XNH, VK3JTT, VK2HAO.

An email from YZP (in his role as R4D4 co-ordinator) 
which  has been circulated was broadcast. The email gave details 
of the closure of the Alex. ICC and MECC, and thanked operators 
for their assistance during the emergency.

It is intended to maintain the twice daily net until the last operator 
has returned home ,consequently the last net will probably be held 
at 2130 on Monday 9/3/09. Thereafter the net will revert to the 
normal weekly format.

Next Session 1000 8/3/09

Thanks to all
Mark (ZR) NCS

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:40:52 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 7/3/09

The usual announcement re Echolink opened the net and three 
stations logged in VK3JED, VK3YG, VK3IFM.
No traffic. 
Next Session 2130 7/3/09

Cheers   
Mark (ZR) NCS

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:38:30 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 6/3/09

The following stations logged into the net following the 
announcement that the net was being ported to the internet using 
Echolink.

VK3KIC port., VK3JM, VK3JED, VK3KTS, VK3KMG, VK3UV, 
VK3DPW port., VK3YG, VK3JTT, VK2ANE port., VK3FKD, 
VK3FORD (Matt at Poowong, 2W only), VK3JJB.
JM advised that the Alex. MECC would close in the afternoon of 
Thursday12/3/09 and that the ICC would operate only in day shift 
mode and would close on Monday 9/3/09 at 1800hrs.

There was a  short discussion between stations regarding the earth 
tremor which occurred at approx. 2054 hrs  6/3/09

Next Session will be at 1000 7/3/09

Thanks,
Mark (ZR) NCS.

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:49:31 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 6/3/09

Following the announcement that the net was being sent to the 
internet using the Echolink port the following stations logged in, 
VK3KMG, VK3UV, VK3JED, VK3JTT, VK3CRK, VK3DPW, VK3JM, 
VK3YG, VK3YEA, VK3MV.

The Activation Update of 0828 6/3/09 was broadcast with the 
correction replacing Woori Yallock with Alexandra.

JED confirmed that Echolink was operating.

Next Session 2130 6/3/09

Thanks
Mark (ZR) NCS

Date: Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:28:23 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List 
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

I'm a bit concerned that I am yet to have anyone volunteer for the 0800 
to 1800 day shifts at Woori Yallock ICC from tomorrow until Friday March 
13th. We're nearly at the end of this activation, and it would be a pity 
to falter now.

The roster at Woori Yallock is filled until Tuesday morning, but I also 
need two operators to travel up there on Tuesday for the rest of the week.

Please contact me by email or on 0409 214 834 if you can make yourself 
available for any of these shifts.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:59:58 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 5/3/09

The net was ported to the internet using Echolink. Stations logging 
in were , VK3BAF, VK3JED, VK3KMG, VK3JM, VK3DPW, VK3JQ, 
VK3MV, VK3KIC, VK3DXD, VK3KTS, VK3JJB.

The Activation Report of 1714 5/3/09 was broadcast. Operators are 
required for ongoing operations at Woori Yallock and Alexandra. 
Please contact the secretary either by email or phone if able to 
assist.

KTS reported that he was stood down from Kangaroo Ground at 
0815 5/3/09

The next session will be at 1000hrs 6/3/09.

Thanks once again,
Mark (ZR) NCS

Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:02:14 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update - Corrected

At 0815 this morning, the Kangaroo Ground ICC closed leaving Woori 
Yallock as the only remaining outer metro ICC. I have just been advised 
that Woori Yallock will continue to require a single operator for 0800 
to 1800 day shifts until Friday March 13. An operator has been scheduled 
for tomorrow's shift, but I need volunteers for shifts from Saturday 
March 7th. If you are available for one or more shift, please contact me.

The Alexandra ICC is also still operational, and I will need to relieve 
two of the three operators still there on Tuesday March 10th. Again, if 
you are available for a stint in Alexandra, please contact me.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:26:01 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 5/3/09

The following stations logged in, VK3JED, VK3XMU, VK3JM, 
VK3IFM, VK3YG.

XMU advised that duties are winding down and that Kangaroo Ground
is closed. He will contact those operators who have been 
scheduled. 

JED advised that Echolink was not operating.

YG reported the weather at his location as temp.14deg. wind gusty.

Next Session 2130 5/3/09

Thanks 
Mark (ZR) NCS.

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:55:17 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 4/3/09

Following an announcement that the session was being ported to 
the net using Echolink the following stations logged in, VK3JQ, 
VK3KMG, VK3JED, VK3ALA, VK3XMU, VK3KIC, VK3YG, 
VK3FKD, VK3IFM, VK3DXD, VK3EYJ (at Alex.), VK3BTV, 
VK4MDX, VK5FRAQ, VK3DPW.

XMU:  With the rainfall there will be a slow wind down of the 
emergency commitments. Alex. is reducing to three rather than five 
operators, Wesburn flight following is closed.

EYJ: Alex MECC will operate 0800 2200. Rainfall 20mm at Alex., 
25mm on Fireground, 60mm at Marysville.

VK4MDX: commented that EYJ could be heard 5/9 at Townsville.

VK5FRAQ: having been on duty at Healesville sought information 
regarding likelihood of further activation at Healesville. General 
comment that duties were being reduced and further activity at 
Healesville may not occur, however he should consult with his 
organization.

Next Session 1000 hrs  5/3/09

Thanks to all,
Mark (ZR) NCS

Date: Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:50:40 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

As expected, operations are being would back after the rain last night;

The Wesburn Airbase will close at the end of operations today.

Woori Yallock ICC is down to one day shift operator, and night shift has 
been cancelled.

Kangaroo Ground ICC are likewise operating with one operator during the day, 
and no night shift.

Our commitment in Alexandra is being scaled back to a team of three 
instead of five.

All operators rostered for shifts that have been cancelled have been 
contacted.

WICEN has not yet been stood down however, so we will be requiring 
relief for the remaining operators in a few days. So please use this 
time to catch up on things, and we will call for relief when we know 
which ICCs will close, and which continue to operate.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: "Peter Repschlager"
To: "wicenvic"
Subject: WICEN Vic: WICEN NET 1000hrs 4/3/09
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:08:44 +1100

Alexander Mecc (vk3EYJ) operator ED  vk3KUC  all ok this morning, 
had 17.2 mm rain and temp=3D 19.9 C , winds from nnw. 
Tent was blown over by some gusty wind last night.

Stations checked in:

vk3xnh, Neil 2mm rain, some fires in the area, but under control

vk3kmg, Graham, completed operations at Kinglake  and was home at midnight

vk3yea, Ian, 20mm rain overnight,  19.1C  now

vk3uv, Bruce, nill info

vk3dpw, Paul, new weather stn: readings: wind gusts to 70.5 km/h,
north/west 32 avg / temp 16.5C

vk3mv, Peter, nill  info

vk3xd, John, Woori-Yallock ICC closed down at midnight, drove home in the rain.

vk3ifm, Ian, Waiting on info for deployment from Mark XMU

vk3gt, Gerard, nill  info

Kmg and Xd  exchanged info about Woori-Yallock

De  vk3YG  Peter  Net control at Lake Glenmaggie, 
10mm rain, 16C, sunny, slight breeze from west
                                     
Band conditions, good signal and no noise much the same as last nights Net.

Date: Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:40:16 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

Well, the late change we were all fearing last night appears to have 
been a blessing.

There are reports of worthwhile rain from the major fires, and I have 
been warned that WICEN's commitment may be reduced.  I will be in touch 
with any operators who have been scheduled for shifts if their shifts 
are cancelled.

I'm expecting to get more news of  how our involvement may change during 
the day, and will issue another update when I know more.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:35:15 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 3/3/09 

The net was advised that because of a power outage Echolink 
would not be available.

The following stations logged in, VK3BAF mobile, VK3KTS, 
VK3ALA, VK3CMC, VK3KIC, VK3DPW, VK3XMU, VK3UP, 
VK3DXD, VK3JED, VK3JM, VK3IFM, VK3NBV, VK3FDAS, 
VK3FKD, VK3CVF, VK3YG, VK3UV, VK3CRK.

BAF: (with KMG) on road after departing Kinglake. Busy day and 
raining before departure.

XMU: requires a further operator for Kinglake. IFM offered to fill the 
position. Phone call from YZP  (at Alex.) all quiet and proceeding 
smoothly.

UV advised that GPT had called and collected the Wicen IC706 
and IC207. Radios.

JED advised that power had been reinstated consequently 
Echolink was operating from about 2140.

CRK called with weather report, several stations subsequently 
reported that the transmission was faulty. May need to be checked.

CMC called out with CFA to Rokewood fire, prompt response has it 
in hand.

Next Session will be at 1000 hrs, 4/3/09. Peter YG will be the NCS.

Thanks again.
Mark (ZR) NCS.

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:49:03 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 3/3/09

Following an announcement that the net was being ported to the 
Internet using Echolink the following stations logged in, VK2AMN, 
VK3YEA, VK3XMU, VK3JTT, VK3JED, VK3IFM, VK3DPW, 
CK3UP, VK3EYJ (relay), VK3CAF(Clint), VK3YNB.

XMU still requires operators for night shifts 4/3 and days shifts 
early next week. Please contact him if available.

JED will monitor the frequency until 1400.

Reports of wind strength and direction from five stations confirmed 
that it had not yet settled into the expected Northerly of 30 plus k/h.

Next Session will be at 2130 3/3/09

Many Thanks,
Mark (ZR) NCS

Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:48:37 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

Well, the pieces are set for what is forecast to be a bad fire day. I've 
confirmed that all our operators are in place. Now we have to wait and 
see what the weather brings us.

At 2115 Last night I was contacted by DSE Resources in Melbourne and 
asked to provide two operators for the Kinglake staging area to start at 
0800 this morning. I was able to find two operators able to go at short 
notice by utilising the daily 2130 HF Net on 3.6 MHz.

This follows the deployment of an operator to the Wesburn Airbase to 
perform Flight Following duties yesterday. Operators for this deployment 
were arranged via the 2130 HF net on Sunday night. Also despite the 
short notice given.

It seems a pattern is being established: Resource requests for radio 
operators are being generated at the end of the day shift and getting to 
us via Resources the evening before operators for new tasks are 
required. With this in mind, it would be very beneficial if operators 
could check in or at least listen to the 2130 HF net each evening in 
case a new task has been allocated to WICEN that they could assist with.

The other news is that last night we got the go-ahead to pay travel 
allowances to operators driving from interstate to assist us in 
Alexandra. Hopefully this will allow us to staff the Alexandra 
operations largely with interstate operators. Victorian operators can 
then be used to fill shifts at the outer metro locations.

We have had some unofficial help from interstate already at Alexandra; 
Two ACT operators are nearing the end of their deployment, a NSW 
operator arrived yesterday, and another is scheduled to arrive today.

Today would be a good day to monitor the HF Net frequency, 3.6 MHz 
during the day as well as at the 1000 and 2130 net times. Amateurs in 
threatened areas may well feel the need for some contact.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:09:41 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 2/3/09

An announcement advising that the net was being ported to the 
Internet via Echolink opened the net.
The following stations were heard, VK3UV mob., VK3XMU, VK3KIC 
(Wye River), VK3JQ, VK3ALA, VK3GT, VK3CVF, VK3MV, 
VK3KMG, VK3FDAS, VK3JED, VK3DPW, VK3BTV, VK3YG, 
VK3FKD, VK3UP (Terry at Footscray), VK3KTS, VK7JGD (Gary)

XMU has just been contacted and urgently requires two operators 
for the Kinglake Staging Area, commencing duties at 0800 3/3. 
BAF and KMG able to assist.

FKD home OK from Alex.

FDAS any warnings for Western districts? No special warning just 
statewide warning for heavy winds some thunderstorm activity, but 
little rain.

Next Session 1000 3/3/09

Many Thanks,
Mark (ZR) NCS

Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:00:21 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

I forgot to include a paragraph about travel claims in the last update.

A reminder that as well as the actual distances travelled we need to 
know the engine capacity and fuel of the vehicle(s) operators drive to 
deployments.

Those who have filled in 'Time sheets' including distances travelled 
need to make sure any claims are consistent with those sheets.

When sending me your travel claims, please make the subject of the email 
'Travel Claim'. I am processing a huge amount of email for this 
activation, and being able select the claims by subject will help me 
avoid missing any. Those who have already emailed me claims could assist 
me greatly by resending them with 'Travel Claim' in the subject.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:19:12 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

We're now into our fourth week of this activation, and I know people are 
starting to find it difficult to get away from their work commitments, 
however its very inefficient for me to ring around people to try and 
fill shifts. Please, if you can make yourself available for a shift I 
publicise as needing filling, call me on 0409 214 834.

The Airbase deployment at Wesburn is indeed a Flight Following role, and 
we have been able to schedule operators until Friday which is all we 
have been asked to provide at present.

The Alexandra roster is going well with some assistance from NSW and ACT 
operators.

I do need some more operators for the ICCs at Kangaroo Ground and Woori 
Yallock however:-

At Woori Yallock I have night shifts from Wednesday that need covering.

At Kangaroo Ground, I have day shifts from Thursday, and night shifts 
from Tuesday requiring operators.

The Jargon Glossary at:

http://www.vic.wicen.org.au/glossary.php

has been updated.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:12:25 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 2/3/09

The net opened with the announcement that it was being ported via 
Echolink to the internet.

The following stations logged in, VK3EYJ (Alex. MECC),  VK3GT 
(Kang. Gnd. ICC),
VK3JQ, VK3JM, VK3JED, VK3YEA, VK3XMU, VK3DPW, VK3YG, 
VK3IFM, VK3AUR (Mike at Sydenham), VK2GPH in transit to Alex. 
e.t.a 1300 2/3

XMU Minor problem at Wesburn. Flight Following operators 
needed urgently, preferably those with experience of this type of 
operation. Please contact XMU. 

GT Kang.  Gnd. ICC quiet but will be increasing preparedness to 
cope with next few days.

Next Session 2130 2/3/09

Thanks 
Mark (ZR)NCS 

Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:41:41 +1100
From: Mark Dods
To: WICEN EMail List
Subject: WICEN Vic: Activation Update

Last night WICEN was asked to send an operator to Wesburn. This is an 
Airbase deployment, a role I don't think WICEN have filled since the 
2003 Fires. We have sent an operator to Wesburn, and have some relief 
available.

The exact functions at Wesburn are yet to be confirmed, but I expect 
that "Flight Following" will be required. This is a way of keeping track 
of the status and location of aircraft using the SMR network. Because 
this function takes some getting used to, I'd like to try and schedule 
an operator for several days in a row. It appears shifts will start at 
0800, and based on our 2003 experiences will probably continue until 
dusk. If anyone can give me 3 or 4 days in a row at Wesburn, please 
contact me.

Most of the shifts at the outer metro ICCs are running with one operator 
at present, but will need two operators for both Day and Night shifts 
tomorrow, when 65 to 80 km/h winds are forecast from the north to 
northwest, with a change to a similar strength southwesterly in the late 
afternoon. One of Tuesday's day shift operators is in doubt due to 
illness, and I still require a second night shift operator for both 
ICCs. Please contact me if you are available for either shift tomorrow.

Rostering for Alexandra is complete through to almost the end of the 
week, however I still need operators to register their availability with 
me for the outer metro ICCs.

The Alexandra MECC is now using a dipole for 80m instead of a multi-band 
antenna, and their signal has improved markedly. Scheduled nets continue 
to operate on 3.6 MHz at 1000 and 2130 daily, and a listening watch on 
that frequency is being maintained as much a possible at other times.

-- 
Regards,

Mark A. Dods, VK3XMU, madods@optusnet.com.au

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:30:47 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 2130 1/3/09

THe net was opened with the usual Echolink announcement.
The following stations logged in, VK3FKD (Alex. MECC), VK3KTS 
(Kang. Gnd.), VK3XNH, VK3BTV, VK3BAF, VK3SS (Paul at 
Maffra), VK3DPW, VK3JJB, VK3KMG (Nagambie), VK3XD, 
VK3CVF, VK3ALA, VK3JQ, VK3MV, VK3JED, VK3BD, VK2ANE 
(Ballarat),VK3KIC, VK3YG, VK3HFI, VK3IFM, VK3DXD, VK3UV, 
VK3YZP.

FKD, 2 operators have arrived from (Shepparton ?). Quiet at the 
moment.

KTS Night shift closed , but will be operational on day shift.

XD confirmed that he will be assuming night shift at Woori Yallock.

BTV warned that there are delays because of pipeworks along 
Melba Hwy. Allow double the usual time to travel the road.

YZP sought information from KTS re time sheets DXD was able to 
assist.

JJB  queried if YZP needed anythig to be transported to Alex. A 
further HF rig would be desirable and BAF has unit available. JJB 
to liaise with BAF.

JJB queried with IMF whether the coming Region 4 Wicen meeting 
will be held.  Agreed  NO.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE USUAL REGION 4 WICEN MEETING, 
SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY 4/3/09  AT EAST RINGWOOD, 
WILL NOT BE HELD BECAUSE OF FIRE COMMITMENTS .

Next Session 1000 hrs 2/3/09

Many Thanks,
Mark (ZR) NCS

From: VK3ZR
To: wicenvic
Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:58:52 +1100
Subject: WICEN Vic: HF Net Report 1000 1/3/09

The net opened with an announcement that it was being ported to 
the internet using Echolink.
Stations joining the net, VK3BTV (Alex MECC), VK3MV, VK3BAF,
VK3JED, VK3AMN, VK3JM, VK3JJB, VK3YEA, VK3KTS, VK3DPW 
(with VK3BCR listening), VK3JTT, VK3YG, VK3CMC, VK3WO 
(Keith at Rosebud),

BTV message from FKD that firecrews should be contacted only by 
contacting the ICC. Other methods are not acceptable.

MV advised that he was stood down from Belgrave ICC at 0015 1/3 
and that ICC was shut down.

BAF quried if closure was long term. Seems that all ICC's will be 
manned for next Tuesday's possible flare up.

Next Session 2130 1/3/09

Thanks 
Mark (ZR) NCS