Liz Blumson – Redland Museum Secretary, Mark Thompson – BDARS President and Bruce Smith – Redland Museum President. Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY REDLAND MUSEUM
Redland Museum is extending its community reach in a new relationship with BDARS. In October 2021, following a suggestion by Redland City Councillor Paul Bishop, an approach was made by BDARS to Redland Museum, to consider the possibility of moving their operations into the museum. Cr. Bishop saw the synergies between the two groups.
BDARS have operated for some years on a temporary basis within the State Emergency Service (SES) Cleveland premises, and they have been seeking a more established home.
BDARS is centred in the bayside area of Brisbane, with a current membership of around 75 that comprises amateur radio operators and electronics experimenters. The Society was formed in 1989, with membership open to all – both licensed amateur operators and those interested in electronics generally.
Amateur radio is a popular technical hobby. BDARS use designated radio frequencies for non-commercial exchange of messages and wireless experimentation. Self-training amateur radio is the only hobby governed by international treaty. In Australia, it is regulated by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority).
BDARS conducts classes and mentoring programs for new members to gain their radio license and/or to upgrade their current license. An in-house examiner conducts necessary Amateur Radio Examinations. BDARS owns a significant remote amateur radio facility on a leased private property on the crest of Mount Cotton.
The Society will conduct a general meeting on the first Monday evening monthly and a training lecture session on the third Monday evening monthly within the museum event room. A “hands-on” training facility will be constructed by BDARS on the verandah (built-in) at the back of the museum workshop. These meetings commenced in July.
BDARS will be able to assist with maintaining/developing the museum radio collection, and will construct/operate a historic “Radio Demonstration Display” (perhaps with restored WWII gear) within the museum. This will become a significant attraction within the museum for our visitors with demonstrations on our open days, etc. BDARS participating with demonstrations at our “Switched Onto Science” Day on 08 August, Redlands City Ekka public holiday.
Following extensive discussion and work, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formulated to provide the basis for BDARS to become established within the museum. This document was approved by the members of both bodies thus enabling a Licence to Occupy agreement to be signed off by 30 June 2022.
Detailed planning is now proceeding for the design of the new facilities and BDARS are preparing a submission for a funding grant via the Queensland Community Benefit Fund.
Both Redland Museum and BDARS are excited at the prospect of this partnership developing, and the enhanced opportunities for facilities and the exciting new attraction for our visitors.
