A Brief History

Our society was formed in 1963. A meeting of 19 people decided to meet on a regular basis. This was to be a club for people who shared more than just an interest in radio. It was also to be for those interested in audio, radio control, or anything else that used resistors, capacitors, valves, or the more modern transistors.

At first meetings were held in premises shared with local scouting groups. As this was not a satisfactory arrangement, more suitable premises were looked for. The South Barwon Shire Council were looking for tenants for a disused migrant hostel. The hostel had been flooded in 1952 and was in a dilapidated condition. One hut of approximately 400 square metres was leased from the council. Extensive modifications were needed before the new rooms could be called home.

When completed there was a main meeting room, class room, workshop, offices, kitchen, morse code room, HF/VHF radio shacks, component store, library and audio room. The audio room was a feature of the rooms and had been "sound proofed" by lining it with egg cartons. Later space was made available for a museum. In 1969 the club rooms were officially opened.

The club rooms were situated on low lying common land adjacent to the Barwon River. This area was prone to flooding, and, because of this, the buildings were protected by a levee bank. But in 1995 the river flooded to a near record level. This time the water breached the levee bank and the rooms were flooded to a depth of 2 metres. After 2 days the flood waters receeded, but the damage had been done. Not only were all the contents water logged, but also covered in silt. The buildings were so badly damaged that the council had no choice but to demolish them.

Once again the members had to meet in shared premises. Now regular meetings were held in a church hall. All the flood damaged contents belonging to the club had to be put into tempory storage until a suitable new home could be found. Many venues were looked at. After months of searching, a disused tin shed at the rear of a Youth club in the suburb of Belmont were leased.

Again extensive modifications were needed to be carried out. All the members rallied to the cause. After planning and many working bees renovations were completed. The new rooms are approximately half the size of the former meeting rooms. However they are quite functional and comprise, main meeting room, lounge/library, well equipped workshop, kitchen, class room, office and store room.

In March 2002 this new home was officially opened.