Seventy years ago this month, a group of 14 men set up on Heard Island in the
Southern Ocean about 4,000 kilometres south-west of mainland Australia, and
begun the first of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions
(ANARE).
Arthur Campbell-Drury VK3ACD/Heard (SK) was at Atlas Cove. The base on Heard
Island closed in March 1955 when ANARE moved to Mawson Station.
Now to commemorate that anniversary, the callsign VI 70 HI is on air
(December 19 – February 28) with the website QRZ.com noting all activity will
be from mainland Australia, and not Heard Island.
The activity will be on HF from 160m to 10m, SSB, CW, RTTY and possibly digital
modes.
A commemorative QSL card will be available via the QSL manager Charles M0OXO.
He states that no QSL Cards should be sent via the bureau, as they will not be
answered.
A roster system to use VI70HI is available with any inquiries to either Lee
VK3GK or the VK Contest Club.
Jim Linton VK3PC
