Boost for radio repeater service

THE Derwent Valley Repeater Association is one of almost 250 organisations to receive funding from the Federal Government's volunteer grants this week. Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said more than $850,000 had been allocated to groups providing crucial emergency response services to communities across the country. The Derwent Valley Repeater Association will receive $3,795 for new radio equipment and a shed.

Established by the late David Jefferson in 1993, the Derwent Valley Repeater Association provides a free CB radio repeater service to members of the public, tourists, businesses and emergency service groups across southern Tasmania. Its volunteers maintain, upgrade and expand the service and raise the funds needed to meet the demand. The service provided by the association allows residents to communicate in remote areas, to communicate either socially or in an emergency.

DVRA spokesman Michael D'Alton said the government grant would be used to change existing repeater radios at Mt Lloyd and Sandfly (Herringback) to a new spectrum. Repeaters at Bruny Island, Tarraleah (Brady's Lookout), and the emergency repeater on Mt Lloyd have already been upgraded, while the equipment hut at Mt Lloyd needs some maintenance. "We are always on the lookout for new members and donations, and yearly membership is still $15 which allows us pay the ever increasing power bills, rates and lease fees," Mr D'Alton said. The Derwent Valley Repeater Association can be contacted by emailing info@dvrepeater.org.

“Volunteers play a key role safeguarding and supporting our communities during times of crisis,” Ms Roxon said yesterday. “Volunteer Grants are one way that the Government can say thank you for the selfless work of our volunteers in helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters," she said.

 www.dvrepeater.org