Introduction to the Bendigo Sideband Radio Club, Incorporated.

This article is intended to introduce the bearer as a member of the above club and to briefly explain the origin, purpose and aims of this organisation.

The B.S.B. Radio Club was initially formed in 1977 when citizens band radio became legalised and consisted of a group of local persons who were primarily interested in communicating on the then new phenomenon of citizens band radio.

From this contact a bond was established between members and their families which exists to this day with several founding members still present and active in the club.

In addition to radio communication, management of the club organises regular social activities intended to maintain interest in the club for all members and their families including those who are not radio operators.

Although the clubs’ primary intention is social and not directed at fund raising it was soon evident that members were keen to contribute their efforts, particularly if the money raised was directed to local charitable groups.

In the early stages after introduction of citizens band radio it was relatively easy to conduct "Talk A Thons” on this medium and solicit contributions from other operators both locally and from all over Australia as under certain atmospheric conitions it is possible to communicate over long distances.

In September 1978 a total of $2,392 was raised by this method and donated to the Noah’s Ark Toy Library for handicapped children in Bendigo.

By June 1980 a further $1,500 was raised and presented to the handicapped children’s Toy Library.

However, as the novelty of C.B. Radio diminished with consequently less operators this method of fund raising formed only a small part in latter fund raising activities.

A White Elephant auction conducted in 1983 raised $530 which was donated to the Bendigo Salvation Army Local Building Fund.

The club also organised a Fishing Boat Regatta that was held on the Loddon River. It started at Laanecoorie and finished at Bridgewater terminating with circuit races for individual H.P. classes at Bridgewater.