BY PETER ELLIS, VK1PE; SCOTT WILLIAMS, VK3KJ; COMMANDER WARD GAINEY, (President of the Veterans Support Centre – Belconnen, ACT); and ASHLEY GEELAN, VK3HAG
The Remembrance Day (RD) Contest is Australia’s largest and most significant annual amateur radio competition – taking place on Saturday, 16th August 2025, at 03:00 UTC (1pm AEST/11am AWST).
The contest begins with a short opening address from a Guest Speaker, transmitted on various WIA frequencies in the minutes leading up to the start. During this commemorative ceremony, a roll call is read of amateurs who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII before radio silence is held.
Welcome in 2025 to the Remembrance Day Contest, Australia’s biggest and most significant annual amateur radio competition.
“I am Peter Ellis, VK1PE, formerly a full-time officer in the Navy and now retired. With the RD Contest, we consider the roles that amateurs played in World War II, and honour the brave servicemen who were killed during the hostilities.
“However, they would want us to have fun. So, for 24 hours, the Amateur Radio bands will be at their busiest for the whole year. Please be involved.
“The rules for this weekend’s contest were published by the WIA, and are available on the website at http://www.wia.org.au.
“There is no obligation to participate, but even with 30 minutes on air, your involvement will make a difference, particularly by submitting a log.
“If this is your first RD, go for it; If you have done many, history says that you will enjoy the experience.
“This contest for us amateurs, just it has been held every year since the late 1940s. We conduct the RD Contest for 24 hours on the weekend closest to the day called VP Day – Victory in the Pacific Day.
“This day formally marked the end of World War II. So, each year in the RD, we spend a little while in quiet contemplation prior to its 0300 Zulu start, while we remember those amateurs and others who didn’t make it back, but whose efforts helped to save our nation.
“And, from 0300 Zulu, we celebrate in a joyous way by competing together for up to 24 hours in a state versus state race to win the most on-air contacts.”
Hello, this is Scott Williams, VK3KJ and President of the Wireless Institute of Australia.
“On behalf of the WIA, the Board of Directors and all of our members, I extend a very warm welcome to all those participating in this year’s Remembrance Day Contest this weekend.
“This important Contest commemorates the 26 Amateur Radio operators who lost their lives serving their country. The 15th of August or the weekend closest to this date marks the date that hostilities ceased in the Southwest Pacific region.
“This year the contest will take place on the 16th and 17th of August, commencing at 0300 UTC and concluding the following day at 0300 UTC.
“There is no better way to mark the significance of this event and reflect on the sacrifices made, but to get on air, make a few contacts and actively participate in the contest.
“Please take a moment to remember those 26 Amateur Radio Operators who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives serving our nation.
“We look forward to your active participation in the contest this weekend on the 16th and 17th August, and on behalf of all of those at the WIA, thank you for your support of the contest, and we wish you all the success, good luck.”
Lest We Forget.
