Hawkesbury Canoe Classic: Amateur Radio Volunteers Keeping Paddlers Safe 24–25 October 2026 | Hawkesbury River, New South Wales
Date :
23 /
10 /
2026
Author :
WIA Board
While hundreds of paddlers take to the Hawkesbury River this weekend for the annual Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, another dedicated group of volunteers will be working through the night to help ensure the event runs safely.
Behind the scenes, amateur radio operators from WICEN NSW (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network) will be stationed at checkpoints along the river, providing communications support throughout the event.
Their contribution is another example of amateur radio giving back to the community while demonstrating the value of reliable, flexible communications in challenging operating environments.
100 Kilometres of Paddling and a Night of Radio Communications
The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is a demanding 100-kilometre paddling event, following the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Mooney Mooney, north of Sydney.
With competitors travelling through the night, effective communications between checkpoints and event organisers are an important part of maintaining safety.
WICEN operators will establish portable radio stations at checkpoints along the course, remaining on duty overnight as paddlers make their way downstream.
Their responsibilities include:
Reporting canoe numbers as competitors pass checkpoints.
Relaying information between checkpoints and event organisers.
Reporting incidents or emerging issues requiring attention.
Supporting the event's overall safety and communications arrangements.
As the final competitors approach Mooney Mooney on Sunday morning, many WICEN volunteers will have spent the entire night maintaining communications.
Amateur Radio Serving the Community
For WICEN members, events such as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic provide an opportunity to put their skills and equipment to practical use.
Operating away from the comfort of the home station requires planning, portable equipment, suitable antennas, reliable power supplies and the ability to maintain effective communications over extended periods.
It also provides valuable experience in message handling, operating procedures, teamwork and working within an organised communications network.
These are skills that can also be useful when amateur radio operators are called upon to assist with communications during emergencies or other community activities.
Across Australia, WICEN groups support a variety of sporting, community and emergency communications activities, providing opportunities for radio amateurs to develop their skills while making a practical contribution.
Supporting an Important Cause
The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is more than a sporting challenge.
The event also raises funds supporting bone marrow and stem cell transplant research, bringing together competitors, organisers and volunteers in support of an important cause.
The contribution of WICEN volunteers helps make this challenging overnight event possible.
Are You Interested in WICEN?
If you've ever wondered how your amateur radio skills could be used beyond everyday contacts, WICEN provides an excellent opportunity to become involved.
Activities such as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic offer practical experience in portable operations, communications planning and organised network procedures.
You don't need to wait for an emergency to develop the skills that may prove valuable when one occurs.
To find out more about WICEN and opportunities to participate, visit Link.
Getting Ready for the Bushfire Season
In his WIA National News report, Richard VK2SKY also reminds radio amateurs that the bushfire season is an important time to review personal preparedness and communications arrangements.
The Manly-Warringah Radio Society (MWRS) has recently updated its Your Fire Season Toolkit, originally developed during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires.
MWRS: Your Fire Season Toolkit
Link
The resource provides links to useful applications and information sources for monitoring developing emergencies, following emergency services communications and maintaining situational awareness.
Whether you're a WICEN volunteer or simply want to be better prepared, it's a useful resource to explore.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
The WIA acknowledges the commitment of WICEN NSW operators and the many other volunteers who contribute their time, expertise and equipment to the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.
Their work demonstrates that amateur radio is not simply about making contacts. It's also about developing skills, supporting communities and being ready to help when communications matter.
Further Information and Links
Hawkesbury Canoe Classic
Link
WICEN Australia
Link
WICEN NSW
Link
WICEN NSW Facebook
Link
WICEN NSW on X
Link
WICEN Amateur Radio Communications Facebook Group
Link
VK4 WICEN EmComms Discussion Group
Link
MWRS: Your Fire Season Toolkit
Link
Wireless Institute of Australia
Link
Source acknowledgement: Based on the WIA National News Special Interest Groups – Rescue Radio report prepared by Richard VK2SKY for WICEN NSW. The WIA thanks Richard for his contribution and acknowledges the dedication of WICEN volunteers supporting community events throughout Australia.
Page Last Updated: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 at 09:02 hours by Justin Giles-clark
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