Australian Youth take up Amateur Radio

Castlemaine student Kezia Hamilton, 17 is a product of radio communications, so to speak — her parents met while talking on CB radio as teenagers.

"They had this certain station where they would meet people and would go on a separate frequency to chat," Kezia said.

Kezia was part of a group of eight Castlemaine Venturers learning amateur radio in a converted bus located on a bush block on the outskirts of town.

"It's pretty cool talking to other people! We once had someone from France and we talked to a couple of people in New Zealand," Kezia said.

"I really like the idea that you can talk to people in space — that sounds really exciting." remembering the group of Nepalese students engaging with UK astronaut Tim Peake aboard the International Space Station (ISS)

But it is not just the fun factor of amateur radio that appeals to Kezia.

"I think it could be very useful in emergencies and stuff because sometimes the phone towers break down."

Media Story - 
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-17/youth-take-up-amateur-radio-from-inside-bus-in-the-bush/8277122