Efforts send a positive signal

By Mark Tanzer
Volume 11, No. 40, April 6, 2006

“WHERE’S the local radio station?”

This was one of Capt Rob Kirk’s first questions when he arrived in Innisfail the day after Cyclone Larry.

Capt Kirk, the 3CSSB Regimental Signals Officer, knew that local radio stations played a key role during and after cyclones. Innisfail’s Radio 4KZ was no exception, with announcers staying on air to broadcast warnings until violent winds smashed masts and satellite gear.

“When 4KZ went dead, it must have been a lonely feeling for their listeners,” Capt Kirk said.

He briefed a team of RAEME electrical tradesmen from 102 Fd Wksp, 3CSSB, and set to work. “I can’t speak more highly of the RAEME soldiers – Cpl Mick Gordon, Cfn Joe Rains and Cfn Anthony Wicks,” he said.

The team worked in harnesses on 4KZ’s damaged roof and in the ceiling. With rain still falling, water soaked their equipment and started an electrical fire, which was quickly extinguished.

The 3CSSB team soon had 4KZ on air, using a temporary frequency. Two days later, the station was back on its usual frequencies, broadcasting vital relief-effort information.