“The reports of my death were greatly exaggerated”* … who said ham radio was dying when a small city like Sydney can run 2 (TWO) hamfests on the same day and have armies of people attending, notwithstanding the fact that a group of keen amateurs were able to attend both of them. Was this done on purpose or someone forgot there was an event running every 2 months for the last 100 years! Here we were, Picton Hamfest and the ARNSW Trash & Treasures.
Regardless, we are well alive, too introverted to show it … until a microphone or a morse key is presented!
The 31-May-2026 events were well attended by the MWRS at both sites. Dom VK2JNA, Mal VK2TMF, Glenn found their way to Picton Hamfest. Bumped into Owen VK2OL & his crew whilst there. Much fun had by all with Dom going into an antenna frenzy. Charlie, Andy & a smattering from Dom’s Goulburn club were also present.
Here is Dom’s story!
To get the day underway, Mal VK2TMF with Glenn riding shotgun, picked me up in Frenchs Forest at 7am. The plan was: breakfast at Grace’s (StIves) then do Dural, then do Picton. Dural was a bit quieter than normal with Disposals being closed & some traders at Picton. Fun picking over the freebies table. Said hi to Colin VK2JCC & left fingerprints on half his gear.
As we arrived at Picton & snagged a lucky parking spot I noted the hamfest really was just a sideline to a much bigger local market festival. Plenty of people without it being crowded we headed in past the pony rides & climbing castles to peruse the inside tables of ham gear. Certainly a few novel items on display including the table mats of Australian band plans – quite novel. There was a decent table staffed by Action Communications from near Penrith, sporting a fair bit of Benelec gear! I even bought some.
Outside we cruised the tables surrounding the ham cars with plenty of mixed bag goodies. This is where I snagged a 12v PS & some antennas. Most traders were willing to bargain so that made it fun as well. Lots of time to see old friends including Tony VK2VCR, Peter VK2GN & Tibor “Tibbee” VK2ATB whom we shared lunch with, all compatriots from my Goulburn club GSHARS.
An excellent coffee was had from the van to add to a great day out.
The return trip was quick via M5, M8 & Eastern valley way, arriving home early arvo.
Much thanks to Uber Mal VK2TMF. A lot of fun was had.
* Adaptation from Mark Twain’s quote
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