This award came last night. It is one level below the highest grade, which is for nine call areas, that is VK0 as well. While I have worked Australian Antarctic Territories many times and have confirmations by traditional QSL cards I am still to gain a confirmation by eqsl. So this award captures all mainland, including Tasmania (VK7), call areas (VKs 1 to 8) and VK9. It was a contact with the dxpedition to Ashmore Reef that tipped the scales for me. Here is that eqsl card. I applied for the eAustralia award for seven (7 call areas) back in April 2016, making the level two award nearly two years later.

Here is my certificate for working 444 references in the World Wide Flora and Fauna program. Note the new format. Compare with Hunter 396 certificate below on 29th November 2017.

I was pleased to receive this award. The river has been a favourite place for us for 48 years of camping, boating, holidaying and playing radio. I have been conspicuously absent from activating in recent times. My last excursion was with Paul, VK5PAS, in November 2017. I do, however, hope to get back to visiting parks. I had a bit of a set-back in December and am not allowed to drive at present. I will be reviewed again at the end of March 2018. My previous review was this week. There is still a problem with the TCXO! In the meantime I am embarking on an exercise program, under medical supervision, to try and reduce the amount of Atrial Fibrillation. Many people have this condition and are not aware of it. So keep active.

I was pleased to make 400 contacts with operators in Australian parks to qualify for this award. Thanks to all of the amateurs who have been such active and avid activators, some travelling great distances to operate from remote and infrequently visited Parks.

I spent some time over the WWFF activation weekend in November chasing some stations: sufficient to bring my total to just over 400 and thus qualify for the 396 award.

I have been very quiet during the months of July and August (in hospital for most of August). I have been unwell and have had surgery. What have I missed the most? Getting out into Parks and operating portable. I have even been unable to chase portable operators but was pleased to gain the certificate for 352 references worked. I am hoping to go portable late September early October. I will say more about this on other forums.