WICEN is a group of trained Amateur-Radio operators, accredited to take part in disaster situations, and able to provide emergency and safety communications when normal communications do not exist or are inadequate. Examples in the past include Cyclone Tracy, Orange bushfires, Newcastle earthquake, 1994 Sydney & Central Coast bushfires, storms, and the Thredbo landslip.
WICEN members provide their own radio equipment, and freely give up their time to benefit the community. To keep up its training requirements, WICEN takes part in many exercises on behalf of the community, again providing safety communications, such as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, City to Surf Fun Run, car rallies, horse endurance rides, and many others (additions welcome!).
Although voice radio is still used for passing messages, WICEN frequently uses packet radio (computers linked by radio circuits) for the reliable and speedy handling of long and complex messages.
WICEN (in New South Wales) is an accredited squad within the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, and is also affiliated with the New South Wales State Emergency Service. In case you are confused about the references to "New South Wales", it is because each State is autonomous, although they share common goals and objectives. Similar organisations in other countries include RAYNET (UK) and RACES/ARES (USA).
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