Communications & emergency contact numbers

The RFDS established a communications network - originally using the famous pedal radio - nearly eighty years ago, which has traditionally served as the backbone of the Flying Doctor's mantle of safety.  Advancements in communication methods has seen an increased penetration of telephones into households in remote areas of Australia with HF Radio or satellite phones mostly used by 4WD tourists and travellers. The RFDS recommends all travellers to remote areas investigate the possibility of obtaining and using an HF radio or satellite phone.

HF Radio Equipment

HF radio equipment is commercially available in most regional and capital cities of Australia - check the Yellow Pages under "Radio Communication Equipment and\or Service" for suppliers near you. Each radio base uses a different set of frequencies (although some frequencies are common to several bases). Suppliers configure your radio to work in the area you will be, and most suppliers can also offer training and support for the equipment.

Hire HF Radios

HF Radios may be hired from :

McKays Communications	1300656186 or 02 6884 5237
WA CB and Communications Centre	08 9227 1523
Roger Williams	08 9451 7588
Airwaves Rental	08 9242 2354
Allcom	08 9479 4997

Satellite phones

Satellite phones are now commercially available and offer an alternative option for communications while travelling in the bush. It can be used just like a normal telephone and can be accessed anywhere in Australia.

Services

Depending on the equipment you use and the services offered by the bases in your area, you might be able to make voice contact with other radio users, the base itself, or with any telephone in the world. As a minimum you will be able to use the Emergency Alarm Call Button on your radio to make contact with the base station nearest to you. Operating hours vary depending on the base, although a 24 hour emergency call watch is maintained.

Licences

All users of outpost radio services require a licence from The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) - check the White Pages. The ACA also provides you with a call sign for you to identify calls made from your radio.

Emergecny Contact telephone and HF Radio frequencies numbers

HF Radio frequencies and times of operation are subject to change without notice. The primary HF Radio frequency of each station is shown in BOLD print.

Details current as at 27 November 2008

RFDS Western Operations
Base	Telephone	It is considered best practice to prefix a call with below wording to help identify the caller	Frequencies
Derby	1800 625 800	"RFDS Six Papa Yankee"	5300 Night: 2792
Port Hedland	1800 625 800	"RFDS Six Papa Yankee"	5300, 5360 Night: 2280
Meekatharra	1800 625 800	"RFDS Six Papa Yankee"	5360, 5300 Night: 2280
Kalgoorlie	1800 625 800	"RFDS Six Papa Yankee"	5360 Night: 2656
Alternatively you may dial 000

RFDS Central Operations
Base	Telephone	Callsign	Frequencies
Alice Springs	08 8648 9555	VJD	5410, 6950
Port Augusta	08 8648 9555 (24 hours a day)	-	-
(Port Augusta is the communication centre for emergency contact RFDS Central Operations covering S.A & lower half of N.T.)
Alternatively you may dial 000

RFDS South Eastern Section
Base	Telephone	Callsign	Frequencies
Broken Hill	08 8088 1188 (24 hours a day)	VJC	6920, 4055
Alternatively you may dial 000

RFDS Queensland Section
Base	Telephone	Callsign	Frequencies
Charleville	07 4654 1443 (24 hours a day)	VJJ	4980, 6845 Night: 4980, 2020
Mt Isa	07 4743 2802 (24 hours a day)	VJI	5110, 6965 Night: 5110, 2020
Cairns	07 4053 5419 (24 hours a day)	VJN	5145, 7465 Night: 5145, 2020, 2260
(Every half hour a recorded announcement stating station identification will be heard on all radio frequencies.)
Alternatively, you may dial 000

Enquiries

Please direct all enquiries to your equipment supplier or the relevant base.

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