ACBRO Team Inc (CB Radio)

Australian Association Of Citizens

And Band Radio Operators Inc 1980

Do You Remember When

1979

ACBRO Home Page

1979 April, Sydney NSW

TRUCKIES' AUSTRALIA WIDE ROAD BLOCKADE

Thousands of truck drivers blockaded the entire east coast of Australia. Government authorities were caught unawares at the swift action of the truckies and even though the NSW Government rushed through a Bill so they could fine them $1000 and move their vehicles, the truckies remained unmoved. For nine days the blockade made headlines all around Australia and public sympathy changed nearly daily as the newspaper journalists tried to make up their minds on how to handle the situation. Very few journalists could understand how the majority of Australia's truck drivers could, without union intervention, act so quickly. The answer was obvious for the CBers. CB radio became the initial communication link for the truckies. Drivers were basically loners, before CB radio emerged. The advent of CB radio provided the one real link between individual drivers allowing them to ex-change “beefs” about their chosen way of life.

Since the introduction of Road Tax in the early fifties, owner-drivers have been complaining about what they considered an un-fair burden. Grumblings over the years were on an individual level and truckie organisations and unions didn't seem able to impress on the governments the importance of either reducing or abolishing Road Tax. That is, until some months after the introduction of a legal CB service, This provided the means by which truckies were able to unite via this new communication link about their grumblings against the Government's Road Tax. Eventually their concerns grew louder and the ordinary CB operators of Australia began to hear of their plights on CB radio. With public support mounting, the truckies believed it was time to make a stance against the Road Tax.

As it turned out, the direct action came from Ted "Greendog" Stevens in the form of a blockade just outside of Sydney. Four trucks, at this location, became 40 then 400 and then the Australia pubic became aware of what truckies were fighting for. Over the next few days, truckies from all over Australia began their own blockades in their respective cities and towns. The trucking industry in Australia had finally come to a standstill.

Other strikes and disruptions in other industries rarely had public sympathy or support as that which was shown towards the truckies and their cause. The truckies didn't need a union to organise them, over 90 per cent of all drivers were ready for some direct action and were quick to add their support. It was the unity that CB radio gave to the truckies that brought the whole question of Road Tax to a head.

CB radio was more than just a toy. It became a sophisticated tool that brought about the unity of truckies which eventually led to a revolution. If one ever doubts that, one only need ask the truckies. "Let them Truckies roll...10.4."

Dateline: May 1979, Adelaide, SA

ACRM RAISE RECORD AMOUNT IN APPEAL

The Australian Citizens Radio Monitors, (ACRM) in their second Channel 7 Easter appeal and their third effort for fund raising for charity, raised the record sum of $9840 for the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, (ACH) through the efforts of over 50 monitors from the Adelaide Metropolitan area, aided by CB Clubs, Rotaract, CFS members, Scouts and Guides. In addition at least four ACRM country divisions were involved in this community assistance program. The excellent figure of $1260 was raised by the Peterborough division over a seven week period during which street stalls, raffles and can collections were made by the dozen or so monitors in that town. Gawler division in two days raised in excess of $500 in can collections and Yorketown working with the local ACH auxiliary raised $51. Individual can totals were not available in the city, but from scrutineering the returned cans  it was estimated that the Z-Victor CB Club had contributed at least $3000 to the total. Other CB Clubs who helped the cause included the newly formed Apollo club, the Mike Alpha Delta’s and several individual members of the Sierra Whisky club.

ACRM set up a main control base at the Channel 7 studios and 7 other bases throughout the metropolitan area with both 27 MHz and UHF equipment to help in the co-ordination. Adelaide’s CB community showed a great sense of responsibility in maintaining channel 18 clear for ACRM throughout the weekend. This latest effort by ACRM takes their total fund raising for South Australian charities over the $22,000 mark in just 12 months.

1979 September, Canberra ACT

"WE CONFESS" - DEPT OF P&T

The Department of Postal and Telecommunications (P&T), responsible for regulating and enforcing the Citizens Band Radio Service, has conceded that the Department itself must share much of the blame for the present disorder on the airwaves. In a circular to its officers, P&T asks that they take a more positive approach for a long-term improvement. They also advised that a legal officer has been attached to the Department for the purpose of preparing a new Radio Communications Act to replace the outdated Wireless and Telegraphy Act of 1905. Work on the new Act is apparently underway and due to the impending changes being implemented in the proposed legislation, officers have been advised to take no action in cases where receivers alone have been used. This would not apply to stations where transmitting and receiving equipment was being used or for breaches of section 36 (3) of the Regulations. This section covers the “secrecy” part of radio communications. It is illegal to disclose the text of any message heard on air. Other features of the proposed new legislation include placing greater emphasis on equipment, which causes interference, has extra channels or uses excessive power. These offences will be indictable. While there is a greater emphasis on these items, it has been understood that the Department will not crack down on operators of equipment, which, while licensable, are not licensed. In the Department's view, unlicensed but not modified equipment is purely a revenue matter. The Department is particularly anxious to avoid a witch-hunt or extreme punitive action. It wants to develop an advisory and constructive attitude.

1979 September, Melbourne VIC

MISS CB ACTION QUEST

If you would like to become Miss CB ACTION 1980 don’t hesitate to send in a photo of yourself with your personal details and interests. The Miss CB ACTION Quest is similar to the one run last year that had all the young lads panting. The prize for the overall winner is a complete base station set up worth about $650 from Lou's TV and Radio Hospital in Perth. Last year's winner was Tania Ferniough of Perth, Monthly finalists receive tree 12 month subscription to CB ACTION Magazine and have their photograph printed in the magazine. How about all you pretty young things (Miss, Ms or Mrs.) send in a picture and try for the BIG PRIZE. “Ya gotta be in it to win it.”

Source:
CB ACTION, CB FOCUS, CB MONTHLY, THE NEWS, THE ADVERTISER, THE MESSENGER, CB RADIO OPERATORS