Silent Key Mark Dods VK3ZR

February 9, 2010 by Arvadmin

Mark Dods VK3ZR had an established a career in the electronics industry when in the late 1970s became an enthusiastic radio amateur.

After the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires he answered the call for radio amateurs to provide communications for the clean-up at Mount Macedon, thus began his involvement in WICEN.

He oversaw its Incorporation in 1989/90, served on the Committee of Management as President and State Coordinator for three years, and as WIA Victoria Representative for another six.

Mark Dods VK3ZR

The contributions of Mark were recognised in 1994 when he was made an "Esteemed Member" of WICEN.

His service included the North East Victorian floods of 1993, the Y2K or Millennium bug WICEN network for the Victoria Police 1999, and bushfires 2003, 2006 and 2009. Mark was WICEN Victoria's Public Officer from 1997 until his death.

He was also an active member of RECOM, the communications arm of the Red Cross, and provided help in maintaining radio communications for the McCrae Yacht Club.

Mark died of cancer on Sunday January 17th at his home in McCrae. His more than 25 years of volunteer work with WICEN was recognised in this year's Australia Day's Honours List, with the Emergency Services Medal.

In the true style of this gentleman, the only reason Mark Dods VK3ZR agreed to be nominated for this high award, was so that it was recognised that service as a member of WICEN, was as valid a contribution as service with any other emergency agency.