Leith Martin hams it up with Page MP Janelle Saffin after receiving his award. Photo Mel Hargraves
Ninety-year-old Goonellabah ham operator Leith Martin was presented with a lifetime achievement award for services to amateur radio by Page MP Janelle Saffin at the annual Summerland Amateur Radio Club Hamfest (SARCFEST) yesterday in Lismore.
Mr Martin, of Goonellabah, is one of Australia’s longest continuously licensed amateur radio operators, having been licensed since 1947.
Amateur radio (often called ham radio) is a hobby in which people communicate and experiment with radio.
The ability to experiment with radio is an important distinction between amateur radio and other ways in which members of the public are allowed to use radio such as Citizens’ Band, Family Radio Service and Business Radio.
