I was born in a small country town called Waiouru located on the North Island of New Zealand. At the age of 10 I became interested in short wave radio (SWL), first listening to overseas commercial broadcasts and then to local ham operators. Kim, a long time friend, father Rex Glew (Now in VK - VK3MW) and Ralph Cooper (Now in VK - VK4AZG) were local ham operators in Waiouru.

In 1974, aged 14, we moved to Australia and lived next door to a Ham operator Gary Marcon then VK3GY.  In the late 80’s I coincidently moved back to the same house and I got to know Gary as a young adult. Gary collected and restored Collins radio and introduced me to the marvels of the Collins Gear. In the process Gary also demonstrated HF operations with contacts to stations around the world. This inspired my interest in Amateur Radio.

Along with marriage and the responsibility of children I finally obtained a novice restricted call in March 1990 VK3NIG and later obtained a combined call VK3KSD in December the same year. In 2005 with the removal of CW my license was reclassified to Advanced.

In September 2008 I obtained the call VK3GY and if not for Gary (now VK3ZP), I may not have entered into this great hobby of Amateur Radio.  So now having the call VK3GY has a sentimental aspect for me.