David replied:

Tim, you require an outpost radio licence issued by the Australian Comunications Authority (ACA), it costs around $30.00 they will then allocate you a callsign.
The Barrett 950 is a very good unit, also check out Codan as they have some great units as well.
Cheers David.

Greg Harewood replied:

In my opinion instead of just getting an outpost licence through the ACA you would be better off joining the Australian National 4WD Radio Network ( http://4wdclubs.sofcom.com/au/an4wdrn/) This organisation offers a range of services to its members including :
 Daily safety logging of members locations and planned movements over the following days.
 Message handling to and from family, friends etc.
 Medical advice and emergency aid arranged through RFDS Bases at Broken Hill (via Gosford Base) and Jandakot (WA), as well as from the SA Police.
 Road Condition Reports from Transport SA & NT Police.
 Weather Reports, Bushfire Danger Index Warnings* and Tropical Cyclone Warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology Darwin.
 HF Propagation Warnings and Information supplied from IPS Radio & Space Services.
 Direct communications link with Worldcare Assistance Services should a member require emergency vehicle assistance. What more could you want? Penta Comstat also provides HF land mobile services.( http://www.pentacomstat.com.au )Catch you on air - Regards Greg

peter white replied:

Hi I just had a barrat 550 installed by Alex Dawes at Macedon ( best and least expensive in Australia) Joined VKS 737 in Adelaide and its great - more help than you thought possible and only $60 per year. If you had your own through ACA who would you call in case of need???? regards peter

John F replied:

I was checking out this subject, as Im only new, and wanted to find out more. I went to the 4WD Radio Network website suggested by Greg, but it appears to me that it hasnt been updated since 1999. That is, the newsletters, the road conditions, etc. Are they still providing a service? Or has it been abandoned?