Two ecclesiastical districts in Australia, Queensland and New South Wales (NSW), held seminars on Amateur Radio, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and fire safety for members of the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) on August 11, 2024.

The latter said district hosted the said event at the main hall of the Kingswood High School along Bringelly Road, Kingswood NSW, Australia. From there, the seminar was streamed live to SCAN members in Queensland, who were gathered at remote sites in North Brisbane, Brisbane, and Mackay.

“In connection with the Church’s 110th anniversary, we launched this activity for the brethren to find out more about communication,” said Brother Richard Esperanza, district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer, who supervised the seminar. “Activities for SCAN members are for them to be updated in their important duty to safeguard the brethren’s welfare, especially in Church activities, and these are also for the edification of their faith.”

District SCAN president Renato Zuniga, from the Minchinbury Congregation, assisted by fellow district SCAN officers, shared insights on how technology has evolved and continues to play a vital role in emergency communication.

Attendees received an overview of the Amateur Radio, with emphasis on its current applications. They also learned about VoIP, a modern communication tool that uses broadband internet for voice calls, its technical aspects and growing importance, especially during emergency situations.

The fire drill segment of the seminar was held at the school field. With practical demonstrations and hands-on training, attendees gained valuable insights about fire safety and emergency response techniques.

“This activity is for the SCAN members to improve their capability in the line of communication. We conducted presentations on the use of radio and some non-amateur platforms,” Brother Zuniga explained. “We also incorporated the fire drill for the members’ awareness and for them to do their part in such situation.”

“I learned the importance of the right way of communication. During the fire drill, I learned the importance of remaining calm,” said Heinrich Dulay, SCAN member from the Penrith Local Congregation. — With reports from Kriziel Manday of INC News Section