Australia's Oldest Ham Radio Operator Turns 106

On 18 December, D’Arcy Hancock of Resthaven Marion turned 106, cementing his title of Australia’s oldest ham radio operator. 

"I’ve been involved in radio my whole life," says D’Arcy.

Indeed, in 1926, D’Arcy was the youngest operator to receive his Amateur Operator’s Proficiency Certificate, aged just 16. He has held it continuously for nearly 90 years!

D’Arcy’s son and grandson have both followed in his footsteps as active ham radio operators, with their own call signs and licences.

Growing up in Kadina, D’Arcy had a "normal life" and particularly enjoyed fishing at Port Broughton.

In 1951, D’Arcy started his own business, ‘Hancock’s Radio Sales and Service,’ repairing radios and refrigerators. Also a talented jazz musician, D’Arcy later combined his two passions by selling musical instruments and sheet music.

D’Arcy was an active musician, leading his own bands on the Yorke Peninsula for many decades.

‘Hancock’s Radio Sales and Service’ continued until 1964, until the family moved to Adelaide. Here, D’Arcy worked for Brighton Technical College, maintaining and repairing machinery.

His passion for ham radio endured, with D’Arcy regularly attending ‘ham picnics’ at Brownhill Creek or other locations, where fellow enthusiasts would meet and swap or trade radio equipment.

Many other social opportunities also presented themselves through his hobby, including a friendship spanning four decades with a man living in Victoria, and a dermatologist from Japan, who met D’Arcy over the radio and eventually flew out to Australia to meet him in person.

When asked what his favourite part of ham radio is, D’Arcy says, "Just yarning to others about typical things."

"It’s nice to speak with other radio enthusiasts – we have a lot in common."

Click here to find out more about Resthaven's aged care services.