subaru 4wd club of victoria - april 2015 magazine

(ISSUE 413)

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.

Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member

www.subaru4wdvic.com.au PO BOX 2456

Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Anglesea Trip

April 2015

http://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/

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VOLKS-BARU

SUBARU and Volkswagen Specialist

Parts and Service Centre

We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely

competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru

4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.

John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd

Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655

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INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB

GENERAL MEETINGS South Camberwell Tennis Club Last Tuesday of each

322 Burke Road month at 8:00pm sharp Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6) (except December)

COMMITTEE Meetings 1st Tuesday each month: 7:30pm

Stephen Whittaker (President)

[email protected]

Jessica Walsh (Vice President)

[email protected]

Peter Bellis (Secretary)

[email protected]

Bob Marshall (Treasurer)

[email protected]

Martin Foot (OM: Membership)

[email protected]

Michael Hartshorne (OM: Editor)

[email protected]. au

Dale Rebgetz (OM: Resources)

[email protected]

Jean Bellis (OM: Events Coordinator )

[email protected]

Jamie Scott (OM: Trips Coordinator)

[email protected]

Dale Rebgetz (OM: Venue)

[email protected]

Stephen Whittaker / Damian Stock (OM) Venue Presentations

[email protected], [email protected]

The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 30 years ago by an enthusiastic group of Subaru owners. Today the club has expanded to include all Subaru 4WD and AWD vehicles, as well as all other makes of AWD, light 4WD and crossover/soft-roader type vehicles. The club aims to participate in exploration of the Australian countryside without damage to the environment, vehicle or individual. Visitors are most welcome to attend the club’s General Meetings and contact committee members regarding participation in club activities.

The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2014/15 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2014 and are as follows:

● Interstate: $110 (Seniors card - $105) ● Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110) ● Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125). Joining Fee $10 ($20 for Joint/Family)

(All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $47) A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)

Please contact the membership officer for further information regarding membership, including pro-rata and monthly rates.

mailto:[email protected]













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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Welcome to the April Subaru 4WD Club magazine. This time last month I was writing my President’s report from on board the Spirit of Tasmania bound for Devonport and a challenging trip on Tassie’s west coast. On board with me were Jessica, Sharon, Bev and Dale & Jan (Jamie was ahead awaiting our arrival in Burnie). Well, we’re back from the trip and what an amazing one it was. We saw some impressive places including Arthur River, Temma, Sandy Cape, Balfour, Corinna, Trial Harbour, Climies Track, Zeehan, Queenstown, Mt McCall and Montezuma Falls. We packed a lot into a week. You can read all about it in Jessica’s trip report later in the magazine. I’ve released a Trailer Preview video of the trip on the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/subaru4wdvic. If you haven’t seen it yet, feel free to check it out. The full feature is currently in production!

After arriving back from Tassie, the Easter trip beckoned. So, we headed for Knockwood Reserve, south of Jamieson. It wasn’t at all busy!! Actually, it was absolutely packed! Despite having Peter & Edith and Graham & Kerry head up early to secure us a spot (magnificent effort, thank you), every man, woman, child, caravan, trail bike and stereo were at the camp. This made for an, at times, particularly unpleasant weekend away. With loud music playing until the early hours of the morning (3am one morning!), we weren’t very happy campers. Though, we’re a resilient mob, the Subaru 4WD Club. So, we made the most of it with great days out on the tracks and evenings around a nice fire. A trip report will feature in next month’s magazine.

Behind the scenes here at the club, we’ve been working to connect with the Explore Australia Expo organisers and we’ve officially locked in our stand at the Expo to be held at the end of May. This is exciting news for our club bringing an opportunity to secure new members and showcase the great activities our club does. From four wheel driving to touring, quiet campsites, volunteer work and training opportunities – we offer it all. What we need to do well is sell our club and the knowledge, experience and camaraderie you can be a part of when you join. In the lead up to the Expo, we’re keen to get your thoughts on what we can do to make our stand the best stand. Our stand will be amongst 8 other four wheel drive clubs within the Opposite Lock Club Corner. On offer is $2,000 for the club with the best display. I think they’re pretty good odds. So, bring your thoughts to the next meeting or contribute them via email. We’d love your input into how the stand might look for the weekend.

http://www.facebook.com/subaru4wdvic

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

As new members join our club, we need to arm them with as much educational knowledge and training as possible. From my perspective, this is something our club could do better. In the coming months, we will be adding to the club magazine regular educational information such as Convoy Procedures, Trip and Track Gradings/Classifications and the Four Wheel Driver’s Code of Ethics. Be on the look out for this information and familiarise yourself with it if you haven’t already.

At this month’s General Meeting, Jessica will be delivering a presentation on Trip Leading. If you’re interested in running a trip and would like more information on how to do so – or if you’d just like to know what’s involved – come along and hear Jessica’s presentation. As we head into the colder months, we can start to see less trips happening within our club. But we’d like to avoid that as much as possible. Your trip doesn’t have to be a serious offroad trip rated ‘Very Difficult’. It could be a winery tour, a movie night or a day trip to anywhere you like.

Enjoy the April magazine and I’ll see you at the April General Meeting and/or out on the tracks – wherever we may be heading. Stephen Whittaker President

VENUE REPORT

APRIL GENERAL MEETING

Date: Tuesday 28th April at 8pm.

Venue: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris

Door Prize: Come along to win a special door prize at this month’s meeting.

Venue Coordinator

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT

Well done to Kerry and Graeme Gill and Paul Saleeba on running a very successful Trip in the Toolangi area. This was their first venture as Trip Leaders and hopefully will not be their last.

We have had a very full calendar of trips and events for the year so far. But there are lots of weekends and even mid weeks that are looking for someone to run a trip or social event. If you have an idea for a trip please discuss it with us. If you have never run a trip or event for the club and would like to have a go we can assist you.

At the April General Meeting Jessica will be presenting a session on how to run a trip and be a trip leader. We have a trip leader pack and we can provide you with a Mentor or a Co Trip Leader. We have lots of resources in the form of books and maps that members are willing to share. We are also looking at building up a Resource Library and housing it in our new Storage Cupboard at the Tennis Club.

We have members within the Club who are shift workers, work weekends, work part time or are retired. This means that they could be available to go on trips during the week. So if this is you and you would like to arrange a mid week trip please consider doing so. Jessica has started us off with her Mid-week Mungo Meander Tuesday 28 – Friday 31 July. But you might just want to do a day trip or even a social event such as a Meal and Movie.

Working Bee at Woodside

Date: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 April 2015

Location: Damian and Angela Stock’s Farm, Woodside.

Trip Leaders: Jessica Walsh, e: [email protected]

Damian Stock, e: [email protected]

The purpose of this weekend is to be a Working Bee to set up some areas that we will be able to use for Driver Training. There should also be time to put our work to the test with some driving practice.

The aim will be to start work early Saturday afternoon to allow people to attend Anzac Day Services before they come.

Saturday evening meal will be a BBQ. The club will provide the meat. We ask people to bring a salad or desert to Share. BYO all other food and drinks you require for the weekend. The BBQ will be available to use for Sunday Breakfast.

Camping will be available on the property.

Bring: Shovels, crowbars, rakes and gardening gloves.

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Clean up the Bush

Date: Saturday 2 and/or Sunday 3 May 2015

Location: Crossover/Hillsend Gippsland

Trip Leaders: Damian Stock, e: [email protected]

The purpose of this weekend is to collect the rubbish that has been located in this area.

You will need a trailer GPS and gardening gloves

Keppel’s Day Trip

Trip Dates:- Sunday 24 May 2015

Trip Leader:- Rick Koster, e: [email protected]

Trip Standard:- Easy to Medium

Meeting Place:- Healesville at 9.30am

Requirements:- full tank of fuel from Healesville, BYO Lunch etc.

This trip will include a visit to Keppel’s Hut, Keppel’s Falls, Guy’s Hut and the Rubicon Power Station.

4WDVic 40th Anniversary

Trip Dates: Queens Birthday Weekend – Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June 2015 in Mansfield.

You will need to be quick to book as places are limited.

See Flyer printed else where in this magazine.

It would be great to see a group from the club attend.

Midweek Mungo Meander

Date: Tuesday 28 - Friday 31 July

Standard: Easy if the weather is dry

Trip Leader: Jessica Walsh, e: [email protected]

Fees: Day entry per car $7, Camping per adult/child $5/$3 per night.

Vehicle limit: 10 cars

I am off to Mungo for a few days at the end of July. Mungo National Park is located in NSW in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. This is a midweek trip to allow for those who work weekends to come along.

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Some information on the park is here: www.visitmungo.com.au

We will be staying in a Mildura caravan park on Tuesday night, to allow people to arrive at their own leisure. Mildura is 5-6 hours north of Melbourne.

Wednesday will see us heading to Mungo, which is a further two hours north. There is an excellent camping area with toilets and shaded campsites (see fees, above). They have a great interpretive centre to spend the afternoon learning about some of Australia’s oldest inhabitants. From here there is a 70km loop track that passes much the park has to offer, which I plan to do on Thursday. A leisurely pack-up and then head home on Friday.

A walk to watch the sunset on the Walls of China is also not to be missed, which we will do either or both nights depending on the weather.

This is an isolated area, so please make sure you are self sufficient with water and food. Extra fuel won’t be necessary if you fill up in Mildura. Pack some warm clothes, as this is desert country and it can get very cold at night. (If the nights are clear, it is a star gazers paradise).

Christmas in July

Date:-Saturday 18 July 2015

Standard: Social

Location:- At the Home of Peter and Jean Bellis in Boronia

Trip Leader: Jean Bellis, e: [email protected]

Cost:- $25 per person.

Meal will included roast meats and vegetable, plum pudding and another special desert. BYO Drinks

Trips and Events to look forward to in 2015

Trivia Night – 8th August – Jean Bellis Border track – 31st October to 3rd November. Peter and Jean Bellis

OTHER TRIP AND SOCIAL EVENTS without set date yet.

Driver Training. Night Run. Rubicon Snow Trip.

High Country Huts. Mud Day Trip.

High Tea at Yarra Valley Lodge – Trip Leader Jean Bellis August/September possibly.

Discover Melbourne Walk – Trip Leader Bev Davison.

Puffing Billy – Dinner and Murder Mystery Night.

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EDITOR’S REPORT

The magazine deadline for next edition is Friday 15 May 2015.

Send all copy to [email protected]

40th Anniversary

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in September 2016. We have starting planning.

LONG TERM FUTURE PLANNING

Jamie Scott & Jean Bellis Trip Coordinators [email protected]

Year Trips proposed for that Year

2016 Disputed Border (The Full length of VIC/SA border) Friday 25 March to Sunday 3

rd April 2016 (Easter

25-28th March) Option for People to do just Easter

as there are exit points on major roads.

Kangaroo Island?

Simpson Desert

11th Australian 4WD Gathering – 19-22 August

2017 Central Australia

Fraser Island

2018 Cape York

2019 Canning Stock Route


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This year Four Wheel Drive Victoria celebrates its 40th anniversary.

To celebrate we are staging a weekend of celebration, fun and friendship.

WHERE: Mansfield in the Victoria High Country.

WHEN: Queen’s Birthday weekend - Friday 5th- Monday 8th June 2015.

Members are invited to arrive Friday night, or Saturday morning for registration.

ACCOMMODATION: Limited camp sites are available at the Mansfield Showgrounds.

Powered sites $25.00 per night; Unpowered sites $20.00 per night. Sites are rapidly going with numerous bookings received. Fire drums will be available. Book early to avoid disappointment.

(There are also numerous other accommodation options in Mansfield & District.)

ACTIVITIES: Four wheel driving of all standards are organised for members to participate on the weekend.

ANNIVERSARY DINNER: Saturday night a dinner will be held in the hall at the Showgrounds. Maximum seating is available for the first 200. Cost of dinner is $40 per adult, $20 per child under 12. A DJ will provide entertainment into the early hours! A communal BYO Happy Hour will precede the dinner.

Sunday evening BYO Happy Hour will again be held at the Showgrounds.

MONSTER RAFFLE: Over $7,000 of quality prizes available!

BOOKINGS: Are now being taken for camping and the dinner. BOOK EARLY. To book email: [email protected] or phone Sandra on 03 5266 1609. Bookings close May 15, 2015. Payment required for dinner and camping.


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TRIP REPORTS

ANGLESEA TRIP

Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 February, 2015

by Jean Bellis

We woke to heavy rain on the morning of Saturday 14 February. My heart sunk as I started to image how wet and slippery some of the tracks would be and that an easy trip was going to become a very much harder trip.

By the time we were travelling toward Geelong it was no longer raining and the sky was starting to clear. It was beginning to look like we were going to have a good day but I was still very concerned about the state of the tracks.

We all eventually arrived in Winchelsea with some slowed by the rain, the roadworks and getting stuck behind slow moving traffic.

We had morning tea in Winchelsea. Some of us had an interesting encounter with a very colourful local character in the Bakery

After a short distance on the bitumen we were onto gravel roads and then into the bush. Since we had done the pre trip a section of the pine plantation had been logged. We turned onto our first track and stated to head down the hill. It was not long before we hit the red clay and due to the rain overnight it was extremely slippery. We very quickly found ourselves slipping sidewards towards the bank. It was then a very slow and slippery journey to the bottom, made worse by needing to negotiate a couple of turns My worst fear, an easy trip was now looking like it was going to be a very hard one. Thanks to some directions from Stephen guiding some of the newer members we all made it to the bottom. The prize for the muddiest tyres went to Peter and Edith.

We pushed on not sure what we were going to encounter but except for some rather large puddles the tracks were good. We arrived at Hammond Road Camp site where we were to camp just before 12. After raking up a large amount of kangaroo droppings, we set up our tents. We had some members for whom this was the first time that they had been camping. Dave blew up

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TRIP REPORTS

the lilo and Jess, when putting it in the tent, decided to try it out. When Peter asked her what all the laughter and other strange noises were she confessed that she had rolled off the lilo onto the ground.

Charles and Paula had a new tent to put up for the first time so setting up took them a bit longer. We sat in the shade of the lovely big tress and enjoyed lunch.

After lunch we headed out along Hammond’s Road and Gum Flat Road with lots of comments over the radio about how good some of the tracks looked coming off these roads. We turned down Haggarts Track. The sand had been compressed by the rain but we did encounter some large puddles.

At the end of this track we came to a very large muddy puddle. Michael came though this puddle very fast sending up a big wall of muddy water. We turned left and then realised that we should have turned right. This meant we had to turn around and back track a short distance. Michael quickly decided that to make enough room he would have to go backwards though the puddle and a couple of other followed suit.

We continued in the correct direction on Allardyce Track and then around onto Harrison South. We encountered many more puddles and people stated to say that Jamie would have loved all the mud and puddles. At the end of this track we turned right and we started to talk about the Power Station and

the coal mine that were out to our right. The conversation focused around why the power station and mine were there. Someone wanted to know when it had been built. A voice came over the radio and said,”1962”. It was not someone from our group and Steve started up a conversation with him. It turned out that

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TRIP REPORTS

it was the water tanker driver from the coal mine. He told us his version of why the power station would be closing shortly.

We got to the top of the hill and realised that we had taken the wrong track but the view from the top was worth it with great views of the town, sea, power station and mine.

We returned back down the track and realised that at the intersection we should have taken the sharp 45 degree angle track not the one going off at right angles.

Next stop was the coal mine which was working. As we were watching what was happening the Water Truck come into view. Steve called him up and told him that we were up above him watching. So the driver gave us a few details of the work they were doing.

From the coal mine we turned onto Red River track. As we progressed along this track we encountered many more large puddles, most with firm bases or an easier alternative. Unfortunately one of these large puddles proved to be just a little bit too deep for Tim’s Land Cruiser and it came to a stop. Dave and Jess to the rescue. After 3 attempts they pulled Tim clear. Again people commented on Jamie missing all the fun of that track.

At the end of this track we were back onto the main gravel road into Anglesea. Here we gave people the choice, Anglesea or Denham’s Track which would normally be a medium going down the hill. But after the rain, it could well be harder. Tim decided that the beach and a swim were beckoning while the rest of us set off on an adventure to see what we could find. We did encounter some slippery and interesting places and a few good mud holes. The view from the look out was amazing. We made our way down with one or two tricky parts and safely out onto the flat. Because we had now completed a loop we had some lovely large muddy puddles to negotiate again.

It was then into Anglesea on the main gravel roads. We meet up with Dot and Martin at the Anglesea Hotel where we had a very enjoyable meal.

After the meal we farewelled Tim who was going back to Melbourne. The rest of us headed back to camp with a few more puddles along the way. Not content with the puddles that were on the road we were on, Peter and Edith took a detour onto a side road to find some more mud.

Back at Camp Martin and Dot set up their tent and the campfire was lit and we had a very pleasant evening. Thanks Meredith for the very yummy treats.

Sunday morning saw some up early, while others spent a bit longer in bed.

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TRIP REPORTS

After a short distance on main gravel roads, we turned onto Loves Track. While this was a very pleasant area to travel though, unfortunately the track had been graded. Another short section on good gravel roads and we began the climb up Gentle Annie. This was a gentle climb with only a few places where care was needed. At the top we then turned down Moggs track and made our way down to the back of Airey’s Inlet and out onto the Great Ocean Road. We had morning tea at one of the scenic stops. We turned off and made our way up Big Hill Track to the Big Hill Camp site. As this was just off the main Lorne Deans March Road and Michael decided to farewell us all and head home. Michael had been Tail-end Charlie for the weekend and we had all been making lots of comments about how much dust he had had to content with over the weekend (none because it had rained overnight Friday). Peter and Edith offered to become Tail-end Charlie.

We had a short section of bitumen and then turned off onto Five Mile track. I promised everyone that we should have a nice little creek crossing after all the rain. When we had pre-tripped 4 weeks prior there was a lot of water flowing down it. The Grader had again preceded us on this track and we were soon raising lots of dust. It was much drier in this part of the Otway’s. Now Tail end Charlie was getting all the dust. Michael must have known something when he decided to head for home early. It was so much drier, that when we got to the creek there was no water at all in it and we had a dry stone crossing. Very disappointing! This track brought us out at the back of the Lorne Golf Club and then down into Lorne.

We managed to all find parking on the foreshore. Dot and Martin secured a spot under a shady tree and we enjoyed a very pleasant time while we had lunch. After lunch we all made our various ways back to Melbourne.

Thank you everyone for a great trip. A special thank you to Peter Bellis for being my mentor for my first effort as a trip leader.

Participants

Tim Folliard FJ 40

Peter and Edith Fullalove Pajero

Michael Hartshorne Forester

Dave Denver and Jess Forester

Stephen Whittaker Forester

Mike and Meredith Dale Forester

Dot Greiveson & Martin Foot Forester

Peter & Jean Bellis Forester (Jean Bellis - trip leader)

Paula & Charles Tam Prado

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TRIP REPORTS

TOOLANGI TRIP REPORT

Sunday, 22 March 2015

by Kerry and Graham Gill

The day dawned bright and sunny as we headed up to Healesville. We arrived to find people tucking into cups of coffee, breakfast and a milk shake. As there were to be a few tracks with very sharp rocks, we lowered tyre pressures to around 25psi.

Having sorted out the convoy order with Paul heading up the group as Toolangi is virtually his backyard given he lives in Healesville, and Edith and Peter kindly agreeing to be tail end, we headed off up Myers Creek Road. Very quickly the houses gave way to beautiful Victorian Ash forest. According to Paul most of the area was decimated by the B lack Sa tu rday bushfires, so it is heartening to see the amount of re-growth.

Turning off at Monda Road, we followed the boundary of the Yarra Ranges National Park and the Maroondah Dam. It’s a very pretty drive through towering trees. We then headed left into the Toolangi forest past some recently burnt off logging blocks. Black Range Track is a very scenic road towards to north of the forest. We stopped at Yea Rock which is a flat exposed clearing which once had a fire tower. Today it provides a very good view of the forest and out to the north. The track up to the parking area and the rock is a very hard to see narrow entrance. 5 of the higher clearance vehicles ferried a few people up to the top - only about 200m or so.

Up front, Paul spotted a swamp wallaby and a lyrebird. On our reconnaissance, we saw 2 lyrebirds, but with so many vehicles, wildlife was a bit rare.

Having spent a little too long at Yea Rock and leaving Healesville later than planned, we decided to head straight to the Murrindindi Cascades picnic

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TRIP REPORTS

group for lunch, rather than go up to the Suspens ion Br idge picnic ground for lunch. There are several well laid out campsites along Murrindindi Road in the Murr ind ind i Scen ic Reserve, all with toilets and communal tables and seats. On the way down Falls Creek Rd, we saw a burn off up in the h i l ls ahead. Paul

checked the DEPI website to see if it was anywhere near where we were going, but didn’t think it would affect us.

Lunch was enjoyed and most people headed off to the Cascades. It’s about 600m of quite steep steps. Apparently the water was very refreshing for tired and hot feet.

As time was getting on, we varied the planned route - again. We didn’t go to the Dindi Mill site. It’s just off Winch Rd along the Murrindindi Road. Not much there to see as it’s very overgrown, but it has an interesting information board. We also missed the Kalatha Giant - a large old growth tree. It’s just down the Kalatha Road about 2 Kms. The walk is a 300m undulating circuit.

Instead we headed for the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk. Paul who lives in the area had never been to the walk - usually too busy driving. Some of us got caught up taking close up photos of moss and fungi. It is a beautiful 1km boardwalk through the rainforest beside the creek. Well worth going back to spend some time just wandering through.

Tim and Jack left us at the Walk and headed home. The rest of us returned to Healesville around 4.15 and went in search of caffeine and beers.

Although we did no real 4WD-ing, and found only small puddles which Paul cleared before Les or Rick could get to them, there are some tracks which Les and Rick were keen to explore at a later date with better maps.

All in all it was a pleasant Sunday drive introduction to an area which is very accessible and well worth going back to explore further. Thank you Paul for your local knowledge and thank you, Peter and Edith, for doing a sterling job of tail end.

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TRIP REPORTS

Participants

Paul Saleeba Forester (co-trip leader)

Kerry & Graham Gill Outback (co-trip leaders)

Peter Devine Forester

Charles & Paula Tam Prado

Michael & Meredith Dale Forester

Dave Denver Forester

Rick, Josh & Jacqui Koster “L” Series

Tim and Jack Folliard FJ 40

Les Scott Brumby

Edith & Peter Fullalove Pajero

FROG HOLLOW

Labour Day Long weekend, Friday 6 to Monday 9 March

by Jamie Scott

Friday: a few turned up from mid afternoon with the last one at 10.30pm. We sat around the pot belly to get warm and off to bed.

Saturday morning: it was a easy start to the day as more turned up about 3pm. We headed out for short drive close by. Along the way, we caught up with Peter & Katie and also Dale & Jan at the cross road. They joined in and tagged along around a few tracks, with a few ways to go. There was easy and hard tracks too, as we split up and met up again after a drive around the pines. Now it was off to find the “wall off death” (as it was named). This was a steep short climb . It was good to see who would go going up! A few had a go at it, with lots of photos taken, then it was a short drive back to camp.

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TRIP REPORTS

Sunday: It was an all-day trip out and about the area. We followed the river along before we split up, where l sent Graham & Kerry the wrong way! with thanks to Dale & Jan, who went off to find/catch them (hang on Jan!).

While they went looking for them, l took the rest off the group the hard way with lots of mud and wash-outs. We had some fun on the last wash-out - Michael got stuck! Just then Dale & Graham turned to meet us for lunch.

After lunch, we split up for a easy/hard drive. The hard turned out to be easy also! We met back up at the lookout with the whole group. There it was time to head back to camp. With some roads closed and no thru track, we made it out onto the main road. Now we're going back to camp for the night - but not for a few who wanted to go back out to the “WALL” for one last go.

Soon we were back at camp with the fire going to keep warm and talked about the day and then went off to bed.

Monday: most headed home with Graham and Kerry staying for one more night and leaving Tuesday.

Thanks to all that came along. I hope you all enjoyed it.

Participants

Jamie Scott (Trip Leader)

Les Scott & Shelbie

Cory & Nathan Peterson

Graham & Kerry Gill

Michael & Meredith Dale & son

Andrew & Lisa Jantke & Ernie

Peter & Edith Fullalove

Dale & Jan Rebgetz

Charles & Paula Tam

Stephen Whittaker ( over night )

Bev Davidson & Splash ( over night )

Peter & Katie Maynard ( day drive & tea both days )

Damian & Angela Stock ( called in for tea )

Rick & Josh Koster ( day drive )

Peter & Janice (visitors) ( weekend )

Sandy & Alex ( visitors for the weekend )

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TRIP REPORTS

TASSIE TREK 21-29 MARCH 2015

Saturday 21 March

by Jessica Walsh

Saturday the 21st finally dawned, and more than one traveler still had some last minute packing to do. By lunch time it was done, and then it was a leisurely drive to the ferry. We met at about 4pm on Beach St near the ferry queue. A couple of us had a late lunch, whereas others had coffee or a beer. Then it was time to join the the line for the ferry to Devonport.

The line moved fairly well, until the security/quarantine team stopped us each in turn. Jessica had to empty her fuel container into her car, and then fill it with water (the container, not the car). The attendant had no advice as what to do with the water at the other end of the crossing! With the other vehicles searched, and gas cylinders handed over we made our way slowly into the depths of the Spirit of Tasmania II.

The crossing was a little rough as we left the heads, but with us all tucked up in our bunks by then, it really didn’t matter. We had an early start the next morning at 0550 with the PA waking us all. Within half an hour we were at our cars preparing to drive off into our Tasmanian adventure.

Sunday 22 March

We made good time to Burnie, where we met Jamie. Jamie had come over the night before and had a chance to explore a little of the north coast before we arrived. We all had coffees and a spot of breakfast, before doing some last minute shopping for fruit and vegetables.

Then it was ‘Westwards Ho’ and on our way to Arthur River in the Arthur -Pieman conservation area. We found a good sheltered campsite and were quickly setup and munching on lunch. That taken care of it was time to head south to do a little exploring, as the next day we would have to make good time to get to Sandy Cape. There certainly were some testing little tracks that made good use of our vehicles articulation. At one point we came out onto a lovely little beach as the tide was coming in. Unfortunately Jessica’s sand flag came off the worst for wear as it did not have a spring and so bent slightly.

A couple of the locals came to visit us whilst we having dinner. I am sure they knew what they were, but our opinions varied from potoroos to pademelons to wallabies. (It turns out they were red-bellied potoroos).

It was an early night for everyone, and ‘lights out’ by 8.30.

(cont. p 22)

CLUB CALENDAR

Trip Standard Sign Vehicle Suitability

Easy All wheel drive and high range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. Medium Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres.

Difficult Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Very Difficult Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).

Date Event Location Standard Contact for further info. Cost

2015 [email protected]

APR

Sat 25th—Sun 26th Working Bee at Woodside Woodside Social Jessica Walsh Damien Stock

Tues 28th General Meeting CSTC Dale Rebgetz

MAY

Sat 2nd / Sun 3rd Clean up the Bush Gippsland Social Damian Stock

Tues 5th Committee Meeting Damian Stock’s Peter Bellis

Sun 24th Keppel’s Day Trip Healesville Rick Koster

Tues 26th General Meeting CSTC Dale Rebgetz

JUNE+

Tues 2nd June Committee Meeting TBA Peter Bellis

Fri 5th June - Mon 8th June

4WDVic 40th Anniversary Mansfield See Trip & Social Report, p10 Dinner,

camping

Tues 30th June General Meeting CSTC Dale Rebgetz

Sat 18th July Christmas in July Boronia Social Jean Bellis $25 pp

Sat 8th Aug Trivia Night TBA Social Jean Bellis

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TRIP REPORTS

Monday 23 March

The rain woke some of us at 4am the next morning. It persisted whilst we stirred and started to pack. Of course it abated just as we were finishing.

Off we headed to the Ranger station to get some advice about Sandy Cape Track, the majority of which is along the beach. His advice was very welcome and we all paid close attention. Once back at our cars ready for the drive Jamie presented us all with personalised magnets commemorating the “Tassie Trek 2015”. They were all soon proudly displayed on everyone’s vehicles.

The tide was coming in when we made it to the coast, and collective hearts were in collective throats when we made our first river crossing. From there the going got slightly easier, not though the terrain getting easier, but through experience.

It still went against the grain ‘though to head towards the waves (where the sand was firmer) than away from them. On more than one occasion the surf was lapping at our tyres as we travelled along. This was one of the more challenging ‘tracks’ most of us had ever undertaken. Not because of the terrain, but of the consequences if something went wrong. After four or five river crossings, and many kilometres of beach driving Jessica spotted a track into the dunes. We headed up it to find the track would lead us to Sandy Cape proper, where we stopped for lunch, and watched the swell breaking over the rocks.

Some bones by the beach in the distance intrigued us, so after lunch we headed closer for a better look. Sharon was able to surmise that they were the skulls of pilot whales, possibly from a beaching ten or so years ago. (We later asked at the Parks office in Queenstown, and the Ranger confirmed it was a pilot whale stranding about 8 years ago. Well over a dozen whales were trapped in a little cove, and were unable to escape).

We headed back the way we came towards a little campsite we had spotted on the way in, and were soon settled for the night. Except it was barely 3pm. We huddled under Stephen’s awning and enjoyed Jan reciting some of

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TRIP REPORTS

her poems. When the wind changed direction we moved to Jan and Dale’s awning and chatted for a couple of hours until it was time to prepare dinner. That done, the conversation continued until dark when we all headed off to bed. Another early night as most of us were tucked up by 8pm.

Tuesday 24th March

Everyone was up early and keen to get away for the return trip. Low tide at 9.30am meant getting a wriggle on in any case. It was such a different drive travelling at low tide, instead of a couple of hours after it. Jamie led the convoy, and what took a good two hours on the way in was done and dusted in 25 minutes on the way out.

We stopped for morning tea just before Couta Rocks. Then it was along Rebecca track to the Western Explorer road. This took us past the old tin mine settlement of Balfour, which we explored from one end to the other.

Back to the main road, and we headed south to Corrinna. Here we had a quick lunch and one by one crossed the Pieman river by the Fat Man Barge (at $25 a pop). Oh, just before the barge there is a general store. Jan enquired if they did coffee - “Oh yes, we have instant’, was the reply. No thanks.

A speedy trip to Zeehan on mostly bitumen saw us fuelled up and then heading for Trial Harbour. We found the free campsite to be a bit snug, but within 50 metres of the surf, so after a hearty dinner and a glass or two of something restorative we all headed to bed to be lulled to sleep by the crashing of the waves.

Wednesday 25th March

The day dawned and it seems everyone was keen to get going. At a bit after eight o’clock, Dale, Jamie, Sharon and Stephen headed up a walking track to the top of a nearby hill. They were soon looking down no the campsite holding up a ‘Subaru’ sign. Once they returned, we got underway and headed off to Climes track.

This is some of the toughest, most technically demanding four wheel driving that I have done. For the first ten or so kilometres, there was barely any flat level track. Most of the track was either steep, eroded, or both. By about noon we came to Granite Creek. There were men and machines working to

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TRIP REPORTS

replace the old bridge that had been washed away. They expected to be finished within a week or so, so we will be some of the last to drive across the creek crossing that has been in use since the bridge was lost.

The crossing took a bit of time to construct for us to manage, and then each vehicle being guided by Jamie, and then Jamie was guided in turn by Jessica. There were a couple of video cameras watching intently as well.

Granite Creek having been overcome, the rest of the track was quite a bit easier, as there had been a lot of track work to allow the heavy vehicles in. As we stopped for lunch, a rather large truck with a massive beam for the new bridge drove past. A long slow journey for them.

We reached the end of Climes track with only a couple of ‘beachings’, but they were quickly managed with snatch straps. With the new bridge in place, this track will never be the quite the same.

We spent an hour seeing the sights in Zeehan, before heading off to Queenstown to the caravan park. We would be staying there for three nights, so we ended up with quite a good rate. After a quick conversation, everyone agreed that the pub was the place for dinner. We dined at the Empire hotel and were a little underwhelmed. For example, when a desert is described as having sliced bananas we didn’t expect the lolly kind.

Once back at the caravan park, weary bones were soon snuggled up in warm

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TRIP REPORTS

sleeping bags with thoughts of tracks driven, and those still to come.

Thursday 26th March

A lazy day today with just a short track to Mt Huxley on the agenda. Which was a good thing as it rained through the night and into the morning. Fortunately we did not have to break camp. In dribs and drabs we headed into town; Jessica to check in at the Parks office for the next day’s adventures; others to look for coffee and the supermarket.

At 10am we made our way south of Queenstown to Mt Huxley’s Track just as the weather fined up. It took us a

little over an hour to get to the end, with quite a few camera stops on the way. We had morning tea and then the drizzle started again, so Dale led us back down to town. A couple of us headed for the car wash to make sure our cars were mud free for tomorrow’s track - a condition of gaining the permit, as we were to be entering a world heritage area.

We sat around the camp ground enjoying nibbles and drinks before we set about having a communal BBQ.

Friday 27th March

Once again we were woken by the sound of rain on the tent. We stirred and were soon ready for Mt McCall Track in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which is part of the world heritage area. We headed to the Parks office to have our cars inspected, and collect our permits and the key. That done we made our way south out of town. The road became gravel, and then soon it was a single lane track. We paused at the boom gate to unlock it, and then lock it again behind us. We climbed steadily with thick scrub either side of us occasionally clearing enough for glimpses across the mountain-tops through the mist.

We got to the end of the track at about 11.30 and Dale, Sharon and Stephen made their way down the (very) steep track to the Franklin River. When they returned we had lunch and then Stephen led us out the way we came in. On the way we detoured to the Byrd River. This track was along an old disused railway, so it was nice and flat, with no sharp turns. As Dale had forgotten to

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TRIP REPORTS

fill his car up in Queenstown, he and Jan jumped in Jessica’s car for the trip in.

We returned to the caravan park for an enjoyable dinner with a few drinks when Bev handed out some cute Tassie devil oven mitts. Unsurprisingly they were quickly used as hand-puppets.

Saturday 28th March

For a change it wasn’t raining when we woke. We were all fed and packed soon after 8am so we headed into town for coffee. By 9am we were on our way north. We turned into the Montezuma Falls track and were immediately faced with mud puddles of various sizes. The track followed the old North East Dundas Tramway line. It took us two and a half hours to get to the car park for the falls. We made the short walk, and were faced with a magnificent sight. The falls were certainly worth the effort we made to get there. As we crossed the suspension bridge, we met some walkers coming the other way. They had parked their two wheel drives at a car park about four kilometers away, and hiked in. It took them less time to walk four kilometers than it took us to drive fourteen!

On our way out we paused to look down Ring River Track. The Tasmanian Four Wheel Drive Association had rated it as “Grade 4 Hard”. We chose to head out the way we came in, and save that track for another visit.

In our travels on many four wheel drive tracks we were about to meet the only oncoming vehicles for the week. We stopped for a brief chat, and then we were passed and on our way.

Back on the bitumen, aired up, it was off to Devonport for the night. We paused briefly in Rosebery for a toilet stop, only to have one of the locals come out of the Community House to offer us some slice. Now that is what I call proper country hospitality.

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TRIP REPORTS

We had an uneventful drive north after then, and pulled into the caravan park a little after 6pm. We set up camp and Sharon moved her gear over to Jamie’s car, as they were both staying in a local hotel for the next two nights. The rest of us were of course to be stirring early the next morning to catch the ferry home.

We came together as a group for dinner in Devonport only to find that Jamie had locked his keys in his car. Fortunately with RACV membership, he was soon reunited with them. We dined at Saxon Grill where we all enjoyed some very tasty and filling meals. Bellies full, and after a lovely birthday present for Jessica from the group we retired back to the caravan park and were soon as leep ready fo r our forthcoming crossing.

Sunday 29th March

We were up at 6 and driving off to the ferry soon after. We were searched and questioned about various contraband before driving onboard. We were able to wave farewell to Jamie and Sharon as their hotel overlooked the berth. Then we settled in for the 10 hours over the waves, and the journey home.

Attendees

Jessica (trip leader) and Sharon Pajero

Dale and Jan Forester

Jamie Landcruiser

Stephen and Bev Forester

References:

Maps - 1:100,000

Pieman / Franklin / Sophia / Cape Sorell / Nelson Bay

Book:

Off-road Tasmania, Chris Boden, 4th Ed, 2014

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Page: 29

Page: 30

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA NEWS

Here's an example of how 4WD club members can do something simple that will create not only a better public perception of our activities but facilitate a closer working relationship with the land managers and other user groups.

Deb Cross, a ranger from Parks Victoria's Omeo office, recently approached FWDV to ask if they could assist in arranging transport for a Bushwalking Victoria group. In conjunction with Parks Victoria, the bushwalking group were planning to clear a section of the Alpine Walking Track near Misery Trail and Buckwong Track in the Alpine National Park.

FWDV contacted the Midweek 4WD Club who quickly arranged for eight of its members to provide their services over two days ferrying the track clearing party back and forth each day. While bushwalkers and 4WD clubs might not be considered the most likely bedfellows, the weekend was a hit with both groups who got to see a different side of each other and, as a result, gain a greater understanding of each other’s past -time. The weekend was made all the more enjoyable by a campfire roast dinner organised by Parks staff on the Saturday night.

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FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA NEWS

FOR SALE

Forester Aluminium Bash Plates: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged. Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model, $120.00 ONO Roof console to hold CB + lights and switches for Outback $100.00 Contact: David Wilson, [email protected]

Jessica’s Sale: 3x 225/60 R17 Yokohama Geolander G012 A/T-S tyres to suit the current Outback/Liberty. Two of them have been driven about 30,000km ($50 ea.) and the other is near new with about 4,000km of use ($100).

Contact: Jessica Walsh, [email protected]

Wheels and tyres: 5 x 16 inch Subaru wheels, with used Geolander G900 tyres. Various states of wear. $25 each or $100 the lot (preferred). Contact: Martin Foot, [email protected]

The club makes this space available free of charge to members wishing to buy or sell items.

Please note that the Motor Car Trader Regulations 1998-22(4) require that vehicles for sale

advertisements must contain: (a) the cash price of the vehicle and; (b) the registration number

if registered or the engine/chassis numbers if unregistered. Contact the club editor to advertise

in this space.

This type of activity is a win-win situation for everyone; club members get a couple of days in the bush; the bushwalkers get free transport; Parks (who were responsible for arranging and supervising the track clearing) gained access to a willing volunteer workforce; and 4WDV's relationship with Parks and DELWP becomes just that little bit stronger.

There are many interest groups - painters, photographers, etc., who would love to spend time in the High Country (or other remote locations) but don't possess appropriate transport. Wouldn't it be great if each affiliated club could organise just one trip a year supporting a major interest group with transport.

Well done Midweek 4WD Club.




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RESOURCES

We have plenty of resources to sell. We may have many, some or none of the following items so if you are interested in any of these then please come along to the club meeting and I will be very happy to sell them to you. Correct change will be much appreciated.

$

Hat Oiled Skin size 55 20.00

Hat Safari size 59 20.00

Short sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size 14 30.00

Long sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size M 60.00

New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL) 30.00

New Style Vest 60.00

New Style Jacket 70.00

Blue Polo Shirt 15.00

Large Sew on Badges 3.50

Small Sew on Badges 2.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 45deg. 5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 90deg. 5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x Straight 5.00

eFlare HZ510 Red with Base 55.00

CV Boot Clamps Large & Small 3.00

CV Joint Grease 4.00

Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] 1.60

MSP Engine Formulation (oil additive) 50.00

For substantial discounts on all general automotive spare parts, oils, filters, shocks, etc., please see me for details. Thanks, Dale Rebgetz Resources Officer, email: [email protected]


Page: 33

STANDARD TRIP EQUIPMENT & RECOVERY GEAR

The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable experience in the bush, increasing 4WDing skills and experience, whilst maintaining the highest regard for the safety of individuals, the vehicle and the environment. As a driver you have ultimate responsibility for the safety of your passengers and vehicle. It is the responsibility of any participating driver to contact individual trip leaders for clarification of individual trip requirements and standards.

Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to increase confidence and experience. Visitors are welcome subject to the payment of the appropriate levy to cover insurance, but after two visits, should consider membership. Non-financial members are not covered by insurance and may not

participate until payment is received.

Individual drivers with concerns or queries regarding their vehicle and the trip standard should contact relevant trip leaders. The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items of equipment on every trip:

a) Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader

b) Two Rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t);

c) Rated “Snatch’em” Strap;

d) Recovery Points, Front & Rear; plus optional bridle strap, according to

vehicle design;

e) AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio;

f) Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver;

g) Spare Tyre (full size);

h) Jack and Wheel Brace, or equivalent;

i) Emergency Supplies (matches, food, water and clothing);

j) Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays;

k) A Tyre Pressure Gauge; Compressor (according to the trip)

l) An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;

m) A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible shovels are no good);

n) Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the Trip);

o) A Tool Kit;

p) Personal First Aid Kit;

q) The Vehicle Manual.

Any vehicle not carrying at least the first five (5) items of equipment should contact the individual Trip Leader before leaving. Any Club member unsure about any of the items of equipment listed above are advised to contact the Trip and Social Co-ordinator or the Trip Leader concerned.

All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All non-emergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.

Page: 34

CLUB MEETING MINUTES

The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 31

st March 2015 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at

8:14pm. 1. Present: Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Martin Foot, Damian Stock, Les Scott,

Peter Fullalove, Edith Fullalove, Michael Dale, Meredith Dale, Paul Saleeba, Tim Folliard, Bev Davison, Elaine Milkins, Phil Milkins, Jan Rebgetz, Dale Rebgetz, Stephen Whittaker, Jessica Walsh, Graham Gill, Kerry Gill, Jamie Scott.

2. Apologies: Andrew Jantke, Lisa Jantke, David Wilson, Rick Koster, Katie Mynard. Peter Mynard, Ruth Marshall.

3. Welcome: A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

4. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 4.1 The minutes of the February 2015 General Meeting were accepted

with an amendment that Jessica Walsh was an apology, after being moved by Edith Fullalove and seconded by Bob Marshall.

4.2 There was no business arising from the minutes.

5. Correspondence 5.1 In

● Magazines from various 4WD clubs ● Expo Australia Expo

5.2 Out ● Explore Australia Expo

6. Reports 6.1 Resources

● Nothing to report. 6.2 Editor

● Nothing to report. 6.3 Trip and Social

● See elsewhere in the magazine for details for future trips and social events.

● Thanks were expressed to Jean and Jamie for a good effort as trip and social co-ordinators.

● Many thanks to Kerry and Graham Gill, and Paul Saleeba for the running of the Toolangi trip.

6.4 Venue ● See elsewhere in the magazine for details of future meetings.

6.5 Membership. ● Have a few outstanding membership enquiries.

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● Looking at setting up a secure section for members on the club’s website. This will allow for the registration of trips on-line.

6.6 Treasurer ● Current bank account balance is $4, 525.40.

6.7 Secretary ● Nothing to report.

6.8 Vice-President ● 4WD Victoria is considering eliminating multiple 4WD Victoria affilia-

tion fees for people with multiple 4WD club memberships. ● Have 5 boxes left from the chocolate fundraising.

6.9 President ● Nothing to report. ● Presented Peter Devine with his and his wife’s club nametags.

7. General Business 7.1 Portable butane gas burners – certain brands have been banned by

the NSW Fair Trade Commission due to issues with the gas cans connecting with the stove, and the cans overheating and exploding.

7.2 Michael D had an issue with his Forester after a recent trip and so, took it down to Volks-Baru to be checked out. It turns out that the bash plate was bent up against the manifold. The fix cost nothing.

7.3 Subaru Diesels – are experiencing problems due to clogged exhaust particulate collectors. This is usually due to too much city driving and not enough long, under load driving, which then allows the collector to heat up and burn the exhaust particulates.

7.4 Paul’s wife 2013 Subaru is drinking a bit of oil. His local Subaru dealer is going to do an oil consumption check. Stephen mentioned that Subarus are noted for drinking a little bit of oil.

7.5 Dual battery systems – Damian is interested in what systems members have and how they are set up. Contributions are welcome.

8. Fines and Fun 8.1 Nametags

Jamie Scott, Les Scott. 8.2 Last to Meeting

Jamie Scott. 8.3 Trips

● Labour Day Weekend

Jamie – giving wrong directions to Graeme and Kerry.

Michael H – for getting stuck in the last washout.

Michael H – for spraying the trip leader with mud.

Les – for getting the front wheels of the Brumby off the ground

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multiple times.

Rick – for having all four wheels spinning forwards but was go-ing backwards down the slope.

Graham and Kerry were fine-free for the weekend due to cook-ing tea for the trip leader on the first night.

● Toolangi Day Trip

Rick – for a comment (fine to be paid at next meeting). ● Tasmania West Coast

Jan – leaving her handbag at the Purser’s desk.

Jan – for nearly losing her handbag a second time.

Bev – bringing a broken chair on the trip.

Jessica – awning fell off the car.

Jan and Dale – leaving the back of their vehicle open one night.

Jessica – for sitting her car with all four wheels off the ground after getting stranded on a hump.

Stephen – for getting stuck on the same hump.

Stephen – for locking Bev out of the car whilst he was enjoying a nice hot shower.

Jan – for losing her sunglasses on the first day.

Dale – for not filling up with fuel in Queenstown (had 4 litres left when he filled up).

Dale – for getting a flat tyre.

Jamie – locking his keys in the car.

Jamie, Stephen, Jan, Dale and Bev – for forgetting Jessica’s birthday.

Jessica – for not using the rear mounted lights until the last day.

Jessica – for being late to the park ranger’s appointment at 8:30am.

Jessica – getting a upward curve in her side step.

Dale – for driving off with the tailgate open. 8.4 Total fines collected - $19.75.

9. The lucky door prize was won by Kerry Gill.

10. Stephen made a presentation of several 4WD videos.

11. Meeting closed at 9:35pm and was followed by supper.

12. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th April 2015 commencing

at 8pm.

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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday, 7

th April 2015 at the home of Bob Marshall starting at

7:45pm. 1. Present

Bob Marshall, Dale Rebgetz, Jamie Scott, Stephen Whittaker, Jean Bel-lis, Peter Bellis, Jessica Walsh (via phone), Damian Stock.

2. Apologies: Martin Foot.

3. Absent: Michael Hartshorne.

4. Quorum A quorum was achieved with six committee members present.

5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1 Minutes of the March 2015 meeting were accepted without

amendment after being moved by Bob and seconded by Jean. 5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions

5.2.1 Bank account. 5.2.2 AGM report for 2014 – need to update the vice-president’s re-

port and email to members in PDF format. 5.2.3 Trip leader training. 5.2.4 Club’s cupboard. 5.2.5 Club’s website needs to be updated in terms of content. It is

currently a “work in progress”. 5.2.6 Old copy of club’s website – Chris Redden has removed it from

the internet.

6. Correspondence 6.1 In

● Explore Aust – forms for club stand. ● South Camberwell Tennis Club – toilet issue has been sorted

out. ● Various membership and trip attendance enquiries. ● Request for advertisement of sale of Subaru wheels.

6.2 Out None.

7. Reports 7.1 Resources

● Nothing to report.

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7.2 Trip and Social ● As per submitted report. ● Have no trips currently organised between July and November.

Have a number of social events during that period. ● Need to look at organising some more mid week trips to cater for

members who are retirees or have flexible work arrangements. ● Club signs – important to have for trips where people are turning

up at night, and for those at the campsite to monitor the CB radio. 7.3 Venue

● To overcome any “no milk” situation, should have some small long -life milk in the supper basket.

● Possible guest speakers – ProSkill, Prolec, Bainbridge Electronics, and Online Distribution. Also, Franco Amato from 4WD Victoria regarding nature photography. Damian to follow up. Need to advertise upcoming speakers at club meetings.

● Another suggestion is a “vac seal” supplier - Freshield. Also a “camp cooking” night.

7.4 Membership ● As per submitted report.

7.5 Editor ● No report was submitted. ● Calendar in the March magazine is missing the future general

meeting and committee meeting dates. 7.6 Treasurer

● Current bank account balance is $4,525.40. ● Major expenditure included the purchase of the fundraising choco-

late, website domain registration fee, post office box fee, and some club name tags.

7.7 Secretary ● Nothing to report.

7.8 Vice President ● As per submitted report. ● Jessica moved a motion that the club pay for the food for the Satur-

day night of the Anzac Day working bee, since the members at-tending will be doing work for the club’s benefit. Jamie will bring some of the left-over cans of soft drink.

RESOLUTION Committee resolve that the club spend up to $50 to pay for the meat, etc for the Saturday night tea.

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● Jessica that the club have a new annual award for those who run out or almost run out of fuel. She proposed the name of the “High and dry” award. Alternately “Running on Empty”.

● It was suggested that the other awards and their appropriateness be reviewed at the next committee meeting.

7.9 President ● Nothing to report.

8. Sub-Committees 8.1 Communication

● The update of the club’s website is in progress. ● The club is promoted in a listing of 4WD clubs in the “Just 4x4s”

magazine. However, it is listing under “T” as it is described as “The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria”.

● The club needs to advertise in some local communities seeking access to private land.

8.2 Community Involvement ● Nothing to report. ● “Clean up the Bush” run by 4WD Victoria / DEPI / Parks Victoria.

8.3 Constitution Review ● Nothing to report.

9. Membership Fees – 2015/16

● Current membership fees are as follows:

● After some discussion, it was concluded that the club had no immediate

need for additional funds, and so, cannot justify any increase in fees.

Membership Type

Membership Subscription

Association Levy TOTAL

Single $73 $47 $120

Family / Joint $93 $47 $140

Interstate $63 $47 $110

Membership Type

Joining Fee

Senior’s Discount

Trip Fee (adult non-member)

Single $15 -$10 $15

Family / Joint

$30 -$15 -

Interstate $15 -$5 -

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However, this is subject to a financial review to be done by Bob and sub-mitted electronically to committee members within the next week.

10. Ongoing 4WD Education / Awareness ● There is a lack of on-going 4WD education / reinforcement in the club’s

magazine – eg. track ratings, convoy procedures, “tread lightly”, camp etiquette, etc. This was highlighted by a review of a recent Subaru and Recreational 4WD Club of NSW magazine. Whilst this information would be included in any “new member” pack, it needs to be in the magazine to regularly reinforce the messages to members.

● Should the club establish its own reference library for use by members? What would be focus of the contents?

11. General Business ● Club’s 40

th Anniversary – it was suggested that a sub-committee of four

to five members be formed to organise and co-ordinate the celebrations. All celebration proposals will need to be reviewed and approved by the committee. The main celebrations would target September 2016.

● Review of other club magazines – does our magazine need to include a welcome of new members, members’ birthdays, etc, and re-introduce the monthly member profile. The magazine requires a bit more of a personal touch.

● The membership renewal form needs to be sent out to members in an email separately to the magazine.

● Jan is interested in organising a field day for people to learn/practice how to do nature close-up photography.

● Club magazine – its distribution appears to be getting a bit later in the week. Is it possible to have it distributed the middle of the week prior to the monthly meeting?

● Explore Australia Expo

Power will cost $100 for the three days. Also, need to pay $300 as a refundable deposit.

Need to send a current copy of the club’s public liability insurance policy (Stephen to contact 4WD Victoria for a copy).

Need to have “expression of interest” form for members of the public to fill out if they want more details of the club.

Need to update and print some more club brochures, with the club logo at the top of the brochure.

12. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th May 2015 at 7:30pm at the

home of Damian Stock.

13. Meeting closed at 10:30pm.

subaru 4wd club of victoria - april 2015 magazine

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