subaru 4wd club of victoria - sept 2015 magazine
DESCRIPTION
The monthly magazine of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc., online edition for September 2015TRANSCRIPT
September 2015 (Issue 418)
Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A – 0006149J / FWDV Member
PO BOX 2456
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
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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CONTENTS
Intro - 5
Committee - 6
From The President - 7
Upcoming - 10
Next Meeting - 10
Trips and Social Events - 10
Avoca- Pyrenees State Forest - 10
Frog Hollow/ Traralgon - 11
Photography Day - 11
Border Track - 12
Frog Hollow/ Traralgon (again) - 12
Still to Come In 2015 - 12
With rough dates - 13
No date as yet……but get excited - 13
Long Term Future Planning - 13
Trip and Social Contacts - 14
Trip and Recovery Gear - 15
Trip Reports - 17
Brisbane Ranges 16 August 2015 - 17
Menindee/Rocket Lake/Mungo 25th July – 9th August - 20
Train and High Tea in the Yarra Valley September 13th - 27
Member Tips and Reviews - 32
Installing an in-car UHF/CB radio With Dan Conlon - 32
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Buy and Sell - 37
Club Resources - 37
Member Items for Sale - 38
Minutes - 39
Club Meeting Minutes - 39
Committee Meeting Minutes - 43
Editor Notes - 51
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INTRO
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 the 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 2015/16 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2015 and
are as follows:
Member rates:
Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110)
Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125).
One off joining fee of $10 ($20 for Joint/Family) also applies
All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $47
Non-member trip fee:
A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)
Please contact the membership officer for further enquiries.
Email: [email protected]
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COMMITTEE
Stephen Whittaker
(President)
Dale Rebgetz
(Vice President)
Peter Bellis
(Secretary)
Bob Marshall
(Treasurer)
Martin Foot
(OM: Membership)
Dan Conlon
(OM: Editor)
Jean Bellis (OM:
Social Coordinator )
Jamie Scott (OM:
Trips Coordinator)
Meredith Dale
(OM: Venue
Coordinator)
Mike Dale
(OM: Website/
Magazine Content)
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
President’s Report: September Magazine
Welcome to the September Subaru 4WD Club
magazine. More and more warmer days are
presenting themselves to us and, while we
don’t stop with the trips and events in our club
during winter, the warmer months do help us
get us out and about with more frequent trips.
Welcome to the new club year with a whole
new committee – but more on that later.
I’m writing my report this month not long after arriving home from
a fantastic weekend with the club! We had the ‘Lerderderg &
Wombat State Forest Camp & Night Drive Trip’ this weekend… and
it was a whole lot of fun. The fact that the Trip Leader’s vehicle
was sick is beside the point! Indeed, my vehicle was sick but that
did not stop the trip from going ahead. We had 16 vehicles and 25
members making it an excellent turn out and a very enjoyable
social weekend.
As for my vehicle; I did a patch repair job on a spark plug lead at
home to ensure I could limp it to camp and then complete an on-
trip repair. However, once at camp and with the ignition coil out, it
was discovered that the problem was worse – the spark plug lead
had actually fused to the ignition coil pack and would not come
out. Again, another patch job was done but I didn’t have the
confidence in the coil pack to last the distance of the night drive
(and, most importantly, getting home), so I left the vehicle at
camp that evening. I’ll leave the story there for now. Full details
will be in the trip report in next month’s magazine. Just know that
it will be an entertaining ‘fines and fun’ segment at the September
meeting.
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We had an excellent turn out for our AGM last month. Thanks to all
who came along and made it a very enjoyable evening. Special
thanks go to those who put up their hand to continue (or start)
their time on the committee! Your new committee is again made
up of an excellent group of individuals who will collectively assist in
making this the best four wheel drive club in Victoria.
Your new committee for 2015-16 looks like this: Dale Rebgetz
(Vice President), Peter Bellis (Secretary), Bob Marshall (Treasurer),
Jean Bellis (Social Coordinator), Jamie Scott (Trip Coordinator),
Martin Foot (Membership), Dan Conlon (Editor – welcome, Dan),
Mike Dale (Website Development and Magazine Content –
welcome, Mike) and Meredith Dale (Venue Coordinator – welcome,
Meredith). It’s an exciting new committee. Thanks to the new
members who have put their hand up to help with the
management and general running of this great club. Your
assistance is greatly appreciated!
At our first committee meeting with the new committee (held on a
Saturday afternoon at the Bellis’), we discussed many issues for
the club. One of these issues was the need for us to
identify/encourage a member to be the Training/Education
Coordinator. With a welcome influx of new members, we need to
provide training to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone on
our trips and we need someone who can assist us to ensure this is
carried out. This role is not one that would require you to be at a
committee meeting once a month. It is a role that will involve
ensuring everyone is appropriately trained and gains the necessary
skills to become great four wheel drivers. If you think this sounds
like something you’d like sink your teeth into, then let myself or a
member of our committee know.
It’s very important for me to make a special mention of those who
are stepping down from committee this year. This includes Mike
Hartshorne (who spent 3 years as Editor of our magazine – thanks,
Mike), Damian Stock (who, after 8 years as President, spent the
last year as Immediate Past President – thank you, Damian) and
Jessica Walsh (who had a myriad of roles over the years – the
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most recent as Vice President – thanks, Jess). We sincerely
appreciate your time, dedication and significant contributions to
enhancing our club.
Personally, I’m looking forward to another exiting year as
President. We have a great club with very passionate, positive
people. I’m keen to see the club continue to grow in the way it has
in the past year. With trips like The Disputed Border, Simpson
Desert 2016 and Fraser Island among a few being planned
currently, we’re in for a ripper year!
We look forward to your company at the September General
Meeting where you can catch up on the latest club news, hear trip
reports and, most importantly, see what shape our committee and
club will take over the next 12 months. In the meantime, enjoy the
September magazine and I’ll see you at the meeting and/or out on
the tracks – wherever we may be heading!
Stephen Whittaker
President
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UPCOMING
Next Meeting
When: Meetings are the Last Tuesday of every month (except
December) at 8pm
Where: South Camberwell Tennis Club - 322 Burke Road, Glen
Iris (Melways 59 H6)
Trips and Social Events
Avoca- Pyrenees State Forest
Date: Friday 2nd October – Sunday 4th October (Friday is AFL
holiday)
Trip Leaders: Meredith and Mike Dale -
Trip Standard: Medium ■
Details: Standing camp at Moonambel Campground
From the main road in Moonambel turn North into Greens Lane
(opposite the pub). Travel down Greens lane for 300m metres, and
it's on the left.
Free camping, large area, Pit toilets, Fires in fireplaces and plenty
of room for camper trailers.
Dinner will be at the local Pub on Saturday night.
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Friday, starting at around 1:30 pm, a short couple of hours trip on
some of the easier medium tracks. Saturday will be a full day out
and Sunday morning will be a short trip on some of the harder
medium tracks.
Frog Hollow/ Traralgon
Date: Friday 2nd October – Sunday 4th October (Friday is AFL
holiday) 2015
Trip Leaders: Jamie Scott – [email protected]
Details: Jamie has offered his place for anyone who would like to
camp there over the AFL weekend.
Come for one night or the whole time. I am not sure what Jamie’s
work commitments are over some of the weekend but he can point
you in the direction of some tracks or places of interest to visit in
the area. Or you can just go down and relax.
Contact Jamie directly if you are interested.
Photography Day
Date: Saturday 10th October 2015
Trip Leader: Jan Rebgetz – [email protected]
Trip Standard: social ☺
Location: Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens Olinda then back to the
Rebgetz Residence.
Cost: $5-$10 entry TBC. Diggers Club members free.
Lunch at the restaurant attached to the Gardens. Mains $25 -$30
but the food is excellent.
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Details: There are many of us in the club who enjoy taking
photos, close-ups, macro photography, scenery, nature while we
are on trips.
The purpose of this is to get together, take some photos and then
later in the day choose a few of our better compositions to share
with the group, so that we might discover what makes a good
photo, thinking about composition and lighting etc.
Border Track
Please Note that this trip is full.
Date: Saturday 31st October to Tuesday 3rd November 2015
Trip Leader: Peter Bellis - [email protected]
Frog Hollow/ Traralgon (again)
Date: Saturday 31st October to Tuesday 3rd November 2015
Trip Leader: Jamie Scott – [email protected]
Details: Jamie has offered his place as a standing camp over the
Melbourne Cup weekend. (For anyone not going on the Border
Track Trip).
Come for one night or the whole time. Jamie has work
commitments over some of the weekend but will be available to
lead some short trips of varying standards depending on interest.
When he is not available Jamie can point you in the direction of
some tracks or places of interest to visit in the area.
Still to Come In 2015
Plenty of fantastic trips and events still to come in 2015
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With rough dates
• Christmas Break up - Sunday 29th November.
• Oxfam Christmas Tree Delivery - Saturday 5th or
Sunday 6th December.
No date as yet……but get excited
• Driver Training
• High Country Huts
• Mud Day Trip
• Coombe the Melba Estate for a garden Tour and
Devonshire Tea
• Discover Melbourne Walk -
• Puffing Billy – Dinner and Murder Mystery Night
Long Term Future Planning
In 2016
• Disputed Border (The Full length of VIC/SA border)
Friday 25 March to Sunday 3rd April 2016 (Easter 25-
28th March) Option for People to do just Easter as
there are exit points on major roads. - Jean and Peter
Bellis
• Kangaroo Island?
• Simpson Desert 17th July 2016 for 3 weeks - Dale
Rebgetz
• 11th Australian 4WD Gathering – 19-22 August
• Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria will be
celebrating its 40th Anniversary
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In 2017
• Central Australia
• Fraser Island
In 2018
• Cape York
In 2019
• Canning Stock Route
• Simpson Desert – reenactment of the 40th anniversary
of the Club’s 1974 crossing from Macumba Station to
Purine Bore
Trip and Social Contacts
• Trip Coordinator: Jamie Scott
• Social Coordinator : Jean Bellis
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TRIP AND RECOVERY GEAR
The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an
enjoyable experience in the bush, increasing 4WD’ing 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 or equipment on every trip:
1. Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip
Leader
2. Two rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t)
3. Rated snatch strap
4. Recovery Points, Front & Rear; plus optional bridle strap,
according to vehicle design;
5. AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB
Radio. Ideally in car but hand held are ok provided
sufficient battery(s) to last the trip.
6. Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver
7. Spare Tyre (full size)
8. Jack and wheel Brace, or equivalent
9. Emergency Supplies (matches, food, water and clothing)
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10. Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays
11. A Tyre Pressure Gauge; Compressor (according to the trip)
12. An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;
13. A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible shovels are no good)
14. Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip)
15. A Tool Kit
16. Personal First Aid Kit
17. 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 Coordinator
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.
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TRIP REPORTS
Brisbane Ranges
16 August 2015
The weather really turned it on for us on our first trip as leaders.
Our day started with some of us having breakfast or morning tea
at The Jolly Miller.
We then meet at the Gell Street parking to go over convoy
procedures and order. Peter and I would like to especially thank
Stephen for his help in this endeavour. It was a great way also for
some of our new members and visitors who were on their first trip
to also learn.
We headed south out of Bacchus Marsh towards the Brisbane
Ranges. Upon entering The Brisbane Ranges National Park we hit
the dirt roads.
As you descend into the area which has the Little River Picnic Area
if you looked up you could see the big house on the hill which
would have amazing views.
Heading towards Stony Creek Picnic Area you are given great
views over the valley and the You Yang’s. There is even a small
area to park and get out and have a look. As we were a big group
some of us didn’t stop, but continued onto the Stony Creek Picnic
Area. We stopped for a quick break, cuppa and chat and then
continued on our way to explore the United Albion Goldmine where
we even manage a group shoot. Thanks Meredith.
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From the Goldmine we headed to our lunch spot at the Fridays
Creek Campground. Lunch was a time of learning; CB radios were
one of the topics discussed and lots of socialising. It was nice to
spend a bit of time to get to know some of our newer members.
Bonnets where up with lots of show and tell happening.
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After lunch we headed towards Steiglitz. We arrived at the
historical township where we got to explore this lovely old
goldmining township. The main attraction is the old Courthouse
(built in 1874) which is open from 2-4 pm only on Sunday. We had
about an hour and a half to wonder around and see the old
cottages and my favourite place where the library once stood.
Another spectacular view was offered on the drive down into
Anakie of the surround area, which include Geelong. We finish our
day at Anakie, some of us even stayed for coffee, custard tarts and
a beer.
Sadly for this trip there were no fines and we even managed to
finish on time.
Thanks to everyone who attended and made this our first trip as
leaders just brilliant. We hope to run another one in the not too
distant future when I have less study on my plate.
Participants:
Peter and Edith Fullalove - Pajero (Leaders) Stephen Whitaker - Forester Peter Devine - Forester Meredith and Mike Dale - Forester Rick, Jacki and Josh Koster - L Series Lee Wegner and Duncan McCrae - Forester
Martin and Dot Foot - Forester Charles and Paula Tam - Prado Craig Jackson - Forester Tim Folliard - Landcruiser (40 Series) Jacinta Kearney - Forester (Visitor)
Lachie O’Brien (Passenger: Ben Burke) - Forester (Visitor) Anthony Saunders (Passengers: Nyree & Angus) - Jeep
(Visitors)
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Menindee via Rocket Lake / Mungo
25th July – 9th August
Saturday 25 July
Dark rainy morning down through the city Well out the other side l
was passed by a red Subaru, it was M&M & Sandy off on their trip
away…we stopped to see how they were doing.
I turned off at Hatta out to Rocket Lake to camp for the night, it
was a very nice spot.
Sunday 26 July
I went out and visited Mopoke Hut ochre pit gypsum mine hopper
and a number of dry lake lookouts, then into Mildura for couple of
days ready for Mungo and after.
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Friday 31 July
Packed up myself & Mike, we were off from Mungo around to Top
hut and on to Pooncarie to meet Bev around lunch time. After
lunch on the Darling it was on to Menindee and out to the Burke &
Wills camp site on the river, and a nice spot it was.
Saturday 1 August
Oh no its 11 o'clock let’s go!
Things we did for the day
Pub meal Walked the main st
Grave site Hot showers Back to camp for R&R Learnt local lingo (Going back to the Hill) Broken Hill
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No yabbies fishing ok yellow belly
What music he likes to play at night
Sunday 2 August
More late starts, 11.30am and off into town. We called into the
local market with two stalls and BBQ. We had a late lunch - wood
fired Pizza, very good Back to camp where Les & Elaine had
arrived. With all of us there we went for a look at the Main weir
wall on the Darling and we got some wood for the night.
Monday 3rd August
Hurry up we’re late, it's 11am. We went out to Kinchega N/P to
look at the old wool shed and steam engines. We came back along
the Darling checking out the river camp sites. There were a
number of nice spots. Back at camp we planned our next camping
spot. With that all done it was time to set around the fire and
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enjoy a drink. We all had jaffles for tea. We hadn't had these for a
long time and very nice they were. It was good old camp cooking
on the fire.
Tuesday 4th August.
Nelia Garri Station on the Darling, here we come. It is around
70km north and there are gates to open (Lollies). On arrival no
one was home so we did the right thing and I left a Club Flyer with
our money. For what happened as a result you will have to read
on. We set up camp, got a fire going and sat back for more R&R. It
was great.
Wednesday 5th August
Things we did for the day
Got out of bed
R&R
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Bird & River watching
Nanna naps ( for some who will remain unnamed)
Yabbying
Played 9 holes of golf
Had a hot shower
Walked along the river & camp areas
That night I had promised to cook a roast tea for all to enjoy which
they did. Yum! After tea we did Star & Satellite gazing, story
telling and watched fire TV with no ads.
Thursday 6th August
Pack up day. On the way out I was stopped by the owner who
asked, “Are you with the Subaru 4wd club?”
“Yes we are,” I replied.
“We've got something to show you. Come with me.”
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There was a Brumby to look at plus a flying thing that Les liked.
There were old cars & trucks and much more. We thanked them
very much for showing us around. Bev said, “You blokes and old
stuff, you can talk. You think us ladies are bad.” It was time to go
as it was about 12 o’clock. Out we went to the main gate for a
group photo & lollies again. Down the road we went along, we
stopped to say good bye to Mike. He was going to Broken Hill for a
couple of days. The rest of us were going back to Menindee to top
up on supplies. Then back through Kinchega & around the lake
system and back onto the river out past Packers Cnr to Bindara
Station. The drive out around there was a very scenic way to go
and we all enjoyed it. There were some gates to open so more
lollies. We got there in good time, all set up and time to sit back,
have a cold drink and enjoy.
Friday 7th August
We spent the day on Bindara Station.
We visited the station’s cemetery. In its heyday it had over 200
staff and their families. It was a big place. Drove around some of
the tracks and along the river. The camp site had a very nice hot,
hot shower with no roof on it. I had a shower late that night. It
was great looking up at the stars (I hope there were no satellites).
Even when you’re sitting on the loo there was no roof. They are
fairly new.
Time to get the fire going, time for nibbles & drinks which we did
enjoy and had dim sims for tea. Tea over with some more wood
put on the fire, it was time to plan what we are going to do
tomorrow between the three of us.
Saturday 8th August
We packed a lot of stuff the night before so we could get an early
start. Along the way back down the river we passed old sites
including Sheep Punt Crossing, Harp of Erin Pub and Coona Point
Pub where the famous Sydney Kidman main coach stopped. We
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also saw Darling River over flow points and the site of the murder
of Jodie (recently released book, ‘The Killing Jodie’)
And cross the river into Pooncarie for an egg & bacon roll and a
cuppa.
From here we split up. Bev was going to Mildura, Les & Elaine were
heading home and I went back out over the river to follow it down
to Wentworth. I took a number of old side roads close to the river
then I found a very nice spot, set up by 3pm, got a fire going and
sat back to relax. After a while I had a visitor. It was the station
owner. “G'day,” he said, “you’re on private land you know.”
“Sorry about that, I wasn't aware.”
We got talking and found out that he's whole family have Subarus,
from 79 to 2014xv.
He said that the next time you want to camp, call in and ask. I
thanked him very much.
Sunday 9th August
Last leg of the Darling River. What a morning sitting by the river. I
slowly packed up and back onto the Low River Rd. Closer to
Wentworth I took a back street along the river to where it runs
into the mighty Murray River and the end of the Darling.
It was amazing to see how much the river changed along the way
from water levels to the colour of the water and bird life.
On the trip we had 4WD, AWD and 2WD vehicles which just shows
you where you can go if you take your time when driving & towing
campers.
Thanks to Elaine & Bev for cooking tea for us, very nice it was &
Les for cooking the Dim Sims
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Hope you all enjoyed the R&R camping and travelling the outback.
Jamie
Participants
Jamie Scott - 105 cruiser & cub camper (Leader)
Bev Davison - Forester & A van
Mike Dune - Nissan & camper trailer
Les Scott & Elaine Hyde - Ford ute & Nipper camper
Shellbe & Splash - Four Legs
Train and High Tea in the Yarra Valley
September 13th
What a beautiful spring day to venture into the Yarra Valley on
Sunday 13 September.
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We met at the Yarra Valley Railway in Healesville at 10.30am
which gave people time to enjoy a coffee in the lovely little café
in the Station building.
The train was a RM diesel engine built in the 1960’s. Andy was
our Train driver and Gordon the Guard.
Whistles were blown, doors closed, the green flag was waved
and we slowly started to move. A few seconds later we
stopped.
“Sorry,” came the announcement, “we are having a technical
problem”.
Then we started to move again only to stop a short distance
down the track. There was a problem with the brakes. Problem
fixed and the journey began. It was a very pleasant trip with
some lovely views and a brick lined tunnel. Gordon provided a
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commentary along the way with a history of the Yarra Valley
Railway, the work of the volunteers in restoring it, places of
interest along the route and some interesting little stories.
There were lots of opportunities to take photos. Some of the
group took the opportunity to wander up to watch how the
train was driven and learn about its workings.
After the trip we were offered a tour of the Goods Shed. This
included a beautifully restored carriage, an engine, another
carriage under restoration and a guard’s van build in 1870.
We then took a very pleasant drive to Yarra Glenn where we
planned to have a quick stop to look at the Black Saturday
Bush Fire Memorial in the park. The park was very popular and
there was no parking. Due to the volume of though traffic it
took us a while to make a right turn onto the main road and
park around on the side street. I think we were just as
interested in the amazing playground and some of the brilliant
flowering native plants as we were in the very moving
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memorial. Meredith suggested that we have the Christmas
break up in the Park so she could play on the big disc swing.
Martin did a quick google map search on his phone to see if we
could get down to the big roundabout via back streets instead
of having to make a right hand turn onto the extremely busy
main road again. While we couldn’t quite enter at the
roundabout we were able to take advantage of it to help get
onto the main road.
As we drove past the
Lilydale Airport, it
seemed that not only
were there lots of
people in cars out
enjoying the Yarra
Valley but people in
planes as well. There
were even two bi
planes.
We arrived at the
Yarra Valley Lodge
where we met up with
Bev, Ruth and Bob.
Soon we were
enjoying wonderful
food and each other’s
company. During the
afternoon we
acknowledged Jan and
Dale Rebgetz 35th
Wedding Anniversary.
Jan Aylott was with us for her final club trip as she has sadly
decided that the time has come not to continue her
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membership of the club. In recognition of her 29 years as a
club member, Dale presented her with a Certificate of
Appreciation and a letter of thanks.
Thanks you everyone for coming and making it a very
enjoyable day.
Participants:
Jean Bellis (Leader)
Edith Fullalove
Meredith Dale
Jan and Dale Rebgetz
Dot Greiveson & Martin Foot
Lee Wegner & Duncan McCrae
Jan Aylott
Bev Davison
Elaine & Phil Milkins
Ruth & Bob Marshall
Jean & Peter Bellis
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MEMBER TIPS AND REVIEWS
Looking to get some new bits for your car but not sure what to
get? Or curious how to install this or that?
The member tips and reviews sections is a “by members for
members” section to share advice or review on gear bought.
All entries to this section will get a “oh yeah that sounds
reasonable” test before being published. We also must stress that
this is advice from one person to another and should still be
verified and checked like any other. There are a lot of people in
this club that know an awful lot about cars, but your car is
ultimately yours and we are not responsible for anything that
happens as a result of taking our advice.
Installing an in-car UHF/CB radio
With Dan Conlon
So after getting tired of flat batteries in the handheld cb radios I
had, I got on eBay and ordered a new cb setup and mount.
I ordered the following items:
$159 with free postage
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$15 with free postage
…..and set about installing it. You can mount the antenna a bunch
of places but I did a bonnet mount, as I have no bull bar so no
mount points.
1. I sized up the bracket to
fit under the edge of the
bonnet and screwed it
in. I had to bend the
bracket a tad.
2. I attached the aeirial to
the mount.
3. I had a look at my
handy-work and
tempoariliy forgot the
job wasn’t done.
4. I added a little screw
with a few cable ties to
keep the cable snug and
secure, and so the
bonnet wouldn’t contact
it.
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5. The hardest part was
finding where in the
firwall to run the cable.
I sat down for a while
and googled some
forum articles and
found a good existing
hole to use. The one I
used (for a manual
model, I think
automatic may be a tad
different?) is on the left
of the engine bay and
comes out just above
the clutch pedal. There
is a layer of insulation
behind the existing
rubber stopper and I had to poke a small hole in it.
6. I put a hole in the
rubber stopper also and
ran the cable through
that then through the
hole in the firewall, and
pulled it through from
the inside of the car.
Also cable tieing along
the way to keep the
cable snug.
7. I used the included
mounting bracket to
mout the radio below
the switches on the
right. The radio sits in
front of my right knee
when driving, but there
is a fair bit of space. I tried a few spots but the size of the
radio (a mini one may have been better?) limitted it a bit,
and this spot was best.
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8. I attached the radio
and wires to the back.
The only thing about
this spot is I have to
remove the radio
console to access the
fuse box. But there
plastic grips for the
mounting screws (you
can see in the photo) so it’s easy to remove.
9. I removed the console
where the gearstick is
to access the wiring for
the cigarette lighter. To
do this you unscrew
your gear know (it’s a
very fine thread so
takes ages). Once the
knob is off you can put
a screwdriver in the
lower side of the
console (near the low
range) and pop it up,
then pull the console
towards the back of the
car. The other two
points that hold it in are
marked on the photo,
they just pop out.
10. I messed the next bit up and accidently
touched the positive and negative wires
during wiring, blowing the inline fuse in
the radio and the fuse 15W fuse in the
car, so replaced both, which is more just
an annoyance than anything. I recommend removing
the radio inline fuse if it has one, or removing the car
fuse for that circuit before connecting anything. This
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way if you touch the wrong wire in the process nothing
goes wrong. My inline fuse looked like this photo.
11. I then found the
positive and negative
wires for the cigarette
lighter, in mine red was
positive and black was
negative (I think that’s
pretty standard) and
cut both wires,
reconnecting them with
a connector (like the
one on the right) and
wiring the radio wire
into that (one for the
positive wire and one
for the negative). In
hindsight the
connectors are probably not totally
necessary as you could just poke the
wires into the existing connectors or take
the plastic coating of part of the existing
wire and wrap the new radio wire around
this exposed section, then tape it up. If I
did it again I would probably not bother
with connectors.
12. Once happy you would reinstall any fuses
you’d removed, put your console back on, and test the
radio.
13. Enjoy your new radio!!
Want your voice here? There are a lot of
people in this club who know a lot and we’d
love your input! Send submissions in a word
document to [email protected]
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BUY AND SELL
Club 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.
Short sleeve blue chambray shirt w/logo (Size 14) - $30.00
Long sleeve blue chambray shirt w/logo (Size M) - $60.00
New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL) - $30.00
Hat Oiled Skin size 55 - $20.00
Hat Safari size 59 - $20.00
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
Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] - $1.60
CV Boot Clamps Large & Small - $3.00
CV Joint Grease - $4.00
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.
Resources Officer: Dale Rebgetz
Email: [email protected]
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Member Items for Sale
Item: Forester Aluminium Bash Plates
Details: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium:
Cost: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can
be arranged.
Contact: David Wilson, [email protected]
Item: Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model
Cost: $120.00 ONO
Contact: David Wilson, [email protected]
Item: Roof console to hold CB and lights and switches for Outback
Cost: $100.00
Contact: David Wilson, [email protected]
Item: 3x 225/60 R17 Yokohama Geolander G012 A/T-S tyres to
suit the current Outback/Liberty.
Cost: 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]
Want to sell something Subaru/off-road related?
Contact [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.
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MINUTES
Club Meeting Minutes
The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was
held on Tuesday, 25th August 2015 at the South Camberwell
Tennis Club starting at 8:04pm.
1. Present
Jean Bellis, Peter Bellis, Michael Hartshorne, Martin Foot, Les
Scott, Jamie Scott, Michael Dale, Meredith Dale, Stephen
Whittaker, Katie Mynard, Dale Rebgetz, Dave Denver, Phil Milkins,
Elain Milkins, Paul Saleeba, Bev Davison, Bob Marshall, Edith
Fullalove, Peter Fullalove, Duncan McCrae, Lee Wegner, Mike
Dunn, Tim Folliard, Cynthia Rennolds, Rick Koser, Peter Devine,
Lisa Jantke, Andrew Jantke, David Wilson.
2. Apologies
Graeme Gill, Kerry Gill, Ruth Marshall, Dorothy Greiveson, Elaine
Hyde, Peter Mynard.
3. Visitors
Richard Saleeba, Anthony Santuclione, Dan Conlon, Peter
Landouris.
4. Welcome
A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.
5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting
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5.1. The minutes of the July 2015 General Meeting were
accepted without amendment after being moved by Edith Fullalove
and seconded by Katie Mynard.
5.2. There was no business arising from the minutes.
6. Correspondence
6.1. In
• Magazines from various 4WD clubs
• Various advertising material
• 4WD Victoria – e-News.
6.2. Out
• None
7. Reports
7.1. Resources
• L-series and Liberty – Gary Impson has been able to
acquire some genuine head gaskets. Available for a short time to
members. See Dale if interested.
7.2. Editor
• As per the magazine.
7.3. Trip and Social
• See details elsewhere in the magazine.
7.4. Venue
• See details elsewhere in the magazine.
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7.5. Membership.
• Two new memberships were approved at the last
committee meeting.
• Name tag was presented to Mike Dunn.
7.6. Treasurer
• Current bank account balance is $8,509.
• Major income was membership - $600, and advertising -
$255
• Major expenditure – 4WD Victoria affiliation fee - $192
7.7. Secretary
• Nothing to report.
7.8. Vice-President
• As per the magazine.
7.9. President
• As per the magazine.
8. General Business
8.1. Bev’s new Forester is starting to chew oil and so, has to
take it back every 1,000 km to be checked and topped up.
8.2. Damian managed to get a flat tyre by picking up a teck
screw. Even though the Subaru service centre said that the tyre
was now unroadworthy, Damian’s tyre technician said otherwise
and promptly repaired the tyre.
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8.3. Martin managed to collect a kangaroo on a recent trip to
Maldon and managed to bend the front bullbar in the centre. He
was told by the assessor to get the bullbar repaired, and the
repairer
8.4. Damian – Mt Skene – people got booked for driving there
without a permit, and doing the wrong thing.
8.5. Damian – second battery in car.
8.6. Stephen – drive shaft CV boots – able to source cheaper
boots – comes with spare circlips. If interested, contact Stephen.
9. Fines and Fun
9.1. Nametags
• Bev Davison, Les Scott.
9.2. Last to Meeting
• Andrew Janke.
9.3. Trips
9.3.1. Trivia Night
• No fines
9.3.2. Lake Mungo
• Jamie Scott – sleep in the afternoon before everyone
arrived.
• Jessica – for waking up Jamie.
• Jamie and Mike – for bring camper trailers.
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• Mike and Jamie – for eyeing off the larger caravans at the
campsite.
• Mike – for threatening to dismantle the new shelters for
fire wood.
• Jessica – for wearing a jacket at night because it was so
cold.
9.3.3. Menindee Lakes
• Jamie – for causing Bev to get a flat battery.
• Jamie – dead second battery.
• Elaine – for leaving the windows open on the caravan for
80 kilometres following three other vehicles.
9.3.4. Brisbane Ranges
• No fines
9.4. Total fines collected - $8.85.
10. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 29th September
2015 commencing at 8pm.
11. Meeting closed at 9:00pm and was followed by the AGM.
Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club
of Victoria Inc held on Saturday 12th September 2015 at the home
of Peter Bellis starting at 10:50pm.
1. Present
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Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Dale Rebgetz, Michael Dale,
Stephen Whittaker, Bob Marshall.
2. Apologies
Jamie Scott
3. Past Committee Members
Damian Stock, Michael Hartshorne, Martin Foot, Jessica
Walsh.
4. Visitors
Meredith Dale, Dan Conlon.
5. Quorum
A quorum was achieved with five committee members
present.
6. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
6.1. Minutes of the August 2015 were accepted with the
amendment that Jessica was an apology.
6.2. Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding
Actions
6.2.1. Bank account signatories.
6.2.2. AGM report for 2014 – need to update the
vice-president’s report and email to members in
PDF format – Fixed in minutes of previous AGM
in the 2015 annual report.
6.2.3. Club’s cupboard. Have problems finding a
locksmith who can access the blank (evidently
these are kept in the USA).
6.2.4. Ongoing 4WD Education / Awareness.
6.2.5. Membership renewal form.
6.2.6. 4WD Victoria membership renewal – Bob
cannot operate the spreadsheet sent out by
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4WD Victoria as he is running an older version
of MS-Excel. The spreadsheet does contain a
page that allows the club to update its
description on 4WD Victoria’s website.
4WD Victoria are updating their computer
system so that clubs will be able to log in and
update their membership list with 4WD Victoria
7. Correspondence
7.1. In
Magazine from various 4WD clubs
Advertising material
4WD Victoria – request for trip reports for
TrackWatch.
Lachlan O’Brien re attending club trips.
7.2. Out
None.
8. Reports
8.1. Resources
Nothing to report.
8.2. Trip and Social
See elsewhere in the magazine for details of
future trips and events.
As per circulated report.
Christmas party – need a few suggestions as to
where. Needs to be finalised by next committee
meeting.
8.3. Venue
See details elsewhere in the magazine for details
of future meetings.
November meeting needs confirmation and
forwarding of details.
Need to organise a club meeting at a Subaru
dealer in 2016.
8.4. Membership
Have 39 memberships.
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Have received another two membership
renewals.
Albie and Rae Turner have chosen to let their
membership lapse.
It was suggested that in future, for all
memberships that lapse/cease, the
membership officer send a letter of
thanks/appreciation for their involvement
with/commitment to the club.
Jan Aylott has also chosen to let her membership
lapse.
Life Membership and 4WD Victoria levy
Have had responses from some of the life
members.
Received a number of membership applications.
The committee discussed the applications.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to accept the
membership application from Daniel Conlon and
Lauren Cross.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to accept the
membership application from Peter Landouris
and Birte Zittlau.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to accept the
membership application from Sandra and Alan
Christensen.
8.5. Editor
Nothing to report.
8.6. Treasurer
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Current bank account balance is $8,819.63.
8.7. Secretary
Nothing to report.
8.8. Vice-President
As per circulated report.
4WD driver training
Need to sort out a date(s) with Damian for
members who have not done previous
training.
Will organise refresher training for members
who have previously done 4WD driver
training.
4WD Victoria is identify areas for conducting
4WD driver training as alternates to
Werribee.
Need to also look at other training – first aid and
chainsaw.
8.9. President
Nothing to report.
9. Sub-Committees
9.1. Communications
Website – trip reports are starting to be
uploaded. It will be an on-going task. Will need
one or two photographs with each report.
Need a dossier of photographs from club trips for
submission to 4WD Victoria for inclusion in their
magazine, website and promotional material.
9.2. Community Involvement
“Clean-up the Bush” activities have been
expanded to cover Wombat State Forest and the
Otway Forest.
The club needs to look at assisting with 4WD
Victoria’s “camp host” scheme. Need to look at
next year’s list to identify a suitable site and
organise a trip.
9.3. Constitution Review
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Jessica and Peter are continuing with the
activity.
Convoy rules – currently being reviewed for
submission as a By-Law.
10. Annual General Meeting Review
Prior to the AGM, need to do a better job at
promoting/explaining committee roles to members to
seek greater involvement.
11. New Committee
The committee members elected at the AGM are:
President – Stephen
Secretary – Peter
Treasurer – Bob
Ordinary – Jean, Jamie, Dale, Michael D.
Thanks for their efforts over a number of years were
given to the members who are standing down from
the committee – Jessica, Martin, Michael H, and
Damian.
Vice-President - the current role was explained by
Jessica. After some discussion about the club
delegate’s role, it was agreed that the role would be
separate from the position of vice-president. Dale
offered to take on the role of Vice President.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to appoint Jessica
Walsh as the club’s delegate to 4WD Victoria.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to appoint Dale
Rebgetz as the club’s Vice President.
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Trip and Social – Jamie and Jean agreed to continue to
jointly manage this role. Membership – it was proposed to remove this position from
committee and Martin has offered to continue with the administrative side of membership. Any membership applications would be presented to the committee by the Secretary. The committee accepted Martin’s proposal.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to appoint Dan Conlon
as an ordinary member of the committee.
Editor Currently, it takes about 8 hours a month to put the
magazine together. It is then sent to Martin for
publication and distribution, which may take another hour per month.
Does the role need to be split into content co-ordinator and layout co-ordinator? Dan has offered to take on the Editor’s role with Michael D assisting with the
content.
Resources – Dale will continue to manage the role.
RESOLUTION The committee resolved to appoint Meredith
Dale as an ordinary member of the
committee.
Venue – after some discussion of the role, Meredith offered to take on the role.
Education / training co-ordinator – the club needs a role to
promote / reinforce 4WD education and training to members. It does not necessarily need to be a committee role.
12. General Business
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CB Radios
Need to look at requirements for both vehicle and handheld. For handheld radios, the minimum should be 5 watt.
Club trailer Need to restore/use the club’s trailer more often as a
means of promoting the club.
Jessica thanked the committee for their support over the past few years during her time on committee.
13. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th October 2016 at 7:30pm at the home of Meredith Dale.
14. Meeting closed at 3:03pm.
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EDITOR NOTES
Thanks for all the contributions again this
month!
The deadline for submissions for next month is:
Tuesday 13th October
As always please send submissions to:
Cheers
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