June 2011
The Coghlans’ Outback Boxer Diesel, one year on (ISSUE 371) Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member www.subaru4wdvic.com.au GPO BOX 2456 Melbourne VIC. 3001
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 Page: 2
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB OF VICTORIA: 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 financial year, due after the yearly AGM. Fees for the 2010/2011 year are currently:
Interstate: $90 (Seniors card - $85) ● Single: $100 (Seniors card - $90) Joint/family: $105 - (Seniors card - $90) (All fees includes affiliation and Insurance: $40) A trip fee of $10 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes) Please contact the membership officer for further information regarding membership, including pro-rata and monthly rates.
GENERAL MEETINGS Last Tuesday of each month (except December) at 8:00pm sharp at Sth Camberwell Tennis Club, at 322 Burke Road, Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6). However, from February – June 2011 the clubrooms are unavailable. Alternative locations have been arranged on a month by month basis. See page 6 for details. COMMITTEE Meetings 1st Tuesday each month: 7:30pm Damian Stock (President) Peter Bellis (Secretary) Bob Marshall (Treasurer) David Wilson (Trip & Social) Martin Foot (Editor) Andrew Jantke (Membership) Vacant (Resources) Vacant (Venue) Phil Milkins (Ordinary Member) Jessica Walsh (Ordinary Member)
president@subaru4wdvic.com.au secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au events@subaru4wdvic.com.au editor@subaru4wdvic.com. au mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au (diverted to David Wilson for now) venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au (diverted to president) pm@subaru4wdvic.com.au jw@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to the June president’s report and a packed one it certainly is. The first half of 2011 has gone fast and we are now moving swiftly towards the end of another club year. The club AGM is just around the corner so it is again time to look back at what we have achieved as a club, who has stood out as exemplifying the best aspects of the club and who has made us laugh with their antics. I am sure that each of you has a special memory from a club activity you have attended so please take the time to fill it in your club awards nomination form and get it back to one of the committee as soon as possible. When you have completed the nomination form please flip it over and give some thought to nominating yourself, or maybe another member, for the committee. We are always looking for new committee members so think about how you, or someone you know, could contribute to the running of the club. No special skills are required, believe me, except for a desire to make the club the best that it can be. Last month I mentioned that we would be making our way to Subaru Interactive at Docklands for the June meeting, availing ourselves of the hospitality of Melbourne Subaru. Come along and have a look at the best and newest that Subaru has to offer. At the end of the meeting there will be a tour of the centre, including STI and its rally display. I am looking forward to a good turn up for this meeting to show our new contact at Docklands, Jebediah, that we appreciate his efforts in organizing and hosting this meeting. As an incentive to attend, Jebediah has graciously organized a welcome pack, and a special deal, for all members and guests attending the meeting. The special deal is 50% off the $300 price of the defensive driving course. I know that Martin has done this course so maybe you can ask him what he thinks about it. Regardless of your interest in the course just come along and enjoy the night. Please make sure that you confirm your attendance with me by phone (0400-118853) or email (president@subaru4wdvic.com.au) before Tuesday so that I can give Jebediah reasonably accurate numbers. Just before the June meeting I will be attending the Association’s next general meeting. Apart from the normal mundane stuff there will be a very interesting guest speaker from the police search and rescue squad. Given the recent events in the high country, where this group spent a number of days Page: 4
PRESIDENT’S REPORT searching unsuccessfully for a high profile prison officer, I am sure that this presentation is going to be quite enlightening and very topical. While at this meeting I will be conducting an informal survey with other club delegates about their handling of the annual affiliation and insurance levy payment. I am trying to find out how clubs pay the association levy if their own club renewal date is after the association’s due date of June 30th. By now you should be aware that we have a special resolution, to be voted on at the AGM, pertaining to the moving of our membership renewal to the end of May. This will allow us to collect our fees and then have sufficient funds to pay our affiliation and insurance levy on the due date. As the seconder for this proposal I will make sure that I am in a position to discuss this matter in detail at the AGM. Before we get to the AGM we have our last social event of the club year, Christmas in July, at Peter and Jean’s home. Some say that this is the club social event of the year so come along and enjoy an excellent repast, some great conversation, plenty of laughs and, overall, an excellent time. Don’t forget to pay Jean for your ticket at the June meeting. We have certainly moved into winter with a vengeance. Some very cold and wet weather is being experienced around town with some great snowfalls in the high country. Even some outer suburban areas have been experiencing snow which should bode well for a club snow trip coming up later in the season. Of course we will still be hoping for some fine weather for our Germantown trip coming up shortly as well. Two very different trips yet both are expected to be quite enjoyable in their own way. I hope that we can get a reasonable turnout at these events after cancelling the June long weekend Talbotville trip due to lack of numbers, not something that happens too often but which is a disappointment for the organizer when it does. . With the clubrooms still unavailable due to renovations our AGM will be held at Balwyn Library meeting room in Whitehorse Road. As has been the case in the past the club will be organizing supper for the AGM so please confirm your attendance on the sheet at the June meeting. Anyway that’s enough from me for this month. I look forward to seeing you at next week’s meeting at Docklands or when we next meet. Damian
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EDITOR’S REPORT Last month this magazine reprinted (with disclaimer) an widely circulating email that suggested that cruise control should not be used on a wet surface. Coincidentally, the May edition of the RACV magazine Royalauto contained an article referring to the same email and refuting it, pointing out that in wet conditions, a loss of grip would have the opposite effect to that claimed, ie, the cruise control would attempt to slow the vehicle, not accelerate it. So much for “urban legends”. Meanwhile, the trip to Talbotville over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend didn’t go ahead due to low numbers, so there are no trip reports this month. Thanks to Doug and Kate Coghlan however for a review of their Diesel Boxer Outback, 12 months on. A reminder that the magazine is available to the public on-line. Anyone can view the current magazine from the club’s website, www.subaru4wdvic.com.au The magazine deadline for next edition is JULY 12th, 2011. Send all copy to editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au Martin
VENUE REPORT
JUNE GENERAL MEETING AT SUBARU DOCKLANDS Date: Tuesday 28 June at 8pm. Venue: Subaru Interactive at Docklands, 99 Lorimer Street, Docklands, Melways Map 2ERef D9 (marked on map). Enter from Lorimer Street, just before the second Subaru sign, and drive to the first level. The meeting will be held in the theatrette on the ground floor. Subaru have asked for numbers, so please RSVP by Monday am to Damian, email: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” - DINNER Saturday 16th July 2011 Time: Venue: Cost:
6.00/6.30pm to be seated by 7.00pm the home of Jean and Peter Bellis $20.00 per person. Payment must be received by the June meeting. BYO Drinks (Fruit punch provided)
Anyone who would like to arrive earlier in the afternoon to help with preparations, cooking, decorating the house etc or just for coffee and a chat is more than welcome. Bookings by contacting Jean (ph: 9801 4762) or put your name on the list at a General Meeting.
“GERMANTOWN” DAY TRIP Sunday 24th July 2011 ... NB correction of date Time: Venue:
Cost:
11:00am for 11:15am, finishing around 4.30pm Ziebell’s Farmhouse historic property, 100 Gardenia Road, Thomastown (Melway Map 8 H5), followed by a 95 Km run via Whittlesea and Yan Yean Reservoir ending at Schramm’s Cottage, Victoria Road, Doncaster. The trip can be done in its entirety or in part, contact Martin for details. $7.50 for tour and morning tea at Ziebell’s; lunch at the Royal Mail Hotel Whittlesea and $4 entrance at Schramm’s Cottage.
This is social day trip including a pleasant drive and lunch at a pub in Whittlesea. The object of the day is to look at the restored homes of German farmers who migrated to Victoria in the mid 19th century. The tour at Thomastown is dependent on achieving a minimum group size of 10 people, and I also need to confirm numbers with the hotel by the first week of July. Contact Martin (email editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au) or put your name on the list at the June General Meeting.
ANNUAL SNOW TRIP: July or August, to be advised Nothing definite as yet, but please contact David Wilson, email: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au if interested, as depending on prevailing weather conditions, it may be scheduled without further notice. Page: 7
REVISED TRIP STANDARDS (CHANGES IN BOLD) 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 the Trip and Social Coordinator or the Trip Leader concerned. All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All nonemergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.
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FOR SALE 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.
Forester Aluminium Bash Plates: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged. Outback genuine towbar in good condition, $250. Bullbar including driving lights (Oscar Cibie?) for 97-98 Forester, $400. Roof console to hold CB radio plus original lighting, $150. Contact: David Wilson, email: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au WANTED: 2 x Forester 16� steel wheels in GC, to replace the standard spare wheel (a dish design) provided by Subaru. Contact: Martin Foot, email: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au
RESOURCES Club Clothing prices: Polo - $30 Double-sided vest - $60 Long sleeved fleece top - $65 Storm jacket - $110 Cap $25
Where is it? The club is missing certain items of equipment: First Aid Kit 2 x Two-way radios
Contact David Wilson to order items, email: events @subaru4wdvic.com.au
If you know where they are or who might have them, please contact David Wilson.
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MEMBER / VEHICLE PROFILE DIESEL OUTBACK 12 MONTHS ON by Doug Coghlan After owning an MY10 2.0l Turbo Diesel Premium Outback for 12 months we thought we should take the time to write an article to highlight the vehicle and our impressions of it. As this is by no means the first Subaru we have owned, we have a good experience of what Subarus are like to drive and the sorts of things that you come to expect from them. Other Subaru vehicles to compare to are as follows: 81 MY 4X4 GL wagon manual (still owned) 83 MY 4X4 DL wagon manual 83 GLF 5 Leone coupe manual 87 L series 4X4 DR Leone sedan manual 98 Impreza RX 2.5 AWD manual 99 Outback 2.5i DR manual 06 Outback 2.5i Safety DR manual What we have found is that the diesel is almost identical in everyway to the petrol models to drive. It is very smooth and very economical to run. As with all Subarus they make any road feel like a straight line highway. We have been getting on an average country run (non-towing), between 5.4 to 6.1 l/100km and on average around town (short trips non-peak), 7.8 to 8.8. When towing the economy changes naturally depending upon the load being towed. For example towing our boat on the highway we get between 7.4 to 8.2. Naturally, stop-start traffic increases this and that depends upon too many factors to mention. B
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MEMBER / VEHICLE PROFILE comparison, same driving and same boat in the previous Outback, 2006 2.5i Safety, we would get at best between 7.8 to 9.0 on country runs and this would increase to approx 8.8 to 11.0 with the boat on. The acceleration of the turbo diesel is smooth and the vehicle pulls well right through the normal rev range. As with all cars, you adjust your driving to suit. The diesel sound is different to the characteristic petrol flat four sound we are used to – however it is by no means agricultural or heavy commercial. So much so, we don’t even hear it now. Fittings and options: The Satnav is good and seems to be quite accurate when locating specific points of interest and re-tracing. The reversing camera is fantastic and will be something hard to ever go back from (not that we would now). The voiceactivated controls are good, however with two young children we find that we don’t get to use it all that much, as the (different) commands always come from the back seat. Also, generally the wrong number is voice dialled when using the hands-free phone. The sound system is quite good. The in-dash DVD player is good, however for safety reasons the screen blanks out while moving but the audio continues… Cabin space & occupant comfort: The cabin space is much larger than the previous model (Gen 4) with the ability to get the two baby seats side by side and still get an adult in the remaining back seat – even with the front seats right back. The boot is also bigger when compared to the previous model. The rear seat fold back function control from inside the boot space is useful especially when putting items in and only then realising the seats need to be folded. The rear seat angle adjustment is also a good feature. The leather seats are good and are very comfortable. The drivers electric seat memory function is right up there with the best of the features as it enables us to have the seat programmed for my wife and then myself and it is only a simply touch of the button to get it the right position when we change drivers. Instrument and controls: The controls are typical Subaru. All easy to reach, uncluttered and straight forward sensible. The instruments are clear and easy to read in all road conditions with the backlighting for night/country driving being able to be individually set. Page: 11
MEMBER / VEHICLE PROFILE Body: As usual the body finish and alignment of all panels and interior trim is up to Subaru usual excellent standard. There is no wind noise and very little road noise. As with previous models, the road noise may be attributed to tyre noise (we found tyre noise to be significantly less when we fitted Michelin XM1 tyres to the 06 Outback). The sun roof is good and is also unbelievably quiet when travelling at highway speed with it fully open or in vent mode. The exception to this is if you have the roof racks on, with one above, or very close to the sunroof. One thing that did take a bit of time to get used to is that with the new generation Subaru the doors now have window frames. Towing: We have found the turbo diesel to be much better for towing the petrol models. This was to be expected and was one of the key contributing factors to our choice for getting the diesel. The vehicle tows the boat with ease as it does the 6 x 4 trailer full of fire wood. Lighting / signalling: The headlights spread and beam are much improved on the pre 2000 models and are also better than the 2006 model. (I though the 2006 models were hard to beat). The signal lamps and brake lamps are all sensibly located and easy to see. The reversing lights are quite bright and provide enough light to reverse in complete darkness with ease. Their light spread is good and does not cause flaring etc on the reversing camera. This is very useful on boat ramps at night!!! Safety: The safety items are all up to Subaru standard. Of note, the vehicle will not start if your foot is not on the clutch and the pedal is depressed. This is to prevent you from accidently starting in gear. Likewise the auto hand break release function will not release the handbrake unless your seat belt is on, and the door is shut. You can manually override this and release the handbrake yourself. All mirrors seem to have a good field of view, as good and in some cases better than previous models. There are no discernable blind spots that I have noticed. The reversing camera is great. Not so good items: The space saver spare wheel is very limiting – especially for a vehicle that is go anywhere and for touring with the distance limitation. Not so much a Page: 12
MEMBER / VEHICLE PROFILE problem around town but, for example, if you are at wilderness areas of Tasmania or at Wilsons Prom, where you have to go to Foster to get to the nearest place to fix a flat. This is quite a distance to be doing on a space saver. The full size road wheel does not fit in the wheel well in the boot under the floor when fully inflated. Thus the idea of getting a full size spare to have in the car permanently means that the boot floor will be raised. Also equally frustrating is that a flat road wheel is very difficult/near impossible to get into the wheel well as well. We have got around this by carrying a full-size spare wheel in the boat / camper trailer on long hauls as well as the space saver. The lack of a temperature gauge on the dash takes a bit of getting used to. There is a temperature indication that is blue for cold, out for normal and red for overheat. However, as it is not an analogue gauge you would not know if things are starting to get a little hot until the red indication comes up. Then it is typically too late. Back seat drink holders are only accessible if you fold out the centre seat table. Some of the Sat nav commands are not too user friendly. But this is not significant and once you learn the controls you can get by. Safety warning “agree button” on the Sat nav: with all the car’s in-built smarts, it would be good if it could it could tell the difference between stalling the car and starting it up at the start of a journey. The issue is that if you stall, you then need to hit “agree” on the safety disclaimer again to resume normal screen operation. Lack of a low range is not normally a problem and the diesel manages to pull away quite well. However when towing a load, my preference was to put it in low range, so that I didn’t need to ride the clutch to get things going (eg pulling up out of the boat ramp with the boat load). A “nice to have” would be to be able to close the sunroof/windows by the remote code key. But I am sure that is something to improve on later models. All things considered I would definitely buy another diesel outback. The ride quality, vehicle comfort, vehicle finish, economy (1100km+ to a tank), ease of towing and the fact you can drive it all day and get out just as fresh as if you had just got up in the morning can’t be beaten.
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CLUB CA Date
Event
2011 JUNE
JULY
AUG
SEP +
Tues 28
General Meeting
Sat 2 – Sun 17
Simpson Desert II - TRIP POSTPONED due
Tues 5
Committee Meeting
Tues 12
Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc
Sat 16
“Christmas in July”
Sun 24
“Germantown” Day Trip
July or August
Annual Snow Trip - Please contact David di trip, as it may be scheduled without further n weather conditions and known availability. L
Tues 26
General Meeting / Annual General Meeting
Tues 2
Committee Meeting
Sat 13 – Sun 14
Committee Planning weekend
Tues 16
Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc
Tues 30
General Meeting
Sun 4 Sep
Day Trip
Sat 15 – Sun 16 Club birthday bash Oct Sat 29 Oct – Tue 1 Border Track Nov Sun 27 Nov Christmas Party Wed 28 Dec – Sat Christmas Trip 31 Dec
Trip Standard
Sign
Vehicle Suitability
Easy Medium
All wheel drive and high range 4WD. Can be Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with d
Difficult Very Difficult
Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles wit Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual rang
ALENDAR Location
Standard Contact for further info.
Subaru Docklands
Cost
Damian Stock
e to track closures
Damian Stock
Bellis home
Peter Bellis Martin Foot
Bellis home
Social
Jean Bellis
Thomastown/ Social Whittlesea/Doncaster
Martin Foot
irectly if you are interested in this notice according to prevailing Location and Standard t.b.a.
David Wilson
t.b.a.
Damian Stock
t.b.a.
Peter Bellis
Stock farm
Damian Stock Martin Foot
t.b.a.
Damian Stock
t.b.a.
t.b.a.
t.b.a.
t.b.a.
Social
David Wilson
Rainbow
Peter Bellis
t.b.a.
Social
t.b.a.
t.b.a.
t.b.a.
David Wilson
low clearance with single range and road tyres. dual range and all terrain or road tyres.
th dual range and all terrain tyres. ge and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).
$11.50 + pub lunch
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Notice is hereby given to members that the Annual General Meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc will be held on Tuesday, 26th July 2011, at Balwyn Library meeting room, 336 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, commencing after the finish of the July General Meeting. Order of business will include: Confirmation of the minutes of the 2010 annual general meeting. Presentation of the 2011 annual report. Presentation of 2011 annual financial statement. Membership subscriptions, fees and levies for 2011/12. Special resolutions (if any are tabled - please see note below for requirements). General business. Presentation of annual and other awards. Election of officers of the club and ordinary members of the committee. Nominations for committee positions must be submitted to the club secretary by no later than 7 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. However, if a committee position has no nominations by the time of the Annual General Meeting, the club’s constitution allows for the acceptance of nominations from the floor of the meeting. Special Resolutions If a member wishes to bring an item of business to the Annual General Meeting that requires a special resolution, 21 days written notice of the special resolution must be given to all club members. Peter Bellis Secretary 25th May 2011
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SECRETARY’S REPORT 6th June 2011
SPECIAL RESOLUTION Changes to Club’s Constitution Changes to the club’s constitution must be approved by the members of the club by way of a special resolution at a meeting of the club. The requirements for the passing of a special resolution, as set out in section 29 of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (as amended) are as follows: at least 21 days notice is given to all members entitled to vote, specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution at that meeting, at least ¾ of the members at the meeting who are entitled to vote, vote in favour of the resolution, and the chairperson declares the resolution has been carried, unless a poll is demanded.
Proposed Special Resolution The following proposed special resolution will be put forward to the members for consideration and determination at the general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc to be held on Tuesday, 26th July, 2011.
I, Peter Gordon Bellis, propose that the following changes be made the constitution of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. In rule 6.d, replace the words “the day of the Annual General Meeting” with “31st May”. In rule 5.b, replace the words “two (2)” with “one (1)”.
Motion is moved by Peter Bellis. Motion is seconded by Damian Stock. Purpose of Proposed Special Resolution The purpose of the resolution is to decouple the membership year from the financial year / annual general meeting so as to allow membership renewal to occur and be finalised by 30th June of each year when the annual affiliation and insurance fee is payable to 4WD Victoria. Page: 17
SECRETARY’S REPORT 4WD Victoria requires affiliated 4WD clubs to pay their affiliation/insurance fees by 30th June of each year covering all members of the club as at 30 th June. This causes some problems for the Subaru 4WD Club, as its annual membership renewal currently does not occur until the annual general meeting in July. If the club pays the Association’s affiliation/insurance fees as at 30 th June, the club runs the risk of being “out of pocket” for members who decide not to renew their club membership a month or two later. If the club delays payment of the Association’s affiliation/insurance fee until July, then the club, its members and officer bearers are not covered by public liability and other insurances for a month. This would severely impact upon the club’s ability to run activities/trips during July.
CLUB MEETING MINUTES
A General Meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 31st May, 2011 at the Sofia Restaurant, Camberwell starting at 8:33pm. Present: Phil Milkins, Elaine Milkins, Damian Stock, Ruth Marshall, Bob Marshall, Martin Foot, Jessica Walsh, Jean Bellis, Peter Bellis, Dale Rebgetz, Bev Davison, Les Scott, Jamie Scott, Adam Howley, Damian Hough, Michael Hartsborne. Apologies: Doug Coghlan, Kate Coghlan, Dot Greiveson, Bryan Howell, Glenys Howell, Jan Aylott, Michael Dickman, David Wilson, Andrew Jantke, Lisa Jantke. Welcome: A welcome was extended to all members and visitors. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 4.1 The minutes of the April 2011 General Meeting (although it was held in early May) were accepted without amendment after being moved by Jessica Walsh and seconded by Bob Marshall. Page: 18
CLUB MEETING MINUTES 4.2 There was no business arising from the minutes. Correspondence 5.1 In Magazines from various 4WD clubs and other organisations. Rae and Albie Turner Request for club magazine by electronic means. Payment for club clothing. 4WD Victoria Affiliation and insurance fees for 2011/12. Registration of club cars. Subaru Docklands – new contact: Jebadiah Annear Advertising material Royal Flying Doctor Service Kilcowera Station 5.2 Out None 6. Reports 6.1 Resources No report submitted. Compilation of club clothing price list is in progress. 6.2 Editor As per the magazine. An electronic version of the magazine is now available. 6.3 Trip and Social Talbotville Access through Dargo. “Christmas in July” Plenty of food on offer. BYO alcohol. Page: 19
CLUB MEETING MINUTES Members are welcome to rock up in the afternoon to help set up. Germantown Is happening on Sunday 24th July, 2011. Thomastown and Epping in the morning, Whittlesea for lunch, and Doncaster in the afternoon. 6.4 Venue Venue for the July general meeting / AGM has not yet been determined as the tennis club room renovations may not be finished in time. Off-Road Storage Systems – potential meeting guest speaker. 6.5 Membership. Membership renewal will be due in July. 6.6 Treasurer Bank account balance is $2,270.97. Term deposit was rolled over for 12 months 6.15%. 6.7 Secretary Next committee meeting is at Damian’s place. Annual awards – have already received some nominations. Members are encouraged to make nominations for the awards. Committee nominations – members are encouraged to consider assisting the club by volunteering to be a member of the committee. 6.8 President Planning Day The club’s committee will be having a planning day in late June down out Woodside. Members are welcomed to submit ideas to committee members for consideration at the planning day. 7. General Business 7.1
Jean mentioned that St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Bayswater Page: 20
CLUB MEETING MINUTES
7.2 7.3
is running a trivia night on Saturday 30th July 2011. The club borrows crockery, cutlery, and chairs for use at the “Christmas in July” for very little cost. This would be one way of supporting another organisation that supports us. Andrew and Lisa are currently in Broome. They were going to go along the Gibb River road but it is closed due to wet weather. Feral Sports Car Club – comprises of old cars from the 1920’s/1930’s, and are driven out bush (no carpeted garage for them). Martin came across them at Guildford (near Castlemaine). They have a very informative website at www.feralsportscarclub.net.
8. Fines and Fun 8.1 Nametags Damian Stock, Bob Marshall, Ruth Marshall, Bev Davison. 8.2 Last to Meeting Everyone turned up to the meal. Therefore, no-one was late. 8..3 Trips 8.3.1 Otway Ranges Dale – for losing the bet as to who could set their tent up the quickest. Jessica – for testing the stability control of her vehicle in the carpark. 8.4 Total fines collected - $2.10. 9. Meeting closed at 10pm. 10. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 28th June, 2011 at Subaru Docklands commencing at 8pm.
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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Abridged Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on 7th June 2011 at the home of Damian Stock starting at 7:45pm. 1. Present Damian Stock, Martin Foot, Bob Marshall, Phil Milkins, Peter Bellis, David Wilson. 2. Apologies – Andrew Jantke, Jessica Walsh (swanning around Europe). 3. Quorum – A quorum was achieved with 6 committee members present. 4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 4.1 Minutes of the May 2011 committee meeting were accepted without amendment. 4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 4.2.1 Leisurefest 4.2.2 Club Clothing Suggested clothing prices Polo shirt - $30 Vest (double sided) - $60 Polar fleece jacket - $65 Storm jacket - $110 Peak cap - $25 4.2.3 Club Survey 4.2.4 Personal Details Forms The club’s trip list (as spelt out in the magazine) was reviewed as to appropriateness, and amended to include the personal details form. Link to the 4WD Victoria personal details form will be added to the club’s website. Forms, on coloured paper, to be made available at club meetings. 4.2.5 Club’s Website The new website is a vast improvement on the existing website. Page: 22
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
The user manual that Michael Stock has prepared is very comprehensive. The club’s website will be converted to the new one in a month or two once Martin has clarified some issues with Michael. The new site is designed to be edited on-line. This causes some issues regarding back-up. Once the website has been updated, some tweaking may be done to optimise its search engine hit rate. 5. Correspondence 5.1 In 4WD Victoria Notice of general meeting. Delegates’ briefing E-News Email regarding sale of Subaru RX turbo 1986 model (76,500 km). 5.2 Out Subaru Docklands – electronic copy of club’s magazine. 6. Reports 6.1 Resources – Nothing to mention. 6.2 Trip and Social Refer to magazine for details. The Talbotville trip will be cancelled due to a lack of interest by members. However, some members will be still tripping into the area. “Christmas in July” – have about a dozen members attending so far. Germantown trip – Sunday 24th July, 2011. 6.3 Venue Refer to magazine for details. Page: 23
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES June meeting Will start at the normal time of 8pm at Subaru Docklands, with the facility accessible from 7:30pm. Will be given a tour of the facilities and update on products. Annual General meeting Planning for the AGM will be discussed at the next committee meeting. Location is yet to be determined. Potential guest speakers Smithy’s Outback Gear ORS 4WD storage drawers Engine oil additive 6.4 Membership No change in status from the general meeting. Martin will follow up on a membership enquiry that Peter dug out of his bag. Paul Saleeba – need to refund a pro-rata amount since he joined in March. Garath McGregor – paid membership in December. 6.5 Editor 4WD Victoria have requested a hardcopy of our club’s magazine each month for circulation at the office and available for perusing by visitors and club delegates. The magazine now goes out in both hardcopy and electronic forms. The distribution of the electronic format of the magazine needs to be reviewed in terms of opportunity to increase the circulation list, and promote the club further. Opportunities include all the Subaru dealers in Victoria, Subaru repairers, and other 4WD Victoria affiliated 4WD clubs. 6.6 Treasurer – Current bank account balance is $2, 270.97. 6.7 Secretary – Nothing to report. Page: 24
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 6.8 President Association general meeting on Wednesday 22 nd June, 2011, with the guest speaker from the Victorian Police Search and Rescue squad. 7. 4WD Victoria Affiliation Fees Russell Sturzaker of 4WD Victoria recently made a statement regarding honorary and life members of affiliated clubs and payment of their affiliation fees. He stated that regardless of the level of participation in club activities, affiliation/insurance fee are still payable. Therefore, if no affiliation/ insurance fee is paid by the club for such member, from a 4WD Victoria perspective, such members are not considered members of 4WD Victoria or of the club and so, are not covered by insurance. This could cause issues down the track show such a member lodge an insurance claim due to some injury on a club event. Under the Club’s constitution, honorary members are not required to pay any subscriptions, levies or fees. Consequently, any fees that need to be paid for such members would be paid for out of the club’s funds. Similarly, life members are not required to pay any subscriptions but do need to pay any affiliation fees. The affiliation fee to 4WD Victoria is due on 30th June. For any payments made after that date, there is no insurance cover for the period between the 30th June and payment date. At the moment, the club’s membership is due for renewal at the AGM, which is currently held in July (although the club can hold the AGM as late as November). Consequently, there is a disparity between when the affiliation fee is payable to 4WD Victoria and when the club receives its memberships’ renewals. To overcome this situation, the committee discussed the option of decoupling the membership year from the financial year. Various examples of other organisations where this happens were cited An explanatory memorandum will need to accompany the proposed special resolutions to explain the reasoning to the members. 8. Vintage and Classic Car Registration In response to a member’s enquiry about whether the club would Page: 25
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES consider participating the Vintage and Classic Car Registration scheme, the committee discussed the issue. In line with what discussed and agreed at a committee meeting a few months ago on the subject, the committee agreed that the administration burden of implementing the scheme in the club would far outweigh any benefits a club of our size would gain. 9. Committee Planning Day Originally scheduled for 25/26 June 2011 at Woodside. RESOLUTION
The committee resolved that a special resolution be put before the club at the 2011 Annual General Meeting to change rule 6.d to the extent that annual subscriptions and levies are due for payment on 31st May. The committee further resolved that a special resolution be put before the club at the 2011 Annual General Meeting to change rule 5.b to the extent that the period in which fees can be in arrears be reduced from two months to one month.
David is an apology for the 26th, Bob cannot attend due to Ruth’s hip operation, Martin is not available for the 26th, and Jessica is unable to attend. Suggestion that the planning day be pushed back until after the AGM (eg. second weekend of August – 13/14) – to be confirmed at the AGM. 10. General Business Meeting Door Prizes A door prize will be sought for the Docklands meeting. The issue will be revisited once the club is back in the tennis clubrooms. 11. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th July 2011 at 7:30pm at the home of Peter Bellis. 12. Meeting closed at 11:40pm.
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FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR July 2011 Friday 1st Proficiency Course (PC110702) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 2nd Proficiency Course (PC110702) Practical – Werribee Monday 4th Chainsaw Course (CS110709) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 9th Chainsaw Course (CS110709) Practical - Tallarook Sunday 10th Chainsaw Course (CS110709) Practical – Tallarook Friday 15th Proficiency Course (PC110716) Theory - Nth Balwyn Friday 15th Proficiency Course (WC110717) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 16th Proficiency Course (PC110716) Practical – Werribee Sunday 17th Women’s 4X4 Course (WC110717) Practical – Werribee Friday 22nd Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110723) Practical - Tallarook Saturday 23rd Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110723) Practical – Tallarook Sunday 24th Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110723) Practical - Tallarook
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August 2011 Friday 5th Proficiency Course (PC110806) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 6th Proficiency Course (PC110806) Practical – Werribee Friday 5th August Snow Course (AW110806) Saturday 6th August Snow Course (AW110806) Sunday 7th August Snow Course (AW110806) Monday 8th Chainsaw Course (CS110813) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 13th Chainsaw Course (CS110813) Practical - Tallarook Sunday 14th Chainsaw Course (CS110813) Practical – Tallarook Thursday 18th Proficiency Course (PC110820) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 20th Proficiency Course (PC110820) Practical – Werribee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FWDV can be contacted on (03) 9857 5209 or e-mail: training@fwdvictoria.org.au Contact S4WDCV Secretary Peter Bellis on 9801 4762 regarding attendance at FWDCV courses as a club discount may apply.
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