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Contents In this edition President’s AGM End of Year Report by Martin Archer
Powerline Trip Report (Cover Photo)
By John Holbrook
March Club Meeting Review by Judith Brinkley
Lane Poole Trip Notice Trip Chalk Board Tracey’s Cake Tin by Tracy Jones
Trip Leading Q&A Club Database Launched INVITATION TO WA4WDA OPEN DAY Wilbinga Trip Notice Environment Thankyou
by Tony Weldon
Historic photos provided by Judy Brinkley A recreation vehicle in the 1920s when petrol was 25c a litre
Annual General Meeting End of Year Report and Awards By Martin Archer Outgoing President
Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Western Australia Inc. PO Box 655 South Perth WA 6951 Meetings: 1st Wed of each month except January Manning Senior Citizens Centre 3 Downey Drive Manning www.mitsubishi4wd. org.au email: secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au Publication issues:editor@mitsubishi4wd. org.au President: Peter Cole Vice President: Peter Belcher Secretary: John King Treasurer: Bridget McPherson Editor: Martin Archer WebMaster: Michael Gilbert Trip Coordinator: Guy Lehmann Training Officer: Richard King Membership Officer: David Jones Insurance/Propoerty: Glen Bignell WA 4WD Assoc.Delegate: Keith Parker Social Chairperson: Denise Belcher
Thanks to all those members who have contributed to the successful running of the club over the last year. The past 12 months has seen plenty of wonderful events held. What was better to kick the year off with a sand training day organised by our Training Guru Richard Nichols. March saw a Locked and Lifted weekend trip to Dwellingup organised by Paul Ryan. For those that don’t mind purposely putting their vehicles into predicaments, these trips guarantee a healthy supply of photos for 4WD Show displays. This was closely followed by an extended trip into the goldfields following the pipeline. Or should I say following Glen Bignel who was following the pipeline. Glen once again showed his talents as a worthy travel guide. In April, the MSG in the food at the Tai Restaurant social dinner made several members hyperactive making them follow Paul once again to head for the hills in Harvey for another Locked and lifted fix. All these locked and lifted trips must have had a mechanical impact, as this saw Pierce organising a vehicle maintenance day at Campers on the Run in Canningvale. Our appreciation goes to Rick and Sue for the use of their premises. For several members, travelling had to be put on hold while they had their cars repaired following
an unfortunate spate of car break-ins during the May club meeting. A beautiful autumn day in the middle of May saw the club gather their spades and gloves to plant thousands of seedlings adjacent to the Black Cockatoo Society at Kaarakin. This kept the cockys in plentiful supply of food for future generations and also carbon neutralised the clubs activities. The tree planting was followed up with a quiz night evening at kaarakin. We were joined by several members of the subaru club who effectively relieved our club of most of the quiz and raffle prizes. Members were otherwise kept very content with a fabulous meal cooked by our resident cuisine curators Pasc and Sam. Our club’s dedicated environment work continued, managed by Tony and Stella Weldon, with the support of Stephen Kalynuik and Keith Parker. The preservation and restoration work at Wungong had a good turnout of members for the Byford Environment Group. This year’s work saw the support and interest from other community groups and government departments, including the local member of parliament, in the preservation of the Byford Hills historic homesite. The month of May was wrapped up with a muddy meander to Moore River day trip
being lead by Craig Perry The Foundation Day long weekend was once again taken care of by Paul who ran a trip to Kadji Kadji. Paul neglected to tell everyone that it was actually a boot camp where his friend Peter was to make us all feel very old. We also saw the departure of a group to the Kimberley ably lead by the Lehmanns. The success of this trip is a testament to the talents of Wendy and Guy in pre-planning and organising a difficult itinerary. The trip was to see the first real test of the club’s defibrillator. Although the end result was unsuccessful, it proved how unexpected these incidents can occur, and as a club we do a great job in making provisions for our members wellbeing. June saw the second Byford Environment work for the year undertaken at the Wungong Regional Park. The end of June was looking vacant for day trips, so Paul once again stepped up and organised a night run along the Sawyer’s Valley powerlines. Christmas in July social dinner was held at the Manse Restaurant in Armadale. Thanks to Karen for organising that event. The end of the month of July was rounded up with a day organised by Pat O’Dowd, this time in the Gnangarra region where several lifeless swamps were used to give the cars therapeutic mud baths. August was a month to let nature have the limelight and give vehicle gear boxes and diffs a break. To do this the Kings took a wonder through wildflower country leading a weekend where members could get one on one with nature. Thankfully they resisted the urge and kept their clothes on. The boys and their toys could take only so much of this spring sombre, and come September had to break out once more for a locked and lifted romp around Brunswick. No guesses needed who lead the trip. In October, John Holbrook lead an overnight trip to Lane Poole Reserve which included
a day run through the Dwellingup forest. November saw a social dinner at La Vella Restaurant well attended, thanks to Rosalie King. This was closely followed by a club representation at the Perth 4WD Show. Thanks to Michael Gilbert and Peter Cole, the show was a huge success with many people registering their interest in our club. The annual Big Valley camping weekend in the middle of November proved as popular as always with 19 vehicles attending. This was the 7th year for this event and is likely to continue for years to come. Due to the big success of the club’s stand at the 4WD Show, Michael organised a visitors day trip to Wilbinga for the end of November. It was through thoughtful planning that Michael managed to organise 24 visitor cars and 8 members vehicles into a manageable convoy. With the day concluding without any problems and many impressed visitors. The beginning of December was a time to celebrate the coming festive season with a Christmas Party BBQ. once again successfully orchestrated by our Social Committee. another maintenance day organised by Piers saw the vehicles get their christmas presents with the vehicle hoists at Medicar getting a good workout. To end the year off, Michael escorted a group for a day trip through the Lancelin Sand Dunes. The new year was seen in with a an extended trip to Manjimup from Boxing Day through into the new Year. The Lehmanns organised a camp at the picturesque Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park. The grassed camp grounds and swimming lake easing the summer heat 2012 was a year full of opportunities for all members to get out and enjoy the environment. The recent sad loss of our dear friend and member Louise should
make us all appreciate the unique opportunities we have in this club to enjoy our lives and the wonders of the outdoors. Lets keep those opportunities going in 2013 and start planning an adventure. I have been supported by a fantastic group of people on the committee… Peter Belcher, a cool calm and collected Vice President always willing to step in when required. No one has bigger shoes than him to follow. Bridget McPherson. A quiet and unassuming person. But don’t be fooled, spend a penny in the wrong place and be prepared for the email wrath of the Titanides Treasurer. Paul Johnson. Started off piloting a ‘DL’ magazine, but after a few simulations decided to take the controls of bigger ‘A5’ magazine. The occasional flight delays didn’t upset the more than satisfied passengers. Richard King. Certainly knows how to command an audience when training, but don’t let him show you how to use a chainsaw. Denise Belcher. As Social Committee Chair, she is solely responsible for the overweight condition of some of us members. Glenn Bignell. No one in the club can stand taller than Glen when it comes to donating his time and knowledge in researching insurance issues and creating memorable trips Paul Ryan. As General Dogs Body, those fleas were making him itch to keep the committee on it’s toes and he would bark loudly when not satisfied. Often refusing to roll over and even if he did, I wasn’t going to stroke his tummy. Keith Parker. That name rings a bell. it’s the boarding bell for next around the world cruise. Richard Nicholls. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but Richard appears to
have mastered the art when it comes to our club members. David Jones. No he’s not an expensive retail outlet, but he’s a great salesman when it comes to club memberships. Tracy Jones. Now she is an expensive retail outlet. It was an eezy peezy move for Tracy to go from selling women’s relief directors to become the club’s fashion director. Stephen Kalyniuk. Stephen is never backward at coming forward to assist in organising the club’s environment work and other events. Although I have trouble remembering his surname spelling whether it’s the I before U, or the U before the I. Let’s just call him Special K. Stella Weldon. Recording the club’s history ensures that the foundations of our development are not forgotten and appreciated in the future. Out of this world job Stella, well done. Neil Hewer. Our club sponsors are vital to maintaining the club’s ability to provide facilities to our members. Neil does an admiral job in maintaining the communication between club and sponsor to ensure we keep them happy Bruce Brinkley, otherwise known as Bruce Tinkerbelly, thank goodness he leaves the fairy outfit at home when he represents our club at the Trackcare meetings. Judith Brinkley, always has a smile on her face, and with a husband like Bruce, we know why. Thanks to Judith the club is never short of trip notes and reports for the magazine. I have left out mentioning a number of important people so far, because they are to be mentioned in the up-coming award nominations. It’s been my pleasure to represent this club as President over the past 2 years, but unfortunately due to family commitments I am no longer in a position to provide the time required attending to these duties. I know that my successor will enjoy the role as much as I have and I will provide any assistance needed along the way. I thank all
members for giving me this opportunity. IAN LOCKHART AWARD NOMINATIONS The Ian Lockhart Award is given each year to the club member who has made a significant contribution to the club over the past 12 months. Peter Cole is nominated. A member, who is always willing to help and do that extra bit for the club. Peter has been a significant contributor to many discussions where the committee has sought opinions in its endeavour to continually improve. He has worked actively to provide logical and sensible ideas including contributions during the debate on temporary membership. Peter also provided OziExplorer training sessions during the year, going out his way to provide information and training to members and prospective members. In company with Michael Gilbert organised and ran the club’s stall at the Perth 4x4 Show which was a great success in marketing the club to the public. Thankyou Peter for your valuable contributions over the past 12 months. John King. Should have been Secretary of State rather than Secretary of the Mitsubishi Club. John won this award last year and he is once again nominated because of his continuous exemplary commitment to the role of managing all the clubs affairs. Perhaps the most difficult, time consuming and thankless job on the committee, we are delighted that he has renominated for the position because it takes a dedicated and knowledgeable person like John to do the job successfully. This has been demonstrated by his constant endeavours to ensure the club’s constitution meets any form of scrutiny and serves the interests of all club members. I thank John personally for the support and assistance he has given me over the past two years that I have been President. Pasc and Sam Vasile. Impressive to say the least with their catering talents for last years
quiz night and always willing to help out with social events. Pasc and Sam are the quiet achievers working tirelessly in the background to make an event successful. In addition to their assistance with running events like the quiz night, social functions and the Christmas pic nic, they have also ensured a good supply of interesting prizes and running the monthly raffle. Over the years they raised thousands of dollars for club funds by conducting the raffle at monthly club meetings. They have promoted and involved themselves in organising social activities, shown their culinary strengths to many and brought fun and good fellowship on all the trips they attend. Pasc and Sam have pulled another one out the hat for another year. Guy Lehmann. As the club’s 4WD association Delegate, he’s done a lot of hard work and very little delegating. As the association’s Land Manager, Guy Lehmann spent the year establishing strong relationships between DEC and the 4WD Association. His success in the role has seen the progress of the Track Classification System and recently the Sawyers Valley Pipeline Cleanup Day. 14 vehicles from our club joined a gathering of more than 80 vehicles for a days work cleaning up Perth’s most popular 4WD destination. Guy has earned the respect of delegates from every other club for his management of the relationship between clubs, the association and DEC. Whilst doing all this, Guy has been the most active person in the club in running trips and attending environment events over the past year. All these members are worthy recipients of this award, however, we can only give the award to one person. My job in deciding who should receive this award is particularly difficult consider-
ing the commitment that these people have made to further the club’s development. But one person has made a significant impact this year in promoting and encouraging new membership for our club. That person is of course Michael Gilbert. (Ask Michael to come forward) Michael Gilbert receives this award for
his commitment in developing the club through membership drives, creative ideas in developing an interactive web site and active participation in the committee. One of his fine achievements was the club stand at the 4wd show and his innovative ideas for marketing the club to new members. Michael created the club’s first 4WD Show visitor registration system, which allowed for subsequent follow-up communication to potential members. This resulted in Michael running a very successful visitor’s day trip from Seabird to Wilbinga including some 25-visitor vehicles. Michael’s enthusiasm continued by coordinating the club’s reception of the visitors at the December meeting. Michael is passionate about the club. He is always working on ways to expand the club and make it better. As Webmaster Michael has introduced new online systems that make it easier for members to interact and for the club to record its activities for the future. Michael is always keen to share his knowledge of everything electronic such as organising
Ozi-explorer training days. Prior to travelling overseas towards the end of last year, Michael was tasked with dual roles on the committee as web master and trip coordinator. Thankyou Michael for always taking things to the next level and I hope this award inspires you to continue providing fuel for thought to the committee. CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR Our club is fortunate to have so many enthusiastic members committed to improving our association. There are those that regularly contribute to our activities by running trips, organising events, submitting articles to the magazine and attending meetings. The Club Person of the Year Award recognisers the member who contributes the most by leading and contributing through out the year. Award points are scaled according to the degree of work involved in the task. You can accumulate points through just attending a trip, but you get a lot more points if you are the trip leader. Points are also awarded for attending meetings, social events, writing trip notes or posting photographs on the web site. This year’s points have been tallied by the Secretary after receiving the calculations from the Committee person for the area of responsibility. The person that contributed most in 2012, and who I am proud to present this award to is Guy Lehmann.
870 points 860 “ 690 “ 680 “ 626 “ 610 “ 565 “ 565 “ 560 “ 540 “
Guy Lehmann Martin Archer Wendy Lehmann Glenn Bignell Paul Ryan John King Peter Belcher Michael Gilbert Denise Belcher Rosalie King
SPECIAL RECOGNITION I now have the pleasure of presenting a special commendation to another member of our club. This is a not a regular award and is not meant to set any precedence. I requested approval from the club’s executive management to allow for this one-off recognition for services to our club. The Ian Lockhart award and the Club Person of the Year award are there to recognise those members who contributed significantly over the past 12 months. This special presentation recognises a very prolonged commitment to a very important community role of our club. In fact this commitment has spanned 19 years during which time this person has received several of the awards mentioned earlier including last year’s Club Person of the Year Award. Tony Weldon steps down from the committee this year for a well-earned rest as the club’s environment officer. In 19 years as Environment Officer, Tony has established our club as leaders in the 4WD community for putting back into the environment as much as we get out of it. Our club has the respect of not only clubs in WA, but also our counterparts in the Eastern States. Prior to 2000 Tony lead the Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club in assisting other Clubs in the WA 4WD Association with CALM staff to undertake work in the Pemberton area and other locations such as Wilbinga. This also included Inter-Club activities such as the rebuilding of the facilities at the DEC property and Lake Mason Leschenault Conservation Park:
In March 2001 Tony’s focus became the Leschenault Conservation Park at Australind. This work achieved recognition when in 2002 the West Australian newspaper published an article on the club’s coastal cleanup activities. This was closely followed by an article in the Tread Lightly Journal, which again brought Tony’s environment conquests to the attention of the 4WD community. Since then there have been several stories published by the West Australian on our club’s involvement with conservation and environment activities. The Conservation News, published by DEC, subsequently produced a story on the club’s commitment to the Lescenault Conservation Park. Tony’s commitment to promoting our efforts in our environment work resulted in achieving the 2009 and 2011 Department of Environment and Conservation Outstanding Services Awards for the club and himself. Wungong
In 2007 Tony’s and the club member’s commitment to the environment extended to include the Wungong Regional Park in the hills of Byford. Furthering our good relationship with DEC this relatively new venture has achieved the recognition of multiple government and community organisations, including several areas of the Department of Conservation and Environment such as the Aboriginal Heritage Unit, Regional
Park Operations, Volunteer Services and Planning Services, The Cultural Heritage Advisory Group, Armadale City Council, Armadale Districts Brickworks Preservation Group and recently attracted the attention of the Darling Range Member of the Legislative Assembly, Tony Simpson. We should not forget that all these achievements were not through the efforts of Tony alone. Stella has been at his side, helping, organising contributing a great deal to these environmental endeavours while at the same time performing other roles within the club. The number of trees and bushes planted or saved by the efforts orchestrated by Weldons over the past 19 years would be enough to make our club permanently carbon neutral. Not to mention the development and regeneration of habitat to preserve and benefit native fauna. It is hoped that Tony and Stella will be active members of this club for many years to come, but for now we would like to recognise your achievements with this small gift. A Bonsai tree symbolises the refinement of nature, which I think is an appropriate way of acknowledging your contribution and hopefully it will fit in appropriately with your new home décor. PISTON BROKE AWARD The Piston Broke Award is given to a member who brings laughter and enjoyment to the club members, usually to the detriment of themselves through their own misfortunate actions. The first nomination results from Glen’s Kalgoorlie Pipeline trip After all meeting at the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet at Mundaring, it was until Roger asked if there was rumor that we were camping here for the night, that Glen realized the group hugging and casual chatter was going on a little too long. Glen did the team leader brief to the
troops and prepared to set off. All in a neat order, they had their vehicle radio checks, numbered and proceeded off down Great Easter Highway. So good so far. The first turn was off Sawyers Valley – a clearly marked road to the left, which takes you on the “Golden Pipeline” Heritage Trail. Glenn missed it, half the cars followed Glen and did a U turn on Gt Eastern Highway, others went down the correct way only to be foiled by two round-abouts and before Glen knew it the ordered vehicles were all over the place. Nobody knew where to go. Luckily Ian and Robin used to live in this area and ‘Tooke’ everybody in the right direction. They were only 5 minutes into the trip – but this set the scene for future events.. There were other cases of OMG where are we going? They missed one of Hunts wells, ended up the other side of another. Wendy was the ‘guiding angel’ helping Glen with navigation advice on several occasions along the way. Just a small tip for Glen for the future. When leading a trip that titled a Kalgoorlie Pipeline trip, leave Oziexplorer at home and just follow that very long steel tube on the side of the road. The winning nomination was received from Paul Ryan and slightly re-worded by myself… The Foundation Day long weekend was a trip to Kadji Kadji ran by Paul. Our large group found ample space to set up camp next to Boida Rock, a towering monolith that sufficiently cast an afternoon shadow protecting the camp from the sun’s heat. Amongst our group was Paul’s friend and recently introduced member, Peter, an exKorean chopper pilot who’s 50 something body resembled a 30 year old athlete. His young physique was primarily due to his preoccupation with exercise. It wasn’t long before he had a group, representing a
good cross section of ages, lined up for muscle stretching, pointless air punching and rock climbing. The true male specimens of our group, myself, Paul, Richard, Craig, Guy and Sam decided that we will go and do some real man stuff and go in search for fire wood instead. Armed with chainsaws, ropes and winches we headed out of the park reserve in our vehicles (walking would have been too much effort) to find a decent dead tree that we could reduce to camp as it turned out, my chain was on fire fuel. It didn’t take long for us to locate a backwards too. target, and before starting up the chainsaws, Unfortunately though for Richard picked up the easy pieces from the ground King, the Piston Broke award is dearound the dead tree. It wasn’t long though cided by the President. So I intend before the grunt of the chainsaws driven by using this privilege for the very short Richard and Martin filled the air with noise and time I have left as President in awardthe smell of 2-stroke. ing the Piston Broke to Richard King. The smell of 2-stroke became considerably strong along with a lot of smoke that smelt a lot like scorching wood. Sam, standing near- PHOTO OF THE YEAR AWARD by, was a bit puzzled. Could they be sharing the same bad 2-stroke fuel? The chainsaw noise was suddenly drowned out by Sam laughing as discretely as Sam’s laugh usually is. Richard King’s chainsaw came to a stop as Sam loudly informed him (and everyone else within a kilometre) that his chain was on backwards. Hence the smoke as the chain vigorously rubbed the bark instead of cutting it. Red-faced Richard began to fix the chain on the correct way while I conMichael Gilbert receiving the Phototinued to make smoke with my own chainsaw. graph of the Year Award from MagaThinking that it was because of blunt teeth zine Editor Paul Johnson that I was taking forever to get through my tree limb I persisted a bit longer. Unfortunately that’s when Sam came over and gave me the same loud riposte delivered to Richard. Yes
Sawyers Valley 24 Feb 2013 Trip Report 18 vehicles including 6 visitor’s vehicles met at the Sawyers Valley Tavern car park at 0845. Yes the tavern was close so Trip Leader Richard King briefed us on the trip, Troy volunteered as Tail End Charlie and we hit the road at 0900, airing down 10 minutes later and entering the Power Lines Track at the western end. Whilst the track was graded last year there are plenty of sections to test the most serious vehicles, whilst easier tracks and elevated viewing positions were available for those choosing to take it easier and enjoy the action. After tackling various rutted inclines and declines we stopped around 10am at a large clearing at the side of the track for a quick morno’s break before heading of down the track once again. It was great to see that our efforts to clean up the track last year seem to have worked and did not look like a dumping ground Three gung-ho young blokes were stuck at the entrance to our lunch time side track. Their Daihatsu 4wd was stuck on its diffs, winching was comtemplated but it was decided to rock the vehicle side to side whilst reversing. A dozen members in a mad max type scene rocked the vehicle and it was soon unstuck. The Young Turks mounted up with one sitting exposed in the topless vehicle’s on the roll bar. Troy moved in and gave them the low down on their likely demise and 4wd safety. We located a suitable area on the side track for setup up for lunch. Lunch eaten, tales of dare doing told we heading further along the side track conquering a few more obstacles before looping back to meet up with the Powerlines Track. Continuing along the Power Lines Track we encountered numerous challenging sections and it’s always fun to see the vehicles getting a tire or two off the ground. Visitor Glenn in a nicely fitted out Jackeroo was the winner here with some serious air time accompanied by clouds of dust. Honorable mentions to Guy, Malcolm, Troy and Piers who despite having a beam axle in the front of his Disco always manages to put on a good show. Daniel and Craig impressed the crowds by driving their Patrols straight up and over a rock step the stood one meter tall. We then moved on to another rock covered hill which was steep and very rutted. Again only Daniel and Craig attempted this. Daniel scrapped and clawed his way to the top whilst the Club paparazzi took key vantage points and
clicked away. Craig made it half way up the hill but his rear left-side tire couldn’t get through a deep rut so a rock was thrown in and he tried again. Unfortunately the rear left tire sidewall was slashed. A winch line from Daniel’s car was attached to help prevent Graig’s vehicle from moving, volunteers sat in Craig and Daniels cars applying the foot brakes and Malcolm and Bruce dove under Graig’s car to place the jack and lift the car. Tire replaced and Craig lamenting the bill for the new tire we approached the end of the track. Craig radioed that his car was vibrating and jumped out to have a look on the way to the air up point. The rubber flange between the intercooler and bonnet scoop was loose and we assumed that was the source of the vibration. Closer inspection at the air up point revealed a broken engine mount. Craig was still able to drive home. We aired up at Flynn Road, said our goodbyes and were on our way home by 17:00. It was a great day with the right mix of socializing, scenery and challenges. Our thanks to Richard King for organizing this trip.
News behind the Minutes March 2013
By Judith Brinkley
A new liberal management team... or a labour intensive direction What are we in for this year.? The Annual General Meeting flowed with seamless transition from one President to the next...the gavel (do we have one?) was passed from Martin Archer who had impressed his style onto the role for two years and was leaving a well coordinated Club to Peter Cole who in turn is bringing his fresh vision for the future. Does this sound like a miniature political campaign? Except instead of smooth Metro Rail we will be aspiring to very rutted roads (and bakeries) and dirt tracks (and wildflowers).
The evening commenced in normal AGM format and then moved to the outgoing Martin summarizing the past year’s activities in a comprehensive report that addressed the trips, training and achievements of the past year. Life Time Member John Bromberger stood to thank Martin for his highly competent job as President. The year’s Financial Status prepared by Treasurer Bridget was, for the record, accepted by Keith Parker. Bridget encountered no disputes whatsoever over the financial standing of the Club, mainly because her excellent management figures could not be read on the overhead screen by anyone past the front row...Bridget !! too honest... you could have had tickets to South America and we would have all smiled and said.. that’s good .. well done !Read all about this year’s awards in the President’s Report in this magazine or in the minutes on the website.
Retiring Committee Members. I was given the task of thanking them. Some have been working in many roles over the years, and others in one role for many years. Those who stepped away from positions were: Martin Archer our President of course... runs a tight meeting.. well most times he tries. Doesn’t do much else????.. Presidents don’t do much do they?? Martin? I hope that Sam and Pasc Vasile will still donate some orchids when they hand over the reins for the raffles they have run so successfully. The diversity of the prizes has taken some serious ingenuity over the past four years. Stella Weldon “Environmental support team?” ...actually Club Historian. A lady who really knows and loves her Western Australia and who may be able to rest now that ... Tony Weldon our Environment Officer for 19yrs. is handing over the role. Tony has developed a lasting though still evolving, relationship with DEC, both to our and DEC’s advantage...and has been responsible for organizing such interesting Environmental days and weekends for us, that those who have been involved have enjoyed their volunteering so much that it has never been a chore. Tony will be a hard act to follow but I’m sure he will still be around for advice when he’s needed. MCBEG (Byford/Wungong) and MCLEG (Leschenault Peninsula) won’t be quite the same, but of course it will be engaging to see which direction a new Officer takes us. Paul Johnson Magazine Editor... He has taken our magazine to yet another level of workmanship and presentation, though
I get the impression it was all done the The following trips were advised and finalized night before it was due at the printers. • Logging trip extravaganza – 24 March – Often I think, when he was actually Malcolm Harrison supposed to have been flying a plane... but it worked and worked well. • Easter in Bridgetown – 28 March – Peter Belcher And then there’s Paul Ryan, who may • Nanga Brook Resort Shark Bay – 28 be retiring from the Committee but March to 7 April– Glenn Bignell hopefully won’t be allowed to retire • Goldfields Explorer – 25 to 28 April – too far from its workings. He’s been Roger Freegard Man Friday..taking on many roles and • Northcliffe Explorer – 24 to 28 April - Bob responsibilities over the years. He’s McPherson been an Open Ear and an Open Mind to anyone with a problem who needs it brought to the Committee’s attention. He’s been a urger, a fixer, a stirrer and a doer for the Committee. I’m not quite sure of the title he’s stepping down from at this time.. maybe Minister for Everything? But for all these people The Club gives it’s thanks...and • Wilbinga Day Trip – 21 April – Michael in turn we hope we won’t let you down. Gilbert March Meeting started then with 51 members present and 11 Visitors. Jan Freegard reported a pleasant night at Roger Freegard introduced Jeff Wright Eat Greek and Bruce Brinkley reported the from Reeds Prospecting. While giving latest news from Trackcare. Bruce hopes to us the lowdown how not to go about entice one of the Trackcare men to also be prospecting and gold hunting the a speaker at our meeting so we can know wrong way, still managed to rouse the more what they do and how and where we can be involved too if we wish... individually gold lust in many of us. He gave an or as a club. insight into the pros and cons of metal detectors,the costs, the effort Monthly raffle was held and with the required, how to membership mingling over supper, a identify our targets ‘treasure’ or successful night concluded. gold. Anything would be satisfying!!! And offered a very interesting topic. Are we having fun yet ?
th
24 rch LANE POOLE RESERVE, DWELLINGUP a M “OLD LOGGING TRACKS EXTRAVANANZA”
M 24 th ar ch
(Apologies to Cpt Fawcett for sections of “Track Plagerism”) This trip will focus on Visitors and newcomers, but all welcome Come and enjoy a day out in the bush south of Dwellingup We will drive some popular ex-logging tracks and some that are far less travelled This is a Grade 1 / 2 trip with options for Grade 3+ at the end of the day if time permits There will be some shortish sections that are medium scratchy, but These can be avoided if members wish to take an alternative Track and wait for the rest of the group Equipment required: 2 Way Radio Compressor(visitors exempted if not yet purchased) Recovery gear will be carried by the Trip Leader, but if you have your own, bring it along Supplies for Mornos and Lunch A sense of adventure and humour Meeting at the Dwellingup Information Centre, Dwellingup 24th March at 8:45 for a 9:00am departure To Confirm your place Contact Malcolm Harrison At malcolmandtrish@gmail.com Or 0407993265
Trip Chalk Board
Things to do or see at locations being visited in coming-up trips
Easter Bridgetown Camping Trip
Trip Leader: Peter Belcher
Information courtesy of Bridgetown Caravan Park 40 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING BRIDGETOWN 1. Visit the famous Brierly jigsaw gallery 2. Play giant chess at the memorial park 3. Take a walk along the River Walk commencing at the north side of the Bridge. 4. Go for a horse drawn wagon ride 5. Visit the old gaol(weekends only or group appointments) 6. Visit Blenchynden house 7. Get fit at Somme creek fitness trail 8. Visit the famous Cidery and taste the locally produced ciders & boutique beers 9. Enjoy a game of tennis 10. Hire a paddle boat, canoe or kayak from the caravan park and explore the Blackwood 11. Visit Levanda grove (olive oil & alpaca farm.) 12. Do the wine trail visiting local wineries and do some tasting 13. Play Chip and Sip (Par 3 golf along the wine trail.) 14. Enjoy a tea or coffee at any one of the 12 outlets along the main street. 15. Do the Town Heritage walk(guide book available from visitors centre 16.Do the Geegeelup Heritage trail 17. Visit “Christmas @ 139” 18. Take yourself back to your childhood and visit “Oooh la lollipop” 19. Visit the Greenbushes Discovery Centre 20. Visit the open cut mine veiwing platform at Greenbushes 21. Visit the Greenbushes Pool and boardwalk facility 22. Check out the small museum 23. try the award winning steak sandwich at the Bridgie Hotel(best in country WA) 24. Visit the local swimming pool 25.Take a drive out to Jarrah Park 26. pick up a walk trails booklet from the Visitors Centre and try one of the 18 trails 27. Play golf at bridgetown 18 hole grass green course. 28. Go horse riding at Luceville farm 29.Checkout the animal feeding each morming at Luceville Farm 30. Experience the river markets on alternate Sunday mornings 31. If you are younge at heart, check out the skate park 32. stop at the river park and make a wish at the rotary wishing Well 33. Ask if there is a production playing at the “Bridgetown Theatre” 34. Picnic or BBQ at memorial park, River park or one of the many Recreational parks in the area 35. Take a drive over to Boyup Brook (WA’s Country music capital) 36. Wander through the Bridgetown Pottery gallery 37.Catch a 180 degree veiw from Suttons lookout 38. Listen to the BELLS of Bridgetown at noon and 6pm 39. Checkout the menu window at the visitors centre for a choice of local dining 40. Pick up a Scenic drive map from the VC for a selection of local drive trails (especially in wildflower season.)
Tracy’s Cake Tin Here are a few recipes that I thought the members may like, they seem to be popular when I hand them around at morno's! Boiled Pineapple fruit cake 1 small tin crushed pineapple(450gr) 125 g butter 1 cup sugar 500g mixed fruit 1 level teaspoon bicarb soda 2 eggs 1 cup plain flour 1 cup self raising flour In a large saucepan( to make the use of a mixing town unnecessary) combine pineapple, butter, sugar,and fruit. bring to boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add bicarb of soda and let cool.Beat in the eggs. Mix in the flours and spoon into a greased 23cm square cake tin. Bake 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 hours in a 150degC oven. Cool in tin. 'Ezy Peezy' Three Ingredient Camp Oven Fruit Cake 2 cups mixed fruit 2 cups warm tea 2 cup self raising flour I usually soak the tea and the fruit overnight, but you don't have to. Preheat camp oven on hot coals. line a loaf tin with baking paper or spray with oil. Mix all three ingredients together. put in tin, Pop into camp oven (preferably with the tin sitting on top of a trivet inside the camp oven)for and hour or so until done ( test with skewer) cool in tin.
TRIP LEADING Q&A Although the Trip Leader Guidelines(TLG) are essentially a guide, they also ensure that the welfare of members, the public, environmental impact, laws and legal responsibilities, are considered. Attempts have been made to reduce the complexity of these guidelines. Unfortunately, but necessarily, they are still comprehensive and may be a deterrent to some newer members taking the first step into leading a trip. The aim with this monthly post is to provide members with a step by step guide and helpful tips on leading a trip. PART 1: BEING A TRIP LEADER Q: “Am I qualified to lead a trip?” A: Any member of the club can lead a trip regardless of their 4WD’ing experience. Trips are graded 1 to 5 with a trip graded at 1 being an easy ‘on-road’ trip. Talk to the Trip-Coordinator who will recommend an appropriate level for you depending on your experience and driving qualifications. The Trip Coordinator can give you suggestions on where to visit. He/She can also supply you with the appropriate maps or OziExplorer data. Remember; many members enjoy a social day out driving country bitumen roads just as much as driving extreme country tracks. Q: “I don’t have some of the ‘pre-requisites’ for leading a trip listed in the Trip Leader’s Guidelines. Does that mean I can not lead a trip?” A: No. You can still lead a trip. They are guidelines, not rules, and the pre-requisites are there as a guide to determine the nature of the trip you should lead. If you are unsure of any of the pre-requisites, then you have a number of options; • • •
Discuss them with the Trip-Coordinator Arrange for a trip co-leader who is familiar with the requirement you are not confident with Talk to any experienced club member who you may have attended a trip with in the past for advise
Giving yourself plenty of time to plan the trip allows for others to allocate time to assist
if needed. Giving members plenty of notice for the trip also ensures that you will have a full convoy. Q: “Am I responsible for the safety of the participants on the trip?” A: All participants are required to have a road worthy vehicle and have a valid licence to drive that vehicle. In doing so, they are solely and legally responsible for their own actions and must abide by the State’s road, vehicle and driving bylaws. The club has also mandated a ‘Duty of Care’ statement that all members and visitor must abide by when participating in a trip. Any form of driving has a certain degree of risk, whether it’s reversing in a shopping centre car park, or navigating up a steep rocky ‘jump over’ in the Kimberley. It is the driver’s responsibility to determine if they and their vehicle are capable of undertaking the manoeuvre safely. As Trip Leader, your responsibility is to ensure everyone (members and visitors) reads and understands the Duty of Care Statement, Code of Ethics and Convoy Procedures prior to the trip commencing. It is their responsibility not to follow you under any conditions they feel the risk is beyond their capability. However, good planning and comprehensive trip information will provide you with appropriately experienced participants. Q: “Do I need to know the Trip Leader Guidelines in full before I can run a trip?” A: No one’s going to test your knowledge on the contents of the TLG. However, taking a few minutes to read them will give you a good idea of your responsibilities and provide you with some useful suggestions. You should also read the relevant Sections of the Policy and Procedures. These sections provide you with the following information;Sect 2: Code of Ethics 3: Convoy Procedures, and 4: Use of Radio Equipment 16: Trip grading 17: Duty of Care 19: Vehicle equipment 20: Visitors These documents can be found in the member’s area of the club’s web site, along with the trip forms that you need to complete. If you do not have access to the internet, or can not print the forms, contact the Trip Coordinator who will arrange for them to be provided to you. NEXT MONTH: PART 2 PLANNING THE TRIP
Wilbinga Up & Down The Dunes
Starting from the top end of Wilbinga we will be spending the day hunting out good sand dunes to conquer, some beach driving mostly on tracks which can be scratchy in parts. Enjoy the fantastic coast line and have a great day in the sand. Where: Wilbinga. When: Sunday 21st April 2013. Meeting place: Tenth Light Horse Heritage Trail car park,Wanneroo Road Meeting Time: 8:45 for a 9:00am departure. Grade: Grade 3 Who: All members, visitors welcome but must be able to 4WD to grade 3 proficiency. Limit 8 vehicles. Equipment: Full recovery kit, including snatch strap, shovel, rated shackles, recovery points etc. Bring: Morno’s, Lunch, Arvo’s, plenty of water, hat , sunscreen & first aid kit. Register Online to Michael Gilbert
WANDERING AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS Explore the beautiful areas for which Western Australia is famous and enjoy the spring sunshine.
Dates : Thursday 19 to Saturday 28 September 2013 incl. Depart Perth and travel north to Jurien Bay before moving through the mid-west to Morawa and on to Goomalling via Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills. In all nine nights with no one night stands. This will be leisurely trip, level 2, suitable for vans and campers. Limit of 10 vehicles, members only. Usual recovery and repair gear is essential, batteries in good condition and R.A.C. cover always helps. Contact Rosalie or John at email johnandrosalieking@bigpond.com or phone Home 9384 7649 Mobile 0411 437109 Register your interest before 4 September to make sure of your spot
New Database now operational Thanks to the countless hours and skill provided by our IT Officer, Rob Nankerville, the Mitsubishi 4WD Owner’s Club now has a custom designed database to take our management of the club into the next century. The database has been built using Delphi language. Rob has designed a very easy to use front end user-interface so that the not-so-computerliterate committee members can easily operate it. To enter information onto the database committee members can access the program via the internet. The Secretary will get the most out of the system by being able to update member’s records without the need to continuously create amended documents. For example, each time someone changes their email address or a new member is added to the club records, the membership list is updated online immediately. Other uses for the database include; • keeping track of club property • recording who leads trips and who attends trips • recording members training and experience • recording a member’s service on the committee • Environment volunteer records reproduced easily for DEC • and many more functions
The club has been in existance for more than 26 years and although previous attempts have been made to collate the club’s records, this is the first consolidated effort to ensure the club’s history is maintained uniformly and preserved for the future. The membership list posted in the club’s member’s area of the web site is updated directly from the database. Therefore when you view the list, all details will be current. This also allows for easy mail merge of adress labels for distribution of the magazine and other material by post.
An invitation is extended to all Club Members of the WA4WDA To attend an Information Open Day + BBQ On Saturday 20th April 2013 Commencing at 11.30am with BBQ at 1pm At Karrakin 322 Mills Road East Martin Terry Goodlich from DEC and hopefully Craig Robins from Department of Agriculture and Food Northern Region (State Barrier Fence) will be in attendance to inform all of the work being carried out by both departments Food will be supplied by Association so if attending please let Jan know by email rgandjm@optusnet.com.au
or Work 9318 9244 or mobile 0413 84 0707
RSVP by 13th April 2013
Rob is working with the committee members to record as much of the club’s management tasks on the database. This means that when a member takes over a committee position there will be little need for a handover of information, and all information will be completely up-to-date.
The club is extremely fortunate to have someone like Rob, who is willing to provide the time and have the ability to produce such an effective tool for the committee and a valuable asset customised specifically for the club. Robs efforts are truly appreciated by the committee and members of the club.
Environment Officer’s Retiring Thanks In 1993, with Stella and one other, I took on the job of Environment Officer. Not long after, I was the sole EO and also attended the WA 4WD Association meetings. Initially we concentrated on working jointly with the Association and the then Dept. of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), later DEC, south of Pemberton. These visits were only over a weekend or long weekend so, with all the travelling, there wasn’t much time to accomplish as much as we had hoped though a lot was still done. Club members asked if we could work somewhere closer and we were offered the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park (LPCP) and McLEG (Mits. Club Leschenault Environment Group) commenced on 10/10/2001. Then in 2007 Jeff Otway mentioned he had had contact with some DEC guys in Wungong Regional Park (WRP) behind Byford and McBEG started. Well, at that stage, we thought it was Byford Park and, anyhow, McWEG doesn’t sound as good. Both these projects have continued and we have made a lot of positive changes to both areas and made many new friends amongst the DEC staff. Some of the work we have done to protect and rehabilitate LPCP have been damaged by kangaroos or storms but the DEC guys still say we have made a great contribution to the Park. They do very much appreciate us coming down though I suspect we leave them exhausted as we accomplish so much each visit. Wungong RP is our greatest success and many of the seedlings we planted in the former gravel pit in 2009 are now taller than me. John Harding, one of our DEC mates who look after Wungong RP, was up there the day after the AGM and phoned me from the site of the old airstrip. He was rapt – the seedlings planted there in several sessions over the last couple of years are growing extremely well and it looks like it will be a beautiful forest soon. The black cockatoos will be happy as well because many of the seedlings will become trees producing food for them. So, over the 19 years (I took 2000 off) I have been EO, like the seedlings the work has grown and has helped the Association and other clubs to develop an excellent relationship with DEC. Our Club is recognised throughout DEC as a quality Club and one that has a very high standing with their staff. But this could not have happened without the faithful members who have done so much work for DEC and the Club and supported me in organising our visits to LPCP and WRP. It has also been special having the support of
the Committee both as participants and “approvers” of my plans. Without the Committee and members backing me up, I could not have been able to do the job for so long. There are special thanks of course to my wife Stella who has put up with my spending many hours arranging the working bees, collating the statistics, coming on working bees with me and making sure I was well fed and looked after. Martin, as our President for the last two years, made a special presentation to me, and Stella, at the AGM. This was most unexpected and somewhat overwhelming and I am most grateful to the Committee and especially to Martin who said such kind things. Thanks also to Karen who with Martin found a great gift for us – a beautiful bonsai tree. Having become very keen on visiting Japan, once we found we could do so for about the same cost as going to NZ and with many good friendships with Japanese people, to have a bonsai tree as part of our home is very special to us both. Thank you. Having known Stephen Kalyniuk some years ago, I was very happy making his acquaintance again when he joined the Club. It was a pleasure seeing his enthusiasm for the environment work the Club does and so I was very pleased he accepted my nomination for him to take over as Environment Officer. Please give him the back up he will need so that the Club will continue to be the peak Club in the Association for the environment work. Having been a Club member since 1990, I have seen a lot of the friendships that developed over the years but I do note that many of these came about through members coming to the working bees. If you haven’t been on a McLEG or McBEG yet, please come. So thanks to all of you who have supported me in this work. Tony Weldon (Now Assistant EO.)
The amazing growth of the revegetated air strip at Wungong
Proudly sponsored by
CLUB CALENDAR
For more details go to the club web site or view flyers inside this edition
28th
March
10 days Nanga-Shark Bay
Glen Bignell
28th 5 days Bridgetown Peter Belcher
April
21st
Day Trip
Wilbinga (See flyer inside)
Michael Gilbert
24th
4 Days
Northcliffe Explorer
B&B McPherson
24th
4 Days
Goldfields Prospecting
Roger Freegard
26th
Day Trip
Moore River
Craig Perry
May
June
30th Day Trip TBA TBA
September
19th
10 days Wildflower Country (See flyer inside)
8th
4 days
Perth 4WD and Adventure Show
15th
4 days
Big Valley Margaret River
November
John King Perth
Martin and Roger