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CLEAN UP THE BUSH PROGRAM Snowy River National Park Clean up East Gippsland Track Clearing Track Clearing in Davies Plain REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES MEETING DRIVING GREGORY NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL: BINNS TRACK HEMA PRODUCT REVIEWS
DECEMBER 2014 CLEAN-UP THE BUSH PROGRAM
From the
President elcome to December Trackwatch. Having been recently re-instated as Association President for the coming two years, I am extremely excited by the outlook of the Association, specifically due to some very important recent events. The first of these was the recent Association AGM, attended by over 60 representatives of our members clubs, with this being one of the largest meeting attendances in recent times. Reports presented including those on the financial position and program activities were well accepted and discussions were very positive. This show of support can only bode well for the Association and its member clubs for the coming twelve months. Excerpts of my report from the AGM have been reprinted in the magazine, and the full AGM report can be found on the Association’s website.
been recently prototyped in the forests of West Gippsland. This will be followed in mid-December by a full trial event prior to the second stage of the program, Rubbish Collection, being undertaken in March 2015 in the same area. The program has been designed to ensure that located rubbish is properly categorised and that appropriate resources are then allocated to its collection and removal from the bush.
The second event of some note was the recently announced coalition pledge of $2.5m, over the next four years, to fund the Association. This is a wonderful testament to the value which the Association, through its grant activities and volunteer programs, brings to the state. The size of this offering should be a clear message to any incoming government of the value that the government of the last four years places on the Association. I would hope that this amount will be forthcoming regardless of the outcome of the election, and I look forward to working on the details of how this will be allocated to our various programs.
Overall, the Association is in an excellent position, to truly represent the interests of its members clubs and to be a valuable contributor to the state’s land managers and the general four wheel driving and recreational public. I am looking forward to leading the Association through the next twelve months which, incidentally, will include the fortieth anniversary of its founding, a significant milestone in any organisation. I hope you all enjoy the magazine and have a great Christmas and summer break. I will welcome any opportunity in the coming twelve months to visit your club meetings or help to celebrate your club’s significant events during that period.
One such recently announced program is Clean Up The Bush with the first stage of this, Rubbish Search, having
Damian Stock President, 4WD Victoria
W FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA The peak representative body for all Victorian four wheel drivers since 1975 Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. PO Box 1015G Balwyn North VIC 3104 Phone 03 9857 5209 Fax 03 98575260 Email office@fwdvictoria.org.au Website www.fwdvictoria.org.au ABN 40 891 301 368 ASSN A0013539S RTP 21605 Print Post PP 100005076
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE President Damian Stock Vice President Steve de Mamiel Secretary Neil Chalmers Treasurer John Farlow BOARD MEMBERS Lou Catherine, Ian Ross, Chris Kershaw, Michael Martin
STAFF General Manager Wayne Hevey Office Administrator Accounts Karl Norman Projects & Events Manager Wayne Hevey
TRACKWATCH Editor Brian Tanner Assistant editor Greg Rose Email editor@fwdvictoria.org.au Production Brian Tanner Copy Deadline next issue 1st January for February 2015 issue 1st March for April 2015 issue 1st May for June 2015 issue Advertising gm@fwdvictoria.org.au Individual Contributors Greg Rose, Brian Tanner, Andrea Gwynne, All material appearing in Trackwatch magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without prior written consent. Freelance contributions and submissions are welcome by this magazine. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, etc. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Four Wheel Drive Victoria. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any article or advertisement. Advertisers agree to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
Design and Artwork by Brian Tanner Printed by Finer Finish Printing
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The benefit to the state of a full roll out of this program will be the identification of rubbish dumping hotspots as well as the potential identification of those individuals, through data gathering and surveillance, who feel it is appropriate to litter our wonderful bushland with their household and industrial refuse. A review of this program can be found elsewhere in this month’s magazine.
In this issue
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From the President Bush Clean-Up Program FWDV funding announcement Clubs celebrate milestones Regional Representatives Meeting President’s Annual Report Profile: Peter Dwyer Snowy River NP Clean-Up East Gippsland Track Clearing Davies Plain Track Clearing Driving in Gregory National Park FWDV Training Calendar Travel: Binns Track HEMA Product Review Insurance
CLEAN UP THE BUSH PROGRA M Snowy River National Park Clean up East Gippsland Track Clearing Track Clearing in Davies Plain REGIONAL REPRES ENTATIVES MEETING DRIVING GREGOR Y NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL: BINNS TRACK HEMA PRODUC T REVIEWS
DECEMBER 201 4
CLEAN UP THE BUSH PROGRAM
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Editorial our wheel drive club members have once again stepped up to the plate to assist in caring – and in this instance cleaning up the resource that we love and constantly aspire to visit – the bush. You will find stories in this issue on the success of the pre-trail “practise run” prior to the implementation of the Bush Clean Up Program on the 13th &14th December, 2014.
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Members have been documenting the location of rubbish, which will be removed under the program, as well as taking part in major track clearing operations in East Gippsland. This is a great initiative, and certainly engenders a great inner feeling of having made a difference. Bush clean ups are not new to the Association with the first – dare I call it forerunner to this current program – being the three major co-ordinated clean ups that were conducted back in the eighties, Okay, many of our readers may not have been in 4WD Clubs then, but to those that were,
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Project National Parks (March 1982) had similar objectives to this new Program, with sixteen major clean-up projects across the State performed by Clubs. We followed up with ‘Operation Forest Parks’ in 1983, where clubs assisted Forest Commission personnel in track clearing across the State following the devastating Ash Wednesday fires. More than 20 Clubs took part in the operation. Preference was given to fire effected areas with clearing undertaken in the Powelltown area by the Diamond Valley, Truckmates, Nissan Patrol and Victoria Police FWD Clubs. Similar work was undertaken in the Mansfield area by the Land Rover
Owners Club, Toyota Land Cruiser Club and HiLux FWD Clubs. Along the west coast and Otway Ranges the Geelong, West Coast and Otways FWD Clubs assisted. The Range Rover Club helped clear walking tracks near the Big River in the Alexandra Forest District, while the Dandenong Ranges FWDC removed numerous car bodies from the Gembrook State Forest. Again in 1986 Association resources saw forty kilometres of track cleared by FWD Club members in the Thomson Catchment area. With over 100 vehicles and 280 members equipped with 63 chainsaws, 32 brush cutters and loads of enthusiasm tracks were cleared that had been closed since 1970, along with a number of historic cemetery sites. There is an old saying that “everything new is old” and so it is with this great partnership with Park Authorities under the banner of the Bush Clean Up Program that will again see four wheel drive club members take a lead role in maintaining the assets that we drive and enjoy. I encourage Clubs to participate in the Program as it further develops. Brian Tanner Editor editor@fwdvictoria.org.au
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E-TRIAL R P M A PROGR P U N A LE BUSH C News
Rubbish Search Crossover "Where do you put your unwanted, broken, old hard garbage, your tyres, carpet, car parts and such? Well, if you were out with us on Saturday November 8th, driving around the State Forest and Regional Park near Crossover in West Gippsland, you might have come to believe that it is where to get rid of this unwanted stuff. This was a very big day, the culmination of much planning being put into action, The Crossover Rubbish Search Pilot day. This is the first part of the system when rubbish is located. The second part is when it is removed, but that is yet to come. We arrived at the Crossover School, a beautiful old building approximately 120 years old, on the Friday night. Dave Mapleson, Wayne Hevey, Crossover Friends group, some Gippsland 4WD club members, and Just Mates 4WD Club members gathered to set up the school in preparation for the big event on Saturday. Pizzas collected from a favoured supplier were quickly devoured, but I think the mosquitoes fared well at the same time.
We started Saturday morning early with the arrival of Rokeby and Crossover Friends group, who got busy making bacon and eggs (which magically appeared at some ungodly hour), sausages, tomatoes, onions and toast. All those who attended, among whom were from Port Phillip 4WD, Bairnsdale 4WD, Reid's Recovery, Action Repairers and others,were graciously catered for. There were three locations set up; a registration point where the cars were graded and numbered as they came in, and then the drivers, navigators and sweep cars were sent on to be name tagged, then on to the third point to Y T who digitally recorded the details required and handed out tracks to be searched. This process had a few glitches, but that's why it was called a pilot.
Saturday 8th November saw 16 vehicles and 68 people take part in a trial program for the “Clean Up the Bush” campaign launched earlier in the year as part of our funding submission to the government and its land managers. The effort was hugely supported by a group of generous sponsors brought together by Dave Mapelson’s untiring efforts as well as Hema Maps supplying navigation units to assist in the process. All up there were 700kms travelled with approximately 100 pictures taken of rubbish found and now recorded for the next stage being the recovery. This event was designed to iron out the bugs before the official launch on the 13th & 14th December, where we hope to see a far greater number of vehicles and participants to push the outcomes to a much higher level. Wayne Hevey
A briefing was held and then, at 10.30, the anxious searchers could finally get on their way.
were out, we found 12 locations with a variety of rubbish ranging from corrugated iron, car parts, body parts (animal, I hope), TVs, computer screens, carpet, tyres, tubes and other household waste. We even found a shack. Other members found some interesting items. We also came across some hazardous waste asbestos scrap in a campground.
Our car went out with a local horse rider, and friends of Crossover/ Rokeby members, as our guide who had already spotted some locations from her horse riding journeys. In the four hours we
By 3.30 we all had to be back at the school to report in, hand in our photos and report sheets and then be debriefed. There was a nice surprise for some when prizes were handed out,
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News kindly donated by some local businesses. Thanks to the sponsors.. Overall it was a great day. We were all hot and sweaty by the end of the day and we also saw some tracks that we would not otherwise have got to, had some fun, met some members from other clubs and even got down and dirty where necessary (the cars, I mean!). The great success of the day was the amount of rubbish located and plotted to GPS coordinates for future collection during the second phase of the Clean Up The Bush Program. Andrea Gwynne Just Mates 4x4 Club
Briefing on the day’s activities
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Sponsors and supporters for GFWDC & Just Mates 4x4 pilot trial 2014 Action 4x4 Warragul Machining and Mechanical Baw Baw Garden Supplies & Equipment Hire Legible Signs Phoenix Screen Printing D-Line Smash Repairs Rokeby Crossover Friends Group Office Choice - Select Office BrownWigg Warragul Towing AutoBahn
Some of the vehicles involved in the trial
The activity was supported by a number of sponsors
BUSH CLEAN-UP PROGRAM - GETTING INVOLVED October 2014 - Bush Clean-Up Program announced November 2014 - Rubbish Search Trial December 2014 - Collection Trial and Program Launch March 2015 - Rubbish Collection
Clubs will be emailed with details of this event. When the program is fully operational, Clubs will be able to muster larger numbers of members/vehicles to participate in the program.
At the FWD Victoria AGM 20 FWD Clubs committed to the project, agreeing to provide 2 vehicles each for the next trial.
For further details contact FWD Victoria office at office@fwdvictoria.org.au
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News
L to R: Wayne Hevey, GM FWD Victoria, John Partridge, former Board Member FWDV, member of Victorian 4x4 Club, Ryan Smith, Minister for the Environment, Geoff Ablett, Liberal Candidate for Cranbourne, Lou Catherine and Steve de Mamiel
PRESS RELEASE: Napthine Coalition driven to support 4WD Victoria ° Re-elected Napthine Coalition to provide $2.5 million to Four Wheel Drive Victoria • Funding will support Four Wheel Drive Victoria to care for the environment • Napthine Government is building a better environment our Wheel Drive Victoria will receive a $2.5 million boost under a re-elected Napthine Government to support its volunteer programs that help care for the environment.
volunteers clean up rubbish dumped on public land;
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith today joined Liberal candidate for Cranbourne, Geoff Ablett to announce the $2.5 million investment which will deliver greater environmental outcomes and encourage responsible four wheel driving.
• Investment in track maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition, are safe and that the impact on the environment is managed. This also improves important access for emergency services during fire season; and
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“The initiative will see volunteers from Four Wheel Drive Victoria using their outdoor skills and knowledge of the bush to help care for and protect our environment,” Mr Smith said.
• A 4WD track classification system that helps visitors understand the difficulty of a trail;
• The ‘Recover Me Please’ program that capitalises on the skills of experienced 4WD volunteers to assist fellow fourwheel drivers.
Mr Ablett said that in its first term, the Napthine Government has built a strong partnership with Four Wheel Drive Victoria, which has delivered results that benefit the environment. “The Napthine Government has worked with Four Wheel Drive Victoria to deliver great programs that keep campsites clean, maintain tracks and look after the bush,” Mr Ablett said. “The group’s volunteers also work tirelessly to help during bushfire recovery efforts. “The Napthine Coalition remains committed to working in partnership with volunteer groups, such as Four Wheel Drive Victoria, which are willing to roll up their sleeves and help care for the environment,” Mr Ablett said.
“This army of Four Wheel Drive volunteers will clean up rubbish that has been dumped on public land and help clear tracks to ensure they remain accessible.” The Napthine Government’s $2.5 million commitment over four years will support Four Wheel Drive Victoria to deliver: • Further investment in the established Clean-Up The Bush program where
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Volunteers help clear tracks in Snowy River National Park
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Club Spotlight
Land Rover Owners’ Club of Gippsland
Twentieth Anniversary n October the Land Rover Owners’ Club of Gippsland celebrated its Twentieth Anniversary. The club was formed after discussions between Frank O’Neill (the first club President) and Ray Massaro (Massaro Motors Gippsland Land Rover Dealer Principal) and originally consisted of Massaro Motors customers. Other Land Rover owners soon joined the club; many of those folk still holding membership. At the October 2014 meeting special badges recognising ten, fifteen and twenty years of membership were presented.
I Volunteers from the Victorian Four Wheel Drive Association are being thanked for their fantastic efforts to help clear tracks in the Snowy River National Park recently. 18 members of the Pajero, Land Rover and Range Rover Clubs from the Association helped Parks Victoria staff members to clear the tracks ahead of the Melbourne Cup weekend. Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge, Dave Burton, said the annual track clearing event had been running since 2007 and was a tremendous help. “Prior to the seasonal road closures in the Snowy River National Park being lifted, there is a lot of work to be done to prepare the tracks for visitors ahead of the busy Melbourne Cup weekend. It’s obviously important to ensure the tracks are safe to use, and having them accessible to visitors during this period and leading up to summer is important for local businesses and tourism. The volunteers do a tremendous job in helping to protect the parks and keep visitors safe by removing fallen trees and branches from the tracks, undertaking risk assessments of the track conditions, and helping identify and remove pest plants such as new infestations of Patterson’s Curse,” he said. “This year, the group cleared the Deddick Trail, Monkey Top, Warm Corners and Bowens Tracks before converging at McKillops campground for the night. “The event is a great opportunity for Parks Victoria staff and volunteers to learn from each other and share experiences. I think everyone really enjoys the opportunity to work in such a remote and scenic location too. “We’d like to remind visitors that trees affected by fire may pose a greater risk than normal, and streams and rivers may be more prone to flooding. “Visitors need to check the accessibility of roads and tracks with the Parks Victoria Information Centre prior to planning their trip,” said Mr Burton. Parks Victoria press release
Prior to the formation of the club all prospective members were given free driver training at Anglesea. The first club trip was run by current President Greg Rose. The trip was into Huggetts Crossing on the Avon River where further driving techniques were demonstrated by Ray Massaro. On the first trip all the vehicles were new Discoverys, Range Rovers and one new 110. A re-run of the first trip was held on October 12th. Two convoys of vehicles left Maffra after a short briefing. Mike Dower, Ranger In Charge Alpine National Park, Wonnangatta Moroka, a guest of the club, congratulated the members on their achievements in responsible four wheel driving and assistance to Parks Victoria.
Wayne Hevey, General Manager Four Wheel Drive Victoria presented Club President, Greg Rose with a plaque celebrating the twenty years of the club and its association with FWDV. area wandered past to see what was going on. The two convoys left the caterers and their helpers to pack up and crossed the Avon River continuing on the original route and arriving back in Maffra after four; some headed off to watch the last couple of hours of Bathurst and others continued to reminisce about twenty years of friendship and four wheel driving.
In brilliant sunshine the groups headed into Huggetts Crossing using most of the original route. The vehicles on this occasion included Discoverys from series 1, 2, 3 and 4, Defender 90s and 110s, a Range Rover, a Range Rover Sport and two ex military Perenties. All club members have Land Rover vehicles. At the Huggetts camping area, in the welcome shade of the tall eucalypts, a small group of club members and professional caterers had a spit roast lunch, hot and cold drinks, a selection of desserts and a specially decorated cake waiting for the sixty people at the event. Following the lunch, before people nodded off in the sun or splashed about in the river, Wayne Hevey, General Manager Four Wheel Drive Victoria presented the club with a plaque celebrating the twenty years of the club and its association with FWDV. The birthday cake was then cut by original club President Frank O’Neill and current President Greg Rose.
Geelong Branch of Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Victoria celebrates 30th anniversary Originally established to cater for Toyota owners in Western Victoria the Geelong Branch of the TLCCV recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. While now accepting all makes of 4WD, the club continues to complement its parent Club providing trips, community service and social activities for members. Birthday celebrations were held at the Club property at Yarck, extending all weekend with displays and memories of the early years.
The goannas that frequent the camping
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Bairnsdale Regional Representatives Meeting - October Clubs and Organisations represented at the Bairnsdale Regional Representatives meeting. Four Wheel Drive Victoria, Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria, Wimmera 4x4, Yarra Valley 4x4, Toyota 4x4, Land Rover Owners’ Club of Gippsland, Bendigo 4x4, Bairnsdale 4x4, Macalister 4x4, Just Mates 4x4, Gippsland 4x4. From the Department of Environment and Primary Industry. Suzette Fullerton, Matt Long, Jan Radic, Judy Alexander and Erica Findlay. From Parks Victoria. Will McCutcheon, Matthew Holland, Mike Dower, Dave Foster, Bart Smith, Andy Gillham, Ray Cranston. The second Regional Representatives Meeting for 2014 was held in Bairnsdale on the weekend of the 18th and 19th October. In keeping with the format of the last few years Saturday was a drive hosted by
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the local four wheel drive club and local land managers. People from all over the state met at the DEPI Offices in Bairnsdale at 9:00 for a 9:30 start. Following a welcome and briefing from Greg Corfield, Bairnsdale 4x4 Club, the group divided into two convoys of seven vehicles each for the day’s driving. Greg
Corfield led the first group and Graham Harris led the second. After a drive through the vegetable growing rich river flats of Lindenow, the convoys travelled along the Dargo Road passing new fencing and burnt trees that are the aftermath of the devastating Mt Ray bushfire. The convoys travelled on
Bairnsdale Regional Representatives Meeting - October Wallers Road to Billy Goat Bend and the spectacular view from the lookout platform down into the Mitchell River was a highlight of the morning tea stop. Wayne Hevey and Matthew Holland had left the first convoy to take a small dog they had found in a soft-jawed trap to the vet in Bairnsdale. Some members of the second convoy were able to watch a stag slowly walking up the track in front of them before heading into the bush. Lunch was at Mitchelldale. The group used an MVO track off the Angusvale Road to access the area, which had been a farm, prior to being left to Parks Victoria and absorbed into the Mitchell River National Park. The Bairnsdale 4x4 Club help maintain the area. It is a superb location on grassy flats beside the river with a fire pit, toilet, shady trees and the old, almost hut design, farmhouse. After a leisurely lunch the two groups travelled to Angusvale where Matthew Holland, Parks Victoria, explained the management strategies and issues associated with the high use camping area. Tour over, it was back to Bairnsdale for most folk to get ready for dinner at the Bairnsdale Club. These Saturday drives serve two purposes. One is allowing people to experience the “back yard” of the host club and travel in new country. The second is the informal discussions and idea sharing that takes place between people from clubs around the state. The Sunday formal meeting started at 10:00. Before the meeting Dave Mapleson from the Gippsland 4x4 Club had set up, in the carpark, a display board with photos, maps and details of the Clean-Up the Bush campaign. Will McCutcheon, Parks Victoria District Manager East Gippsland welcomed the attendees and introduced the large number of personnel from the Department of Environment and Primary Industry and Parks Victoria. Members of Four Wheel Drive Victoria and four wheel drive clubs introduced themselves to the gathering. The minutes of the previous meeting at Halls Gap were read by Dave Roberts and passed.
sumed Dave Mapleson (Mapo to most people), Andy Gillham from Parks Victoria and Wayne Hevey, General Manager FWDV, were interviewed on camera for a WIN TV news segment on Mapo’s Clean-Up the Bush pilot program. Jan Radic from DEPI spoke about fire killed ash and the difficulty of managing the dead trees, and the danger they will present to bush users for many years to come. Suzette Fullerton from DEPI spoke about forest management in the Latrobe Region with an emphasis on the historic aspects of the area. A recently discovered link to Chinese miners during the gold rush times has created great interest. Mike Dower and Dave Foster from Parks Victoria gave a presentation on the work undertaken in the Alpine National Park and the importance of good relationships with all user groups. Mike highlighted the important volunteer work being carried out by four wheel drive clubs. Mike also gave an update on the grazing trial at Wonnangatta, which will be in the second year of the three year program this summer. Following a quick lunch break Wayne Hevey and Dave Mapleson from the Gippsland 4x4 Club explained the Clean Up the Bush campaign. Wayne spoke about the very positive meeting
they had with Ryan Smith the Minister for Environment and his enthusiasm for the project. Dave outlined the technicalities of finding, GPS plotting, photographing and recording rubbish in the bush. Once identified and plotted the rubbish can then be safely removed at a later date. The pilot program begins in November. Graham Harris commented that Dave was a hard act to follow as he outlined the work and activities of the Bairnsdale 4x4 club. Prue and John Hasler gave a wellresearched presentation on the diverse and interesting Toolangi Ranges. An area rich in flora and fauna and home to the rare Leadbeater’s Possum. The plight of the historic Old Omeo Coach Road was discussed by Alan Sellars, who voiced his concern that this link with our past may gradually deteriorate beyond a point at which it could be repaired. Wayne Hevey provided an update on the work of the 4WD Advisory Committee. One of the key points being that clubs could make much more use of the MVO permits scheme. After discussion and items of general business the meeting formally closed with thanks being paid by Damian Stock, FWDV President, and others to those who had organised yet another very successful gathering.
Matt Holland and Bart Smith gave a presentation on the Camp Host Program. Bart emphasised the importance of Camp Hosts and the image they present to the public as responsible club members, representatives of Four Wheel Drive Victoria and volunteers for Parks Victoria. Morning tea was taken at 11:00 and while drinks and biscuits were con-
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FWD Victoria
President’s Report 2014 President Damian Stock reports on a positive year for Four Wheel Drive Victoria n my first year as Association President, having taken over from Carol Reed in September 2013, I have been witness to a number of changes in the Association, its Member Clubs, the Association office and its staff. While it is hard to say what the full impact will be of these changes long term it is clear that much of what has happened has been quite positive, if feedback received so far is any indication.
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Even this report is indicative of some of the measures the Association has taken during the year to become a more efficient organisation, spending our funds on matters of importance to our members and stakeholders. While a professionally produced glossy report looks great, it does not create value so we have aimed this year to present to you, our Members and stake holders, the information you need about the Association, without any unnecessary padding, to explain the Association’s position as it stood at the end of the past financial year. We hope that you
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will appreciate our reasons for being conservative with the production of this document. Immediately after last year’s Annual General Meeting, after receiving strong feedback from the Association’s membership, the Association Board undertook a deep internal review of the Association’s finances. Assistance for this review was obtained from some experienced Association members and from outside experts. The result of this review was a decision by the Board to implement some serious austerity measures. Another decision, after much soul searching, was to dispense with the position of CEO. The result of these actions, as well as some other changes within the Association office, will be evident in the financial report at the end of this document, showing a much improved financial position for the 201314 financial year. The changes in the administration of the Association have been significant, not the least being the decision to move for-
ward with a smaller office staff. While we cannot understate the contribution made by our former CEO, Russell Sturzaker during his time with the Association, the financial position the Association found itself, due to a smaller government grant in the previous year, meant that this position could no longer be afforded. The decision was made to dispense with the position and to elevate Wayne Hevey, the Association’s Events Manager, to the role of General Manager, reporting to the Board. Following a further review of the Association office, it was decided to do away with the Marketing Officer’s position, a part time role that did not seem to be achieving its stated objectives. We appreciate the efforts of Peter Hepworth who originally joined the office in a volunteer capacity. The result of this has been an increased workload for the three remaining members of the office staff however all programs have been delivered as planned. From an Association membership
President’s Report 2014 position, we have seen a small increase in the numbers of affiliated clubs and memberships within those clubs, despite an increase in virtual clubs in the form of online forums, where four wheel drivers can participate in club like events without any structured club membership being required. While this can sound attractive, the risk associated with involvement in these activities cannot be underestimated. We are pleased that clubs are continuing to be attracted to the Association, and that existing clubs are maintaining their membership numbers. It is a key objective of the Association to continue to promote the virtues of club and Association membership, especially with regard to the insurance protection provided, as this is a key differentiator between our Affiliated Clubs and those that are unaffiliated or only available on the internet. We are also working hard to assist our Clubs to attract new members and to retain their existing membership base through the public promotion of the Association and the member clubs. Our involvement in public promotional events this year included the Wandin Field Day, Leisurefest and the National 4X4 Show, and we expect this to increase during the coming twelve months. In a number of these events we were joined by our valued partners, Parks, DEPI and Affinity Insurance as well as a number of clubs who took advantage of the opportunity to directly promote themselves to the public. We have seen an increase in the number of non-traditional, non-transfer case all wheel drives, or soft-roaders, on the market over the past twelve months. The owners of these vehicles have not, so far, been interested in joining a traditional four wheel drive club, possibly due to their vehicle capabilities or, more likely, due to the reasons behind their purchase of their selected vehicle. As an Association we are acutely aware of the growth in this sector and we are investigating ways of attracting these owners to the Association, into existing clubs, or into clubs formed to address their specific needs. While this is still a work in progress it is one of the key initiatives that we will be moving forward with into 2015. While we need to look forward, we must also acknowledge some key contributors to the Association in 2013/14. After many years of service to the Association our Trackwatch Editor, Graeme Walsh, has finally stepped down to enjoy his retirement. We are all very much appreciative of the excellent, high quality work that Graeme produced in every edition of Trackwatch as well as in the other important roles he performed within the Board.
During the year we were disappointed to lose the services of Eric Bishop, our Secretary, who took up an important community service role in PNG, managing the construction of healthcare and other services facilities on behalf of our foreign aid program. Fortunately Eric’s shoes have been admirably filled by Neil Chalmers. We were also pleased to finally fill the position of Treasurer through the appointment of John Farlow to the position. I am sure that many of you would now be aware of the excellent work being performed by these two Board Members and I am much indebted to them for filling these important positions.
“It is a key objective of the Association to continue to promote the virtues of club and Association membership, especially with regard to the insurance protection provided, as this is a key differentiator between our Affiliated Clubs and those that are unaffiliated or only available on the internet.” We must also acknowledge Ian Ross, Chris Kershaw, Michael Martin and Steve deMamiel who have all joined the Board this year with Steve filling the vacant position of Vice President. I am looking forward to a continued great contribution from these new Board Members in the coming year. Steve will be focusing on the redevelopment of the website and our outbound communications as a major activity for 2015. Apart from the ETU, Tracks and Regional Representatives sub-committees, we have also established a Finance and Business Sub-Committee with the intention of achieving improved fiscal management and re-developing the existing business plan, to address the evolving needs of our ever-changing Association. We also have a couple of Board Members, Lou Catherine and Colin Oates, who have been consistent contributors over a couple of board terms. While Lou is half way through a second two year term, Colin will be completing his second term of service at this AGM. I would like to thank them both for their continued service through some trying times within the Board. I am looking forward to the output of a rules review sub-committee, which Lou is currently chairing, as these are important guidelines by which the Association operates. I wish Colin well for his future pursuits outside of the board, and I hope that he makes the most of the increased leisure
time to enjoy our great pastime which I am sure he will do. The efforts of the Association membership have been apparent this year in a number of areas, not the least being the clean-up work undertaken in the Seaton and Grampians areas after the late summer bushfires ravaged these areas. These efforts have been acknowledged in a number of ways by our government partners and stakeholders. In the keynote speech at the Parks Victoria “Shaping Our Future” event Doctor Bill Jackson thanked the Association for being such a valued partner to his organisation. The Environment Minister, Ryan Smith, when reviewing the Association grant, also acknowledged the great work reported in our DEPI – PV Funding Progress Report (Key Performance Indicator Report). The subsequent receipt of our $200,000 grant, three months earlier than normal, also highlighted the desire of our government stakeholders for us to continue, uninterrupted, with the important work we have been doing. This shows that we create significant value for these stakeholders and, in return, we achieve unprecedented access to the state’s network of tracks. In the coming year we will be working with our government stakeholders on achieving additional recognition for the efforts of our volunteers. We have already had some very positive discussions with both the Environment Minister and the Land Managers on ways of achieving this recognition in a more sustainable and predictable format. We expect to move forward with this in earnest after the coming state election when the government should hopefully be in a better position to implement its programs, especially those involving our Association. We have been working diligently on our relationship with the National Four Wheel Drive Council as we jointly explore opportunities for leveraging the greater purchasing power of a national membership base, just one of the benefits of our Association being affiliated at a national level. We were also able to leverage the healthy financial position of the National Council as we recovered from the deficit we carried forward from the previous year. I am personally indebted to the members of the National Council for the faith they have shown in our Association and the financial program we have implemented. Similarly, we were buoyed by the support shown by the Clubs, late in the financial year, when a request was made for early payment of their affiliation fees. While we were not expecting 100% participation in this program, we were extremely pleased to receive
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President’s Report 2014
Peter Dwyer – The Great Communicator
around 50% of our expected fees in advance of the due date. This advance payment allowed the Association to continue operating without drawing on additional National Council funds or being in a negative financial position at the end of the financial year. Some of our clubs have achieved significant milestones this year with a number of these anniversaries being in the range of thirty to forty years. We congratulate these clubs, as well as those celebrating lesser anniversaries, for their continued participation in the Association and service to their members. We are looking forward to helping more clubs celebrate significant anniversaries in the coming year. knew Peter Dwyer, (Big Pete), for more that fifteen years but it wasn’t until his recent memorial service that I learned that there was much more to the man than I had gleaned in the time we spent together socially and professionally, and sometimes very publicly. Many others at the large gathering were equally unaware of the many facets and phases of Peter’s life and the range of experiences, activities and contributions Peter made over his lifetime.
We have had some excellent attendances at Association events during the year with meetings being conducted not only at the Association offices but at regional locations including Bright, Horsham and Tatura. We have endeavoured to make these meetings as informative as possible while still making time available for the club’s delegates to mingle and exchange knowledge about their clubs and activities with each other. We expect to maintain the same program for the coming year, with possibly a slight decrease in the number of meetings, cognisant of the many external demands being made on club delegates and presidents time.
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In closing, I would like to personally thank the Association clubs for their continued support of the Association Board and Office staff. I have been honoured to lead a very competent team over the last twelve months, and am looking forward to continuing in the role of Association President for another term, if agreed to at the Association’s AGM. My aim in continuing in the role will be to oversee the continuing improvement in our financial position and the further development of our relationships with the clubs, our government stakeholders, the National Council and our commercial sponsors.
Peter was born in Melbourne, and raised and educated in the eastern suburbs, leaving Burwood Technical School after the fourth form to take a job with the railways at Elsternwick station, becoming one of Victoria’s youngest relieving station masters. A part time job with a Blackburn panelbeater brought in a little extra cash. Then Peter was called up for National Service, and after training at Wagga Wagga was transferred to the RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) at Puckapunyal in the Tank Regiment. No doubt in the 18 months Peter spent in the Army his interest in communications was sparked.
Damian Stock President FWD Victoria
Peter married Suzanne not long after leaving the Army, and back with the railways was appointed train controller again and a part time job with a major electrical retailer where his passion for servicing radios and televisions was aroused. Now living in South Croydon and with two daughters Julie and Kristy, he enjoyed tinkering with televisions in his spare time and started Peter Dwyer Television Service, the first of many businesses he would establish.
I spoke with his family, friends and a range of associates to put together this outline of Pete’s lifetime in communication that may fill in some of the gaps in the knowledge of many people who knew him.
By 1973 he had so much TV work he quit the railways and formed Telstat
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Communication with Roger Thomson. Citizen’s band radio had just become popular so their business grew rapidly and his TV rental business was also successful. Telstat serviced marine electronics and communications on the Esso Bass Strait oil rig service vessels at Barry’s Beach. About then Pete bought his first boat. After a marriage breakdown, Pete moved his business to Ramage Street, Bayswater as it grew and then to Whaler’s Cove, later to become Patterson Lakes Marina, the largest marina in Victoria. He specialised in luxury boat electronic and communication fit-outs as Telstat Marine Communications owning several boats, upsizing until he bought a river cruiser that did not fit with the other more modern craft in the marina. The Diamantina moored at Paynesville was perhaps the most grand, with its teak handrailing and spiral staircase, at home on the Gippsland Lakes. Peter was the archetypal captain, skipper’s hat and all, chatting with the coastguard and playing with every instrument he could want. With the acquisition of many dealerships in communication equipment, including Codan, the main focus of the business moved to long distance communications for terrestrial use, and the business relocated to Seaford where it grew to servicing major national companies including APT and AAT Kings, BHP North, Spirit of Tasmania, and even worked on the movie, The Man From Snowy River. Around this time Pete was drawn to the Four Wheel Drive industry, and like all the other business interests he had, it became a pastime as well. He was a member of the Nissan 4WD Club and later joined the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Vic) and ultimately was elected President of that club. I met Peter when we both were asked by Ron Moon to work on the first FWD
Outback Challenge at Broken Hill. Peter knew the Hill from his outback comms work and set up the communications for the event. I sat with Peter each night of the event calling up the various Stage Managers to receive and record the day’s results.
By then Peter had purchased a Piper Cherokee Six aircraft, (because obviously he didn’t have enough interests), and flew photographers and cameramen over the Outback Challenge courses to record the event. Peter was by then on the board of the Royal Victorian Aero Club and was soon to be elected President of that August body too. While President he steered the RVAC through one of its most difficult periods with the aviation fuel crisis of 1999 and modernising of the Moorabbin clubrooms and new carpark, all while working hard on his own business at Telstat. Stuart Rushton, an aero club member who often flew with Peter to many remote and distant outback locales, recalls that the aircraft emergency rations were no match for Pete, particularly the high energy lollies – thankfully the emergency rations were never needed! Pete used aircraft as a tradie would use his ute. Peter often ran open days at Seaford
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where he would have major comms dealers present their latest products, and often both four wheel drive and aero club members would attend, invariably in large numbers as Peter was a good host. As Peter would say in his usual booming voice behind the microphone, “Mate, this is bigger than Ben Hur!” The FWD movement had grabbed Peter’s commercial and personal interest and he became a strong supporter of FWD clubs, putting on industry displays and donating prizes for fundraising, but he is more recently remembered for his development of the FWD Radio Show. This grew from a segment he hosted on Glenn Knights Saturday morning Outdoor Show, where I joined him after having met him at the Outback Challenge. We would chat about the latest vehicles, speak to sponsors and bemoan the lack of access to FWD tracks. From time to time Pete would organise a trivia night at a suburban hotel and some great prizes were to be had along with much fun and entertainment. Peter was an old hand behind the microphone, having done many late night music shifts, Australian country and western featuring of course, on 3AK, and I believe earlier on 3AW, as radio stations were known then. He would chuckle as he told a tale against himself about spinning a long music track in the wee hours and slipping outside 3AK’s Richmond studio for a smoke, only to forget the studio had a self locking door. The studio manager was not impressed with the early morning call! When 3AK - then 1116 Sports Radio -
changed their format, there was no place for the Outdoor Show or us four wheel drivers, so Pete called up an old mate, Rod Boyd at Stereo 974 FM, and on Saturday mornings, with Pete behind the microphone and operating the panel, the Four Wheel Drive Show was born. It was quite daunting at first, with fifty minutes of editorial to find and prepare after having only about 10 or so minutes at 3AK, and new sponsors to recruit. Under Pete’s management the show became an outlet for FWD Victoria news, track access news and discussion, talkback competitions, and FWD Club promotion and news with guests from clubs and sponsors. As it was often promoted, it was the only FWD show on radio, but after five years Peter, Alison McLaughlin and I decided that we needed our weekends back, and in the absence of volunteers to continue the show, it folded in 2009. Pete was winding down his businesses and wanted an easier life. Retaining a small part of Telstat, he sold off the rest and moved to west Gippsland with Marion a little over a year ago, where he soon became part of the community, joining the local CFA and providing a regional radio comms service, and maintaining some clients of the Telstat empire. He had found the lifestyle he had been seeking and was the most relaxed I had known him to be, but his time had come, and he passed peacefully at home on 7th September, 2014. Mate, Big Pete was bigger than Ben Hur. Ian Lacey
From the archives
TLCCV collected more than 40 bags of rubbish at the Ninety Mile Beach
VAFWDC took part in a number of major bush clean-ups in the eighties. Pictured - some of the action.
Peter Sherlock of the Cross Country Jeep Club with another car body
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Clubs Working with Parks Victoria 8th Annual Snowy River National Park Track Clearing with Parks Victoria
“The volunteers do a tremendous job in helping to protect the parks and keep visitors safe by removing fallen trees and branches from the tracks, undertaking risk assessments of the track conditions and helping identify and remove pest plants such as new infestations of Patterson’s Curse,” Ranger in Charge Dave Burton said. Ranger David Butterworth, the sole Park Ranger based at remote Bendoc commented that the 4WDers had achieved more in the weekend than he had hoped for, and this would save him a lot of work
Background In 2007, the then Parks Victoria Ranger for the Snowy River and Errindundra National Parks, “Wing” Hagger had contacted John and Prue Hasler, members of the above three clubs and Four Wheel Drive Victoria’s Regional Representatives for Far East Gippsland, to see if they could organise a group of club members to assist in clearing the 4WD tracks the weekend prior to the track opening on Cup weekend. A small group travelled from Melbourne that weekend, camping on his property at Bonang on the Saturday night and clearing the Deddick Trail and some other tracks. The success of that weekend led to the annual event with up to 40 club members participating. Ranger in Charge at Orbost, Dave Burton has been involved since 2008 and Ranger David “Butters” Butterworth from Bendoc for at least five years. Tracks cleared over the years include the Deddick and Bowen Trails, Monkey Top, tracks on Mt Tingaringy and in the Errinundra NP. A special event a few years ago was the clearing of Moonkan Track which is a long closed MVO
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Track. This ridge top track was deemed too significant to allow a machinery clearance but important for fire access, so we undertook this clearance. All clearing crews are accompanied by a Parks Vic Ranger. Camps have included “Wings“ property for a number of years, Goongerah, McKillops Bridge and on the track in the bush. Travelling the 380kms from Melbourne with some coming from Bendigo, some members have been involved for a number of years, often
involving different generations of the one family. Not only do club members enjoy assisting Parks Victoria maintain access for the public and fire fighters, they appreciate the remote bush experience, learning from the Rangers and the challenges they face. An unfortunate feature of this year’s trip was the extensive bushfire damage to the Snowy River NP earlier this year.
25th & 26th October 2014 If you love some challenging 4-wheel driving (don’t we all?). If you love getting on the chainsaw and getting dirty. If you love working hard in a team environment and achieving something that you didn’t think possible at the start of the day with a bunch of friendly, like-minded people. If you love sitting round the campfire at the end of the day and telling everyone how big the trees on your track were. If you love all that then the annual East Gippsland Track Clearing Weekend is for you.
Photos by Kellie Mortlock Pajero Club
Organisers John and Prue Hasler from LROCV, Range Rover Club and Pajero Clubs together with Tony Jambu from the Pajero Club once again partnered with Parks Victoria Rangers to organise the clearance of some of Victoria’s iconic High Country tracks in time for Cup opening weekend. Eighteen club members met at the Orbost DEPI/Parks office at 8:00am and Dave “Burto” Burton took us into the board room for an informative presentation on the January/February/March fires complex that burned through 75% of the Snowy River National Park. Such was the danger that the authorities made the difficult decision to bulldoze large tracts of the Deddick Trail to ensure that trees could not fall on 4 wheel drivers passing through. It was either that or close the park altogether. With the job safety briefing completed and compulsory hard hats organised, we were set for a busy weekend. The 3 groups would clear the Deddick Trail from south to north, Monkey Top, Waratah Flat Road and the Bowen Trail, each led by a Ranger.
Bowen Trail Travelling north to Warm Corners, we turned on to the Bowen Trail. With “Butters” joining us from Bendoc, the first few kms of track were more or less undefined as they had been grown over with grass. It was quite surreal driving through the forest, only the gap between the trees and the GPS to guide us along our way. Once past Mt Tower and Sailor Boy Gap we started to encounter a few trees across the track, but nothing too taxing. 5 or 10 minutes on the chainsaws and we were on our way again. The driving was very enjoyable, Bowen Trail basically being a ridge line drive for the first half, and some extremely steep, rocky and challenging sections. Joining with the Waratah Flat group we headed off towards McKillop’s Bridge. Eventually we came to a steep hill with a very large tree across the track at the top of the hill. There was only one direction this was going to roll once it was cut so we had to get all 10 vehicles up the hill above the tree before work could start. Once the tricky manoeuvring of vehicles was completed we got to work. Butters and Ranger Aaron, with their big Stihl 660’s and 24” bars made short work of the tree, and before we knew it a couple of large logs were tumbling down the hill. But both logs stopped in the middle of the track about 50m below us. Damn! Butters cut through the last section of tree and before long it too was hurtling down the track. The latter log barrelled straight into the other 2 logs at the bottom of the hill,and like giant ten pins they went
scattering in all directions and clear of the track, and a cheer went up from the crowd. To our amazement all groups converged on McKillop’s Bridge within 10 or 15 minutes of each other, just after 7pm. Tents went up, BBQ’s cranked into action, and eventually we congregated around a nice fire for all of the day’s war stories and to listen to Burto, Butters and Aaron talk about the challenges that they face running a large national park. What a great weekend, and it was a pleasure to work with the 3 rangers, Burto, Butters and Aaron…great guys with plenty of experience between them, who know the country like the backs of their hands and love it with an unbridled passion.
Deddick Trail The Deddick Trail (a feature of every clearance trip) did not disappoint with interesting driving, scenery and long views. Fortunate that there were not as many trees over the track as had been predicted, the chainsaw operators and wood clearing teams were still kept busy all day. Led by Dave Burton, we travelled into Campbell’s Knob on an MVO Track to retrieve a camera that had been monitoring the results of feral cattle eradication after the fires. The cattle had been in the area for many years and had evaded authorities until the fires
removed their cover. On the Gelantipy Plateau we saw the recent work of a contractor who had walked a D7 dozer in via Reeds Track and Bowen Trail to the Deddick Trail. All burnt trees within 2 tree lengths of the track had been fallen and moved off the track making it safe. The impact of the fires was widespread. It was wonderful to see some pockets of unburnt bush, and some areas were sprouting green again. However many hillsides were denuded of vegetation with black sticks all that remained of the bush. As we descended into the Deddick River Valley there was discussion about the appearance of the noxious weed, Patterson’s Curse. There were some small outbreaks along the track, probably brought in on the tracks of fire fighting vehicles. Some were weeded but more work was to be undertaken later by Parks Vic to remove these plants before they became widespread in the Park.
Sunday On Sunday morning two groups left the camp area to continue track clearing. One group tackled the harder Collings Track and Bowen Trail, travelling over the Pinnacles and Mt Tower, to Warm Corners then down Clems Track to Boundary Track before meeting up with the second group. This group was led by Butters and cleared Willis Road, Reeds Track and Boundary Tracks. After enjoying some low range driving in the bush and dealing with track closed signage, we all met back on McKillops Road for a quick lunch, air up and farewells before the long trip home. Thank you Thank you to Rangers Dave Burton, David Butterworth and Aaron once again for their organisation, leadership and company in the bush. By Prue Hasler and Andrew Mortlock
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Club Spotlight Members of the Yarra Valley 4x4 Club clear tracks in Far East Gippsland 19th - 23rd October 2014 Parks Vic. Rangers - David Foster & Deb Cross Yarra Valley 4x4 Club - Peter W (organiser), Peter A, B1 and Francis, B2 and Lyn, Paul B, Graeme G
Sunday 19th We headed in after visiting friends in Gippsland on Saturday and arrived at Native Dog Flat to find Peter A, Graeme and B1 and Francis setting up. Later that evening Peter W and Paul arrived after finishing at the Regional Reps meeting held at Bairnsdale, Camp fire, dinner, chat and headed to bed reasonably early, ready for the next morning’s work but were very lucky to be awoken with the sound of hooves as the brumbies came to investigate who was in their campground.
Peter Aartsen, Paul Beatson, Ranger Dave Foster & Graeme Geelan estimated to be over 44 inches in diameter.
Monday 20th Dave joined us in camp ready for a 9am start, and after a briefing and paperwork formalities we headed off to clear some tracks. We started on Cowombat Flat Track, which is seasonally closed to a car park with the majority of the track being Management Vehicles Only (MVO). This is the pay back for the work we do with some amazing views and as Lyn said : “isn’t it great not having to worry about oncoming vehicles?” Light duties with the convoy moving reasonably quickly until B1 lost a bolt out of his shocker and after about 10 minutes with repairs completed we continued onto morning tea at Cowombat Flat. What we now know is a frost hollow. After the cuppa, we moved on to explore Cowombat Flat and into NSW to see the ruins of an old station hut. We then looked at the differences between
a fenced off habitat that allowed natural flora and fauna to flourish without horses interfering with it compared to the balance of the area. We then headed down another MVO track up to MácFarlanes Flat, which was heavily vegetated and I felt every touch on the 200 series. As I was recovering from the trauma it was time to get the saws out and start some serious
We arrived in camp at 9:30pm for a sit around the fire (not sure where we found the high quality firewood) and antipasto, muscat and port saw us finish just after midnight-ish.
Tuesday 21st clearing rather than just pulling debris off the road. Lunch was organised at the corner of Cobberas Trail. We led the next part of the trip with only 20.8 kms till the “The Playgrounds” campground and then an easy return to camp of 8 kms. At 1:30pm there was still hope of a roast for the night. Well the debris was the same but the trees were getting bigger. My saw was playing up so we were down to the two Peters and B1’s saw to get through these trees. With steep tracks and large logs, safety was paramount as we started to remove the fallen trees. About half way along the tracks we hit 6pm and thoughts of the roast had seen it postponed till the next evening, and we continued to push through until dusk. Clearing debris off the track was punctuated more frequently with larger trees and as the sense on inevitability drew closer, we were destined to find the grand daddy at 8:45 pm. With sawing in the headlights now well-rehearsed, Peter A and his 22-inch bar attacked the trunk and only just made the second cut to get through the width. B1 then had to use a drag chain to break the log, and as we rolled the pieces away he took the lead and surprise, no more stops. The tree was
Dave arrived in camp around 9am and informed us the other ranger that was to join us was ill and in any event he would let us have an early day after last night. We headed off for Forlorn Hope track (MVO) into the Buchan Headwaters Wilderness Zone, hoping to make it down to the gorge at the end of the valley. Some trees offered a challenge but not as bad as last night and we had morning tea half way along the track to the creek. We kept pushing on and crossed the Buchan River that continued from next to our camp and headed down the track. At around 1pm Dave called it a day with another monster tree on the track, so with only 11 k’s of clearing, we headed back to the creek for lunch. After lunch we headed back to camp and said our farewells to Dave on Limestone Black Mountain Road as he headed off to another Ranger meeting that evening. We had a flat (on the road tyres) and pumped up the tyre in the hope it was just a leaking valve. We packed up and started to head for home when the tyre was flat again and B1 plugged the tyre for us and we said our goodbyes (gotta hate this work business). We left the group at 3pm as
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track. We all enjoyed some steep ups and downs until we came to a tree half way up a steep pinch. This tested the fitness for all of us and required some skillful cutting by Peter A, and careful catching by B1 The track was mainly clear from here on with only the occasional stop for debris removal required. We stopped on the road near the turn off to The Poplars Campground to look for fossils in the rocks in the road and found several. The convoy then headed back to camp after another successful day with a short detour via the Helipad near The Poplars Campground. The hours worked added up to 166 hours over three days, including the 12 hour marathon on Monday.
Ranger Deb Cross with Peter Aartsen, Graeme, Bruce & Frances Unmack & Paul Beatson at the Helipad they were getting ready for roast.
Wednesday 22nd
As we were heading out another flat tyre from an errant screw so another plugging and we headed home with no more excitement.
Deb arrived and led us down the Limestone Creek Track to clear a large tree near the seasonal closure gate.
Bruce Kerr and Lynn
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Whilst Deb and Graeme complete a sign audio in the campground the rest of us tackled a large fallen tree, approx. 25 inches in diameter. Graeme turned up in time to drag the pieces off the
All of the participants enjoyed the trip especially working with the Rangers and look forward to doing it again. The Rangers were very pleased with the efforts and also hope to do it again next year. Thanks to all who helped. Peter White
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Club Spotlight In mid-November, 2014, members of Midweek 4WD Club spent 3 days track clearing for Parks Victoria along Buckwong Track, Davies Plain Track and McCarthys Track in preparation for the official seasonal track opening of the area on 1st December.
Track Clearing on Davies Plain
Buckwong Track n mid-November, 2014, members of Midweek 4WD Club spent 3 days track
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clearing for Parks Victoria along Buckwong Track, Davies Plain Track and McCarthys Track in preparation for the official seasonal track opening of the area on 1st December. Members made their way up from Melbourne to Omeo individually on the Monday. Late in the afternoon, the convoy formed up and moved out to camp overnight at Buenba Flat. In the evening as we yarned around a cheery fire under a starry sky, wild dogs howled in the nearby hills. The dogs were still howling next morning as we packed up. We retraced our route until we reached Mount Hope Road, which we then travelled along until reaching the start of Buckwong Track. We had been expecting to meet Jethro Bangay, Ranger Team Leader from Omeo at Buckwong Hut. However, when we found our way blocked by a fallen tree, we assumed he was delayed. He arrivedshortly before we finished clearing the tree off the track. Moving on to Buckwong Hut, we affected proper introductions and completed the necessary induction procedures and paperwork over a cuppa and then made the climb up the Buckwong Track to the
junction with McCarthys and Davies Plain Track and Misery Trail, stopping occasionally to deal with minor track blockages. One of the main aims of the work party was to widen the tracks to their full width wherever a tree had fallen or wherever a previous driver had done a minimal (Suzuki cut) just sufficiently wide enough for their vehicle. Where we found Suzuki cuts or other minor obstructions, we had sufficient team members to allow for some to be allocated the clearing task while the remainder leap-frogged to tackle the next obstacle. Occasionally we came to major obstacles where work was found for all. We reached Charlies Creek in time for lunch and the lead vehicles caught glimpses of a brumby stallion ambling away from the grassy flat. Parks Vic staff recently had to make a temporary detour around a bog that has redeveloped in the track surface at the south end of the campsite. We spent the afternoon clearing the remainder of Davies Plain Track up to Davies Plain Hut. En route, from the vicinity of the turnoff to Kings Plain, we caught sight of large snow drifts on the craggy peaks in the area around Mount Kosciusko. It was a tired crew who set
up camp around the hut. Jethro then faced a 3 hour drive along mount tracks to return to Omeo. During the night a mob of brumbies came into the campsite to feed on the short grass. They snorted, stomped, pranced and galloped right up to the vehicles and tents over a period of hours before finally melting back in the tree cover shortly before dawn. The early morning was cool and steam rose off the vegetation as the sun penetrated into the little valley below the hut. Mike brought out professional chain sharpening gear and sharpened all of our saw chains before we set off. Just 2.5 km after breaking camp, we entered a mountain ash forest and soon encountered a tree fall of massive proportions. This one was soon judged to be beyond our resources so we pushed on towards Tom Groggin, descending through a variety of forest environments en route. We had a late lunch at the campsite alongside Buckwong Creek, not far from where it joins the Murray River. The stream was (by now), a much bigger watercourse than we had first encountered away up at Buckwong Hut. Later, we stopped to show some of the team their first glimpse of the ford over the
The big one!
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Murray River near Tom Groggin. It was interesting to note how the ingress and exit points had been graded and crushed rock had recently been rolled into the track surface on both river banks. A large party from a South Australian 4WD club was already in residence by the time we reached Dogmans Hut on the boundary of Tom Groggin Station, so after a brief rest, we opted to return to Buckwong Hut for the night, travelling up the Tom Groggin Track and via the Mount Hope Road. The heavily rutted sections of Tom Groggin Track running parallel to Tom Groggin Station have also been repaired in the last 12 months. The upper reaches of the Tom Groggin Track are gradually becoming overgrown by the surrounding heavy undergrowth. On Thursday, we again made the climb up the Buckwong Track to the junction with McCarthys and Davies Plain Track
and Misery Trail. After a brief foray along the upper reaches of Misery Trail, we began clearing McCarthys Track. We finished clearing the latter in a few hours and then made a brief visit to the Murray River at the Poplars. Whilst we had seen quite a few wildflowers in bloom as we moved about, this area in particular was carpeted with massed displays. At least 11 different species were noted along the short track down to the river. By now, the weather was looking threatening so we headed off along Limestone Creek Track. It was time to leave the mountains. It had been an interesting few days of satisfying work and great camaraderie. It had allowed some of us a return visit to favourite high country tracks and it had allowed an introduction of that country to other members. Geoff Kenafacke November, 2014
Davies Plain Hut campsite
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News
Vehicle Safety Recall Nissan Motor Co. (Aust) is recalling Y61 Patrol, D22 Navara and T30 X-Trail vehicles built between April 2001 and June 2003. Nissan has identified that the front passenger airbag inflators may have been manufactured out of specification. This defect can create excessive pressure within the inflator during airbag deployment and may result in abnormal deployment. Nissan is currently contacting owners of affected vehicles to inform them of the recall. If your vehicle is covered by this recall, please contact your Nissan dealer to book your vehicle in for replacement of the front passenger airbag inflator. If you have any further enquiries contact Nissan Customer Service on 1800 988 334.
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Feature
PART 2
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Driving in the Gregory National Park with the Midweek 4x4 Club
Fish Hole campsite – Wickham River Camp at Depot Creek
Shortly after breaking camp next morning, we reached the southern end of Broadarrow Track and the Park Boundary, defined by a closed gate and a boundary fence. We continued south on a track through station property. The scrub sometimes closed in around the track and a number of small termite mounds appeared either in or immediately adjacent to the wheel tracks. There was also considerably more (taller) grass between the wheel tracks than we had experienced within the Park. Finally we reached the Buntine Highway and zipped along it towards Kalkarindji. A few kilometres short of that destination, the road traverses higher ground and this afforded us wider views over this section of the Victoria River.
En route, we took time to take a look at Black Gin Waterhole. Further along the route mustering was in full swing at Black Gin Yards. We noted big sheds and outbuildings as we passed the homestead ringed by tall shady trees. The Park Boundary was reached shortly thereafter and we began moving along Gibbie Track, moving up the valley of Gibbie Creek. Camp was made when we reached Paperbark Yard. We voted this the best campsite in the Park. A large flat, shady area had recently been mown, thus affording us a considerable number of tent sites. There was also a large open-sided shelter, trestle seats, water tank, stainless steel sink, fireplaces and two sets of toilets and showers. Unfortunately, the plumbing was not connected to the showers at the time of our visit. Adjacent to the camp, below a steep bank, laid a long, deep pool of Gibbie Creek. On Day 5 we continued exploring along Gibbie Track. We made a number of easy creek crossings (usually dry). We saw mobs of wild cattle and donkeys.
Gibbie Track view The hills enveloped us as we drove north. Brilliant fresh green spinifex matted the lower slopes and rocky ramparts towered along the skyline on our side of the creek. Unfortunately, the hills on the other side of the creek had been subjected to a fire of great intensity, leaving only the blackened slopes. Eventually, we reached a track junction. The track continuing straight ahead goes through station property, finally reaching Humbert River Station. We struck west onto Wickham Track, immediately passing an old small cattle yard, before reaching the towering thicktrunked, old, weeping paperbarks defining the banks of the Wickham River
Some of the members left the convoy at Kalkarindji, to begin the long return journey to Melbourne. The rest of us refuelled, made purchases from the well-stocked store and some made a short visit to the nearby art store. A couple of us also availed ourselves of the opportunity to have a shower at the little caravan and camping ground. After lunch, the now smaller convoy moved north along station tracks crossing the vast Mount Stanford Station.
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at the recognised campsite known as Fish Hole Yard. The Wickham was flowing freely and very clear but not deep or wide and we pulled up on the pebbly bank for morning tea. This site is actually on Humbert River Station and people currently make camp alongside the stream. There are no facilities there. Apparently, the Parks Service and Humbert River are currently working towards establishing a formal campsite near this crossing. Whilst we did not actually see it, Depot Creek actually joins the Wickham River a few kilometres upstream of Fish Hole camp after draining a considerable area of country to the southwest. We contemplated it being a very significant watercourse at the stream confluence as it had been a considerable watercourse when we had camped on it at the bottom end of Broadarrow Track. About 12 kilometres upstream from Fish Hole, we also passed the remains of Dingo Yard. Later on Wickham Track moved back into the Park, travelling generally west towards the northern end of Broadarrow Track. We noted several signs indicating sacred sites along this section. The signs indicated persons going into such sites without permits would be subject to fines of up to $20,000.00. For a short time we were on river flats but we gradually moved away generally travelling through lightly forested country.
Bullita Outstation homestead
Eventually we reached the junction with Broadarrow Track and turned north where we shortly retraced our tracks over the Jump-up and continued back along the Wickham and Humbert Tracks to camp at Bullita Campsite. This lies beside deep pools on the East Baines River and it offers fire places, some picnic tables and chairs, a water tank and toilet. It is shaded by a variety of trees including boabs. It is the most popular campsite within the Park and we shared the space with quite a few other people. While in this vicinity people should avail themselves of the opportunity of inspecting the nearby Bullita Outstation. This is a well preserved little pastoral outpost, complete with attendant outbuildings and a reconstructed set of cattle yards. The interpretive information and historical records adorning the walls of the homestead are worth reading. Day 6 involved a traverse of the Bullita Stock Route (except the side excursion into Drovers Rest). This track follows part of the route cattlemen used to take to move cattle overland to Wyndham in Western Australia. It is a one way track beginning at Bullita campsite, owing to the fact that a crossing on the East Baines River and a jump-up further on, can
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only be negotiated from the one direction. Rocky sections meant slow travel in some areas and some places saw drivers offering advice on wheel placement to the following driver. Boab trees line some of the ridges along the track. Ultimately, the road between Bullita and the Victoria Highway is reached about 26 kilometres prior to the latter. Our convoy turned south towards Bullita and made a brief detour on the side road leading into Limestone Gorge. The camp at the end of the gorge was presently closed due to flood damage, but there are interesting geological features along the way, and the convoy visited the first two such features. The first of these are the Tufa Dams. These are naturally formed dams in the creek, formed by calcium deposits laid down over years when the water flows during the Wet Season. The second spot visited was the Calcite Flow Walk. Here, a reef of Stromolite fossils can be viewed as you make your way to the frozen calcite falls. Particles in the falls glisten in the sunlight. After that, it was time to head off back into Timber Creek, having completed a most interesting 6-day trip. Navigating in this territory is not very difficult because you generally don’t have the option of going off the established tracks. Members of our group were variously running Garmin, Magellan, Navman GPS units and an assortment of Hema Navigators. The amount of detail available to us varied from unit to unit. The only topographical paper maps (and electronic versions of the same maps) are at a scale of 1:100,000 and they were created in the early 1970’s. Few of the tracks existed at the time, and they have not been updated to show the present network. The only map indicating most (but not all) of the present network is an insert on Hema’s Top End and Gulf Country. Geoff Kenafacke Midweek 4WD Club August, 2014
PROFICIENCY COURSES
CHAINSAW COURSES
December 2014
December 2014
Friday 5th (PC141206)) - Nth Balwyn
Wednesday 3rd (CS141206 Theory - Nth Balwyn
Saturday 6th (PC141206) - Werribee
Saturday 6th (CS141206) Practical - Tallarook Sunday 7th (CS141206) Practical - Tallarook
2015 February 7th - Nth Balwyn
2015
February 28th- Tallarook
February 19th, 21st & 22nd
March 14th
April 16th, 18th & 19th
March 29th April 11th March 14th
MAP READING & GPS COURSE February 20th March 20th
OZIEXPLORER COURSE Thursday 4th (OZ141204) - Nth Balwyn
FOR ALL BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES PHONE (03) 9857 5209
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Products
Survival Optics Sunglasses/SOS Eyewear hits Australia SOS Eyewear, the US brand of choice for active outdoor enthusiasts, has arrived in Australia, with the establishment of its new Melbourne based dependency. SOS’s unique engineering combines active sunglare reduction paired with maximum strength Grilamid TR-90 nylon frames and polycarbonate lenses to additionally protect the eyes from virtually anything that could be coming your way, no matter what you’re up to.
Bear Grylls wears SOS Expedition The durability and strength of SOS Eyewear make the SOS style, ‘Expedition’, the eyewear of choice, during filming and in action in Man vs. Wild and Running Wild, for survival expert Bear Grylls. The Expedition is a serious piece of outdoor kit created to protect your eyes and to enhance your adventure.
Ultra lightweight and completely wrap around, with a padded vented soft face gasket, the Expedition fit so snug you hardly notice you’re wearing them. This is vital for long hours under harsh conditions and they won’t slip off your face and disappear into the ocean or fall down a rocky slope never to return. And if in doubt, the Expedition comes with a floating adjustable neck cord to hold them around your neck. Expedition’s entire matt black composite shock frame is Dupont rubber coated making it non slip, hard wearing, water, debris and impact resistant. And if you do take a face plant, or a rock flicks up, the durable rubber frame and padded face gasket will give you the added protection you need. The unique frame qualities are complimented by the shatter resistant, smoke tinted, 2.2mm thick, polycarbonate lenses which reduce sun glare by blocking 100% of the UVA and UVB radiation and reduce eye drying infra red, a major cause of dry, itchy, fatigued eyes. Polycarbonate is the material that bullet proof windows are made from. Anti scratch and anti fog coatings have been added to the optical correct de-centered lenses (ensure maximum clarity and reduces eye fatigue) as well as a hydrophobic finish to actively repel water, dust and any manner of dirt and grime which could spoil your outdoor experience. Discount The good guys at SOS Eyewear believe that quality eyewear should not cost a whole lot of money. They want us to get out there and use them. The Expedition, for example, is priced at RRP$89.90 and that’s a lot of cool tech in a stylish protective frame. Best of all, SOS Eyewear are giving all our members and readers a 15% discount off any style, just use the coupon code 4WDVIC in the cart at www.survivaloptics.com.au
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ARB LED Head Lamp
In a market flooded with head-mounted lights, ARB has developed a state-ofthe-art LED Head Lamp designed to deliver true freedom in any Outback adventure. Ideal for the campsite, vehicle recovery and breakdowns, or any time you need additional hands-free lighting – ARB’s new LED Head Lamp is the ideal companion for adventurers who always find themselves in tough situations. ARB’s LED Head Lamp – now available in stores – constitutes an innovative design and impressive features, combined with quality construction and excellent value. The high-intensity, 5W, 6500K Cree LED headlamp – equipped with multiple lighting modes – is specially designed for the outdoor adventurer, delivering a maximum 300-lumen output with a run time of up to 7 hours. Whether you're cooking dinner at the campsite or rappelling off a multi-pitch route after the sun goes down, this mega-bright headlamp’s multiple modes allow you to customise your lighting needs to fit any situation. Setting 1 provides a powerful 300-lumen beam with approximately 3 hours run time, setting 2 offers a power-saving 180-lumen beam with around 7 hours run time, and setting 3 provides even further power saving with its flashing mode. Designed for pure convenience, all three modes are accessible via one simple-to-use button.
DBE 180-SX Battery Management Isolator Piranha Off Road Products has released its most intelligent dual battery isolator ever in the new DBE180-SX. This Aussie made isolator is rated to 180amps, includes full spike and surge protection and is manufactured from durable plastic/nylon casing that will stand up to the rigours of Australian bush travel. The advanced electronic circuitry is designed to measure the starting battery first and ensures it stays charged before charging the auxiliary battery. It will also ensure the main battery can’t be drained by a load on the auxiliary battery. RRP $425.00 www.piranhaoffroad.com.au
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Travel
Travelling
BINNS TRACK our wheel drive club outback trips tend to be to the same places every year. The Simpson Desert, Canning Stock Route, the Cape, etc. If you or your club are looking for something a bit different give some thought to Binns Track.
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An initiative of the Northern Territory Tourism folk, Binns Track runs from the Mt Dare Hotel in South Australia to Timber Creek in the north west of the Northern Territory. If you travel the whole track it is 2191 kilometres. Over its length, the track covers a wide variety of terrain from bulldust and sand to rocks and river crossings. Binns Track can be neatly broken into three stages. One of the advantages of a track like this is that if you have limited time you can do the journey over a couple of years completing a section at a time. Stage One; from Mt Dare to Alice Springs, this section traverses the Finke River floodout country with its long stretches of fine bulldust, the historic Old Andado Homestead, the Mac Clark Conservation Reserve and sweeps along the red dunes at the edge of the Simpson Desert and into the colourful Rodinga Range, Train Hills and Allambarinja Range before passing Santa Teresa Community and finishing in Alice Springs. This leg is 421km long. Stage Two; from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek. This is a longer and much more remote leg. The Binns Track route takes you from Alice Springs to Ruby Gap via historic Arltunga, swings back to the Pinnacles Road to Gemtree on the Plenty Highway, continues past Harts Range and then heads north to the Davenport Ranges and then west to the Stuart Highway, the Devils Marbles and Tennant Creek. A total distance of 979km.
by Greg Rose
National Park makes up for that. The distance for this leg is 748km. Binns Track is not difficult. However, much of the country, especially on the second leg, is quite remote with few places to get fuel and supplies and even less chance of mechanical repairs. To do the track you really need a reliable high clearance four wheel drive like a Patrol, Land Cruiser, Defender or perhaps a dual cab ute. Good outback touring tyres and two spares are essential as most of the roads will be gravel with some tyre killing rocks and lots of corrugations. The bulldust north of Mt Dare and the SA / NT border can be treacherous at times. The Bundey River crossing near Derry Downs in the middle section is loose sand, followed by a narrow track and rocks for a few kilometres. The Humbert River is slow going with some very sharp rocks to negotiate.
Davenport Ranges and the Old Police Station Waterhole on the Frew River for example. Gregory National Park is a fantastic place to explore. The weather can change dramatically along the length of the route as you travel a long way north in the journey. The best time to travel is during the winter months. There is plenty of wildlife to see along the track. Wallabies, kangaroos, all types of lizards, magnificently patterned perenties and a huge number of bird species. The vegetation changes too from spinifex desert country to the tropical growth in the far north of the track.
Vehicles should have some form of reliable long distance communication; satphones or HF radios for emergencies. We did not see another tourist vehicle for four days of camping and travel in the middle section in early September.
Not officially part of Binns Track the Mac and Rose Chalmers Conservation Reserve (Tower Rock) is well worth an extra day’s detour. The reserve is the newest in the Northern Territory having been established up in 2011. The reserve is entered from Mt Swan Station north of Harts Range and there are signposts to it on Binns Track. $10 per vehicle gets you unlimited camping among the spectacular granite boulders. Apart from two pit toilets and some marked walks, there are no facilities at Tower Rock.
Accommodation options along the track are limited so you really need to be a self-sufficient camper. Take plenty of fuel, food and water. The Binns Track can be completed in ten days, but we would recommend that you take longer. There are places worthy of at least a couple of night’s camping. The
Binns Track is very well signposted throughout its whole length. There is plenty of information on the track. The official Northern Territory route guide can be downloaded. The Outback Travellers Track Guide to Binns Track is all in strip map form. The tracks are covered in Hemas Desert Tracks maps.
Stage Three; Tennant Creek to Timber Creek. This leg has some bitumen kilometres to put up with but the Humbert River Track and the boab trees and limestone formations in Gregory
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Product Review Victoria The High Country Atlas and Guide, High Country Victoria map 8th Edition. Both published by Hema. Recommended retail price: The High Country Atlas and Guide, $34.95, High Country Victoria map, $14.95. Review by Greg Rose am lucky enough to live in a small Gippsland town that is one of the gateways to the Victorian High Country, particularly the Dargo area. On busy weekends and public holidays large numbers of four wheel drivers head through town. They often stop at the bakery, the butchers or the supermarket. Sometimes we have a conversation that worries me; it goes like this. “Excuse me mate, are you a local?”
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“Yes”, is my reply. “Great, how do we get to Wonnangatta (or Billy Goat, Blue Rag, Mayford, Grant, etc.) from here?” “Grab your map and I’ll show you.” “We haven’t got a map”. Oh dear! I must confess I am a mapaholic, but to venture anywhere without proper maps is asking for trouble. It’s even worse when the reply is, “Can you show me on Google maps on my phone?” There are dozens of different maps of the Victorian High Country, and now Hema have come up with a neat Atlas and Guide to add to their series of similar books. The area covered is from Mansfield east to the Snowy River National Park. Chapter One gives a brief overview of
the aboriginal and European history of the area, the geology and flora and fauna. The second chapter, Planning the Trip, includes information on books, maps, climate, places to stay, Alpine driving tips, responsible camping and minimal impact four wheel driving. Chapter Three, Things To See & Do describes places to visit and activities available in the High Country. In Chapters Four, Five and Six the High Country is divided into three sections and destinations are described and cross-referenced to the twenty-four map
pages in the Atlas section. There are twenty-five specific four wheel drive treks in the guide. Two pages are devoted to each one. The text describes the route and a side bar gives details of distances, fuel, travel time, campsites, contact details and warnings. Each double page has a map of the drive and accompanying photographs. My only criticism of the trip pages is that the grading is too general with only two track classifications; green, all wheel drive, and red, low range high clearance. In the introduction it is mentioned that conditions can change due to weather. The spiral bound, one hundred and sixty page, Guide and Atlas is a very good introduction to the Victorian High Country. Hema have also released the 8th Edition of the High Country Victoria paper map. Printed on both sides of waterproof paper, the map is divided into eastern and western sections. The map, in 1:200,000 scale, is very detailed and easy to read. Now, if only some of the weekend adventurers who stop in town had the book or the paper map, I could show them where to go without resorting to drawing a map on the ground with a stick.
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Insurance
Events
The Journey... or the destination?
TLCCV CRUISERKHANA ENTRIES OPEN!
eading out to the bush on your next four wheel drive trip, you are looking forward to a fun day; you have decided to take a couple of friends along in the vehicle with you to make it a fun and social day. You begin packing the essentials; recovery gear, first aid kit, the fridge and the food and finally everyone starts adding their “little bit” until there is barely enough room for anyone to sit.
Entries are now open for the annual Toyota Land Cruiser CruiserKhana. Competition weekend is 20th – 22nd March, 2015 and is expected to be another spectacular event with a large number of Victorian Clubs and privateers expressing early interest. Most sponsors have already signed up and the prize pool will exceed $12,000. As the number of entries to be accepted this year has been lowered, it is strictly a case of first in, best dressed for this event. All you need to do is access the CruiserKhana web site, which is www.cruiserkhana.com.au and once you have submitted your application form, associated paperwork and payment your entry is live. Entry costs are on the web site. It is important to note that most events need a navigator, and if they wish to camp on a separate site they will probably be in a different area due to space limitations. Weekend packages include entry, camping and a 3 course meal on the Saturday night. Day entries are available for a nominal price. Further details call Neil Chambers on 0419 520 810.
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Remember, most vehicles will drive differently when you have a carload of people and their gear so you will need to drive accordingly. Some thought should be given as to how you will pack each of the above items in or on your vehicle, because overloading your vehicle can be just as dangerous as not taking along the right gear in the first place. The extra weight can cause poor balance and unnecessary stress on your vehicle, so try to pack accordingly, being careful not to overload. Ultimately, which tools, equipment, and spare parts you take along will depend on where you are going and for how long. It is extremely important to keep all of
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the items you've loaded in your vehicle securely strapped down or safely stowed away, because loose items could become projectiles when you make a sudden stop or take off a bit too quickly. You should use heavy-duty straps (not bungee cords) to secure items in your vehicle. Contain and strap down anything that will hurt if it hits you. Remember that all supplies inside your vehicle should be contained in some way that will prevent bodily injury, especially if you are driving through rough terrain or hill country. Plan to enjoy the day, allow extra time so you don’t have to rush, and remember what it is like as a passenger in the back seat especially on winding roads and hills. Is the purpose of your trip simply to get to a destination or is it more to enjoy the journey and the friends you are spending time with? *Note: If you invite non-members along on your club trip, remember to take out a Temporary Membership for your guests to ensure compliance with your club’s rules as well as ensuring they will have all the insurance coverage of a full member in the event of any incident. Safe travels