October november 2015 by Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc

DRIVE

www.subaru4wdclub.com general@subaruclub.com.au

TORQUE

October - November 2015

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY SUBARU & RECREATIONAL 4WD CLUB INC

Way Points Committee Reports -

President Subi Club Awards Information Officer Editor Public Relations

Ian’s Shop Club Shop Trip Reports - Camp Oven Cook Off Recipes Gunning FIreworks Wine Tasting Weekend Travel the Great Ocean Road Junee & Surrounds Bunnings Fundraiser Clubs 40�� Birthday Footy Tipping Future Fun Trip Gradings Convoy Procedures Minutes - Club A-Z of National Parks

5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 28 32 33 40 41 43 44 45 46

Committee President – Julie Rush president@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 0409 307 381

Vice President – Mark Honor Ph: 0418 406 118 vicepresident@subaruclub.com.au

Secretary – Cath DeSantis secretary@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 0413 474 630

Treasurer – Sandra Moss treasurer@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 0438 276 012

Membership Secretary–Karolyn Honor Ph: 0459 111 096 membership@subaruclub.com.au

Public Relations – James Wall publicity@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 47362619

Editor – Julie Rush editor@subaruclub.com.au

Trip Convener – Mark Honor Ph: 0418 406 118 Trip Convener – Troy Strickland Ph: 0409 908 977 trip_convener@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 0409 307 381

Information Officer – Jo Quinn Ph: 0409 771 019 technical_officer@subaruclub.com.au 4WD Assoc. Delegate – Evan King Ph: 0402 411 742 4WD Assoc. Delegate - your name here delegates@subaruclub.com.au Webmaster – Troy Strickland Ass. Webmaster – Evan King webmaster@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 0428 408 568 Ph: 0402 411 742

Fundraising – Gillian Wall fund_raising@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 47362619

Driver Awareness – Brian Flood Driver Awareness – Brett Atkins 4wdtraining@subaruclub.com.au

Ph: 0425 270 385 Ph: 0412 208 874

Sergeant-@-Arms – Robert Moss Ph: 9820 2128 sergeant-at-arms@subaruclub.com.au Catering Officer – Karen Campbell Ph: 0430 842 101 catering@subaruclub.com.au

Social Convener – Sandi Strickland Ph: 0414 870 168 social_convener@subaruclub.com.au Public Officer – Paul Sistrom

Public Officer@subaruclub.com.au

General Meetings Place:

Ermington Community Centre 10 River Road Ermington

Postal Address:

PO Box 161 Parramatta NSW 2124

Email Address:

Date:

Second Friday of each month Meeting starts 8pm Finishes approx 9.30pm

Web:

www.subaru4wdclub.com

general@subaruclub.com.au

LUCKY MEMBER JACKPOT UP TO $140 - must be in attendance to claim prize. Next meeting 11 December

Committee Meetings Committee Meetings are held on the Tuesday prior to the general meeting starting at 7.30pm at the homes of committee members – all members are welcome to attend. Please contact the President for details of location each month.

In an emergency Club Personnel appointed as first contact in the event of a problem on a trip: Troy Strickland 0409 908 977 Mark Honor 0418 406 118

Trip Reports Have you been asked to write a trip report for the magazine? Don’t panic, it is not that hard. It doesn’t have to be a novel, just an interesting description of what happened on the trip is fine. A list of trip participants and the cars they drive is important. Also, the sooner you write it after the trip, the easier it is to remember everything that happened. Forward it to the trip leader asap so they can then send it on to the editor. Trip leaders, it is up to you to select someone to write the Trip Report for you. Whether you ask a specific person, ask the group if someone would like to, toss a coin to choose or use the old tradition of last person to the meeting point; that’s up to you but please have someone selected, preferably early in the trip so they can take notes if they wish, but definitely by the end of the trip. Please remember to also encourage keen photographers on your trip to send their best few photos to the editor, high resolution images work best.

Happy Birthday - October/November Ray Stanborough Jean Hocking Cathy Hird Steve Lamb Brittany Atkins

Damien Lauric Bob Ronai Geoff Adcock Sandra Worton

Mark Honor Brian Morgan Ethan Lucas John Young

Shahni Quinn Jessica Dalkolmo Isabelle Flood Chris Mifsud

President’s Report What a great 40�� Birthday we had a few weekends ago at Majors Creek. It was great to see lots of members there and fabulous to catch up with some ex members like Ben, Dennis & Karen and Josh. There was certainly some fun with the photo booth and Shahni did a great job ‘dressing’ everyone up for their shots. The hall at Majors Creek was certainly the perfect venue for this occasion and I’m sure will be somewhere we will go again in the future. These events don’t come together without a lot of hard work and there are some serious thank yous that need to be said: . Jo, for all her help in researching venues and her ‘stone’ souvenir jars; . Troy, for putting together a great slide show of photos from over the years; . Jason, for putting together the music for the night; . Geoff, Ben & Bernadette for their fabulous speeches; and . Mark and Karolyn for all their hard work in getting the food organised for the night. It’s not an easy task and they did a superb job with nibblies, spit roasts, salads and pavlovas. Thanks also to all those who helped put up decorations, set up and clean up - your help was very much appreciated. Check out all the photos and more in this magazine. The Club’s annual Christmas Party is fast approaching - it’s never too late to get your name down. We will be heading up to Myall River Camp at Hawks Nest for a very relaxing weekend. Saturday night dinner will be a communal affair with everyone providing something to share. Keep an eye out for some ideas from Sandi soon. I believe she has some ideas for some games for us to play so it should be a weekend full of laughs. If you can’t make it to the Christmas Party join us at the December meeting for a sausage sizzle and maybe a little xmas cheer! Im sure we will have some great hampers up for grabs in the last raffle for 2015. Our Lucky Member Draw is also up to $140-00. Craig’s going up to Lostock again from Boxing Day until after New Years. This is a great spot and the river should be great after a few ‘cleansings’ over the last 12 months . Australia Day 2016 will be on us before we know it after that and Jo is taking us down to Grady’s Riverside Retreat for an extra long weekend or even a day trip if that works for you. There’s plenty of room in the calendar for whatever trip you want to run, contact the Trip Conveners. In the new year we will be having a general meeting devoted to running trips, where to go, what you need to be aware of as trip leader, how to go about it and more. Can’t believe I’m saying this already but I’d like to wish everyone a very merry christmas and a happy new year - safe holidays where ever you may venture. Look forward to catching up with you on a trip soon.

Cheers

Julie The Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club, its Editor and the Committee accept no responsibility for opinions expressed in this magazine, nor for the accuracy, veracity, safety or legality of any product or modification. Material for publication should be submitted to the Editor NO LATER than the dates advised. Photographs should be high resolution and include a descriptive caption, if applicable. The inclusion of photos with trip reports is especially encouraged. Information can be sent to the Editor by email to editor@subaruclub.com.au.

SUBI CLUB AWARDS I mentioned at an earlier meeting that we would be starting up a points system this year and bringing back an Awards Night which we haven’t had for many a year. Below are the points you can earn for various things, these points will be tallied from AGM to AGM - so you still have plenty of time to start earning! 1 point - attending a meeting (make sure you sign in) 1 point - giving a trip report at a meeting 2 point - leading a day trip 3 points - leading a 2-4 day trip 4 points - leading an extended trip (5 or more days) 1 point - attending a day trip 2 points - attending a 2-4 day trip 3 points - attending an extended trip (5 or more days) 1 point - writing a trip report 2 points - if the report gets to the Editor within 2 days of the trip 1 point - for sending photos of a trip to Editor 2 points - if the photos reach the Editor within 2 days of the trip 1 point - for a magazine article Lots of opportunities for everyone to earn some points. From the 2016 AGM, members will also earn 1 point for taking on a committee position. Holding more than one position does not mean additional points. They will also not receive points for committee reports submitted for the magazine but they will still be entitled to points for any other articles sent to the Editor. Note: A committee member who runs trips as part of their normal committee position cannot gain a points advantage from performing their normal duties. This applies especially to Driver Awareness and Social Convener, eg. The Driver Awareness Officer who runs a training day will get 1 point only for attending the trip. They do not get an additional point for leading the trip. eg. Social Convener who runs a 'Xmas Party’ will get 1 point only for attending - no additional points for leading the 'trip'. However, should either run another trip outside their position, then points for attending and leading will be earned by that person as this trip is not part of their normal activities.

CLUB CALENDAR for full details see Future Fun on pages

November

Driver Awareness

No Name Trip

December

Club Xmas Party

Lostock Dam Stop & Plop

January

Meeting - Barefoot Bowls

Happy Birthday Australia

Plenty of room in the calendar so pick a date and run a trip! Future Fun and the calendar in this edition of Drive Torque are correct at the time of printing. For the latest calendar information, see the club’s website: subaru4wdclub.com. Members wanting to join a trip should register on the Club’s website. Please remember to check with the trip leader a day or so before the trip to allow the trip leader to advise members of any changes or cancellations. Don’t forget to advise the trip leader if you need to pull out.

Information Officer’s Report It’s your shout! Useless But Interesting Facts on our Aussie Pubs: Just in time for the Festive Season, I have dug out some interesting facts on one of our famous Aussie icons - the pub! Many a pub makes the bucket lists of travellers all over Australia; the oldest, most northerly, most southerly, most remote, highest etc. Many of our outback pubs have withstood floods, cyclones, wars, The Depression, booming goldfield eras to the only establishment in a now deserted “town”. Architecture ranges from elaborate sandstone masterpieces to those purely built of corrugated iron. The quirky Aussie sense of humour and the desire of Aussies to have a beer or 2 over a yarn, have seen many of our outback pubs turn not only into tourist attractions, but also in many cases, an accurate reflection of the history of that particular area. Many outback pubs have walls adorned with anything from bank notes, Akubra hats, bras, business cards, photos, signatures & number plates which not only add to the unique charm, but also commemorate those that have passed through & downed a coldie. As many strive to survive in harsh outback environments and remote locations, a quirky ”claim to fame” is promoted for a particular establishment. The below are useless facts related to our pubs, but many are quiet interesting! . 69% of hotels/pubs/taverns etc are located on corner blocks. . Tasmania’s Bush Inn is the nation’s oldest continuously licensed pub. . There are only 25 absolute beachfront hotels in Australia. To be considered a beachfront hotel you must be able to walk from the pub to the beach without crossing a roadway or some one else's property. . Australia's only underground hotel is Coober Pedy's Desert Cave Hotel . “The Royal” is the most common name for a Pub in Australia, with 242 establishments bearing that name, followed next by “The Commercial”, with 137 venues named as such. . 0.02% of the Australian land mass is used by mines. More land is occupied by pubs . Pubs named after animals: 13 Bulls, 11 Dogs, 9 Horses, 7 Cows, 6 Ducks, 2 each of Frog, Parrot, Goose, Rabbit, Pelican, Crow, Kangaroo, Wombat, Emus, Hound. And 1 Wallaby, Cat, Koala, Cockatoo, Cattle Dog, Bird and Dingo. . In 1954, Bob Hawke was immortalised by the Guinness Book of Records for drinking 2.5 pints of beer in 11 seconds. Bob later became the Prime Minister of Australia . Daly Waters Pub in NT festooned with bras & foreign bank notes & thong tree outside, is the oldest pub in the Territory, quenching thirsts since 1893. . The Silverton Hotel is probably the most easily recognisable Outback pub in Australia, having featured in numerous television adverts and played a part in movies like Mad Max, A Town Like Alice and Wake In Fright among many others. . The Billi Pub in historic Billinudgel, is the former home of Australia's oldest publican, a woman by the name of Mar Ring. She was publican for 53 years until the age of 101. She taught former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke how to pull a beer, and was awarded an M.B.E. for community service. . Nindigully Pub is Queensland’s oldest Hotel. . Legend has it that Australia's best known and much loved national song and the nation's unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda, was sung for the very first t ime at the North Gregory Hotel in outback Winton in north-west Queensland. . The William Creek Pub is located smack bang in the middle of the world's largest cattle property, Anna Creek Station which, at 23,800 sq kms is almost half the size of Tasmania. . The Exchange in Kalgoorlie holds the record for the biggest volume of Jim Beam sold in regional WA. It was originally

constructed as a shed in the late 1800s. . The town of Noccundra was established in 1882 due only to the construction of the Noccundra sandstone hotel. . Mungerannie Hotel is the only stop over on the 528km long Birdsville Track . The first beer cans were produced in 1935. . The Royal Hotel in Eromanga is the furthest Australian pub from the sea . The Humpty Doo Hotel has the largest set of buffalo horns in Australia on it’s wall. . Kulgera hails to be the “first & last Pub in the Territory” . The pub at Barrow Creek was the first built along the Stuart Highway . The neon Blue Heeler on the roof of the Blue Heeler Hotel in Kyuna Queensland, was a gift from the XXXX brewery for the pub’s 90th Birthday. . The Cuttabri Wine Shanty in the Pilliga began life as a bark hut in the early 1880’s & is now the only remaining operating wine shanty . The Grove Hill Hotel just north of Pine Creek, established in 1936 has only ever had 3 licensees. . The Ironclad Hotel is just that - clad in iron. It is located in Australia’s hottest town, Marble Bar . The Larrimah Hotel boasts the highest bar in the Northern Territory, at 181.04 meters above sea level to the top of the bar. . The Overland Corner Hotel is the oldest surviving Hotel built along The Murray River . The Silverton Hotel is Australia’s most photographed pub. . The last pub in NSW is the Tattersalls Hotel & it has had only 3 owners in it’s 100 year history. There is also no television in the bar. . The William Creek Hotel is the only corrugated iron Hotel still trading in South Australia. . Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass. . Adelaide River Inn is the permanent home of Charlie the Buffalo, whom Mick “Crocodile” Dundee hypnotises in the 1986 film. . Three hours outside of Townsville, lies the Oasis Roadhouse or Australia’s smallest pub . Located a whopping 1488 metres above sea level, the town of Cabramurra, NSW is home to the highest elevation pub in the country and located within the Kosciuszko National Park . If you’re in Queensland, at a property bearing a New South Wales address, a South Australian phone number and a nine-hole golf course with three holes in each of those three states, there’s only one place you could be — the Cameron Corner Store and hotel. A man walks into a bar with jumper cables. The bartender says, "You can come in, but don't start anything!" Wishing everyone a safe, happy & fun Festive Season. Travel safe & spare a thought to some of our hard working publicans in the middle of nowhere as you raise a schooner or two!

Jo Quinn

Editorially speaking … Another issue finished and the last one before christmas, I cannot believe we are almost at that time of the year again. In future editions, I’d like to include articles on: • Member Profiles - why you got involved in four wheel driving, how long you have been members of the Club, what 4WD you drive, favourite trips and camping spots, what you do for a living (or to sustain expensive hobbies!) etc. If you find a Member Profile in your inbox please answer the questions and return same with a favourite photo of yourself and your vehicle • Campground reports - been to a great campground lately - tell us all about it. • Your Recipes - have you got a winning ‘fivesies’ treat or a favourite camp oven meal that your family requests time and time again. Share your secrets and send in a photo. • Other Ideas - this is your magazine and I want to provide stories/articles about things that interest you and/or others in the club. Let me know if you have an idea. If you have any suggestions, story ideas or constructive feedback, please send me an email to editor@subaruclub.com.au

Julie

You must be joking…… A woman in a supermarket is following a grandfather and his badly-behaved grandson. He has his hands full with the child screaming for sweets, biscuits, all sorts of things. The granddad is saying in a controlled voice: "Easy, William, we won't be long . . . easy boy." Another outburst and she hears the granddad calmly say : "It's okay William. Just a couple more minutes and we'll be out of here. Hang in there, boy." At the checkout the little horror is throwing items out of the trolley. Granddad says again in a controlled voice: "William, William, relax buddy, don't get upset. We'll be home in five minutes, stay cool William." Very impressed, she goes outside to where the grandfather is loading his groceries and the boy into the car. She says : "It's none of my business, but you were amazing in there. I don't know how you did it. That whole time you kept your composure and no matter how loud and disruptive he got, you just calmly kept saying things would be okay. William is very lucky to have you as his granddad." "Thanks," says the grandpa. "But I am William. The little bugger’s name is Kevin."

Public Relations Officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report Well folks, time is slipping by so another report from me is due. Most members know by now that I have managed to bring Subaru Penrith and Subaru Marketing on board with us to run a drive day for Subaru customers. The aim is to attract more Subarus into the club and keep them with suitable trips. While we welcome all makes, it would be great to have Subarus represented in greater numbers. More will come about that when I have interested clients. My priority is to promote the club at every chance I get and to go out and find opportunities if they do not come to us, so with that in mind I have a new club brochure that can be used as a handout before the committee for approval and new business cards for the members are now available. However, if any members have an idea that they wish to float I am always available to have a chat about it. The more that members are interested in promoting our club the stronger it will be. We compete in a crowded market now days so we need to put our heads up in new ways. I want to arrange for some industry nights at club meetings as well. It may be what is new in communications and safety equipment, or the latest medical kits available for the sort of activities we do however, I am always happy to hear suggestions from members. I have been adding our club details to as many web sites as are available to us, just to get our name out in the 4wd community. A sponsors listing page for our website is another item that is being looked at. Things are happening behind the scenes so be enthusiastic about our club and get involved.

James Wall

Catch you on the tracks

Ian’s Shop Hi everyone Over time I have bought a selection of items at the best price possible , trying to cater to the interests and needs of 4WD enthusiasts and Club Members. Just some of the items available include: .

. . . .

LED torches hand tools high quality disposable plates and bowls knives and forks cling wrap and foil

plus many other incidentals. To see what else I have available please email me at ianheathcote52@gmail.com. I can advise price , brand names etc and if interested I will then bring them along to our next meeting night. Alternatively you can call me on my mobile 0411 096202. Look forward to hearing from you.

Ian Heathcote

11�� December Meeting - Sausage Sizzle ($1.50 sausage sandwich, $1 drinks) 8�� January Meeting - Lawn Bowls at Brush Park Bowling Club, Marsden Rd and Rutledge St Dundas 12�� February Meeting - Guest Speaker - to be advised 11�� March Meeting - Running a Trip - all you need to know from start to finish - bring your questions 8�� April Meeting - Driver Awareness Talk 13�� May Meeting - Trivia Night 10�� June Meeting - at another venue - to be advised 8�� July Meeting - to be advised 12�� August Meeting - Awards Night Dinner/AGM DON’T FORGET THE LUCKY MEMBERS DRAW EACH MONTH $140 UP FOR GRABS AT DECEMBER MEETING IF YOUR NAME COMES UP AND YOU ARE IN ATTENDANCE!

CLUB SHOP JACKET

VEST

To order please contact Karolyn on 0459111096 or email membership@subaruclub.com.au

RUGBY TOP

MEN’S SHIRT

$65 Sizes 12-24

$95

$34

$35 (to be confirmed)

$44

LADIES SHIRT

MEN’S POLO

LADIES POLO

LADIES PINK

$44

$30

CAPS

$15 each One size fits all NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE GO TO http://www.subaru4wdclub.com/club-shop.html 12

MYALL RIVER CAMP

MUNGO BRUSH RD HAWKS NEST

FISHING K

KAYAKING

SWIMMING

5 and 6 DECEMBER ANNUAL CLUB XMAS PARTY Join us for a relaxing weekend to celebrate Christmas with good friends. Dinner on Saturday night will be a communal meal. Please feel free to bring whatever you like but let Sandi know. We already have people bringing ham, pudding and custard. We still need: pre dinner nibblies: dips/chips/cheese/antipasto etc Bread rolls sauces including cranberry, apple, mustard Pork and turkey potatoes or potato salad Green salad and other salads pavlova fruit

THERE WILL BE A VISIT FROM SANTA SO DON’T FORGET A PRESENT FOR THE KIDS.

Don’t forget to wear something red on the Saturday evening

CAMP OVEN COOK OFF RECIPES Loaded Cauliflower

Morrocan Goat Curry

Warm Banana Rollups

Purple Team - Craig & Tracey

Pink Team - Julie & Michael

Purple Team - Craig & Tracey

Ingredients: 1 large head of Cauliflower cut into bite size pieces 6-8 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled 6 Tbs chopped Chives 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 1/2 cup Sour Cream 2 cups grated Cheese 8 oz sliced mushrooms Method: Preheat oven to 425° In a large pot boil water and cook cauliflower for 8 - 10 minutes, drain and let cool. In a large bowl combine sour cream, mayo, 1/2 of the crumbled bacon, 3tbs chives, 1 cups of cheese,mushrooms and cauliflower and mix well... place in baking dish and cover with remaining 1 cup of cheese and rest of bacon crumbles. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted. Top with remaining 3Tbs chives and serve.

Ingredients 1/4 cup vegetable oil 6-8 Tbsp curry powder mixed with 1 Tbsp allspice 1.5kg goat cut into chunks Salt 2 onions, chopped 1-2 habanero seeded and chopped 1tbs minced ginger 2 tbs minced garlic 1-2 440g cans coconut milk 2 x 440g cans tomatos crushed 1 Tbsp dried thyme 3-4 cups water 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

Method Heat oil in large pot over med-high heat. Mix in 2 tablespoons of the curry powder and heat until fragrant. Brown meat well in the curried oil. Add onions, peppers & fry, stirring until onions just start to brown. Sprinkle some salt over as they cook. Add ginger, garlic, mix well, fry for 1-2 mins. Put meat (& bones, if using) back in pot, along with any juices left in bowl. Mix well. Pour in coconut milk, tomatoes & 5 tbs of curry powder. Stir to combine. If using 2 cans coconut milk, add 3 cups of water. If only using 1, add 4 cups water. Add thyme. Bring to a simmer & let cook until meat is falling-apart tender, which will take at least 2 hrs. Once meat is almost done add potatoes and mix in. Stew is done when potatoes are. Sprinkle with fresh coriander. Taste for salt and add some if it needs it.Serve.

Ingredients 1/2 cup – cream cheese 2 tsp – honey 1/4 tsp – cinnamon 3 medium – bananas 3 medium – tortilla, whole wheat Method Mix cream cheese, honey and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread on the tortilla. Place a whole banana on the tortilla and roll up. Place on a hot bbq plate or pan. Grill until golden on both sides. Slice into small rounds and serve with toothpicks. You can also slice in half and eat it like a burrito.

GUNNING FIREWORKS Trip Leaders - Grant & Alison Lucas Trip Report - Cath DeSantis

Attendees: Grant, Alison, Ethan & Jake Lucas Cath & Tom DeSantis Bernadette & Chris Tiller David & Julie Kirkby Allan & Jillian (friends of David) Guy & Sue Freeman Hannah,Tui,Sefa,Dylan,Leah relatives of Guy & Sue Geoff Adcock Kim Nolan Paul Williscroft (only for fireworks)

Grant, Alison and boys enjoying a picnic pizza before the fireworks begin.

The weekend commenced with Alison, Grant and family heading down to their property just out of Gunning on Friday Night. Geoff also left on Friday Night. During Saturday the other members of the trip arrived at various times and Kim met us at the fireworks and then onto camp for the evening. Paul only attended the fireworks.

did take us quite a bit of time to get out of the parking area, however on our return to the property the fire was already up and running, so we had a few drinks around the fire then off to bed about midnight. The kids had a great time playing a game of cricket and having some fun in the small creek area on the property and the adults enjoyed the peace and quiet of the area. Alison gave me a Alison & Grant’s property is in a lovely spot about tour of the property on Sunday just before we left 40k out of Gunning and the camping area was all on our trip home. setup for us with a fireplace waiting for the evening to come. Those at the camp left for Gunning about All in all it was great week-end and both Tom & I 3.00pm and we were able to get quite a nice spot are looking forward to next year’s event. Many (courtesy of Kim). As these fireworks are a trade thanks to Alison & Grant for sharing their property show the start of the fireworks was listed by with us. Also a big thank you to both Ethan & Jake numbers – so we got to see all of their products. who once again assisted Tom in setting up our However towards the end of the evening they put camper – great work. on a spectacular display of all their fireworks. It

WINE TASTING WEEKEND

Trip Leaders - Troy & Sandi Strickland Trip Report - Mark & Karolyn Honor

Attendees: Troy & Sandi Strickland Mark & Karolyn Honor Day Trippers: David & Pam Wellham Craig Fitzpatrick Tracey Foreman

Firstly we must apologise to the Editor for this late submission. We recall discussing who was to do the trip report but following the weekend it seems no one could actually remember who that person was. May be the wine and port was too good!

With no time to waste we were on the road heading for Ivanhoe Wines (Marrowbone Road) which Mark and Karolyn are wine club members. We had private wine tasting and complementary cheese platter booked. The next 90 minutes was spent drinking (wine tasting) and enjoying cheese, crackers, olives and fruit. All day we were learning about Saturday morning in Sydney town was not looking very good. wines and wine making. Craig was very interested in a few Some rain showers and a cool morning. The Honors met the ports which the cellar doors were happy to provide. Stricklands at Thornleigh for coffee at about 7am before travelling to Broke, arriving about 9.30 where we met Craig After spending a bit of coin at each stop we decided to have & Tracey who had travelled over from the coast for the day a coffee before calling it a day and heading in different and David and Pam who were already in the Hunter living directions. Now there is coffee at Tempus Two (corner of the high life at a resort. The skies were clearing and the sun Broke and McDonalds Roads). Tracey joined us for “coffee” was on the increase. while Craig had a little rest in the car (maybe it was the port?) After setting up camp the eight of us headed off with a plan to visit the markets, 3 or 4 wineries and a lunch venue, all at Pokolbin. First stop was the markets at Sobels Wines (corner of Broke and Halls Roads) Markets or Wines? .... hard choice for some but we managed to do both. The next stop was First Creek Wines (McDonalds Road) which Troy and Sandi are wine club members. We learnt more about wine and port making here and it has been added to the list for another trip because the Stricklands will book a private tour next time. We also think Sandi just wants to spend more time in the back room with reserve wines and big glasses.

It was so hard finding a coffee we just needed to check out a few more wines first while the crowd at the coffee bar subsided. This wine purchase included some chilled bottles which were later consumed at Broke around the campfire.

All good things come to an end, we said good bye to David and Pam who were heading back to their resort spa and massage. Craig and Tracey were heading to another function and the Strickland Outback, now under the control of Sandi, was heading back to our camp at Broke. The Honors and Stricklands had a quiet night around the fire at Broke and did not let the chilled wine reach room By now it was lunch time and we needed to find the “Two temperature. First thing Sunday morning we headed back Fat Blokes” (Broke Road). Thanks to good back seat to Sydney separately. navigating by Karolyn and Sandi, Troy found the two blokes without delay. David and Pam could hear the UHF radio but were unable to transmit so a flash of the Subi headlights was acknowledgement. It was a great lunch location, plenty of food choices and good service together with entertainment.

TRAVEL THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Trip Leaders - Julie Rush & Ann-Marie Meade

Attendees:

Trip Report - everyone

Julie & Zoe Rush - Triton Ann-Marie & Travis Meade - Triton Kevin McCormack - Triton Bernadette & Chris Tiller - Subaru

The beginning

down to catch a ferry to Queenscliff where we met Julie and Zoe on the other side.

On Friday we meet with Bernadette and Chris to head to Sorrento for 2 nights before the start of the Great Ocean Road trip or as it became to be known as “The Great Eating Road” trip. We met the Tillers at Goulburn for lunch and headed to Albury for the night. We had dinner at the local pub before heading to bed for the next leg of the trip. The excitement was building! After breakfast out we headed to Lake Hume before heading south; looks like a great spot to come back to for another trip. We arrived safely at the Stringer campground at Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula and after some shuffling around set up our camp for two nights. Very impressed with the campground and amenities block; all very clean and well cared for by the local rangers. On Sunday we toured Phillip Island and stayed on at dusk to see the fairy penguins come ashore, very cute. There was a large crowd at the penguins and with slow traffic after the event we didn’t get back to camp until quite late, but all-in-all a very pleasant day.

When leaving Queenscliff Bernadette attempted to steal someone's car, first fine for the trip ... Sure it won't be the last. We headed off along the coastline towards the Great Ocean Road. We stopped at many places such as Rip View Lookout, where a man named Fred Kruger Day 1 – Monday - Travis once lived, Bluff Lookout, and finally we turned onto The Great Ocean Road. One of our first stops was the Monday morning Chris and Bernadette, Kevin, mum "famous" Bells Beach. Unfortunately no one had a and I packed up our camps and left Sorrento, headed

surfboard (or knew how to surf) and it was too bloody cold. After we left Bells Beach we went to Split Point Lighthouse that was featured in the 90's tv show "Around The Twist". We then went to a nearby town and had some pizza for lunch. Later we arrived at Lorne where we went to Cumberland River Caravan Park for the night. Day 2 - Tuesday - Bernadette

Saw the day in on the beach across from the camp with a beautiful sunrise. Once we packed up we headed into Wye River for breakfast where with much disgust from his fellow dinners and the waitress, Chris ordered his favorite fruit toast and vegemite. After breakfast we headed along the coast a bit further to Kennett River, for a stroll along the beach, not my fault Travis got wet Chris and I jumped into other cars (yes they were part of our group - this time) to head up into the national park behind the township.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a lovely thrill to see so many in their own environment.â&#x20AC;?

The sheer grandeur of the area and the superb weather soon changed most minds when it came to helicopter flights. After negotiating through the tourists who were enjoying the local parrots, we went up a dirt road, (yes we found a dirt road) where we found at least four different koalas. One was calling out to his little friends, never heard it before. What a lovely thrill to see so many in their own environment. We continued along the Great Ocean Road to Carisbrook Waterfalls. These are the highest falls on the Otway coast and had a lovely "thigh buster" walk into it. From here we went into Apollo Bay for lunch. From here we tried to quickly get to the lighthouse however we had an unscheduled stop to allow a VERY slow vehicle to get well ahead of us. This found us walking through Maitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest Rainforest.

Back at camp for dinner around the camp fire, a few drinks and an early night. Wednesday - Julie Today was really the day we had all been waiting for. Even though we had been driving along the GOR for a couple of days and it was very pretty, we were finally about to hit the big time - the 12 Apostles and all that they promised! The day started off overcast but the weather fairies were on our side and the closer we got to the 12 Apostles the better the weather got. Our first stop was Gibsons Steps, Gog and Magog are the names of the two stacks visible from here but they are not classed as part of the 12 Apostles. There are 86 steps down to the beach but unfortunately for us, they were closed on the day. It is quite a dangerous beach and only really accessible when both the tide and swell are very low.

Onto Blanket Bay to drop off trailer and camping gear at our beach campsite. Quickly headed off to Otway Lighthouse to finish off the daytime activities. We were there on a calm day apparently with only a 50 knot breeze, the previous week they had a breeze of Just a few hundred metres up the road was the 12 Apostles Information Centre and joy flights over the 170 knots.. area. By the time we arrived at the Info Centre the

sun was shining brightly, just perfect for a helicopter flight. At first glance, it was only Zoe and I who were doing a flight but the sheer grandeur of the area and the superb weather soon changed most minds so in the end all of us bar Chris jumped into helicopters. What an amazing way to see this spectacular coastsline, in all honesty, you just have to do it. It may have only been a 15 minute flight but it took us a little over 20km up the coast line give us a birds eye view of the 12 Apostles (all 8 of them), Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and more. Kevin was lucky enough, due to numbers, to snag a longer flight at no extra cost.

but we just didnt have time - I now understand when people say ‘do not rush this section’. A couple of other stops including London Bridge and then to a little spot called “The Grotto”. Do not, I repeat DO NOT miss this stop if you head down this way. From the top you have no idea what you are heading down to but this little stop is just stunning.

The day was drawing on and with a last stop at a lookout to the Bay of Islands Coastal Park we moved on to our night’s camp at a caravan park at Warnambool. Sheer luxury to some in the group. After a long day After the flight we headed up the road to view Loch Ard sightseeing , I must admit that the camp kitchen, tv and Gorge from a slightly lower level - what a magic spot pizza delivery was a hit with everyone. this is, definitely somewhere to head back to. You can actually walk down a large number of steps to the beach

Seal Point at Cape Bridgewater is the largest mainland group of seals in Oz, home to over 1000 Australian & NZ Fur Seals. A 3min boat ride takes you alongside the rock platform and into the Watery Cave where you can experience a unique interaction within the seals' natural habitat.

In1999 there was an active Penguin colony on Middle Is, however due to fox attacks & human interference over a few years the population decreased from 800 to less than 10, with no breeding pairs found in the 2005 counts. A local farmer came up with the idea of using Maremma dogs to protect the bird colonies on the Island. Since their introduction there has been no recorded fox attacks and numbers are slowly recovering,.

Thursday Ann-Maire - Horse riding - today was a day that was to be the highlight of the trip for me - the horse ride on the beach and hopefully no-one falls off! We arrived at the trail ride centre (who had misplaced Julie's booking) on time, horses were brought in, saddled, forms completed to waiver any liability from accidents, helmets and boots fitted, horses matched to their riders and we were ready to hit the beach! All the horses were very quiet and knew the routine, we tried to have a small trot but a few of the horses were very reluctant and would rather eat the passing green grass or scratch their bottom on a passing tree. We meet up with a group of race horses doing some fitness training on the sand dunes (now that would have been fun). Our group unfortunately didn't get to the beach itself but had photos on top of the dunes before heading back to the yard. It was a very relaxing ride and the girls who escorted our group were all very helpful. By Ann-Marie.

more; whilst Kevin, Ann-Marie and I went for breakfast in Port Fairy and a walk around town, stopped at a few beaches on the way back to Warnambool before meeting the stars from the new movie "Oddball" at Flag Staff Hill; which just so happened to be behind our camp at the caravan park. We walked around the historic site exploring the displays from the first settlers and finding out about some shipwrecks. However now it was time to go and see the Maremma dogs. They were beautiful dogs, we were explained their history and told about the making of the movie. Apparently they had a trained fox, trained fairy penguins from Seaworld in Queensland who, while filming, their accommodation was at a local fancy hotel. Unfortunately the dogs were not to be patted because they are working dogs and will also bite if they were given any opportunity too. It was a great way to end the afternoon.

Julie & Zoe - We left the others after horseriding and headed off on a 1 1/2 hour drive to Cape Bridgewater Travis - After horse riding everyone decided to do their for an up close and personal boat tour to see the 650 own thing, Julie & Zoe went to see a seal colony, strong fur seal colony there. We stopped at Port Fairy Bernadette & Chris a few of the previous sights and for a late breakfast and quick look around the port itself

and then headed to the seals. We thought we were going to have about 10 minutes to spare until we realised that you have a couple of km ‘walk’ from the carpark to where you pick up the boat - and not flat of course! We were walking at a brisk pace but then saw the boat come around the point and realised we were still some distance from the landing. Me and running do not mix but I had no choice so off we ran - I was wrecked by the time we got down there but we made it on to the boat and off we went. We certainly got to see the seals up close and personal in their natural habitat. We had them swimming under and around the boat, we got to see them sunnng themselves on the rocks and cavorting with one another in the water. Well worth the 3 hour round trip. That evening we all headed back up to Flagstaff Hill for a beautiful dinner in the restaurant and then the “Shipwrecked” Sound and Laser Show. The show depicted the true story of a Melbourne bound clipper with a priceless statue on board and some of its passengers, namely an 18 year old daughter of an Irish doctor named Eva and a young crewman named Tom, and what happened to them when the ship sank. Was a great show and very well done.

Friday - Kevin Departing from Warrnambool Caravan Park we initially headed off to visit the local cheese factory, or so we thought! Upon arrival at 9:15 am it seemed odd that the servo located next to the factory was closed but we soon discovered that the factory was also closed – trust the Victorians to have a public holiday for a footy game, well not even the game, this was for the pre-game parade! So after following some confused GPSs giving us a tour through Allansford we finally got our directions in order and off we went to our next destination via a pretty drive to Timboon Railway Shed Distillery. In keeping with our “Great Eating Road” principles we indulged in breakfast on the distillery verandah overlooking some lovely Poplars before departing with various forms of alcohol (decided to give their 500 ml single malt at $120 a miss though!). Speaking of alcohol, our next stop was Newtons Ridge Winery where we sampled their cool-climate offerings in reds and whites. The resident sausage dog was a bit of a character on this very nice estate and upon departure our cars were somewhat heavier than when we entered the vineyard! Still with a need-for-cheese we ventured over to Apostle Whey Cheese arriving around noon to

sample about 12 cheeses which were all very nice but some did duck the blue vein entitled “Bay of Martyrs”! Well we’ve now got the grog, we’ve got the cheese, next stop - chocolate of course at G.O.R.G.E Chocolates in Cooriemungle. This was entirely an indulgence for the fairer sex as Chris and I stood back and watched the action.

rough where it seemed that erecting many “Rough Surface” signs was preferable to actually fixing the road! The GPSs were again a little confused but I knew we were close to our “horsie” destination when a Range Rover passed us going in the opposite direction! We soon arrived at Whinbury Hill Equestrian Centre and set up camp following the direction of resident Peter but when his wife Gill turned up later she asked us to relocate to allow space for the pony club which was to arrive early the following morning; bit of a bugger but no real drama and we soon settled in. With fivesies done we prepared dinner and congregated around the fire to recount the day’s adventures.

So loaded up with our various goodies we headed in the direction of our next camp at the equestrian centre in Paraparap. This is a beautiful part of the country, at the moment very lush and green with rolling hills so a very enjoyable drive. Along the way we stopped at Otway Tree Top adventures, but at $25 to walk on our very very tired legs we felt was a bit too much so after a short break Saturday – Chris off we went to Hopetown Falls where we were informed there was a Tiger snake on the track; Chris and Travis Saturday we all packed up camp and hit the road for Junee to meet up with Joel’s trip. went looking but failed to see it. We had a great winding drive though a very dense, beautiful forest at Tanybryn where the speed limit was Thanks to all for coming along, it was a great trip with lots reduced to 40 and in some places 20 km/hr. Once closer of beautiful scenery, lots of laughs and lots of food! to Paraparap, the Cape Otway Road surface became quite

JUNEE LONG WEEKEND

Trip Leader - Joel Dedman

Attendees:

Trip Report - Harley Sadler

Joel Dedman - Challenger Cath & Tom DeSantis - Prado Harley & Lyn Sadler - BT50 Troy and Sandi Strickland - Forester Karolyn & Mark Honor - Navara Geoff Adcock - Pathfinder Kim Nolan - Landcruiser Julie, Michael & Zoe Rush - Triton / Volvo Bernadette & Chris Tiller - Subaru Kevin McCormack - Triton Ann-Marie & Travis Meade - Triton

Saturday - Temora, museums and arrivals After freezing our wotsits off Friday night, Saturday turned out to be a fairly nice day. We decided to head off to Temora for the day, Cath and Tom had been there before and opted to stay in Junee. Joel volunteered to be the driver for the day so Geoff, Lyn and I piled into the car and off we went. Quick stop at the Visitor Info Centre at Temora to get bearings and to visit the Ambo Museum, Sarah caught up with us there. It was quite interesting just browsing around the place. Some hot rod club had descended on Temora for the weekend and place was chockers with old restored/customised cars so after a beaut counter lunch it was off out to the Aircraft Museum. We arrived just as the dragonfly was taking off to do a flying display, we could have been there about 10 mins earlier but Joel missed both signs for the turn off, these were none to subtly pointed out to him by Sarah after we had done a u-turn and she led the way back. The dragonfly put on about 10 minute display and then we just took a stroll around looking at the old aircraft. We than headed back to camp to find that the only ones who hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t arrived yet was Julieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mob returning from the Great Ocean Road, they arrived just in time for fivesies and a social gathering formed for the night.

Sunday - Licorice, Haunted Houses and Trains The really silly ones amongst us were up early for a boot camp like “walk”. Apparently, some were a bit worse for wear on return, think we were just starting to think about getting up and have breakfast about the time of their return so didn’t really see them. Early morning trip to markets for some and others just idled away time waiting for the much anticipated tour of the licorice and chocolate factory. The factory was an easy walk from camp so most walked, Sandi had been over the day before and had negotiated us a group rate for the tour. Interesting talk and video on history of factory and making of licorice and afterwards a game of vertical licorice bowling, not sure who, or if anyone, actually won or if there was a prize even, but it was good fun. Couple of the kids (Lauren, Zoe, JOEL, TROY CATH) had a go at making their own rocky road/freckle, not sure what the final results tasted like, but going by the amount of licking chocolate etc off the gloves it must have been good.

supposedly the most haunted homestead in aussie, you can book in for dinner, tour and stay, to see if you can find some ghosts, but, it is $197 a head so if you go, take photos for the rest of us! Some fine old pieces of antique furniture throughout the house, but, no ghosts. We went into the café at the station for lunch before going out to the round house museum, restored turntable used for maintenance of locos and rolling stock, quiet a few locos and carriages that you can wonder through. Back to camp, for a nanna nap. Two teams had formed for a game of family feud, not sure which side won, but it was by a country mile. We went into town for a counter tea at the pub, good feed, and then returned to camp for couple of quiet ones before turning in for the night. Thanks Joel for yet another great weekend away, well done mate.

So it was back to camp to pick up cars and a misguided tour of Junee CBD and on to Monte Cristo homestead,

Monday - Homeward Bound Monday morning and pack up time, people left at various times. Mark & Karolyn, Julie & Zoe, Michael, Tom & Cath and Harley & Lyn all headed out together heading for Cootamundra way to check out the new Sadler Estate at Wallendbeen. Very nice guysI After coffee and cake it was time to head our separate ways and back to the big smoke.

BUNNINGS BBQ

Attendees: Julie and Zoe Rush Cath and Tom DeSantis Kevin McCormack Bernadette Tiller Gill Wall Scott Ashhurst Brian Flood

Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny for our Bunnings BBQ. The aim of the day was to raise some money to go towards the cost of our 40th Birthday Bash. We raisesd $500 on the day which was a great help. A huge thanks to those that came to assist on the day.

LIFE MEMBERS OF THE SUBARU & RECREATIONAL 4WD CLUB INC Geoff Adcock Tony McManus John Coombs Judy Neumann Lorraine Lynch Mark Hoban Robyn Hoban Ron Brown Steve Pinnington Bob Ronai Hi, many thank for your invitation to join you for the 40th celebrations. I would very much like to come along however I will be travelling overseas with another ex Subaru Car Club member (and committee member for many years and past President in 1987), Di Greenhaw. We are currently in Abu Dhabi and will be heading off to Crete and then Spain, returning in early December. Having made the 10th, 20th and 30th Birthdays it is a shame we will be missing this one however please keep us informed when the 50th comes around. Whilst other activities and commitments have now taken over which means that we do not take an active roll in the Club, I still enjoy receiving the magazine and keeping up with the activities of the club. It is a tribute to the demographics of the Subaru Club that so many of us early members have remained in touch with each other even tho our paths may have diverged over the years. Friendships have lasted, marriages were made and great lifestyles were achieved thru a love of the outdoors and sense of freedom which the introduction of the original 1400CC engine Subaru 4WD, just that one step up from the original Subaru front wheel drive, provided. It meant that we could go places without having to resort to a big cumbersome 4WD on the weekends, yet it was just the car to drive to work and do the shopping on the Monday. A great combination! Both Di and I wish you all well for the celebrations and we look forward to reading about it in the forthcoming magazine. Please pass on our greetings to the rest of those who will be sharing the day with you, cheers and thanks for including us. Lorraine &Dennis Lynch (Purcell) & Di Greenhaw

15 years on

by Julie Rush, Club President

Michael and I had talked about joining a 4wd club for some time, him because he liked the 4wdriving side of things, me because I felt we needed another social outlet. We’d had a little Suzuki which we’d taken offroad a couple of times with friends and looked closely at the Suzuki Club and then we were tempted by Triple Diamond but it was out at a Rosehill Show that we came across the Subaru Club and it was the friendliness of those on the stand that won us over and the fact that it seemed very family friendly we decided to give it a go. We had a little Pajero IO at that stage and Michael decided to head off on a day trip with Zoe (who was not even two at the time) and another friend to see what the Club was like. He came home that night (quite late as they had gotten lost) very happy with it all and before we knew it we were booked in on our second trip - a day at Stockton Beach. This was to become one of ‘those’ trips that is not forgotten in a hurry with so many things going wrong, including not getting off the beach until well after dark. The trip leader even rang us a few days later to encourage us to please stay in the club, it was just one of ‘those’ trips, they’re not all like that. Well that is all history now, we obviously stayed, although I refused to go back to Stockton for about 8 years! We’ve had numerous 4wds in those 15 years including an old Hi-lux, the 60 Series Cruiser, a Pathfinder and of course, the mighty Chickute. We have done some amazing trips to places I only ever dreamed I would get to. More importantly we have made many great friends over those years. 40 years is a great milestone for our Club - we have seen many changes over the years and the club has always founds its place and will continue to do so. Over those 15 years I have taken on various roles on the committee including catering, social convener, PR, fundraising, editor, VP and now President. It has been a great honour to be part of the committee and work with such a dedicated group of people. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this great club and to be able to wish the Club a very happy 40th birthday - may there be many more to come. Cheers Julie

FROM THEN TILL NOW -

a brief recollection of how our club started to where it is now 40 years later by Geoff Adcock It all started when a band of sporting minded enthusiasts came together with their new 1975 Subaru L series 1400 rear wheel drive vehicles and formed the Subaru Car Club around September, so that they could go and compete in hill climbs etc. Their early meeting points were in a nominated pub of their choosing competing with all the noise etc that goes with the pub. As time went on they were able to secure a back room so that their children could be with them. Then came along something that was a revolution in vehicle conveyance that was to change for all time how we visited the bush. It was the new 1600 L series single range 4WD model. This was not an all wheel drive it was full 4wd when you pulled in the 4wd lever as it had a second diff. From this point onward, allowing for those with the current two wheel drives having to update where possible and new members being aware of the potential advantage of the 4wd lever the club soon turned from its sporting club background to its more exciting 4wd active roll. Due to the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new lease on life, Bob Brown, the founder of the club, along with Bob Ronai and others were forced to come up with a more suitable meeting place to cater for the increasing membership. They ended up in a Catholic church hall in the Burwood area which could take on heaps of membership. This is where they were meeting when I turned up for my first meeting on Friday 13th March 1981. A couple of months earlier I had bought a new model 1800 dual range MY series Subaru. When I joined the club it was in FULL 4wd and camping mode and has never looked back. By this time we were taking on new memberships in their droves without much effort from our end. The club had over 800 members by the mid eighties, more than the Landcruiser Club had. It was no problem getting upwards of 140 members per meeting night. By 1987 there had been for some time a move to change the clubs name to a more representative

position. All the other Subi clubs around OZ which formed after us were ALL called the Subaru 4wd Club of Victoria, Queensland, SA etc etc. So a very well attended Special General Meeting was called for around September 1987 which I chaired. Unfortunately, the move was defeated by the backroom efforts of the old guard who wanted to keep the originality of the club name - MAJOR BUGGER! So from here on we just bided our time till it was ripe to challenge again. During these times there were a few camper trailers in the club and an extended trip was run to far western NSW.

carried into the early 90s, where we fell into a bit of a hole as there were no new Subies active. All that were available was the Impressor and Liberty models so we were digging a big hole. Costs were escalating with dwindling income so it was time to re-visit the name change.

So again we held a special general meeting to FINALLY correct the name of our club. We thought long and hard about KILLING Subaru from the new name. In the end we took to the meeting the idea of how to incorporate Along the way and over the years we had several the Subaru name while totally refurbishing the name meeting location changes. We had to move on from the etc. Catholic hall due to a verbal dispute one night between one of our members and a priest, not good. From here To come up with a total name change is to run the risk we moved to a pensioners meeting hall in Campsie of total loss of original identity. So after much toing and which was a new building. We were there for a few froing we finally came up with our current club name, years before we again moved on to our previous The Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club. We also made meeting place in the Homebush area where we stayed the decision to cut the frequency of the club magazine from monthly to bi-monthly. Very shortly after this for some time. event took place we applied for incorporation as the During this period we had members in the central coast current name, thus finally correcting what should have region who were keen to set up a sub branch with some happened years before. local autonomy. After a bit of discussion it was decided to give it a go. It ran for a few years but eventually faded This proved to be a godsend as just 12 months later we had the advent of the introduction of the Outback and out. just 18 months after that we had the new Forester hit 1986 saw a group of us attack Cape York in Subarus and the road which totally restarted the club. an l300 Mitsibishi 4wd wagon. This trip was fraught with ongoing crises ha ha so we had another tilt at it in 89 for During my membership in this club I have been Club those who missed out the first time, but was a bonus Captain, Trip Coordinator, Vice President and President over a continuous 20 year period culminating in life for those (including me) to revisit this iconic place. membership back in 87. By the mid 80s the MY series was replaced by another L series but a square shaped model this time which ROLL ON THE BIG 50.

LIFE CHANGER -

What buying a Subaru did for me by Bernadette TIller I couldn't believe how my life would change the day we went out to buy me a car. I actually wasn't looking for it, I really wasn't, but once we met, the XV wouldn't let me buy anything else. I think during our test drive some kind of brain washing was done and all other vehicles just couldn't stack up. The anticipation was building, and finally the day came, 18th March 2013, Chris brought us together, my first car, in MY name at the age of...... 46, the excitement was not going to dissipate very quickly. So each day we head out together and we came home together. I lovingly bought all the accessories I could get, they had to be OEM parts of course, I was daily reviewing the XV forum to see what I could learn and I had never in my life washed a car as many times as I was now. During the next little while, well let's be honest it was a long while, I think each of my family members thought the XV came first before them. Nobody was left in any doubt about what I thought about my treasured car. So now I had a car that reportedly could go on the dirt without leaving me stranded. I was keen to see how, I watched and watched but nobody on the forum was taking theirs off road and I was too nervous about doing it without someone experienced going with me, not only that, they had to have an XV, I couldn't risk it otherwise. I knew that Subarus could go off road, but they are not "proper 4wds" so had to be careful not to go too hard, but what was too hard? Finally someone was going off road, and inviting others to join in. I WAS SO EXCITED. Off we went, met up with this other XV driven by Chris M and another 4wd ute driven by Michael Hamilton and spent the day down exploring the Jellore State Forest, it was supposedly a "reccie" for the club he was in. CLUB? What club? The Subaru Club, WHAT "The Subaru Club???, there is a club for Subarus? WOW, gee wish I was in that club. By the end of the day I was hooked, hubby not so much. For me I couldn't get enough, I felt right at home behind the wheel, together the XV and I were testing out what we could do. How could I do more of this? Chris mentioned his club was doing driver training the next day, would I like to go, I jumped at that. Later that night I got a message that if I wanted to go I had to be

Fraser Island 2005 a member, yippee, I could actually join the club. Well that just made my day. They actually would let me join up without even meeting me yet. Wow, gee , get in before they could change their minds. So the next day I gladly handed over my membership money to Karolyn and Mark and Brett took us through what we would be doing. I met all these people, they all seemed rather nice too. So off we went, I was still really scared, I mean these guys knew stuff and I didn't know anything and they had "proper 4wds" too like Michael. Needless to say I stuck close by Chris for the first bit and we headed off. I came to the top of a really steep hill and was too scared to go down, this voice came on the radio that said, no worries just reverse and go a different way. I immediately felt relieved, I wasn't getting pushed to do something that I was uncomfortable to do and I was hooked. This is the group for me. We nervously did some day trips and we had a blast, at the Eastern Creek show that year the club had a stand and Jo had her car there, she told me all about the trips she had done with her Xtrail. This gave me so much more confidence that me and my precious XV were in safe hands in this club. I also noticed the pink shirts and saw that the females were definitely accepted as equal in the club. To top it off, the girls are great, could have a laugh, and they know their stuff. We went on our fist overnight camp trip to the christmas party, what an experience that was. We met even more of you, had a fantastic time and formed some good friendships. Also that weekend based on the advice we gained from others, we started from scratch with our camping stuff and now we have no money left. Lol This club is fantastic, they like exploring the country, seeing the back streets, not just the highlights. Since that Sunday in July 2013, we have done so much, such as out the back of Lithgow a few times, glow worms, Neville, Wisemans Ferry area, Stockton Beach, Coxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River, Gunning, Blue Mountains and just last month we did our first extended trip to the Great Ocean Road. Each and every experience, without exception, we have enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. I am reminded of many experiences I had as a child, I have managed to get Chris away from hotels and he has managed to enjoy himself. So today just over two years later, I still love my XV but it isn't getting washed twice a week anymore, don't actually look at it now - it's looking very unloved. We may look at getting a 4WD with more height, that would have to be additional to my beauty. Don't tell anyone but I am even thinking maybe within the next 12 months I might even run a trip myself? With club events and of course hubby's soccer to go to we now have a full diary for a few months. I said at the start of this that I couldn't believe how my life would change the day we went out to buy a car, I hope you can see the impact that purchase ultimately had. Thanks, life is so much the richer for having joined the club.

AND SO THE COMPETITION ENDS! RANK

TIPSTER

Jtigger

WHO

POINTS

Jean

134

ThePhoenix

Chris M

131

utechick

Julie R

128

Merlot1957

Michael D

126

harleyjs

Harley S

123

sim28

Sandra M

119

Nickc1981

Nick C

118

#ThePheonix

Pat M

116

troy72s

Troy S

115

Muddy06

Amanda C

112

sandis73

Sandi S

103

David Ackermann

David A

Ranger10

Jo Q

Well the season has finally ended and we have a winner. It’s been a hard fought season both on and off the field but Jean has managed to come out on top. Congratulations Jean , $180 coming your way. Jo, as wooden spooner, gets her initial $15 outlay back (I’ll just keep it for next year lol). Thanks to everyone for taking part this year. For me, using Itipfooty.com made the whole thing a breeze - thanks to Nick for his suggestion. 2016 season starts Thurday 3 March - keep an eye out for next year’s competition. Cheers Julie

FUTURE FUN - what’s coming up DRIVER AWARENESS � LAKE LYELL, LIDSDALE AND MT BONFIRE Trip Leader - Brian Flood and Brett Atkins Date - 14-15 November 2015 Grading - Easy/Medium Join us for Driver Awareness in the Lake Lyell area near Lithgow. This is a weekend trip however you can join us on either Saturday or Sunday. We will be driving the tracks around Lidsdale State Forest which will include a session in the infamous training Quarry and you will also be able to test yourself on the Test track which was recently constructed for the 2015 Jeep Jambo. Training on the weekend will include basic recovery techniques as well as off-road driving tips and techniques. On Sunday we will be testing your new found skills on a drive around Mt Bonfire. Camping for the weekend will be free and will be at Lake Wallace near Wallerawang. There is a nice pub in Wallerawang we may go to for dinner on Saturday night and also a good bakery for brekky on Sunday. So all you have to bring is lunch for both days. Contact Brett 0412208874 or Brian 0425270385 bea69@bigpond.com floodb@bigpond.com

THE NO NAME TRIP Trip Leader - James Wall Date - 22 November 2015 Grading - Easy Driving to a few "off the well worn track" sights around the Zig Zag area. A few dams, a few views and good time guaranteed, with some play time thrown in. Suitable for AWD and 4WD vehicles. Contact James at jgwall@tpg.com.au

Where would you like to go - here’s some ideas - we are always looking for trip leaders . Day trip/weekend to Watagans

. Camping at Newnes

. Weekend to Wombeyan Caves

. Yengo

. Stockton or Boat Harbour

. Ferndale at Dungog

. movies, picnic, bowling, fruit picking, karoake night, beer brewing, country music concert and ……. 41

FUTURE FUN - whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming up ANNUAL XMAS PARTY CAMPING WEEKEND Trip Leader - Sandi Strickland Date - 5-6 December 2015 Grading - Social Annual Christmas Camp weekend at Myall River Camp. Christmas activities and party will be held on the Saturday afternoon/evening with Santa Claus arriving for the kids. Followed by a buffet type Christmas feast where each person brings a plate of food to share. If you wish for Santa to include your child, please bring a wrapped and labelled Christmas present for Santa to hand out to your child (or adults) but please make the value no greater than $10 to ensure no child thinks he/she is missing out.

Contact Sandi at social_convener@subaruclub.com Mobile: 0414 870 168

LOSTOCK DAM STOP & PLOP Trip Leader - Craig Fitzpatrick Date - 24 December 2015 - 3 January 2016 Grading - Social Join us for the Christmas / New Year break from the 24/12/15 to the 3/1/16. You need to book your own sites, please mention the Subaru 4wd Club when booking. You can come and go when you please. There will be some day trips into the mountains, there is plenty of fish in the dam and the river should be good to cool off as it has been flushed several times in the last couple of months. Contact Craig on 0419013301 or craigfitzpatrick1@bigpond.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTRALIA Trip Leader - Jo Quinn Date - 22-26 January 2016 Grading - Social Grady's Retreat is located on the Shoalhaven River, just 20 mins west of Nowra. Given that Australia Day is on Tuesday, turn it into a 4 day weekend, come for the day, the weekend or longer. Grady's has large, grassy campsites right on the river - fishing, swimming, kayaking, bushwalks. & only 1/2 hour from Jervis Bay. The park has BBQ shelters, open fireplaces, kiosk, boat ramp, hot showers, toilets, camp kitchen, beach areas and permits small dogs. A day trip to Honeymoon Bay & Point Perpendicular is on the cards, as well as a 4WD day in Yalwal. Or sit back, relax, swim & do bugger all! Don't forget the Aussie decorations for your campsite as we participate in some Australia Day festivities on the Sunday afternoon/night. Cost $24per adult per night & children under 15 are $14. No need to book , we have a group booking. Contact Jo on 0409 771 019 or j.quinn@uws.edu.au

Trip Gradings 1

SUBARU

Social/Scenic Sealed roads and smooth unsealed surfaces or tracks. Suitable for all types of vehicles. No previous 4WD experience necessary. Road tyres are acceptable. Suitable for all camper trailers and small caravans.

Easy Dirt trails with possible loose surfaces, potholes, corrugations, shallow mud or puddles. Moderate inclines and declines. 4WD may be required. Low range not required. Some previous 4WD experience or completion of a driver awareness course preferred but not essential. Road tyres are acceptable. Suitable for camper trailers.

Medium Un-maintained trails, moderate to steep terrain, with loose rocky and rutted surfaces. Sand, water crossings or mud may be encountered. Low range may be required with recoveries possible. Previous offroad experience necessary. Completion of driver awareness course expected. A/T tyres preferred. Suitable for high clearance, heavy duty camper trailers with off-road hitches.

Advanced Un-maintained trails, steep terrain with loose, rocky and rutted surfaces. Sand, water crossings or mud may be encountered. Low range, high clearance and A/T tyres required, with recoveries probable. Previous off-road experience and completion of a driver

These gradings are to be used as a guide only and may change due to track and weather conditions.

awareness course essential. Suitable for purpose built, high clearance, heavy duty camper trailers with brakes and off-road hitches.

Hard Expect steep terrain, large ruts, rock steps, deep water crossings, and mud for majority of trip. Low-range gearing, high clearance and under body protection required. Completion of club driver awareness course required. Participation at trip leader’s discretion. A/T tyres minimum. Rated recovery points front and rear of vehicle essential. A hand or vehicle mounted winch must be available. Expect recoveries and very slow progress. No camper trailers. Due to the inherent danger of this type of trip, children must be closely supervised.

Minimum recovery equipment: ■ A snatch strap; ■ Two rated D shackles; and ■ A UHF radio. Visitors can arrange with the trip leader to borrow a handheld UHF radio for the day.

(Please replace the batteries). All vehicles should be in good mechanical condition and have the following basic equipment: ■ Spare wheel,

GRADE 1 The New Members trip to the Southern Highlands was a gentle intro into the club.

GRADE 4 Kevin McCormack’s Forester on “that” seemingly unconquerable hill in Lidsdale State Forest. As a cut-out ascent with high walls, deep ruts and not much traction there is little to no choice for wheel placement so very few vehicles can climb it with success.

■ Jack; ■ Wheel brace ■ Basic tools; ■ Shovel; and ■ First Aid Kit. These items should be carried on all club trips.

Convoy and trip procedures

When roads are rough or dusty, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

2 3

Maintain position in convoy except in unusual circumstances.

Always wait at intersections to ensure that the vehicle behind you knows which way to go. EXCEPTION: When drivers are known to each other and radio contact has been made, directions may be given over the CB, to allow the convoy to keep moving.

When arriving at a hard section (i.e. creek crossing, steep hill, washout etc.) wait for the vehicle ahead to clear, or to be called through on the CB.

STAY IN TOUCH When on trips our club uses broadcast channel

15 UHF The alternate channel is

16 UHF

5 6

Always stay on the track – Don’t stray into the bush!

If you want to leave the convoy, tell the trip leader what you want to do. Don’t just wander off!

When using the CB, allow time between transmissions for others to call and keep transmissions short to allow for emergency transmissions.

If there is an emergency call, the trip leader should be the ONLY person to reply. If the trip leader is unable to clearly receive the message, a person will be appointed to relay the radio trafﬁc. All other transmissions MUST cease until the trip leader advises that the emergency is over. EXCEPTION: Radio silence may be broken for another emergency.

Only people nominated by the trip leader should help others through obstacles (“Too many cooks …”) The position of “tail-end Charlie” will be allotted by the trip leader. This person will be required to advise the Trip Leader of various events during the trip, and stay with his/her vehicle and operate the CB should an emergency situation arise.

tracks).

Take nothing but photos (and video), and leave nothing but foot prints (and tyre

Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc General Meeting Minutes 9�� October 2015

Trivia Night 10/10/2015 Royal Oak Hotel Parramatta – not too late to register. 40�� Birthday Bash – please register asap if you are intending to come. Meeting opened: 8.10pm Cox’s River - 8�� November – John Hocking day trip. Apologies: Robert Moss, Joey Wellham, Fiona No Name Trip ‐ 22ⁿ� November – James day trip (dry Hampson, Ann-Marie Meade. run for the upcoming activities with Penrith Subaru Minutes of previous meeting: Accepted: Craig Dealership out the back of the Zigzag railway area. Fitzpatrick Sseconded: Ann-Marie Meade Correspondence: Webmaster – A few things have been fixed up but all Parramatta Council, good. SA Subaru 4WD Magazine Outback monthly information Driver Awareness – a trip will be listed soon for River Valley camping information. November. President – Julie reminder for the 40�� Birthday Bash Social Convenor – reminder about the Xmas party on 31/10-1/11 – please register asap as we need to 5/6 December at Myall Lakes (catering will be a know numbers for catering. group dinner) all welcome. January meeting – hopefully to be held at a bowling club (barefoot Treasurer’s Report bowling) – Brush Farm or Carlingford. Opening balance as at Sept. $6617.82 Closing balance $6862.04. Fundraising –get your tickets for to-nights raffle. Membership secretary – 71 members

Editor –Go to the link for the current magazine.

Trip Conveners Gunning Fireworks – David Kirkby. Fantastic 2 hours of fireworks and Alison & Grants property was a great place to stay. Terrific week-end. Sandy’s Wine Tasting Weekend – Mark of the wineries reported that they camped at Broke (8 campers) and visited the markets and wineries all had a great time. Great Ocean Road Trip – Bernadette. Visited Phillip Island and the penguins, helicopter ride over the area, Horse riding on the beach, rain forests, Koala’s and also managed to find a winery, and then caught up with Joel’s group at Junee – terrific week. Junee Long week-end trip – Sandy. Great night on Saturday around the campsite, Licorice, Chocolate factory/Monte Cristo haunted homestead tour and the Junee railway roundhouse museum on Sunday – lovely lunch at the railway station and a good dinner plus birthday celebration for Mark in the evening. Legs 11 Abercrombie long week-end trip – Steve. Commence the trip at Black Springs (5 vehicles), visited Sink Camp ground, Old Gold Miners Hut, Silent Creek Campsite. Drove the Bald Hill track dusty & dry, however David’s favourite track had been bulldozed (he was not happy – too smooth). Upcoming trips.

General Business Mark Honor – Has agreed and is pleased to accept the position as Vice President ( Jo Quinn had to step down because of work commitments). Birthday Bash to be formal wear/black tie. Fundraiser for the Birthday bash to be held at Bunning’s Lidcombe on Sunday 25�� October (8-3) Sandra Moss noted to all the members who know her son Tim – he got married a few weeks ago. Raffle winners – 1�� ‐ Tom / 2ⁿ� – Sandra / 3�� – Brian / 4�� - Jean. Lucky draw winner – John Hocking (not in attendance) jackpots next month Meeting closed:

8.55pm.

ALIQUAM

PARKS WITH 4WD TRACKS / DRIVES

Yengo national park Camping:

big yango loop trail The Big Yango loop trail is a great way to get away from it all and explore this rugged landscape. Whether you're in a 4WD or on a mountain bike, it's an excellent way to experience the remoteness of Yengo for yourself. Not for the faint-hearted, the 22km trail includes some steep climbs and descents, as well as a few tight switchbacks. Take in spectacular views of the vast landscape, which extends west over the Yengo and Wollemi wilderness areas, out as far west as Newnes and Rylstone. Watch out for wombats, wallabies and even goannas. And, if visiting in spring, be sure to stop to enjoy the wonderful display of wildflowers.

Howes valley trail Howes trail is in the northern area of Yengo National Park. To get there: Travel south 25km along Putty Road from Bulga, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the start of the trail just south of Howes Valley. The start of the trail is not clearly marked, so watch out for the red farm gate with the words 'fire trail' marked on it. You can also access the trail from the eastern side of the reserve from Laguna and Wollombi via Yango Creek Road, then Finchley track.

Finchley campground offers basic facilities and activities such as mountain biking and bushwalking, along with access to a notable Aboriginal engraving site.

Blue Gums campground is a tranquil, secluded camping spot. Bring your mountain bike and explore the rugged wilderness. At night, relax under the stars by a warm campfire. Access to this area of the park is via a locked gate, so bookings are essential. Bookings can be made up to three months in advance. $16 per adult $8 per child Contact: Central Coast (02) 4320 4200 Contact hours: Monday to Friday, hours vary Bulga (02) 6574 5555 Contact hours: 9.30am-4pm Tuesday to Thursday

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