Wagensville FEB 05

February 2005 Volume 50 • Number 10

V W C V

P R E S E N T S

T H E

KENNETT RIVER CRUISE & CAMPOUT F R I D A Y

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MARCH

Book Now! www.vwclub.com.au

Information

Inside > this issue Paul’s Ramblings Calendar of Events Club Clothing Cape York in a Beetle For Sale

6 8 15 17 20

Membership Discounts

22 24 26

Membership Application

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Motorsport News Membership Mumbo

Wagensville News is the monthly newsletter of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. Correspondence, articles and items of news are invited and should be sent to: The Editor 27 Scotia Street, West Preston, VIC 3072 Email: wagensville@yahoo.com.au Phone: 9484 8953 Deadline for the next issue: Wednesday 2nd March 2005

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Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc ABN 73 091 008 987 Address: GPO Box 1215K MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Web Site: vwclub.com.au Phone: 0401 310 704

General Meetings Melbourne Club meetings held every third Tuesday of the month at 8pm at the RACV Clubrooms (Henty Room), corner of Queen and Little Collins Streets, Melbourne, unless advised of an alternative venue in the Club magazine.

Albury Wodonga members meet the first Tuesday of every month at the Biralee Tavern, Melrose Drive, Wodonga.

Annual Membership Fees • Full Membership: $40 • Additional Family Membership: $20 • Joining Fee: $10 To join the club, please complete the membership form in this newsletter and forward together with cheque for payment to the Club’s postal address as quoted on the form.

Disclaimer All material in this newsletter represents the opinions of the author(s) and does not carry any endorsement by the Editors of Committee unless otherwise stated. Any material advertised for sale does not carry any endorsement by the Club and the onus is on the purchaser to ensure the purchased goods meet their requirements.

Each VWCV Committee Member is a volunteer, carrying out Club duties in their own leisure time. The club has no paid officials, only enthusiasts dedicated in furthering the interests of the club and it’s members. Could members please bear this in mind when contacting Club Committee Members.

O R D E R Celebrating 50 years since full assembly in Australia, the book uncovers aspects of Volkswagen in Australia ALL VW enthusiasts should know.

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The book will retail for $77 incl GST. The club will generate $10 per book on orders received from THIS flyer & Club meetings. Allow an extra $10 for those requiring postage & handling and 10-14 days for delivery.

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Orders and cheques/ money orders made out to 'AF Publications' PO Box 685 Heathmont Victoria 3135.

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Note! Books are now available!

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The attractive hard-cover book is in full colour throughout the 168 pages.

Advanced copies will come with a protective sleeve made in the appearance of a VW parts box. The book will have a dust jacket & marker ribbon.

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Limited edition orders are NOW being taken! Please phone (03) 9720 1153 to reserve your numbered copy.

Please complete your details below: Name: __________________________________________Contact No: _______________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Payment method (please tick): Card Type (please tick): ❏ Visa

❏ Cheque/Money Order ❏ Mastercard

Card No:

❏ Credit Card

Exp Date:

N O W ! ! !

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Name on Card: _________________________________

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committee

> note

Committee

President - Paul Kinsey 03 9876 1463 • paulkinsey@optusnet.com.au

Vice - President - Richard Graham 0418 527 862

Secretary - Andrew Ermel 03 9369 1360 • cheryle@melbpc.org.au

Treasurer - Andrew Donnelly 0417 506 766 • adonelly@edlyn.com.au

Additional Committee Members - Eric Roberts 03 5367 2757

Public Officer - Jon Edsell 03 9844 3420 • jon.Edsell@holden.com.au

Restoration & Technical Sessions - Paul Blacker

After a couple of months break, I’m pleased to announce that you can all enjoy the magazine via the magic of email again. Many thanks to Kim Whittles who has kindly offered to email the magazine each month.

Membership Secretary - Ross Woolley 0401 310 704 • beetle00@tpg.com.au

Pointscore Officer - Matt Kinsey 03 9484 8953 • wagensville@yahoo.com.au

Technical Officers - Bill Malkoutzis • 03 9439 5904 Gary Collis • 03 9370 3100

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Editor’s

Motorsport & Group 5 - Jon Edsell 03 9844 3420 • jon.edsell@gm.com

Club Clothing - Mercedes Woolley 03 9735 9386 • beetle00@tpg.com.au

VW Cruises - Nathan Leversha 0419 340 250 • leversha@eisa.net.au

Wagensville News Editor - Matt Kinsey 03 9484 8953 • wagensville@yahoo.com.au

Social Secretary - Jen Littlechild 0431 160 097 • jenlittlechild@optushome.com.au

Club Historian - Dave Evans 03 9808 6044

You can earn 5 club points by submitting an article to Wagensville News!

Send your photos, articles, drawings or tit-bits

NOW!

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Paul’s Ramblings > Paul Kinsey - VWCV Club President Hello club members. This year’s activities have commenced with the RACV Rally on Sunday the 23rd of January. It was the first time I have attended this rally and it won’t be the last. The day was really fantastic.

Cars of all different marques attended and it was great that a stock standard 1960 1200cc Beetle wasn’t the slowest car, and was able to pass many of the other vehicles. Late model Ferrari’s, however, presented a few problems.

Once assembled into the area allocated for the vehicles to be judged, it was different to see a 1952 MG TC on one side and a 1929 Rolls Royce on the other side of my VW. There was much interest in the VWs on the day. Other club members who attended also enjoyed the day. There were approximately 20 other VWs at the event.

The next event on the calender is the “Picnic at Hanging Rock” on the 13th ofFebruary. Please remember to come along as we wish to make this a BIG club event and to have a great show of Volkswagens.

There are many people around that are interested in Volkswagens. I was sitting out the front of my house one Saturday just after Christmas having a few quiet beers with some of my neighbours, when a chap came over to talk to us. It seems that he had owned a few VW’s in the past and had a roof rack to fit a Beetle. He asked me if I wanted it - of course I said yes. Now I’m the proud owner of a new roof rack.

A couple of weeks later when Jill and I were holidaying in Tasmania, our neighbour’s daughter was married. The two wedding cars they chose were an old Damiler and a Mark Five Jaguar. It so happened the driver of the Jaguar was an ex-VW nut. When he saw my VWs in the

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carport, he said that he had many old VW parts which he was going the throw out. My caring neighbour, a car nut himself owning Pontiac’s and Chevy’s, gave me this guy’s number, and as a result I now have many more VW spares and parts. It is great to have such good neighbours.

The February General Meeting on Tuesday the 15th of February will present the trophies for 2004, and will provide free finger food and coffee during the break, so I hope you can attend.

Not forgetting our motor sport activities for 2005 kick off with the Group 5 Motorkhana on the 20th of February, which is being run by HAC and will be held at Avalon.

I’ll see you at Hanging Rock or at the General Meeting.

Fill this . e c a p s Feeling creative? Do you have an artistic flair? Then enter our postcard competition...

The Volkswagen Club of Victoria is looking to update it’s image, and needs three new designs for our postcards which go on display at VW traders and dealerships around Victoria, advertising the club to prospective members.

We are after three images which represent the VWCV today - catering for people with vintage through to modern Volkswagens.

The guidelines are as follows: • The image can be a cartoon, illustration, photo, digital montage - it’s up to you!

• The image must fit a card 105 x 148.5mm (A6 size).

• If entering digital files, the resolution must be at least 300ppi.

• Send your entries to “VWCV Postcard Competition GPO Box 1215K Melbourne 3001”.

• Entries close at the VWCV General Meeting Tuesday 19th April 2005.

Winners will receive a copy of Rod and Lloyd Davies’ fantastic book “Volkswagen in Australia”.

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what’s on

s

February

d , l . e r d e .

V . y. n d t e . y l . , t y t y n . d l . e r .

Saturday 12th February*

Tech Day - 101 Things You Wanted to know about RUST! Venue: Volkscare - 4 Macquarie Place, Boronia Contact: Paul Blacker on for information on 0418 256 381.

Sunday 13th February

Picnic at Hanging Rock Meet at Calder Park by 9am, then depart as a group to Hanging Rock.

Free BBQ provided at Hanging Rock for VWCV members. • Entry to Hanging Rock - $15.

Contact: Jen Littlechild ASAP on 0431 160 097 for further information and to confirm attendance.

Tuesday 15th February* VWCV General Meeting Club Trophy Presentation - Free finger food!

Venue: RACV Club, corner Queen and Little Collins Street, Melbourne Time: Meeting begins 8pm

Sunday 20th February*

Group 5 Motorkhana - Round 1 Venue: Geelong Motorsport Complex, Geelong Rd, Lara ( Melway map 255, G5) Contact: Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) Time: Starting time will be about 10am, but if you want to compete you will need to be there before 9am to enter and to have your car scrutineered.

Sunday 20th February

Veteran Car Club of Aust (Tas) Inc Northern Section - Summer Swap Meet Venue: Cimitiere Street/Cameron Street Council Car Park, Launceston, Tasmania. Entrance via Cameron Street.

Time: 9am start Contact: Phone 0411 404 560 for any information.

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Don’t miss the February General Meeting at the RACV Club...

FREE FINGER FOOD, TEA & COFFEE! 8

Saturday morning meet up and group cruise - time and location to be announced. More information in coming issues. Contact the Kennett River Caravn Park on 03 5289 0272 to book a site. See advertisement on page 10.

what’s on February

Sunday 27th February* Group 5 Speed Event Series- Round 1 Cancelled due to inability to obtain the use of the Hillclimb track.

Sunday 26th - Saturday 27th February

Ballarat Swap Meet Venue: Ballarat Airport.

Contact: Camp the night!

Phone Jen Littlechild on 0431 160 097 if you are interested ASAP so we can arrange camp spots - it should be a fun weekend!

> March Now Sunday 17th April* VW Cruises 5th Annual VW Jamboree - Caribbean Gardens, Stud Road, Scoresby. Show starts 9am, judging from 11am - presentation at 2pm. Caribbean Gardens entry $2 per person. Show & shine, car displays, swap meet, club stands. There will be a DJ spinning the latest dance tunes.

Lots of food and drink to purchase or BYO picnic or BBQ by the lake.

Rides for the kids, also fishing in the lake. Sponsored by Volkommen Art. Contact Anthony Surie on 0414 344 331 or vwcruise@yahoo.com Tuesday 15th March* General Meeting - RACV Club, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne.

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March* VWCV Weekend Away Kennett River Cruise and Campout.

Starting Friday for those who can’t do the Saturday and Sunday... or those who’d like three days of Volkswagen fun! Those going down Friday, make own way down and provide own catering.

Sunday 20th March* AOMC Presents the RACV British & European Motoring Show. Venue Dandenong Showgrounds. Contact Frank Douglas on 03 8704 2533 for information.

Saturday 26th March to Sunday 27th March* Australia's Premier VW and Audi event for all the family. Easter Weekend March 26th and 27th, 2005, SYDNEY AUSTRALIA See the biggest variety of VW's and Audi's in Australia. Now in its 18th great year, the VW Nationals has become the event for all VW and Audi Owners. See the most immaculate array of models from just about every production year.

Enter your car in one of the categories below or just come and look. It’s the event for the enthusiast and all the family. Heaps of events all weekend with Sunday the big ‘Show and Shine' day.

Easter Saturday 26th March 1/4 mile Drag Racing Saturday Grudge & Bracket Racing will be open for all makes and models of cars both street and racing. Grudge, Bracket, King of the Hill. Gene Berg Trophy for the fastest street registered VW will be awarded. Racing from 10am.

Bracket racing is a test of endurance and skill, not how powerful your car is. The drag racing this year will be at the new 1/4 mile track, Western Sydney International Dragway. More information soon.

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V W C V

P R E S E N T S

T H E

KENNETT RIVER CRUISE & CAMPOUT F R ID A Y

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FRIDAY 18 MARCH Starting Friday for those who can’t do the Saturday & Sunday... or those who’d like three days of Volkswagen fun! Those going Friday make own way down & self cater.

SATURDAY 19 TO SUNDAY 20 MARCH Meet and cruise down the Great Ocean Road to Kennett River.

More details next issue...

Club will provide catering over weekend.

PHONE 5289 0272 to reserve your camping spot at the Kennett River Caravan Park • 1-13 Great Ocean Rd, Kennett River 3221 Please book ASAP as places fill fast!

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Easter Sunday 27th March Show and Shine Sunday - To be held at Fairfield City Showgrounds, Smithfield Road, Prairiewood. Huge undercover area for Show & Shine, Dealer Displays swapmeet. Gates open a 8 am. Please note, if want a good position get there early, if want to park with your mate, get there early. Car show entries close at 11am, presentation is around 3pm. Entry fee is again $10, children under 16 free. Swapmeet sites are $20 each and are under cover. Car show entry is $10 per category, maximum of 3 categories per car. On site catering available with plenty of everything.

VW Nationals Enquires: David Birchall (02) 9534 4825 (ah) or david@clubvw.org.au or www.clubvw.org.au

Thursday 24th March to Monday 28th March* 2005 Bugin - Perth WA. Thursday Night 24th March For the early arrivals in Perth and those interested we are planning a night out at Gloucester Park. We have secured a limited number of FREE ENTRY tickets for the night.

Friday 25th March For those that want to see more of Perth environs and a little bit of sightseeing, the club is arranging a car cruise / tour on the Friday. This will not be too long or strenuous and will break for participants to be able to have a welcome lunch break.

Friday Night 25th March The traditional start of the Bug-In weekend is the 'Welcome BBQ'.

Planning is well under way and as in previous years, fish will be on the

menu. Come along in your best BugIn gear with some of your treasured memorabilia. It promises to be a good night for all. We are looking to secure a venue in walking distance of the caravan park.

Saturday Morning 26th March The VW show and shine is being planned for 9:00am to 12:00pm.

We are investigating a different location to that indicated in the Bulletins first issue - the new location hopefully will also be within walking distance of the caravan park.

Saturday Evening 26th March We are organising a river/sunset cruise on one of Perth's specialty boats - The Decoy. It will not be a late night, as Sunday will probably be an early (by Bug-In standards) start.

Sunday 27th March A motorkhana is planned for this traditional 'motoring' part of the Bug-In weekend.

Sunday Night 27th March We are planning to have the presentation night as usual as there maybe participants that require to return home on the Monday. We all look forward to the trophies, the raffle draw, good food and of course time for you to reflect on the weekend.

Monday 28th March We are arranging a day in the Port City for you to play tourist. We can visit the Fremantle Motor Museum (home of the 1946 Beetle), The Fremantle Maritime Museum (home of Australia II), The Fremantle Gaol, both Fremantle and E-Shed markets, the micro breweries, the famous "Cappuccino Strip" and then maybe some traditional "fish and chips" with the seagulls at the Fremantle Boating Harbour.

Monday night will be left free for many of you to prepare your return home. Peter Summerfield - phone: (08) 9454 5761 Rod McSwain phone: (08) 9332 6919 Ray Willis phone: (08) 9434 6595 mobile: 0407347340

E-mail Address: editor@vwclub.asn.au (use subject line - Bug-In 2005)

> April Sunday 3rd April* VWCV ‘Have a Go’ Motorsport day. This is your opportunity to give entry level Motorsport a go.

It will be for VWCV members only, and we are aiming to keep the cost to a minimum. We will be holding Motorkhana and Khanacross events on the day. We aim to have as many of the regular VWCV Motorsport competitors available as we can to give the ‘first timers’ a much information and encouragement as we can. It will be held on Sunday, 3rd April at the Toyota car Club Ground, McGrath Rd Werribee (just behind the Werribee Horse Racing Complex). More info in the March magazine.

Sunday 10th April* Round 2 of the Group 5 Speed Event series to be held by PIARC at the Phillip Island Racing Circuit.

Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

Supp. Regs. and entry forms available from the PIARC website, www.piarc.com.au about 3 weeks before the event. The event will start at about 10am; but you will need to be there by about 8:30am, or before, to get your car scrutineered, and to get your licence checked and number allocated.

You will definitely have to enter

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before the event to ensure that you will be able to run in the event.

> July

Saturday 16th April*

Sunday 3rd July*

Tech Day with Andrew Ermel.

More information in coming issues...

NCCA John Mott Sprint, Sandown (TBC). Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

Sunday 17th April* Round 2 of the Group 5 Motorkhana Series will be held by the CRBCC at a venue to be advised. Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

Starting time will be about 10am, but if you want to compete you will need to be there before 9am to enter and to have your car scrutineered.

Sunday 10th July* Saturday 28th May* Dinner Dance at the new RACV Club. More information in coming issues...

Sunday 29th May* Sunday 17th July* VWCV Club Concourse. More information in coming issues...

Sunday 29th May*

Tuesday 19th April* General Meeting - RACV Club, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne.

Sunday 24th April* Observation Run. More information in coming issues...

Round 4 of the Group 5 Motorkhana will be held by HSCCV Toyota Club Grounds, McGrath Rd, Werribee. (TBC).

Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

> May

> June

Sunday 1st May*

Thursday 9th June*

Round 3 of the Group 5 Motorkhana will be held by FFCC at BP Truck Stop, Somerton.

Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

Herbie Fully Loaded to be released!

Tuesday 17th May* Tech Day at Volkshome with John Goodison. More information in coming issues...

Sunday 22nd May* VWCV Group 5 Autocross.

Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

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VWCV Motorkhana, Geelong Motorsport Complex, Princes Hwy, Avalon. Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

VMCi Morwell Hill Climb. Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

> August Sunday 14th August* VWCV Group 5 Motorkhana.

More information in coming issues...

> November Sunday 27th November*

Sunday 19th June* Round 4 of the Group 5 Speed Event Series will be held by PIARC at Phillip Island. Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

Sunday 26th June* Round 5 of the Group 5 Motorkhana will be held by TCCA, Toyota Club Grounds, McGrath Rd, Werribee Contact Jon Edsell (jon.edsell@gm.com or 03 9844 3420 AH) for any information.

VWCV presents the 2005 Day of the Volkswagen. More information in coming issues...

Please note: *These events marked attract club points.

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VW CRUISES

Jamboree

C A R I B B E A N

S U N D A Y

G A R D E N S

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A P R I L

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F R O M

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What’s it all about...

VW Cruises 5th Annual VW Jamboree - Caribbean Gardens, Stud Road, Scoresby.

Show starts 9am, judging from 11am - presentation at 2pm.

Caribbean Gardens entry $2 per person.

Show & shine, car displays, swap meet, club stands.

There will be a DJ spinning the latest dance tunes.

Lots of food and drink to purchase or BYO picnic or BBQ by the lake. Rides for the kids, also fishing in the lake.

Sponsored by Volkommen Art.

Contact Anthony Surie on 0414 344 331 or vwcruise@yahoo.com for further information.

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Club Clothing 2005 The VWCV has a great range of quality clothing and other merchandise. All clothing items are in stock and most sizes available. These can be purchased at club meetings and major VWCV events, or by using the club order form below.

Garment

S

M

L

XL

XXL

XXXL

Colour

Price

Cap - brushed cotton

Blue or Black

$15

Bucket Hat

Navy or Black

$15

Mens/Ladies Polo Shirt

Blue

$25

Ladies Collared Shirt

Light Blue, Red, Navy or Black

$30

Mens Twill Shirt

Black or Navy

$35

Ladies Fine Chambray Shirt

Blue

$35

Ladies Sleeve Polo

Lime or Scarlet

$30

Mens Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Black or Navy

$25

Pit Crew Shirt

Blue/Red or Black/Blue

$45

Mens/Ladies Reversible Vest

Blue/Yellow

$50

Anorak Coat

Black

$85

TOTAL $

Total

________

• All items are embroided with a VW logo and the words “Club of Victoria”.

Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________Post Code: ___________Telephone: ______________________ I have enclosed my cheque/money order for $________

Please make cheque/money order payable to the VWCV.

• Mail coupon to - VWCV Merchandise Officer: GPO Box 1215K Melbourne VIC 3001 Please enclose your cheque, name, address and phone number.

Telephone: 0401 310 704 • Email: beetle00@tpg.com.au

Order your 50th Anniversary T-Shirts NOW! $30 - all sizes. Phone 0401 310 704 to order.

Hurry - limited number available!

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Cape York in a Beetle > Erika Behrendt on her trip to the top of Australia in a Beetle...

The story began a year ago when a forgotten, unloved, empty shell of a Volkswagen was bought by Peter to be restored. Little did the car know that it was being rebuilt into a vehicle which eventually would show many 4X4 Cars what it is made of!!

The plan was for Peter to take me to Cape York in the Beetle. He closed his business for the month of June, and set off from Don Valley in Vic. towards Cairns. I had only 18 days holiday, so I flew to Cairns to meet up with him. The fun could start!

After having a good look at Cairns, a boat ride along the river and the following day a train ride up to Kuranda, we set off to Daintree to stay the night at the camping ground.

My first experience (after many years travelling in a VW Campervan with all the modern conveniences)at pitching a little tent, sitting on little stools - with matching table (1 foot high) and cooking on a one burner gas stove. In other words, making

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do with as little as possible since there is not much room in the Beetle.

Our trip took us across Daintree river on the ferry onto a dirt road towards Cape Tribulation. The rainforest never ceased to amaze us. What a beautiful sight to see. At a stopover we met our first group of tourists and their guide. He was not convinced that the Beetle could make it towards and across the Bloomfield River but nothing could stop us. It was a rough, steep road - but we managed.

The Bloomfield River was another story it did not look promising! ! We waded through, the river was terribly wide and those boulders right in the middle! Some of them we shifted, but there was one great big one in the middle, I had to stand on it to direct the car around it, that meant into deep water! Boy, did this crossing by the Beetle attract a lot of attention! So many movies rolling cameras and pictures shot!

Cape York here we come. If we can get across the Bloomfield , we can go anywhere! Cooktown was our next stop.

This is were Captain Cook beached his ship for repairs. So much history! It is a fascinating town.

The following day we continued towards Laura Homestead which was a great drive through the National Park and decided to stay at the Laura Hotel's camping ground.

The rest of the afternoon was spent looking at aboriginal paintings and watching a performance by the local school in front of the hotel. Ninety percent of the kids are Aboriginals. Peter talked me into sleeping out under the stars - I seemed to watch them all night, but must have slept sometime. We were first on the road next morning - lovely to drive all this distance

and no one around, as if you are the only people in the world.

Hann River was the next stop for petrol.

We were too early. The camping ground was full with campers, they only just woke up. Lots of them came to talk to us (funny how many of the travellers had owned a Beetle long time ago!), wondering if we were actually taking the VW all the way up north - warning us - taking pictures!!

Overwhelmed and with a tankfuls of petrol we travelled on. The change from rocky- to sandy roads with ditches and deep ruts at times made for an interesting trip. We went for a skinnydip in the Archer River on the way and went on and on, it seemed never ending.

Our next target was the Wenloch River everyone has to use the crossing - it can be very deep and sandy. We reached the river mid afternoon. Quite a few campers had their tents pitched on the other side - that's where we intend to stay for the night. As always I waded through the river and gave Peter the okay to go ahead. All I could do was cross my fingers! Too many people were watching! Come on little Beetle, you can make it!! And it did! If the car had feelings, the applause it got must have made it so proud. We had a lovely evening with all the fellow campers around the fire.

Next day more sandy , and rough roads -

what fun! The Elliot Falls and the nearby Fruitbat Falls are a sight to see - what a lovely spot - no wonder most travellers like to stay a night and enjoy them. We had a good swim and look around but decided to go on, time was short!!

On the way to the Jardine River we passed two 4X4's, little did they know we had our CB radio on and listened as one warned the other that a little Volkswagen will pass them any minute, and the other one answered: "How embarrassing". Boy, this is fun! The local Aboriginals run the ferry on the Jardine River and charge you a fortune. Since the river was low, lots of the 4X4's drove along the old telegraph road and through the river - saving them $20.00 each. We took the easy way out, we didn't fancy seeing the Beetle float away!!

As much as we enjoyed the road up to the Jardine, on the other side the roads are not maintained and the corrugations were unbelievable. When we finally reached Punsan Bay, after looking around Bamaga (not very impressive)we relaxed. The welcome at this camping ground was incredible, as we were the first two wheel drive vehicle that season. The first evening was spent around the table in the open air restaurant. We met Eileen and Kevin, who later on would cross our paths again. They are from Tasmania and travel often across Aussieland.

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The first day saw us boarding a little boat to take us to Thursday Island. We never realised how many islands are scattered all over the Torres Strait up near Cape York. We passed quite a few before we reached Thursday Island. The people on the Island look more like the Fijian race. It is a small Island, lots of hotels and very hot.

After a tour on Nelson's Bus around the island, we ended up in a hotel for a bite to eat and a few drinks. The return trip and a pretty rough sea made us all look a little pale.

The next day we were off to the northernmost tip of the continent. All very exciting - through some deep sand, ditches full of water - beautiful rainforest and finally after walking over some rocks we made it to the Top. Very exciting! All the other visitors came by 4X4s of course.

We are on our way back - over the corrugations towards the Jardine, but once on the other side we started enjoying driving again. The car is going terrific. This kind of driving took us back ten years when we competed in Desert Rallies. Great fun! The traffic was light until we approached a right hand corner, this Toyota came flying around it - on our side of the road, but not for long.

He saw us and either he got such a shock when he saw the Beetle or he was just inexperienced, but he just slammed on the brakes. What a moment of wonder when you watch a big car with a big bullbar come towards you, and you have nowhere to go!

Goodbye! His car came to a halt just half a meter in front of us. Bulldust everywhere!!

When he backed up to pass us he looked mighty relieved. We felt a little dazed for a while there.

Our destination that day was Shelbourne Bay and to stay overnight at the camping area at the Nixon Homestead. Peter had met Irene and Dal a few years before on his motorbike trip and wanted me to see how they live. We got there just before Sundown and would you believe it, our friends Kevin and Eileen had the same idea . It was nice to see them there. The Nixons, Irene and

Dal, claimed that they recognised Peter straight off, and greeted us like old friends.

Irene and Dal live in a kind of shack with one side all open - no windows. They are an enterprising couple, she bakes the most beautiful bread and uses the fruit trees around the place to make lovely jam. No wonder we lived for the next week on bread and jam - yum!! The living area was incredibly clean and quite cosy - very impressive.

It was a delight to get to know these two people living alone in the wilderness for over thirty years. Sadly, they are living under threat of eviction, as their farm is under an aboriginal land rights claim.

Kevin offered to take us the next day to the white sand dunes of Shelbourne Bay 60km one way through untouched, lovely bush land, across little waterways and then the white, sandy mountains. It looked like snow. We had a lovely, full day and after staying another night at the Nixons we set off early in the direction of Hann River, leaving the main road to make our way towards the Gulf of Carpentaria. It was a delight to drive along this hardly used road.

We found the main road was getting busier and rougher - too many 4X4`s. Who can blame them, it is a lovely country and to be honest, this particular part of Australia should be travelled by Four Wheel Drive! A little road through interesting mountain areas, lots of farms and little traffic took us to the mining town of Chillagoe (Marble and Coal)where we stayed the night. Our next target were the Lava Tubes we heard so much about.

Mt.Surprise is on the No.1 Highway between Cairns and Normanton and the Lava Tubes are just near there. They now belong to the National Parks and are worthwhile seeing. These Tubes millions of years ago, when small surrounding volcanoes erupted and the lava spread all over the countryside, finding its way into a riverbed where the outside cooled down, leaving a crust and the hot lava inside continued flowing - leaving a !6 km long tunnel. The vegetation, below where some of the roof

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collapsed, is amazing!

We are on our way to Normanton and the first stop there is at the famous Pink Pub for a beer. We decided to stay the night in Karumba on the GuIf of Carpenteria. We feasted on fresh prawns and watched the most spectacular sunset! The trip next took us to Burketown. On the way we stopped at the last camp site of Burke and Wills, before they turned back and eventually perished.

Escott Lodge was our next stop, a lovely old homestead with beautiful green grass to camp on and near the great Nicholson River, as rugged as they come. There was my chance to finally see crocodiles. We hired a boat and spent all morning up and down the river but only saw a handful of little ones sunning themselves. I had to be satisfied with the big two metre freshwater crocodile in captivity at the Lodge!

We were now looking forward to Lawn Hill, a destination not well known. The road took us across the Leichhardt River (with little water)and interesting little billabongs.

You travel along the barren countryside and every so often you cross river gullies with the most beautiful tropical vegetation, very intriguing - they made up for the long stretches of emptiness. At Gregory Downs we turned off towards Lawn Hill - approximately. 100km off the beaten track. To camp at Lawn Hill you have to book in advance, so we stayed at Adels Grove, 10km before Lawn Hill. It is a lovely camping area with its own picturesque billabong to swim in, and good service.

We spent the whole of the next day at Lawn Hill, hired a canoe early in the morning and set off into the gorge, which I

could only describe as " heaven". What an oasis in a never-never land! This was the highlight of our trip. The time we spent exploring the gorge and its interesting sites was wonderful. We stayed one more night in Adels Grove and set out towards Mt. Isa through Riversleigh Station where they found, and are still finding, fossils of animals going back millions of years, to the times when the country was covered with tropical rainforest. You would not believe it, looking at the dry countryside now. We reached Mt. Isa after driving over a long stretch of rocky, nasty roads. We made time to inspect the mines and visited the Irish Club for a night out.

I said my goodbyes to Peter the next day to fly back to Melbourne. He took the Beetle straight down the middle, through Boulia, Bedourie, Birdsville, then via Cordillo Downs to Innamincka, Tibboburra, etc.

He covered 10,000 km on the trip, 6,000 km on dirt roads, 4,000km we shared. It was a holiday we'll never forget.

Thank You The VWCV would like to thank the following businesses for their support of the 2004 Day of the Volkswagen: • Camberwell Volkswagen • Australian VW Performance Centre • Wolfsburg Automotive • Vintage Vee Dub Supplies • KDF Werks • Mercwreck and Volksparts

• Shannons Insurance • Volkshome Automotive • Classic Vee Dub Supplies • Volkscare • MIB Global (Models) • Technical Bookshop

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> For Sale

for sale

For Sale

Please Note:

• All additions to this section must be accompanied by either registration number, chassis number or VIN number.

• Advertisements will be limited to a period of two months only. If you wish to continue your advertisement beyond the initial two month period, please contact the Editor(s).

Send your for sales and wanted ads to the Editor: 27 Scotia Street, West Preston, VIC 3072 Email: wagensville@yahoo.com.au

> For Sale

> For Sale

>For Sale: Last of the VR6's 1998 Golf VR6 - metallic charcoal grey. 4 Headlamp cover conversion. Full leather upholstery, Steal stopper alarm, 10-stacker CD - BBS alloys. FSH 103,000 kms.

OWI 629.

Price: $19,500 ONO Contact: Jon on 0438 443 957

>For Sale: 1954 Oval Window Beetle, new floors, original style roof rack, headlight eyebrows, reco motor, cross ply tyres, whitewalls, original radio, brand new interior, new rear brakes, custom made lambs wool seat covers, lots of spares, semaphore indicators, two tone paint, beautiful to drive, award winning, 3rd prize in 2004 DOV standard beetle to 1957, reg till May QEV-749 Price: $8,500 Contact: Simon on 0400 604 500

> For Sale >For Sale: VW Golf GTI MK I/II or Cabriolet MK III/IV wheels for sale.

Contact: Alex on 0403 269 214

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>For Sale: New Beetle Cabrio 2003, burnt orange, auto, black leather seats, 9,000 kms, sensor parking, paint protection, tinted windows, with RWC Price: $42,500 ONO >For Sale: registration number VWCRUZ Price: $650 ONO Contact: Tito on 0412 343 634

> For Sale >For Sale: 1976 Golf two door hatch 1600cc manual. suit parts or restoration. Chassis number 1763102347.

Price: $150 ONO >For Sale: 1969 Kombi suit parts or restoration. Chassis number 229021952.

Price: $100 ONO >For Sale: VW Rear Transaxle with reduction boxes to suit split screen kombi.

Price: $250 ONO Contact: (03) 5821 9902 or email headneon@hotmail.com

> For Sale >For Sale: 4 brand new injectors to suit 1995 Golf TDI Price: $600 >For Sale: 2 sunliner pop tops to suit 1994 Kombi Price: FREE! Contact: 0417 114 587 or 03 9879 0075

Motorsport News > Jon Edsell - VWCV Motorsport and Group 5 We have been able to secure a venue for the VWCV Inc. ‘Have a Go” Motorsport day. It will be held at the Toyota car Club Grounds, McGrath Rd Werribee, on Sunday, 3rd April 2005. It will be for VWCV members only, and we are aiming to keep the cost to a minimum. We will be holding Motorkhana and Khanacross events on the day. We aim to have as many of the regular VWCV Motorsport competitors available as we can to give the ‘first timers’ as much information and encouragement as you can absorb. To enter the event you will require cotton type based clothing (Jeans, shirt, etc) covering your body from neck to wrist to ankles, and robust footwear (runners are OK, but bare feet, thongs and sandals are not). The vehicle must have a fire extinguisher securely mounted in the vehicle, if you want to have a go at the Khanacross type events.

Also, you will learn some of the basic officialling skills, so you might want to help us out in the future at the VWCV organised Group 5 events. More details will be given in the next magazine, or you could contact me if you require more info.

After this event we will have 2 or 3 VWCV only Khanacrosses during the rest of the year. I am currently trying to secure dates and venues, so I will keep you informed.

Also, when trying to obtain the Rob Roy Hillclimb for an event, I found out that they have a ‘Challenge of Clubs’ event. This year it will be on June 19th, and subject to committee approval, I will endeavour to get an invite to this event.

The other thing I will be doing is organising a Motorsport Spectator event to a Mud Trial, or Observed Section Trial. The Trials Series start in May, and go to October, so I

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will examine our calender, and find a time when there is not much on and we can go along and have a look. The cars used in this form of motorsport are unique, with a capacity limit of 1500cc, extremely small turning circle, and large suspension travel.

The VW aircooled engine is fairly popular in this form of motorsport. So keep and eye out for this event.

The Group 5 Motorsport events currently planned for 2005 are listed below: 2005 Group 5 Motorkhana Dates: February 20 HAC Geelong Motorsport Complex, Princes Hwy, Avalon April 17 CRBCC TBC May 1 FFCC BP Truck stop, Somerton May 29 HSCCV Toyota Club Grounds, McGrath Rd., Werribee June 26 TCCA Toyota Club Grounds, McGrath Rd., Werribee July 10 VWCV Geelong Motorsport Complex, Princes Hwy, Avalon August 14 PIARC To Be Confirmed September 18 VMCi Toyota Club Grounds, McGrath Rd., Werribee October 23 NCCA To Be Confirmed 2005 Group 5 Sprint Dates: February 27 HSCCV Cancelled (Morwell Hill Climb) April 10 PIARC Phillip Island Race Track 3 May 22 VWCV Autocross, Venue (TBC) June 19 PIARC Phillip Island Race July 3 NCCA John Mott Sprint, Sandown (TBC)

July 17 July 31

VMCi Morwell Hill Climb PIARC Phillip Island Race Track(TBC) September 29 PIARC Phillip Island Race October 30 HSCCV Autocross, Geelong Motorsport Complex, Princes Hwy, Avalon November 13 VWCV / HAC Hillclimb (TBC) Don’t forget our Group 5 events (currently calendered for 22/5/05, 10/7/05 and 13/11/05) where we will need competitors and officials. So keep the dates in mind.

Other Motorsport events currently planned for 2005 are listed below that might be of interest to VWCV members:

October 9 Geelong Motorsport Complex November 13 Geelong Motorsport Complex December 4 Geelong Motorsport Complex If you are interested in having a go at motorsport, and want to know more, please contact me and I will explain what is required. If you are interested in any of these events, please contact me and I will forward details when I get them. Don’t forget, if you want to help out as an official at motorsport events, please contact me so I can get you started.

I hope to see you on or at the track. •

2005 Geelong Motorsport Complex: February 20 Geelong Motorsport Complex, Princes Hwy, Avalon March 13 Geelong Motorsport Complex April 10 Geelong Motorsport Complex May 15 Geelong Motorsport Complex June 12 Geelong Motorsport Complex July 10 Geelong Motorsport Complex August 14 Geelong Motorsport Complex September 11 Geelong Motorsport Complex

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Membership Mumbo > Ross Woolley Total VWCV Memberships Single Memberships 280 Family memberships 65

Total Memberships 415

New Members During the month of January 2005 the following people joined the Volkswagen Club of Victoria: Jeremy Fish Kim Murray Amelia Bail William Leschke Tara Monahan Sam Monahan Doug Phillips Bradley Reger Jane Wallace Thank you and welcome on behalf of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria.

Rejoining Members The following members rejoined the Volkswagen Club of Victoria in January 2005: Jamie Casha Richard Graham Harald Doerner Lloyd Davies Chris Davies Peter Davies Rodney Nevin Eric Roberts Norm Holyoak Brian Reed John Dutton Derek Lipka Felix Morales Phil Hearn Andrew Gray Thank you on behalf of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria.

Current Membership Renewals The following memberships are due in the month of February 2005 : Graeme Baker Debra Baker Emily Vegt Colin Bromiley Launa Bromiley Hank Van Herk Bill Malkoutzis Robert Busselmann Benjamin Thompson Mark Trickett Neil Rote Gunter Tippner Ivars Neiburgs Kim Whittles Wayne Hulbert Angela Watters Overdue Membership Renewals The following members have not renewed their memberships Campbell Winks Liz Stanway Adam Papageorgiou Bill Frisina Zac Smits Tito Octavianus Gerard Twining Winfried Moell Darryl Whitelaw Michael Cronin Roger Kruse James Constable Liz Crock Giancarlo Di Stefano Megan Buchanan Paul Schefferle Ryan Camilleri Steve Stewart Michael Moore Russell Dart

and are currently overdue: David Stanway Joanne McElhinney Robert Knothe Dennis J Tiley Mathew Frenchman Yusuf Cajee Oliver Fulljames Mana Collado Andrew Sevels Matthew Brinsden

Ben Doerner Dagmar Nevin Fay Holyoak Dieter Lipka Stephen Forest

Timothy Pearce Tahnee Van Herk Rachel Thompson Neville Dean Frank Gherghetta

Alex Dobrogorsky Frank Smits Yau-Ming Chiam Ron Hodgetts John Orchard Thomas Seymour Danny Elliott Josh Carson Kevin Fox

Please note, if you renewed your membership after the 7th February 2005, please ignore the above reminder.

Total VWCV Memberships Single Memberships 287 Family memberships 66

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Total Memberships 423

VW

The Professional Automotive People Parts • Servicing • Reconditioning • Full Workshop Facilities Complete diagnostic service using VW scanner and latest SUN 400 Engine Analyser.

John Goodison 16 Commercial Drive Thomastown VIC 3074 • PH 03 9464 0366 • FAX 03 9464 0856

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Membership Application Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. Membership Officer • GPO Box1215K MELBOURNE VIC 3001 • Phone 0401 310 704

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