subaru4wd club of victoria monthly magazine - february 2015

(ISSUE 411)

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.

Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member

www.subaru4wdvic.com.au PO BOX 2456

Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Tolmie Trip

February 2015

http://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/

Page: 2

VOLKS-BARU

SUBARU and Volkswagen Specialist

Parts and Service Centre

We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely

competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru

4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.

John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd

Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655

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INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB

GENERAL MEETINGS South Camberwell Tennis Club Last Tuesday of each

322 Burke Road month at 8:00pm sharp Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6) (except December)

COMMITTEE Meetings 1st Tuesday each month: 7:30pm

Stephen Whittaker (President)

[email protected]

Jessica Walsh (Vice President)

[email protected]

Peter Bellis (Secretary)

[email protected]

Bob Marshall (Treasurer)

[email protected]

Martin Foot (OM: Membership)

[email protected]

Michael Hartshorne (OM: Editor)

[email protected]. au

Dale Rebgetz (OM: Resources)

[email protected]

Jean Bellis (OM: Events Coordinator )

[email protected]

Jamie Scott (OM: Trips Coordinator)

[email protected]

Dale Rebgetz (OM: Venue)

[email protected]

Stephen Whittaker / Damian Stock (OM) Venue Presentations

[email protected], [email protected]

The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 30 years ago by an enthusiastic group of Subaru owners. Today the club has expanded to include all Subaru 4WD and AWD vehicles, as well as all other makes of AWD, light 4WD and crossover/soft-roader type vehicles. The club aims to participate in exploration of the Australian countryside without damage to the environment, vehicle or individual. Visitors are most welcome to attend the club’s General Meetings and contact committee members regarding participation in club activities.

The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2014/15 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2014 and are as follows:

● Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110) ● Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125). Joining Fee $10 ($20 for Joint/Family)

(All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $47) A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)

Please contact the membership officer for further information regarding membership, including pro-rata and monthly rates.

mailto:[email protected]













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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Welcome to the February Subaru 4WD Club magazine. It might be the shortest month in the year, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t packed it full of events at our club! The club is coming into a very busy time, but more on that later!

I’m hoping we’ve all had an enjoyable February following our January meeting at which we had our early (now traditional) BBQ to kick off the New Year. It was great to catch up with members following our Australia Day Weekend Trip as well as others we hadn’t seen since before Christmas. Thanks to everyone who attended for making it a special start to the year. Particular thanks to Damian and Angela for organising the meat and cooking all our food too!

Just prior to January’s meeting, we had the Australia Day Long Weekend trip. This was a very enjoyable trip (and a very well attended one) exploring the area north of Mansfield – including Tolmie, Mount Samaria State Park and surrounds. It’s Ned Kelly territory up there and we camped at Stringybark Creek Campground – the site of the shootout between the Kelly Gang and police back in the late 1870’s. It was such a good spot that a couple of members still had their camper trailers hooked up to their vehicles when they arrived at the meeting on Tuesday… having stayed an extra night and driven from Stringybark Creek to Burke Road, Glen Iris that day! Read the full trip report later in this magazine.

A number of members also enjoyed Peter & Jean’s Anglesea Trip. This was a great social, enjoyable trip taking in some 4WDing, beach walks, a social pub meal and good company.

There’s some exciting news I’d like to share with you. Through Four Wheel Drive Victoria (FWDV), Victorian 4WD clubs were contacted by Simon Christie from ‘4WD TV’ who is offering clubs the opportunity to have a stand at the Explore Australia Expo in late May this year… for FREE! Our Committee discussed this at the February committee meeting and decided this would be a great opportunity to showcase what the club does – and, hopefully, recruit some new members!

I’ve since contacted Simon and requested a site for us. We’re currently in talks about this. Needless to say, we’re looking for volunteers to assist us in running the stand across the weekend of 29 – 31 May. Essentially, what this will involve is providing some of your time (a few hours or a full day – whatever you can) to assist us in talking about just how good our club is!

An easy task. We will discuss this at the February meeting.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

If you have some availability that weekend, that would be greatly appreciated. Furthermore, a prize is on offer for the best club display, so if you have some ideas about how we can decorate our stand, get involved – we’d love your input!

Photos, photos, photos!!! Don’t forget that the club’s annual Photographic Competition is on this Tuesday. This is a great night but we need your photos to ensure its success. With just a few days to go, make sure you send them to [email protected]. We look forward to looking back on memories and seeing some find photography on Tuesday.

I have to say that I feel that the club is in a great place at the moment. There’s a lot of chatter, planning and implementation of trips – from social through to large-scale. It’s exciting to see that the 5-10 year plan is now coming together with trips (such as Cape York) now on the agenda and dates being set to make them happen!

We also have some new Trip Leaders stepping up to take on leadership. Something we always encourage. If you’d like to lead a trip or just go somewhere new with the club but aren’t sure how to go about making it happen, then chat to a member of the committee or someone who runs them regularly. They’d be very happy to assist you in putting your trip together.

One final mention; look out in this coming edition of Trackwatch magazine – there’ll be a good article about our efforts at Licola in mid-December. This is great promotion for the club and we look forward to more opportunities just like this in the future.

I’ll see you at the February General Meeting and out on the road – wherever we may be heading.

Stephen Whittaker

President

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VENUE REPORT

VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING

Date: Tuesday 24th February at 8pm.

Venue: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris

At this months meeting we will be running our photo competition. Come and

join us and vote for your favourite snaps. If you wish to enter please do so

quickly. See details later in the magazine.

Door Prize: Come along to win a special door prize at this month’s meeting.

Venue Coordinator

Chocolate At the February meeting Cadbury chocolates will once more be distributed. There are Freddos or a mixed selection of bars. This is the Club’s major fund-raiser for the year so I urge you to take a box with you to sell (or just enjoy) from the meeting. Each box earns $20 for the club so every little bit helps. Driver Training By the time of the meeting I will have spent a day at Damian’s property. This is to scope out the options to run the practical component of the Club’s first Proficiency course. I am hoping to be able to hold the theory session there as well. Stay tuned for more details. Safe Travels, Jessica Walsh Vice President

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT

Belgrave Como Twilight Cinema

Friday 27th February 2015

Trip Standard:- social

Location: Reel Café and Cameo Cinema, 1628 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave ( Mel Ref 75 E10)

Meal at Reel Cafe at 6.30pm

Movie: The Second Hotel Marigold. From 8.00pm for a start at approx 9pm

Cost for the Movie $10.

What to Bring:- Pillow (for screen viewing comfort), blanket/sleeping bag (for warmth if a cool evening). If you are not sure if it will get cool, come prepared as it can get cool in the hills.

Trip leaders:- Jan & Dale Rebgetz, e: [email protected]

South Gippsland / Traralgon

Date:- Friday 6th to Monday 9

th March 2015 ( Labor Day Weekend)

Trip Leader:- Jamie Scott, e: [email protected]

Trip Standard:- Social to Difficult

This will be a standing camp with a variety of options. Come for a day or the whole weekend and camp on the property. More details to come.

Toolangi

Date:- Sunday 22nd

March

Trip Standard:- Easy with some harder options for those that wish to take them

Trip Leaders :- Kerry & Graeme Gill, Paul Saleeba Start 9.30am at Green St, Healesville. Park near the toilets. Trip distance will be a round trip of about 150km to arrive back in Healesville at about 4pm for coffee. The easy tour will include visiting Kalatha Tree, Dindi Mill site, Murrindindi Cascades. BYO lunch at the Suspension bridge in the north of the park an a variety of scenic forest tracks. Contact Graham Gill e:[email protected]




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Tasmania

Date:- 21-28 March 2015

Trip Standard:- difficult to very difficult

Trip Leader Jessica Walsh e: [email protected]

Convoy Limit:- 6 vehicles.

This trip will be along the west coast of Tasmania.

The trip will start and finish with a Saturday night crossing of Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania. Cost of this will be about $500.00 Vehicles will need to be well prepared and self sufficient. A set of spare parts such as hoses and belts, as well as at least one full size spare tyre. Recovery points front and rear, snatch strap, bow-shackles, underbody protection and extra clearance are required as well. I will be fitting a winch to my car before this trip!

Easter Trip

Trip Dates:- Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April

Trip Leader:- Stephen Whittaker

Trip Standard :- Easy to Difficult ( potentially Very Difficult)

The Easter Long Weekend Trip will be based from a standing camp at one of the many camp sites along the Mansfield-Woods Point Road. This picturesque area located not too far from Melbourne has some very special places to visit and some excellent four wheel driving.

There’s plenty to see and do across the weekend and how much you do is up to you! Choose an easy drive, a difficult drive, something in between, the lot… or… just sit by the river at camp and relax. There’ll be a little of everything for everyone.

Possible day trips include Mt Terrible, Woods Point, The old slate mine, Granny’s Flat, Big River area, Enoch Point and Gaffney’s Creek

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4WDVic 40th

Anniversary

Queens Birthday Weekend – Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June 2015 in Mansfield. Arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning for Registration. Saturday afternoon there will be 4WD trips in the area or just relax. Saturday evening will be a Dinner at the Show grounds ($25 a head but yet to be confirmed) with a DJ. Sunday members can again go 4WD. Camping will be available at the Show grounds with both powered and unpowered sites. Fees are yet to be finalised. There are also numerous other accommodation options in Mansfield and District if the tent is too cold that time of year. There is a limit of 200 attendees for this event so get your bookings in early so you don’t miss out. To book your place, email the 4WDVic Events Coordinator at [email protected] Please also let the Subaru Club know you have booked by emailing [email protected] or putting you name on the Trip Sheet at a club meeting. It would be great to see a group from the Club attend this event.

Midweek Mungo Meander

Date: Tuesday 28 - Friday 31 July Standard: Easy if the weather is dry Trip Leader: Jessica Walsh Fees: Day entry per car $7, Camping per adult/child $5/$3 per night. Vehicle limit: 10 cars I am off to Mungo for a few days at the end of July. Mungo National Park is located in NSW in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. This is a midweek trip to allow for those who work weekends to come along. Some information on the park is here: www.visitmungo.com.au We will be staying in a Mildura caravan park on Tuesday night, to allow people to arrive at their own leisure. Mildura is 5-6 hours north of Melbourne. Wednesday will see us heading to Mungo, which is a further two hours north.



http://www.visitmungo.com.au

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There is an excellent camping area with toilets and shaded campsites (see fees, above). They have a great interpretive centre to spend the afternoon learning about some of Australia’s oldest inhabitants. From here there is a 70km loop track that passes much the park has to offer, which I plan to do on Thursday. A leisurely pack-up and then head home on Friday. A walk to watch the sunset on the Walls of China is also not to be missed, which we will do either or both nights depending on the weather. This is an isolated area, so please make sure you are self sufficient with water and food. Extra fuel won’t be necessary if you fill up in Mildura. Pack some warm clothes, as this is desert country and it can get very cold at night. (If the nights are clear, it is a stargazers paradise).

Trips and Events to look forward to in 2015

Christmas in July – Saturday 18th July

Trivia Night – 8th August

Border track – 31st October to 3

rd November.

OTHER TRIP AND SOCIAL EVENTS without set date yet.

Driver Training

High Country Huts

Rubicon Snow Trip

High Tea at Yarra Valley Lodge- Trip Leader Jean Bellis August/September possibly

Discover Melbourne Walk - Trip Leader Bev Davison

Puffing Billy – Dinner and Murder Mystery Night

OTHER POSSIBLE TRIP AND SOCIAL EVENTS

Would you like to lead on of these trips?

Possible locations include:

Cathedral Range

Brisbane Ranges

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Strathbogies

Murray River Regional Park (NSW) and Barmah State Forest (Vic)

Lake Thomson Round Trip

or social events, such as:

A Picnic at Hanging Rock

Queenscliff Blues Train

Mornington Peninsula

LONG TERM FUTURE PLANNING

Jamie Scott & Jean Bellis

Trip and Social Coordinators

[email protected]

Year Trips proposed for that Year

2016 Disputed Border (The Full length of VIC/SA border)

Simpson Desert

2017 Central Australia

2018 Cape York

2019 Canning Stock Route

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TRIP REPORTS

THE SUBIE BUSHRANGERS TOUR KELLY TERRITORY AND MT SAMARIA

Friday 23rd

January – Monday 26th January

By Stephen Whittaker (trip leader)

Friday:

The Australia Day long weekend arrived and another Subaru 4WD Club adventure was planned! This time, we were headed for Ned Kelly territory. About 23 kilometres north-east of Mansfield is a small town called Tolmie. We would base camp at Stringybark Creek – the site of the shootout between the Kelly Gang and the police in 1878 – which is just 10 kilometres north-west of Tolmie in the Toombullup Ranges – an iconic Australian area for Australia Day long weekend.

Early arrivals took place throughout the day with Graham and Kerry picking the best spot at the campground and setting up their camper trailer. Stephen was next to arrive, then Jamie and Les, Michael and Meredith, Peter and Katie. Jamie turned up for the first time with his new camper trailer – well, at least ‘new’ to him. Les had given his old one to Jamie just before Christmas and so he arrived with a brand new one behind his Ford Falcon XR6 Ute. With all arrivals on the Friday (except Stephen) towing something, this was going to be the weekend of the camper trailer!

We relaxed into the evening, ate dinner and chatted all quite tired and retiring to bed without even lighting the campfire. After we were all in bed, Peter and Jean arrived around 11pm. In a mad rush to help tell them where we were, Peter Mynard got out of bed and was calling them on the CB radio while shining his torch towards them. Having had no time to put shoes on, Peter was then bitten by a bullant! The perils of being a good Samaritan.

Saturday:

It was a very relaxed start to the day on Saturday. We all took advantage of this with sleep-ins, slow breakfasts and welcomes/hellos to Peter and Jean.

Stringybark Creek Campground is a large, scenic and quiet spot within the Toombullup Ranges. Graham and Kerry had chosen a perfect site with plenty of shade for everyone – including all 14 vehicles we would have across the weekend!

At around 11am, we decided to do the short walk to the Kelly Tree and the actual site of the shooting between Police and the Kelly Gang back in 1878. As a group, we wandered around the walking track loop reading the fascinating Australian history, taking some photos and imagining the

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TRIP REPORTS

bushranger gang storming into the Police campsite. It was an eerie feeling as theories were matched with facts and discussion through the group echoed. When back relaxing at camp, next to arrive was Peter and Edith and then Mike H. Lunch was made and maps and books emerged. Folks ate, read, chased shade and discussed plans for a short drive later in the afternoon. Stephen was keen to wait for Rick, who’d said he was going to try and get to

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TRIP REPORTS

camp early so that he, Jackie and Josh could come on the first drive.

A route for the drive was mapped out and we chose a time to leave; 2:30pm. Not having heard from Rick (and not having phone reception to call him), we thought we’d head off anyway. At 2:29pm, as we started the vehicles, Rick, Jackie & Josh arrived. We delayed the start time by 20 minutes, allowing the Koster’s time to setup camp.

We all then hit the tracks for a short 4WD exploration through the Toombullup Ranges – not too far from camp. We headed for Fords Bridge via tracks next to pine plantations. One particular section of track was steep and rocky and proved a challenge for some of our new members. But everyone was down safe and well. Once at Fords Bridge, we turned around and headed back for camp. This time, there were options; head back via the 2WD Tatong-Tolmie Road or back the way we came to tackle the climb back up the rocky track we’d come down. Most of us chose the trickier of the two options. The climb back up proved a challenge for Michael and Meredith as they continue to discover the capabilities of their Forester on 4WD tracks. Following an initial attempt, and after some coaching and a slight further drop in tyre pressures, they were up the top with a few shouts of glee from Meredith!

Back at camp, Dale and Jan, Stuart, Lynnette and Maddy as well as Paul had arrived. They had setup camp and everyone was enjoying a drink winding down for the day.

Stephen then presented his new toy – a drone he’d recently purchased. Everyone gathered around as flight took place. Flying was a relatively new venture for Stephen and, with an audience and having only a few hours flight

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TRIP REPORTS

practice under his belt, there were nerves. All was going very well until control was lost at one point and the drone was drifting away… quickly. It came down a couple hundred metres away from camp in what would likely be dense bushland. Not good. A search party of nine went out on foot. Stephen was confident that he would not find it – that it would be in a tree or such dense bushland that it would not be discovered again… and that it had been an expensive weekend(!). However, just 30 seconds into the search, Peter Bellis found it! Excellent work, Peter! It had suffered some damage but nothing irreparable. The other notable damage was to Stephen’s pride. Having said that, the drone will make an appearance at future trips, so look out!

Following dinner, a relaxing evening around the fire was enjoyed by all.

Sunday:

Sunday was going to be a big day out exploring the tracks and Mount Samaria State Park. With a convoy of 12, it was going to be tricky to get through what was planned in time to make it to the Tolmie Tavern for our 6:30pm booking. Nevertheless, we tried. Once convoy order was established and the convoy meeting had taken place, we were on the road. We left just after our planned departure time of 9am – thanks to everyone for being ready, eager and on time!

Turning left out of camp, we travelled the Tatong-Tolmie Road to Fords Bridge, then left into Spring Creek Road and then right into Blue Range Road before arriving at the southern end of Mount Samaria State Park. Plans were in place to meet Jessica on the tracks somewhere in the state park itself. Entering the State Park, we climbed higher and higher and enjoyed scenic views south to Mansfield and across to Bridge Creek and the Toombullup Ranges. Stopping at Rocky Point Lookout, everyone did the short walk to the lookout. Discovering how the lookout got its name, some of us climbed the rocks and soaked in the views. While not a morning tea stop, it should be noted that Rick arrived at the end of the walk with a coffee in hand – looking very relaxed indeed.

Back at the vehicles and just before heading off, Rick discovered he’d locked his keys in the L-Series… presumably in all the excitement of making a coffee(!). It was broken into and we were back on the track again heading for The Kilns for morning tea. As we climbed higher again, Jessica was heard calling us on the CB radio. She was not far away and catching a slow moving convoy of 12 vehicles in the fast moving Pajero.

Not long later, we stopped at The Kilns. These old concrete structures were used for timber-seasoning in the early logging days in the area. Incredibly detailed history was read as morning tea was enjoyed.

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TRIP REPORTS

Back on the track again and Jessica’s radio call was getting stronger and stronger and before long, she’d caught up to our tail-end Charlie. Our next stop was at the beginning of the Mount Samaria walk. Not aware of the difficulty of this walk, we all set off. It proved to be somewhat steep at the beginning before levelling out a little and climbing a little more towards the end. Once at the trig point at the top, spectacular views of Lake Nillahcootie to the west and Mt Hotham, Mt Buffalo and Mt Feathertop to the east were taken in. With such a big group, this walk took longer than anticipated and the planned trip to Powers Lookout in the afternoon was looking less likely.

Back down at the vehicles and on we drove for a late lunch at Samaria Well Camping Area. After we’d fuelled our bodies and it was decided we would not make Powers Lookout, we drove through the bush east towards the farming community of Wrightley. Arriving back at camp at around 4pm, we all relaxed and cooled down after a big day in the cars and a big walk up to Mount Samaria.

Just after 6pm, we drove the short drive into Tolmie (with some car-pooling!) for our meal at the Tolmie Tavern. Greeted by owner Robyn, who couldn’t have been more helpful with the booking (as well as alerting us to the fact that there was going to be a naturalisation ceremony and a supposed Ned Kelly/Police shootout re-enactment the following day) we all ordered our meals and drinks and chatted the evening away. Chicken parmigianas, fish and chips, racks of lamb and roasts were ordered and tummies satisfied.

On the way back to camp, firewood was collected by some of the vehicles and a fire was started back at camp. With all gathered around the fire, Stephen read out Ned Kelly stories, some facts about their lives and encounters with Police – in particular, at Stringybark Creek. It was a late evening around a perfect campfire for most. It was just hard to leave the fire and crawl into bed.

Monday:

Given we didn’t make Powers Lookout the previous afternoon, an optional early rise for those who wanted to see Powers Lookout took place. Departing at 8:30am, we headed for Whitfield via Madhouse Road and Fifteen Mile Creek Road. Passing through farming communities, including Myrrhee, we headed down into Whitfield for a quick toilet stop. Back on the road and then into the bush via a couple of 4WD tracks, including Boggy Creek Track. Time ticked by and before we knew it, we realised we’d likely be late for the 11:30am naturalisation ceremony. So, we AGAIN missed Powers Lookout but would be respectfully on time for the ceremony. On the way back in to Tolmie, plans were made for some to head back out the Powers Lookout after lunch.

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TRIP REPORTS

The naturalisation ceremony was enjoyable with an Australia Day Ambassador presenting and key speakers from the Mansfield community talking about the significance of the day. A nice way to end the trip. Unfortunately, the Kelly Gang/Police shootout re-enactment that was anticipated and promoted did not go ahead. Following the ceremony, we bid farewell to one another and most headed home following a fantastic trip for all!

Thanks to everyone for making Australia Day long weekend a very special one in an iconic Australian area! Looking forward to many, many more!

Attendees:

Stephen Whittaker Forester Graham & Kerry Gill Outback Rick, Jackie & Josh Koster L-Series Peter & Jean Bellis Forester Jamie Scott Toyota Landcruiser Les Scott Ford Falcon XR6 Ute Dale & Jan Rebgetz Forester Michael & Meredith Dale Forester Peter & Katie Mynard L-Series Peter & Edith Fullalove Pajero Michael Hartshorne Forester Stuart, Lynnette & Maddy Isuzu D-Max Jessica Walsh Pajero Paul Saleeba Forester

Date Event Location Standard Contact for further info. Cost

2015 [email protected]

FEB

Tues 24th General Meeting CSTC Dale Rebgetz

Fri 27th Belgrave Como Twilight Cinema Belgrave Social Dale Rebgetz

MAR

Tues 3rd Committee Meeting Stephen Whittaker’s Peter Bellis

Fri 6th - Mon 9th South Gippsland / Traralgon Traralgon Social - Jamie Scott

Sun 22nd Toolangi Healesville Graham Gill

Sat 21st – Sat 28 Tasmania NW Tasmania Jessica Walsh

MAR+

Fri 3 April - Mon 6th Easter Trip Mansfield-Woods Point Road

Stephen Whittaker

Fri 5th June - Mon 8th

4WDVic 40th Anniversary Mansfield See Trip & Social Report

Sat 18th July Christmas in July The Bellis’s Social Jean Bellis

Sat 8th Aug Trivia Night TBA Social Jean Bellis

CLUB CALENDAR

Trip Standard Sign Vehicle Suitability

Easy All wheel drive and high range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. Medium Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres.

Difficult Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Very Difficult Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).

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PRESS CUTTINGS

From the Gippsland Times

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ANDREW’S FUN ON THE CHRISTMAS TRIP

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TRIP REPORTS

We have plenty of resources to sell. We may have many, some or none of the following items so if you are interested in any of these then please come along to the club meeting and I will be very happy to sell them to you. Correct change will be much appreciated.

$

Hat Oiled Skin size 55 20.00

Hat Safari size 59 20.00

Short sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size 14 30.00

Long sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size M 60.00

New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL) 30.00

New Style Vest 60.00

New Style Jacket 70.00

Blue Polo Shirt 15.00

Large Sew on Badges 3.50

Small Sew on Badges 2.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 45deg. 5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 90deg. 5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x Straight 5.00

eFlare HZ510 Red with Base 55.00

CV Boot Clamps Large & Small 3.00

CV Joint Grease 4.00

Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] 1.60

MSP Engine Formulation (oil additive) 50.00

For substantial discounts on all general automotive spare parts, oils, filters, shocks, etc., please see me for details. Thanks, Dale Rebgetz Resources Officer, email: [email protected]


JESSICA’S JOTTINGS

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FOR SALE

Forester Aluminium Bash Plates: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged. Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model, $120.00 ONO Roof console to hold CB + lights and switches for Outback $100.00 Contact: David Wilson, [email protected] Jessica’s Sale: 3x 225/60 R17 Yokohama Geolander G012 A/T-S tyres to suit the current Outback/Liberty. Two of them have been driven about 30,000km ($50 ea.) and the other is near new with about 4,000km of use ($100).

Contact: Jessica Walsh, [email protected]

I recently purchased a new roof tray system. I bought the display model as it was the last one of that colour available. The dealer assured me the two pairs of feet from my current roof racks would suit - saving me quite a bit. When I got it home and inspected it closely I found that the feet would not suit at all, and I would need a whole new set.

I had two options. firstly, I could have taken it back to the dealer and insisted on my money back, calling him all sorts of things under my breath for misleading me. Or, I could ring him and discuss the matter. As it turns out I took the second option. He apologised profusely, and offered to ring me back the next day with a solution. He rang and offered me an old pair of feet from ‘out the back’ at no charge, and a discount on the second pair I would need to buy. I agreed and went into the store to make sure they would fit. They were not perfect but we decided that a little 'engineering' to the plastic would do the trick. A few days later I collected the other pair of feet, and the tray is now firmly installed.

The moral of this tale: Don’t assume that every salesperson is a rogue, and is out to just take your cash. Give them the benefit of the doubt, and you may be surprised with what can be achieved.

Jessica Walsh



PHOTO COMPETITION

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Our photo competition will be on at the February meeting.

All photos must be entered electronically so please email them to [email protected]

We request all entries to be in a couple of days prior to the February meeting to ensure we can collate the presentation.

Categories you can enter:

● Best portrait photo (photo of a person)

● Best group photo

● Best landscape/nature scene

● Best close-up nature shot (flowers, animals, etc.)

● Best Subaru action shot

● Best recovery shot

● Funniest photo

All photographs submitted must have been taken in the last two years (2013 & 2014) at a club event. Any photographs that have won a prize previously are not eligible.

There is a limit of one photo per person, per category (however, family mem-bership allows for each member to submit their “best photo” but they must have taken the photo themselves).

So, rifle through your collection of club event photos from the last two years and send them to us. When you send your photos, please include in the de-scription the trip on which they were taken and a title for the photo.

Members in attendance at the meeting will be able to vote for the winner in each category - come along, see a display of the club’s events over the last two years and VOTE for the best photos!

Venue Coordinator

Dale Rebgetz


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STANDARD TRIP EQUIPMENT & RECOVERY GEAR

The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable experience in the bush, increasing 4WDing skills and experience, whilst maintaining the highest regard for the safety of individuals, the vehicle and the environment. As a driver you have ultimate responsibility for the safety of your passengers and vehicle. It is the responsibility of any participating driver to contact individual trip leaders for clarification of individual trip requirements and standards.

Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to increase confidence and experience. Visitors are welcome subject to the payment of the appropriate levy to cover insurance, but after two visits, should consider membership. Non-financial members are not covered by insurance and may not

participate until payment is received.

Individual drivers with concerns or queries regarding their vehicle and the trip standard should contact relevant trip leaders. The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items of equipment on every trip:

a) Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader

b) Two Rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t);

c) Rated “Snatch’em” Strap;

d) Recovery Points, Front & Rear; plus optional bridle strap, according to

vehicle design;

e) AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio;

f) Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver;

g) Spare Tyre (full size);

h) Jack and Wheel Brace, or equivalent;

i) Emergency Supplies (matches, food, water and clothing);

j) Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays;

k) A Tyre Pressure Gauge; Compressor (according to the trip)

l) An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;

m) A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible shovels are no good);

n) Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the Trip);

o) A Tool Kit;

p) Personal First Aid Kit;

q) The Vehicle Manual.

Any vehicle not carrying at least the first five (5) items of equipment should contact the individual Trip Leader before leaving. Any Club member unsure about any of the items of equipment listed above are advised to contact the Trip and Social Co-ordinator or the Trip Leader concerned.

All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All non-emergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.

Page: 28

CLUB MEETING MINUTES

The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 27

th January 2015 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at

8:01pm. The meeting was preceded by a barbecue tea in the next-door park. 1. Present

Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Jessica Walsh, Bev Davison, Michael Harthorne, Michael Dale, Meredith Dale, Bob Marshall, Ruth Marshall, Edith Fullalove, Peter Fullalove, Damian Stock, Angela Stock, Les Scott, Tim Folliard, Gary Impson, Katie Mynard, Peter Mynard, Lisa Jantke, Andrew Jantke, Cynthia Rennolds, Dale Rebgetz, Stephen Whittaker, Jamie Scott, Rick Koster, Martin Foot.

2. Apologies Elaine Milkins, Phil Milkins, Elaine Hyde, Paul Saleeba.

3. Visitors Peter Simons and Russell Chatfield, Pajero 4WD Club Peter Devine – 2007 Forester XT.

4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

5. Guest Speaker

Peter Simons and Russell Chatfield gave a comprehensive presentation on the upcoming Pajero Challenge (28

th/29

th March 2015). They were

seeking support from the club, either by putting in a competitor entry or helping with a checkpoint or two.

6. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting ● The minutes of the November 2014 General Meeting were

accepted without amendment after being moved by Edith Fullalove and seconded by Peter Mynard.

● There was no business arising from the minutes. 7. Correspondence

7.1 In ● Magazines from various 4WD clubs. ● Advertising material

7.2 Out ● None

Page: 29


8. Reports 8.1 Resources

● The club will be purchasing a double-door steel storage cabinet to store the club’s various resources.

8.2 Editor ● As per the magazine.

8.3 Trip and Social ● Details of trips and events are elsewhere in the magazine. ● Survey regarding the longer trips

● If interested in attending, please add name to trip sheet. ● Currently do not have any trips organised past Easter. ● Dale is proposing to run a Simpson Desert trip in 2016 and the

Central Australia trip around Alice Springs, etc, in 2017. ● Jessica is proposing a mid-week trip for 3 to 4 days to Lake

Mungo. 8.4 Venue

● Details of future meetings are elsewhere in the magazine. ● As per the magazine.

8.5 Membership. ● As per the magazine. ● Our membership continues to grow. ● Membership badges were presented to Cynthia Rennolds (life

membership badge), and Meredith and Michael Dale. 8.6 Treasurer

● Operating account balance as the end of December 2014 was $5,901

● Major expenditure included the club’s Christmas party, printing of high visibility vests, magazine related costs, and website development costs.

8.7 Secretary ● As per magazine.

8.8 Vice-President ● Fundraising – Cadbury chocolates in March. They will be

available for collection at the February meeting. ● Constitution review – it has commenced and any feedback from

members would be appreciated. ● Driver trainer – currently in discussions with Damian and using

Damian’s farm. 8.9 President

● BBQ monies – payment during the evening would be appreciated. ● Installation of 4WD signs at Licola – many thanks to those who

Page: 30


helped. We were well supported by the local community and received publicity in the

● The new club website is up and running – including photographs and videos.

● Photographic competition – is happening at next month’s meeting. The competition will be run by Katie.

9. General Business

9.1 Michael Hartshorne – presented with his five year membership certificate, and the 2014 bogger award.

9.2 Membership application form does not have any banking details on it. The form will be updated.

9.3 Mt Samaria trip – campsite was well selected. It was noted that camping by more than half the attendees was in camper trailers.

9.4 Damian managed to get lost going from Sydney to Woodside via Canberra. He managed to miss the Monaro Highway and ended up on a four wheel drive track.

9.5 Damian has identified a suitable location on his farm to put up the club shelter.

10. Fines and Fun

10.1 Nametags ● Michael Hartshorne, Les Scott.

10.2 Last to Meeting ● Martin Foot.

10.3 Other ● Dale – for leaving behind the supper supplies (Jan came to his

rescue). ● Bev – for the tomato sauce missing the sausage and hitting

Dale’s shoe instead. 10.4 Trips

10.4.1 Christmas Party ● Glenys Howell – for being very eager to sit on Santa’s knee.

10.4.2 Post Christmas High County ● Peter and Jean – for not being able to be the forward

scouts. ● Jamie – for breaking down before the trip. ● David – for hitting Skippy on the way into the campsite at

Dargo. ● Peter and Edith – for going to bed too early (11:30pm)

Page: 31


● David – for being late back into Dargo to collect his dad and brother.

● Peter M – for being late the next morning. ● Jamie – for ringing to say that the vehicle is now fixed and is

coming. ● Jamie – for having to change a wheel bearing once he

arrived at the Dargo campsite. ● David – could not find the mine entrance due to it being

filled in a few years previous. ● Martin – flat battery after he arrived at camp. ● Andrew – for also having a flat battery. ● Peter B – for breaking a drive shaft on Mezzmate Spur Link

track. ● Rick – for being able to speak with ease on his old flip

phone to his wife whilst standing next to his car while David was standing on top of his car struggling to speak to his brother-in-law on his iPhone.

● Dale – falling over walking down the hill and causing some damage to himself whilst keeping the video camera safe.

● Peter M and Andrew – for coming back in behind Peter’s vehicle after reconnoiting a campsite.

● Andrew and Lisa – air mattress deflating in the middle of the night.

● David – smelly electrical fault. ● Jason – for arriving in a too clean 4WD vehicle. ● David – on the wrong track to Haunted Stream. ● Rick – Joshua for accidently burning the toilet set at the

Dawson City campsite. ● Dale – for ignoring David’s directions and so, drove straight

into a rock. ● Rick – for getting bogged in a deep hole. ● Martin – for the expending of considerable energy to clear

the overhanging moss from above the campfire site. ● Jamie – for leaving early on New Year’s Day before anyone

else was out of bed. ● Rick – for leaving behind the bonnet stay. ● Andrew – for the challenging packing up of the camp

shower. ● Stephen – for leaving to pick up his brother and upon return

discovering that his vehicle covered in Subaru club stickers. ● Jessica – for being the phantom participant.

Page: 32


EDITOR’S REPORT

The magazine deadline for next edition is Friday 20 March 2015. Send all copy to [email protected]

10.4.3 Mt Samari

● Peter M – most bullant bits. ● Peter M – for getting bitten Friday night whilst directing

Peter and Jean. ● Michael D – for getting stuck on the track. ● Meredith D – for the most number of squeals on the trip. ● Jessica – for being last to camp. ● Stephen – for temporarily losing his quadcopter. ● Michael H – needing to fill up in Mansfield on the first day. ● Paul – for not hitting anything on this trip. ● Rick – for having a coffee in his hand at Rocky Point

lookout. ● Rick – for locking his keys in his car. ● Lynette – putting her stepdaughter in Jessica’s car and then

jumping into Stephen’s car herself. ● Peter F – for backing into the campfire stand.

10.5 Total fines collected - $21.20. 11. The Lucky door prizes were won by Peter Fullalove and Jamie Scott. 12. Meeting closed at 10:06pm and was followed by supper and the

Christmas trip video. 13. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 24

th February 2015

commencing at 8pm.


Page: 33

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday 3

rd March 2015 at the home of Martin Foot starting at

7:30pm. 1. Present

Martin Foot, Peter Bellis, Jessica Walsh, Jamie Scott, Jean Bellis, Damian Stock, Stephen Whittaker, Michael Hartshorne, Bob Marshall, Dale Rebgetz.

2. Quorum

A quorum was achieved with all ten committee members present. 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

3.1 Minutes of the December 2014 committee meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Jessica and seconded by Stephen.

3.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 3.2.1 Delegate’s nomination form – Form has been received from

4WD Victoria. To be filled out tonight. 3.2.2 Cambur advertisement – Damian has followed up. Waiting for

response from Cambur. 3.2.3 Bank account signatories. 3.2.4 Supper supplies / basket – Stephen was going to approach

Edith following her assistance at last month’s meeting. 3.2.5 AGM report for 2014 – need to update the vice-president’s

report and email to members in PDF format. 3.2.6 State Library of Victoria 3.2.7 4WD Victoria barbecue – Martin will fix after completing

upcoming welding course. 3.2.8 Trip leader’s pack – direction arrows – Jessica has made and

supplied. 3.2.9 Photographic competition – Katie and Edith are organising the

competition. 4. Correspondence

4.1 In ● Alan Fredrick – enquiry from former member about a suitable

Subaru for touring around Australia. ● 4WD Victoria

Notice of general meeting on 28th February 2015.

4WD Victoria – 40th anniversary celebration of formation to

Page: 34


be held on the Queen’s Birthday weekend at Mansfield. Number of attendees limited to 200.

Notice about “Explore Australia” expo to be held mid year.

Query about the club’s Facebook page. 4.2 Out

● None. 5. Reports

5.1 Resources ● As per circulated report.

5.2 Trip and Social ● Refer elsewhere in the magazine for details about future trips and

events. ● As per circulated report. ● Longer trips survey results

Had interest in most of the trips. Had 9 responses to the survey.

Canning Stock route – at least 5 weeks suggested for June/July in 2019 or later.

Central Australia – at least 3 weeks in mid year 2017. Maybe include the old Ghan Railway heritage trail.

Fraser Island – at least 2 weeks with a return journey via central NSW. Maybe in 2017.

Cape York – need plenty of notice. Will occur in mid year 2018. Trip leader will be Jamie.

The Dispute Border – 9 to 10 days. May occur over Easter / Anzac day in 2016.

Simpson Desert – 2016 mid year. Trip leader will be Dale.

Need to now put together a long term schedule – three to five years. Furthermore, need to look at training requirements of members in regards to the longer trips.

It was suggested that the club should run at least one significant trip per year.

● Pajero Challenge

Most interest was in participating in next year’s challenge as competitors or running a minor checkpoint. This year’s challenge is on 28/29 March.

● Club’s 40th Birthday Bash

Need to start considering what activity to have next year (2016).

Page: 35


● Trip leader training

Have a number of “newish” members who are keen to run a club trip. However, they need some trip leader training.

● “Murder on the Puffing Billy Express” – cost is $113 per person. Need to seek expressions of interest from members.

5.3 Venue ● Details of forthcoming meetings elsewhere in the magazine. ● Steel cupboard – have not yet been able to locate a reasonable

second-hand 2-door steel lockable cupboard. ● Future meeting suggestions – Freshield vacuum packaging /

sealing, FlexiTank. 5.4 Membership

● As per circulated report. ● Received a membership renewal by Anwyn Martin, whose

membership has lapsed for a few years. Martin will inform her that she will be able to renew her membership without any “rejoining” fee.

● Received a membership application for family/joint membership from Lynette Mudford (a Subaru 4WD Club of Western Australian member who has shifted east to Melbourne).

5.5 Editor ● Nothing to report. ● February editorial deadline is Friday 13

th February 2015.

5.6 Treasurer ● As per circulated report.

5.7 Secretary ● Nothing to report.

5.8 Vice President ● As per circulated report.

5.9 President ● “Explore Australia” expo – 29

th to 31

st May 2015.

Is the club willing to have a stand (free of charge) at the expo held at the Melbourne Showgrounds? The demographic of those who attend would be different to that at Leisurefest or the Victorian 4WD Show. The stand size is about 3mx3m.

The opinion of the committee is that it is an opportunity too good to miss.

RESOLUTION Committee resolved to accept Lynette Mudford’s application to join the club as a family/joint membership.

Page: 36


6. Sub Committees

6.1 Communication

● Club’s website will be updated to enable the “member only” section.

● The membership form needs to be updated to one that can be filled out and submitted online.

● Members need to be made aware of what photographs should be uploaded onto the club’s dropbox.

● 4WD Victoria is updating their website that will allow individual clubs to update their own members’ details. The Subaru 4WD Club information on the 4WD Victoria website is poor and needs updating.

6.2 Community Involvement

● Nothing to report. 6.3 Constitution Review

● A brief meeting was held a week ago. Another meeting will be held in the near future.

7. General Business

● Vehicular course at Woodside – Jessica will be checking out suitable sites on Damian’s Woodside farm in the next week.

● Club shelter – Damian has checked out a number of potential sites and will seek feedback from various members.

● Meeting slide show – can be a bit distracting when it is not synchronised with the topic in discussion.

● First aid kits – need to have the address tag updated to the current PO box at Mount Waverley.

● “Clean-up the bush” campaign.

Collection of the rubbish will occur on 2/3 May 2015 at Hillend in Gippsland.

● The observation was made that the recent trips conducted by the trip were very well attended by club members.

Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 3

rd March 2015 at 7:30pm at the home

of Stephen Whittaker. Meeting closed at 10:33pm.

subaru4wd club of victoria monthly magazine - february 2015

Documents

wd club magazine

club activities

wd club of victoria

membership fees

dale rebgetz om

trip insurance

jean bellis om

volksbaru subaru