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Transcript of Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria - April 2016 magazine online edition
April 2016
(Issue 424)
Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.
Reg. No. A – 0006149J / FWDV Member
PO BOX 2456
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
www.subaru4wdvic.com.au
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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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CONTENTS
Intro 4
Committee 5
From The President 6
Upcoming 8
Next Meeting - April 26th 8
Trips and Social Events 8
Other Trips for 2016 still in the planning stage 10
Long Term Future Planning 10
Upcoming 4wd Driver training 11
Trip and Recovery Gear 12
Trip Reports 14
Trips Summary 20
General Articles 28
There are no general articles this month 28
Buy and Sell 29
Club Resources 29
Member Items for Sale 29
Minutes 32
Committee Meeting Minutes 35
Editor Notes 39
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INTRO
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 the 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 2015/16 year were agreed at the general
meeting in April 2015 and are as follows:
Member rates:
Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110)
Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125).
One off joining fee of $10 ($20 for Joint/Family) also applies
All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $47
Non-member trip fee:
A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)
Please contact the membership officer for further enquiries.
Email: [email protected]
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COMMITTEE
Stephen Whittaker
(President)
Dale Rebgetz
(Vice President)
Peter Bellis
(Secretary)
Bob Marshall
(Treasurer)
Duncan McCrae
(OM: General Committee)
Dan Conlon
(OM: Editor)
Jean Bellis (OM:
Social Coordinator )
Jamie Scott (OM:
Trips Coordinator)
Meredith Dale
(OM: Venue
Coordinator)
Mike Dale
(OM: Website/
Magazine Content)
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
President’s Report: April Magazine
Welcome to the April Subaru 4WD Club magazine!
What a month it’s been; we’ve had the Lake Cobbler Trip,
Disputed Border Trip and last month’s General Meeting was
held at Subaru Berwick – many members took the opportunity
to test drive vehicles, discuss new Subaru technology and
features with dealership staff and even show off our own
(mostly modified) Subarus in the car park! It was a very
enjoyable evening and we must sincerely thank Mark and the
team at Subaru Berwick for their hospitality and willingness to
have us host our meeting at their dealership. Who knows; there might be some
members driving around new Subies soon as a result of that visit!
On the Labour Day long weekend, we took a trip to Lake Cobbler and surrounds. This
trip, led by myself, commenced at Mansfield and toured Tolmie, Powers Lookout, Lake
William Hovell, Lake Cobbler, King Hut and King Basin Road as well as Tomahawk Hut
finishing at Merrijig. We had incredible weather and tackled some interesting four
wheel drive tracks. The views in spots were spectacular. Thanks to everyone for
making this trip so enjoyable. A trip report features later in this magazine.
I’m aware that there were some members who, unfortunately, missed out on
attending the Lake Cobbler Trip. This is as a result of my decision to place a convoy
limit for the trip. Convoy limits have been introduced to our club. It’s not something
we’ve really had to consider until recently. With a recent welcoming of many new
members, our trip intention sheets often have 15 vehicles registered. Some trips are
able to cope with this number (though it can still be very tricky to manage!). Other
trips are not able to cope with this. Having 15 vehicles at a standing camp where day
trips are optional is not a problem. However, moving trips are particularly challenging
when managing that many vehicles:
- The convoy can get very drawn out – with sometimes 5 kilometres or more
between Trip Leader and Tail-end Charlie;
- Communication becomes tricky;
- Finding a campsite that will hold 15 vehicles, tents and equipment can be
difficult (especially on long weekends);
- If there are challenging sections, it can be very time-consuming and
landmarks/places of interest that were intended to be visited are missed due
to time constraints.
These are just some of the reasons. It also comes down to safety and the trip leaders
personal choice in terms of how many vehicles they’re prepared to take through a
particular area. I’m very aware that this means some people are unable to attend
trips. We are running more and more trips all the time and there is always the
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possibility of repeating trips with the proviso that those who were unable to attend
the first time are given priority to attend next time. So, trip leaders; when setting
down your trips and promoting them, please be aware of what your convoy limit for
the trip may be. Thanks to all members for your understanding.
Speaking of numbers, I am thrilled to highlight that our club now has 47
memberships and nearly 90 members!! This is fantastic news! The efforts of our club
over the past year and a half to generate an increase of 15 memberships is simply
incredible. Thank you to the great work undertaken by Committee and all other
members in fostering a welcoming, enjoyable club that people want to join!
It sounds like a lot of fun was had on the Disputed Border Trip! From what I’ve heard
so far, it was quite a trek. I’m looking forward to the full trip report.
In May, the club training weekend will be run in Tallarook. Jessica has 10 participants
locked in for the first of the training weekends, which is fantastic. We are well aware
that there is a need for another training day and we are hoping to be able to commit
to one before the end of the year, so please await details soon as we determine a
date. I will be attending the training, not as a participant, but as a helper for Jessica
and to enjoy the social side of things outside the training. Looking forward to a great
weekend on the 14th and 15th of May.
Some excellent work has been undertaken on our website. I would like to thanks Mike
Dale for taking the initiative to significantly improve the ‘Photos’ and ‘Trip Reports’
pages. Mike has created photo albums specific to trips which link to the relevant trip
report and back again. There is a significant amount of time involved in this type of
work, so I would like to sincerely thank Mike for his work in this area. Please check
out the pages at our website, www.subaru4wdvic.com.au, and thank Mike when you
see him next!
You will have seen the email I sent out recently asking for expressions of interest in
attending our 40th Birthday celebrations later this year. It will be a great weekend
celebrating 40 years exploring in Subarus! If you haven’t already, please ensure you
respond as soon as you can to let us know if you will or will not attend so we can
determine numbers and lock in bookings. Thank you.
At this month’s General Meeting, we will have Kenneth Birch from the Victorian High
Country Huts Association join us to talk all things huts, maintenance, history and,
hopefully, he will share some secret hut sites for us to visit. We’re always visiting huts
– they’re a favourite destination for our club. We’re looking forward to having
Kenneth join us!
I’m looking forward to your company then where you can catch up on the latest club
news, hear trip reports and mingle with other members. In the meantime, enjoy the
April magazine and I’ll see you at the meeting and/or out on the tracks – wherever
we may be heading!
Stephen Whittaker
President
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UPCOMING
Next Meeting - April 26th
Date: Tuesday the 26th April at 8pm - Meetings are the Last Tuesday of every month
(except December)
Venue: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris
At this month’s meeting we have Kenneth Birch coming from the Victorian High
Country Huts Association to do a presentation on the restorations of the huts and
what is involved.
Door Prize. Come along to win a special door prize at this months meeting.
Venue Coordinator
Meredith Dale
Trips and Social Events
We have a variety of trips coming up. There have been some very exciting proposals for
extended trips and some have had to be but onto the calendar for 2017 or 2018.
There is a need for day trips of various standards but with an emphasis on trips that many of
our newer members can come on. This could mean an easy, medium easy or an easy medium.
So if you know a great location that you would love to explore with the club let us know.
Chances are that there are others in the club that might want to visit the same area.
Put up the suggestion and someone else might run it
Put up the suggestion and ask for someone else who might want to co lead it with you.
You might want it run it yourself and if it is your first time we will provide you with a trip mentor.
Social Events are also needed particularly over the cooler winter months. This could be movie
and coffee, restaurant meal, bike ride, train ride, walk etc.
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Kara Kara National Park
Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April 2016 (Anzac Day Weekend)
Trip Standard: Medium ■
Trip Leaders: Meredith and Mike Dale,
Location: Kara Kara National Park north of Avoca
Standing camp based at Moonambel Camp Ground
Subaru Club Training Weekend
When: 11am Saturday 14th to 4pm Sunday 15th May
Where: Tallarook
Trip Leader: Jessica Walsh, ph: 0414 692 574
See elsewhere in the Magazine for more details
Noojee
When: Sunday 22nd May 2016
Trip Standard: Easy Medium ■
Trip Leaders: Edith Fullalove and Mike Dale, [email protected]
Location: Starting at the Lions Park in Neerim South
Trip includes a walk to Toorongo Falls (easy 1.5 km return), water wheel, and Trestle Bridge.
Licola to Jamison over Mt Skene.
When: Saturday 11th Monday 13th June (Queens Birthday long weekend
Trip Leader: Mike Dale [email protected]
Trip Standard: Medium ■ (TBC)
Simpson Desert
This Trip has reached Convoy Limit.
When: 17th July 2016 for 3 weeks
Trip Leader: Dale Rebgetz - [email protected]
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11th Australian 4WD Gathering
When: 19th – 22nd August 2016
Where: Barmera, South Australia (2 hours west of Mildura) Loveday 4x4 Park.
40th Anniversary Celebrations
Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016
Trip Leader: Dave Wilson [email protected]
Location: Echuca
Saturday:
Paddle steamer ride including drinks and hors d’oeuvres Optional Lantern Tour of the Historic Port area. Dinner at Radcliffes
Sunday:
Big cooked breakfast.
We are still awaiting final costing for this event.
Other Trips for 2016 still in the planning stage
Robe
When: 29th Oct to 1st November
Where: Robe, SA
Trip Standard: Medium ■ (to be confirmed)
Convoy Limit: TBC
Trip Leaders: Lee Wegner & Duncan McCrae
Maldon Navigation Run
When: October
Trip Leader: Martin Foot, [email protected]
Long Term Future Planning
2017 Central Australia
Kangaroo Island?
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Fraser Island
50th Anniversary Subaru FFI 8-11 April Birdswood SA
Kosciusko to Melbourne 20-28th May ???
Blue Mountains – 25th Oct to 7th Nov - Stephen Whittaker
2018 Cape York ???
Tasmania – Hobart and the SE for 2 weeks in March Fraser Island
2019 Canning Stock Route Simpson Desert – re-enactment of the 40th anniversary of the
Club’s 1974 crossing from Macumba Station to Purine Bore
Trip and Social Contacts
• Trip Coordinator: Jamie Scott • Social Coordinator : Jean Bellis • [email protected]
Upcoming 4wd Driver training
Subaru Club Training Weekend
When: 11am Saturday 14th to 4pm Sunday 15th May Where: Tallarook Trip Leader: Jessica Walsh Cost: around $100 per student - to be confirmed Attendance is limited to 10 students
The Club's training program is finally coming to fruition. We have sourced the use of a property near Tallarook which is a bit over an hour north of Melbourne. The weekend will cover all components of Four Wheel Drive Victoria's proficiency course. This is the first time the club has used this property so I have allocated the whole weekend to allow us to get to know the facilities and environs. This will mean there may be a little more down time than future sessions. The training area provides examples of rocks/ruts, side slopes, hill climbs and descents, water crossings and other hazards.
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An initial program is as follows (with breaks as appropriate): Saturday 11am - 3pm: Theory session 3 - 4pm: Vehicle inspections 4 - 5pm: Recovery overview and demonstration Sunday 9 - 10am: Theory review 10am - 4pm: Practical driving including one-on-one instruction 4pm Review and depart There are toilets and showers (wood fired water heater). There is also a large flat camping area that is big enough for us to spread out on. You will need to be self-sufficient with your own camping equipment, food and water. The property has a building that will allow us to do the theory out of the weather, with 12v solar powered lighting. I will be visiting the property in the next few weeks, so will have some more details then. I have limited the numbers to 10 students (not vehicles)
for this weekend. You are welcome to bring family and friends, however unless they are part of 'the ten' they will be limited to observing. There will be an intention sheet at the next meeting - please make sure you specify who would like to do the training. Jessica Walsh
TRIP AND RECOVERY GEAR
The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable
experience in the bush, increasing 4WD’ing 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.
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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 or equipment on every trip:
1. Personal details form as
specified by FWDV, copy to
Trip Leader
2. Two rated D- Shackles
(minimum 3.2t)
3. Rated snatch strap
4. Recovery Points, Front &
Rear; plus optional bridle
strap, according to vehicle
design;
5. AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or
UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB
Radio. Ideally in car but hand
held are ok provided
sufficient battery(s) to last
the trip.
6. Fire Extinguisher, accessible
to the driver
7. Spare Tyre (full size)
8. Jack and wheel Brace, or
equivalent
9. Emergency Supplies
(matches, food, water and
clothing)
10. Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water
for the trip and delays
11. A Tyre Pressure Gauge;
Compressor (according to the
trip)
12. An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;
13. A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible
shovels are no good)
14. Spare Parts (appropriate to
the nature of the trip)
15. A Tool Kit
16. Personal First Aid Kit
17. 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
Coordinator 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
14 | P a g e
own medical supplies.
TRIP REPORTS
LAKE COBBLER TRIP
Saturday 12th March – Monday 14th March By Stephen Whittaker (trip leader)
Saturday: The 2016 Labour Day long weekend arrived and another Subaru 4WD Club adventure was planned! This time, we were headed for Lake Cobbler and surrounds. This moving camp would start and finish at Mansfield.
Meeting time was lunchtime on the Saturday with departure planned for 12:30pm (all expected to be fuelled and ready to leave at this time). Everyone was ready early and we departed right on time. Mike & Meredith, Peter & Edith and Kadin were at Tolmie – having stayed at Stringybark Creek the Friday night – so, we picked them up on the way through.
Powers Lookout was our first official stop where we looked over the valley towards the Wabonga Plateau, south towards Lake William Hovell and Lake Cobbler (our destination) and north towards Whitfield. This spectacular lookout has one easy access viewing point and one that’s a little trickier to access. The latter involves a myriad of ladders and staircases which weave amongst the rocky outcrops before arriving at a metal platform floating above the trees and providing a sensational view and feeling. The views were taken in and cameras clicked.
Stairs to Power's Lookout
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The view from Powers Lookout
After airing down, we hit the road again only to depart the black top shortly after. Our first four wheel drive track was a simple one with only a couple of rocky sections on slight inclines. At one point, a yelp was heard on the radio. Stephen radioed back, “is everything ok back there?” It wasn’t.
Tim had jumped out of his 40 series Land Cruiser at one point turning it off and leaving it in gear. However, the compression failed to keep the vehicle stationary and it started creeping forward while Tim was outside the vehicle. With his son, Jack, still in the car and it heading towards the Prado in front, a very quick-thinking Tim, kicked the tyre and the steering wheel turned sharp right and the vehicle ran up onto the bank and stopped on a precarious lean.
Stephen and a few others ran (and drove) back up the track to the situation. Once discussed (and with Jack safely out of the car), a recovery plan was put into action and the precariously-leaning Cruiser was back on the flat again. Well done to all involved in a very good recovery! And, again, well done to Tim for his quick-thinking which avoided anything else serious occurring.
Back on the move again, we soon arrived at Lake William Hovell. Afternoon tea was consumed and we were back on the tracks. South of Lake William Hovell came the fun stuff with the track deteriorating to an enjoyable four wheel drive track. A creek crossing was enjoyed (a little too much by some – more on that shortly) and then we
climbed up to camp. Once at the top of a very decent climb, we arrived at camp. It was a very nice spot, trackside – grassy, secluded and with not another camper or traveller to be seen or heard.
As tents were pitched, Stephen looked over to Paul’s vehicle and noticed something was missing from the front of it – his number plate!! Paul had crossed the creek
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crossing earlier (presumably at breakneck speed – as water went up over the bonnet too!) and in that action must have lost his number plate in the river. Pretty sure the rest of us struggled to get our sills wet!
Happy Hour drinks were consumed and dinner cooked. A relaxing evening around the campfire was enjoyed by all.
Sunday: Waking to a cool but beautiful morning, we aimed to hit the road by 8:30am. We were pretty well on time with the first destination Paradise Falls. Paradise Falls, located within the spectacular King Valley, cascade an uninterrupted 31 metres down into a large chasm. Unfortunately, it’s been dry and, for our visit, there were no falls. Though, that didn’t matter. After the 15 minute walk to the falls, some of us opted to trek right under where the falls would land, underneath the overhang which makes humans look tiny from a distance. Looking up, you get the impression that the falls, when in full flight, would be amazing.
Under the overhang at Paradise Falls
Back on the road again, and we were headed for Bennie’s Campground for morning tea and then Lake Cobbler for lunch. Lake Cobbler is a very pretty artificial lake relatively high in altitude. We arrived for a late lunch.
Earlier in the week, one of our members, who has been with the club for about 3
years and lives in north east Victoria – but never actually been out on a trip – suggested that he might try to meet us at Lake Cobbler. Stephen gave him an estimated time of arrival. When we arrived, Peter and his family were there!
We explored a little, chatted to Peter and his family a lot and enjoyed lunch at this peaceful spot. It was great to be able to finally put a face to a name. Hopefully, we will see Peter and his family out on many more trips in the future. Funnily enough,
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there was also another visitor known to the club at Lake Cobbler. Dave (who had accompanied Peter L as his passenger on the Border Track Trip on Cup Weekend last year) had been touring around the area with his girlfriend and happened to stop by for lunch too! It was great to catch up with Dave again.
Lake Cobbler
Following lunch and leaving Lake Cobbler, we tootled south-west via Cobbler Lake Track. Then, we turned left onto Speculation Road. Speculation Road is somewhat ‘famous’ for The Staircase. There is a 50 metre section of track that is fairly rocky. It used to be a whole lot more rocky back in the day. I recall, as a kid in the club, watching my family’s 1980 MY bouncing up rock ledges to get up what was much more of a ‘staircase’ than it is now. Some years ago, it was broken up (I believe for safety concerns). Unfortunate.
We had been lucky so far on the trip to have not seen many other vehicles. So, it’s not surprising that, on the narrowest and trickiest sections of track we’d done, that we would come across not just one vehicle but around eight – literally on The Staircase! Stephen and then Kadin had to pass them on the rocky section while others found spots further back up the track where they could allow the convoy to pass. This happened a few more times on the narrow Speculation Road.
Once down the winding Speculation Road, we arrived at King Basin Road and then King Hut. We had afternoon tea at the hut which was very busy with many campers.
Once group photos were taken and we were back on the road, we were on the hunt for a campsite. King Basin Road is an easy but very pretty four wheel drive track which follows the King River (and actually crosses it around 6 times). There are many known camping spots next to the river along the track but the quiet, good ones are off some hidden side tracks. Stephen went down a couple for a quick look but to no avail. Until, one very pretty, quiet site was investigated. Despite it being very nice
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indeed, with plenty of grass and a water hole for swimming, there wasn’t another camper to be seen! We chose it and set up camp at a very civil 4:15pm.
The Tranquil Campsite next to the King River
Before too long, almost everyone was in the river for a swim! The water was lovely and a welcome relief after a couple of days in the dust. A relaxing evening winding down with drinks, dinner and then time around the fire was enjoyed by everyone.
Monday: On Monday morning, we were on the tracks early - by 8:30am. This was in anticipation of the busy roads back home and the vast majority of the group wanting to be home at a reasonable hour.
We wound our way around King Basin Road, before turning right onto Weston Track. Weston Track provided us a spectacular climb. Some sections were quite steep and rocky. Paul ran out of grunt right near the top of one of the sections and needed some guidance to back down and have another go (presumably with a little more right foot!). Once on Carters Road, the views were incredible! Carters Road winds its way down towards Tomahawk Hut where we had morning tea. From here, we tootled down from the hills, aired up and finished our trip at Merrijig.
Thank you to everyone who attended for making this a very, very enjoyable trip.
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The view from Carters Road
Attendees: Stephen Whittaker Forester Paul Saleeba Forester Martin Foot & Dot Grieveson Forester
Dale & Jan Rebgetz Forester Tim & Jack Folliard Land Cruiser Peter & Edith Fullalove Pajero Alan & Sandy Christiansen Prado Mike & Meredith Dale Forester Kadin Dale Forester Visitors along the way:
Peter Siperki & Family Forester Dave & Girlfriend Hilux
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TRIPS SUMMARY
Trip Date Leader(s) Standard
Next Meeting Tuesday April
26th
Normal place,
normal time……see
you there!
Kara Kara
National Park
Friday 22nd to
Monday 25th
April 2016 (
Anzac Day
Weekend)
Meredith and Mike
Dale
venue@subaru4wdvic.
com.au
Medium ■
Subaru Club
Training
Weekend -
Tallarook
11am Saturday
14th to 4pm
Sunday 15th
May
Jessica Walsh
See elsewhere in
the Magazine for
more details
Varied
Noojee Sunday 22nd
May 2016
Edith Fullalove and
Mike Dale,
venue@subaru4wdvic.
com.au
Easy
Medium ■
Licola to
Jamison over
Mt Skene
Saturday 11th
Monday 13th
June (Queens
Birthday long
weekend)
Mike Dale,
venue@subaru4wdvic.
com.au
Medium ■
(TBC)
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Simpson
Desert
This Trip has
reached
Convoy Limit.
17th July 2016
for 3 weeks
Dale Rebgetz- vice-
president@subaru4
wdvic.com.au
Medium ■
11th
Australian
4WD
Gathering
19th – 22nd
August 2016 See you there
40th
Anniversary
Celebrations
Saturday 24th to
Sunday 25th
September
Dave Wilson,
om.au
Robe, SA
Saturday 29th
October to
Tuesday 1st
November
Lee Wegner &
Duncan McCrae,
events@subaru4wd
vic.com.au
Medium ■
(TBC)
Maldon
Navigation
Run
October
Martin Foot,
mship@subaru4wdv
ic.com.au
(TBC)
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Disputed Border Trip
Summary written by Jean Bellis
Friday
- All arrived safely at camp at the Nelson Caravan Park.
- Peter and Jean went off to do some pre tripping for Saturday.
Saturday
- Walked along Ocean Beach to the 141st parallel
- Visit to Princess Margret Rose Caves which were stunning.
- Some of the group went into Mt Gambier to the Blue Lake
- The rest took a track back along the edge of the forest and then went to a
lookout over the river
Sunday
- Andrew gave out Easter eggs
- Took group photos under both the SA and Victorian Border signs
23 | P a g e
- Jean gave out Easter Eggs
- Travelled through pine plantations for most of the morning.
- Travelled down a great sandy bush track but it ended at a fence so we had
to turn back and go around on gravel roads.
- Found ourselves on private property at someone’s farm house. They kindly
escorted us across their property and out onto the road again. The sheep
followed Lisa and Andrew’s Ute hoping that they would be fed.
- Had to do a few more detours as the track ran out at fences.
- Peter lost his steering as we turned a corner. The steering wheel nut was
loose. After some road side repairs we were able to continue.
- Meet up with Rick and Josh at Mullinger Swamp where we camped the night
- Rick had broken a front spring on the trip up.
- Time was spent working on both Peter’s and Rick’s cars
- Saturday had been Les’ Birthday which we were unaware of until today. A
match in a snowball made a mini birthday cake.
Monday
- Great sunrise.
- On the way out we stopped at a large river red gum that was 11m in
diameter and hollow in the centre.
- The track at times was hard to follow and we had to travel on farm land for
some of the way
- Finally we had to detour out to the main road and on into Frances.
- Back on the track and into the Little Desert. Time for some sand driving.
- Took a detour into the desert to visit Mt Moffat and do a loop before coming
back to the same spot on the track.
- Camped at Serviceton Recreational Reserve. This camp site is managed by a
group of volunteers. Two of the ladies were mowing the grass. Thanks
Kadin for helping them out. Great place to camp. Very clean and great hot
showers and we could even have a fire - all for $10 per car!
- Went into Bordertown for fuel and to restock at the supermarket.
- Checked out the WWII fuel bunkers at Wolseley on the way.
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- Tim and Jack joined the trip that evening.
- Local character by the name of Rabbit called in and offered to come back
after tea to give us a bit of a talk on the district and his experiences on the
Canning Stock route repairing wells.
Tuesday
- Visit to the historical Serviceton Railway Station which is now a museum.
- Back on the Border Track with a few slight detours and a quick stop for
morning tea at roughly the spot where Wade terminated his border survey.
- Encountered some very large rutted sections. Alan managed to slip into one
on a tight corner and did a bit of damage to the rear of his Prado getting out
of it.
- One set of ruts provided time out for a play. The top of the ruts were nearly
level with the roof of Suboo. All those who attempted these, negotiated
them safely.
- The afternoon highlight was a large sand dune that proved to be a challenge
for some of us. After a few attempts I climbed to the top and located an
alternative route around, which we took. Michael H, Jan, Alan, Les and
Andrew all made it over while the rest of the group after a few attempts
used the alternative route.
- Camped at Doggers Hut in Ngarkat National park.
Wednesday
- Sand was firm and the track posed no problems.
- When we reached the southern end of the one way section that must be
travelled from North to South we took the inland track. We turned left and
detoured out to Pertendi Bore and Hut.
- On the way Rick broke a rear left strut.
- Andrew was not feeling well and the plan was for him and Lisa to leave us at
this point, as we were right on a sealed road into Pinaroo. They were going
to seek medical assistance for Andrew and then either set up at the Caravan
Park or start to head home. Rick decided to go with them so he could work
on the car.
- We stopped at Scorpion Soak for Lunch and spent some time exploring the
area and taking photos. This area was used as a base camp for the survey
team until they ran out of water and was forced to move on.
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- Stayed the night at the Pinaroo Caravan Park, hot showers and a chance to
refuel and go to the supermarket. Andrew and Lisa were waiting for us at
the Caravan Park.
- Meeting with the Ranger on the track revealed that she had just opened the
one way section a day early due to her day off being the next day. Dale,
Mike D, Kadin and Peter F. decided that as we had made camp early enough
in the afternoon to go out and do the one way section and come out onto the
bitumen at Pertendi Bore and back to Pinaroo that way.
- Some of the Group had tea at one of the pubs while the rest of us relaxed
back at camp.
Thursday
- Chance for a sleep in and a relaxed morning. Andrew and Lisa decided that
they would head home as Andrew was still feeling unwell
- Rick and Josh had also planned to leave us. Rick, after working on his car till
late was going to take it slowly on his way back to Melbourne.
- Visit to the amazing Pinaroo Museum.
- Morning Tea at the yummy bakery over the road.
- Said Goodbye to Les who was leaving and taking a couple of days to get
back home.
- The track north of Pinaroo was declared the best track of the trip by some.
Sand, lots of undulations and some good dunes.
- The tumble weeds also provided some fun for a couple of people
- Stopped at the Aboriginal Rock holes. While most were dry, the one with
water also had a dead goat in it.
- Some of us had some close encounters with emus running across the track.
- Arrived at Murray Sunset National Park and turned off to travel in to the
Shearer’s Quarters which was our camp site for the night. This was a great
spot to camp, free and the drop toilet was clean, large and had a solar light.
- After quickly setting up we went off to locate the Sunset Crater which turned
out to be a very large crater that would hold water but was dry and in the
centre still very muddy.
- We enjoyed a campfire tonight.
Friday
- We were all up before
the sun this morning,
as we needed to leave
at 8am. We were
rewarded with a great
sunrise.
- The trip out was
slowed by the large
number of kangaroos
that were around.
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- We made it to The Border Cliffs Retreat in plenty of time to meet the farmer
who was giving us access to the river and the place where the border meets
the Murray River.
- Tim’s vehicle came to a stop as we turned and as the owner had a deadline
to meet we put Tim and Jack with others.
- We were stunned by the cliffs and landscape by the river. We enjoyed the
walk to the border and took group photos and Mike H. recorded it with the
drone. We had reached the end of an incredible journey and it was a very
special moment.
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- Back at the road we put pressure back in our tyres and attempted to get
Tim’s Vehicle going with little success until someone stopped and gave some
advice.
- Visited the old Customs house where we had lunch.
- Drove into Mildura and set up at the Caravan Park and enjoyed hot showers
and relaxed.
- Had dinner as a group at the Mildura Brewery which was a great way to wind
up a wonderful trip
Saturday
- Everyone got up slowly and went their various ways. Jack and Tim had
breakfast in NSW before heading back to Melbourne so Jack could say he had
been in 3 states on the trip.
- Mike and Meredith D, Kadin, Alan, Jamie, and Peter and Edith F went off to
spend a few more days in the Mallee area before heading home.
- Mike H, Jan and Dale, and Peter and I made our separate ways back to
Melbourne.
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Trip participants
Peter and Jean Bellis (Trip Leaders) Forester
Dale and Jan Rebgetz Forester
Michael Hartsborne Forester
Les Scott Hilux
Jamie Scott Brumby ( Suboo)
Lisa and Andrew Jantke Ute
Tim and Jack Folliard Landcrusier
Rick and Josh Koster L- series
Mike, Meredith and Kadin Dale Forester
Peter and Edith Fullalove Pajero
Alan Christiansen Prado
GENERAL ARTICLES
There are no general articles this month
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BUY AND SELL
Club Resources
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.
Short sleeve blue chambray shirt w/logo (Size 14) - $30.00
Long sleeve blue chambray shirt w/logo (Size M) - $60.00
New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL) - $30.00
Hat Oiled Skin size 55 - $20.00
Hat Safari size 59 - $20.00
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
Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] - $1.60
CV Boot Clamps Large & Small - $3.00
CV Joint Grease - $4.00
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.
Resources Officer: Dale Rebgetz
Email: [email protected]
Member Items for Sale
Item: Forester Aluminium Bash Plates
Details: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium
Cost: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged.
Contact: David Wilson, [email protected]
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Item: Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model
Cost: $120.00 ONO
Contact: David Wilson, [email protected], 0429 942 724
Item: Roof console to hold CB and lights and switches for Outback
Cost: $100.00
Contact: David Wilson, [email protected], 0429 942 724
Item: Vic blue and white standard number plates in as new condition 1XV4US
Cost: $500.00 ONO
Contact: Jenny, 0417 369 405
Item: number plate SUBARU
Can be re-issued in any custom design via the Vic Roads website (see link below) if a
different colour or style is preferred:
https://www.vplates.com.au/index.php?page=customise-plate
Cost: negotiable, but realistic offers between $3,500 to $6,000
Contact: Richard, 0414 737 333
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Item: STi Intercooler. Details: Excellent condition, apart from slight dent on side (pictured). Came as spare parts when I purchased my 2007 Forester. Will fit most Turbo Subies. Cost: $250 Contact: [email protected]
Item: STi Exhaust system Details: STi Exhaust system. Everything you need to give your Suby the perrrr it deserves! Very clean, no dents, minor scuffs, Stainless steel. Everything from the
Manifold back to the chrome STi stamped tip!! Cost: Make me an offer!!!
Contact: [email protected]
Want to sell something Subaru/off-road related? Contact
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The club makes this space available free of charge to members wishing to buy or sell items.
Please note that the Motor Car Trader Regulations 1998-22(4) require that vehicles for sale
advertisements must contain: (a) the cash price of the vehicle and; (b) the registration number if
registered or the engine/chassis numbers if unregistered.
MINUTES
General Meeting
Minutes
The general meeting of the Subaru
4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on
Tuesday, 22nd March 2016 at Berwick
Subaru, Narre Warren starting at
7:30pm.
1. Present Peter Bellis, Bob Marshall, Ruth
Marshall, Paul Saleeba, Phil
Milkins, Elaine Milkins, Martin
Foot, Dave Denver, Meredith
Dale, Michael Dale, Katie Mynard,
Peter Mynard, Dennis Scambler,
Anthony Saunders, Peter
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Fullalove, Edith Fullalove, Dale
Rebgetz, Jessica Walsh, Jamie
Scott, Rick Koster, Matt Chaplin,
David Wilson, Les Scott, Mike
Dunn.
2. Apologies Jean Bellis, Bev Davison, Andrew
Jantke, Lisa Jantke, Jan Crozier,
Jan Rebgetz, Angela Bombardieri,
Julie Dwyer.
3. Visitors Richard Saleeba.
4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all
members and visitors.
Many thanks to Berwick Subaru
for hosting the March 2016
meeting, and allowing members
to do vehicle test drives prior to
the meeting.
5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1. The minutes of the February
2016 General Meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Edith Fullalove and seconded by Bob Marshall.
5.2. There was no business arising from the minutes.
6. Correspondence
6.1. In Magazines from various
4WD clubs. 4WD Victoria
4WD handbook draft strategic plan September 2015
general meeting minutes.
Subaru 4WD Club of South Australia – invitation to their 40th anniversary celebrations.
Public Land Access Council – re formation of new national park near Warragul.
6.2. Out Thank-you to the
Petersens at Tominbuk for the use of their property.
7. Reports 7.1. Resources
Got additional keys for the club cupboard.
7.2. Editor No report submitted. Good article regarding
diesel engines and cracking fuel intake hoses.
7.3. Trip And Social See elsewhere in the
magazine for details on upcoming events and trips.
40th birthday: Still having issues with
accommodation. Will be compiling a
coffee table photo book covering the club’s history. Seeking photographs to include.
Seeking sponsors for various prizes / gifts. Ideas from members welcomed.
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7.4. Venue See elsewhere in the
magazine for details of future meetings.
7.5. Membership. Currently have 47
memberships and 84 members.
7.6. Treasurer Current bank account
balance is $7,312.15. 7.7. Secretary
Nothing to report. 7.8. Vice-President
Nothing reported. 7.9. President
Nothing further to add.
8. General Business 8.1. Chocolate fundraising –
still have 6 boxes to go. Need to money back a.s.a.p..
8.2. Training weekend. Will be a basic
proficiency course. Will be based at
Tallarook. Will involve some theory
and a test. Limited to 10 trainees
due to maybe only having one instructor.
Cost will be approximately $100.
8.3. Club’s website seeking
photographs from recent trips.
Website has been updated to include photograph albums, and additional trip reports.
8.4. 50 years of Subaru in Australia – having a gathering at the Birdwood car museum in South Australia on 10th April 2016. $20 entrance fee.
8.5. Les’ toilet set has been modified to include a safety device on the legs.
8.6. Stephen has switched his car insurance over to Club 4x4 (available through 4WD Victoria). It gives him coverage for all his accessories/magazines, plus off-road as well as on-road.
9. Fines and Fun 9.1. Nametags
Jamie Scott. 9.2. Last to Meeting
David Wilson.
9.3. Trips 9.3.1. Movie Night
Dale – for forgetting his glasses.
Bev – for falling asleep in the movie.
9.3.2. Tominbuk Peter Devine –
for breaking his bash plate twice.
Kadin – getting stuck on Gentle Annie.
Meredith – for losing her sun glasses.
Peter Fullalove – for falling over backwards when sitting down in his chair.
Les – for walking into the shovel handle in the dark.
35 | P a g e
Les – for making a cup of coffee and asking Jamie how many spoons of sugar he put in.
Stephen – for running out of toilet paper.
Peter Fullalove – for driving like “the Stig”.
9.3.3. Lake Cobbler Tim – for almost
rolling vehicle. Paul – missing a
front number plate.
9.4. Total fines collected - $5.50.
10. Subaru Berwick Mark and the team from
Subaru Berwick were thanks for the use of the showroom and were presented two bottles of club wine.
11. The lucky door prize was won by Peter Bellis (a Subaru jacket).
12. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 26th April 2016 commencing at 8pm.
13. Meeting closed at 9:08pm and was followed by supper.
Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the meeting of the
committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of
Victoria Inc held on Tuesday 6th April
2016 at the home of Stephen
Whittaker starting at 7:30pm.
1. Present Stephen Whittaker, Duncan
McCrae, Meredith Dale, Michael
Dale, Jamie Scott, Peter Bellis,
Jean Bellis, Bob Marshall, Dale
Rebgetz.
2. Apologies Dan Conlon (something to do with
a wedding in Hawaii).
3. Visitor
Martin Foot.
4. Quorum A quorum was achieved with nine
committee members present.
5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
5.1. Minutes of the March 2016 meeting were accepted
without amendment.
5.2. Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions
5.2.1. Bank account signatories - Peter to
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provide copy of AGM minutes to Bob.
5.2.2. Club’s cupboard – have been able to get additional keys cut.
5.2.3. Ongoing 4WD Education / Awareness. Action: Stephen and Damian to compile and submit for review at the next committee meeting.
5.2.4. Membership renewal form – has been updated and ready to go.
5.2.5. Request for advertising in club’s magazine by AllDrive Subaroo – discussed and
actioned.
6. Correspondence 6.1. In
Magazines from: Land Rover Owners
Club of Victoria Subaru 4WD Club
of South Australia Mt Gambier 4WD
Club Membership enquiry 4WD Victoria – seasonal
track closure. Enquiry about sale of
personalised number plate “SUBARU” – suggested selling price of $10,000.
Members’ nametags. 6.2. Out
Echuca Paddle Steamers
– payment of deposit.
7. Reports
7.1. Resources Nothing to report.
7.2. Trip and Social
Details of future trips and events elsewhere in the magazine.
Need to plan some shorter overnight trips of an easier standard for newer members.
On extended trips, need to be aware of where medical and hospital facilities are along the trip route. Needs to be added to trip leader’s checklist.
The club needs to consider purchase an EPIRB for remote trips.
Trip etiquette needs to be re-inforced about letting the trip leader know about any side trips.
7.3. Venue
Details of future meetings elsewhere in the magazine.
Need to send a thank-you letter to Subaru Berwick.
7.4. Membership Currently have 47
memberships and 84
members.
7.5. Editor Report submitted via
email. Editorial deadline is this
Friday. 7.6. Treasurer
Current bank account balance is $6,745.87.
Paid $500 deposit for 40th birthday steam paddle ride.
7.7. Secretary Nothing to report.
7.8. Vice-President
Nothing to report. 7.9. President
Stephen covered various topics for a few minutes.
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8. Sub-Committees 8.1. Communications
The club’s website, particularly the trip report and photograph pages, continue to be developed thanks to Michael Dale.
8.2. Community Involvement A lot of rubbish was
picked up along the Disputed Border trip.
8.3. Constitution Review A draft of the proposed
by-laws has been
circulated to committee members for review. Will be discussed at the May committee meeting.
8.4. Education / Training Jessica recommends
that a course fee of $100 per participant be charged. This will cover the facility and training material costs, and allow for the purchase of appropriate training equipment (eg. snatch strap, etc). Committee agreed to Jessica’s recommendation.
9. 40th Birthday Celebrations Accommodation is still yet to
be arranged – it is proving to be quite challenging.
The paddle steamer cruise and restaurant have been booked.
The paddle steamer cruise has been extended to two hours.
Send out a “book this date” email to potential attendees and get expressions of interest. This will then streamline the subsequent
invitation. Action: Stephen to send email out to current members asking for confirmation of expression of interest.
10. Membership Register Peter discussed and
demonstrated the proposed
new membership register.
It was agreed that there
needs to be just one central
membership register.
11. Magazine Printing Is it necessary to have a
separate levy for printed
magazines for those
members who require/want a
printed copy?
The cost per magazine run
has gone from $1.80 per
month to $2.50. In the
meantime, postage has also
gone up to $2 per magazine.
About 20 members currently
opt for a printed and posted
copy of the club’s magazine.
Need to at least recover
printing cost.
12. Membership Fees – 2016/7 Current 2015/6 membership
fees are as follows:
Membership Type: Membership
Subscription, Association Levy, TOTAL,
Joining Fee, Senior’s Discount, Trip
Fee (adult non-member)
Single: $73, $47, $120, $15, -$10,
$15
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Family/Joint: $93, $47, $140, $30,
-$15, -
Interstate: $63, $47, $110, $15, -$5,
-
It is expected that the
Association levy will increase
to $50 per membership.
However, it was agreed to
make no change to what
members are charged (the
club will absorb any cost
increase). However, this will
be reviewed in 12 months’
time.
Following the discussion
about the cost of printing the
club’s magazine, it was
agreed that a “printed
magazine” levy of $20 be
introduced for those
members who opt in to have
a printed copy.
The committee recommends
the following fees and levies
for 2016/7.
Membership Type: Membership,
Subscription, Association Levy, TOTAL,
Joining Fee, Senior’s Discount,
Magazine Levy (opt-in), Trip Fee
(adult non-member)
Single: $70, $50, $120, $15, -$10,
$20, $15
Family/Joint: $90, $50, $140, $30,
-$15, $20, -
Interstate: $60, $50, $110, $15, -$5,
$20, -
13. New Members’ Pack Held over to the May
meeting. Jean to redistribute
list.
14. General Business Meredith had a sample of a
wine gift to give to non-commercial guest speakers. Cost is $19 per bottle. (Some members were disappointed that there was no sampling of the contents.)
15. Next Meeting will be held on Saturday 7th May 2016 at 10am at the home of Jamie Scott. BYO lunch (maybe – tbc).
16. Meeting closed at 10:48pm.
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EDITOR NOTES
Thanks for all the contributions again this month!
Just a couple of things from me:
In an effort to BE GREEN AND SAVE PAPER please let me
know via email if you currently receive a paper version of this
magazine and would be happy with an email version instead
Any interesting articles you find and want to share, or if you
would like to write an article for the magazine ….let me know!
Just a friendly reminder also to please proof read, and be
sure to use punctuation and grammar.
The deadline for submissions for next month is:
May - Friday 13th
As always please send emails to: [email protected]