Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria - January 2014 magazine

(ISSUE 399)

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.

Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member

www.subaru4wdvic.com.au PO BOX 2456

Mount Waverley VIC. 3149

High Country Trip

January 2014

http://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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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

Damian Stock (President)

[email protected]

Jessica Walsh (Vice President)

[email protected]

Peter Bellis (Secretary)

[email protected]

Bob Marshall (Treasurer)

[email protected]

Martin Foot (OM: Trip & Social)

[email protected]

Michael Hartshorne (OM: Editor)

[email protected]. au

Andrew Jantke (OM: Membership)

[email protected]

Dale Rebgetz (OM: Resources)

[email protected]

Stephen Whittaker (OM: Venue)

[email protected]

Doug Greenall (Ordinary Member)

Phil Milkins (Ordinary Member)

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 2013/14 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2013 and are as follows:

● Interstate: $105 (Seniors card - $100) ● Single: $115 (Seniors card - $105) ● Joint/family: $135 - (Seniors card - $120). Joining Fee $10 ($20 for Joint/Family)

(All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $45) 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 January club magazine. While it is ages since my last report it also seems that the time over Christmas has flown by. Being in a new job has meant limited holiday time and some of my clients have been making the most of the post-Christmas period to get important maintenance and upgrades done, mostly involving products and technology supplied by my company. Even getting down to the farm has not given Angela and I too much rest, thanks to a load of new hay to collect and some over-zealous cows that thought the picket fence was not enough to keep them from some nice olive trees in our orchard. They often say that holiday homes are not always restful and ours has definitely not been very restful of late.

There has been plenty happening since the last magazine. Our November meeting had plenty of stories about the cup weekend trip followed by the first of our sessions from the Four Steps For Life Plus CPR program. This session was quite confronting and is a timely reminder of the need to act quickly, and calmly, in the event that someone collapses in your presence. We will run another of these in a few months but feel free to see me if you want to view this DVD or read some of the accompanying material.

The club Christmas party, in early December, was very well attended and it was great to see so many club members making the most of the early summer warm weather. Little were we to know that the warmth of the day would pale into insignificance when compared with the record heat of mid-January. I am sure that Santa, who made an appearance, much to the delight of the children in attendance, would have been melting if the day had been any hotter than it was. I would like to thank all the willing workers who made the day such a success.

It was at the Christmas party that the new Stock family Forester XT made its first appearance, having been picked up just a few days earlier. I must admit that I was still getting used to all of the new features, not having had time to really digest the hundreds of pages of manuals that have filled the glovebox. Even as recently as a week or so ago I was still asking Angela to find something in the manual and I am sure that it will still take time before I am fully conversant with the information displayed on the two information screens and instrument display.

I am also still getting used to the idiosyncrasies of the vehicle, from the oversize cup holders to the Subaru Eye Sight technology. While there is plenty to like about the vehicle, such as the eight l/100kms fuel economy, there are a few things that I really miss from the 2007 XT. It was a bit sad when my sister in law

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

turned up to take ownership of the old girl, which carried us effortlessly over the Simpson Desert, but I am sure that it will serve her new owner well. Having only done about three thousand kilometres in the new car I will hold off on a more detailed report for a month or so, after I have really given it a good run and, hopefully, taken it off road to test the new X-mode feature.

After the Christmas party we had the Oxfam Christmas tree delivery which a few club members attended. Unfortunately, Angela and I were unable to attend as we were at our niece’s wedding up at the Tarra Bulga tea house in the Strzelecki Ranges. There was even a Subaru club link at the wedding with the bridal car being a Subaru Forester, previously owned by one of our former members, Adam Howley. It was great seeing the newly married bride and groom heading off in the Forester to the national park for the obligatory photo session.

The club Christmas trip was fairly uneventful, I understand, apart from the fact that Peter and Jean were unable to make it due to Peter’s health. I am assured that Peter is fine now but had possibly overdone things while preparing for the trip. While the group stayed an extra day at camp, in the hope that Peter and Jean could make it, I am sure that everyone who went enjoyed the time away.

After the last couple of weeks, with record temperatures, we are probably lucky that this coming weekend will not be anywhere as warm, making the high country trip up to Craig’s Hut much more pleasant that it otherwise might have been. Jessica has pre-tripped it well and assures me that it will live up to its rating. I am not sure that the new Forester is quite up to a hard off road trip just yet, especially given that I have not even had time to see if my off road tyres and rims will fit over the enormous front calipers that are needed to pull up the big body and powerful two litre turbo-charged motor. I am hoping that I can get something that looks like an off road tyre and rim onto the car as I cannot see the very road based Bridgestone Dueler H/L 225/155R18 tyres doing much of a job handling tough, off road conditions. Watch this space for developments in this area.

Prior to the January meeting we will be having a BBQ in the adjacent park, as what is becoming our traditional informal start to the year. The long range weather forecast is looking pretty good for it to be a pleasant evening to start the new year. We will be having a very casual meeting so there will be plenty of time to chat about the events of the summer.

Anyway that’s enough from me for this month. Take care of yourself out there, on the road or in the bush, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Damian

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VENUE REPORT

JANUARY GENERAL MEETING

Date: Tuesday 28 January

Venue: South Camberwell Tennis Club

The Club is having a BBQ before the January meeting this month to celebrate

the start of a new year for us!

So, come along a little earlier (from 6:30pm) and have dinner with us on Tuesday 28 January! Bring a chair and enjoy some food before the official

start of the meeting.

Sausages $1, Hamburgers $2, Soft drinks $1.50

(vegetarian options also available) All proceeds go straight back to the Club.

Normal Meeting starts at 8pm

Stephen Whittaker Venue Coordinator

A reminder that we are no longer sending out hard copies of the magazine before the general meetings to the majority of members. The exceptions are those who have not registered an email address with the club. Everyone else will receive an electronic link to the magazine on-line and can collect their magazines at the meeting or print them using the files provided in the email. The magazine deadline for next edition is Saturday 8th February 2014. Send all copy to [email protected]

Thanks

Michael

EDITOR’S REPORT

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VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

By the time you are sitting down to the January meeting I shall be winging my way north. In-fact I take off at 7pm on Tuesday, so look up as you enjoy your January BBQ and wave. I will be away for the January and February meet-ings and have submitted my apologies to the club.

The 2014 Driver Training Calendar is yet to be posted online, but when it is I urge everyone to consider a training course. I will be keeping an eye on the Association website, and will pass on training details to the editor when the calendar is posted. I hope to complete my instructor training with 4WDVic in the first half of the year, and will then be discussing with the committee the most appropriate training for the club as a whole.

When I get back I will be ordering another load of chocolates for the club to help distribute. These will be at the March meeting, so chocoholics stand ready! I will confirm the prices closer to the time, but I expect they will be un-changed from last. This is a major fundraiser for the club, so it is important that everyone gets onboard

I am running a trip through the Lerderderg and Wombat State Forest area in early April, so I hope to be able to catch up with all the goings-on of the club over a refreshing beverage with anyone who would like to come along. Jessica Walsh

Vice-President.

It is timely this month that I digress from my usual vehicle and driver safety discussion to focus on fire safety. We have had some very prolonged hot weather across Victoria, and are sure to have some more before summer is past.

When you are travelling around the state, do you know the best radio station to tune into to get the fire ban info? Or if you see smoke in the area, how you find out if it affects you? The fire services do not have the resources to visit every campsite or drive along every track to warn visitors. It is our responsi-bility to be aware. The local ABC radio station is usually the most reliable public source of information. The Victorian Bushfire Information Line will have more detailed information about major fires. If in the doubt, the best advice is to not go into the area that may be affected.

JESSICA’S JOTTINGS

JESSICA’S JOTTINGS

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MARYSVILLE TO CRAIG’S HUT VIA MT TERRIBLE - AUSTRALIA DAY

LONG WEEKEND TRIP

Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January 2014

Trip leader: Jessica Walsh, [email protected]

Trip rating: Moderate to difficult

This will be a tour of the High Country from Marysville to Mansfield via Mt Terrible and Jamieson and then on to Craig’s Hut. The return will be around the west of Lake Eildon, through Alexandria to finish in Marysville. There will be a variety of terrain to traverse so a well-stocked and capable vehicle is a must. I have not been to this area before and am looking forward to exploring it. There might even be a poem or two!

WOODSIDE TRIP

Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 February

Trip Leader: Damian Stock, email: [email protected]

Trip rating: Social

A leisurely weekend at the Stock farm at Woodside, local trips and the beach close by!

During the fire danger period it is important to know if a fire ban has been de-clared. They will usually be announced on the radio after 5pm the day before. During a Total Fire Ban (TFB) no fires may be lit in the open. So camp fires are out. Gas stoves are also out, so if a TFB is declared do whatever cooking you need to do the day before and then eat it cold. Gas stoves must also not be used in tents, cars or camper trailers. The only ones that can be used are those built-in, such as in a council reserve or caravan park.

Safe Travels

Jessica Walsh

TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT


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MEAL AND MOVIE NIGHT — CAMEO OUTDOOR CINEMA IN BELGRAVE

Saturday 22 February from 6:00 pm

Trip Rating: Social

Trip Leader: Dale Rebgetz, email: [email protected]

Venue: Reel Cafe and Cameo Cinema, 1628 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave VIC 3160. Melway 75 E10

Weather permitting, we will be viewing the movie on an outdoor screen, seated on deckchairs and wearing wireless headphones. The atmosphere is very relaxing and well worth the experience, even if you are unsure about the movie. Dining will be at the adjacent Reel Cafe — pleasant, relaxing, and good food. This cafe occupies part of the original cinema building.

The Movie: Nebraska

Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, Bob Odenkirk, Stacy Keach. Directed by Alexander Payne. Classification: M, 115 mins.

Woody (Bruce Dern), an aging drunk, travels from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son David (Will Forte), in the belief that he has won a million dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize.

Where to park: There is off-street parking on either side of the cinema.

Movie Price: $13 each for a party of 20 or more, increasing to $21 for a full price single adult or $14 for seniors. Final price will be determined by how many come along; the more the better.

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 be cool then come pre-pared; it can get very cold in the hills.

Deckchair seating is provided; you set it up on your chosen spot of grass on a first come, first served basis.

The movie starts after dusk (at approximately 9 pm) but the seating area opens at around 8 pm. Often people get there early, bringing their own pre-movie supper. Alcohol is permitted.

If rain is washing the picture off the screen then we will see an indoor movie instead.

The Meal: Adjacent to the cinema is the Reel Cafe. This is a good place to dine (a personal favorite), and for those who are interested I recommend meeting Jan and I there at 6:30 for a relaxing pre-movie meal. You can find the menu and pricing at reelcafe.com.au

PLEASE CONFIRM BY 16th

FEB YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE RESTAU-RANT AND/OR MOVIE TO ALLOW BOOKING.


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BUCHAN WORKING BEE - LABOUR DAY WEEKEND TRIP

8 – 10 March 2014 Trip Rating: Easy Trip Leader: David Wilson, email: [email protected]

Dismantling and removal of the Buchan shelter, as requested by the own-ers. Camping on-site and (hopefully) time for a day-trip or too. Many hands and vehicles with trailers will be needed.

OTWAYS TRIP

Sat 22 and Sun 23 March 2014 Trip Rating: Medium, or Otway Fly only - Social Trip Leader: Michael Hartshorne, [email protected]

4WD-ing and Otway Fly (Sunday)

LERDERDERG AND WOMBAT WEEKEND TRIP

Sat 5 and Sun 6 April Trip rating: Easy – Medium Trip leader: Jessica Walsh, email: [email protected]

I am planning to spend the weekend in the Lerderderg State Park and Wombat State Forest. This is a picturesque part of the state, and only a short drive from Melbourne. We will meet in Sunbury on Saturday and then head off to enter the eastern edge of Lerderderg State Park in the vicinity of Mt Bullengarook. There is a walk of about an hour for those who wish to stretch their legs to a tunnel that the Lerderderg River travels through. Our first day finishes in Blackwood, at the caravan park. This is where members may wish to leave or join the group if only travelling for one day.

Sunday morning will see us heading further west and north as we make our way towards Daylesford. The tracks we are taking wind there way through the Wombat State Forest and there will be opportunities to stop for photo-graphs. I aim to finish in Daylesford by mid-afternoon, just in time for after-noon tea and a stroll for those who choose.

The standard of the trip is easy for much of the time, with the occasional medium stretch. Some of the tracks were still closed when I did the pre-trip last month, so the tracks we take may vary from the ones I have inspected, depending on the closures. This is an ideal trip to join us on if you are new to off road driving, as the pace will be relaxed, with the occasional short section to test the driver’s ability.




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It is worth noting that if there is rain soon before the trip, the difficulty level will increase due to slippery tracks being a bit harder to negotiate then when they are dry.

LAKE COONGIE/ MENINDEE LAKES ROUND TRIP

Friday 18 – Sunday 27 April 2014 Trip Leader: Martin Foot, email: [email protected] Trip Rating: Medium, but with long stretches of remote country requiring ade-quate provisions, water and fuel along the Strezlecki Track. Well-prepared vehicles only.

The late Easter break, combined with the Anzac Day long weekend, offers 10 days to explore some country close to but not included on the Simpson Trip, in particular the area between the Flinders Ranges and Lake Frome (including Arkaroola Sanctuary), Lake Coongie near Innamincka and the Menindee Lakes near Broken Hill.

Route: From the Flinders Ranges, via west side of Lake Frome, picking up the Strezlecki Track at Mt Hopeless and continuing on to Innaminka, Lake Coongie, Corner Store, Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Menindee Lakes and home. Approx. 3,700 Km.

10TH AUSTRALIAN 4WD GATHERING 2014

Friday 18th April 2014 to Monday 21st April 2014 Dungog, New South Wales Interested members can get further details, costs, and register for the event at the website www.4wdgathering.org.au

OTHER TRIPS

Narbethong

Cathedral Ranges A Picnic at Hanging Rock

Woods Point Goldfields Melbourne Laneways

We need leaders to run these trips, please contact me.

Martin Foot

Trip and Social Coordinator

Email: [email protected]


http://www.4wdgathering.org.au


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TRIP REPORTS

Christmas Party 2013

Sunday 1 December By Dot Greiveson Our Christmas party for 2013 was held at Pound Bend, Warrandyte. Martin & Stephen had done the reconnaissance and chosen a nice grassy spot.

Although Martin and I arrived early with the BBQ, are we're pipped for the best spot by another 4WD club. However, second choice was still very nice. The other club had a decorated car competition and we were greatly amused by the succession of Christmas kitsch that went past us, the highlight being a vehicle that was completely covered with a huge white doona (after it had stopped). Rather incongruous in the Victorian summer heat.

Over time other members arrived, until we had a goodly number, well over 40 including visitors and children. The chefs went to work on the huge FWDV BBQ and a marvelous feast was soon spread under a very useful tarp that Stephen had thoughtfully brought. There was an array of lovely salads to go with the meat. We all felt very well fed and that was before the desserts came out. It was truly a delightful meal.

After lunch a number of us took an amble down to an area in the river where the Yarra had been diverted at an earlier time.

Plenty of water was gushing through rock tunnel and we felt envious of those sitting on the rocky ledge enjoying a cooling sit in the water.

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TRIP REPORTS

No Christmas party is complete without a visit from Santa with his sack of parcels and lollies. So after feasting, chatting and a little walking he arrived, looking quite warm after his considerable trek in such a cosy outfit. The children were very pleased with their gifts, as he had made some particularly wise choices.

As the afternoon progressed we continued to chat and chase the shade until it was time for another Christmas celebration to come to a close. We returned home after experiencing another special Melbourne green area.

Thanks to Martin & Stephen for pre-tripping; Four Wheel Drive Victoria for lending the BBQ; Martin for collecting, cleaning (a day's work) and repairing the BBQ; Santa and all who came along and made it such an enjoyable afternoon. It was great to greet some new members and also to welcome some who we haven't seen for a time.

Attendees: Martin Foot and Dot Greiveson, Rick Koster, Bev Davison, Dale and Jan Rebgetz, David and Enid Hewett, Charles and Paula Tam, Phil and Elaine Milkins, Bob and Ruth Marshall, Stephen Whittaker, Jamie Scott, Les Scott and Elaine Hyde, Cynthia and Michael Rennolds, Andrew and Lisa Jantke, Peter and Jean Bellis, Kerry and Graham Gill, Damian and Angela Stock, Antoinette Bulle and David, Anthony and Justin Wilson. Visitors: Ron and Bev Thomas, Rowena and Travis King and 3 children.

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TRIP REPORTS

Christmas – New Year High Country Trip: Licola to

Buchan Dargo

by Martin Foot

Friday 27 December 2013 to Wednesday 1 January 2014

The drive in to Licola from Heyfield is along a narrow road through the beautiful Macalister River valley. There is really only one road in. Hard to get lost, but somehow, leaving the township, Dot and I found ourselves on the Jamieson Road. Fortunately only a couple of Kms out of town this became obvious and we went back over the rickety wooden bridge that links Licola with the rest of the world. Now on the correct Tamboritha Road, we headed up the Wellington River valley until we came to the NP campsites. We found the club at Nr. 7, Manna Gum.

Nestling on the river banks of the steep valley, it was quite a delightful place and we all felt we could just stay here for days! Dot’s campsite rating:

● River access and warmish water-excellent

● Treed spot; very good

● Cicadas: appalling (both noise and being showered by cicada wee).

David was driving his new 4WD purchase, a M Y 2 0 0 0 d i e s e l L a n d c r u i s e r . I t certainly looked the part and hopefully it would provide a degree of reliability that he had been hanging out for. Justin and Anthony were along with their Dad.

Ric had his turbo L-series, and had Josh with him. Stephen was in his lifted 2003

Forester and was accompanied by his friend Lucinda. Jan and Dale in their XT Forester completed the group.

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TRIP REPORTS

We were missing Peter and Jean Bellis, who were delayed as Peter was not feeling one hundred percent. So we decided to stay put at Manna Gum for two nights and do a day trip on the 28

th while we were waiting for them to

arrive.

We enjoyed dinner and a campfire before turning in.

Saturday 28 December

David led us up Mt Margaret Track. He had warned us that the first section would be “interesting”. So it proved for Dot and I in our Forester, which although having reasonable lift, was finding it hard pass through a rocky uphill patch. I took a route over to the left of the track. However, in a freakish accident, managed to trap my awning on the wrong side of a small leaning tree, which brought me to a sharp halt, minus my external left mirror and with damage to one of my roof bars, as well as minor damage to the awning itself.

Extracting the car from this tangle left me with few options but to accept the offer of a tow out, so David snatched me through and up the hill. The mirror was removed and the awning secured before we moved on.

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TRIP REPORTS

Then to top thing off, Stephen following up behind, had a puncture on the same section.

Once up the side of the ridge we found ourselves at a helipad area overlooking the Wellington River valley, with excellent views.

Here we were able to make phone contact with Jean and Peter, who were still at home uncertain of their movements. We agreed that if they didn’t come in that night, the convoy would move on eastwards the following morning.

A bit further along the ridge we stopped for lunch and were surprised to be visited by the local constabulary on their mountain bikes. They were a long way from their base, but it was good to know someone was monitoring hoon behaviour. After a brief chat they moved on without causing us any grief.

The road was quite slow although not too difficult. It was well into the afternoon before we reached Burgoyne Track and then down to the Heyfield Jamieson Road. We enjoyed cool drinks and ice creams in Licola before heading back to camp.

The evening was quite warm and people enjoyed taking a refreshing dip in the river followed by dinner and a brief campfire.

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TRIP REPORTS

Sunday 29 December

Unfortunately, Jean and Peter had not arrived, so the decision was made to break camp and head towards Buchan. David led us up the main road. We stopped briefly at Tamboritha Saddle where an old stockyard spoke of former times.

Then on to Arbuckle Junction and along Moroka R o a d b e f o r e taking morning tea at the Moroka River bridge. The road then turned t o w a r d s t h e Pinnacles, which we reached in time for lunch.

The carpark was full of vehicles, so parking was tight.

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TRIP REPORTS

Once in, we walked to the lookout, which commands majestic views of the

lower Wonnangatta and Crooked River valleys.

We spent some time here admiring the views until it was time to tackle the difficult descent down Billy Goat Bluff Track to the river below.

This was a real goat track, narrow, rough and challenging (a descent of almost 1200 metres in about 7Km). It was taken at slow, slow speeds in sections. To quote Dave, “interesting”.

Dot and I needed help to get down some rock ledges where a path wasn’t obvious and became hooked up on the engine cross-member. Overall, David judged the track to be much worse than in previous years.

We met a standard AWD attempting the climb and warned him against continuing.

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TRIP REPORTS

Once at the valley floor, we headed upstream along the Wonnangatta River until we reached the Eaglevale camping area, where we stopped for the night. We arrived early enough to enjoy several hours of daylight.

At this point, Stephen and his friend Lucinda farewelled us and headed back home via the Crooked River Road, as Lucinda had family matters to attend to.

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).

Date Event Location Standard Contact for further info. Cost

2013 [email protected]

JAN Sat 25 - Mon 27 Marysville to Craig’s Hut Mt Terrible Jessica Walsh

Tues 28 General Meeting CSTC Stephen Whittaker

FEB

Tues 4 Committee Meeting Martin Foot’s Peter Bellis

Sat 8 - Sun 9 Woodside Trip Woodside Social Damian Stock

Sat 22 Meal and Movie Night Belgrave Social Dale Rebgetz

Tues 25 General Meeting CSTC Stephen Whittaker

MAR+

Sat 8 - Mon 10 Mar

Buchan Working Bee Buchan David Wilson

Sat 22 - Sun 23 Mar

Otways Trip Otways TBA Michael Hartshorne

Sat 5 - Sun 6 April Lerderderg and Wombat State Forrest Lerderderg State Park Jessica Walsh

Fri 18 - Sun 27 April

Lake Coongie/ Menindee Lakes South Australia Martin Foot


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TRIP REPORTS

Monday 30 December

Next morning, we headed across the campground to the ford across the Wonnangatta. Nearby was an old suspension bridge, which was thoroughly investigated, before we went on our way.

Up Eaglevale Track we went, very smooth and graded compared to what had gone before.

Once on the ridge, we travelled along Cynthia Range Track, past the Wombat Range Track, which leads to the upper Wonnangatta Valley and Station. Continuing along the ridge, we went down Station Track to the Crooked River. Nearby lay the abandoned mining town of Talbotville, basically a large open area with caravans. We left along the Crooked River Track, passing the sites of former mining settlements including Hogtown and Bulltown, where nothing remains but the sites.

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TRIP REPORTS

This track is famous for its numerous river crossings, and the kids enjoyed counting them, although somehow we couldn’t get agreement on exactly how many there really were! (at least 26).

At the end of the valley we turned uphill on a steep climb along Bulltown Spur track until we reached the main road into Talbotville (McMillan’s Road). This is twisty, dusty dirt road frequented by caravans and trailers heading to Talbotville. There’s not much to see or enjoy on this dusty busy route. Eventually we arrived at Grant, another former town site. There was quite a bit of interpretative signage, so we spent a little time there looking around.

Shortly after leaving Grant, we reached the Dargo High Plains Road, which we followed into Dargo, a long steep descent on bitumen that had Dave warning us to watch our brakes.

Having reached a major outpost of civilisation, we indulged in coffees and ice creams and fuelled up, before heading back up the hill as far as Upper Dargo Road. We stopped at a campsite where several other groups were already well established.

Firewood proved tricky to find and the blackberries and thistles kept us at bay, but we still managed to have a good campfire that night.

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TRIP REPORTS

At this stage we reviewed the original plan to reach Buchan for New Year’s Eve and decided that rather than rushing the trip, we would stay at Dargo for two nights and spend the last day of the old year doing a day trip from our campsite.

Tuesday 31 December

Jan and Dale needed to get back to town for New Year’s, so they packed up camp and headed off.

With three cars remaining, we discussed the possibility of a trip to Blue Rag, but in the end decided it was too long a day. So instead we decided to investigate Camms Top Place, which none of us had seen before.

First of all though, we decided to visit Harrison’s Cut, where the Dargo River had been diverted for goldmining purposes in the nineteenth century. This is at the end of the Upper Dargo Road. It proved to be a pleasant spot for morning tea, with the cool river and the waterfall created by the cut providing good scenery and the opportunity to skim lots of flat river stones.

Backtracking a little to Collins Flat campground, we climbed up Stock Route Track to Berregun Road, along the ridge that separates the Dargo from the Wentworth Rivers. Then down Dane Track we went, arriving at the river and the deeply rutted approach to Camms Top Place. Here we had lunch, watched closely by a 1.5 metre Tree Goanna whose hunting ground we had disturbed.

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TRIP REPORTS

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TRIP REPORTS

Having explored the track to its end, we moved on, climbing again out of the valley via Murdering Spur Track, then down Berregun Road southwards to Jones Road and so back to camp (apart from an unexpected diversion when I decided to redo the day again and headed north instead of south at Upper Dargo Road. Oh well!)

Once back in camp, we were “entertained” by several youngsters practising their stockwhip cracking, which was OK for the first half-an-hour, but became tiring after three. Fortunately nightfall brought relief and we enjoyed our final campfire and welcomed in the New Year.

Wednesday 1 January

After a week of dry and pleasant weather, New Year’s morning brought overcast skies and there was a hurry to pull down tents just as the first drops came. We drove through Dargo and skirted Briagolong before joining the Princes Highway at Stratford, where we broke convoy and headed our separate ways home. By the time we hit Traralgon it was pouring.

Thanks to David for leading an excellent trip. From my point of view, it introduced me to country I’d not seen before and which I’d like to explore further. Thanks to everyone for their assistance and comradeship.

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TRIP REPORTS

Attendees:

David, Anthony and Justin Wilson Landcruiser Diesel Ric and Josh Koster L-series turbo Stephen Whittaker and Lucinda Forester 2.5X Martin Foot and Dorothy Greiveson Forester 2.5X Jan and Dale Rebgetz Forester XT

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CLUB MEETING MINUTES

The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 26

th November 2013 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting

at 8:12pm. 1. Present

Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Bob Marshall, Stephen Whittaker, Tom Bol-tadzija, Martin Foot, Phil Milkins, Elaine Milkins, Bev Davison, Andrew Jantke, Damian Stock, Dale Rebgetz, Les Scott, Cynthia Rennolds, Ja-mie Scott, Doug Greenall, Jan Aylott, Katie Mynard, Peter Mynard, David Wilson.

2. Apologies Paul Saleeba, Ruth Marshall, Lisa Jantke, Brian Howell, Glenys Howell, Elaine Hyde, Rick Koster.

3. Visitors Ron and Bev Thomas (Forester 2010), Graham Gill.

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

5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting

The minutes of the October 2013 General Meeting were accepted with-out amendment after being moved by Phil Milkins and seconded by Les Scott.

There was no business arising from the minutes. 6. Correspondence

6.1 In Magazines from various 4WD clubs. 4WD Victoria - delegates’ brief sheet Enquiry about fitting WRX seats into an Outback – not feasible. Mornington Subaru – offer to advertise in the club’s magazine. Various advertising material Landcruiser Club – invitation to attend presentation on self-drive

safaris in South Africa. 6.2 Out

Paul Hicks, Mornington Subaru (also known as Cambur Subaru) re advertising.

4WD Victoria – query regarding progress on producing membership cards.

Page: 29


7. Reports

7.1 Resources As per the magazine.

7.2 Editor Distribution of the magazine was delayed a day due to Michael be-

ing crook. Club website

Was severely hacked last month. However, this has been overcome by the Jumla software upgrade and the re-moval of the third-party calendar. Consequently, don’t have a calendar function at the moment. Many thanks to Michael Stock for his assistance.

7.3 Trip and Social Details of upcoming club trip and social events are published else-

where in the magazine. Need to have some social trips added to provide some variety to the

calendar – one suggestion was the outdoor cinema at Belgrave in January/February.

Bright trip – many thanks to Albie and Rae for hosting the trip at their property out of Bright.

7.4 Venue Details of forthcoming club meetings are published elsewhere in the

magazine. Thanks to Jamie and Les for the door prize tonight (car wash kit).

7.5 Membership. Graham Gill has submitted a membership application. Daryl and Rose Lynch will be applying to rejoin the club.

7.6 Treasurer Current bank account balance is $5,157.94.

7.7 Secretary Nothing to report.

7.8 Vice-President No report submitted.

7.9 President Website - at some time in the future, may need to upgrade the web-

site engine from Jumla to something that offers more security and functionality.

4WD Australia – attended the national council meeting in Canberra last weekend.

Looking at upgrading the national website engine software.

Page: 30


Possibility of access to the software by 4WD clubs around the country.

CB radio - investigating option of having a standard channel for 4WD usage.

4WD Victoria may become one of the 60 advisory bodies to the State Government in regarding to DSE, Parks Victoria and access to 4WD tracks within Victoria.

Subaru dealers – establishing good relations with various dealers. Don’t forget the merits of being a member of the club.

8. General Business

Cabin air pollen filter for Subarus – available from Burson for about $10. Members should check their vehicle’s filter. Makes a significant difference to the performance of the car ventilation system. The filters are plastic, not paper, and so can be washed cleaned.

Qualifications – first aid, chainsaw, etc – members are encouraged to get a qualification or two.

9. Fines and Fun

9.1 Nametags Les Scott, Peter Mynard,

9.2 Last to Meeting David Wilson

9.3 Trips Bright

Michelle – forgot her pjamas and towel (that is all she had to pack).

Doug and Michelle – takeway Chinese from Bright for tea on Saturday night.

Jessica – going through the river crossing at the deepest part and managed to get water up to the front windscreen.

Les – for also getting water up to the windscreen on the Brumby.

Stephen – for requiring a tow-up Plantation track. Andrew and Jessica – for fighting over and dropping the last

piece of birthday cake after a long argument. Total fines collected - $9.05

The meeting briefly adjourned for supper.

10. Presentation

Page: 31


Damian presented the Ambulance Victoria “4 steps for life” DVD, which dealt with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The Lucky door prize was won by Martin Foot.

Meeting closed at 10:10pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28

th January 2014 commencing at

8pm.

Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday 10

th December 2013 at the home of Damian Stock

starting at 7:50pm. 1. Present Damian Stock, Bob Marshall, Jessica Walsh, Stephen Whittaker, Martin

Foot, Andrew Jantke, Dale Rebgetz, Bob Marshall, Peter Bellis. 2. Apologies Doug Greenall. 3. Absent Michael Hartshorne. 4. Quorum A quorum was achieved with 9 committee members present. 5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Minutes of the November 2013 were accepted with the following amendment:

“held ... at the home of Andrew Jantke ...” Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions

Pre-2003 Club Website – Martin will continue to follow up with Mark Tyseen.

Club brochure – has been updated, for review during general

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Page: 32


business. Distribution lists. Buchan shelter – to be discussed in general business. Trip attendance sheet – Martin has updated in consultation with Bob. Membership expiry – need to ensure that membership renewal form

is sent out each March. Delegate’s nomination form. Membership cards. Printing costs – Average cost has been calculated and an updated

bill has been forwarded to Bob for payment. Subaru Docklands 4WD driver training. Chocolate Drive – will occur in March 2014. 30

th Birthday panorama photograph.

Club trophies – have been engraved and handed out (except for Club Woman).

6. Correspondence

6.1 In Volks-Baru – have paid the advertising bill for the next 12 months. 4WD Victoria – club membership cards. Jed Mangion – video of modified Brumby.

6.2 Out None

7. Reports

7.1 Resources Offer from Matson (supplier of automotive products) for trade prices

for club purchases.

7.2 Trip and Social See elsewhere in the magazine for details of upcoming trip and

social events. Christmas party was a success, considering the dodgy weather

forecast. Many thanks to 4WD Victoria for the use of the Association’s barbeque. Had a successful appearance by Santa Claus.

Need a few social trips to fill in the calendar between the weekend / longer trips.

Trip suggestion - Aberfeldy area historic trip.

7.3 Venue

Page: 33


See elsewhere in the magazine for details of upcoming club meetings.

Photographic competition – entrants to supply trip/date/location of the photograph, and a title.

Door prizes – members have been generously donating prizes. It needs to be recorded in the meeting minutes as to who donated the prize.

Have a separate half page ad for the current month’s meeting somewhere on one of the first few pages.

Need to plan for two “dealer” meetings with various Subaru dealers – say, do Cambur Subaru in the first half of the year, possibly March, and another in the second half of the year.

7.4 Membership

In the past 12 months, 4 memberships did not renew. New membership application.

Received a membership application for Graham and Kerry Gill. After some discussion, the committee resolved to accept the membership application.

New members’ nametags will ordered in the next few weeks. Committee member nametags – new nametag or a separate slim-

line committee position badge? It was agreed to have new nametags with the formal committee position inscribed.

Club clothing for new members – club shirt would cost $43. Should the joining fee be increased from the current $20 to partially cover the cost of a shirt?

7.5 Editor

No report was submitted.

7.6 Treasurer The current bank account balance is $4,989.61. Visitor fees were received for 4 adults attending the club’s Christmas

RESOLUTION The committee resolved that new members be offered the opportunity of purchasing club shirts at the subsidised price of $25.

Furthermore, the committee resolve that this will apply to any new memberships in the current membership year.

Page: 34


party. As a result of a query by a club member about the appropriateness of the meeting, the committee will query 4WD Victoria regarding visitor fees for social events (such as a Christmas party). Damian to follow up.

7.7 Secretary Nothing to report.

7.8 Vice-President 4WD Victoria has a number of vacancies on committee, and various

sub-committees. 4WD Victoria is still producing its business plan. 4WD Victoria has made a submission to the State Government

regarding the proposed camping fees for Victorian national and state parks.

The club needs to nominate a delegate to 4WD Victoria, and some alternates if the principal delegate is not able to attend.

Club perpetual calendar. Chocolate fundraiser will be in March 2014. Jessica is on a sub-committee that will review 4WD Victoria’s current

constitution.

7.9 President Nothing to report.

8. General Business

Track closures – need to check 4WD Victoria’s website for current track closures when planning trips within Victoria.

Usage of Buchan – will send a letter of appreciation. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 4

th February 2014 at 7:30pm at the

home of Martin Foot. Meeting closed at 10:35pm.

RESOLUTION The committee resolved that Jessica be nominated the club’s delegate with Martin, Damian and Bob being nominated as alternates.

Page: 35

SUBARU LIBERTY

SUBARU will premiere a concept version of its sixth-generation Legacy (nee Liberty) mid-sized sedan at the Los Angeles motor show on November 20. Following in the wheeltracks of recent efforts such as the WRX concept, Viziv and the Advanced Tourer, Subaru’s Legacy teaser manages to be both muscular and sleek, with its radical styling giving broad hints at the company’s future design direction.

Subaru says the car’s oversized wheels and bold flares “express the stability and performance of AWD”, and promises an agile driving dynamic. The hexagonal grille mirrors the Viziv concept shown e a r l i e r t h i s ye a r . Sleek head- and tail-lights, a large upward-arcing side body crease, a raked

windowline, full-length glass roof and exaggerated rear diffuser complete the aggressive look.

The concept car’s dimensions also indicate Subaru will consider growing the next Liberty/Legacy into a fully fledged large-car. At 4930mm long, 1940mm wide and 1500mm high on a 2800mm wheelbase, the show car is appreciably longer and wider than the current production model. Subaru is yet to reveal cabin shots, but says the concept can seat four occupants - like a German grand tourer - on brown leather seats with blue accents. A large floor console running through the middle of the car contains a display screen for rear occupants.

Apparently, the cabin features a large central display that operate like a tablet or smartphone, indicating it will respond to swiping as well as poking. Subaru’s latest EyeSight active safety system features, and includes a heads-up display.

Powertrain and mechanical details beyond the signature all-wheel-drive system are being kept under wraps, but it’s known Subaru is working on new-generation turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains for various models. The Legacy Concept will join the main event in LA - Subaru’s all-new production Impreza-based WRX performance hero. In Subaru style, that car is expected to be a watered down version of the concept that previewed it (see link below).

Page: 36

SUBARU LIBERTY

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. Contact the club editor to advertise

in this space.

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, mob: 0429 942 724

Jessica’s Sale: 17" alloy rim to suit the current model Outback. It is fitted with an almost new Kumho 225/60 R17 road tyre that has done about 500km (max). $200

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). For more details on any of the above, please call Jessica on 0414 692 574

FOR SALE

The car you see here will morph into the next production Liberty/Legacy in 2014, and will likely arrive in Australia in this roadgoing form in early 2015 as a replacement for the current fifth-generation version launched in 2009. These are busy times for Subaru. As well as showing-off the WRX road car and Legacy Concept in LA, it will concurrently premiere a trio of new concepts at the Tokyo motor show, which like the US event kicks off on November 20.

As reported, this threesome will include a new “sports tourer prototype” that will go into production next year, and which will likely be positioned beneath the Liberty/Legacy, judging by its more diminutive dimensions.

From: http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5D424BB63C33E625CA257C23007DFE10

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5D424BB63C33E625CA257C23007DFE10

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5D424BB63C33E625CA257C23007DFE10

Page: 37

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.

$

Hat Oiled Skin size 55 20.00

Hat Safari size 59 20.00

Black caps with club logo 15.00

Short sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size 14 40.00

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

New Style Vest 60.00

Blue Polo Shirt 15.00

Large Sew on Badges 3.50

Small Sew on Badges 2.00

Shackles 3.2 tonne 5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 45deg. 7.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 90deg. 7.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x Straight 5.00

eFlare HZ510 Red with Base 66.00

CV Boot Clamps Large & Small 4.00

CV Joint Grease 6.00

Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] 1.60

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]

Page: 38

STANDARD TRIP EQUIPMENT

The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable experi-ence 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 clari-fication of individual trip requirements and standards.

Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to in-crease 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. recom-mends 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 ve-

hicle 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 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 sup-plies.

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria - January 2014 magazine

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