Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria magazine - May 2011

(ISSUE 370)

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.

Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member

www.subaru4wdvic.com.au GPO BOX 2456

Melbourne VIC. 3001

May 2011

Sky high at the Otway Fly

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

Page: 2

VOLKSVOLKS--BARUBARU

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

Page: 3

INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB

OF VICTORIA:

GENERAL MEETINGS Last Tuesday of each month (except December) at 8:00pm sharp at Sth Camberwell Tennis Club, at 322 Burke Road, Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6). However, from February – June 2011 the clubrooms are unavailable. Alternative locations have been arranged on a month by month basis. See page 6 for details.

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

Damian Stock (President)

[email protected]

Peter Bellis (Secretary)

[email protected]

Bob Marshall (Treasurer)

[email protected]

David Wilson (Trip & Social)

[email protected]

Martin Foot (Editor)

[email protected]. au

Andrew Jantke (Membership)

[email protected]

Vacant (Resources)

[email protected] (diverted to David Wilson for now)

Vacant (Venue)

[email protected] (diverted to president)

Phil Milkins (Ordinary Member)

[email protected]

Jessica Walsh (Ordinary Member)

[email protected]

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

The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each financial year, due after the yearly AGM. Fees for the 2010/2011 year are currently:

Interstate: $90 (Seniors card - $85) ● Single: $100 (Seniors card - $90) Joint/family: $105 - (Seniors card - $90)

(All fees includes affiliation and Insurance: $40) A trip fee of $10 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)

Please contact the membership officer for further information regarding membership,

including pro-rata and monthly rates.

Page: 4

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Welcome to the May president’s report. This has been a bit of a strange month, starting with our April club meeting being run on the first Tuesday of this month due to the original date being on Easter Tuesday and the expected absence of a number of regular attendees. It was even a struggle getting a quorum at the delayed meeting with some not wanting to shorten their extended Easter break and others finding conflicts with other commitments. Given our busy lives it is probably lucky that we got a meeting going at all.

Even with the delayed April meeting, it seems like ages since we had our last meeting, given that it was very early in the month. We also have a very late May meeting so have still achieved four weeks between meetings anyway. Of course, with all of this time between meetings, I am still struggling to get my report done in time. That is the problem with working again, which I am.

On the first weekend of May I attended the association presidents’ meeting. This was one of the worst attended meetings I have been to in my time as delegate. Of the seventy two member clubs in the association only eighteen were represented at the meeting, meaning that a quorum was not achieved. The most likely explanation for the low turnout was the scheduling of the meeting, on the weekend immediately following Easter, when many clubs may have been returning from extended trips.

Despite the low turnout it was a very informative meeting, covering a number of aspects of association operation. These included the business plan, regional representatives, track classification, rural response group, web site, financials, club affiliation and insurance.

The rural response group report, on recent activity in the Victorian flood affected areas, was quite thought provoking. After a general request was issued to all association clubs for assistance, the organizer of the relief activity, from the Idlers club, received only one offer from a member of one other association club. This highlighted to me the value of having a community support representative within our club, to bring together club members to assist during these type of events. If anyone is interested in taking on this role please let me, or one of the committee, know.

There was a very informative presentation by Chris Rose, of Parks Victoria, about the growing relationship between the association, Parks Victoria and DSE. This included a discussion on the Camp Host program and the new support of it from DSE, effectively doubling the funds available. A healthy

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

discussion about the insurance program followed a presentation by Tony Webster of Affinity Insurance Brokers which ensured that the meeting went late into the afternoon.

I also spoke to other presidents about their clubs and their general satisfaction with the association. Overall, the presidents I spoke to were fairly satisfied, which is just as well, given the large contribution we all make to the ongoing operation of the association. Our contribution is about to increase, due to a CPI increase in fees from this year on.

Our only club trip in May was to the Otways area, led by Jessica. From Jessica’s account it seemed to have been very successful. Unfortunately I was unable to attend as I was otherwise engaged at a Pituitary Foundation seminar, trying to understand how such a little thing like the pituitary can really send things off the rails when it gets out of whack. Quite enlightening.

Coming in June we have the long weekend trip to Talbotville, near Dargo, led by Dave. This will be a difficult trip although it will also be a great place to just relax around camp, if the weather holds, for those who want to do so.

Towards the end of the month we will be having a committee planning meeting down at Woodside, in preparation for the new club year. If you have any suggestions for this meeting please let me know.

As has been the norm for the past few months, the May club meeting will be at a different venue again, thanks to the clubroom renovations. This time we are meeting at Sofia’s Restaurant in Burke Road, Camberwell commencing with dinner at 6.30pm and with the meeting proper following the main course. We would like to confirm numbers with the restaurant beforehand so please call or email me before Monday night if you are coming along.

Also put a note in your diaries for the June meeting which will be held at Subaru Interactive at Docklands. Following the meeting proper we will either have a presentation or a tour of the facility. With the recent release of the new “S” model Forester I am sure that there will be plenty to look at and discuss. Please make an extra effort to come along to this meeting, in your club clothing, to show Subaru Docklands how proud we are of our club.

Anyway that’s enough from me for this month. I look forward to seeing you at next week’s meeting or when we next meet.

Damian

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EDITOR’S REPORT

VENUE REPORT

MAY GENERAL MEETING AT SOFIA’S

Date: Tuesday 31 May at 8pm (meeting) or 6:30pm (dinner). Please RSVP to Damian on 0400 118 853 or [email protected] by Monday 30 May if you’re coming to dinner.

Venue: Sofia’s Restaurant, 857 Burke Road Camberwell Melways Map 45 Ref J12 (marked on map). Parking lots are located behind the shopping strip south of Harold St./Prospect Hill Road.

The venue changes are due to renovations at the Camberwell South tennis clubrooms, which will be unavailable until July.

During the month, the club made its magazine available on the web for the first time. We are now sending a link to most external clubs and organisations on our mailing list rather than posting a hard copy, thus saving on printing.

The web version of the magazine is similar to the hard copy version, with a few changes for privacy and copyright reasons. We are not publishing members’ private contact details apart from their club email address, if they have one. Articles sourced from on-line newspapers are linked rather than included in the text of the magazine.

An advantage of the on-line version is that it can contain links, including emails and websites. It’s designed to be viewed on-line like a web page or e-book rather than downloaded and printed.

Anyone can view the current magazine from the club’s website, www.subaru4wdvic.com.au or via this redirect:

The magazine deadline for next edition is JUNE 14th, 2011. Send all copy to [email protected].

Martin

http://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au

Page: 7

TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND TRIP – TALBOTVILLE

Saturday June 11 - Monday June 13

Trip leader: David Wilson, email: [email protected]

Queens Birthday long weekend will be a base camp at Talbotville, which is located aprox 30 - 35 Kms further on from Dargo (approx 4.5 – 5 hours from Dandenong).

Contact David for the exact location of the campsite, which may be in or just outside Talbotville.

Access to the camping area is via a reasonable track so campers can be used.

Rating: to (if wet)

Driving will be challenging in the dry and very, very challenging if there has been rain around. Vehicles and drivers must be up to driving in all conditions.

Those that do not want to drive can spend time around camp, visit the Grant Historic area or sit by the numerous rivers in the area.

Warm clothing is a must as we will be in the Alpine area. Those attending will be required to bring a bag of dry firewood each to assist in getting fires started for the group.

People wishing to attend MUST contact David before putting names down on the trip sheet.

A Visitors Guide for the Grant Historic area can be obtained from the Parks Victoria website: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_1786.pdf [Ed.]

WILLIAM CREEK AND LAKE EYRE - TRIP POSTPONED

(was) Saturday June 4 - Monday June 13

Trip leader: Jessica Walsh, email: [email protected] This trip has been deferred due to the current state of the tracks into Lake Eyre. Hopefully it may be run at another time (when Jessica has some more holidays).

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT

“CHRISTMAS IN JULY” - DINNER

Saturday 16th July 2011

Time: 6.00/6.30pm to be seated by 7.00pm

Venue: the home of Jean and Peter Bellis, 24 Darwin Rd Boronia, (Mel Ref 64D9)

Cost: $20.00 per person. Payment must be received by the June meeting.

BYO Drinks (Fruit punch provided.) Anyone who would like to arrive earlier in the afternoon to help with preparations, cooking, decorating the house etc or just for coffee and a chat is more than welcome.

Bookings by contacting Jean (email: [email protected]) or put you name on the list at a General Meeting.

“GERMANTOWN” DAY TRIP

Sunday 24th July 2011

Time: 11:00am for 11:15am, finishing around 4.30pm

Venue: Ziebell’s Farmhouse historic property, 100 Gardenia Road, Thomastown (Melway Map 8 H5)

Cost: $7.50 for tour and morning tea at Ziebell’s; lunch at Whittlesea and $4 entrance at Schramm’s Cottage in Victoria Road, Doncaster.

This is social day trip including a pleasant drive and lunch at a pub in Whittlesea. The object of the day is to look at the restored homes of German farmers who migrated to Victoria in the mid 19th century. The trip can be done in its entirety or in part.

The tour at Thomastown is dependent on achieving a minimum group size of 10 people.

Contact Martin (email: [email protected]) or put your name on the list at a General Meeting.

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TRIP REPORTS

PAJERO CHALLENGE

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27th March

by Jean Bellis

This year the Pajero Challenge was held in the Wombat State Forest, not far from Daylesford. Katie and Peter arrived at our place in Boronia Saturday noon, and we then meet up with Bev (and Splash), Enid and Michael at Rockbank. We arrived at the location for ¾ Rest Point, which was the former site for the Balt Forestry Camp, early afternoon. Jamie, Adam and Damien Hough had set up camp and gone out to explore the area.

The marquee was set up down on the campsite with the Check-out and Check-in set up on either side of the road. During the afternoon we were joined by Damian Stock (who had got slightly lost) and the WICEN radio operators, Colin and Maurie. When the tents were nearly set up, Jamie, Damian H and Adam arrived back, having found some good tracks and some mud. We finished setting up and set up our own sleeping arrangements. Bev discovered that she had a broken pole, so Enid decided to sleep in the car, and Bev and Splash set up in our covered trailer.

With everything set up, a group went off to find a stock of wood as it was going to be a very, very cold night. With the fire lit it was time to have tea. Daryl arrived with the portable toilet, but there was still no sign of Lisa and Andrew. Katie put in a call to Lisa to discover that Andrew was still at Dave’s working on the camper, but they were still coming. Everyone sat around the fire relaxing over the meal. With the radio operators on site we were kept informed of the progress of the Challenge. Stage one had proved to be a challenge and stage 3 was also proving to be tough. It was suggested that we would not need to open our check point till 2pm and, as it had started to rain fairly heavily, most people headed to bed at about 10am. Adam volunteered to keep watch around the fire and keep it going. Lisa and Andrew arrived about 11pm, set up and went straight to bed.

What seemed like only a few minutes later (in reality, it was about 1½ hours later), a call from the radio operators informed us that the first competitor had left the last check point and would arrive in about half an hour. The team swung into action. Katie, Lisa, Bev, Enid and Andrew looked after the marquee and the fire. Daryl, Michael and Adam took control of the parking. Check-in was Damian S, Peter B and Peter M while Jamie, Damien H and Jean did check out. The check out people got the worst deal as we could not close down until the last competitor had left the site. All competitors had to

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TRIP REPORTS

stay at the check point for ½ hour. They were then given the instruction for Stage 4. When they got these instructions they went back to their cars, worked out where they had to go, and plotted the points. The last car checked out at 5.40am and about an hour later the last car left the site. I think it was about 6am when Peter and I finally crawled back into our sleeping bags.

After a few hours sleep, people slowly emerged, stoked up the fire, got the hot water on and had a leisurely breakfast. The pack-up was complete by about 12 noon. Jamie, Adam and Damien H went off again to explore a few more tracks in the area while the rest of us headed out. We decided on a quick stop for lunch at the service centre on the Western highway. There was nothing quick about the service and the stop took longer than expected.

Thank you to:

Damian S, Bev and Enid who came back to the Scout Q-store and helped

us unpack the borrowed gear and hang up the wet marquee to dry.

Peter B for all the hours that you put into preparing for this event including

the many meeting with the Pajero Challenge Committee, getting all the gear together and packing it.

Everyone who provided soup, slice, salads and deserts. We, and the

competitors, were very well fed.

All those who participated, and are listed below, for making it a fun weekend. Peter and I attended the Pajero Challenge Awards dinner a few weeks later, and comments from the committee and competitors were very positive about our contribution. So, well done to everyone.

Participants:

Bev Davison, Enid Hewitt and Splash Forester SF

Damian Stock Hilux

Adam Howley and Damien Hough Forester SG

Katie Scambler and Peter Mynard MY

Peter and Jean Bellis Forester SF

Daryl Lynch Landcruiser Ute

Jamie Scott Landcruiser

Lisa and Andrew Jantke “The Ute”

Michael Hartshorne Forester SH

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TRIP REPORTS

OTWAYS ICONIC 4WD TRIP

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27th March

by Jessica Walsh

It was all about the timing...

The trip started well with three cars arriving at Bunnings in North Geelong within a minute of each other. Timing! Jessica and Sharon, Dale and Jan,

and Rick, Jackie and Joshua were all assembled at ten to eleven on Saturday morning. The sun was trying to shine through as we headed off to the Great Ocean Road. We were fortunate to have good weather for the day which provided for great views along the drive.

Our first stop was in Anglesea where we enjoyed coffee and cake and then viewed the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet. Lorne was our lunch stop where we sat at the beach and watched the gentle swell of the ocean. The group pressed on after lunch on our way to Cape Otway. The only stop was to view the Godfrey Gravesite just north of Wye river. This was the site of a shipwreck where all onboard survived, however during the three salvage attempts, five lives were lost. The tide was too high for us to view

the wreck itself, so perhaps another day.

The Cape beckoned so we were soon off again, enjoying the views of and from the Great Ocean Road. The road itself was built by returned servicemen from the First World War, and is a testament to their ability as in some places it has been carved out of the very cliffs.

The group arrived at Cape Otway to be greeted by an unexpected entrance fee. There was no access to the lighthouse area without paying. Even the cafe was off limits as we chose not pay the fee for such a short visit. We did however walk around the area and managed to catch a glimpse of the lighthouse from afar.

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TRIP REPORTS

Our chosen camping place for the night had a large group booked in for a twenty-first birthday party so we chose to backtrack to Apollo Bay to one of the caravan parks there. We stayed at the council park adjacent to the football oval. There was a short-lived bet between Sharon and Dale as to who could set up their tents the

quickest. As Sharon's and Jessica's tents were up in about 10 seconds there wasn't much competition. Dale and Jan were trialling their new rooftop tent which was still very straightforward to erect. Rick and his family had taken the easy way out and stayed in a cabin – no setting up required!

The rain started to fall Saturday night and it rained on and off for the rest of the weekend. The tents kept everyone dry and warm, although the car mounted awnings allowed the water to pool. This was the first time I had set mine up so I will remember to angle it a bit more in future to allow the water to run off.

We planned to meet Martin and Dot on Sunday morning at Triplet Falls so we were on the road again at half past eight, to make our rendezvous. It was not long before we were off the bitumen and travelling through the Otway National Park. The overnight rain had made sure that the puddles had been topped up. We were following the track notes for the Otways Iconic 4WD Adventures series, and this took us through forests of magnificent mountain ash, beech and blackwoods.

During the drive to Triplet Falls, we made contact with Martin who had left Melbourne earlier that morning. Unfortunately Dot was not able to join him. We gave him our approximate arrival time, and hoped that no-one would be left waiting too long. As we turned the final corner leading to the falls a car approached from the left; we slowed, only to find it was Martin. We had all arrived at the falls at precisely the same time. How's that for timing!

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TRIP REPORTS

There is a loop track around the three waterfalls that make up the Triplet Falls. We took our time as there were many steps down, followed by many steps up. Viewing platforms were located to get a good view of each of the falls. After about an hour we were back in the cars and heading to the Otway Tree Top Adventure Walk.

The Otway Fly and Walk are purpose built elevated rope systems and walkways designed to get visitors above the ground and into the tree canopy. We chose to do the walk which has 1.9km of path including 600m of elevated walkway. The recommended duration is about an hour; we were pushed to finish in two! There is so much to see, and so many places to stop and stare. The spiral staircase was a highlight (no pun intended). It is 43m above the ground, and not only can you see the trees swaying, but the platform moves slightly too. To everyone's credit, we all made it to the top, with some overcoming trepidation at the height. It was certainly worth the climb.

Back to the cars, and a short drive to Beech Forest where we enjoyed a well earned lunch with hearty appetites. After lunch we drove through the forest for another hour before deciding to cut the track notes a little short. The extended time doing the walk meant that the complete drive could not be done in the time we had. We followed the drive as far as Deans Marsh, and then headed north to Winchelsea where we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

The Otways 4WD Iconic Drive track notes make seeing the Otways and some of the sights very straightforward. I look forward to heading west again, with perhaps a little less rain!

Participants:

Jessica Walsh (trip leader) & Sharon Drabsch 2.0D Outback

Dale & Jan Rebgetz Forester SH

Rick, Jackie & Joshua Koster Outback

Martin Foot (Sunday only) Forester SG

CLUB CALENDAR

Date Event Location Standard Contact for further info. Cost

2011

MAY Tues 31 General Meeting Sophia’s Camberwell Damian Stock

JUNE

Sat 4 – Mon 13 William Creek / Lake Eyre - TRIP POSTPONED due to track closures

Northern S.A. Jessica Walsh

Tues 7 Committee Meeting t.b.a. Peter Bellis

Mon 13 PUBLIC HOLIDAY – QUEEN”S BIRTHDAY

Sat 11 – Mon 13 Talbotville standing camp and day trips Talbotville via Dargo David Wilson

Tues 14 Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc Martin Foot

Tues 28 General Meeting Subaru Docklands (t.b.c.) Damian Stock

JULY

Sat 2 – Sun 17 Simpson Desert II - TRIP POSTPONED due to track closures

t.b.c. Damian Stock

Tues 5 Committee Meeting t.b.a. Peter Bellis

Tues 12 Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc Martin Foot

Sat 16 “Christmas in July” Bellis’s Social Jean Bellis

Sun 24 “Germantown” Day Trip Thomastown Social Martin Foot

Tues 26 General Meeting / Annual General Meeting t.b.a. Venue Officer

August Snow Trip t.b.a. t.b.a. t.b.a.

AUG +

Sun 4 Sep Day Trip t.b.a. t.b.a. t.b.a.

Sat 15 – Sun 16 Oct

Club birthday bash t.b.a. Social David Wilson

Sat 29 Oct – Tue 1 Nov

Border Track Rainbow Peter Bellis

Sun 27 Nov Christmas Party t.b.a. Social t.b.a.

Wed 28 Dec – Sat 31 Dec

Christmas Trip t.b.a. t.b.a. David Wilson (

Trip Standard Sign Vehicle Suitability

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

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

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SECRETARY’S REPORT

Notice is hereby given to members that the Annual General Meeting

of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc will be held on Tuesday, 26th July 2011,

venue to be announced, commencing after the finish of

the July General Meeting. Order of business will include:

Confirmation of the minutes of the 2010 annual general meeting. Presentation of the 2011 annual report. Presentation of 2011 annual financial statement. Membership subscriptions, fees and levies for 2011/12. Special resolutions (if any are tabled - please see note below for

requirements). General business. Presentation of annual and other awards. Election of officers of the club and ordinary members of the

committee. Nominations for committee positions must be submitted to the club secretary by no later than 7 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. However, if a committee position has no nominations by the time of the Annual General Meeting, the club’s constitution allows for the acceptance of nominations from the floor of the meeting. Special Resolutions If a member wishes to bring an item of business to the Annual General Meeting that requires a special resolution, 21 days written notice of the special resolution must be given to all club members. Peter Bellis Secretary 25

th May 2011

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CLUB MEETING MINUTES

The April 2011 general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 3

rd May 2011 at the Balwyn Library meeting room starting at

8:17pm.

1. Present

Martin Foot, Damian Stock, Bev Davison, Adam Howley, Damian Hough, Jessica Walsh, Bob Marshall, Ruth Marshall, Peter Bellis, Dale Rebgetz, Rick Koster, Michael Dickman, David Wilson.

2. Apologies

Jean Bellis, Andrew Jantke, Lisa Jantke, Peter Mynard, Katie Scambler, Brian Howell, Glenys Howell, Elaine Milkins, Phil Milkins.

3. Visitors: Sharon Drabsch.

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

5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting

The minutes of the March 2011 General Meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Adam Howley and seconded by Jessica Walsh.

There was no business arising from the minutes.

6. Correspondence

6.1 In

Magazines from:

Various 4WD clubs

Royal Automobile Club of Victoria

4WD Drive Victoria

May 2011 Delegates’ Brief Sheet

Affiliation and Insurance Renewal Advice

April 2011 Presidents’ Meeting

Quarterly Financial Statements – March 2011

Victorian Volunteer Small Grants 2011

Royal Automobile Club of Victoria – trailer insurance renewal notice

Smithi Engineering – “Opposite Lock” Victoria Winch Challenge

Page: 18


6.2 Out

Interstate 4WD Clubs – advise of electronic version of club magazine.

7. Reports

7.1 Resources

Some club clothing has not yet been distributed.

Members interested in a club hat need to contact David.

7.2 Editor

Have created electronic versions of the March and April 2011 magazines and are available on-line.

Editorial deadline for May is the 17th May 2011.

7.3 Trip and Social

Otway trip

Will start from Bunning’s in Geelong at 11am on the Saturday.

Will be tent camping Saturday night at Bindi’s caravan park.

Queen’s Birthday weekend

Based at Talbotville and doing day trips into the hills.

7.4 Venue

May’s meeting is at Sophia’s restaurant, Camberwell with a 6:30pm start for dinner and an 8:00pm start for the meeting.

7.5 Membership: None submitted.

7.6 Treasurer

Current bank account balance is $2,199.15.

Term deposit matures this month.

7.7 Secretary

Committee meeting next week is at Bob Marshall’s place.

Annual general meeting will be held after the July 2011 general meeting.

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7.8 President

4WD Victoria Club Presidents’ meeting

World heritage listing is being proposed for Cape York and north eastern Tasmania.

Deddick Trail (starts at McKillop’s Bridge) – is suffering a lot of damage due to travel being mainly south to north.

Flood relief assistance – poor response to request from the Idlers 4WD Club.

Public Liability Insurance – cover only applies to club sanctioned events (including pre-trips).

Camp Host – seeking more involvement from clubs. The scheme has been expanded due to involvement by DSE.

Affiliation and insurance fee – payable to 4WD Victoria by the end of June. The club will need to review as to when club membership fees are payable (any change will involve changes to the Constitution).

8. General Business

8.1 Caravan Course run by 4WD Victoria

The theory in the course was good.

Organisation of the course left a bit to be desired.

8.2 4WD Driving Instructors

Jessica has offered to become a qualified club 4WD driving instructor.

9. Fines and Fun

9.1 Nametags

Michael Dickman, Rick Koster, Adam Howley, Dale Rebgetz.

9.2 Last to Meeting: David Wilson.

9.3Trips

9.3.1 Private Trip

Bev Davison – for getting a stranger to park and setup her caravan.

Page: 20


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.

Outback genuine towbar in good condition, $250.

Bullbar including driving lights (Oscar Cibie?) for 97-98 Forester, $400.

Roof console to hold CB radio plus original lighting, $150.

Contact: David Wilson, email: [email protected]

"Taurus" brand roof mounted cargo pod: Approximately 300 litre size and lockable. It is in excellent condition as it has only been used once. A great way of taking that 'little bit extra' on holiday. The pod comes with all mounting hardware to secure to roof racks, and has internal straps to secure loose items. $180 o.n.o.

Contact: Jessica, email: [email protected]

9.4 Total fines collected - $2.60.

10. Jessica gave a presentation on mapping.

11. Meeting closed at 9:45 and was followed by supper.

12. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 31st May 2011 commencing at

8pm.

FOR SALE

URBAN LEGENDS DEPT.

Every so often an email turns up that has achieved urban legend status. Here’s one forwarded by Bob Marshall - please note that the Club in no way condones any advice given in the article - try at own risk! - Ed.

GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR

How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour.

We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily. This method was told by a Police friend who had experienced and confirmed it. It is useful .... even driving at night.

Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad......

In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUNGLASSES (any model will do), and miracle! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.

Make sure you always have a pair of sunglasses in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend's life by giving him this idea..

Try it yourself and share it with your friends!

Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling. You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the "blindness" from passing semi's spraying you too, or the "kickup" if you are following a semi or car in the rain. They ought to teach that little tip in driver's training. It really does work..

This warning is a good one! I wonder how many people know about this~

NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON

If the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydro-plane and your tyres lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane.

NEVER USE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY

We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.

If you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn't know about this, then it was all worth it. You might have saved a life.

Page: 22

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Abridged Minutes of the meeting of the Committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday, 10

th May, 2011 at the home of Robert

Marshall starting at 7:45pm.

1. Present

Bob Marshall, Phil Milkins, Jessica Walsh, Martin (aka Tony) Foot, Damian Stock, Peter Bellis, David Wilson.

2. Apologies

Andrew Jantke (somewhere in Western Australia).

3. Quorum

A quorum was achieved with 7 committee members present.

4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

4.1 Minutes of the April 2011 meeting were accepted without amendment.

4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions

4.2.1 Affiliation / Insurance Levy

The club needs to investigate the realignment of when its membership fees are due so that fees are paid before the 4WD Victoria affiliation/insurance fee paid in June.

4.2.2 Leisurefest

4.2.3 Club Clothing

4.2.4 Guest Speakers

4.2.5 Club Survey

4.2.6 Personal Details Forms

4.2.7 Committee and General Meeting Minutes

Peter is now supplying an abridged version of both minutes to Martin for publication in the club’s magazine.

Page: 23


5. Correspondence

5.1 In

4WD Victoria

Response to enquiry about Camp Host at Talbotville.

4WD Regional Representatives’ meeting at Mansfield.

Replies from the WA and Queensland Subaru clubs in response to the email advising of electronic copy of the club’s magazine.

Advertising material – Aussie 4x4 Directory

5.2 Out

4WD Victoria – enquiry about Camp Host at Talbotville.

All 4WD clubs to whom we have supplied a copy of our magazine advising them that we will now be providing them with an electronic copy.

6. Reports

6.1 Resources

Have some club clothing yet to be distributed to some club members.

Uniform Superstore – seeking quotes for club shirts, vests, polo fleece jacket, and cap to supply on an ad hoc basis.

6.2 Trip and Social

Camp Host – Queen’s Birthday weekend in June – Damian sent an email to 4WD Victoria regarding doing Camp Host at Talbotville. 4WD Victoria replied saying that another club is already booked in to look after Talbotville.

Talbotville – Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Participants can either sit around the campsite and enjoy the surroundings, or head out on day trips (standard will be difficult).

Simpson Desert – Mk II – is looking very uncertain due to the continuing wet weather.

Page: 24


Germantown

Have enquired as to whether it can run on a day other the usual day that the organisers run such tours.

Will be either the first Sunday or the second Sunday in July (to be confirmed).

Snow trip – tba August.

Women’s dirt road trip – to be investigated by Jessica.

Driver Awareness Day – either at Buchan or Yarrum.

Club’s 35th Birthday Bash

Weekend at Woodside (Damian’s farm) on 15th/16

th October

2011.

Camping will be either on-site, at the Woodside camping ground or a motel in Yarrum.

Combine with a driver awareness day on the Saturday.

6.3 Venue

The Camberwell South Tennis Club may be ready for the July meeting.

6.4 Membership

No report submitted.

4WD Victoria’s insurance levy for trip visitors is only payable once a year per visitor.

6.5 Editor

Have tidied up the electronic PDF versions of the club magazines and loaded them up to the magazine site. The electronic version is not designed for printing.

The monthly printing cost of the magazine is about $80 for 39 copies.

Club website – the changes made over the Christmas to the new site have been documented and forwarded to Martin for review.

Email Server – even after doing a large clean-out, the email server is still loaded up to about 90% of its 1GB limit.

Page: 25


6.6 Treasurer

Current bank account balance is $2,199.15.

Term deposit of $5,000 is about to mature. Will be rolled over for 12 months at 6.15%.

Recent payments – trailer insurance $57, and printing and posting of last month’s magazine $146.

6.7 Secretary

Need to put an advanced notice of the AGM in the May magazine, plus committee and annual award nominations.

6.8 President

Bullbar issue – it is only shelved, not “dead and buried”.

Victorian Volunteer Small Grant.

Committee planning day – 25/26 June 2011.

Rob Pepper’s “The Four Wheel Drive Handbook” – the club should consider purchasing a copy.

Community support activities – should the club consider having a dedicated community support committee member to encourage/co-ordinate community support activities?

Affinity insurance cover through 4WD Victoria covers public liability, loss of income, etc.

Bacchus Marsh 4WD training centre – waiting on Parks Victoria approval.

7. General Business

None.

8. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th June 2011 at 7:30pm at the

home of Damian Stock.

9. Meeting closed at 10:50pm.

Page: 26

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR

June 2011

Friday 3rd Proficiency Course (PC110604) Theory - Nth Balwyn

Saturday 4th Proficiency Course (PC110604) Practical – Werribee

Saturday 11th Sand Driving Course (SD110611) Practical – Portland

Sunday 12th Sand Driving Course (SD110611) Practical – Portland

Monday 13th Sand Driving Course (SD110611) Practical – Portland

Thursday 16th Proficiency Course (PC110618) Theory - Nth Balwyn


Tuesday 21st Chainsaw Course (CS110625) Theory - Nth Balwyn

Saturday 25th Chainsaw Course (CS110625) Practical - Tallarook

Sunday 26th Chainsaw Course (CS110625) Practical – Tallarook

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July 2011

Friday 1st Proficiency Course (PC110702) Theory - Nth Balwyn

Saturday 2nd Proficiency Course (PC110702) Practical – Werribee

Monday 4th Chainsaw Course (CS110709) Theory - Nth Balwyn

Saturday 9th Chainsaw Course (CS110709) Practical - Tallarook

Sunday 10th Chainsaw Course (CS110709) Practical – Tallarook

Friday 15th Proficiency Course (PC110716) Theory - Nth Balwyn

Friday 15th Proficiency Course (WC110717) Theory - Nth Balwyn


Sunday 17th Women’s 4X4 Course (WC110717) Practical – Werribee

Friday 22nd Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110723) Practical - Tallarook

Saturday 23rd Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110723) Practical – Tallarook

Sunday 24th Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110723) Practical - Tallarook

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FWDV can be contacted on (03) 9857 5209 or e-mail: [email protected] Contact S4WDCV Secretary Peter Bellis, regarding attendance at FWDV courses as a club discount may apply. (email: [email protected])

Otway Ranges weekend

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria magazine - May 2011

Documents

Transcript of Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria magazine - May 2011