April 2021 (Issue 479)
Keong Yip in his turbo Forester on the Border Track Trip Follow us on our webpage: http://subaru4wdvic.com.au/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subaru4wdvic/ Connect with Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subaru4wdclub_victoria/
Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A—0006149J / FWDV Member
Mailing address: c/- 24 Hill Street. Hawthorn, VIC, 3122 NB: Our Mt Waverley PO Box has closed.
ABOUT THE CLUB The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 40 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 2020/21 are lower than normal by around $20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. They are likely to return to previous levels in 2021/22.)
MEMBERS RATES Single: $65 (Senior card - $60) Joint/Family: $75 (Senior card - $70) (Note: these are annual rates. New members joining mid-year pay pro-rata) One off joining fee of $15 ($30 for Joint/Family) also applies All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $30 These fees are based on an electronic newsletter distribution only. No levy or discount to be offered. Requests for a hard copy magazine will be considered by the Committee.
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: members@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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COMMITTEE President: Mark Tyssen president@subaru4wdvic.com.au Vice President and FWDV Delegate: Tim Folliard vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au Secretary: Martin Foot secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au Treasurer: Angela Bombardieri treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au Membership: Erica Auld members@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip & Social: Tim Folliard events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Venue coordinator: Mark Tyssen venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au Editor (acting): Martin Foot editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au Ordinary Member: Nicholas Leask Ordinary Member: Peter Kakalias Off-Committee: Resources: Bev Davison resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT At long last normality is returning. We held our March General Meeting at Ringwood Training, with much gratitude to David Wilson in organising. It gave the opportunity to our members who were partaking in the Border Track Trip in these last few weeks of April, this month, to inspect the underside of their vehicles and get fitted bashplates etc for additional protection. Then followed the trip itself of the Border Track, which I hear was a great success, with only a few minor issues, eg mallee root piecing sidewall of a tyre. The threat that either Victoria or South Australia governments would pull a covid shutdown was present leading up to the event, and I bet the participants were elated all went well on that front. We look forward at the April meeting of a sampling of some of the video taken on that and previous trips held in March. As some of you remember I was hobbling about at the March meeting, sprained my left ankle a week before, well after a further two weeks, ie mid April, after an x-ray and ultrasound, I found I had a partially detached anterior ligament thingy from the foot, hence the consistent pain, and the potential of a further 8 weeks of crutches and ankle brace (or a moonboot) for movement around. The thought of a left foot moonboot driving a manual vehicle didn’t look good at all, settling on an ankle brace. So regretfully, I will need to delay our return of the first weekend of the month short single day trip, that of the bike ride along the Warburton Track, till a date to be rescheduled. Over the last few months, Subaru America has been advertising the 2022 model of Outback, Wilderness, with the temptation that the accessory fitment will be expanded to other models … interesting. It would be good if Australia received the RHD version of this model.
Till later, Stick to the track, and Stay Safe, Mark Tyssen President
The Outback Wilderness edition, US only, for now!
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VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT Team Work I am writing this on return form a week long Club trip through Wyperfeld and along the Border Track. While we had great weather, some of the tracks were more difficult than my recollection due to the dry, heavy sand and rutted approaches. While the trip report will cover this in more detail, it did result in a few recoveries. The team work by members was excellent. Shovels and max tracks quickly out and vehicles on the move again. One uphill section had some very large holes, By the time we left there was 50 metres of smooth sand track for an easier drive up and over the dune. Tim Folliard Vice President, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
TREASURER’S REPORT MARCH 2021 Date
Description
Debit
Credit
Balance
Opening Balance at 1st March 2021
$4,587.52
Income for March Nil
$0.00
Expenses: 26/3/21
Optus Sat. phone monthly service fee Total Expenses for month of March 2021
15.00 15.00
Closing Balance @ 31 March 2021
$4,572.52
NOTE: 1. Term Deposit of $8,269.87 (this includes interest accrued) matures on 10 June 2021. Angela Bombardieri
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TRIP AND SOCIAL More details on these trips can be found in the Club Website under proposed trips. It is easy to add your name to trip bookings. Alternatively, you can still email events@subaru4wdvic.com.au, or contact the trip leader directly, to register for a trip or to propose a new one.
Bike Ride When: To be rescheduled (was May 1st or 2nd) due to trip leader’s injury. Where: Warburton Rail Trail Rated: Easy/Social Contact: Mark Tyssen, e: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Cobaw State Forest Day Trip When: 23 May 2021 Rated: Medium Where: Meet at Lancefield, finish at Kyneton Contact: Daniel Ho, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
North Flinders Ranges Touring When: 18-31 July 2021 Contact: Martin Foot, e: secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: A long Touring Trip (Limit reached - contact Martin Foot by email if interested) .
Snow Day Trip When: late July or early August Details: Most likely Big River to Mt Matlock area. As far as we can go in the snow. Book on trip and once the snow forecast is in, be advised of the date. Always looking for members to run or organise Trips (day or weekend) of any level of difficulty. Social events/activities have also been popular with members. Email your ideas through to me. As usual, the Proposed Trip in the Club Website is the place to check out trips and make your bookings. If you can't access the website, let the membership officer know. Tim Folliard, Trip & Social Coordinator e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks to all contributors, especially Tim for his Trip report produced in record time. The deadline for submissions for the next edition is:
Friday, May 14, 2021 Email editor: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au 6
VENUE REPORT APRIL GENERAL MEETING DATE: Tuesday, April 27 at 8pm. VENUE: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris. ZOOM: This meeting will also be broadcast from SCTC via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. The link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87574971339 In this meeting we will discuss our membership fees for following year. After the meeting there will be a showing of videos from recent trips. DOOR PRIZE: Come along to win a special door prize at this month's meeting. Mark Tyssen Venue Coordinator
GENERAL MEETING NOTICE The Agenda for members’ meetings is as follows: Welcome of members and visitors. Review and acceptance of previous general meeting’s minutes. Correspondence. Reports by various office bearers. Other business as mentioned below. General business raised by members. “Fines and Fun” – including brief summaries of recent trips. Guest speaker or presentation. Supper and networking. Details of the next few general meetings are as per the schedule below:
WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE! Date
Location
Guest Speaker/Presentation
Other Business
Tues 27 April
South Camberwell Tennis Club
Border Track videos and pics
Setting of Annual Fees
Tues 25 May
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
Tues 29 June
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
Tues 27 July
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
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TRIP ADVISOR
TRIP
DATE
LEADER(S)
STANDARD
Bike Trip Warburton Rail Trail
To be rescheduled (was May 1, 2)
Mark Tyssen
Cobaw State Forest Day Trip
May 23
Daniel Ho and Samantha Lee
North Flinders Ranges
July 18-31
Martin Foot
Medium
Snow Trip
Late July, or early August
TBA
TBA
MEMBER PROFILE By Erica Auld, Membership Officer
Samantha Lee and Daniel Ho Sam and Daniel joined in December 2020 and celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on our Border Track trip. A family of engineers – Dan in materials and Sam in chemical (with an environmental focus) – they run their own business, through which they also collaborate with a number of other small businesses. This provides the flexibility to not be tied to home or the office, especially with a support network that can look after their two fur babies when away. They have lots of hobbies beyond driving around remote areas in an AWD including skiing, cycling and a bit of scuba diving and I can personally vouch for their cooking skills while out touring! 8
MEMBER PROFILE The Ride Daniel’s second and third car were Subaru Liberty’s but they have not had a Subaru since 2010. Their current Subaru XV was purchased secondhand in 2020 with no plans to take it 4-wheel driving (properly). It was a replacement for their previous car. Under new Covid rules Sam could not get a lift to regional construction sites in other peoples’ cars so they needed a car that could handle rough roads and could be scratched. Modifications They have already changed the wheels to 16” AT and installed a UHF. With over 200,000km on the clock, a shock absorber replacement is on the cards as well as a service to the CV joints/boots. To cater for the night driving with their skiing and cycling hobbies, additional lighting is also planned. Now that they are going off road, the front bumper has been replaced with a SX bar and a rear diff lock will shortly be installed . Investigation continues on the legality of raising the vehicle using a SLO kit and there is also a plan to install a winch. Purpose Daniel and Sam have limited 4wding experience to date but are keen to explore more of regional Australia (this has in the past been hampered by not having a suitable vehicle - and not being able to hire one). They are looking forward to doing that in the XV and via club trips. They have made a great start on this in the club already, joining two trips to Woods Point and along the Border Track and have been enthusiastic to attempt many challenges – much to Tim’s surprise on a hill near O’Reilly’s campground on the Woods’ point trip. Welcome to the club Sam and Dan.
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TRIP REPORTS Border Track April 2021 By Tim Folliard I had scheduled this trip in April and October 2020 but Covid-19 restrictions had intervened, so take 3 was again scheduled for April about 2 weeks after the one-way section of the Border Track gates opened. First we needed the necessary border crossing permits. Anyone reading this in the future, yes at the time you needed permits to cross between states for the first time since 1901. Sunday 11 April First instruction was to drive to Rainbow 400 kilometres from Melbourne. I stopped in at the Pot of Gold Motel where Daniel was working on his XV. Erica and Sam had also set up there with Angela still on her way north. I then headed 15 km north to Western Beach at Lake Albacutya to camp with the rest. The lake has been dry for many years but the camp site is large with flushing toilets and (cold) showers. Monday 12 April 10.30 AM We departed Lake Albacutya and entered a dirt road for the first time as we made for Milmed ( I am advised it is Mil-med) Track (approx. 70 km of sand driving ahead). The sand almost commenced at the turn off so we stopped to air down to 18 Very optimistic boat ramp psi. Despite the large tray on the back of the Dmax, it seems Les couldn’t find room for any recovery gear or the air compressor. He remembered it not long from home but decided against returning for it. Would he be needing it later? The early sections of Milmed Rock Track were relatively flat with farmland on one side but quickly became very heavy, momentum sapping sand. The first casualty for the trip was Martin’s Forester. It was difficult to dig out enough sand to place the max tracks under and the airbag jack got a run. Airing down at the start of Milmed Track. Angela is airing up after a very quick deflation via removal of the tyre valve. Her compressor is a very impressive unit. 10
TRIP REPORTS Five kilometres in, the club secretary decided to conduct an unscheduled sand recovery training exercise using multiple techniques and equipment. It would provide invaluable learnings later. The early dunes taught us that momentum was needed on this dunes so there were a few attempts by some to get over with the CVT Subies were very well suited to this work. By lunchtime we had only reached Round Swamp Campsite and some settled in for a cooked lunch. We would need to make up some time. Then we entered some larger dunes. Previously on this track it had been a matter of keeping up good momentum but the trip leader quickly found this wasn’t enough. Three attempts at one deep sandy, dune and still not close to the top. Long run up, violently bouncing up the corrugated track to the top. How would the others fare? Quite well actually, with the newer Foresters especially using their quick acceleration to gain enough momentum to clear the dunes. We did leave more than wheel tracks as there were many bash plate imprints left on the centre of the tracks. The dune climbing became a bit of a feature of the next few hours. At one point it looked like the XV wasn’t going to get over – then Daniel spotted the remnants of an old bypass track. This was much firmer and the obstacle cleared. Many old bypass tracks had been fenced with the bush regenerating. Late afternoon and we reached Milmed Rock. Not to but a spoiler on it for those who haven’t been there, but Uluru it is not, but it was the first rock of any sort seen all day. At this point Andre noticed his rear tyre had deflated. Sidewall staked road tyre. He had a full size spare so a quick change and onwards. Now one else had the size so would the tyre store in Pinnaroo stock the 18 inch size? It was getting dark and driving directly west into the setting sun. Pigeon Springs camp didn’t look too inviting, so we pushed on to Big Billy Bore. Luckily there were no more difficult sections and it was a relief to turn onto MurrayvilleNhill Road for the short drive to camp arriving around 7.30 PM to set up in the dark. Big Billy Bore is a bush camp with drop toilets, water, gas BBQ shelter. Site has been recently improved with a steel walk way over a dune for star gazing. It was a clear night with a great star show but only 2 degrees. Daniel and Sam shared some cake for their wedding anniversary. Erica powering up the dune 11
TRIP REPORTS We spoke to another group with camper trailers. It had taken them 2 days to cover Milmed Rock Track spending two hours winching up just one dune and suffering some damage. I was glad not to have caught up to them on the track. Keong and Alex also discovered their bottled beer, while not breaking or even popping the lids, had lost half their contents in the esky to form a beer/ice mix.
Daniel and Sam’s XV at Milmed Rock
Tuesday 13 April Erica and Andre departed for Pinnaroo to source a replacement tyre. “No, we don’t stock a fancy tyre like that; but leave the rim here and we should get one from Adelaide tomorrow morning”. The rest headed north to Murrayville for lunch and then west on Mallee Hwy to Pinnaroo (South Australia). On the way there we found Andre – tyre trouble at Milmed Rock a large dune just off the road. I had been there on an earlier trip and no one had been able to get more than two thirds up the dune including a V8 turbo diesel Land Cruiser, Patrols and some modified Foresters. Keong took his modified Forester up the Group dinner and accommodation for some – the Golden Grain Hotel Pin12
TRIP REPORTS steepest section at his first attempt. Only one to even attempt it. If not King of the Mountain, certainly King of the Dunes. We diverted via Cactus Bore and Firebreak Tracks, both with some steep dune sections and heavy sand.
Sunset on Milmed RoackTrack
We crossed the border, with a fruit fly but no Covid inspection and arrived in Pinnaroo early afternoon splitting between the Hotel and Caravan Park. A group dinner was booked in a private room which made for a good social night indoors.
Wednesday 14 April Andre’s tyre was ready earlier than expected. So after the group gathered at the bandstand in Pinnaroo, it was quick run down the highway and a few fast dirt roads until we entered Ngarkat Conservation Park at Pines Soak, aired down and headed east again in sand via Cox’s Windmill. The lead vehicles had arrived as Scorpion Springs via Cox’s Windmill when the message was received that Les in the Dmax and was buried in the sand. Possibly forgetting to hit 4WD button. The Pajero was employed to snatch the Dmax back and, now properly engaged, the convoy could now proceed to Scorpion Springs and the turn south to enter the oneway section of the Border Track. My trip plan had us travelling 28 km after lunch and for much of the time was travelling along at 20+ km/h but numerous stops slowed us down (including one where there were a series of large holes on the approach that we filled in and laid max tracks on to make the track almost flat and
Peter’s Pajero first recovery – did someone forget to select 4WD in the DMax? 13
TRIP REPORTS easily navigable). By the time I arrived at Hensley’s Trig, with a steel viewing tower courtesy of the S.A. 4WD clubs, I could observe the convoy spread out in the distance below and a few drivers shovelling sand on the dune approach. After walking down it was clear we were not going to make camp before dusk. So a few kilometres later it was a right turn into The Gums Campsite and set up for the night. A circular parking area with numerous sites amongst the bush. No facilities, so the bush toilet was set up. Ngarkat Conservation Park Thursday 15 April Border Track South Earlier start as we had some distance to make up. Soon we reached a large Park’s sign warning of some very large dunes ahead, a request to let others through if a few attempts were unsuccessful, with another sign warned “it is offence to back track” and large red WRONG WAY signs behind us. Soon we came to the Pertendi Hut junction and the end of the one way section. Some of the dunes had two tracks depending on the direction of travel, but in many cases the right hand side of the track was much easier. The initial plan was to camp at Doggers Hut (no Tom on the Border Track hut anymore) another bush camp. As we got closer it was clear a very large fire had been through with both sides of the track burnt. At the camp site, there were very few areas where you could have even pitched a tent for the debris. Perhaps the booking site could have been updated to advise this? Would have been disappointing to have pushed on to camp here. Shortly after we approached the largest and well photographed dune with multiple tracks. This had presented some issues on a previous trip coming from the south so it was a good effort when Keong took his Forester up the steepest track and pausing at the top for photos before disappearing from sight. His rear camera captured some great action video. The rest took a longer, less steep approach over the dune.
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TRIP REPORTS
Largest dune on the track. Photo does not do justice to how steep it was.
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The track soon flattened out and became somewhat overgrown. My exit road was gated so we continued south, now in Victoria, to a clay section known for bog holes. No water this time but some of these are as deep as a vehicle. Vehicles with lower clearance were directed over the ruts as much as possible, the rest attempting the ruts. A few had some difficulty with approach and departure angles. Another recovery. The forgotten recovery gear would have got some work out by now! Sand ends but not much easier. Angela being guided over deep ruts
We exited to a wide, graded road and while we aired up, 3 vehicles departed, Andre to Adelaide, Les, David, Keong and Alex back towards the city. The bitumen started and 30 km later crossed the Western Hwy to Serviceton. The large railway station used to be changeover point for passengers and freight between Victoria and South Australia with the differing rail gauges. Trains still pass through and there are grain silos but no train has stopped for a passenger since 1986. The local caretaker saw our arrival and opened up the building for a tour (as he had
Serviceton (Old railway town with a grand old railway station)
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done for us last time we were through and for a few groups today as well). Dining room, kitchens, station master’s apartments, Vic and SA booking offices, Customs, even cells. All left as it was 35 years ago. The original plan was to camp at the recreation reserve which is the town’s sporting area, where we had stayed previously. The town had to cancel as they were still negotiating Covid-19 restrictions. Back on the highway to Kaniva for fuel then south to the Little Desert. We travelled 10 km east along McDonald Hwy (which is a narrow and sandy track) until we reached our camp site for the night, Broughton’s Waterhole, in the Little Desert (bush camp – no facilities). The lake was dry with just mud in the centre but the camping area was large with log tables and a fire pit. Friday 16 April Headed south through the Little Desert. Again flat and sandy. Lead vehicle saw a lot of kangaroos and a few emus and some eagles. The earlier tracks had lots of emu and kangaroo tracks, but they had stayed out of sight. After an hour we turned onto the bitumen and drove to Natimuk for a coffee and a goodbye. That is if any of the cafes had been open. Many small businesses were still closed from Covid and were yet to re-open. The wood work shop did some business before a few more members departed and the rest proceeded to Horsham for lunch and the drive back to Melbourne. We will return on a future trip to Little Desert and Mt Arapiles after this sample. We struck it lucky with good weather, though nights were cold. The tracks, while clear, were a little more difficult than on previous visits; but every vehicle was able to get through unscathed, including those with minimal modifications. Possibly tyre pressures could have dropped even lower to 14 psi or less, but we had a real mixture of tyre and wheel Little Desert Convoy types on this trip. A few plastic storage boxes didn’t fare so well. This was a larger than optimal convoy for this type of trip but lockdown had created a demand and the group was very supportive. The Border Track is an iconic 4WD adventure. Remote with inland sand dunes without having to transit for days to get there. Participants Tim F Matt E Peter D Martin F and Dot G Les R and David Erica A Tom M Danial H and Sam L Keong Y and Alex Angela B Andre K
Toyota Land Cruiser Forester SG Mitsubishi Pajero Forester SG Isuzu Dmax Forester SJ Forester SF Subaru XV Forester SH Forester SH Outback 17
MINUTES Committee Meeting Minutes (abridged) Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. held online on Tuesday, 6 April 2021, commencing at 7:45pm approximately, using Zoom conferencing software. 1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Angela Bombardieri, Erica Auld 2. Apologies: Tim Folliard, Nicholas Leask, Peter Kakalias 3. Visitors: Nil. 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved with 4 of 7 members present. 5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1. Minutes of the meeting of Committee held on 2 March 2021 were accepted as a true record without amendment. Moved Mark, seconded by Angela, CARRIED. 5.2. Business Arising from the Minutes: Nil. 6. Correspondence 6.1. In: via Post Box: cleared mid-March
Aust Post - Renewal Notice for PO Box
via email: FWDV: 16/3 18/3 22/3 22/3 26/3 26/3
Daniel Whitby (Projects) – Proposed Seasonal Track Closures Alison Mclaughlin – First Aid course 27/3 Sheila Douglas (Training) – Updating Instructor records Sheila Douglas (Training) – Potential Instructor opportunities Daniel Whitby (Projects) – Proposed Seasonal Track Closures feedback reminder Daniel Whitby (Projects) – Camp Host Easter Weekend
General: 22/3 22/3 25/3 27/3 27/3 27/3 28/3 31/3 1/4 1/4 2/4 5/4 5/4 6/4
Various membership and meeting enquiries Membership applications: Wood, Aird & King Les Ralph – Apology for General Meeting, enquiry re Zoom Graham Chapman – re General Meeting 30/3 and guest attendance Andre King – problems with Forester oil in coolant Angela B – apologies for GM Daniel Ho – AV equipment offer for Zoom (2) Daniel Ho – Suggestion re Queens Birthday w/e at Dinner Plain Nissan Club of Victoria – March magazine available Bendigo Bank – Statement available Debra Carter – apologies for March GM Tim F – Apologies for Comm Mtg 6/4 and April GM due to 4WD maintenance course S4WDCWA – April magazine available Nicholas L – apologies for Comm Mtg 6/4 S4WDCSA – April Bullsheet magazine available Peter K – uncertain re attending Comm Mtg 6/4 (car problems)
18/3 21/3 22/3 25/3 27,28/3 30/3 6/4
Responses to various membership, meeting and other enquiries Members (MF) – forwarding info re First Aid course received from FWDV Members (MF) – General Meeting Notice inc change of venue to RT Sheila Douglas (FWDV Training)(MF) – re Updating Instructor records Members (MF) – Notice of General Meeting inc change of venue to RT Daniel Ho (MF) – re offer of assistance re Zoom at GM (3) Members (MF) – Providing Google Meet video conferencing link for GM, ex MT Debra Carter (MF) – re apologies for March GM
6.2. Out:
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6.3 Business Arising: Nil. 7. Reports 7.1. Resources: No Report. Bev continuing to manage clothing sales and orders. 7.2. Trip and Social: In Tim’s absence, the Committee considered the following: Labour Day weekend - Woods Point wanderings: This trip ran successfully from Saturday 6 – 8 March, meeting at Cambarville and finishing at Walhalla. TL Erica. Tested vehicles with CVT transmissions. There were 5 vehicles and 7 attendees on the trip. Border Track: April 12-16 (in the school holidays after Easter). TL Tim. Leaving from Rainbow, through Wyperfeld NP and the Big Desert, then on to Pinnaroo, SA, then down the Border track, emerging at Serviceton. Currently 12 cars and 18 people registered. Bike Ride (Warburton Rail Trail). TL Mark. 1st or 2nd May, depending on weather. Woori Yallock to Yarra Junction return. (Possible) Cobaw Ranges day trip: Suggested by Sam and Daniel. Tim to discuss timing and itinerary with them and list on the website if going ahead. North Flinders Ranges Trip: 18 – 31 July 2021. TLs Martin and Dot. Current numbers are 10 vehicles and 13 attendees confirmed. Two people have dropped out recently. Erica has purchased the latest Hema FR Guide. Martin may set up a new Topic for the trip in the Discussion Forum, as it had proved to be useful to those preparing for the Border Track trip. 45th Birthday Celebrations: to be held on a weekend in late September or early October. The current plan is for a Saturday evening dinner at a venue not too far from Melbourne, with an overnight accommodation option. Also, a day trip on the Saturday for those who are interested would finish at the dinner location. Warburton, Toolangi and Strathfieldsaye have been suggested as possible locations. It was agreed that a sub-committee/ working group is needed to pull the event together. Martin, Tim and Mark have volunteered to be on it, some general club members needed. A note to members requesting volunteers will be circulated and included in the magazine. ACTION: Martin and Tim to prepare. Possible trips:
Dinner Plain. Samantha and Daniel had raised with Tim the possibility of an out-ofseason club event at the alpine club they are part of at Dinner Plain, as fees would be discounted. In discussion, it was suggested that this could perhaps happen over the Cup day long w/e in November. ACTION: Tim to liaise further with Sam and Daniel.
Social drive along the Grand Ridge Road returning via the South Gippsland Hwy. ACTION: Martin.
Wombat State Park. No specific proposal.
7.3. Venue: 7.3.1. March General Meeting: This was held on the 30th at Ringwood Training commencing at 8:30pm, following a session in the automotive workshop providing access to lifts for members’ vehicles. Mark. With the assistance of Daniel Ho, provided video-conferencing via Google Meet, but there were no attendees. Thirteen members and 2 visitors (prospective members) attended in person. An set of photos has been posted. 7.3.2. April General Meeting: Will be held on Tuesday, 27th at 8pm. The venue is SCTC. The special business for the meeting is the setting of fees for 2021/22. 7.4. Membership: 7.4.1. Membership applications: Three applications for membership were considered: Andre & Rachelle King, Peter & Cathy Aird and Jessica Wood. Andre and Peter both attended the March GM and their applications were straightforward. It was resolved, Moved Erica and Seconded Martin, that the Kings and the Airds be admitted as Joint/Family members of the club, subject to payment of fees. Jessica’s application was more problematic, as she did not attend the March meeting as intended, so we have yet to meet her. It was agreed that her application would be deferred until she was able to attend a meeting or trip and her enquiry rearding a permit would
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depend on her level of activity in club events ongoing. ACTION: Erica to notify all accordingly. 7.4.2. Membership enquiry Another enquiry had just been received (from William Allen, who owns a Suzuki Vitara Allgrip). ACTION: Erica 7.4.3. 2021/22 Proposed Membership Fees. Angela advised that so far this year, income had exceeded expenditure by about $1400 (or $1,000 when Flinders Ranges trip accommodation fees were subtracted). FWDV levies are likely to return to pre-COVID levels or slightly above. Therefore there seems no reason not to return back to our previous pre-COVID fees. Martin raised the 45th Birthday celebrations and it was agreed that while the club may decide as in previous years to make a contribution from reserves, it should otherwise be paid for on a user pays basis and would not be included in the general fees. ACTION: Angela to propose to the members at the April GM that the club return to the 2019/20 fee levels. 7.5. Communications and Marketing: 7.5.1. Magazine: Martin while on holidays produced the March 2021 magazine. Thanks to all contributors for being promptly on deadline. A new Editor is needed. The deadline for the April magazine is the 16th. 7.5.2. Social Media. Someone is needed to take over the administration of the club’s FB site. This need not wait for the policy discussions currently underway to be finalised. Mark and Erica volunteered to assist. ACTION: Angela to appoint Mark and Erica as administrators. 7.5.3. Advertising: [carried over] Martin yet to discuss advertising with Subaxtreme. Mark yet to investigate possible advertising with wreckers: Subaru Heaven, Subabits, SubaRoos Burwood. 7.6. Treasurer 7.6.1. Bank Balances: $4,660.02. Investment account balance remains at $8,269.87. 7.6.2. Transactions: Income: Membership fees received (Aird). Expenditure: Optus monthly fee. 7.6.3. A FWDV monthly update and levy payment is needed for Keong Yip and the two members admitted above. ACTION: Angela, Erica 7.6.4. Asset list [carried over, updated]: CB radios x 2 – are with Mark The satellite phone is with now with Tim. The club’s marquee and pop-up tent is with Mark. 7.7. Secretary: No report 7.8. Vice-President: No report. 7.9. President: No report. 8. Priorities and Planning 8.1. Marketing, Branding and Communications sub-committee: This item was deferred as three Committee members, including two on the MB&C sub-Committee, were absent. ACTION [carried over]: All Committee members to go through the document, clarify details as required and be ready to make decisions at the next Committee meeting as to whether to proceed and/or to refer aspects to the general membership for consideration. 8.2. By-Laws [carried over]: Mark is near to completing his section on Roles and responsibilities, but is waiting for resolution of current discussions re the Editor and Community Manager (see 8.1 above). Martin to continue to draft Code of Conduct section. A section on the operation of the Club Permit Scheme has been proposed. 9. General Business: Nil. 10. Next Meeting: Tuesday, 4 May 2021, at 7:30pm via Zoom. Meeting closed at 9:30pm approximately.
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MINUTES General Meeting Minutes The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 30 March 2021 at Ringwood Training, Ringwood starting at 8:20pm approximately. The meeting was also broadcast from the venue, using Google Meet teleconferencing software. 1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Tim Folliard, Andrew Janke, Samantha Lee & Daniel Ho, Rick Koster & Josh Koster, Damian Stock, Nicholas Leask & Deborah Leask, Peter Kakalias, Keong Yip, David Wilson, Erica Auld (part). (via Google Meet) - Nil 2. Apologies: Martin Foot, Dorothy Greiveson, Angela Bombadieri, Julie Dyer, Debra Carter, Les Ralph. 3. Visitors: Andre King, Peter Aird. 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved with 14 members present. 5. Welcome: Mark welcomed members to the meeting, and thanked David Wilson for providing the facility for our meeting and providing the opportunity for members to inspect their,, and others, vehicles. 6. Minutes of the Previous Meeting: 6.1. The Minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2021 had been circulated to members. The Minutes were adopted: Moved by Tim Folliard, Seconded by Nicholas Leah. CARRIED. 6.2. Business Arising: Nil. 7. Correspondence: Recent correspondence: held over to next meeting. 8. Reports: 8.1. Resources: held over to next meeting 8.2. Editor: held over to next meeting 8.3. Trip & Social Border Track (April, post Easter). Subject to COVID-19 border restrictions, this trip commences at Rainbow, travels through the Victorian deserts crossing the border to Pinaroo, then south down the Border track, finishing at Serviceton. Meeting at Drylake at 10am; ensure all participants have the correct permits (SA- Vic) and National Parks permits are current for entire trip; Tim Folliard, TL. Bike ride from Woori Yallock to Yarra Junction: Scheduled for either Saturday May 1st or Sunday May 2nd weather permitting, This is a ‘no rush’ bike ride, not a ‘sprint’ event. All types of bicycles permitted, as long as functioning. Walking this section of track is about 1 hr 45 minutes. Meet at Woori Yallock Primary School Carpark, around 10am, Commence ride from 1030am, ride along the Warburton Rail Trail to Launching Place – have a breather, and then onto Upper Yarra Museum in Yarra Junction – stop for lunch at the Reserve. Then enjoy a more comfortable, in terms of effort, return trip. Distance from Woori Yallock Primary School Carpark to Yarra Junction is about 8.2 kms, 21
June/July potentially tracks in the Toolangi area, Keppels Hut, Keppels Falls ? Ideas welcome. North Flinders Ranges trip (July 2021) has now fully booked. Names can be placed on a waiting list (contact TLs Martin and Dot). A first draft of the itinerary has been circulated to participants. Snow Trip – will be scheduled at short notice. Members should register and will be contacted a few days prior, depending on weather forecasts. Will be somewhere around Matlock, yet to select. 45th Birthday celebrations are due to be held in September, most likely early October. The Committee are open to suggestions as to how this might best be done to accommodate current and past members. A small group (sub Committee) will be setup to manage this event. Suggestion of Strathfield, with stay overnight. 8.4. Venue: Video conferencing was in place at the meeting. A ‘Logitech Conference Call’ Video & Microphone cylinder was loaned by Daniel Ho for the meeting, having HD level video & audio able to be easily detected 8m away, noise cancelling capability. Thank you Daniel. Thank you to David Wilson for organising the Facility & time to assist members check out their vehicle in preparation for the Border Track Trip. 8.5. Membership: held over to next meeting - apology. 8.6. Treasurer: report provided. Angela reported that the current operating account balance is $4572.52 with only the $15.00 Sat Phone monthly expense having gone out since the report in the newsletter. The Term Deposit of $8,269.87 matures on the 10 June 2021. The only other outstanding account is the membership fees to 4WDV for a couple of new members since January.
8.7. Secretary: held over to next meeting - apology. 8.8. Vice-President: nothing to add. 8.9. President: I attended the FWDV AGM on 4 March, and will provide part of the FWDV presentation at the April GM. 9. General Business: Ringwood Training is able to put together a 4WD Maintenance Course for items more specific to Subarus, including CVT; course is limited to 6 participants per course as hands on. Course content yet to be advised. Members encouraged to put down their name if interested on a waiting list. CVT Awareness Day - Suggestion to run a day session where there is the ability to run controlled test options on CVT settings, Damian is willing for event to be conducted at his property, observing what techniques work more effectively for CVT utilisation. Throttle Controller – diesel vs petrol use experiences. Suba Extreme – marketing ‘Recovery Points’, to attach to vehicle – Peter onupcoming trip to Sydney will investigate – more info to follow. Peter K contemplating trip to Craig’s Hut; yet to work out timing & details. 10. Fines and Fun: carried over to next meeting. 11. Meeting closed at 9:45pm approximately and was followed by supper. 12. Next meeting: Tuesday, 27 April at 8pm, venue SCTC.
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BUY IT AND SELL IT HERE Please note: If you have any items listed here for sale which are no longer available please remember to let us know at: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Forester aluminium bash plates Details: Made from 6.0 mm construction grade aluminium SF Forester $350 SG & SH Forester $380 SJ Forester $420 CVT & Gearbox Protection $380 Outback & Diesel Vehicles $420 Fitting can be arranged. 10% discount for Subaru Club members. Please contact David via TXT after hours Road less Travelled - Vehicle under body protection dw@subaru42dvic.com.au Item: Subaru Liberty GX 1999 Rego: WRO-655. Silver with light hail damage. 345000 km, with original engine, K&N panel air filter, 2 ¼” sports exhaust from catalytic converter. 5sp manual transmission with heavy duty clutch. Daily driver since 2008, washed religiously every 2 weeks, always garaged Sale without rego or RWC. Reasonable offers sought – price negotiable. Need to sell as have upgraded to 2018 Subaru WRX. Contact: Lenny Tyssen 0415 660 845
lennytyssen@hotmail.com
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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 4WDing skills and experience, whilst maintaining the highest regard for the safety of individuals, the vehicle and the environment. As a driver you have ultimate responsibility for the safety of your passengers and vehicle. It is the responsibility of any participating driver to contact individual trip leaders for clarification of individual trip requirements and standards.
Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to increase confidence and experience. Visitors are welcome subject to the payment of the appropriate levy to cover insurance, but after two visits, should consider membership. Non-financial members are not covered by insurance and may not participate until payment is received.
Individual drivers with concerns or queries regarding their vehicle and the trip standard should contact relevant trip leaders. The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items or equipment on every trip:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader Two rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t) Rated snatch strap Recovery points, front & rear; plus, optional bridle strap, according to vehicle design; UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio. Ideally in car but hand held are ok provided sufficient battery(s) to last the trip. 1. Fire extinguisher, accessible to the driver 2. Spare tyre (full size) 3. Jack and wheel brace, or equivalent 4. Emergency supplies (matches, food, water and clothing) 5. Sufficient fuel, oil and water for the trip and delays 6. A tyre pressure gauge; compressor (according to the trip) 7. An axe, bow or chain saw; 8. A sturdy shovel (collapsible shovels are no good) 9. Spare parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip) 10. A tool kit 11. Personal first aid kit 12. Your 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 own medical supplies. 24