January 2021 (Issue 476)
Club members welcome in the new year at Strathfieldsaye Estate in Gippsland during the club’s Christmas—New Year trip
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Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A—0006149J / FWDV Member
PO BOX 2456 Mount Waverley VIC 3149
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 Ordinary Member: Nicholas Leask Ordinary Member: Peter Kakalias Off-Committee: Editor: Damian Stock editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au Resources: Bev Davison resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Well the start of a New Year, with the hope of better outcomes than the last year delivered. I hope that everyone has had the opportunity to get outdoors over the Christmas Break period, and look forward to the upcoming trips ahead. We have recently received the ‘go-ahead’ to resume our meetings at the South Camberwell Tennis Club. This meeting can be considered a wider expression of ‘getting together for the start of the year’ as it recommences our ability to have face to face meetings rather than on-line which we have done since April 2020; thank you to Angela and Martin for organising those meetings. Our Christmas Party function, held in early December at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe, was a great success. Martin arrived early to secure the east end of the large pavilion, ensuring that we did not get the face of the ‘mild’ wind at times coming in from the west. Martin & I set up quickly and prepared for everyones’ arrival. It was quite evident that everyone enjoyed themselves. During the Christmas Break, I needed to travel to my mum (health issues) in the Tweed Heads ‘COVID bubble region’ on the NSW/Qld border. Dealing with ‘border control’ on each entry to Qld with my sister in Karalee/Ipswich & my father in the northern suburb of Brisbane was a bit of an ordeal if not for use of the ‘Driving’ app detailing traffic density & potential waiting times – 3 crossing points were available for me. I had flown up to the Gold Coast before Christmas, crossed the border to my mum’s just out of Tweed Heads township and then had the use of my mother’s 2015 XV (auto) whilst I was there (Qld Border inspection check rego plates for place of origin initially for ‘automatic’ crossing) – it would have been impossible with COVID restrictions of Vic/NSW/Qld for me to have driven up, which was my initial intention. On a trip with my sister up to my father’s home, I was tailing the first Hybrid Subaru Forester I have seen on the road. It had USA Florida registration plates and was left hand drive. It was the badging that I noticed first on the rear right side of the tailgate, as it did not have the diamond shape green ‘hybrid’ sticker that usually identifies hybrid vehicles on number plates in Australia. I apologise for the poor photo quality as my sister took the photo while I was driving, and she does not have the same enthusiasm that I do for cars – she has Toyota Troopie, Prada & Kluger, all used to run their Hot Air Ballooning company from Ipswich at the centre of the ‘Scenic Rim’ region. Remember this coming January meeting has our traditional pre-meeting BBQ in the parklands adjoining the Tennis Club rooms. See details elsewhere in this issue. Please indicate whether you are attending as it will aid in catering quantities. I hope to see as many people as possible. Stay safe, Mark Tyssen 4
VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT A great turn up at Strathfieldsaye Estate, in Gippsland, for the post Christmas trip. The property made an excellent base for the club to end 2020. While I missed the overnight trip across Billy Goats Bluff, it was good to be out of lockdown and back into the mountains one day and in the sand at Loch Sport the next day. 2021 promises to be better with trips already scheduled and filling fast. While it is disappointing to again see border restrictions again, hopefully the COVID-19 counts fall quickly so all trips can run as planned and with overseas travel limited, even more off road trips added throughout the year. It is also encouraging to see more members joining the committee. Tim Folliard Vice President, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
TREASURER’S REPORT DECEMBER 2019 Date
Description
Debit
Credit
Balance $4,849.32
Opening Balance at 1st December 2020 Income for December 1-21/12/20
Membership fees from 1 to 30 December
$345.00
6, 7/12/20
Sale of Resources Polo Shirt, Caps
$52.00
15 & 28/12
Trip Fees to Strathfieldsaye
$45.00
$442.00
Total Income for month of December
$5,291.32
Expenses for December 03-12-20
Membership Fees To FWD Vic.
24-12-20
Optus Sat. phone monthly service fee
15.00
30-12-20
Consumer Affairs Annual Fees
59.20
Total Expenses for month of November
Closing Balance @ 30 December 2020
1050.00
1124.20
$4,167.12
NOTE: 1. Term Deposit of $8,269.87 (this includes interest accrued) matures on 10 June 2021. Angela Bombardieri Treasurer, e: treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au 5
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. The trips below are all suitable in dry conditions for a standard AWD so sign up for anything that interests you. 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.
Australia Day trip When: 23-25 January 2021 Location: Mount Cole. Difficulty: Medium Contact: Tim Folliard, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Available on the club website.
Jindabyne/Mt Kosciusko When: 7-13 February 2021 (may be rescheduled subject to state border restrictions) Location: Lerderderg State Forest. Difficulty: Easy - Road Trip with caravan/campers/cabins Contact: Stewart Southam, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Available on the club website.
Border Track (Vic/SA Border) When: April 12-16 2021 (may be rescheduled subject to state border restrictions) Contact: Tim Folliard, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: There has been strong interest in the trip but there are a few spots still available. Desert driving on a legendary track not too far from Melbourne.
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) . There are still weekends (including the Labour Day and Queen's Birthday Long weekend) and plenty of spots for day trips. Send through your ideas and trip plan to any committee member or myself for posting on the website . Tim Folliard, Trip & Social Coordinator e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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VENUE REPORT JANUARY GENERAL MEETING DATE: Tuesday, January 26th at 8pm, with our Welcome Back BBQ before it at 6.30pm. The BBQ will be held in the parklands adjacent to the carpark, subject to the weather. The cost is $5 for a sausage in bread, meat pattie in bread, salad and a soft drink. VENUE: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris. DOOR PRIZE: Come along to win a special door prize at this month's meeting. PRESENTATION: Mark Tyssen Venue Coordinator
GENERAL MEETING NOTICE 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 26 January
South Camberwell Tennis Club
-
Welcome Back BBQ
Tues 23 February
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
Tues 30 March
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
Tues 27 April
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
Setting of Annual Fees 7
TRIP ADVISOR
TRIP
DATE
LEADER(S)
STANDARD
Australia Day weekend trip
January 23-25, 2021
Tim Folliard
Medium
Jindabyne/Mt Kosciusko
February 7-13, 2021
Stewart Southam
Easy
Border Track (Vic/SA Border)
April 12- 16, 2021
Tim Folliard
Medium
North Flinders Ranges
July 18-31, 2021
Martin Foot
Medium
EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to 2021 and our first magazine for what, we hope, will be a very different year. Unlike the same time last year, when club activities had been curtailed by the state’s bushfires, this time we have a couple of great trip reports to entertain you. The Rubicon and Mitchell River day trips (the latter being part of the Christmas—New Year trip) have been well covered by Tim. We also have a picture spread from the club’s Christmas party, which was very well attended. Don’t forget to send through your articles, photos and videos from coming club events, for publication in the magazine, or up on the club’s web site and Facebook page. Damian Stock The deadline for submissions for the next edition is:
Friday, February 12th, 2021 Email editor: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au 8
TRIP REPORTS Rubicon Day Trip By Tim Folliard 22 November 2020 We met up at the Black Spur Inn at Narbethong on a warm and overcast morning. The intention was to travel White Hills Track to Acheron Way then up past Mt Strickland to Keppel Lookout which has great Views over Marysville. White Hill didn't last too long as we drove straight into an active logging area. It would have been nice for a road closed sign back at the intersection but we all turned around and continued on. And it set the theme for the day with still locked gates and fallen trees changing my trip plan regularly. Early on vehicles back in the convoy were complaining about the dust. It was very dry for November. Restoration project. Fire damaged FJ40 from 2009 fires.
From The Lookout it is a descent down into Marysville. Since 2009 the area has changed with the trees regrown and a blanket of green surrounding the town again.
Lunch in Marysville
Entering Marysville I had to stop and look at the burnt out and rusted late 1960's Land Cruiser, now a piece of garden art. Most likely well beyond restoration but all the metal parts were still there. Lunch was by the river at the Rotary Park. Rick finding the limit in the rut 9
TRIP REPORTS From Marysville we headed North West to Mt Margaret Road and then North along Cerberus Rd into the Cathedral Ranges State Park. My plan to head along Tweed Spur Track was met with a gate still closed 3 weeks after the opening date so we continued north through the Park to Cathedral Lane. This starts as a sealed road, becomes a good gravel road then becomes some rutted wheel tracks in the space of a few kilometres. While deeply rutted there were some bypass tracks but some very large trees then blocked the easier track. No problems, we were all able to straddle the deeper ruts and get From dust to mud. Bev gets through. through. Well nearly all of us. Rick managed to slide into a rut and for once could not extract himself. An offer to snatch was met with a "this vehicle never gets towed", but use of some max tracks got him out. Chitty Ridge Track had some nice climbs to Blue Range Road and then Park Road. Then we hit trouble. Pine Road had trees down so it was back out and turn back out to Quartz Creek Rd and finally the destination Tom Burns Track alongside the Rubicon River. This track was in the guide I was using as an easy link to the Rubicon Historic area. And it probably would be if it wasn't so overgrown. I cut off about 50 branches to clear a path. One Forester lost a roof rack under a fallen tree but refitted and continued on. Luckily we had it all to ourselves as there was no way we could have dealt with an oncoming vehicle. Then dust turned to mud. No way to avoid it but each turned out to have a firm base so
Two shots on Tom Burns. Track actually seems wide at this point.. 10
TRIP REPORTS all got through easily enough. Then ford the fast running Rubicon River and out under the large trestle bridge for a break. From there we drove up to check out some large riverside camping areas for future trips and aired up and departed. There was to have been an overnight option but the weather forecast was for a thunderstorm and heavy rain. It started on the way home (washing off the dust and mud) so it was a good call not to camp out.
Rubicon Trestle Bridge
Attendees Tim F (T rip Leader)
Toyota FJ40
Erica A
Forester
Nick and Deb L
Outback
Matt E
Forester
Rick, Jackie & Josh K
Subaru L-series
Peter K
Outback
Beverley D, Annabelle Forester (and Henry)
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CHRISTMAS PARTY 2020
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0 AT WESTERFOLDS PARK
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TRIP REPORTS Strathfieldsaye Estate Post-Christmas Trip 2020 The club’s traditional post-Christmas to New Year’s Day trip was held this year in the form of a base camp at the Strathfieldsaye Estate, a heritage property on the shores of Lake Wellington in Gippsland. The camp included several day trips and an overnight trip to the High Country. The first of these trips was to the Mitchell River NP and was led by Tim.
Mitchell River National Park By Tim Folliard 28 December 2020
Overcast and dry tracks.
From our Strathfieldsaye Estate base part of the group headed north to explore the surrounding area and today it was the Mitchell River. The Mitchell runs for 120 km from the Wonnangatta and Dargo River junctions down to Bairnsdale and into Lake King. First up was Old Weir Track which wound down to the Mitchell River. Easy enough with a small creek crossing, short rutted climb and large rocks best avoided. At the end the track ended in a small carpark but it was unclear from here where the old
Erica on the Old Weir Track.
dam wall was as there was no defined walking track. Down a steep slope took us to a small creek then a steep climb and we had found the Mitchell River and the weir remains.
Rick and Peter L on the dam wall.
Giant stone slabs cut locally formed the weir (Glenaladale Weir) which was finished in 1893 but was breached in several places in a flood before commencing operations and never repaired. Then the climb back to the car park and a drive further along to Adam Track which should lead to a campsite by the river. At one point the track Mitchell River past the wall. 14
TRIP REPORTS
seemed to run out still some height above the river but it then opened up again with a few tight switchbacks in the descent before running into the river. The camp site itself was quite small and rocky (2 sites only) but with a little planning we were all able to find a car spot and have lunch. Peter K than decided to enter the rocky river base for a photo shoot in the Outback. While it may have been possible to cross to the other bank, there was no visible exit and the valley was extremely steep. The map indicated a ford further north but discussion with another vehicle stopping by at lunch indicated this had been closed some years earlier by large boulders placed at the exit.. On the return trip, half of the convoy deserted at the highway crossing for a re-supply at Stratford while the rest cruised back into Strathfieldsaye Estate.
Peter K testing the wading depth on his diesel.
Attendees Tim F
Landcruiser FJ40
Tom M
Forester
Peter K
Outback
Erica A
Forester
Rick K, Jacquie and Josh
Subaru wagon
Michael B
Mitsubishi Delica
Daryl L and Kane
HJ75 Landcruiser
Peter L
Prado
Next Month - a report by Dot Greiveson on the day trip to Loch Sport and the overnight trip to the High Country around Dargo. Both these trips were led by David Wilson.
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MINUTES Committee Meeting Minutes (abridged) Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. held online on Tuesday, 1 December 2020, commencing at 7:40pm approximately, using Zoom conferencing software. 1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Tim Folliard, Angela Bombardieri, Erica Auld, Nick Leask, Peter Kakalias (later) 2. Apologies: Nil. 3. Visitors: Nil. 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved. 5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1 Minutes of the meeting of Committee held on 10 November 2020 were accepted as a true record without amendment. Moved Angela, seconded by Mark, CARRIED. 5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes: (item 10, General Business) Club logo. Martin has supplied Peter with a digital editable version to experiment with. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In via Post Box: Cleared 1/12
Nil
via email: FWDV: 23/11 Alison Mclaughlin – forwarding copy of the FWDV Annual Report 2020 26/11 Alison Mclaughlin – call for Trackwatch articles General: Var. Various membership enquiries 12/11 Lisa, Andrew Jantke – re editable version of club logos 12/11 Peter Whitaker – not renewing membership 26/11, 1/12 Roger Church – Update – CSTC clubhouse, and acknowledgement of club’s response 27/11 C&D Trophies – re badge order 27/11 Nissan Club of Vic – December magazine (to Editor) 28/11 Geoff Millar – gearbox repair enquiry 29/11 S4WDCSA – December Bullsheet magazine 30/11 Bendigo Bank – bank statement available 6.2 Out: Var. Various members – membership renewals 15/11 Membership (MF) – November newsletter and Notice of Nov GM 20/11 Membership (MF) – Link for Nov GM 16
20/11 26/11 27/11 27/11 28/11 28/11 30/11
Membership (TF) – still vacancies on upcoming Marysville trip Roger Church, CSTC (MF) – response to clubroom update Membership (MF) – First Aid course starting soon C&D Trophies (MF) – Badge order Committee (MF) – Notice and Agenda for Committee meeting 1/12 Geoff Millar – re gearbox repair enquiry Subcommittee (NL) – review of S4WDC technology online
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 7.2.1 With the partial lifting of restrictions on Nov 22, trips can recommence. Marysville/Keppels Hut/Rubicon. 22, 23 November. TL Tim. The trip went ahead, despite many road and track closures and trees down. Day trip only due to weather closing in Annual Christmas Party – Sunday 6 December. Venue is Westerfolds Park. Currently 17 people booked on the website. Final details to be sent to members. ACTION: Martin, Mark. High Country Trip (post-Christmas to New Year): This will be a standing camp at Strathfieldsaye Homestead near Sale, with day, or overnight trips to the High Country and/or coastal parks. Currently 14 people booked to attend. David Wilson has indicated he will run a two day trip to the Pinnacles, Billy Goat Track, camping out and returning via Dargo. Dates may be 29, 30 December (TBC). ACTION: Tim to coordinate and a reminder to members sent out. Mt Cole/Mt Buangor State Parks trip: Two or three day trip, within the period 23-26 January, with the Club meeting on Australia Day itself. (TL Tim). Trip has been posted on the website and currently has 7 attending. Labour Day weekend: TBC Border Track: April 12-16 (in the school holidays after Easter). Leaving from Rainbow, through the Big Desert and on to Pinnaroo, then down the Border track, emerging at Serviceton. Currently 8 cars and 11 people registered. North Flinders Ranges Trip now 18 – 31 July 2021. Currently 9 vehicles and 12 people registered. TLs Martin and Dot. [As of 3/12 the trip has reached capacity with 10 vehicles and 14 people booked]. [carried over] Day trips: to fill in the gaps between the above. Nick also emphasised the need to restore “First Sunday of the Month” trips. Suggestions include: Bike Trip: Launching Place to Warburton, to be rescheduled. ACTION: Mark Social drive along the Grand Ridge Road returning via the South Gippsland Hwy. Not yet scheduled. ACTION: Martin. Wombat State Park 7.3 Venue 7.3.1 November General Meeting: This was held using Zoom software on 24 November at 8pm. Twenty-three members attended. It was followed by the AGM. Minutes are available. Thanks to Julie and Angela for enabling the Zoom session. 17
7.3.2 January General Meeting: Subject to a reduction in the “density quotient” for community venues, the Meeting on 26 January 2021 will be held at CSTC, preceded by the “Welcome Back BBQ” from 6;30pm in the park nearby. ACTION: Martin, Mark. 7.3.3 Meetings at other venues: As the March 2020 GM intended to be held at Ringwood Training was cancelled, it may be possible to reschedule to March 2021, if their management agree. ACTION: Mark to discuss with David Wilson. 7.3.4 Video conferencing at CSTC: Les Ralph originally put this suggestion to enable members unable to attend meetings to participate online. After discussion it was agreed that the technology required to enable everyone to at least hear, if not see each other was not insurmountable and could be achieved with some financial outlay. However, there was considerable debate about whether providing this service would in fact cause numbers to drop, as members took the easier option to stay home. As a result the social aspect and the casual information exchange that normally goes on at a meeting would not be possible. The matter was not resolved. For further discussion. 7.4 Membership 7.4.1 Pro-rata Fees. Martin explained that in the normal course of events, members joining in the second quarter of the year would receive a proportional discount on their annual fees. However, given the lack of activity through the lockdown period and the discount already provided in the 2020/21 fee structure, Martin proposed that this extra discount not apply for this quarter only. Moved Martin, seconded Mark, CARRIED. 7.4.2 Membership Applications: An application had been received from Samantha Lee and her partner Daniel Ho, who attended the November General Meeting as visitors. Moved Peter, seconded Angela, that Samantha and Daniel be admitted to membership. CARRIED. 7.4.3 Membership renewals: All but one member has now renewed (or in the case of Peter Whitaker) resigned. The FWDV update and levy payment is now due. ACTION: Martin, Angela to lodge. 7.5 Editor 7.5.1 Next magazine/newsletter: Trips (and trip reports) have resumed, and so a magazine will be published in January. The copy deadline will be 15 January and the distribution on 21 January. There will also be a Newsletter in mid-December to remind members about the summer trips. ACTION: Martin. 7.5.2 The Subcommittee reviewing the club’s marketing and communication will meet in a special Zoom session on 2 December. 7.5.3 Social media: Damian has said he is open to receiving photos and videos of past club trips for posting on FB, but the formats must be standard (no HEIC please). FB generally will be a topic for discussion at the sub-committee meeting on 2 December, which Damian will attend. 7.5.4 [carried over] Instagram: Apparently the club has an inactive Instagram account. If so who has control of it? ACTION: Martin to enquire of the previous Committee. [Peter has since volunteered to do so – Sec.] 7.5.5 [carried over] Advertising: Martin yet to discuss advertising with Subaxtreme. Mark yet to investigate possible advertising with wreckers: Subaru Heaven, Subabits, SubaRoos Burwood. 7.6 Treasurer Bank Balances: $4,924.32. Investment account balance is $8,270 as discussed at the November GM. 18
7.6.2 FWDV levy is due for payment but will be delayed by a day or so as final membership payments come in. ACTION: Angela, Martin. 7.6.3 [carried over] Martin noted that September 2021 will be the 45th anniversary of the club and based on the past, there are likely to be expenses associated with the celebrations 7.6.4 [carried over] Asset list: It was noted that the following items were removed from the CSTC for safe-keeping by Mark during the pandemic: Projector and screen CB radios x 2 Cashbox (with $200 float) The satellite phone is with Tim. 7.7 Secretary 7.7.1 Consumer Affairs: With the AGM behind us, the annual report is now due for lodgement. A small fee will be payable and will be paid / claimed. ACTION: Martin. 7.7.2 “Urban 4WD” Photographic competition: Due to technical difficulties, no entries were apparent, despite several having been received. As a result the competition didn’t go ahead at the November GM. Needs further investigation to sort it the problem. ACTION: Martin. 7.8 Vice-President A copy of the FWDV Annual Report has been received. The report contained the financial statements for 2019-20. No surprises. 7.9 President Mark is working on another batch of online videos for people’s enjoyment and general education about all things 4WD, particularly as the apply to Subarus. For inclusion in the Newsletter or magazine. ACTION: Mark, Martin. 8. Priorities and Planning 8.1 By-Laws: [carried over] Mark is near to completing his section on Roles and responsibilities. Martin to continue to draft Code of Conduct section. A section on the operation of the Club Permit Scheme was proposed. 9. General Business: There was a general discussion about the need for more training opportunities, especially for newer members. The standard FWDV courses are presumably available again in 2021, but no details are currently listed on their website. The need for a more specialised AWD course to suit Subarus was mentioned. This has been discussed in the past and Robert Pepper could possibly be the right person to lead such a session. However his availability and the costs involved are unknown. Peter mentioned defensive driving courses held at Sandown. Subaru Docklands use Werribee proving ground for new customers and may be prepared to host the club. Ways of using standard trips for informal training, ie “club experience days” were also discussed. However there are some potential liability issues and club and personal Insurance may not cover members in an activity not professionally organised and run. For further discussion. 19
10. Next Meeting: Tuesday, 2 February 2021, at 7:30pm. Venue or online to be determined. There may be a need for a special Committee meeting in January to consider the advice of the Sub-Committee into marketing and Communications. TBC. 11. Meeting closed at 10:05pm approximately.
MINUTES General Meeting Minutes The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 using Zoom conferencing software starting at 8:10pm approximately. 1. Present Les Ralph, Mark Tyssen, Tim Folliard, Martin Foot, Dorothy Greiveson, Damian Stock, Nicholas Leask, Deborah Leask, Cynthia Rennolds, Peter Devine, Bev Davison, Angela Bombadieri, Rick Koster, Peter Kakalias, David Wilson, Bob Townsend, Andrew Jantke, Daryl Cheshire, Erica Auld, Peter Mynard, Phil and Elaine Milkins, Des Burns, Daryl Lynch (prior to commencement) 2. Apologies: Michael Kearney, Michael Bauer, Debra Carter 3. Visitors: Daniel Ho and Samantha Lee 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved with 23 members present 5. Welcome: Mark welcomed members to the meeting. 6. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 6.1 The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2020 had been circulated to members. The Minutes were adopted, moved Bev Davison, seconded Les Ralph. CARRIED. 6.2 Business Arising: Roger Church, Camberwell South Tennis Club: No further advice received so far regarding CSTC re-opening. 7. Correspondence Recent correspondence has included: Royal Flying Doctor Service: invitation to attend online AGM / seminar Various enquiries regarding membership and renewals Magazines have been received from external clubs FWDV: re track closures (3); re Annual Report 2020 Rick Hattam – re Sunraysia wheels for Brumby - have been sold. Members may contact Martin for further details. ACTION: Martin to forward links to external magazines to Les Ralph 8. Reports 8.1 Resources: Bev Davison continues as Resources officer and is available to discuss clothing orders with members. If there is no stock in hand, individual orders will be placed on a waiting list until a minimum number is met (otherwise a surcharge applies for the logo). 20
8.2 Treasurer (taken out of order) Angela reported that the current balance in the operating account was $4,864. The term deposit (current balance $8,270) was rolled over automatically for seven months. There wasn’t the opportunity to investigate other investments as intended before this happened. However, Angela will look into alternatives providing better returns than Bendigo Bank. The detailed financial report for October was circulated with the November newsletter. 8.3 Editor Magazine: A newsletter was produced by the Secretary, in lieu of the regular November magazine. Subject to confirmation, a full magazine will be produced in January. Damian is expecting Trip reports invites members’ profile contributions. Social Media: Damian welcomed photos and pics for use on Facebook. Preferred formats for pics are JPEG and PNG (as HEIC requires additional processing). A sub-committee has been established consisting of Mark Tyssen, Nick Leask and Peter Kakalias to review issues around the club’s marketing “brand”, how best to reach new audiences and build membership numbers. The outcome of this discussion may influence direction for the magazine, website and social media platforms in use 8.4 Trip and Social The Marysville / Keppels Hut / Rubicon trip ran as a day trip on 22 November. The weather conditions ruled out an overnight trip. The Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, 6 December. Mark and Martin have investigated various venues and settled on Westerfolds Park in Donvale. The event is now open for bookings on the website. Full instructions will be provided to members in the lead-up. ACTION: Mark, Martin High Country Trip (27 December to New Year’s day). The trip will be based at Strathfieldsaye Estate on Lake Wellington. Day and overnight trips will start from there to various locations. David Wilson announced that he intends to lead an overnight trip visiting Licola, the Pinnacles, down Billy Goat Track, camping overnight and returning the following day via Dargo. This will involve medium to difficult stretches. Meanwhile, Les Ralph noted after contacting DWELP that the Haunted Stream track is currently closed, due to storm damage. The Mt. Cole Trip (weekend prior to Australia Day) is up on the website for bookings. This trip is rated medium, with choices to attempt more difficult sections. There are also purely social activities such as visiting local wineries. Labour Day is currently not committed. Border Track (April, post Easter). Commencing at Rainbow, through the Victorian deserts crossing the border to Pinaroo, then south down the Border track, finishing at Serviceton. North Flinders Ranges trip (July 2021) remains open for bookings. Currently consists of eight vehicles. Snow Trip – will be scheduled at short notice. Members should register and will be contacted a few days prior, depending on weather forecasts. 8.5 Venue [carried over] We’re still unable to make use of the clubrooms for the time being. [carried over] It was suggested that when normal face-to-face meetings resume, the club looks at retaining the option for members to attend via video-conferencing. ACTION: Committee. 21
8.6 Membership Debra Carter and Peter Carolan have been accepted as new members. Martin reported that only one existing member remains to renew in 2020/21. Peter Whitaker has confirmed he will not renew. Erica Auld has volunteered to take over the Membership Officer role. ACTION: Martin and Erica to arrange a handover . 8.7 Secretary: No report 8.8 Vice-President: No report. 8.9 President Mark asked whether members had checked out any of the YouTube links included in the last couple of newsletters. He has plenty more! 9. General Business. Des Burns offered a Junior Turfer hand winch free-of-charge to members. It went to David Wilson. 10. Fines and Fun Tim reported on the Marysville/Rubicon trip held on 22 November. This trip was about closed tracks and fallen trees, leading to many changes to the intended route. Tom Burns Road, noted as Easy by Robert Pepper, appeared relatively unused and was quite challenging in places. Members commented it was good to see how Marysville had recovered since the bushfires a decade ago. The heavens opened on return but the convoy was well on the bitumen by then. Fines: Matt Eggleston – last to arrive; for losing his roof rack going under a fallen tree. 11. Meeting closed at 9.53pm and was followed by an nformal chat. 12. The next meeting January 26, 2021 at 8pm. [Secretary’s Note: venue since confirmed as Camberwell South Tennis Club] .
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The 2020 Annual General Meeting for the Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc T/as Four Wheel Drive Victoria is to be held on Monday 15th February, 2021 in the Ben Nevis Room of the Manningham Hotel, 1 Thompsons Road, Bulleen commencing at 7:30pm. The meeting notice, AGM report and board member nomination form is available at the following Dropbox location: https://bit.ly/39eg6Rn This meeting is open to all Club members. Dinner and drinks will be available at hotel prices from 6:00pm. To assist us with AGM seating arrangements and mandatory contact tracing procedures RSVP’s, including your mobile phone number, are required by Thursday 11th February, 2021. Email office@fwdvictoria.org.au or phone 03 9874-7222. 22
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
Items for sale l have a 1990 Sports Wagon that belonged to my father. He passed away in February. The car has 86,000 kms on it but has a broken timing belt. The rest of the car is in good condition. l was wondering if you were interested in the car. l would like to donate it to the club or if someone could help me repair it as a reminder of my father. l look forward to hearing from you either way. Thanks Bruce (bruce.wesley64@gmail.com) Vehicle details: VIN: JF2AN5GROCE422701 Rego: EIE840
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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 e: dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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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