October 2019 (Issue 463)
Junction of the LaTrobe and Thompson Rivers - Strathfieldsaye Trip
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Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A—0006149J / FWDV Member
PO BOX 2456 Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Volks-Baru Subaru and Volkswagen Specialist Parts and Service Centre
We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.
John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655 2
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 the 2019/20 year were ratified at the general meeting in April 2019 and are as follows:
MEMBERS RATES
Single: $85 (Senior card - $80) Joint/Family: $95 (Senior card - $90) One off joining fee of $15 ($30 for Joint/Family) also applies All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $52 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
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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
Trip & Social: Tim Folliard events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Editor: Damian Stock editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Venue coordinator: Mark Tyssen venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Membership: Martin Foot mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT This coming month of November has a number of trips scheduled: the traditional period trips of the Long First Weekend of November (incorporating Melbourne Cup Tuesday), as well as the end of month Christmas party – held in late November to beat the crowds occupying the BBQs and pavilions that seem to becoming difficult to reserve at this time of year – traditional end of year office parties, and end of school years 11 & 12 to name a few competing events. Our guest speaker for this month’s general meeting is Rudi Paoletti. He will give a presentation on the Aberfeldy Track - an area where Tim will lead the club for the November long weekend. This should provide further information about the area, its sights, tracks and sites to visit. Please attend this meeting, especially if you are intending to come on this trip, or just to hear Rudi present. At the end of September, I pre-tripped the site for our annual Christmas Party, to be held this year at Bundoora Park, in Plenty Road, Bundoora. It took me less than 20-25 minutes to reach it from Tullamarine Airport, and about 50 minutes from Boronia/The Basin area, travelling in mid-tolate afternoon. There are some hazards on the asphalted roadway entrance, rotten speed humps – so don’t be drinking coffee driving along here, otherwise you’ll spill it, which I did! Trip Classification – “easy” for “easy to spill drink”. Refer to the invitation, on the back page of this issue of the magazine, for directions to our intended party location. We shouldn’t need to rely on the installed BBQs, which are located some distance away from the pavilions, as we are bringing the club one like we did last year at Lilydale Lake. As usual the club will be supplying meat, condiments and soft drinks but we ask that all members bring a salad or dessert to share. Also, in early November, Four Wheel Drive Victoria is conducting its AGM. Hopefully both Tim and I will be attending as representatives of the club. Recently they provided their Financials & AGM material which you all should have received. If you have any questions regarding the association, Tim or myself can raise them on your behalf. If you have not received this information please advise Martin or myself and their material will be forwarded to you. It is good to see that over the year the continuing interest reported from our internet and social media activity, time well invested and appreciated. Please provide videos and photos to Damian via email or, if too large, advise Damian or myself and we will arrange a method to obtain the media. Every time new material is added, there is an increase in traffic on our website and Facebook page. That is exactly what we want.
Keep to the tracks, Mark Tyssen President, e: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT What Next - Recovery Gear Continuing with my recent theme of important equipment is the portable air compressor. You have just completed a long section of sand driving. After getting stuck a few times, you take the advice to lower your tyre pressure to about half what you were running on the trip up and you seem to just ride over the sand. But now the convoy turns into a sealed bitumen highway with a 110 km sign. Everyone stops and gets out their portable air compressor. Lowering tyre pressures is a common 4WD technique. On dirt roads it can improve the ride, on rocky tracks help prevent tyre damage and, in sand, the increased tread footprint can be the difference between getting repeatedly stuck or just cruising over the dunes. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the width of the tyre but the increase in length in contact with the ground that is important. I have been down to as low as 12 PSI in heavy sand. Any lower and there is a risk of a tyre separating from the rim. However, on the highway at higher speeds, a deflated tyre will quickly heat up risking tyre damage, reduced handling and lower braking performance. A relatively inexpensive 12 volt portable tyre compressor solves the problem. While some products can be vehicle mounted (especially if air lockers are fitted), most are in a case or bag. With its power leads clipped to the vehicles battery the air compressor is ready to quickly restore your tyres back to highway pressures. So, what to buy? It takes time to inflate four tyres. A portable hand held unit probably isn't going to pump up four tyres but may be perfect for bikes and footballs. Better units will have a rating such as maximum PSI and litres per minute. Often there will be time to inflate each wheel (generally we aren't having to inflate from zero) but it is not service station air speeds. The best units can take up to 10 minutes for all four tyres from low PSI. Not surprisingly, the more expensive units outperform the cheaper units and should last longer. There are plenty of reviews you can search for online or ask a club member if they are happy with what they use. It is recommended to have the engine running, so keep leads and hoses clear of fans and other moving parts. Compressors can get very hot. Be careful handling them directly after use and let them cool down before storing them. Tim Folliard Vice President, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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SECRETARY’S REPORT 1. Club Awards Every year, the club presents awards to members to recognise their active participation in the club over the past 12 months. Some of them are purely for fun “Burnt Billy, Bogger, Piggy Bank, Bent Valve”. But there’s also the Clubman and Clubwoman of the Year Awards, which recognise that special effort put in by certain individuals to benefit the club. Nominations are now open for these Awards. Nomination Forms can be downloaded at: https://bit.ly/2MNRFhj Committee will determine the awards at its meeting on November 6th, so we need your nominations by then. They will be presented at the Christmas Party on Sunday 24 November at Bundoora Park.
2. Trip System The Club’s Trip System is now open and ready for bookings via the club’s website. Notes on how to use the system were sent to you during the month by email, which also included your login details. This follows a presentation at last month’s general meeting. There are real trips as well as test trips loaded, so you can try it out first. Note that the system is in addition to, but does not replace, the existing methods of joining a trip, i.e. by adding your name to the trip intention sheet at the meeting, or by contacting the Trip Leader directly by phone or email. If you run across a problem, have a query or comment, or need help, contact Tim or myself.
3. Did you get your Trackwatch and E-News Four Wheel Drive Victoria have recently distributed the glossy September edition of Trackwatch (by Aust. Post mail), as well as an e-News which was emailed directly to members from their office on 26 September. If you have not received either of these, there may be a need to check your contact details with FWDV. Let me know if this is the case.
4. By-Laws update The Club Trips By-Laws draft that was presented to members for discussion earlier in the year is now complete and ready for adoption. The Committee will ratify the By-Law at its next meeting on 6 November. In the meantime, you can view it here : https://bit.ly/2nRXRMO Martin Foot e: secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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SPECIAL PRESENTATION RUDI PAOLETTI Founder of West Gippsland Relic, Mining and Heritage Protection Inc. http://www.westgippslandinc.com.au/ Proudly maintaining the “Aberfeldy Track” Historic Touring Route jointly with DELWP Adventure Maps and Books Ghost Town and Mine Tours Navrun 4WD Events will be guest presenter at the club’s General Meeting on
Tuesday, October 29th. with:
“10 Stories of the Track” following the business section of the meeting, which starts at 8pm. Rudi will have on display a range of his books and maps to peruse and for purchase. Members have found these a great help in the past, in appreciating the history of the Gippsland goldfields area and navigating the back tracks. Highly recommended.
PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO ATTEND!
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VENUE REPORT SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING DATE: Tuesday, October 29th at 8pm 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: Apart from the normal general meeting activities we will have a special presentation from Rudi Paoletti, Founder of the West Gippsland Relic, Mining and Heritage Protection Inc. 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 29 October
South Camberwell Tennis Club
Rudi Paoletti
TBA
Tues 26 November
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
Tues 28 January
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
Welcome Back BBQ
Tues 25 February
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
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TRIP AND SOCIAL Trip sheets are now up on the club website. Log in, select proposed trips and make a booking. It is an easy and efficient way for trip leaders to plan a trip. 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. Tim Folliard
Cup Day long weekend trip When: Saturday - Monday, November 2nd - 4th Location: Jamieson / Woods Point Contact: Tim Folliard, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Heading north through Big River to Mt Terrible. Explore old gold mining areas south of Woods Point.
Club Christmas Party BBQ When: Sunday, November 24th. At 12PM Location: Bundoora Park Details: See back page for essential information - further details will be available online loser to the date.
Christmas/New Year High Country Trip When: 25-27 January 2020 Location: Buckwong Hut near Buckwong Creek in Victoria near the Davies Plain track. Difficulty: TBA Contact: Dave Wilson, e: dw@subaru4wdic.com.au Dave's High Country trips are legendary. Register your intention now on the website
Australia Day long weekend trip When: 25-27 January 2020 Location: High Country - East of Mansfield Difficulty: Medium (in dry conditions) Looking for a trip leader.
Pajero Challenge When: Sat/Sun, February 8th and 9th, 2020 Location: Walhalla/Gippsland area Difficulty: Social/easy Details: The Pajero Cub has asked if the club could support a checkpoint on the track based at Licola. Bush camping. We would need to operate a checkpoint between 1am to 4am and supply light refreshments to the driver, navigators and passengers. There is also the option to enter vehicle/s (early bird fee is $270) in the challenge. Please indicate if you intend to attend by November 10th so we can advise the organisers if we can be involved. We need approximately a dozen members 10
TRIP AND SOCIAL CONT. Border Track (Vic/SA Border) When: Monday, April 6th., for five days. Contact: Tim Folliard, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Sand dunes and desert camping in Victoria. Medium difficulty but Subarus have successfully completed this on earlier club trips. Camper trailers are not recommended in the sand.
North Flinders Ranges Touring When: Two weeks , tentatively 19 July - 1 August 2020. Contact: Martin Foot, e: secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: A 2 week touring trip through the Northern Flinders Ranges in July 2020. Martin has extensive outback experience in Foresters and has just returned from a trip that included Birdsville and outback S.A. The committee is always looking for trip leaders and trip ideas. If you want to lead a trip, please contact me for support. Tim Folliard, Trip & Social Coordinator e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
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 Item: Black ECB type 8 bull bar to suit pre-06/02 Foresters Details: Brand new, never fitted to vehicle. Fits in front of existing bumper. Price: Negotiable but currently looking for $550. Contact: Maddie on 0421068215, located in Newport, Victoria 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 0429 942 724 11
EDITOR’S NOTE I hope you enjoy the Strathfieldsaye Estate trip report this month. It was a bit of a different trip, with little four wheel driving involved, but it did show the members in attendance the potential of using the homestead as a launch site for trips into the high country. There is a great opportunity for the club to help preserve a unique piece of Gippsland’s early history. More on this in the coming months. Don’t forget to send through your articles, photos and videos 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, November 15th, 2019 Email editor: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au
TREASURER’S REPORT OCTOBER 2019 Date
Description
Debit
Credit
01/08/2019 Opening Balance at 1st September 2019
Balance $3,664.58
Income: 13/09/19 Membership fees R. Townsend
$95.00
26/9/19 Sept. meeting takings Fun & Fines
$5.85
Total for month
$100.85
Expenses: 13/9/19 C& D Trophies - Name Badges 26/9/19 Donation to Royal Flying Dr. Services 27/9/19 Optus Sat. phone mthly service fee Total for month
Closing Balance at 29 September 2019
$69.50 $100.00 $15.00 $184.50
($83.65)
$3,580.93
NOTE: 1. Term Deposit of $8,076.12 (this includes interest accrued) matured on 10 October 2019 and is to be reinvested. Angela Bombardieri Treasurer, e: treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au 12
TRIP REPORTS Strathfieldsaye Estate By Damian and Angela Stock On the afternoon of Friday September 20th Angela and I headed to Strathfieldsaye Estate to prepare for the club’s visit that weekend. Our plan was to arrive well before our first visitors. Martin and Dot, however preparing the farm, and our cattle and horses, for our absence took a little longer than expected. No sooner had we arrived at “Strath” when Martin and Dot pulled up outside the Disher Lab, our base for the weekend. We knew that Martin and Dot had stopped for afternoon tea at Stratford, at their favourite spot, and expected them to be a little behind us, but they weren’t far behind at all. After selecting our bedroom in the lab building for the weekend we showed Martin and Dot the options available and they selected the master bedroom in the shearer’s house, a short walk up the hill from the main homestead buildings. While they settled in, Angela and I visited our hostess, Pam Parker, at the manager’s house where she lives. While at the lab we had noticed that there wasn’t any water refilling the toilet cistern and we found the same situation at the homestead. Pam advised us that all the toilets were supplied by a tank on the top of the hill, which had been replaced by a new plastic tank during the week and could be the cause of the problem. She had numerous post-it notes from the volunteers who had worked on the tank so we headed up that way to see if we could make sense of things. Despite our best efforts we could not work out how the many taps worked together to get water to the various buildings. As it was getting towards dinner time we decided to stick with the old bucket method for filling the cisterns as required. There would be time on Saturday morning to investigate further, after a good night’s sleep.
The historic homestead main building.
Our plan for the evening was to head into Stratford, around fifteen minutes away, for dinner, with Pam, Martin and Dot. Pam had said that the Stratford pub was under new management, and that the meals were pretty good, so that was where we headed. The pub was pretty busy, possibly due to it being the first weekend of the school holidays, and there wasn’t a spare seat inside the restaurant. Given that the evening was quite pleasant we decided to grab a table outside in the courtyard. The meals certainly were value for money and I know that my steak and ribs was quite filling. After dinner we returned to the estate and dropped Pam off at the manager’s house, and Martin and Dot to their accommodation, where we had supper. Having had a busy day, driving to the farm from Melbourne in the morning and then to Strath in the afternoon, it was soon time for Angela and I to head back to the lab for the night.
The historic navigation tree, supposedly 1000 years old.
After a good night’s sleep, a quick breakfast and a good coffee, I headed back up the hill, convinced that I had overlooked something. There was one tap, without a handle, that I had tried to open the night 13
TRIP REPORTS CONT. before and I had a feeling that this tap was the source of the problem. Armed with a large enough shifter to force it open I then confirmed that there was water flowing to the buildings down the hill. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Martin and Dot’s accommodation so they were resigned to using the bucket for the remainder of their visit. Flushed with success, excuse the pun, we then decided to head to Sale, the nearby Heart Morass and then the historic Swing Bridge so that Martin and Dot could experience what the other members Swans on the Heart Morass. would see on Sunday. After the bridge we headed back to the Port of Sale where we tried to buy lunch at the museum café overlooking the port. Due to a large group ahead of us we decided that a bakery in Sale would be a better option. After a pleasant lunch we headed back to the estate. While Martin and Dot enjoyed a break Angela and I visited Pam for afternoon tea. Shortly after we heard Tim’s cruiser arrive, with Tim and Jack on board. After showing Tim and Jack their options they decided to set up their bedding in the Disher lab.
Hartwicke's Hut
After Tim and Jack had settled in we headed off to explore the property, starting with Hartwicke's Hut, a wattle and daub constructed building from the 1880s. As we headed towards the hut Nick and Debbie arrived so they followed us, back along the track they had arrived on, towards the hut. After a history lesson about the hut from Pam we then headed along a public access track to Swell Point, on the shores of Lake Wellington. The area lived up to its name with strong winds whipping up the surface of the lake into choppy waves and making our visit a little uncomfortable. Back into the cars and off we headed back along the access track to the point where we could head towards the eastern end of the property.
After a couple of kilometres of driving through paddocks, dodging the odd cow in the process, we made our way to a World War Two bombing range that Doctor Disher, the owner at the time, had allowed to be established on the property. The tepee shaped targets are still in existence, as is a pill box observation post. Flour bags were used as bombs during the practice sessions. Also found in this area were the remains of the original trial kangaroo fence that the University of Melbourne had established when it managed the estate after Doctor Disher bequeathed it for use as a research facility in 1976. As it was getting late we headed back to the homestead so that Debbie and Nick could settle in and we could all prepare for dinner. The wind was still quite strong so Debbie and Nick decided to also take up residence in the lab building, instead of using their roof top tent for the night. After they were settled we all assembled in the lab main room for pre-dinner drinks and snacks. After sitting and chatting until well after darkness fell, it was time to organise dinner. Nick, Angela and I headed over to the homestead, in the darkness, to use the BBQ while Martin, Dot, Tim and Jack warmed up their prepared meals in the fully equipped kitchens, at the lab and the shearer’s house. Despite the fact that we had a campfire area outside, and Martin and Dot had collected firewood, we 14
TRIP REPORTS CONT. decided that we would settled in for the evening inside the lab building. It was quite windy outside so it didn’t make sense to light a fire when we could enjoy each other’s company in the warmth of the building. We even resisted the urge to light the pot belly fire as Angela had warned us that the room would get uncomfortably warm very quickly. We sat around the table quite late, enjoying drinks and nibbles including the bottle of Subaru Club of SA port that I had picked up as a door prize at the previous meeting (thanks to Peter and Katie for the donation). Sunday morning was a fairly relaxed start for everyone, Dusk arrives at the Disher Lab. except for Martin and Dot who had to head back to Melbourne early for a family commitment. The rest of us spent the first part of the morning exploring the area around the homestead and the homestead itself. Soon it was time to break camp and head towards Sale. With Nick and Debbie as tail end Charlie we headed off, with our first stop at Marley Point, on the shores of Lake Wellington, where the Marley Point Yacht Club conducts its famous overnight race each year. From there the convoy proceeded to Sale and then on to Heart Morass. After a brief visit, including sighting a snake as it disappeared under the bank of the Thompson River, we headed back to the swing bridge. After the mandatory inspection and photographing of the structure, and its mechanics, we proceeded to the Port of Sale. At this point Tim and Jack decided to head home while Nick and Debbie followed Angela and I to the bakery for lunch. A punt carrying tourists makes its way under the swing bridge.
After a pleasant, leisurely lunch we bid farewell to Nick and Debbie before they headed west back to Melbourne and we headed south, back to the farm. The trip didn’t make it to Holey Plains State Park this time so we will do that at another time, either from Strathfieldsaye Estate or from our farm at Woodside North. Thanks to everyone who attended a very relaxed and sociable weekend. Thanks also to Pam, our host, who went out of her way to make us feel very welcome, even to the extent of buying a new pump to replace a very noisy one at the lab, specifically for our visit. Attendees:
The Port of Sale tourist precinct.
Martin and Dot
Forester
Tim and Jack
Landcruiser FJ40
Debbie and Nick
Outback
Damian and Angela
Forester (trip leaders)
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TRIP ADVISOR
TRIP
DATE
LEADER(S)
STANDARD
Cup Day long weekend trip
November 2 - 5
Peter Landouris
TBA
Annual Christmas Party
November 24
Martin Foot
Social / Easy
Christmas/New Year High CountryTrip
December 26 - January 1
Dave Wilson
TBA
Australia Day long weekend trip
January 25 - 27, 2020
TBA
Medium (in dry)
Pajero Challenge
February 8 - 9, 2020
TBA
Social / Easy
Border Track (Vic/SA Border)
April 6 - 10, 2020
Tim Folliard
Medium
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR FOR 2019 - UPCOMING PROFICIENCY COURSES: PC191123 - Theory: Tuesday 19 November, Practical: Saturday 23 November 2019 PC191207 - Theory: Tuesday 3 December, Practical: Saturday 7 December 2019 Member Price is $220.00 Contact:
Four Wheel Drive Victoria, RTO: 21605 Ph: 03 9874 7222, Web: www.fwdvictoria.org.au
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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 on Tuesday, 8 October 2019 at the home of Martin Foot and Dorothy Greiveson, 24 Hill Street, Hawthorn, starting at 7.45pm approximately. 1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Tim Folliard 2. Apologies: Angela Bombardieri 3. Visitors: Nil. 4. Quorum: 3 of 4 committee members were present. [Secretary’s Note: Rule 63(b) requires a minimum of 4 for a Committee meeting to proceed. However, members present were unaware of this requirement at the time, and so the meeting continued according to the agenda. It is proposed that when the Committee next convenes in full on 6 November, the proceedings recorded below including all resolutions and actions will ratified.] 5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1 Minutes of the committee meeting held 10 September 2019 were accepted without amendment. Moved Tim Folliard, seconded by Mark Tyssen. 5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes: 5.2.1 Roles and Positions. Martin and Angela yet to discuss a possible membership handover 5.2.2 Fundraising. Re chocolate sales fundraiser. ACTION: Mark to prepare forms for the next General Meeting . 5.2.3 Pajero Club of Vic – Pajero Challenge. It was agreed at least 10, preferably 12 participants were required to staff the event. At present we don’t have these numbers registered. Equipment may be available through Mark. ACTION: Mark to update the PCV accordingly. Tim to place the event on the Trip System; and the matter to be finalised by the next Committee Meeting . 6. Correspondence 6.1 In
FWDV: 26/9 Wayne Hevey – E-News Direct 6/9 FWDV Projects – Help Needed Lake Eildon and Murrundindi track reopening General:
Document –
17/9 Glenn Arkell (2) – re seeking advice on Trip System and Help Trip Management System
and
18/9 RacksBrax – promoting new fast release hitch for awnings, roof tents conduits 19/9 Glen Arkell – re Broadcast System email setting 27/9 Anthony Adrian – re Motorclassica database 17
24/9 Travis Sanders – re membership and vehicle permit for L-series 26/9 Coen Smit – re Brumby wheels September
26/9 Adrian Longwood (Pres. S4WDCWA) – re snatch strap rating (in magazine V-P Report) (2) 27/9 Anthony Adrian – follow-up re Motorclassica database 2/10 Happy Apple Resort – “help needed on the Granite Belt (QLD)” – promotion
3/10 Advanced Solutions International – promoting association / membership cloud-based software 6.2
Out: 13/9 Wayne Hevey (MT) – confirming MT’s attendance at Members
Update Day 16/9 Glenn Arkell (MF)(2) – seeking advice on Trip System 18/9 Lesley Humphreys – re following up enquiry re club activities 19/9 S4WDCV members (from DS via Broadcast System) – last call for participants on Strathfieldsaye trip 19/9 S4WDCV members (from MF via BS) – September magazine links 19/9 Prospective members (MF) – forwarding copy of magazine and call action!
to
19/9 Advertisers, Clubs, Traders (MF) – forwarding public magazine link 26/9 Adrian Longwood (MT) – re snatch strap rating (2) 2/10 Travis Sanders – re membership and vehicle permit for L-series 3/10 Membership (MF) – Trip system notes and login details (25) 6.3
Business Arising: 6.3.1 Adrian Longwood (Pres. S4WDCWA) – excerpt from letter re snatch straps to be published in the magazine. ACTION: Martin to advise Damian. 6.3.2 Wayne Hevey (FWDV) – ACTION: Martin to check that members have received E-News and Trackwatch. 6.3.3 Travis Sanders – re membership / vehicle permit query: After discussion it was agreed that in these sorts of situations, there should no fast tracking. Membership should be applied for first, following attendance at a meeting or a trip. No action on a vehicle permit would proceed until membership confirmed.
7. Reports 7.1
Resources A volunteer is needed to take over Resources. Does not have to be on Committee. Meanwhile no action will occur on replenishing stock of club apparel until members place orders.
7.2
Trip and Social Strathfieldsaye Homestead, Lake Wellington. This trip went ahead with 4 vehicles attending. The venue could be a future base for activities in central Gippsland and a contribution towards upkeep would be appropriate. It was noted that a contribution of $50 had been voted by the membership at the September general 18
meeting. In future this should be raised by a levy on attendees. Woods Point – Jamieson Trip. This trip is over the Cup Day long weekend, minimum of two nights TBC. Details to be distributed to participants and also a general reminder to members. ACTION: Tim Annual Christmas Party – Sunday 24 November from 12 noon, venue confirmed as Bundoora Park. Mark has done an inspection. Basic details to be compiled for the magazine. ACTION: Mark, Tim High Country Trip post Christmas. Conversation was held with David Wilson (in Alice Springs). Trip will go ahead and be based at Buckwong Hut, north east of Omeo. ACTION: Tim to update website listing. Australia Day Trip: possible trip to Keppel’s Hut and on to Rubicon valley area. ACTION: Tim. Pajero Challenge. 8, 9 February 2020. Staffing the ¾ rest point. Do we have sufficient resources? See also item 5.2.3 above. ACTION: Mark to follow up with PCV. Easter 2020 Trip: Border Track. Bookings coming in. TL Tim. Proposed Northern Flinders Ranges Trip in July 2020. Two weeks duration following the SA school holidays, focussed on Blinman, Arcaroola, Strezlecki Track, Parachilna and Wilpena Pound areas. TL Martin and Dot. [carried over] Proposed Cobaw State Forest Trip. Tim to investigate. More social trips also needed in between the above. Trip Management System. Martin reported that he had assigned IDs and passwords to members and provided notes of the process. Some glitches had occurred, but were largely due to incorrect settings that were being worked through with the help of Glenn Arkell. ACTION: Martin, Tim (and Damian) to continue to resolve any problems and implement the system fully. Martin to write an article for the magazine. 7.3
Venue October General Meeting – training videos are available to show if needed. Alternative venues. David Wilson is open to hosting an event at Ringwood Trade Training Facility in March 2020. ACTION: Mark to follow up with David [carried over] Fulcrum Suspension of Pakenham have contacted clubs offering to host a session. ACTION: Mark Speakers: Martin reported that he had messaged Rudi Poeletti re a talk on the Walhallla/ Woods Point district. ACTION: Martin to follow-up with Rudi [carried over] Matt Chaplin may be prepared to present on his range of Subaru lift options. ACTION: Martin to enquire. [carried over] Door prizes – tyre deflators? Items needed to boost stocks.
7.4
Membership Membership Applications: An application for membership had been received from Bob Townsend and fees paid. Bob attended the August club meeting. MOTION: Moved Mark, 19
seconded Tim, that Bob be admitted to membership of the club. CARRIED. ACTION: Martin to advise Bob. Martin has spoken to Nathon Redden about membership and participation on trips as a visitor. Mark is following up with former member Daryl Lynch who wishes to re-join but may require assistance. ACTION: Martin to provide Mark with Daryl’s membership records. Badges: for Bob Townsend and Michael Bauer. ACTION: Martin 7.5
Editor Submission deadline: 18 October. Articles: Trip System article to be included in October. Notice for photo competition for February meeting in November. [carried over] Advertising: An invoice is yet to be raised for Volksbaru. The last issued and paid was in 2017. The year in between is to be written off. ACTION: Mark to raise with proprietor John Bailey and advise Angela. Martin yet to discuss advertising with Subaxtreme. Mark yet to investigate possible advertising with wreckers: Subaru Heaven, Subabits, SubaRoos Burwood.
7.6
Treasurer Bank Balance: $3,372.93 as at 8 October. Recent Payment: $208.00 to FWDV for four memberships received in the period July – September. Investment account: falls due on 10 October. BB advised that Interest rates for 3 months are higher than for 5 months at present. Martin confirmed to the bank by phone to make the renewal period 3 months. Letter coming for sign-off. Also, account address changed from Cratloe Street to P O Box 2456, Mt Waverley. ACTION: Martin, Angela
7.7
Secretary Nomination Forms for Annual Club Awards to be circulated to members. ACTION: Martin
7.8
Vice-President No report.
7.9
President No report.
8. Priorities and Planning 8.1
By-Laws: Club Trip procedures: Tim has completed a final edit of content. MOTION: That the Club adopt a set of By-Laws under Rule 79 of the Constitution, consisting of the Club Trip procedures as circulated with the Agenda for the Committee Meeting. Moved Mark, seconded Tim, CARRIED. Members to be notified. ACTION: Martin It was noted that the By-Laws would in time consist of this and other sections that are still being worked on. ACTIONS:
20
MINUTES General Meeting Minutes The General Meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was held on Tuesday, 27 August 2019 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at 8:10pm approximately. 1. Present Martin Foot, Mark Tyssen, Tim Folliard, Angela Bombadieri, Les Ralph, Renato Luminati, Peter Devine, Michael Bauer, Peter Kakalias, Kylie Davies, Damian Stock, Dorothy Greiveson, Rick Koster 2. Apologies David Wilson, Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Angela Stock, Julie Dyer 3. Visitors Peter Maloney 4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors. 5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1
The Minutes of the August 2019 General Meeting were accepted without amendment. Moved by Tim Folliard and seconded by Les Ralph. [Secretary’s Note: An amendment has subsequently been made to item 3. Visitors replacing “and brother(?)” with “Bear Redden”, as noted on the Attendance sheet for the Meeting.] .
5.2 6.
There was no Business Arising.
Correspondence 6.1
In Four Wheel Drive Victoria: Wayne Hevey (2) – re members Update Day 14 September. Mark attended and a summary of matters dealt with appears in the President’s report in the September magazine. E-news may become a more frequent means of communication. Damian gave a short summary of the current situation with regards to the National Council of 4WD Associations and how this has affected services, eg insurance and Canning Stock Route permits General: Pajero Club of Vic – application forms for participation in the Pajero Challenge 2020. Mark raised the question of the club’s attendance to staff the ¾ rest point. A trip form was available for expressions of interest. Equipment may be a critical factor as the historic source of supply is no longer available. Mark commented that he might be able to assist. ACTION: Refer to Committee for a decision. Lara Lions – promoting “Motors at the Mansion” 10 November 2019 Coen Smit (Tasmania) – enquiry re Brumby rims Paul Davenport – re insurance cover while travelling to and from club trips RacksBrax – promoting a new product to assist in attaching awnings, etc., to roof racks Various enquiries re membership and an application 21
6.2
7.
Out
Paul Davenport (MF) – query regarding insurance cover while travelling to and from club trips Wayne Hevey (MT) – confirming attendance at Members Update Day Club members (MF) – September magazine distribution Advertisers, 4WD clubs, traders (MF) – providing link to public version of September magazine Various responses to membership enquiries / application (MF) Reports 7.1 Resources Peter Landouris no longer Resources Officer, so looking for volunteers to take this role on. Not necessary to be a Committee member. Meanwhile the Committee will respond to any requests from members. 7.2 Editor Magazine: Thanks to contributors. Social Media: Fewer posts this month. Damian having some technical difficulties with videos taken on iPhone that appear upside down! Deadline: Friday, 18 October . 7.3 Trip and Social Cup Day long weekend – Woods Point / Jamieson Trip. Mt. Terrible / Mt. Skene western approaches, southern areas below Woods Point inc. Jericho, Donnelly’s Creek and other gold-rush locations. Acting TL Tim Folliard, covering for Peter Landouris. Christmas Party BBQ – to be held on November 24, venue to be advised, probably Bundoora Park. Mark will visit in the next few days and take pics / videos. More detils in October. High Country Trip – not yet confirmed, depends on David Wilson, currently away. Australia Day long weekend – no proposals as yet. Pajero Challenge – 8,9 February. Sufficient participants needed to go ahead (see item 6.1 above). Border Track (VIC/SA border) - Sand dunes and desert camping in SA and Victoria, from 6 April for five days. TL Tim Folliard. North Flinders Ranges Touring Trip - A two week trip from 19 July to 1 August 2020 with some 4WD-ing (Arkaroola) and desert driving, notably the southern end of the Strezlecki Track, through Lyndhurst, Parachilna Gorge to Wilpena Pound (walks, fossils and cultural activities). Suitable for trailers. Possible inclusion of Calperum property north of Renmark (TBC). TL Martin Foot Social Trips needed during the period of track closure. Contact Tim with ideas / proposals. 7.4 Venue Presentation will be by Martin Foot on the web-based Trip Management/Booking System. Door prize: Peter Kakalias. Damian reported that last month’s prize (S.A. Club port) was enjoyed by those attending the Strathfieldsaye Estate trip. 7.5 Membership Several membership enquiries and one application have been received. Badges were presented to Renato Luminati, Peter Kakalias and Kylie Davies. Michael Bauer’s badge not yet available. 7.6 Treasurer 22
Statement as per the magazine. Balance as at 16 August was $3,690.08, with $8,076 in the investment account, maturing in October. This will be rolled over. 7.7 Secretary – no report. 7.8 Vice-President - no report. 7.9 President – no report. 8.
General Business 8.1 Damian recounted his woes with his 2013 Forester XT. His CVT requires a solenoid replacement. While the part is inexpensive, the quote for the work is enormous, even at “mates rates”. He is pursuing Subaru for a response. Meanwhile has to endure the “ Christmas lights” on his dashboard and no Eyesight or Cruise Control. 8.2 Discussion regarding the previous night’s Shannon Auctions results, including the 350K+ price paid for a 1971 Ford Falcon GT. Tim and Damian spoke about Shannons insurance products and what they saw as the advantages over other policies, including the right to retain a write-off after a replacement claim and acceptance of a reasonable agreed sum insured for an older car with accessories and modifications. RACV’s Totalcare roadside assistance package was also recommended given members’ past experience. 8.3 As part of Fines and Fun, reporting on the Strathfieldsaye Trip, Damian explained the generosity of the site manager Pam in accepting the club for the weekend without charge. He asked that the club consider a donation of $50.00 to the managing Trust to offset expenses. Moved Damian, seconded Tim, CARRIED.
9.
Fines and Fun 9.1 Nametags: Martin, for not having Michael Bauer’s badge available. 9.2 Last to Meeting: Not noted. 9.3 Trips Strathfieldsaye Estate – 4 cars attended Martin and Dot – for deterring others from sharing their private luxury house on the hill. “Pure luxury” – apart from the lack of hot water, flushing loos, etc. 9.4 Total fines collected - $0.85.
10. Presentation: Using a Powerpoint presentation, Martin explained the basics of the Trip Management System as installed on the club’s website. He explained how a member would book onto a trip, using a series of screenshots to illustrate the various stages in the process. He also showed how a Trip leader would go about creating and promoting a trip to the membership. He then explained the User, Members and Committee menus on the website. In the near future, members will be sent their updated ID and password to enable them to log on and explore the options. The first trip to take bookings this way will be the Cup Day Trip. Meanwhile, members can still book onto trips as always by completing an attendance sheet at a general meeting or by contacting the trip leader directly. However the online system provides a means of quickly notifying the membership of a new trip between meetings and speeding up the registration process. Thanks to Glenn Arkell for providing the system with his website design. 23
Club Christmas Party Sunday 24th November 2019
at Bundoora Park, 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora Enter through the main entrance onto Fairway Drive. Pass by the information board (contains the site map on left) and take the first right turn onto River Red Gum Avenue. Pass the playground on the left. Turn right onto Playground Drive and proceed to the end. Hopefully we will have found a pavilion space close by to use for our party. We are aiming to be set up in the area indicated by the red arrow, from around 10am. The park opens at sunrise and the Christmas Party runs from 1130am until late in the afternoon. Register your interest on the trips section of the club website or on the trip sheet at the October General Meeting. Please indicate the number of adults and kids that are coming. Alternatively, advise either Martin or Mark by Wednesday, November 20th, of your interest in attending. This will assist us with catering. Please also advise if you will be bringing a salad or dessert to share. 24