Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria - Sept / October 2022 magazine

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Report

Hope everyone’s doing well in the lead up to Christmas and the summer period.

But first, the recent rains and flooding. FWDV will be coordinating a relief response in rural areas and we’ll keep members posted as to how they may help.

Hopefully, despite the rain, seasonal tracks will re open and give us all the opportunity to get out and do what we like doing, exploring remote parts of the State.

I’m personally looking forward to Tim’s trip to the Pyrenees Ranges over the Cup weekend (29 Oct to 1 Nov). There’s still space for more people if you wish to come for all or part of the time.

A new trip has been posted for 12 November “Back to Cobaw”, led by Dan. This is rated Difficult and is a full on 4WD ing day for suitably prepared vehicles. See the description online for more information.

Then we have Tim’s Mt Robertson / Kinglake trip on 4th December. This trip is now full.

The post Christmas High Country Trip will be based this year at Wheelers Creek Hut near Corryong. Thanks to David for stepping up yet again.

Our annual Christmas Party will be held on 27th November, with BBQ provided by the club and salad / dessert provided by members. The venue isn’t finalised yet, we’re looking at Kurth Kiln Park near Gembrook and Westerfolds Park Templestowe as options. Full information will be provided closer to the date.

Meanwhile, Committee has been giving some thought to our General Meetings. Since we resumed face to face meetings post COVID, we’ve been struggling with to enable remote attendees to fully participate in our “hybrid” meetings. The audio quality has been a problem as has been the reliability of signal. The venue itself creates problems due to echo in the room, which is very “live”, due to its wood and glass surfaces. Recently we’ve seen a fall off in attendance online and this may be due to the problems we’ve been having, not sure.

So Committee have decided that the remaining two meetings of the year will be different. The October meeting on the 25th will not be available by Zoom, and will include outside activities led by Tim including demonstrations of recovery techniques in the carpark, while it’s still light. The November meeting on the 29th, will only be available online. Club members will have an opportunity to meet up at the Christmas Party on the 25th, so it may be asking a bit much

S Report

to expect a turn out on the Tuesday.

We’ve also been looking at alternatives to our current satellite phone service as it has proved unreliable (ref: Mt. Skene trip emergency). I’ll leave Tim to say something about that in his report.

Martin Foot President

Vice-President’s Report

The Committee has been evaluating different options for remote communication. A recent incident on Mt Skene found the existing Thuraya was unable to raise a satellite signal. Daniel's research found it is looking for a satellite over Singapore and in parts of Victoria the angle to reach the satellite can be half what is in the northern parts of Australia. Mountains can further reduce its effectiveness.

Garmin has a compact GPS handheld satellite communicator. As well as a SOS function, tracking mapping and the ability to two way communicate via messages. It can't make a voice call but is significantly cheaper than the best sat phones. This sounds like an effective solution. The committee will advise the outcome shortly.

As for trip planning, if it isn't Covid lockdowns or fires, now it is floods. After years of drought conditions it is almost unbelievable that homes and businesses are flooding. Terrible for those involved and shows how quickly conditions can become very dangerous, not just in the High Country or the Outback, but even in Central Victoria.

Don't forget to bring some recovery gear next Tuesday. The intention is to demonstrate the equipment, particularly for newer members to get an idea of what people have and recommend before they hit the stores. And to demonstrate a few limitations on some vehicles finding suitably rated points to recover from.

Tim Folliard Vice-President vice president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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As usual, trips details and bookings are all on the Club Website. https://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/index.php/proposed trips

The Cup Long weekend trip is nearly full with 10 places already booked. The campsite has some flush toilets and large firepits, located where the bitumen ends (campers/vans OK) at Glenpatrick. Almost immediately into 4WD with numerous tracks of various difficulties with the benefit of wineries or gin distilleries and the end of many.

There is a day trip to Cobaw State Forest on the 12 November, rated as difficult, with a few spots remaining but check with the trip leader for suitability.

The Christmas Party will shortly be posted, most likely the last Sunday in November.

Another day trip is a run back to Mt Robertson on December 4. This is full, so if you can't make it, let me cancel on the website. As a more difficult track, the convoy length must be restricted.

And the annual post Christmas High Country trip is open for bookings. A base camp with some remote and rugged day trips from Wheelers Creek.

That takes us to the end of 2022. There are some trips already taking bookings for 2023 and others still in the planning stage for a big 2023.

Looking further ahead, a Simpson Desert Crossing is planned for June/July next year. To attend you do need to speak to the trip leader soon as a lot of preparation is needed for a trip like this. No roadside service out there and a long way between fuel stops but an epic adventure.

UPCOMING TRIP

DATE

Cup Weekend Trip 28th-31st Oct Tim Folliard

Back to Cobaw 12th Nov Dan Ho

Mt Robertson Kinglake 4th Dec Tim Folliard

LEADER (S) DIFFICULTY

Expected terrain and track conditions

Mostly unsealed roads with no obstacles and minor gradients.

Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have water crossings.

+ Underbody Protection

Good approach and departure angles

Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. Possible deep water crossings.

+ Suspension lift

Rock sliders

Car bra / snorkel

Off road bumper bar

Vehicle suitability

Stock vehicles Road tyres

AT Tyres

Rear recovery point

Accessible front tie down points as recovery points

Smaller wheel rims with increased tyre size

AT / MT Tyres

Diff locker(s)

Winch

Recovery equipment Not expected to be required Required to be carried Likely to be used

Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have difficult river crossings.

Driver Training / Experience Suitable for novice drivers.

4WD Driver training highly recommended

4WD Driver training and/or good level of experience in difficult terrain

+ Snorkel + RT / MT Tyres

Impact of Weather

Typically no impact

Will be more difficult in wet conditions.

Will be much more difficult in wet conditions.

Almost guaranteed to be used

4WD Driver training and/or extensive experience in difficult terrain

Tracks may not be drivable

Potential damage to vehicle Unlikely

+ Pin stripes + Minor scratches

+ Impacts to underbody protection

Water ingress into vehicle

“Attempt at your own risk”

The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items or equipment on every trip.

Personal details form (as specified by 4WDV)

One copy to the trip leader; One copy in vehicle

Minimum of a basic recovery kit

Two rated D Shackles (minimum 3.2t)

Rated Snatch strap / Kinetic rope

Bridal strap / Equaliser strap (*important for Subaru vehicles)

Accessible recovery points for both front and rear

A shovel

Safety equipment

UHF (477Mhz) Radio (Club convoy channel is CH16). Ideally an in car mounted radio, but hand held are ok provided sufficient battery(s) to last the trip.

Fire extinguisher, accessible to the driver

Basic first aid kit

Spares and tools

A tyre pressure gauge and air compressor

Spare tyre (full size & same size as the other 4 tyres)

Jack and wheel brace, or equivalent

A suitable tool kit for your vehicle

Sufficient fuel, oil and water for the trip, accounting for delays

Spare parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip)

Your vehicle manual

Emergency supplies (matches, food, water and clothing)

?

Unsure or have questions regarding the items above Contact the Trip and Social Coordinator or the Trip Leader

RIP

IFFICULTY

WE FOUND SNOW!!!

The group even voted to camp on snow overnight (I believe some regretted that decision). The trip was more scenic than exciting four wheel driving. To be fair, while rated as a 4WD only road, the Jamieson Licola Rd is in fact perfectly accessible in a 2WD in the dry.

We were very fortunate to find snow. The Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria drove through a few day before us on Wednesday and did not encounter any snow. Once we hit the white stuff, it didn’t take long for Dave and Justin to get right into building their snowmen.

Some of us were far more excited to find snow than others. Tom even went for a ski!

After everybody have setup camp, all signs pointed to a nice relaxing afternoon until several hoons drove up to Mt Skene in their >$100k 4x4 rigs. They then proceeded to drive off the track and into the bush, damaging the native vegetation in the process. One of them even nearly collected Peter. After getting themselves, stuck, breaking two winch ropes while trying to snatch recover off their winches, and colliding with each other at least once, we were very thankful that they couldn’t find a comfortable campsite and left us in peace.

But the day wasn’t done yet. Shortly after dinner, Rhys accidentally dislocated his shoulder while trying to put on his jacket. This led to us discovering that the Club’s satellite phone did not have sufficient coverage at Mt Skene to make a 000 call. Fortunately, we were able to find a spot that had

sufficient cellular reception to call 000. With nobody in the group competent in putting a dislocated shoulder back in place, after deliberating with the 000 operator for an hour on the best course of action, we agreed the most efficient option was for us to drive Rhys to Jamieson. This was the 6th 000 incident I have been involved with. All I can say is that one needs to temper one’s expectation from 000, but that is a topic for another day.

While we (Dave) was on the call with 000, the rest of the group sprung into action, from ensuring Rhys stayed warm (wrapped in emergency blanket inside a heated car), keeping Rhys company and monitoring his conditions, to collecting Rhys’ belongs into a duffle bag so he will have his essentials in hospital.

It was unknown how much of the road from Mt Skene to Jamieson was covered in snow and ice. Consequently, we decided to take a three car convoy to Jamieson consisting of Keong’s FJ (winch & 3PMSF tyres), my Pajero (winch, MT & snow chains), Rhy’s Forester driven by Dave. Tom cared for Rhys on the journey.

000 was to have an ambulance meet us in Jamieson, but when we arrived at Jamieson a little over 1hr later, the ambulance was still over 70km away. The ambulance was subsequently cancelled and 000 notified Mansfield Hospital’s emergency department to expect our arrival.

Long story short, the medical staff at Mansfield Hospital put Rhys’s shoulder back into place. Rhys stayed overnight at the Delatite Hotel and was well enough to drive himself home the next day. Kenong, David, Tom and I arrived back at Mt Skene at approximately 2am.

The return to Melbourne from Mt Skene on Day 2 was uneventful.

Les warrants a special mention for this trip. He was rather unprepared for the cold weather with no diesel anti freeze in his tank (had to give him my spare fuel additives), insufficient warm clothing (it was sub zero overnight) and non waterproof footwear (which was a problem since he completely submerged his boots after stepping through ice). On Sunday morning, he also packed the straps for tying down the luggage on his roof tray away before securing his roof load. He had to borrow straps from others to finish the job.

Trip Participants

ByDanielHo

That is a fair question! Isn’t the normal practice to brake with the right foot?

ACTUALLY, NO!!

Left foot braking is a technique that is widely used and a very good skill to have, whether one is maneuvering in a carpark, enjoying a drive through windy roads in the hills, or when four wheel driving. Here I’ll restrict the topic of left foot braking to off road driving only since we are a 4WD Club. There is plenty of information online concerning the benefits of left foot braking for driving on the road.

What is Left Foot Braking? Simply put, it is when one brakes with the left foot instead of using one’s right foot. Click on the image before for Nena Barlow to tell you more about it.

http://www.safetrek.com.au/

Hi Jim, We just went on our first 4wd trip at Mt Disappointment and had a blast!

As you probably saw, I was utterly terrified of that track before your course and refused to drive it. Now I’ve done a bunch of stall starts on hills (practicing rather than necessity), and navigated a bunch of bogs and tight squeezes.

I wouldn’t let M drive because I was having fun... and I’m actually pretty good at it (albeit slow).

So, thank you for your gentle guidance and encouragement that helped me gain confidence and overcome a big fear.

Warmest regards E

At SAFETREK we can demonstrate the functions of your vehicle and its capabilities. We will instruct you on how to handle your vehicle in all conditions confidently with minimal impact to the environment, yourself or the vehicle.

re High Country Course

Good morning Jim, I just wanted to thank you for a great weekend in the high country. Once again, I have learned a lot about what my car can do but I can’t get over what beautiful country we passed through. I can’t wait to go and see some more of it. Thank you again and please look after yourself.

Regards

R

Hi Jim, I need to thank you and the team for an amazing week end!!

"We just spent three wonderful days in Robe SA undertaking the Sand Driving course with Jim, Di, Kim, Brett and a great group of participants The course was very professionally conducted and very informative. I don’t believe that any of the participants would have come away without a huge boost in confidence in themselves and their motor vehicle.

I have previously undertaken the Basic 4x4 course with Jim prior to departing on a 6 months odyssey around Australia. The skills that I learnt from Jim were invaluable in some of the situations that I found myself in. I am now hoping to undertake the High Country 4x4course in April. Using the other 2 courses completed as a yardstick this one should be a real buzz.

I would highly recommend Safetrek to anyone that is looking to improve their off road driving skills in a safe, professional and inclusive environment."

Bruce

10% OFF https://blackspurinn.com.au/

Your knowledge and expertise are invaluable and gave me the confidence to take on the high country. Your training and direction on the beginner and advanced courses have given me the experience and confidence to plan out and prepare for our own future trips.

I still can’t believe that I was able to experience Victorian high country with a stock standard 2015 Toyota hilux

I am truly grateful to have met you. All the best to you all I’ll see you on the next course.

Cheers, Tim.

Don’t forget to check out the wonderful meals and accommodation on offer

Bev Davison is the Club’s resources coordinator The Club has branded polo shirts, vests, jackets, beanies, and caps

GetintouchwithBevformore details

Coordinator:

Davison

Are you covered off-road (by your insurance)?

ByDanielHo

That is a question that is asked often and is a minefield. But given we take our vehicles off road, it is most certainly in your self interest to know the answer to this question for your specific circumstance.

The common understanding in Victoria is that insurance companies will cover accidents that happened on gazetted roads, and that the definition of a gazetted road is that it is a road that is marked on a map. However, have you ever wondered which map they are referring to? Are you legally allowed to be on that road/track? What procedures must you follow for your insurance company to accept a claim? What about water damage?

For most people, they will likely find that the answer to the question of “does my insurance company cover me for off road driving” is often not a black and white answer. Ronny Dahl explored this topic in some depth in his YouTube video below (click on it to access)

details

Roadside assistance towing … will it get you home?

ByDanielHo

Similar to car insurance, the T&Cs of road side assistance service policies can also be very complicated. Do be mindful of applicable T&Cs, and if in doubt, have your service provider clarify it in writing. For example, below is what RACV Total Care states concerning towing.

Now, you might say that “I know people who have had their broken down vehicle towed hundreds to thousands of km at no charge by RACV”. This “can” be true in certain scenarios. RACV has the option, at their discretion, to organize for a vehicle to be towed further under Clause 3.2, which states the following. Note that the wording is “may attempt to”, which in legal terms means such actions are at the discretion of RACV and they are not legally bound to do so.

I know people who were successfully covered by this clause, and some who were not. It should also be noted that RACV’s T&Cs explicitly excludes their roadside assistance service if any of the following applies.

There can be many reasons for a vehicle to be deemed unroadworthy. As many of us are aware, ensuring a 4WD setup for off-roading to be 100% roadworthy is often a struggle.

Below are some examples of areas where the Club commonly visits that may be defined by RACV as “Restricted Areas”

• The sand dunes in Portland and the beaches near Robe fall under the definition of “beaches” above

• Many roads that we drive on are considered logging / forest service roads and could be excluded despite being gazetted roads.

• The Heyfield RV Park is a free public camping area that is within the grounds of a recreational oval.

• Many years ago, my 2WD Subaru Liberty slide off the side of a road into a grassy area by the side of the road. RACV refused to cover the cost of towing the vehicle back out because it was more than 2m from the side of the road (it was 3m from the asphalt).

Lastly, it is common for roadside assist services to include a clause that limits their services to areas where “a standard commercial towing vehicle” can access. A friend on a slippery muddy gravel road (a “C” category road) slid off the road and got his Forester stuck but the back wheel of the car was still on the road. However, due to the road conditions, the tow truck company sent a 4WD to recovery his vehicle. Because the tow truck company deemed the road to not be suitable for a 2WD standard commercial flat bed tow truck, RACV would not cover the cost.

Membership

The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. has three different classes of membership:

[1] Single $85 (Seniors card $80);

[2] Family / Joint $95 (Seniors Card $90)

[3] Life $50 (awarded on merit, minimum 10 years service)

Membership fees are due for renewal on 31 May each year, for the following financial year.

Please note an initial joining fee of $30 applies for Family / Joint or $15 for Single.

All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance ($52, subject to review by FWDV).

A trip fee of $15 per adult non member applies (for insurance purposes). NB: Persons joining during the year pay a pro rata fee contact the Membership Officer for details.

If you would like more information about the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc., please contact our Membership Officer, email: members@subaru4wdvic.com.au or write to:

Membership Officer Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. c/- 24 Hill Street Hawthorn VIC 3122

Membership application forms can be downloaded from our website https://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/index.php/membership

Other Subaru 4WD Clubs around Oz

Attendees:

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

Eric Bishop (EB), FWDV President

Fred de Gooyer (FdG)

FWDV Vice President

Wayne Hevey (WH) FWDV CEO

Albert Giorgini (AG) FWDV Treasurer

Gordon Porter (GP), FWDV Board Member (on Zoom)

David Van Zanten (DvZ), FWDV Board Member (on Zoom)

Daniel Whitby (DW)

FWDV Projects Officer

Ian Hughes Idlers

John Watts Melton & District (on Zoom)

Michael Austin South Gippsland (on Zoom)

Alex Houston Albury Wodonga True Grit (on Zoom)

Mat Mason Amarok Phil Leach Offpeak

Peter Fleming MJOC

Ross Hancock Midweek

Karen Jarvis Mansfield Alpine Allison Mc Laughlin Mansfield Alpine

Brad Knight Toyota Landcruiser Club

Rob Kemp Growlers Gully

Rob Leversha IT & Zoom operator

Robert Harris Wanderin’ 4 Wheelers

Lynn Fields Yarraman

Mark Tyssen Subaru

Peter Burchall

Apologies:

TLCCV (on Zoom)

Dave Roberts (DR), FWDV Board Member

Kane Harnden (KH), FWDV Board Member Geoff Davey Geelong

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

Andrea Wimmera Simon Mustey Toyota Land Cruiser Club Jason Lobascher Yarraman Rob Tamblin

Invitees: Nil

The following link is to the recording of the meeting on UTUBE. https://youtu.be/Ta_8GCu1JAg

The president Eric Bishop opened the second presidents meeting and identified the facility safety protocols and acknowledged respect for the first peoples throughout Victoria.

Eric thanked the Presidents for being here today and welcomed them all to the meeting and invited the members around the table to introduce themselves to the other members in the meeting.

THE AGENDA FOR THE MEETING IS AS FOLLOWS

Toolangi Training Centre Update

National FWD Membership

Property Investment Business Case

1. TOOLANGI TRAINING FACILITY STATUS REPORT

1.1. LOCATION;

1.1.1.Murrindindi Shire 3777

1.1.2.Facility Entrance

1.1.3.Northing 37.491767, & Easting 145.424122

1.2. STAKEHOLDERS

DELWP, Taungurung Mob

1.2.1.Site clean up completed by DEWLP on 29 July 2022

1.2.2.Chicago Barriers Installed by DEWLP on 29 July 2022

1.3. FWDV

1.3.1.Gates Designed and Fabrication order completed. Fab underway, FWDV will seek volunteers to assist in their erection. Notice seeking volunteers will go out in eNews.

1.3.2.Buildings & Amenities for training to be constructed. Approx $100,000 to be budgeted for this build.

TAUNGURUNG MOB

1.4. Meeting with FWDV 29 July 2022

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

1.5. Facility purpose discussed with an ‘In Principle’ agreement gained. Toolangi Location Aerial Photo.

1.6. Wayne, Fred, and myself met with the elders of the Taungurung Mob at their head office in Alexandra on the 29th of July. The outcome of this meeting is that they totally support the concept of the facility being maintained for an ongoing practical use.

1.7. In support of FWDV using it as a training centre they indicated their desire to conduct a smoking ceremony that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people, the land, and make pathway for a brighter future.

1.8. They also indicated they would like to come to the facility to plant more indigenous trees. At the moment there are a lot of old Wattle Trees on the block which they agreed are not desirable and agree they should be removed.

1.9. The gates for the Training Centre are under fabrication, as soon as they are ready, they will be installed. FWDV Projects Officer will notify the clubs seeking volunteers to assist with the erection of the gates.

1.10. In relation to the Toolangi Property and its importance to the Indigenous groups, Eric spoke about the future of the involvement of the Koori Community with Federal Governments inclusion of their powers in National Parks. Once the new laws are in place the Kori Groups will have significant powers in their traditional lands.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

1.11. FWDV are actively working with these groups to consolidate our mission of keeping the tracks open particularly in the High Country. Our intention is for FWDV to work with these people to promote our need of keeping the tracks open in whatever management solution the situation may require.

1.11.1. Wayne is working with the Gunaikurnai Mob from Gippsland and Gordon is working with the Yorta Yorta Mob from the Shepparton District. Collectively the Board is also working with the Taungurung Mob to maintain our focus on their needs to coincide with ours.

1.12. The Gunaikurnai people are recognised by the Federal Court and the State of Victoria as the Traditional Owners of a large area of Gippsland spanning from Warragul in the west to the Snowy River in the east, and from the Great Divide in the north to the coast in the south, approx

Gunaikurnai Land.

1.13. The Taungurung people, also spelt Daung Wurrung, are an Aboriginal people who are one of the Kulin nations in present day Victoria. They consist of nine Mobs whose traditional language is the Taungurung language. Their Country is to the north of the Great Dividing Range in the watersheds of the Broken, Delatite, Coliban, Goulburn and Campaspe Rivers. They lived to the north of, and were closely associated with, the Woiwurrung speaking Wurundjeri people.

1.14. The Yorta Yorta, also known as Jotijota, are an Aboriginal Australian people who have traditionally inhabited the area surrounding the junction of the Goulburn and Murray Rivers in present day north eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales.

1.15. It is imperative that FWDV collaborate with the traditional owners in their beliefs and assist them where ever we can so that their understanding of what the land requires for our organisation, enables us both to cohabite in the districts that we both enjoy.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

2. THE NATIONAL FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSOCIATION

2.1. In June an approach from the National body was made to Victoria through Wayne, the board met to discuss this matter and agreed in principle to ‘have a look’ at what is on offer.

2.2. The first Meeting with was held with a representative from on 20 July 2022 on Zoom with the board in attendance to which we explained we were interested in being a part of the National body again under certain conditions. They being the reason why we left in the first place. That is because there was fraud within the National Exec, these people are no longer there and Fraud charges have been laid via the South Australia 4WD Association.

2.3. Eric Bishop & Wayne Hevey have been invited as delegates

2.4. National Body to enjoy the FWDV Insurance model

2.5. Victoria and New South Wales withdrew from the National Body It appears that all the states have re joined except QLD.

2.5.1.We are advised that QLD are going alone and are trying to wind the National Body up to gain access to its funds. Under the National Constitution the organisation must have 5 affiliated states to maintain its structure

2.5.2.Until NSW and Vic re joined there were less than 5 states affiliated with the National Body giving QLD an opportunity to wind the organisation up. It appears that their motivation is to gain access to the National Body’s funds if it were would up.

2.5.3.With Vic and NSW part of the group it can retain its validity.

2.5.4.Until QLD come back into the National Body; their organisation and clubs are not recognised under the National Insurance Scheme.

2.6. Next meeting 24 August collaboration of training methodology

3. FWDV PROPERTY INVESTMENT BUSINESS CASE

3.1. FWDV Existing Office Facility

3.1.1.FWDV have had to move this year (within the same building) as the owners were not prepared to extend the lease. This has resulted in us moving upstairs to an area that is really not fit for our intended purpose.

3.1.2.The cost of renting a property is substantial and the Board feel its time to invest our funds into something more appropriate for FWDV holistically.

3.2. Market Research

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

3.2.1.The board has been looking at the availability of factories in the Commercial and Industrial areas of Melbourne. Some of the facilities available from $600k to $800k around the northern suburbs of Melbourne were ideal for the needs of FWDV.

3.2.2.Our market research identifies that the type of building we are seeking is currently available at the cost we are planning.

3.3. FWDV Cost Analysis

3.3.1.Albert Giorgini presented the Cost Plan Analysis for the investment strategy and discussed the rudiments of how the board arrived at the numbers presented (see copy attached)

3.3.2.To determine the viability of purchasing a commercial property, financial modelling has been performed with a key set of assumptions that informs the outcome.

3.3.3.

Key assumptions:

• Commercial Property valued at $1 million, plus stamp duty ($55k)

• FWDV purchase a 51% share in the property, the balance (49%) being purchased by one or more car clubs

• FWDV to perform the fitout to ensure property is fit for purpose, estimated at $200K

• FWDV to use $250k of its own funds from cash reserves

• FWDV to secure a $500k loan over 15 years at approx. 8%

• Car clubs that invest will receive interest income payable from FWDV at a rate of 1% above deposit rate (assumed at 2.3%)

• The proportion (25%) of the commercial property to be sublet to generate rental income for FWDV

• The property to be used for fee charging events, by both FWDV and investing parties. It is assumed that increased 4WD training will be generated.

• All outgoings would be borne by FWDV

• A capital appreciation rate of 5% is applied

3.3.4. Financial Outcomes:

• The financial modelling demonstrates a favourable cash position at the end of 15 years, with a favourable cash position of $473,000.

• There is only minor unfavourable movement in cash flows from the initial cash outlay in the preceding years, which can be comfortably managed by FWDV.

• With sound management of the cash inflows and outflows, the FWD fraternity can enjoy a sound investment that promotes and develops four wheel driving in Victoria, a club for all participating members.

3.3.5.A question was put to AG by Robert Harris about how we arrived at the analysis presented. It was also stated that the numbers appeared quite conservative and why

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

should we be so conservative given FWDV’s cash position. If there was an issue the clubs would always back the organisation up.

3.3.6.Albert stated that the numbers are based on maintaining a financial buffer to enable FWDV to operate should the Govt funding dry up, the RTO deliver a bad year, or the club memberships drop, and or other risks relating to financial uncertainty. FWDV needs a buffer to allow the organisation to survive in any bad years. Arthur felt that a buffer enabling FWDV to operate for at least 3 years without any further income is a wise position to be in.

3.3.7. Robert Harris (Wanderin 4 Wheelers) stated that he agreed FWDV should invest in a property but was concerned about FWDV independence when decision making about issues pertaining to the facility and felt there was a risk in having other member clubs having proportionate ownership of a building. AG agreed that proportionate ownership would be a risk and explained that Terms of Reference to ownership and the rules relating a percentage of ownership need to be drawn up and that more research is needed to determine whether an ownership by a percentage was risk averse enough for FWDV or even in fact necessary.

3.3.8. Lynn Fields (Yarraman) asked the question about what would be a minimum amount a club could provide to be a part of this investment, AG answered this situation has not been considered as yet; but small amounts of say $2,000.00 would not be preferred.

3.3.9.EB announced that this is stage 2 of the exercise and that the Board is looking for collective agreement about investing our money, “are we on the right track” “is this the right thing to do”. The board is not considering purchasing anything yet, we are not seeking a vote on any of this yet. EB discussed the investment strategy with Michael Coldham (ex FWDV President and Real Estate Solicitor) who advised not to get involved in Joint Ventures.

3.3.10. EB also stated that the money belongs to FWDV, the clubs are FWDV, there are 88 clubs affiliated with FWDV who equally have a say in what is to be the final outcome. The board is not about to put the cash reserves at risk.

3.3.11. EB stated that there are other options to the initiative, LROC have indicated a desire to part of the initiative and that could be to buy two small buildings side by side which we could join together. FWDV own one and LROC own the other each having 100% independent ownership

3.3.12. Going forward we will be looking at buying a property next year and hoping to have the entire matter resolved by no later than mid next year.

3.3.13. At the next Presidents meeting we will present answers to your questions of this day and discuss some history of how the Govt and FWDV created the relationship we have today.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

4.1. Phill Leach (Offpeak) thanked the board for a well researched and informative presentation and asked the following questions

1 Where is the benefit to the grass roots members in this proposal?

2 What is the cost of running the organisation now and what would be the costs if we had a building?

3 What happens to the assets of FWDV if the organisation fell over, there is no mention of that in the risk analysis?

4 The membership of FWDV Clubs collectively is around 4,500 members for the last 3 5 years. Phil stated that after a discussion with a colleague it was reported that the manufacture and sale of 4x4 vehicles has increased substantially i.e., some 30,000 Rangers, and 10,000 Everests are currently on order. What Phill is saying is that some 40,000 cars are currently hitting the market yet the membership of FWDV is not increasing. The question being asked is “What is the Strategy of FWDV to increase membership and what other services could be on offer” given a zero growth; would the building initiative work or not?

5 Phil further discussed hypothetical costs of the organisation per member per year would be ‘X’ the costs of running the organisation per member per year would be an increase of ‘Y’. What is the benefit of that increased costs to the grass roots members? He stated quite clearly that he is open as to whether FWDV buy a building or not.

6 FWDV is the ‘Gold’ standard and we need to keep that brand and standard out there.

4.2. EB replied by answering the questions as follows;

Question 1, This is a very difficult question to answer, however, an answer will be provided at the next Presidents meeting.

Question 2 AG stated that some of that answer is already in the numbers provided, however, an answer will be provided at the next Presidents meeting.

Question 3 The constitution states what happens if the organisation folds.

Question 4 Is a very complex question to answer, however, an analogy of other manufacturing organisations in the same situation has not shown an increase in grass roots membership but a massive increase in manufacturing and retail sales. People bought their wares but didn’t join clubs. This question needs further research.

Question 5 What would the benefit of the increased cost in running FWDV be to the grass roots members if a building was purchased? Our intention is to purchase a building and provide commercial leases for others therefore increasing our income therefore showing no increase in costs to members. (Post meeting note: This year saw no increase in fees due to the exceptional performance of the RTO)

Question 6 Agreed

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

4.3. Further discussion took place regarding subjects as follows; 4.3.1.Can rural club members use the facility for overnight stays when attending meetings? The answer put simply is yes.

4.3.2.Discussion ensued about young people joining clubs. WH advised a survey was undertaken recently as to why young people are averse to joining clubs and found social media and the current day culture of young people are not “club” orientated for 4x4 driving. Those interested in the vocation seek to organise themselves in less sophisticated arrangements such as social media.

4.3.3.Multiple club membership was discussed. The question asked is; “why some members who are members of multiple clubs need to pay the FWDV fee with each membership”

4.3.3.1. The answer is that most clubs do not give their membership list to FWDV and as a consequence FWDV cannot set up a data base with each and every member identified.

4.3.3.2. The corollary of this is that until clubs provide a membership list to FWDV then this situation will continue.

4.3.3.3. A clear solution to this issue is for the clubs to put forward a resolution to the AGM to amend the constitution for the clubs to provide a membership list therefore enabling FWDV to change the current arrangements with clubs, until that happens the dual membership multiple payments to FWDV will remain.

5. The chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the important information exchange that transpired this day.

The meeting was then closed at 11.30am

Next Presidents Day meeting will be scheduled 3 Months after the AGM at a day to be determined in March 2023.

FWDV Property Investment Business Case

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA

(Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Reg: A0013539S)

PRESIDENTS DAY - MEETING MINUTES

Saturday 6 August 2022 at 10.00am

Held at the Manningham Club

Copy of FWDV Property Business Cas