Subaru 4WD Club of Vic - April-May magazine

April - May 2020 (Issue 468)

Water Crossing Craig’s Hut Trip Labour Day Long Weekend.

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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. NOTE: DUE the CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, fees for 2020/21 will not be set or required until later in the year, date to be advised.

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) (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: $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 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

Trip & Social: Tim Folliard events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Editor: Damian Stock editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Venue coordinator: Mark Tyssen venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Resources: Bev Davison resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Membership: Martin Foot members@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT How is everyone coping with the restrictions imposed on all of us by the COVID-19 pandemic? As Martin will mention, the committee has continued to meet in a virtual manner to try to plot our way after the restrictions are eased. On May 12, some restrictions were eased, and there is some leeway in the conditions, if we all plan right, and act right. Talk with Tim if you have ideas.

We have received information from Four Wheel Drive Victoria that Parks Victoria, in conjunction with Victoria Police, will be ‘around’ to verify that Victorians comply with the restrictions. And verify they do; up till now, Victoria wide, around 8600 fines for non compliance to the restrictions have been dealt out, yet about only 170 fines have been paid. Compliance to the restrictions does not injure the back pocket.

When the restrictions are eased to the level that we are able to hold our first return general meeting at SCTC, to help provide a level of safe feeling for everyone, I will have (on loan from my place of work) a non-contact IR Temperature Probe. We anticipate everyone will do the right thing. We are even going to announce a surprise for the return to first general meeting at eased restrictions – more on that when we can set that return general meeting date.

At the beginning of this week, my wife decided that her rear left tyre on the 2014 Impreza needed to sample a 6mm drill bit into the middle of its tread, and to find out if 35km of driving would allow the tyre to still be plug repaired. NO was the answer, unfortunately. How unusual! Hahaha, as I predicted, a new tyre, at a cost of $102, was required. It was a first for the tyre dealer to have a drill bit to add to his collection, rather than standard screws and nails. Message – don’t continue to drive when the bottom part of tyre exhibits ‘flat’ indications or excessive contact with asphalt.

Anyway, it was while getting the new tyre fitted that I was made aware that vehicles with Club Permit plates are being targeted, and their occupants questioned as to how their trip fitted the initial 4 or now 5 criteria to be ‘out’, given they are driving a Club Permit plated vehicle, with log books immediately checked. Keep your log book up to date. The tyre dealer had seen a number of vehicles pulled over, questioned and appeared to be fined. Message here is - Beware those with Club Permit plated vehicles being driven during these COVID-19 restrictions.

On another front, Martin has been busy opening up the functionality of our Members section of our website, that of a Members Discussion Forum. Please have a look at it, leave a comment, bring up a topic, and lets meet in the Virtual World, without the webcam.

While we can’t meet in person, we could consider ‘Webex’ Video Conference virtual meetings, as these are currently free and can have up to 100 persons participating. As a Committee, that is what we have been using, instead of of newer products, such as Zoom (only free for 2 people for several hours, or 40 minutes for more than 2 people (currently unlimited—ed.). Our meetings have lasted up to 2 ½ hours, on Webex, for free and with good quality. Hopefully we won’t have to resort to this for our general meetings.

If you do manage to ‘get out’, stick to the tracks, stay safe, & observe the current restrictions.

Keep to the tracks, Mark Tyssen President, e: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au 5

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT Home Learning I found a couple of old 4WD videos posted on Youtube. I was thinking of running them at a club meeting for some discussion on the driving and recovery techniques ,but here they are for some home learning; or just watching some sensible four wheel driving around Australia. Judging by the vehicles Landcruiser 40 shorties, 45 utes with square headlight bezels, 60 series wagons and the early HiLux, the videos date from the early 1980's. Back in those days Toyota 4WDs were imported to Australia through a distributor called Theiss (a construction company).

There is some really great Australian scenery, it would have been a fun film shoot. The track conditions seem the same today. The then standard equipment narrow bar treads look like WW11 Jeep tyres showing how much off-road tyres have changed. These vehicles all seem stock though a few have the optional PTO winch.

Compare the driving and recovery techniques of 40 years ago and do they still apply with modern vehicles? If you want to comment, please send them through to me initially and I will compile them for the next newsletter.

Video 1 (12 minutes) starts of as a bit of an advertisement but quickly rocky terrain, water crossings and slopes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz0hN05GyLQ Video 2 (13.5 minutes) covers sand driving (Moreton Island), snow (Alpine) and some serious mud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2rWt9M1q8 Tim Folliard Vice President, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE With the current restrictions we can’t quite get back to a full magazine, with meeting and trip planning included. We do, however have another member’s drive article this month, together with a trip report for the last club trip before the restrictions came in. Hopefully we will be back to something approaching normal next month. In the meantime, if you would like to have your cars, both current and past, featured in the magazine just send me some photos and accompanying text.

Damian Stock The deadline for submissions for the next edition is:

Friday, June 19th, 2020 Email editor: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au 6

SECRETARY’S REPORT Meetings and Events Your Committee of Four have met together on Zoom twice now during the coronavirus shutdown. We are planning the restart of activities as restrictions ease. As usual, Minutes of our meetings are available elsewhere in the magazine.

For the time being we cannot meet as a whole club, due to restrictions on numbers that can meet in a public place. Adding to this is the difficulty that Boroondara Council has closed the Camberwell South Tennis Clubrooms for the duration.

However, as from May 13, recreational activities are permitted and this includes 4WD day trips, so long as members are back home on the same day. A maximum of 10 participants can attend an activity.

However, it is feasible to split a proposed trip into two convoys if it’s really popular. So check the Trip & Social report for news and if you have an idea for a trip, let Tim know. This includes social events.

Membership Renewals and Fees Usually the business at the April Meeting includes deciding on the amounts for 2020/21 members' fees.

We have recently been advised by FWDV that they will not require payment of their levy until 30 November. As our fees are largely made up of the levy and we have adequate reserves to cover any outgoings, there seems no need to determine or collect any fees at this time. This can be left until the club resumes normal activities, hopefully at the latest by September or October.

As a result, all memberships will remain current and financial until further notice. The fees for the remainder of the 2020/21 year will be reviewed when normal activities resume.

Meantime, the Committee will continue to provide regular reports on the club's finances.

AGM The club’s Annual General Meeting is normally held in August each year, immediately following the August General Meeting. However, as we may not be able to meet by then, it may have to be deferred. It can be held as late as November 30, but the current feeling of the Committee is that we will call it for a month after we are allowed to resume meetings. So for example, if we hold a September General Meeting as our first time back, the AGM would be held with the October General Meeting.

We’ll keep you posted.

Martin Foot Secretary, e: secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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TREASURER’S REPORT MARCH - APRIL 2020 Date 1/03/2020

Description

Debit

Credit

Opening Balance @ 1 March 2020

Balance $3,690.12

Income: Nil

$0.00

Total Income

$0.00

$3,690.12

Expenses: 4/03/2020 27/03/2020

Four Wheel Drive

208.00

Post Office Box Annual Rental

134.00

Optus Mnthly Sat phone service fee

15.00 357.00

1/04/2020

Closing Balance at 31 March 2020

$3,333.12

Opening Balance @1 April 2020

$3,333.12

Income: Nil

$0.00

Total Income

$0.00

$3,333.12

Expenses: 14/04/2020

C & D Trophies Inv. 00022034 Name badges

71.00

27/04/2020

Optus Mnthly Sat phone service fee

15.00 86.00

Closing Balance at 31 April 2020

$3,247.12

NOTE: 1. Term Deposit of $8,178 (this includes interest accrued) matures on 10 April, 2020.

Angela Bombardieri Treasurer, e: treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au 8

TRIP AND SOCIAL I was about to write all trips are currently postponed but the recent lifting of some restrictions allows us to run day trips with up to 10 participants (social distancing).

After May 31 it may be possible to add some weekend trips, even a snow trip. Four Wheel Drive Victoira has emailed the committee requesting no applications for Mt Skene permits until the restrictions are lifted.

I hope the Border Track may be an option later in the year which was very well subscribed as well as the Walhalla/Woods Point/Marysville trip. There is also the Cup Day long weekend to plan for.

Looking at the Litchfield in the Northern Territory on the weekend and some U.S. states, once the restrictions lift there may be a rush to get to some of the National Parks, start camping and head bush for the weekend.

Keep thinking of trip ideas, even if these need to be in 2021 or beyond.

Tim Folliard, Trip & Social Coordinator e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

More details on all club 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.

Otways State Forest Day Trip When: Sunday, May 31st, 2020

Reply by: May 27th, 2020

Location: Angelsea Heath/Otways National Park Difficulty: Rated Medium in dry (Mixture of sand but can be muddy/slippery in wet) Contact: Tim Folliard Details: Start 9am Winchelsea Finish by 4pm Angelsea Successfully run previously with Foresters.

Limit 10 people per convoy

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VENUE REPORT GENERAL MEETING—TBA DATE: Last Tuesday of the month, (post COVID-19 restrictions), at 8pm.

VENUE: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris.

DOOR PRIZE: Come along to win a special door prize at each month's meeting.

PRESENTATION: Our next meeting will probably be full of stories, from our time in isolation, followed by planning discussions for where we can head to in the future.

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.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR FOR 2020 - UPCOMING PROFICIENCY COURSES: The association’s training courses have been postponed until the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Course details will be available on the association web site, as below, when they become available again.

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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MEMBER’S DRIVES My 2016 Outback Premium 2.0D

By Peter Kakalias

Growing up, I used to hang out for dad to take me to the International Motor Show. Cars, cars & more cars.

The first car I learned to drive was dad's Holden Kingswood. Contessa Gold was the colour.

Trimatic column shift, 4.2L V8; lots of things were ‘learned’ in that car. You’d be surprised at how many people you can fit in that thing, especially with a bench seat at the front. The next car I drove (and supposedly blew up) was my sister’s Holden Gemini. Not one panel was of the same colour. More money was spent filling it up will oil than on petrol. The nickname for her car was “the sex machine”. Only because every bump we’d go over, the car would squeak. Every time we’d break, it would squeak. We turned the corner, it would squeak. Our favourite way to embarrass my sister was when we stopped at red lights, my friend and I would rock in our seats and the car would squeak. The pedestrians would look and have a laugh because it sounded like we were being up to no-good in the back. I had a strong attachment to both of these cars, they hold lots of great memories. But, it was time to buy my own. My first car was a 1994 Mazda 323 Astina. 1.8 5sp manual. Boy did she serve me well. Trust me, the amount of photographic gear that ‘fit’ in the car (playing Tetris as a teenager really did help). A few tweaks to the motor and suspension, and she was my little go cart. Wasn’t the fastest thing going around, but was very fun to drive. Kept her 'til she could no longer go any further. January 7th 2019 - 498,563kms.

May she Rest in Peace.

Before she gave up the ghost, I was searching for a replacement that could go anywhere I “needed” to go for work purposes. Everything from interstate & country runs, through forests, to the local cafe. So I needed something that I could load up, and not worry about how I would get to the destination. The inner boy in me came out. Just another excuse to look at cars. A few cars popped up on the list, but were quickly crossed off due to size, capability, reliability or cost.

I didn’t want a 4WD, as they are just too big for a daily. I needed a ‘wagon’ that could go places.

I’d always been a fan of Subaru.

Subaru Outback it is! Diesel for the kms and the weight in the back. Originally I was looking at a 2014 as that’s all my bank balance allowed, I was quickly talked out of it by Mentone Subaru.

Only because, hey, you read how long I kept my other one for. The 2015 had a few extra bells, whistles and most importantly, safety features.

Finally I decided on a car to purchase. The colour, year, fuel type, kms and cost all came into the picture. I had a job in Wangaratta for a couple days and happened to come across Subaru 11

MEMBER’S DRIVES CONT. Shepparton. They had exactly what I wanted. I took her for a drive and we instantly fell in love.

Seven days later, in 46 degree heat, I hopped on the train to Shepparton to pick her up.

Meet Sooki. 2016 Tungsten Gold, 2.0D Outback Premium.

I think the first thing I did when I purchased the car was go to on Facebook & Instagram and did some extra research. How can I customise my car for what I need? Oh boy, was that a ‘mistake’. I found the Subaru Outback Owners Australia page, and I caught ‘the bug’. I didn’t think I would catch it, especially so quickly. The travel and explore bug. And so the modifications started.

Springs and lighting upgrades. I then came across this club online that changed my life even further: Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria. Best thing I have done. Likeminded and knowledgeable members that gave some handy advice. I’ve since completed my Certificate “Proficiency in 4WD” and First Aid Course. Since I've caught you wondering, yes, Sooki has her own Instagram account: @78.22.78_outback

Modifications: SubieLift Oz 2” lift Ungraded rear springs (Pedders) Bash Plates - Road Less Travelled Underbody Protection 17” Motegi MR118 coupled with Pirelli Scorpion Plus AT’s - Bob Jane ECB nudge bar - MRT Performance Stedi ST3303 21” LED Bar Iroad x9 Dash Cam (I don’t recommend if you have Apple products) - JR Audio Sound Mongoose VT900 Vehicle Tracker with dial in kill switch (due to my camera gear) - JR Audio Sound All globes upgraded to LED (except indicators) - blingwork auto lighting 12

MEMBER’S DRIVES CONT. Interior lights added to tailgate - JR Audio Sound Tinted Windows - Happy Tint Dual battery system (removable) - JR Audio Sound Anderson Plugs Thule bike holders Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform & accessories (for all those planned trips) - Roof Rack Superstore

Upcoming mods: Currently designing & building a removable plyboard base for fridge slide (courtesy of Ironman 4x4) and an ARB roller floor.

Built In GME UHF Radio

One more thing I’d love to buy, is a 2nd Gen Subaru Impreza WRX GG Wagon. Yes, the bug-eye WRX. There’s that inner boy racer coming out again. Doesn’t have to be the STi, as long as its bugeye, it's a wagon and manual. The ultimate weekender. A bit of zip, and a room in the back for a doggo (still to come). Below is a fine specimen found on Instagram @keegan.gg

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TRIP REPORTS Craig’s Hut Labour Day Weekend Trip Sat 7 March – Mon 9 March, 2020

By Nick and Deb Leask Saturday Well before COVID-19 was a thing, the club had arranged a trip to the Craig’s Hut area over the Labour Day long weekend. It was a sunny Saturday morning. Nick and Deb arrived first, well before the agreed meet-up time of 10:30am and went for a stroll through the Mansfield Botanical park. Members slowly trickled in and we had a huddle over a collection of members maps to agree the route we would take to King Hut where we planned to set up base camp. David Wilson had sent a message saying he would join

up with us later in the day.

With Rick leading the way, we left in convoy travelling out of Mansfield towards Mounts Buller & Stirling.

On the way we passed through Merrijig which was holding a rodeo over the weekend and probably accounted for the unusual volume of utes, swags, and Akubra’s we saw around Mansfield.

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TRIP REPORTS CONT. At Mirimbah we encountered the Mount Buller entrance toll booths and just beyond turned off onto Mount Stirling Road. We pulled off the road, or into the carpark to pressured down our tyres, ready for adventure. The road was good quality gravel – obviously made so 2WD cars could easily get up the mountain to the Mount Stirling management centre and café at Telephone Box Junction. Veering off to the left at Telephone Box Junction, we continued onto Circuit Road. We continued on this road for approximately 25 kilometres Stopped on Speculation Track for a quick before turning left onto Speculation Track. It was obvious that the cuppa roads had be recently graded as they posed little challenge. Turning left onto King Basin Road led us to the King Hut campsite.

After having a look around and much discussion, the majority of the group setup on an area previously reserved for campers with horses.

We found there was quite a lot of wasps around as well as cow manure. Apparently, cows don’t understand the boundaries and the rangers did come by and gave them a stern talking Camp set up to. Nick and Deb setup a large communal event shelter adjacent to the hut, just in case the weather turned. Tim, being solo on this trip, decided he would sleep in this car.

After David, Anthony and Justin arrived and setup camp, we agreed that the large fire pit in front of the hut was well positioned for our group’s evening campfires.

King hut

The first trip proposed for the weekend was an afternoon out-andback to take a look at the Pineapple Flat camping ground. This looked like a trip that could reasonably be achieved in the time remaining that afternoon and included a number of, what were expected to be, quite challenging water crossings, which would need to be forded in both directions. David and his boys stayed behind to set up their camp and relax for the afternoon.

Given the water crossings involved, Bob decided to ride with Peter Devine to avoid flooding engine through the low-mounted air intake on his Forester. Peter Devine and the Leask’s prepared tarpaulins ready to tie over the radiator of their cars to act as a “water dam” in the event that the crossings were really deep.

The trip to Pineapple Flat ultimately involved 5 water crossings, some as deep as about 600mm. Bob took on the adventurous and very useful role of wading and measuring each crossing before cars ventured in.

By the end of the day, the waterline on Bob’s clothing would have suggested that one of the rivers was 15

TRIP REPORTS CONT. more like 1500mm deep (thanks for taking that fall for the team, Bob!).

Everyone took the trip and crossings nice and easy, and we didn’t encounter any significant problems.

There was, however a little bit of a queue of other 4WDers and dirt bike riders making the same trip. The bikers didn’t fare so well; getting soaked, stalling or drowning their bikes in the relatively deep waters.

Crowds gathered at each crossing to watch the fording vehicular antics, and were seemingly pretty fascinated with the Subarus following through where only “proper” 4WDs dare to pass.

Back at camp everyone was pretty upbeat about the days activities, and we settled into dinner and some drinks around the camp fire. Justin used his new Swedish fire steel to kindle the fire, and everyone staked out a spot around the fire for the evening. Rick continued to throw larger and larger logs on over the evening, because a campfire can never be too big (within defined campsite regulations!)

We chatted with the group camped next to us, who had been keenly watching our Subarus crossing the stream. One guy, Gary, owns an XV and is really keen to take it off-road, while his mate Craig is a service manager at Melbourne Subaru dealership. They were really interested in the modifications done to our vehicles and to see their capabilities.

Sunday Sunday started with a leisurely breakfast before we got ready to brief for the day’s adventures. Plans included; a morning trip to the very well-known high country destination Craig’s Hut – about 28KM return, followed by an afternoon trip to Lake Cobbler, including checking out the area-previously-known-as-thestaircase, then looping back to camp via Little Cobbler Track - about a 32KM circuit.

The morning was somewhat overcast, with a forecast for some rain in the early afternoon. Most of the trip to Craig’s Hut was along Speculation Track, which we had driven to get to the campsite on the previous day. It was a simple drive with little traffic and a top quality graded dirt road. Once we turned off to ascend to Craig’s Hut the road became very narrow and a little steeper and rougher. This road was posted as 4WD only. There is a carpark located on the Circuit Road for 2WD cars with a walking track up to the hut.

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TRIP REPORTS CONT. We parked our Subarus in a row in the carpark, under the interested gaze of a handful of larger 4WD groups, and setoff across the heath to check out the vista and the hut. The view was good, but would be better on a day where the weather allowed greater visibility.

A large number of people started arriving to eat lunch at the top of the mountain, just about the time we began to mobilise for the trip The Subaru line-up back to camp. In planning the home leg, David, Fred and Peter L. decided to check an alternative route to see if it would be suitable for a future club trip. So, we headed back down the narrow track, dodging the oncoming Jeeps and the like, whilst David, Fred and Peter went back the opposite way, down Monument Track where they had to dodge the horse traffic.

The Kosters at Craig’s Hut

Lunch was prepared back at the King Hut campsite. In the very early afternoon, the clouds came quickly over the mountains and rain set in. Just a little to start with, but it built quickly into a torrent. The rain pounded our campsite for a little over an hour, everyone headed for cover in their cars, tents or the large communal shelter. When the clouds finally moved on, the campsite was soaked, with runoff between the tents pooling into large puddles and turning half of the road into a river. Rick was enjoying his new ‘lakeside’ vista!

Bob had to leave early due to other commitments and is forced to decamp in the pouring rain. Sorry Bob, that looked really difficult and uncomfortable!

Once the rain had passed and lunch consumed, the remaining campers set off for our planned Cobbler Lake loop. We headed out of camp towards the lake in an anti-clockwise loop, Cobbler Lake Track à Lake Cobbler and returning Cobbler Lake Road à Little Cobbler Track à King Hut. Trip members familiar with “The Staircase” on Cobbler Lake Track were a little saddened by the relative lack of challenge in getting to the lake since the rocks had been removed with dynamite sometime around 2013. Rubble lined the track in several areas as testament to the amount of surface removed to smooth the track to its current state.

We had to ford an irregular pool of water to get to the Lake Cobbler carpark and camping area. At the lake we went for a walk and took some photos, and searched for a walking track that some maps showed as winding down to the top of the Dandongadale Falls. After a quick walk-about we weren’t convinced we had found the formal trail, and decided it was safer to return to the cars and drive to a spot where we could see the falls across the valley.

Exiting the carpark back across the muddy pool, we headed around onto Cobbler Lake Road, stopping on a sharp right-hand turn in the road to take a look at the waterfall. Amazingly after the rain in the middle of the day, we were treated to views, not only of Dandongadale Falls, but around 4 other falls cascading down the western side of the valley, which run down from Mount Cobbler.

Continuing on, we completed the loop back to camp. Driving in the mountains after the lunch-time rains, 17

TRIP REPORTS CONT. the state of the tracks was really interesting, as the eastern side of Mount Cobbler was bone dry, whilst the western side was running with water and axle deep mud.

On the way back to camp, Nick and Deb managed to collect a large rock on the CVT guard, which bent the mounting bracket and created a lot of nasty noise in the cabin, caused by the plate rubbing on the exhaust. Once back in camp this plate was inspected and ultimately removed by David.

Arriving back at camp, all the cars were caked in mud.

Dents in the armour

We each made our supper and settled around a roaring campfire in the evening.

Fortunately, we had had the foresight to shelter our firewood from the earlier rain. A couple of hikers were sheltering in the hut, trying to dry out their gear, came and joined us around the fire. Many stories were shared well into the night as well as night sky gazing to spot satellites.

Monday Both Peters were up early to decamp. The rest of us remaining had a leisurely breakfast while we waited for the sun to rise and properly dry out our gear before packing up. Leaving late morning, we traced our route back to Mount Stirling carpark to pressure up the tyres. What a great weekend!

Attending Members David Wilson, Anthony & Justin

Tim Folliard

Nick & Deb Leask

Rick Koster & Josh Koster

Fred Koster

Peter Devine

Robert (Bob) Townsend

Peter Landouris

Fred was already planning for the next trip!

BUY IT AND SELL IT HERE 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 18

MINUTES Committee Meeting Minutes (I) (abridged) Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. held online on Tuesday, 14 April 2020, commencing at 7:59pm, using Webex conferencing software.

1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Tim Folliard, Angela Bombardieri 2. Apologies: Nil. 3. Visitors: Nil. 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved with all committee members present.

5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1 Minutes of the meeting of Committee members held on 3 March 2020 were accepted as a true record without amendment. Moved Mark Tyssen, seconded by Angela Bombardieri, CARRIED. 5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes: Nil. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In FWDV: 11/3 16/3 18/3 20/3 24/3 General: 5/3 6/3 on 8/3 11/3 22/3 on 24/3 various 30/3 31/3 4/4 6.2 Out: 3/3 4/3 5/3 11/3 on 22/3 on 24/3 on 26/3 30/3 on 3/3 4/4 5/4

Wayne Hevey - Media release from Board relating to new President Wayne Hevey - Members Update Day cancellation Wayne Hevey - Coronavirus position Wayne Hevey - Seasonal Road Closures – Notification from DELWP to FWDV Wayne Hevey – Bulletin re insurances and coronavirus Glenn Arkell – re Trip system queries various - items FS Phil Mattinson – promoting visiting Inverloch, staying at his AirBNB. Rodney, Wholesale Automatics – Transmission Temp gauge DIY kit Glen Arkell – re bulletin board software query Roger Church, Sec. CSTC – please call re hall usage at CSTC Spoof emails using mship@ and (from 27/3) members@subaru4wdvic.com.au Glen Arkell – re email being spoofed, checking Contacts page Bendigo Bank – statement available Pattison Subaru, Victoria, Canada – customer query (confusion re “Victoria”) Alison McLaughlin, FWDV (AB) – Membership Fees and updated list Membership (MF) – RSVP re FWDV Members Update meeting Glenn Arkell (MF) – Trip system queries various – re items FS Glenn Arkell (MF) – bulletin board software query Roger Church (by phone) – re CSTC closure, later re access for valuables Membership (MF) – Cancellation of March Meeting due to coronavirus Glenn Arkell (MF) – email being spoofed Industry mailing list – February magazine link Pattison Subaru, Victoria, Canada (MT) – love to help, wrong country!

Membership (MF) – March magazine distribution

6.3 Business Arising 6.3.1

Bulletin Board: Martin is investigating Kunena Forum, which Glenn Arkell has installed on website.

The intention is to keep it to members only. Tim showed examples of a successful public bulletin board. Numbers may be the key to success. Further report required.

6.3.2

Spoofing of emails: has continued despite change of membership email. Website Contact page is the likely source. Glenn and Martin have made modifications and conducted tests, hopefully now 19

OK. Although unwanted spam is likely to continue, our domain does not seem to be threatened.

Angela however, is still not receiving club email.

7. Reports 7.1 Resources Bev Davison has confirmed orders with members, but will not place the order until meetings resume.

ACTION: Relevant members to be notified.

7.2 Trip and Social.

All trips now SUSPENDED due to the coronavirus pandemic. ACTION: Tim to confirm with Nick and Deb Leask re their proposed May trip.

7.3 Venue The March 2020 General Meeting at Ringwood Trade Training Facility was cancelled on advice from David Wilson. The alternative venue at CSTC was also not available, as advice was received from CSTC Secretary Roger Church that the building would be locked down for the foreseeable future by order of Boroondara Council. Mark retrieved certain valuable items from store, including the cashbox, the projector and screen. Members were informed on 26 March.

April Meeting: Due to the extension of Stage 3 restrictions by the Victorian government to 10 May, there will be no general meeting in April. ACTION: Members to be advised. Future meetings are dependent on the lifting of restrictions on gatherings by government and the reopening of the clubrooms by Council.

7.4 Membership: Membership Fees: Fees are normally set by members at the April General Meeting, following a recommendation by Committee. Committee’s position is that the fees should not change (see previous Minutes). As there will be no April meeting, it is unclear whether current rates can be assumed to apply to 2020/21 or whether a poll of members could be held. ACTION: Martin to contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice and report back.

7.5 Editor Next magazine. As there are no meetings currently, the magazine can be produced at any time as required. Subject to discussion with Damian, it was felt that the next magazine could be combined for April and May and come out mid-May. Any more urgent communications can be sent as a bulletin directly to members. Consequently the current deadline can be reset.

Members Drives articles should continue, focussing on the newer members. ACTION: Martin to compile a template and advise Damian.

Social media: Concern was expressed that the Facebook page is not being renewed frequently enough to maintain public interest in the club. ACTION: For further discussion with Damian. [carried forward] Advertising: Volksbaru yet to receive invoice for advertising.

Martin yet to discuss advertising with Subaxtreme.

Mark yet to investigate possible advertising with wreckers: Subaru Heaven, Subabits, SubaRoos Burwood. [carried forward] Magazine format. A suggestion has been put by a member that the magazine adopt a new paperless format more suitable for hand-held devices and that she would be prepared to do some work on this. ACTION: Martin to follow up and suggest that a proposal be put to Committee for consideration. [on hold] 7.6 Treasurer Bank Balance: $3333 as at 1 April 2020.

Recent Payments: C&D Trophy for badges failed to go through. ACTION: Angela to retry.

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Investment account: Matured 10 April 2020, Angela has rolled it over for 7 months at 1.3%. [carried forward] Asset list to be updated. Sign-off book to be kept at meeting hall. ACTION: Angela to check with Committee members re specific items.

7.7 Secretary Annual Club Awards: Silver Socket Award completed, to be delivered to Nick and Deb Leask. ACTION: Mark

7.8 Vice-President No report, other than disappointment at having to cancel the Border Track trip, which had had a strong response from members.

7.9 President No report.

8. Priorities and Planning 8.1 By-Laws: No new activity to report since the last Committee meeting. [carried over] It was noted that the By-Laws would in time consist of the Trip section and other sections that are still being worked on. ACTIONS: Martin to continue to draft Code of Conduct section.

Mark to continue to draft Roles and Responsibilities section.

9.General Business: There was no general business.

10. Next Meeting: Tuesday, 12 May 2020, at 7:30pm, online. ACTION: Mark to issue meeting invitations.

11. Meeting closed at 9:43pm.

Committee Meeting Minutes (II) (abridged) Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. held online on Tuesday, 12 May 2020, commencing at 8:15pm, using Webex conferencing software.

1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Tim Folliard, Angela Bombardieri 2. Apologies: Nil. 3. Visitors: Damian Stock (from 8:30 – 9:20pm) 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved with all committee members present.

5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1 Minutes of the meeting of Committee members held on 14 April 2020 were accepted as a true record without amendment. Moved Mark Tyssen, seconded by Tim Folliard, CARRIED. 5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes: Nil. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In: via Post Box and “by hand”: 23/4 Bendigo Bank – various bank statements (3) 23/4 Land Rover Club of Victoria magazine via email: FWDV: 21

17/4 Wayne Hevey – Preliminary Advice – FWDV membership renewal 2020-21 4/5 Alison Mclaughlin – Mt Skene permit scheme 4/5 Wayne Hevey – Rural Response Group General: 30/4 Bendigo Bank – Statement available 15/4 Damian Stock – Magazine, FB, etc 1/5 AuHost4u – webhosting invoice 2020-21 8/5 AuHost4u – payment confirmation 6.2 Out: 23/4 Membership (MF) – Notice of cancellation of April Meeting 7/5 Committee (MF) – Notice and Agenda for Meeting 14 May 9/5 Volksbaru (MF) – Sponsorship / advertising invoice 6.3 Business Arising: Nil. 7. Reports 7.1 Resources No report. [carried over] Bev Davison has confirmed orders with members, but will not place the order until meetings resume. ACTION: Relevant members to be notified.

7.2 Trip and Social.

Tim had spoken with Nick and Deb Leask re cancellation of their proposed May trip.

With pandemic restrictions being relaxed by the State government for the remainder of May, it is permissible for day trips to be run. However, a limit of 10 participants applies.

Tim proposed an Otways trip of easy to medium difficulty to be held on Sunday, May 31 and promoted to members by means of a broadcast. ACTION: Tim Queen’s Birthday has no scheduled trips at this stage, but it is possible that further relaxation of restrictions by the government may allow overnight camping and hence trips extending over several days. With this in mind, Nick and Deb Leask may be prepared to reschedule their May trip, pending confirmation. ACTION Tim to enquire.

Further day trips into June and July are required to keep up the momentum. Mark had proposed a Bike trip for mid-May, this could perhaps be rescheduled to mid-June. ACTION: Mark 7.3 Venue May General Meeting: As it is still not permissible to hold an indoor meeting of more than 10 people, there will be no general meeting in May. ACTION: Members to be advised Future meetings are dependent on the lifting of restrictions on gatherings by government and the reopening of the clubrooms by Council.

Online General Meetings were considered. It was decided not to pursue this option, due to the number of people attending and the resulting difficulty of hosting the meeting, with everyone talking at once. Instead, the Kunena Forum should be promoted as a way of encouraging communication among members.

7.4 Membership: Membership Fees: Having had advice from Four Wheel Drive Victoria that they would not require payment of levies until November 30, it was resolved that the club would not set its fees for 2020/21 until such time as it was possible to convene a general Meeting of members to consider and decide the amounts. All members would continue as current and financial until that stage. Moved Tim, seconded Mark, CARRIED. Bulletin Board: Committee has been trialling the Kunena Forum on the existing website. Following discussion, it was decided to add four more categories covering Trips, Vehicle mods, Camping gear and General chat at this stage and open the forum to members. ACTION: Martin 7.5 Editor. Damian Stock joined the meeting for this discussion.

Next magazine. It was confirmed that the next magazine, to be designated “April/May 2020”, would be distributed in the normal May timeframe, ie deadline Friday, May 15 and distribution May 21. Damian 22

has a trip report for the Craig’s Hut Labour Day and a members Drive article in hand.

Social media: It was noted that there hasn’t been any new material provided for or posted on FB since February. He needs mainly action photos from past trips or short, finished videos to be uploaded. In general, he does not have the time or technology to edit videos himself. He also has difficulty with “HEIF” images sent to him directly from recent Apple devices. Martin has photos from club trips going back over the past decade or so that may be useful. ACTION: Martin to locate and send to Damian. [carried over] Advertising: Martin yet to discuss advertising with Subaxtreme.

Mark yet to investigate possible advertising with wreckers: Subaru Heaven, Subabits, SubaRoos Burwood. [carried over] Magazine format. A suggestion has been put by a member that the magazine adopt a new paperless format more suitable for hand-held devices and that she would be prepared to do some work on this. ACTION: Martin to follow up and suggest that a proposal be put to Committee for consideration. [on hold] 7.6 Treasurer Bank Balance: $3,247.

Recent Payments: C&D Trophy (for badges) has successfully been paid. Post Office Box renewal paid by cheque for $134.

Invoices in hand: Account for web hosting ($50) paid by Martin for reimbursement.

Investment account: Matured 10 April 2020, Angela has rolled it over for 7 months at 1.3%. Current balance $8,207. [carried forward] Asset list to be updated. Sign-off book to be kept at meeting hall. ACTION: Angela to check with Committee members re specific items.

7.7 Secretary AGM: It may need to be delayed from the usual August date, depending on pandemic restrictions. If so, it can be held legally as late as November. There was general agreement that it should be held with the second general meeting of 2020/21 (providing that occurs by November).

7.8 Vice-President Discussion around recent correspondence from FWDV. 7.9 President Mark commented that whenever the first General Meeting is held, it should include another “Welcome Back” BBQ or similar social event.

8.0 Priorities and Planning 8.1

By-Laws: No new activity to report since the last Committee meeting. [carried over] It was noted that the By-Laws would in time consist of the Trip section and other sections that are still being worked on. ACTIONS: Martin to continue to draft Code of Conduct section.

Mark to continue to draft Roles and Responsibilities section.

9. General Business: There was no general business.

10. Next Meeting: Tuesday, 2 June 2020, at 7:30pm, online. ACTION: Mark to issue meeting invitations. Hopefully there will by then be further updates from the State government.

11. Meeting closed at 10:10pm.

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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.

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