Subaru 4WD Club - February 2017 magazine online version

February 2017 (Issue 433)

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A – 0006149J / FWDV Member

PO BOX 2456 Mount Waverley VIC 3149

www.subaru4wdvic.com.au

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|Page

C ON T E N T S Intro 4 Committee 5 From The President 6 Upcoming 7 Next Meeting – Tuesday 28th Feb @ 8pm 7 Trips and Social Events 8 Long Term Future Planning 10 Jamie’s Report 11 Bob and Ruth Receiving Life Membership 12 Trip and Recovery Gear 13 Catalytic Converters Article 14 Trip Summary 16 Buy and Sell 17 Member Items for Sale 17 Club Resources 19 Minutes 23 Editor Notes 31

3|Page

INTRO The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed 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 2016/17 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2015 and are as follows:

Member rates: Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110) Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125).

One off joining fee of $10 ($20 for Joint/Family) also applies All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $48

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: mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au

4|Page

COMMITTEE Dale Rebgetz (President)

president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Duncan McCrae (Vice President)

vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Peter Bellis (Secretary)

secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Bob Marshall (Treasurer)

treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Dan Conlon (OM: Editor)

editor@subaru4wdvic.com. au

Lee Wagner (OM: Social)

events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Jamie Scott (OM: Community)

js@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Meredith Dale (OM: Venue Coordinator)

venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Mike Dale (OM: Trip)

events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Edith Fullalove (OM)

5|Page

F R OM T HE P RE SI DE N T President’s Report: January Magazine Older members of the club will fondly remember ‘Buchan’, a nice open plain area in the Buchan Valley, right beside the Buchan River near Buchan. (Such originality of naming!) That bit of land was originally owned by a past member of the club and we were granted indefinite use of it. Many a club trip was based there, and in latter years we even constructed a substantial permanent shelter. Times change, owners change, and in 2014 our final visit there was to remove the shelter. This disassembled shelter has been kindly stored by Damian at his farm while we seek an alternate place to erect it. That alternative location has not been found; there must be many places we would be welcome but without local contacts they are not discoverable. So at our last committee meeting we agreed the only sensible option is to dispose of the shelter. That process is now under way. For me it is a sad closing of that chapter of the club’s history.

How often do those of us taking ‘soft roaders’ into difficult terrain get looked down upon by the ‘big boys’? Frequently. They don’t think our vehicles are capable of the challenge. Up to a point they are right. They typically can easily negotiate obstacles that we have to slowly and carefully work our way around or across. The thing is with care and skill, it is amazing the places one can take most vehicles that have a passably decent ground clearance. Think about our grandparents, the places they went, the vehicles they had, and the ‘roads’ they travelled on. By comparison we today are as soft as our vehicles. However, the real difference I see is that we are able to travel places with ease and comfort that they could only dream of; sometimes we add challenges for the fun of it – but we have choice, they did not.

My first vehicle was a Mini Moke – who remembers them – and the advertising slogan for them: “Moking is not a wealth hazard”? I really enjoyed that vehicle – the big 13” wheel version. It was worn out but I kept it working good enough. I took it everywhere, or at least I tried to. It taught me the limits of what was possible in a front wheel drive vehicle. A not-so-fond memory is spending half a day extracting myself from a bog – solo – with zero recovery gear! I still hate mud!

Just the other day there was a Facebook post asking about who has had a drink at Mount Dare. For those who don’t know, Mount Dare is the last/first food and fuel opportunity on the western side of the Simpson Desert. There were many responses including some photos. I was thinking “been there, done that – a couple of times now – in a Subie!”, and was considering posting a matching photo – after all we have done it in soft roaders that supposedly should not be there. However, as I scrolled through

6|Page

the responses my eye caught a photo of three Mokes parked outside the pub – in May last year. It turns out these guys had intended to cross the Simpson (without support) in those (well prepared) Mokes, but were foiled by the torrential rain that came before they could even start. They hope to try again in a year or two. I expect they will succeed, but comparing it to our achievements, we are doing it soft in our soft roaders.

Don’t forget, next Tuesday is our photo competition. It is most enjoyable seeing the great photos that are submitted so be sure not to miss it – you can even vote for your own photos; you did submit them, didn’t you? See you there.

Dale Rebgetz President.

UPCOMING Next Meeting – Tuesday 28th Feb @ 8pm Date: Tuesday 28th February at 8pm.

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

At this month’s meeting we will be running our photo competition. Come along and join us and vote for your favourite snaps. If you wish to enter please do so quickly. See details later in the magazine.

Door Prize: Come along to win a special door prize at this month's meeting.

Meredith Dale.

Venue Coordinator

Photo Competition – CLOSED Our photo competition will once again be held at our February meeting this year.

Categories:

7|Page

Best Portrait (photo of a person) Best group photo Best landscape/nature scene Best close-up nature shot (Flower, animal, etc.)

Best Subaru action shot Funniest photo Members in attendance at the February meeting will be able to vote for the best photos.

Venue Coordinator Meredith Dale

Trips and Social Events We have a variety of trips coming up! With that we’d also like to remind you that if you want to get your name down on the list for a trip but maybe can’t make it to the meeting you are always welcome to contact the trip leader directly or contact events@subaru4wdvic.com.au.

As always, if you know a great location that you would love to lead a trip to (or even if you just want to suggest it) let us know, we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!!

Put up the suggestion and someone else might run it Put up the suggestion and ask for someone else who might want to co-lead it with you.

You might want it run it yourself and if it is your first time we will provide you with a trip mentor.

Tonimbuk When: Labour Day 11th to 13th of March Trip Leader: Jamie & Les | js@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Trip Standard: Social

and Medium

■

Fun and games. Interesting conversations around a camp fire. Buggy rides. Night drive and a range of 4WD tracks to suit.

Sweetwater Creek Nature Conservation Reserve When: 25th of March 2017.

8|Page

Trip leader: Mike Dale | events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Standard: Medium

■ to Difficult ♦

Day trip starting with breakfast at Willow Grove and finishing at Noojee or Nerim South

Pink Lakes: Murray-Sunset National Park When: Easter 14th to 17th of April 2017.

Trip leader: Mike Dale | events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Standard: Medium

■

Details: still to be confirmed, but looking like a standing camp (Lake Becking campground). Day drives around Murray-Sunset National Park to look at the other lakes and a walk to Mt Jess.

The Mt. Kosciusko and EPIC High Country Trip When: Saturday 29 April – Sunday 7 May 2017 Trip Leader: Stephen Whittaker | events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Rating: Difficult

♦ - Very Difficult ♦♦

Convoy Limit: 9 vehicles (potentially 10, TBC)

This 8-day ‘epic’ high country trip will be a challenging, but very spectacular, one – a fun, social, interesting and scenic trip. It will begin with a walk up Australia’s highest mountain; Mt Kosciuszko. This walk is optional – though we are taking the easier 3.5 hour return trip from Thredbo on the raised metal walkway which includes the chairlift – so it is suitable for walkers of all levels. Then, the trip will take on four wheel driving challenges tackling some iconic and special spots in Victoria’s high country, including: -

Mt Pinnibar Davies Plain The Poplars Buckwong Hut Omeo Dinner Plain Mt Hotham Blue Rag Range Track

9|Page

-

Mt Murphy Buckland Valley Lake Cobbler Craig’s Hut Wrens Flat And more…

More details to come in the lead up to the trip.

The Blue Mountains & Beyond When: Saturday 28th Oct - Tuesday 7th November 2017 (incorporates Melbourne Cup Long week-end) Trip Leader: Stephen Whittaker | events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Standard: Medium

■ to Difficult ♦

Convoy limit: 9 Vehicles potentially 10 TBC This extended trip will be a fantastic one for all involved – a fun, social, interesting and scenic trip. The main destination for the trip is the Blue Mountains, however, a number of iconic and scenic areas and touring sites will be incorporated into the journey there and back. Some of these include: -

Corin Forest (near Canberra) Many sites within the Blue Mountains Bathurst (Mount Panorama) – including a ‘Subaru hot lap’ Marrangaroo National Park Parkes (including CSIRO radio telescopes)

More details to come in the lead up to the trip.

Long Term Future Planning 2018

Tasmania – Hobart and the SE for 2 weeks in March – Jessica Walsh Mt Ives, Gawler Ranges/ Googs Track - Michael Dale

2019

Canning Stock Route 5wk Trip Simpson Desert – re-enactment of the 40th anniversary of the Club’s 1979 crossing from Macumba Station to Purine Bore

10 | P a g e

Social Events Welcome Back BBQ Tuesday the 31st of Jan We are planning some social events as well.

• • •

A social trip with a hot spud lunch at a bush location.

Navigation run in the Riddles Creek area Bike Ride to Warburton

Trip and Social Contacts • •

•

Trip Coordinator: Mike Dale Social Coordinator: Lee Wegner

events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

JAMIE’S REPORT

This month I have nothing to report; but next month, chocolates are coming for our fund raising – so get ready to buy up! Thanks, Jamie 11 | P a g e

BOB AND RUTH RECEIVING LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Congratulations Bob and Ruth

12 | P a g e

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 4WD’ing 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.

Personal details form as

5.

UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB

specified by FWDV, copy to

Radio. Ideally in car but hand

Trip Leader

held are ok provided

Two rated D- Shackles

sufficient battery(s) to last

(minimum 3.2t) 3.

Rated snatch strap

4.

Recovery Points, Front &

the trip.

6.

Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver

Rear; plus, optional bridle

7.

Spare Tyre (full size)

strap, according to vehicle

8.

Jack and wheel Brace, or

design;

equivalent

13 | P a g e

9.

Emergency Supplies

12. An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;

(matches, food, water and

13. A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible

clothing) 10. Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays 11. A Tyre Pressure Gauge;

shovels are no good) 14. Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip) 15. A Tool Kit

Compressor (according to the

16. Personal First Aid Kit

trip)

17. The 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.

C AT A L YT I C C O N VE RT E R S A RT I C LE Editor’s note: Originally from: http://www.specialtymetals.com/blog/2014/2/18/what-precious-metals-are-insidecatalytic-converters-and-what-are-they-worth and by Barry Lenson

What Precious Metals Are Inside Catalytic Converters and What Are They Worth?

If you have a quantity of 500 or more used automobile catalytic converters on hand, Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners is ready to recycle them for you and pay you top dollar for the platinum and other precious metals they contain.

Before you contact us or ship us used catalytic converters, you might want to take a few minutes to learn more about what catalytic converters are and how they work.

The more educated you are, the better you will understand why recycled catalytic converters can be so valuable.

Here’s a quick course…

What do they do? It’s simple. The exhaust that comes directly out of internal-combustion engines still contains quantities of unburned fuel, oil and other substances. Catalytic converters are small chambers where those unburned substances are combined with oxygen and burned more

14 | P a g e

completely. The result? The exhaust that flows away from the catalytic converter and out the tailpipe is much “cleaner” than what came out of the engine.

When did they start being widely used? It all started back in 1975, when the U.S. government began to regulate the pollutants produced by cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles.

Are they used on most kinds of internalcombustion engines? Yes, they are – you’ll find them on gas engines and diesel engines. You will not find them, however, on propane-powered engines or (of course) on electric cars. But guess what – hybrid gas/electric cars like the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt still use catalytic converters to reduce the emissions from the gas-burning part of the hybrid setup.

What metals do they contain? Platinum is the most widely used. You could also find palladium, rhodium, cerium, manganese, and nickel.

What Structures Are Inside a Catalytic Converter? Most of us know what the outside of catalytic converters looks like. But what’s inside? Basically, there’s a honeycomb-like structure where the secondary combustion takes place, triggered only by the high temperature of the exhaust gases that are leaving the engine.

Want to look?

Here’s an excellent YouTube video that lets you look inside one without getting your hands dirty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXchXMVteyk

15 | P a g e

TRIP SUMMARY Trip

Date

Next Meeting

Tuesday 28th

Leader(s)

South Camberwell Feb @ 8pm

Tennis Club, 332

Standard

Social

Bourke Road, Glen Iris

Social

Labour Day Tonimbuk

11th to 13th

Jamie & Les and

of March

Medium ■ Medium ■ Sweetwater Creek Nature

25th of

Conservation

March 2017.

to Mike Dale

Difficult ♦

Reserve

Pink Lakes:

Easter 14th

Murry-Sunset

to 17th of

National Park

April 2017.

Mike Dale

Medium ■

16 | P a g e

Difficult ♦ The Mt.

Saturday 29

Kosciusko and

April –

EPIC High

Sunday 7

Country Trip

May 2017

to Stephen Whittaker Very Difficult ♦♦

Medium ■

Saturday The Blue

28th Oct -

Mountains &

Tuesday 7th

Beyond

November

Stephen Whittaker

2017

to Difficult ♦

B U Y AN D S E LL Member Items for Sale Editor’s note: if you have anything listed for sale which has been sold please remember to let us know at editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Oztent Foxwing Awning - BRAND NEW, NEVER USED. Details: Left hand side, comes with poles, ropes, pegs etc including roof bar fittings.

Two awnings and tapered. Zip extensions allows you to join the two walls together to create an enclosed area. Also includes Floor Saver, this mesh floor covers the whole Fox Wing area.

Cost: $800.00 Contact: Duncan, vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: 1991 L series GL wagon Details: My father's 1991 L series GL wagon. 235000 gentle kms, none off road.

Auto. Burgundy. ETZ424.

Cost: $250 ONO Contact Rob Boykett, boykett1@gmail.com, 0424211748 Item: Protective mat for rear cargo area of a Forester Details: Fits Forester SH (Gen 3, 2008 - 2012). Protects cloth surface from dirt,

17 | P a g e

spillages, tears, etc. Coated foam type with surrounding lip. Black. VGC. Cost: $20 Contact Martin Foot, mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Milford Cargo Barrier for Forester SH Details: Fits Forester without sunroof (P/N 705400). Grey colour. Requires fitting kit (not supplied) to be installed in the car. VGC. Cost: $30 Contact Martin Foot, mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Forester Aluminium Bash Plates Details: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium Cost: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged.

Contact: David Wilson, dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au, 0429 942 724 Item: Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model Cost: $120.00 ONO Contact: David Wilson, dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Roof console to hold CB and lights and switches for Outback Cost: $100.00 Contact: David Wilson, dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Item: Vic blue and white standard number plates in as new condition 1XV4US Cost: $400.00 ONO Contact: Jenny, 0417369405 Item: number plate SUBARU Can be re-issued in any custom design via the Vic Roads website (see link below) if a different colour or style is preferred: https://www.vplates.com.au/index.php?page=customise-plate Cost: negotiable, but realistic offers between $3,500 to $6,000 Contact: Richard, 0414 737 333 Item: STi Intercooler.

Details: Excellent condition, apart from slight dent on side (pictured). Came as spare parts when I purchased my 2007 Forester. Will fit most Turbo Subies.

Cost: $250 Contact: dgreenall79@gmail.com

18 | P a g e

Item: STi Exhaust system Details: STi Exhaust system. Everything you need to give your Suby the perrrr it deserves! Very clean, no dents, minor scuffs, Stainless steel. Everything from the Manifold back to the chrome STi stamped tip!!

Cost: Make me an offer!!!

Contact: dgreenall79@gmail.com

Want to sell something Subaru/off-road related? Contact editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au The club makes this space available free of charge to members wishing to buy or sell items. Please note that the Motor Car Trader Regulations 1998-22(4) require that vehicles for sale advertisements must contain: (a) the cash price of the vehicle and; (b) the registration number if registered or the engine/chassis numbers if unregistered.

Club Resources

19 | P a g e

20 | P a g e

21 | P a g e

22 | P a g e

Resources Officer Dale Rebgetz Email: resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au

M IN U T E S Committee Meeting Minutes Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Saturday 11th February 2017 at the home of Jamie Scott starting at 10:20am.

23 | P a g e

1.

Present Jamie Scott, Dale Rebgetz, Peter Bellis, Lee Wegner, Meredith Dale, Edith Fullalove, Michael Dale.

2.

Apologies Bob Marshall, Dan Conlon, Duncan McCrae.

3.

Visitor Peter Fullalove.

4.

Quorum A quorum was achieved with seven committee members present.

5.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1. Minutes of the December 2016 committee were accepted without amendment after being moved by Lee and seconded by Meredith.

5.2. Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 5.2.1.

Bank account signatories – Dale and Duncan yet to verify identity with the bank.

5.2.2.

Request for advertising in club’s magazine by AllDrive Subaroo.

5.2.3.

Advertising for sponsors of the 40th birthday – ads will be placed in the next magazine.

5.2.4.

By-Law – Convoy Travel – Peter yet to complete reformatting of agreed text into By-Law format – waiting on Dale.

5.2.5.

New Member Pack.

5.2.6.

Magazine levy – forensic accounting is on-going.

5.2.7.

Special 40th birthday magazine – the draft has been reviewed.

5.2.8.

40th Birthday Photo Book – has proved very popular at Berwick Subaru. Will supply some more. Also have been requested to send one to Subaru Australia to the CEO.

6.

Correspondence 6.1. In VicRoads – trailer registration Cadbury – chocolate fundraising.

Email from Jean Bellis – club trophy suggestions.

Email regarding sale of Subaru Liberty – will be advertised in the club’s magazine for one month.

4WD Victoria – Marysville’s Motoring Expo on 29/30 April 2017.

Add a section to the club’s magazine / Facebook / website / meeting presentation notifying of other events (Victorian 4WD Show, etc) that would be relevant / of interest to members.

24 | P a g e

Email enquiring about Foresters.

6.2.

Out None.

7.

Reports 7.1. Resources Nothing to report.

7.2. Trip and Social Details of future trips and events elsewhere in the magazine.

Peter is investigating a Powelltown – Warburton day trip.

Need to push the extended planning calendar.

Subaru extreme outback safari – being run in 2018, with registration by November 2017.

Need to encourage members to run trips – just need a bit of encouragement and mentoring.

Need a few more social events to provide some balance to the calendar.

7.3. Venue Details of future meetings elsewhere in the magazine.

Have suggestions/possibilities for future meetings.

Will have another vehicle setup night later in the year.

7.4.

Membership Report submitted by Martin Foot.

Membership application – Robert and Mary Miller. The committee reviewed the application.

RESOLUTION

The committee resolved to accept the membership application from Robert and Mary Miller.

Membership listing – will be circulated to members in the next few weeks.

Life membership – correspondence has been received and sent on various issues regarding life membership, the nature of the life membership, and membership fees.

The committee was of the opinion that the awarding of life membership should remain as a reward for meritorious service to the club; not as a recognition of years of membership with the club (the latter is already separately recognised every five years).

7.5.

7.6.

Membership fees – will be reviewed by the committee at the next meeting, circulated to members in March for review and put to the membership for decision at the April 2017 general meeting. A “zero-based” approach will be taken in determining the membership fees.

Editor No report submitted.

Treasurer Current cheque account balance is $9,937, with $5,000 sitting in a term-deposit.

25 | P a g e

7.7.

7.8.

7.9.

Secretary Nothing to report.

Vice-President Nothing to report.

President Recent events have highlighted the responsibility we have to members in regards to training. Opportunities can arise on trips where 4WD driving techniques can be re-enforced and practiced.

Should the club part sponsor basic 4WD training for members as an encouragement to members do 4WD driver training.

Trip running costs (such as hire of portable toilet, etc) – should this be covered by a trip levy for those attending the trip or does it covered out of club funds? The committee considered that if such expenditure is of an ad hoc nature, then the club’s general funds will cover it. If such expenditure starts to become too regular, then the policy will need to be reviewed.

8.

Sub-Committees 8.1. Communications Michael has not done any more work on the club’s website.

Martin has done some more work in the background regarding members’ services. Will need to set up some more members to test the system.

The Instagram account has been set up.

8.2. Community Involvement Jessica is willing to help with the chocolate fundraiser. Need to get about 60 to 70% of last year’s quantities.

8.3. Constitution Review Trip / convoy by-law is still in progress.

8.4. Education / Training Watch this space.

9.

Media Policy Stephen Whittaker circulated to committee members a draft social media policy and guidelines. It was well received and members were appreciative of Stephen’s efforts.

10. Life Membership Review It is proposed that life members need to actively renew their membership by submitting a membership renewal form. Otherwise their membership lapses until such time it is renewed.

In regards to the 4WD Victoria affiliation levy, as to what a life member pays would be determine as part of the annual membership fees. However, concern was expressed that, if not careful, future unrealistic expectations might develop.

26 | P a g e

It was recognised by the committee that a document needs to be prepared that is given to life members that covers the entitlements that life membership bestows.

11. Convoy / Trip Procedure Still currently in development.

12. Training Not discussed due to Duncan’s absence (Mr Springsteen has a lot to answer for).

13. General Business Club Awards – proposal from Jean Bellis for two new awards.

“Rookie of the year” – for a member who has been in the club no more than two years but in that time, has shown that they are prepared to get involved in club activities, willing to make friends, and be part of what the club is about.

“Trip leader of the year” – would it be feasible for a club of our size?

The committee reviewed the proposal and agreed that “Rookie of the year” would be feasible for the club. It would be nominated by members but determined by the committee.

Committee meetings – the committee agreed to have a few more committee meetings on a weekend to make life a bit easier for some committee members.

Trip and recovery gear list – it needs to be reviewed, particularly in regards to “rated” recovery points.

The former Buchan shelter It is currently located in “bits and pieces” in Damian’s old dairy shed.

Currently have no options as to the re-erection of the shelter.

Does the club require having a shelter somewhere as a base camp?

Committee formed the view that there was no foreseeable option in the next few years to re-erect the shelter.

The committee concluded that the shelter components should be disposed of.

Membership Officer’s Role The committee is of the view that the membership officer’s role is currently an administrative role; responsible for the acceptance of membership applications, maintenance of the membership register, and nametags.

Any matters outside the administration of membership should be directed to the committee.

This view is based on the fact that the membership officer is currently not a member of the committee.

Car Registration – Club Permit Scheme The club has recently had a number of “club permit” enquiries.

Should the club consider joining the scheme? Would it attract more members?

The club would be required to maintain a register of such registered vehicles, and resolving any roadworthy issues.

After some discussion, the committee agreed to further investigate.

Photograph on page 12 of the club magazine – needs to be updated to a Subaru.

27 | P a g e

Club Trailer and Contents Currently used to store the club’s marquee, Tirfor winch, and other “bits and pieces”.

Does the club still need the trailer?

Upon review of the trailer and its contents, the committee decided to dispose of the trailer (preferably by sale) and locate the equipment/other contents at the home of members.

It was proposed that the club’s Tirfor cable winch be sold – too big and heavy for easy use.

A register of club equipment and its location needs to be established.

Dale will store the old records for further review.

14. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th March 2017 at 7:30pm at the home of Lee Wegner.

15. Meeting closed at 4:53pm.

General Meeting Minutes The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 31 st January 2017 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at 8:15pm.

1.

Present Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Edith Fullalove, Andrew Jantke, Michael Dale, Meredith Dale, Katie Mynard, Peter Mynard, Anthony Saunders, Paul Saleeba, Enid Hewett, David Hewettt, Tim Folliard, Dale Rebgetz, Kerry Gill, Graham Gill, Peter Devine, Kevin Bird, Jamie Scott, Les Scott, Damian Stock, Richard Saleeba, Duncan McCrae, Lee Wegner, David Wilson, Rick Koster, Martin Foot, Dorothy Greiveson, Stephen Whittaker, Charles Tan, Des Lehmann.

2.

Apologies Peter Fullalove, Lisa Jantke, Dennis Scambler, Bev Davison, Janelle Rebgetz, Phil Milkins, Elaine Milkins, Jessica Walsh, Paula Tan.

3.

Visitors Robert Miller, Queenie Sosa.

4.

Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

28 | P a g e

5.

Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1. The minutes of the November 2017 General Meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Meredith Dale and seconded by Damian Stock.

5.2. There was no business arising from the minutes.

6.

Correspondence 6.1. In Magazines from various 4WD clubs including the Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria, and the Subaru 4WD Club of Queensland.

Victorian 4WD Show – 19th February 2017.

Advertising material – Moe Racing Club and Radum.

Membership application – Robert Millar Spam – Chinese internet domain registration Kilmore Scout Group – 4WD mega muster – 22nd April 2017 Jeep Festival in USA. Notices of sale of Subaru parts.

Kaniva Car and Bike show – 4th February 2017.

6.2. Out None.

7.

Reports 7.1. Resources Still looking for a volunteer to take on the role.

7.2. Editor 1. Nothing reported.

7.3.

TRIP AND SOCIAL Details of future trips and social events elsewhere in the magazine, together with the extended planning calendar.

7.4. Venue Details of future meetings elsewhere in the magazine.

7.5. Membership.

Received a membership application from Robert Miller.

7.6. Treasurer Current bank account balance is $9,698.

Major income for December included recycling collection $826.

Major expenditure included magazine printing and postage $231, club trophies $319 and incorporated association registration $65.

7.7. Secretary Next committee meeting is on Saturday 11th February 2017 at Jamie’s place.

7.8. Vice-President Nothing to report.

7.9. President Not a lot to report. Most of it was mentioned in the report in the magazine.

8.

General Business 8.1.

Replacement of springs and struts in a SJ Forester – don’t as there no current aftermarket combination available. The SJ Forester did not come out with selflevelling suspension.

29 | P a g e

8.2.

8.3.

8.4.

8.5.

8.6.

9.

Batteries – collecting again for recycling. Also catalytic converters.

Battery de-sulphurnator – for maintaining life of battery. It is working well.

Stephen – replaced his struts and springs with ones purchased via the internet.

Saved over $100.

Peter showed the breaker bar and gear wrench that he carried on the high country trip that were well used in straightening an exhaust and replacing a wheel bearing.

4WD driver training – options are being explored further at the next committee meeting.

Fines and Fun 9.1. Nametags Jamie Scott, Paul Saleeba, Katie Scambler.

Last to Meeting Rick Koster 9.3. Trips 9.3.1.

Christmas High Country Dale – for putting a “jinx”on the trip.

David – last to meeting point.

Rob Wilson – broke his chair on the first night.

David – broke his chair next.

Peter Devine – for water coming onto him of the awning.

Peter Devine – towed up a hill.

Peter Bellis – collapsed wheel bearing.

Peter Bellis – broken tent pole.

Peter Devine – changing the shape of his exhaust.

Peter Devine – for flying across a creek.

Stephen – too much time on Skype at the top of Davis Plain.

Josh – driving his remote control car into the creek.

Jessica – bringing ice-cream out to the site from Omeo.

Jessica – buying a car fridge with her windscreen wiper.

9.3.2.

Buchan Paul Saleeba – for being late.

Kevin Bird – not bringing enough water.

Dale and Jan – for having an open microphone.

Peter Devine – for leaving his indicator on for a few kilometres.

Jamie - for driving up an exit.

Meredith – for missing a turn.

Michael – flat tyre.

Kevin – flat battery.

Jamie – not waiting at an intersection.

Kevin – not waiting at an intersection.

Michael – for not getting up a hill.

Peter Devine – needing to turn off air conditioning to get up a hill Michael – for backing into an embankment.

Peter Devine – for losing a piece of plastic off his car on a creek crossing.

9.4. Total fines collected - $14.40.

9.2.

10. The Lucky door prize was won by Peter Mynard.

30 | P a g e

11. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th February 2017 commencing at 8pm.

12. Meeting closed at 9:50pm and was followed by supper.

E DIT OR N OT E S Thanks for all the contributions again this month!

Any interesting articles you find and want to share, or if you would like to write an article for the magazine ‌. let me know!

Just a friendly reminder also to please proof read, and be sure to use punctuation and grammar.

The deadline for submissions for next month is:

Friday 17 March As always please send emails to: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

31 | P a g e

32 | P a g e