Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria - February 2020 magazine

Page 1

February 2020 (Issue 466)

Angela Bombardieri receives her Club Woman Of The Year award from president, Mark Tyssen, at the November 2019 club meeting.

Follow us on our webpage: http://subaru4wdvic.com.au/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subaru4wdvic/ Connect with Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subaru4wdclub_victoria/

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

PO BOX 2456 Mount Waverley VIC 3149


Volks-Baru Subaru and Volkswagen Specialist Parts and Service Centre

We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.

John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655 2


ABOUT THE CLUB The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 40 years ago by an enthusiastic group of Subaru owners. Today the club has expanded to include all Subaru 4WD and AWD vehicles, as well as all other makes of AWD, light 4WD and crossover/soft-roader type vehicles. The club aims to participate in the exploration of the Australian countryside without damage to the environment, vehicle or individual. Visitors are most welcome to attend the club’s General Meetings and contact committee members regarding participation in club activities.

The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2019/20 year were ratified at the general meeting in April 2019 and are as follows:

MEMBERS RATES Single: $85 (Senior card - $80) Joint/Family: $95 (Senior card - $90) (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: mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au

3


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 mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au

4


PRESIDENT’S REPORT It is amazing how a sequence of unconnected events can cause havoc in timing. This story involves my wife’s 2014 Impreza, Auto, as a result of an incident after finishing work about 3 weeks ago. She was stationary, ready to reverse into a driveway to do a three point turn. No-one was in her view of the driveway entry to road or in the length of most of the drive at this block of 7 units. WHEN suddenly, she was hit in the rear, whilst still stationary. An elderly couple had reversed out of their garage in the first unit to the roadway, ending up on her side of the road, striking her rear mid bumper (where any respectable towbar would be) with their left rear. Their vehicle hardly had any damage, my wife’s Impreza had dinted bumper, damage to the tailgate, could not close properly which affected the central locking & overhead light – always on. They immediately said ‘she was at fault’, yet the photographic & situation evidence showed to their contrary. They were incorrect in a number of ways: a) b)

c) d)

my wife’s vehicle was stationary; and b) they reversed out ending up on her side of the road. Now many of you may think ok, with points a) and b) above the elderly couple were at fault, and you would be correct. There is another, they hit a stationary vehicle situated legally on the roadway. AND another error: the elderly couple had made, (according to a Council Bylaw, in fact) ,that: it is illegal to reverse out of a residential allotment where there are more than 3 dwellings. If more than 3 dwellings are on the site, a turning space is provided to allow vehicles to reverse then turn to face the traffic to enter the roadway.

Bet that one surprised you, it did the elderly couple as they had told my wife they had been doing that move for years. Well not any more! Now for the repair: a) car was sent for repair at Kilsyth; 8 days was expected for repair to complete. b) at day 7, I get a text that can is ready, well sort of, as it was a survey for the completed work. As my wife and son were both at work and our daughter still driving back from Ipswitch, nearby friend doing forklift training, I then arrange the following: - Leave my car Kilsyth, drive wife’s car to Forest Hill (work), rental car from FH to Blackburn, now how do I get back to Kilsyth to my car? - walk 1km from rental company to Blackburn Stn, train to Croydon, walk 3km to Kilsyth; OR take Uber from rental company. Now here’s the twist: on arriving at Kilsyth, I find that in their system, someone clicked a wrong button, sending the message, and it was on this recent Tuesday when eastern suburbs experienced severe wind and rain. The car was not ready. It was filthy, due to backlog to clean all the cars completed prior to collection. So my daughter (having returned Thursday evening) and I collected the car at 2pm. Could not start for her, but finally did, drove to Forest Hill to do the sequence above, except that I drove my daughter home. 5


Ah, now to sit down to complete my report that I had started, got only just over an hour to finish before deadline I told Martin. Well guess what; phone call from my wife at 5pm, “cant start car”, ggrrrrrr. I got to Forest Hill (her work) at 5:30pm, put the Forester on the grass of the nature strip and jump started: why you ask did I not push her car back & park in front – well, I discovered I could not move her car at all, as could not move the auto-shift out of Park. Huh… Then an idea struck me: 6pm: scrap the report I had started, and tell a story of learning and a comedy of errors. Here it is above. Keep to the tracks, Mark Tyssen President, e: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Tim Folliard and Martin Foot receive their joint Clubman Of The Year award from president Mark Tyssen, at the November 2019 club meeting.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT It is great to see new members at the Tuesday meetings but even better to have them out on trips successfully navigating 4WD only tracks. New members join with a range of experience in off road driving and camping. If this is all new to you, It seems camping stores are one of the few retail growth areas in retail with supersized stores opening everywhere with a huge range of brands and prices. You could spend a small fortune on gear but then how do you pack it all in the car and how long do you want to spend setting up camp? Members are always happy to give advice when requested so I suggest we spend a few minutes at meetings raising a camp item, getting recommendations from members as to what has served them well and what to avoid. To start with, let’s have a look at camp cooking equipment. Tim Folliard Vice President, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

6


EDITOR’S NOTE After no trip reports last month we have received plenty this month from our two recent day trips. We have also received plenty of pictures for these trips, so many in fact that we have a collage of them in the centre pages. We also have a great member’s drive article, hopefully the first of many to come in the following months. Thanks everyone for the great contributions. 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, March 20th, 2019 Email editor: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

TREASURER’S REPORT JANUARY 2020 Date 01-01-20

Description

Debit

Credit

Opening Balance at 1 January 2020

Balance $3,503.93

Income: 13-01-20 31-01-20

Membership fees - P. Whitaker 1/2 yrly "

"

$55.00

- S. Southam

$75.00

29-01-20

Meeting takings Fines & Fun

$16.20

30-01-20

Club BBQ takings

$75.00

Total Income

$221.20

$3,725.13

Expenses: 03-01-20

M Foot Printing & Postage

28-01-20

Optus Sat. phone mthly service fee

Total for month

115.81 15.00

130.81

Closing Balance at 31 January 2020

$3,594.32

NOTE: 1. Term Deposit of $8,178 (this includes interest accrued) matures on 10 April, 2020. Angela Bombardieri Treasurer, e: treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au 7


TRIP AND SOCIAL More details on these trips can be found in the Club Website under proposed trips. It is easy to add your name to trip bookings. The trips below are all suitable in dry conditions for a standard AWD so sign up for anything that interests you. Alternatively, you can still email events@subaru4wdvic.com.au, or contact the trip leader directly, to register for a trip or to propose a new one.

Labour Day Long Weekend When: 7- 9 March 2020

Reply by: 29 February 2020

Location: Craig's Hut and Surrounds Difficulty: Medium (High Country tracks) Contact: Dave Wilson and Rick Koster , e: dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: The hut from the movie “Man from Snowy River� and some classic mountain tracks.

Border Track (Vic/SA Border) When: Sunday, April 5th., for six days.

Reply by: TBA

Contact: Tim Folliard, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: There has been strong interest in the trip but there are a few spots still available. Desert driving on a legendary track not too far from Melbourne.

North Flinders Ranges Touring When: Two weeks , tentatively 19 July - 1 August 2020.

Reply by: 30 June 2020

Contact: Martin Foot, e: secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: A 2 week touring trip through the Northern Flinders Ranges in July 2020. Martin has extensive outback experience in Foresters and has just returned from a trip that included Birdsville and outback S.A. There are still long weekends in June, October and the November Cup Weekend looking for a trip leader as well as the first Sunday of the month concept. It does not have to be a 4WD trip but could be a drive to a lunch venue, a photography session, bike ride or bushwalk. Tim Folliard, Trip & Social Coordinator e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

8


VENUE REPORT FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING DATE: Tuesday, February 25th at 8pm. VENUE: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris. DOOR PRIZE: Come along to win a special door prize at this month's meeting. PRESENTATION: Photo Competition judging (entries close Sunday Feb 23, to photocomp@subaru4wdvic.com.au). NB: As per recent email to members, pictures from trips in 2020 so far are now eligible. Mark Tyssen Venue Coordinator

GENERAL MEETING NOTICE Welcome of members and visitors. Review and acceptance of previous general meeting’s minutes. Correspondence. Reports by various office bearers. Other business as mentioned below. General business raised by members. “Fines and Fun” – including brief summaries of recent trips. Guest speaker or presentation. Supper and networking. Details of the next few general meetings are as per the schedule below:

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE! Date

Location

Guest Speaker/Presentation

Other Business

Tues 25 February

South Camberwell Tennis Club

Photo competition

Tues 31 March

Ringwood Trade Training Facility

Tues 28 April

South Camberwell Tennis Club

TBA

TBA

Tues 26 May

South Camberwell Tennis Club

TBA

TBA

Under vehicle inspections

9


TRIP ADVISOR

TRIP

DATE

LEADER(S)

STANDARD

Labour Day long weekend trip

March 7-9, 2020

David Wilson and Rick Koster

Medium (in dry)

Border Track (Vic/SA Border)

April 5 - 10, 2020

Tim Folliard

Medium

North Flinders Ranges

July, 2020

Martin Foot

Medium

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR FOR 2020 - UPCOMING PROFICIENCY COURSES: PC200321 - Theory: Tuesday March 17th, Practical: Saturday March 21st. PC200502 - Theory: Tuesday April 28th, Practical: Saturday May 2nd. PC200620 - Theory: Tuesday June 16th, Practical: Saturday June 20th. PC200718 - Theory: Tuesday July 14th, Practical: Saturday July 18th. PC200815 - Theory: Tuesday August 11th, Practical: Saturday August 15th. Course details will be available on the association web site, as below. Member Price is $220.00 Contact:

Four Wheel Drive Victoria, RTO: 21605 Ph: 03 9874 7222, Web: www.fwdvictoria.org.au

10


FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Western Victoria Fire Recovery A call has come through to us from Mark Mellington, Heywood DELWP asking for assistance in dismantling old burnt fences and rebuilding new ones in the western district of Victoria which has also been badly affected by fires over the last couple of months. This region has unfortunately been overshadowed by the intensity of the eastern fires but nevertheless is still in need of considerable help. If there any willing bodies who can assist in this regard, please come through to us in the office so we can build momentum and teams to head down and make a difference. It has been very gratifying to see so many clubs and individuals getting involved in helping out in the East side of the state and we thank you all for your continuing efforts. Keep up the great work!

Member Update Day - Saturday 21st March, 2020 The next Members’ Update Day will be held on Saturday 21st March 2020. All Club executives and members welcome. Location: Tende Beck Scout Hall, Corner of High Street and Doncaster Road, Doncaster (enter via Paul Street). Time: 9:30am for 10:00am start. Concludes approximately 12:30pm (Morning tea provided). Further details will be emailed in due course.

11


MEMBER’S DRIVES How we got to own a Subie By Nick and Deb Leask We are a two and a half car owning family. This has only happened in recent years, having previously been a one car family. A quick overview of our car ownership history looks like this; we began our car ownership journey with Deb’s inherited 1978 Mitsubushi Sigma (auto), progressing to a 1982 Toyota Corona Liftback (manual), 1992 Holden Barina (manual) which is when we had our first daughter. With daughter no. 2 on the way, we upgraded to the obligatory family sedan of a 1994 Holden Commodore Acclaim (auto). This served as a good family workhorse, but the lure of Germany called, and we moved onto a 2003 VW V5 Bora (manual). Deb had found the (then) love of her life. But unfortunately, a prang and engine blow-up ended this romance. Moving forward we had two Honda Accord Euro’s 2005 and 2011 (manuals) which proved to be excellent and reliable cars. We then turned our minds to teaching children to drive. We want to purchase a little runabout that we could have both our learner drivers use. So the next member of the family was ‘Kevin’ – a little VW Up! (manual). It has all the mod cons with airbags, emergency braking and hill start assist. This is our ‘half’ car – it is so tiny and runs on a glorified lawnmower engine! ‘Kevin’ now lives in Sydney with our second daughter. With children near grown Nick was itchy for a ‘sporty car’. So our next ‘extravagant’ purchase was a 2016 VW Golf R (manual). Deb suggested a road trip was in order, so after a great weekend jaunt along the Great Ocean Road, we took a few weeks off and drove up to Byron Bay and back down the coast. 12


MEMBER’S DRIVES CONT. During this time Nick reignited his passion for fishing and Deb finally persuaded Nick (after 25 years of marriage) that camping was a good idea. Now we can honestly say that the Golf can hold a lot of stuff but dirt roads on 235/35 R20 low profile tyres is not a great idea. The need for an adventure-mobile was born. We reviewed and test-drove a number of cars in our search, and concluded that we didn’t want to drive a ‘truck’. This put the Hilux, D Max, Amrok, and Landcruiser out of the picture. It also stuck a stick in the spokes of our idea to tow a camper trailer – as the downball weight requirements were beyond any car we could identify. We ultimately purchased “Mick” the 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R, a iKamper rooftop tent and two Hobie Kayaks + trailer to satisfy the need for fishing adventures. ‘Mick’ has had a few minor off-road upgrades, he’s strutting Method 502 17” wheels - down 1” on factory standard to allow more sidewall and access to All Terrain tyres, and 255/65 R17 BF Goodrich KO2. Additionally, David Wilson has fitted a “Road Less Travelled” sump and CVT guard, which have served Mick well on club trips. The iKamper X-Cover is an excellent rooftop tent solution that is light enough to be carried by almost any mid to large car, weighing in at 55Kg. We’ve recently installed a hoist in the garage, so that it can easily be put on and taken off – dependent on the needs of any given trip. Our next upgrade for the car will be a lift kit, just to give us a bit more breathing space from those lumps in the road we seem to be experiencing! 13


RECENT CLUB TRIPS THROUGH

PICTURES BY CLUB MEM

14


H THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S LENS

MBER PETER KAKALIAS

15


TRIP REPORTS Mt Disappointment - Australia Day 26 January 2020 By Tim Folliard Due to the fires through the High Country, a weekend trip north of Marysville was postponed and replaced with a day trip to Mt Disappointment. After a short drive from our meeting point in Wallan, Rick being delayed getting to the meeting point cafe due to a puncture, we were soon in the dirt. First up was Mill Range Road then Clarkes Road (4WD tracks despite being called roads). Despite the guide book advising driving Clarkes from south to north, previous experience is that any moisture in the track (and these south facing slopes can remain wet for some time) makes parts of this track very difficult.

Clarkes Road starts easily enough then begins to descend down to a valley and creek. The decision to head south proved correct when we reached the final 400 metres to the creek. The photos do not show how deep were the ruts and steep parts of the track are or how little grip there is. Concerned with his clearance, Peter straddled the ruts and got a lot of air under his Outback.

At the creek crossing, a few modified Patrols were preparing to climb in the opposite direction. On passenger found it too steep to walk up in thongs but the party headed up the track with a lot of revs and a few bangs from the underbody. Rick then turned his Subaru around and successfully climbed the section then returned. This track does not close but would be difficult in winter in either direction.

The creek crossing and some large drainage mounds did not slow us but a section of smooth rock tested the CVT Outback. A few attempts were made to climb this section of track before the Landcruiser reversed down and towed the Outback clear. This was the same steep section that a few vehicles struggled with on an earlier trip. When the Outback was stopped, the 16


TRIP REPORTS CONT. rear tailgate would not close due to the body flex.

After lunch at Blairs Hut, it was a quick drive to Mt Disappointment. The maps and GPS had us at the top but there has been recent logging activity and nothing to indicate the peak. The views, as Hume and Hovell found were disappointing, due to heavy tree cover. They expected to see Port Phillip from here.

After a walk to Strath Falls (a completely dry 55 metre fall), the last track for the day was Sailor Jacks Track. It is one of those tracks that looks too steep but is rocky enough to give good grip. Then we turned and climbed back out. At this point the Outback warning lights lit up and traction control, ABS, oil lights etc all displayed. Oil level was checked and the engine was not in limp home, so Peter proceeded and the lights later went out. Possibly the steep track confused the modern sensors?

Air up at Murchison Gap Lookout then the group left to proceed home either via Whittlesea or the Hume Hwy.

This is a good area for AWD vehicles. While there are a few very difficult tracks in the area, the main linking road system is in very good condition. A Porsche was following me on Main Mountain Road.

Photos The view from Murchison’s Gap, Strath Falls and Clarkes Rd.

Tim Folliard and Kerry

Landcruiser FJ40

Rick and Josh Koster

Subaru “L” Series Wagon

Fred Koster

Hilux

Peter Kakalias and Kylie

Outback 17


TRIP REPORTS CONT. Lerderderg Introduction to 4WD Trip - February 2nd, 2020 By Tim Folliard

Some heavy (and well overdue) rain had fallen in the proceeding days and those who know the area would appreciate that this increases the degree of difficulty on the area's tracks (many of the tracks we would be using are closed from June to early November). I had advertised this as an introductory 4WD trip.

After meeting at the Gisborne Bakery, it was a short drive to Carrolls Lane and to form up in convoy order. Only one Forester on this trip which is unusual for a Club trip, but two well set up late model Outbacks and an XV.

The first part was a drive along Firth Rd (more pot holes than I've seen before) then O'Briens Rd with a quick stop at O'Briens Crossing. The camp site was moved from the crossing area due to repeated flooding, but the Lerderderg River was very low today. From here it is a winding climb to the first 4WD track of the day, Ambers Lane.

Heading north, the first part is a narrow track descending down to the river. Last time I was here there was water running but a large tree partially obstructing the crossing. The tree has been removed, the river just puddles but the rocky crossing clearly visible. While discussing water crossing technique (assuming there was water), Rick demonstrated a more difficult entrance and drive over some larger boulders. The rest opted for the standard crossing point. 18


TRIP REPORTS CONT. From the river, the track starts a climb with a few sections of exposed rocks forming a series of mini staircases and some steeper climbs. Clearance did not present an issue for any of the vehicles but traction did, some guidance and a few changes of line did get everyone to the end of this track under their own power. A good track for an introductory drive.

After a short linking run, it was a turn south on XL track and a drive to the new Lederberg Camp site for lunch. It was at this point a white land cruiser ute circled us a few times, parked and Darryl L joined the trip. A great effort to find us.

After lunch a bit of searching found Diggers Track which took us back to Firth Rd and almost the entrance to the park. It was 2pm so let's have one more track and exit to the southern end of the park. We proceeded into Ratcliffe's Track (which can be difficult to locate from the large carpark with dirt bike trailers). I have driven this track several times and apart from a creek crossing (unlikely to be an issue today) and a large hole on the approach, which can be avoided if you are guided around, seemed from memory to be no more difficult than what we had done. All seemed to be going well until I had reached the creek and stopped to guide the next vehicles around the washed out part of the track. The lower clearance vehicles looked like they may have difficulty clearing some rocky ledges and a series of ruts in a 100 metre steep section. Enter Rick, lots of experience, some track building with rocks, careful lines and very slow speeds, all the vehicles descended without a scrape. Could we have all turned around and gone back up? Possibly not all based on the next section.

The convoy order got a bit muddled on the other side of the creek but since it was only a few kilometres to the next road that didn't seem to be issue. And then we stopped. For a 19


TRIP REPORTS CONT. while. The leading vehicles were struggling with a section of a climb. Again Rick's experience, a lot more momentum and revving boxer engines, the convoy was on the move again. The plan was to head south on Blue Gum Track to a quarry that is used a training area but as it was approaching 5 pm it was decided to air up on reaching the bitumen and make our way home from Bacchus Marsh.

This is a great area with some challenging tracks and Wombat State Park close by. An area to return to and now we can say accessible by standard vehicles in dry conditions.

Peter K and Kylie Outback Nick L and Deb

Outback

Tim F

Land Cruiser FJ40

Rick K and Josh

Subaru wagon

Les R in friend's

Navara D40

Nathon R

Forrester

Darryl C

Subaru XV

Darryl Lynch

Land Cruiser 75 ute

20


MINUTES Committee Meeting Minutes (abridged) Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. held on Monday, 10 February 2020 at the clubrooms of the Chinese Association of Victoria, 8 Ashley Street, Wantirna, starting at 7.45pm approximately. 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 December 2019 were accepted as a true record without amendment. Moved Tim Folliard, seconded by Angela Bombardieri, CARRIED.

5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes: 5.2.1 (6.1 Correspondence) Membership Applications. Query whether Nathon Reddon has paid. ACTION: Martin to check and follow up. 5.2.2 [carried over] Roles and Positions. Martin and Angela yet to discuss a possible membership handover. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In via Post Box 24, 31/12 Bendigo Bank – Statements Dec ?

LRCOV – Dec/Jan magazine

Dec ?

Mondelez P/L – Cadbury chocolates fundraising 2020

via email: FWDV: 10/12 Wayne Hevey – iconic drives workshop group 14/1

Wayne Hevey – Food for Fires Run for w/e 18,19 Jan (2)

20/1

Alison McLaughlin – Half Year Affiliation Invoice

21/1

Wayne Hevey – Fire Relief 1st + 2nd February

21/1

Wayne Hevey – FWDV Rural response Group – Blaze Aid assistance

10/2

Wayne Hevey – Western Victoria Fire Recovery

Dec/Jan

various spoof email notifications

General: 4/12

Australian Systems Intern’l – membership management software (4)

5/12

Graeme Chapman – re proposed trip to NW SA Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands

5/12

John Luca – Brumby FS 21


18/12

Campbell Boilou, Subaxtreme – re Forester recovery points

7/1 – 2/2 30/1

Various membership enquiries and applications Consumer Affairs Victoria – Annual Statement lodged for S4WDCV (2)

Out: 7, 9/1

Peter Whitaker (MT) – re seeking advice re tyres (2)

20/1

Membership (TF) – two upcoming trips please register

24/1

Membership (MF) – January magazine distribution

28/1 – 3/2

re: various membership enquiries and applications

6.3 Business Arising 6.3.1 FWDV iconic drives: Tim to look at these as options for club trips. 6.3.2 FWDV Western Victorian Fire relief: email to be reproduced in the magazine. ACTION: Damian to be notified. 6.3.3 Spurious emails: Spoofing of the mship club email address is occurring, with damage to our reputation leading to possible denial of service delivery. ACTION: Martin to change mship email to members and notify club members, update magazine, forms and webpage, etc. 6.3.4 Graeme Chapman: Martin to contact Graeme and explain factors around club involvement. 6.3.5 Consumer Affairs Victoria – refund of the Annual Fee to Martin has been made. 6.3.6 [carried forward] Club Constitution to be updated: ACTION: Martin 7.

Reports 7.1 Resources Next order closing date: February General Meeting. Bev Davison met with Martin re the Resources role. It was agreed that Bev will manage the sale items but not the club assets. A current stocktake of sale items was done as of 4/2. Our current clothing supplier has been confirmed as U Name It Embroidery of Bayswater. Bev is following up availability of specific items including polo shirts and will advise further. 7.2 Trip and Social. Australia Day Trip: Trip to Keppel’s Hut and on to Rubicon valley area cancelled, replaced by day trip to Mt. Disappointment. TL Tim. Four vehicles attended. February “First Sunday of the Month”. Tim ran a trip to the Lerderderg area. 8 vehicles attended. Some issues experienced with recent model Subarus and traction. Thanks to Rick for his help in guiding members through. Labour Day LWE Trip: Craig’s Hut and district trip. TLs David and Rick. Further info pending. ACTION: Tim to liaise. Pre-Easter 2020 Trip: Border Track. 9 bookings in hand. TL Tim. Discussion around use of sand flags. Bike Day Trip, possibly in May? Warburton rail trail was suggested. ACTION: Mark to consider options. Northern Flinders Ranges Trip in July 2020. Two weeks duration following the SA school holidays, focussed on Blinman, Arcaroola, Strezlecki Track, Parachilna and Wilpena Pound areas. TL Martin and Dot. Four tentative bookings in hand at present. 22


In discussions with Damian regarding inclusion of Calperum Station. [carried over] Proposed Cobaw State Forest Trip. Tim to investigate. [carried over] More social trips also needed in between the above. Cup day LWE – open to ideas and proposals. 7.3 Venue The March 2020 General Meeting to be held at Ringwood Trade Training Facility. Members welcome to use the hoists from 6:30pm. Opportunity to display / discuss other equipment as per the trip requirements list in the magazine. Meeting to be delayed until 8:30pm and kept short. ACTION: Mark to liaise with David Wilson. Speakers / Presentations: The presentation at the February Meeting will be the Photo Competition judging. So far only submissions from two people. It was agreed to vary the entry conditions to accept photos from club trips so far in 2020. ACTION: Martin to liaise with Dot and a “reminder email” to go out to members. March meeting (RTTF as above). April Meeting presentation – setting of annual membership fees, with 4WD videos to follow if necessary. Door prizes – Mark has acquired a digital tyre deflator to add to the door prize stock. 7.4 Membership Membership Applications: Applications had been received from four people whom we met at the December General Meeting. MOTION: That Peter Whitaker, Daryl Cheshire, Stewart Southam and Erika Auld be accepted as members of the club. Moved Tim, seconded Mark, CARRIED. ACTION: Martin to advise them accordingly and badges to be ordered. 7.5 Editor Submission deadline: 14 February 2020. Could reports please be on time. Note to be included in magazine re passing of Damian’s brother. Idea for a “standard camping equipment list”. Member’s Drives to be reinstated. Social media: Peter K will assist with practical advice regarding posting videos online. Advertising: Martin has spoken with John Bailey of Volksbaru. He is prepared to continue his advertisement in the magazine. Invoice to be raised for the 2019/20 year. ACTION: Angela. 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. 7.6 Treasurer Bank Balance: $3,635.12. Recent Payments: Consumer Affairs Victoria annual fee, refund to Martin. Mark urged to lodge claims for catering and trophies asap. Need to refund Erica for overpayment. 23


Investment account: Matures 10 April 2020. Asset list to be maintained by the treasurer. ACTION: Martin to locate for Angela. 7.7 Secretary Annual Club Awards: Were announced and presented at the November GM. One trophy outstanding currently with the Mynards. ACTION: Martin to follow up. 7.8 Vice-President No report. 7.9

President No report.

8. Priorities and Planning 8.1

By-Laws: No activity to report since the last Committee meeting. [carried over] It was noted that the By-Laws would in time consist of this 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, 3 March 2020, at the home of Angela Bombardieri, commencing at 7.30pm. 11. Meeting closed at 10:00pm approx

BUY IT AND SELL IT HERE Please note: If you have any items listed here for sale which are no longer available please remember to let us know at: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Items for sale Item: 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

24


MINUTES General Meeting Minutes The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 28 January 2020 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at 8:25pm approximately. 1. Present Martin Foot, Dorothy Greiveson, Bev Davison, Phil Milkins, Elaine Milkins, Angela Bombadieri, Robert Townsend, Les Ralph, Deb Leask, Nick Leask, Peter Kakalias, Tim Folliard, Damian Stock, Mark Tyssen, Peter Landouris, David Wilson, Rick Koster 2. Apologies Julie Dyer, Kylie Davies, Michael Bauer, Peter Mynard, Katie Mynard 3.0 Visitors Daryl Cheshire, Lloyd Stevenson, Erica Auld, Peter Whitaker, Stewart Southam 4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors. 5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1

The Minutes of the November 2019 General Meeting were accepted without amendment.

Moved by Bev Davison and seconded by Robert Townsend. 5.2 Business Arising: 5.2.1 (Item 7.3) First Sunday of the Month day trip proposal. Martin commented that for this to proceed, rank and file members would need to propose and lead trips – Committee was under-resourced to provide this directly, but would provide coordination and advice through Tim. These trips could be social or touring trips, not necessarily 4WD. David suggested the matter be revisited later in the meeting. 5.2.2 (October GM, item 7.3) Pajero Challenge: Mark reported that the event had been cancelled, apparently due to a ban on re-fuelling in-situ imposed by authorities. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In Four Wheel Drive Victoria: Fire relief – call for assistance for the coming weekend out of Bairnsdale. Blaze Aid – call for assistance at Bruthen from 23 January onwards. General: Various membership enquiries 6.2 Out Responding to various membership enquiries 7. Reports 7.1 Resources The Committee has decided to accept orders for club clothing by set dates, the next of which will be the February general meeting. Orders in-hand are insufficient to action at present. Bev volunteered to be the Resources Officer (non-Committee). ACTION: Bev 25


and Martin to discuss details of handover. 7.2 Editor Magazine: Small edition this month as no trip report due to the HC trip being cancelled. Thanks to people lodging photos. Social media: FB continues to generate interest leading to membership enquiries. Peter Kakalias to assist Damian in processing / posting of videos. Members Rides: Tim encouraged members to lodge a short article describing their vehicle and any mods or accessories they have that may be of interest to members. [Template available on request – Secretary]. Deadline: Friday, 14 February. 7.3 Trip and Social High Country Trip – this trip was cancelled due to risk of fires. Australia Day trip (Mt. Disappointment Trip) This single day trip replaced the proposed Mt. Marysville / Keppels Hut trip which did not achieve viable numbers. Went ahead successfully with 4 vehicles participating.. Lerderderg day trip. Sunday 2 February. TL Tim Folliard. Otway ranges trip. Sunday 1 March, proposed by Tim. TBC. Labour Day long weekend. Proposed overnight trip camping at King Hut, visiting Craig’s Hut and others. TL David Wilson with Rick Koster. TBC. Border Track (vic/SA border). Sand dunes and desert camping in SA and Victoria, from 6 April for five days. No trailers. Best to arrive in Servicetown on Sunday 5 th and stay over. TL Tim Folliard. North Flinders Ranges Touring Trip. A two week trip from 19 July to 1 August 2020 with some 4WD-ing (Arkaroola) and desert driving, notably the southern end of the Strezlecki Track, through Lyndhurst, Parachilna Gorge to Wilpena Pound (walks, fossils and cultural activities). Suitable for trailers. Possible inclusion of Calperum property north of Renmark (TBC). TL Martin Foot Social Trips needed. Contact Tim with ideas / proposals. 7.4 Venue Welcome Back BBQ was held prior to the meeting in the parkland outside. 31 March general meeting to be held at Ringwood Training Facility (TBC) from 6:30pm and hosted by David Wilson. Opportunity for members’ cars to be inspected while on a hoist. Door prize: Phil and Elaine Milkins. 7.5 Membership Several membership enquiries have been received. Currently the club has 30 memberships. 7.6 Treasurer Statement as per the magazine. Balance at 28 January: $3,442, plus $8,178 in the investment account, which matures in April. Interest rate currently 1.45%. 7.7 Secretary Still to receive and engrave the Silver Socket Award – apologies to Nick and Deb. 7.8 Vice-President – As per the magazine. 26


7.9 President – As per the magazine. 8. General Business. Peter Kakalias mentioned FWDV proficiency training course he had attended previously. He had to withdraw due to water incursion. He will attend a “catch-up” day in order to complete the course. Damian noted that the FWDV courses are listed in the magazine and members get a discount. However, since the demise of the All Wheel Drive Club some years ago, they have not been especially designed to cater for these vehicles. He offered to explore the possibility of a special training session for the club with a former trainer who is very familiar with AWD vehicles and Subarus in particular. Peter K also mentioned that he has been approached by Ironman 4x4, who are interested in his car’s modifications and capabilities – possible range of accessories coming up? Damian noted that he had recently attended the funeral of former FWDV Treasurer, Brian Lewis, whom he knew well from his time on the FWDV Board. Buchan. For many years, the club used to camp regularly on a farm property just outside of Buchan. Given the devastating fires in the district, Martin wondered about the situation with that family, thinking the club may be able to assist. It was suggested that he contact the Buchan Hotel (Brick family) for information. 9. Fines and Fun 9.1

Nametags Peter Landouris, Peter Kakalias, Robert Townsend, Les Ralph

9.2

Last to Meeting Rick Koster

9.3

Trips: Mt. Disappointment (Australia Day trip). Rick, for a flat tyre before starting Peter K for stalling on a hill and having to be towed and (later) acquiring a full dashboard of Christmas lights.

9.4 Total fines collected - $8.50. 10. Presentation: No presentation, given the BBQ beforehand. 11. Meeting closed at 9:45pm approximately and was followed by supper and more socialising. 12. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 February 2020, at Camberwell South Tennis Club, commencing at 8pm .

27


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. 28


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.