March 2011 magazine of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria

March 2011

Adam Howley powers through the mud in the Wombat Forest (ISSUE 368) Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member www.subaru4wdvic.com.au GPO BOX 2456 Melbourne VIC. 3001

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 Page: 2

INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB OF VICTORIA: The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 30 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 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 financial year, due after the yearly AGM. Fees for the 2010/2011 year are currently:

Interstate: $90 (Seniors card - $85) ● Single: $100 (Seniors card - $90) Joint/family: $105 - (Seniors card - $90) (All fees includes affiliation and Insurance: $40) A trip fee of $10 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes) Please contact the membership officer for further information regarding membership, including pro-rata and monthly rates.

GENERAL MEETINGS Last Tuesday of each month (except December) at 8:00pm sharp at Sth Camberwell Tennis Club, at 322 Burke Road, Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6).

However, from February – June 2011 the clubrooms are unavailable. Alternative locations have been arranged on a month by month basis. See page 6 for details.

COMMITTEE Meetings 1st Tuesday each month: 7:30pm Damian Stock (President) Peter Bellis (Secretary) Bob Marshall (Treasurer) David Wilson (Trip & Social) Martin Foot (Editor) Andrew Jantke (Membership) Vacant (Resources) Vacant (Venue) Phil Milkins (Ordinary Member) Jessica Walsh (Ordinary Member)

president@subaru4wdvic.com.au secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au events@subaru4wdvic.com.au editor@subaru4wdvic.com. au mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au (diverted to David Wilson for now) venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au (diverted to president) pm@subaru4wdvic.com.au jw@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to the March magazine and a new president’s report. No, there hasn’t been a coup, as is happening in other parts of the world. It’s a new report, not a new president. I have to hold onto at least one job and it looks like the president’s job is it, for the time being at least. Honestly, I don’t know how I held down a full time job as my days at the moment just seem to be so full. Of course, there are a few things happening at the moment to cause this, such as trip planning, vehicle preparation, etc, which are all those things I wasn’t getting to do when I was working.

It is actually quite refreshing to get out during the week, being able to visit 4WD accessory suppliers at my leisure, looking for the bits and pieces that will make our club trip to the outback that little bit more pleasurable. You will notice that I am now referring to it as an outback trip, not a Simpson Desert crossing, as it looks like the weather conditions in Queensland have made the crossing unlikely at this point in time. Of course, we are still hoping to see much of the country we were aiming for, albeit without the challenge of the crossing this time around.

I am also hopeful that it will become a pre-trip for a desert crossing in the not too distant future, when weather and road conditions allow. To that end I am preparing my vehicle as if we will be doing the crossing, making sure that everything being carried is essential, is well secured and in good condition.

The only difference is the amount of fuel being carried as we won’t need the extra 80 or so litres required if we were doing the crossing. We will be carrying some extra fuel, but nothing like 80 litres, and this will have to be carried inside the vehicle, in most cases. There will also be an extra spare tyre, with or without an extra wheel, and various spare parts as well as food, clothing, camping gear and miscellaneous bits and pieces.

All the above will need to be squashed into the XT, something I haven’t done before, for such an extended trip. Having just come back from the club’s long weekend trip to Buchan, where I used the trip as preparation for the longer trip, I am a little concerned about where everything is going to fit. At least I have a couple of weeks to get myself organized, if that is possible, but that doesn’t seem very long at all. It should be an interesting time in the Stock household.

Since the start of March it has been a pretty busy time for the club with a couple of club trips being run successfully as well as a planning day for the Page: 4

PRESIDENT’S REPORT outback trip. The Buchan trip, which I led, saw a few of us head down to Buchan on Saturday afternoon with the intention of conducting a working bee at the club’s shelter. As it turned out, there wasn’t too much to be done, apart from a little weeding, some line trimming and general cleanup, leaving a full day on Sunday to enjoy some touring in the local area.

Bev, despite the attraction of staying back at camp to read a couple of books, decided to come along for what was to be a leisurely drive, for a few hours.

She ably assisted me as navigator while we traveled south from Buchan, through the Tara and Waygara State Forests, towards Tostaree. You can read the full trip report, with photos, in the next magazine. A couple of interesting aspects of the day trip were the absence of any manual vehicles and the unfortunate coincidence of flat tyres on two vehicles at the same time, only found when we stopped to watch a goanna scramble up a tree.

Not only did we have the Buchan trip but we also had the day trip into Wombat State Forest, run by Peter and Jean. There was just enough mud about to make things a bit challenging for all vehicles, except maybe for Jamie’s Landcruiser. Both Rick’s usually unstoppable L series and my Hilux, ended up with rather soggy interiors after taking on one particular bog hole straight after lunch. In fact, not only did Rick’s interior get wet but his whole engine, including cylinders and turbo, needed a pretty big dry out before we could proceed. I am sure that there will be plenty of fines at the next meeting for this outing. Check out the trip report for more details.

Coincidently, there were many road closure signs around the Wombat Forest, in preparation for the Pajero Challenge which will be held there on the last weekend of the month. If you are reading this before the challenge is run, please consider coming along to help the club run the three quarter check point. Please contact Peter Bellis if you are available to help.

The March club meeting will be held as usual on the last Tuesday however the venue will be the ―Phyllis Hore‖ room at Kew library. Look for details elsewhere in the magazine.

Anyway that’s enough from me for this month. My next report will probably be from somewhere in the South Australian outback, if circumstances allow.

Take care of yourself out there, on the road or in the bush, and I look forward to seeing you when we next meet.

Damian Page: 5

EDITOR’S REPORT No report this month, distracted! === The magazine deadline for next edition is April 12th 2011. Send all copy to editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au.

Martin

VENUE REPORT

MARCH GENERAL MEETING NB CHANGE OF VENUE Date: Tuesday 29 March at 8pm Venue: Phyllis Hore Room, (adjacent Kew Library), Civic Drive Kew Melways Map 45 Ref 45 D6.

The Library carpark is available via Cotham Road or Charles Street laneway.

This change is due to renovations at the tennis clubrooms, which will be unavailable until July. The venues will change each month during this period so you must WATCH THIS SPACE! (Next month is at Ashburton Library – details next edition.)

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT PAJERO CHALLENGE Date: Sat 26 — Sun 27 March (note change of dates) Trip Leader: Peter Bellis, secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au As in past years, the Club will staff the three quarter rest point for this 24 hour 4WD competition run by the Pajero Club. Members will assemble early afternoon and convoy to the campsite. Cars come through between 2 and 5 am.

Trip standard is easy. At least ten people are needed. Please contact Peter to confirm attendance.

SIMPSON DESERT TRIP POSTPONED Trip Leader: Damian Stock, president@subaru4wdvic.com.au This was a major trip crossing the Simpson from west to east, from Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville, returning via Innaminka and the Dig Tree. It was scheduled for April.

Unfortunately, due to continued flooding in outback areas closing many tracks, this trip has been postponed, hopefully only until the middle of the year.

For more information on the state of the tracks, visit: http://www.exploroz.com/SA/SA_Deserts/Roads.aspx Keep in touch with Damian if you’re thinking of coming via email president@subaru4wdvic.com.au for the latest developments.

2011 4WD QUEENSLAND CORROBOREE You are invited to attend a weekend of four wheel driving, camping, entertainment and more at Warwick Showgrounds, April 29 - May 2, 2011.

Check out the website www.downs4wdclub.com.au/corroboree/welcome.html for details and registration form

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT OTWAYS DRIVE Saturday May 7 - Sunday May 8 Trip leader: Jessica Walsh, jw@subaru4wdvic.com.au This easy trip will start in North Geelong and follow the Great Ocean Road to Lorne for lunch and then on to Cape Otway and a nearby campsite. Day 2 will head inland and will travel through the Great Otway National Park. If there are enough people interested we can start the day with a walk through the treetops at the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

The drive is rated easy and any vehicle in good condition will be suitable.

Saturday night will be car based camping at a campsite in the national park so self sufficiency is required.

WILLIAM CREEK AND LAKE EYRE Saturday June 4 - Monday June 13 Trip leader: Jessica Walsh, jw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Recent heavy rains through-out northern Australia have kept water flowing into Lake Eyre bringing wildflowers and bird life in abundance. This 10 day trip will spend three days heading to and from William Creek and then four days exploring the area. This will give the opportunity to pick the right weather for a joy flight or a drive out to the lake.

The drive is rated moderate and a well maintained vehicle carrying spares is a must. Extra fuel may need to be carried as the longest distance without fuel is about 400km and traveling on dirt roads will affect fuel economy. The road from William Creek to Lake Eyre North is only occasionally graded and may be severely rutted with many kilometres of corrugations.

Accommodation on the way will be either caravan parks or hotels/motels and at William Creek at the local camp ground which is pleasant if basic. The park has hot showers using bore water. Travelers should be self sufficient with drinking water. The pub across the road serves cold beer and hot meals if needed.

This trip will be very weather dependent and may be altered or cancelled at short notice. .

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TRIP REPORTS

WOMBAT FOREST TRIP Saturday March 6th

by Jean Bellis We picked up Bev and then headed to the meeting place at the Rockbank BP service centre on the W estern Highway. Jamie and Les had already arrived. The others soon joined us.

While most of us did what normally happens on club trips (we stood around and talked), Adam changed his sump guard to a bash plate that he got from Martin.

Just before 10 am we headed off down the Western Highway and turned off on the Daylesford-Ballan Road and, as Les said, ―let the adventure begin.‖ We turn off the bitumen at the Spargo Pub onto Spargo-Blakeville Road and off into the bush. We then turned into McGee road, Hell Hole Track (which didn’t live up to its name), Mount Hope Track and onto Camp Road. These first few tracks offered little challenge but a big group of beehives did bring out lots corny bee comments.

Our first stop was at the ruins of the Balt camp on Camp Road.

This was the site of a camp built by the Forest Commission in 1946 to house young eastern European men, who has migrated to Australia just after the 2nd World War. Our next track, Rat Hole track was classified as a medium grade track, but someone had a grader over it and, on a dry day, it proved to be very easy, which was a disappointment. From here, it was onto Farm Track and the search for a track that we were unable to find as it seemed to have disappeared into private property. So we

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GENERAL NEWS backtracked and found another track that was very overgrown but did bring us out to where we wanted to be.

From here it was back onto very easy roads of until we turned off onto Star Track. We were now travelling through an area that had been burnt in the fires of Feb 2009. Star Track was very over grown and, in places, nearly disappeared. At the top of the hill, on Paddock Track, we stopped for lunch.

After lunch, the fun began as we encountered the first of a series of large bog holes. Peter and Martin went through on the shallower right side without an issue. Rick took on the challenge of the deep hole and, about quarter in, he came to a stop with water in the engine. Jamie pulled him out backwards and then, while the guys went about drying out Rick’s engine, Bev, Dot and I got out the chairs and settled in for a good chat in the sunshine.

With Rick going again, he and Adam took the shallower option. Jamie took on the challenge and with a slight hesitation made it out the other side (even though the water came up over his bonnet). Damian was next and he too came to a stop. Jamie went back across and towed him out. Damian tried again and this time made it. Jamie, just to show off, went back through the deep hole again.

A series of smaller bog holes, and trees across the road slowed us down but we all negotiated them till one final challenge. With a very deep enter and exit point and banks on either side this hole provided a challenge. Peter took to the left side and came to a stop on the exit. He tried to back up and have another go. However, he got wedged and couldn’t move. Bev managed to get out the back door and Peter was left to sit it out. Martin took the right side to come through and pull Peter out. However, we soon had Martin and Peter both stuck in the hole. Rick came down to pull Martin out. The angle of the track caused Martin’s car to swing Page: 10

GENERAL NEWS around and it looked in danger of crashing into Peter. Rick moved to a different angel and safely pulled Martin out. Rick crossed and pulled Peter out.

Martin and Adam made it safely over. Damian decided that his car was not muddy enough so managed to cover one side of the Hilux with mud, but eventually made it across without assistance with Jamie right behind him. After a few more small sections of mud and some fallen large trees that cause us to bypass off the track, we back onto the Lennards Hill Road. As it was after 5pm it was decided that we would stick to the major tacks and head to Blackwood and home that way. We took a slight detour off the Lerderderg Road at Nolans Picnic Area to show Adam and Damien to show them a camp site as they were planning to camp in the area for the night. This site was quickly abandoned as the whole was covered with beehives. Further along the Lerderderg Track, Adam and Damien said good bye and went off to check out some other sites that we saw down along the creek. After a stop in Blackwood it was time to head home.

We had had a good day and spent some time in an area that we only touched a very small part of with lots of tracks just asking to be explored. All agreed that it had been a good day and all cars went home a very different colour with all the mud on them.

Jean Bellis

Trip participants Adam Howley and Damien Hough Martin Foot and Dot Grieveson Jean and Peter Bellis, and Bev Davison Rick and Josh Koster Damian Stock Jamie and Les Scott Page: 11

Forester Forester Forester L Series Hilux Landcruiser

SUBARU NEWS

UNDER THE HOOD OF SUBARU'S 2ND GENERATION BOXER DIESEL Source: Fuji Heavy Industries This is a technical article about the latest developments in Subaru’s boxer diesel. For copyright reasons, it cannot be reproduced here. If you would like to read it, visit: http://www.mrtperformance.com.au/resources/technical-documents/1084under-the-hood-of-subarus-2nd-gen-boxer-dieselhttp:// www.mrtperformance.com.au/resources/technical-documents/1084-under-the -hood-of-subarus-2nd-gen-boxer-diesel

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SUBARU NEWS

[This page is intentionally blank]

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SUBARU NEWS SUBARU SET FOR A SIGNIFICANT OVERHAUL Source: Fuji Heavy Industries.

This is an article about Subaru’s new FB engine to be introduced in 2011, and other news. For copyright reasons, it cannot be reproduced here.

If you would like to read it, visit: http://www.mrtperformance.com.au/about-us/news/1/1081-subaru-set-for-asignificant-overhaul

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FOR SALE 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. Contact the club editor to advertise in this space.

Forester Aluminium Bash Plates: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged.

Outback genuine towbar in good condition, $250.

Bullbar including driving lghts (Oscar Cibie?) for 97-98 Forester, $400.

Roof console to hold CB radio plus original lighting, $150.

Contact: David Wilson, events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Hayman Reece Tow bar (model RL1909 ) Suits Subaru Forester from Sept 1997 to June 2002. Bought Feb. 2010 - used once. Needs new tongue and ball (original was lost.) $350; Offers are wanted for the following, also for 2001 Forester (forgotten in shed when the car was sold.) - very good + condition -rarely used (wife believes the Forester is a 5 ton truck and packs accordingly. Prices below are for information only. Any offers considered: Luggage /cargo tray. (new low type. Only a few years old) (new price = $295) 3 rear seat headrests (black) (new price=220 each) Cargo blind (grey) (New price =$482) Contact Alby Turner, via editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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CLUB CA Date

Event

L

2011 MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

Trip Standard

Sat, Sun 26,27

Pajero Challenge three quarter rest point

Tues 29

General Meeting

Sun 3

Day Trip – t.b.c.

Tues 5

Committee Meeting

Tues 12

Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc

Sat 9 – 24

Simpson Desert Trip – POSTPONED

Fri 22

PUBLIC HOLIDAY – GOOD FRIDAY

Mon 25 Tues 26

PUBLIC HOLIDAY – EASTER MONDAY/AN PUBLIC HOLIDAY in lieu of ANZAC DAY

Tues 26

General Meeting

Tues 3

Committee Meeting

Sat, Sun 7,8

Otway Drive

Tues 17

Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc

Tues 31

General Meeting

Sat 4 – Mon 13

William Creek / Lake Eyre

Tues 7

Committee Meeting

Mon 13

PUBLIC HOLIDAY – QUEEN‖S BIRTHDAY

Tues 14

Magazine deadline for articles, reports, etc

Tues 28

General Meeting

Sign

Vehicle Suitability

Easy Medium

All wheel drive and high range 4WD. Can be Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with d

Difficult Very Difficult

Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles wit Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual rang

ALENDAR

Location

Standard Contact for further info.via email p3

t.b.a.

Peter Bellis

t.b.a.

Venue Officer

t.b.a.

David Wilson

t.b.a.

Peter Bellis Martin Foot

Central Australia

Damian Stock

NZAC DAY t.b.a.

Venue Officer

t.b.a.

Peter Bellis

Otway Ranges

Jessica Walsh Martin Foot

t.b.a.

Venue Officer

Northern S.A.

Jessica Walsh

t.b.a.

Peter Bellis

Martin Foot t.b.a.

Venue Officer

low clearance with single range and road tyres. dual range and all terrain or road tyres.

th dual range and all terrain tyres. ge and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).

Cost

CLUB MEETING MINUTES A General Meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 22nd February, 2011 at the Hawthorn Library Temporary Meeting Room, located in the Boroondara Council Hawthorn Offices, starting at 8:25pm.

1. Present Martin Foot, Damian Stock, Bev Davison, Jessica Walsh, Glenys Howell, Brian Howell, Ruth Marshall, Bob Marshall, Jean Bellis, Peter Bellis, Lisa Jantke, Andrew Jantke, Michael Hartsborne, Adam Howley, Dale Rebgetz, Rick Koster, David Wilson, Tom Boltadzija.

2. Apologies Jamie Scott, Les Scott, Elaine Hyde, Phil Milkins, Elaine Milkins, 3. Visitors: Paul Saleeba 4. Welcome: A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1 The minutes of the January 2011 General Meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Martin Foot and seconded

by Michael Hartshorne.

5.2 There was no business arising from the minutes.

6. Correspondence 6.1 In Magazines from Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Variety Queensland Subaru and Recreational 4WD Club – NSW Mount Gambier and District 4WD Club Nissan 4x4 Club Subaru 4WD Club of South Australia Prospectors’ and Miners’ Association – Victoria Pajero 4WD Club of Victoria 4WD Victoria E-News – February 2011 issue Insurance Raffle tickets Page: 18

CLUB MEETING MINUTES New members’ pro-rata affiliation fee Association’s website log-in for club committee members Canning Stock route clean-up Flood clean-up Advertising material Next Destination re Magellan GPS units American Express Albion Hotel, Swifts Creek re local festival Consumer Affairs Victoria – overdue annual statement notice Subaru 4WD Club of Western Australia – details of their recent Simpson Desert trip Car advertising enquiry 6.2 Out Subaru Docklands – various discussions Subaru 4WD Club of Western Australia – regarding their Simpson Desert trip 7. Reports 7.1 Resources Club hats – had 8 enquiries so far.

Club clothing – only have a few items to distribute from the current order.

7.2 Editor Had to put in various articles as fillers since there were no trip reports last month. One of the articles was about the proposed Federal Government regulations for bullbars. Please read the article and complete the on-line survey.

Next month’s editorial deadline is Tuesday, 8th March, 2011.

An electronic version of the club’s magazine was put onto an on-line magazine site. Various committee members have tried it out and have given favourable feedback. An alternative would to be email a PDF copy but it would only be readable from a computer as the printing format is set to magazine style.

This is a ―work-in-progress‖ that require various issues to be resolved.

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CLUB MEETING MINUTES 7.3 Trip and Social Date

Event

Details

Sat 5 Mar

Wombat State Forest

Trip standard is easy l to medium. 

Sat 12 – Mon 14 Mar

LABOUR Day weekend

Buchan – working bee with day trips.

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Mar

Pajero Challenge

Trip standard is easy. l

Sun 3 Apr

Simpson Desert – preparation day Easter / ANZAC Day Otway Drive

Likely at David Wilson’s.

Fri 22 – Tue 26 Apr Sat 7 – Sun 8 May

Sat 16 Apr – Sun 1 May

Track conditions may have slightly deteriorated due to recent rains.

Able to borrow portable hoist?

Trip standard is easy. l Saturday along the Great Ocean Road to the lighthouse and then inland. On the Sunday, easy dirt roads (including the Otway Fly).

Simpson Desert

Trip standard is difficult.  Oodnadatta to Birdsville to Innamincka.

Vehicles must be suitably prepared and equipped.

The river crossing at Innamincka is currently under 5 metres of water, and most of the roads in the area have been closed for the past 9 months.

Vehicles will need to carry about 60 to 80 litres of fuel in gerry cans and 40 litres of water for 2 people in the vehicle.

Sat

Queen’s Birthday weekend

Sat 29 Oct – Tue 1 Nov

Border Track

Trip standard is medium.  Start from Rainbow,

Trip suggestions – Lake Ayer via William Creek in June 2011.

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CLUB MEETING MINUTES 7.4 Venue Date

Speaker / Event

Details

Tues 29 Mar

Kew library ―Phyllis Hore‖ room.

Tues 26 Apr

ANZAC Day public holiday

Tues 31 May

Sophia’s restaurant, Camberwell

Tues 28 Jun

Start early with a dinner.

Subaru Docklands (to be confirmed)

7.5 Membership Some members were given their name tags.

7.6 Treasurer Current bank account balance is $2, 905.41.

7.7 Secretary Next committee meeting is Tuesday 1st March 2011 at David Wilson’s place.

7.8 President 4WD Victoria Attended the February general meeting of 4WD Victoria (another late night).

Clubs are encouraged to make grant applications to the Victoria Government again this year.

Driver Training Unit – a number of instructors have had their accreditation removed due to not responding to various letters.

Affiliation fee – will include a CPI increase based upon the Melbourne CPI. (This is something that the Club might consider in regards to its fees).

Victorian 4WD Show at Wandin – it was a bit muddy.

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CLUB MEETING MINUTES 8. General Business 8.1 Membership cards – will be discussed at the next committee members.

9. Fines and Fun 9.1 Nametags: Rick Koster, Jean Bellis, Peter Bellis, Andrew Jantke, 9.2 Last to Meeting: Tom Boltadzija.

9.3 Trips 9.3.1 Christmas Trip (additional fines) Adam – baked potatoes cooked on the camp fire, and were not quite cooked.

Adam – for zipping up and down some rather steep hills.

9.4 Total fines collected - $3.40.

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

11. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 29th March, 2011 commencing at 8pm at the Kew Library.

NEW ZERO TOLERANCE SPEED CAMERA With the road toll continuing to increase each year especially around the Easter Holiday period, Zero Tolerance Speed Cameras were quietly introduced in March gearing up to the holiday period.

The new cameras look different to the normal cameras, so I have attached a photo so that you are familiar with them and able to make sure not to speed when approaching.

Please take this warning seriously as you will not get another chance.

[I forget who submitted this … thanks anyway! … Ed.] Page: 22

TRIP STANDARDS 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.

Visitors and members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to increase confidence and experience. 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 of equipment on every trip: a) AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio; b) Rated Dynamic Recovery Strap (―Snatch Strap‖); c) Two Rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t); d) Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver; e) Personal First Aid Kit; f) Recovery Points, Front and Rear; g) Spare Tyre; h) Jack and Wheel Brace; i) Emergency Supplies (matches, food, water and clothing); j) Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the Trip and Delays; k) A Tyre Pressure Gauge; l) An Axe or Bow saw; m) A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible shovels are no good); n) Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the Trip); o) A Tool Kit; p) The Vehicle Manual; Any vehicle not carrying at least the first three (3) 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 Club Resources Officer, the Trip and Social Co-ordinator or the Trip Leader concerned.

All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All nonemergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.

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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday 1st March 2011 at the home of David Wilson starting at 9:15pm (after much discussion about the Simpson Desert trip).

1. Present David Wilson, Damian Stock, Phil Milkins, Peter Bellis, Andrew Jantke, Bob Marshall, Martin Foot 2. Apologies: Jessica Walsh 3. Quorum A quorum was achieved with 7 committee members present.

4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 4.1 Minutes of the February 2011 committee meeting were accepted without amendment.

4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 4.2.1 Joint Activities with Eastern Ranges 4x4 Club Damian has been in contact with Eddie Lacanau, president of Eastern Ranges 4x4 Club.

Eddie will mentor Jessica’s 4WD driver instructing with 4WD Victoria.

4.2.2 Affiliation / Insurance Levy ACTION

By whom

By when

Follow up timing issue regarding the Association’s affiliation / insurance renewal date and the club’s membership renewal deadline with 4WD Victoria.

Damian Stock

Next committee meeting

ACTION

By whom

By when

Follow up with 4WD Victoria regarding site location for next year.

Damian Stock

Next few months

4.2.3 Leisurefest

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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 4.2.4 Club Banners Have a pull-up frame for a banner. However, need to source a banner for it.

4.2.5 Club Website Martin has been in contact with Michael. response from Michael.

Waiting on a

4.2.6 Electronic Publishing of Club Magazine Martin is working on having an electronic edition of the club’s magazine via the internet.

5. Correspondence 5.1 In 4WD Victoria – bullbar issue has resolved itself, with the Federal Government choosing not to apply the European bullbar standard to Australia.

Membership enquiry – person has a Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Maarty Ligtvoet – re parents’ trip into the Simpson Desert in 1983 in a Subaru MY. 5.2 Out Maarty Ligtvoet Subaru 4WD Club of Western Australia – re crossing of the Simpson Desert.

6. Reports 6.1 Resources Have club clothing to get to Rae and Albe Turner.

New club hats – work-in-progress.

Club clothing for new members Survey members at next meeting as to who is wearing club clothing.

Have some shirts and vests in stock for purchase by members.

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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Offer a discount for club shirts to new members at time of joining.

ACTION

By whom

By when

Propose price list for club clothing.

David Wilson

Next committee meeting

6.2 Trip and Social Date

Event

Details

Sat 5 Mar

Wombat State Forest

Trip standard is easy l to medium. 

LABOUR Day weekend Simpson Desert – preparation day

Buchan – working bee with day trips.

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Mar

Pajero Challenge

Trip standard is easy. l

Sat 9 – Mon 25 Apr

Simpson Desert

Trip standard is difficult. 

Sat 12 – Mon 14 Mar Sun 21 Mar

Track conditions may have slightly deteriorated due to recent rains.

At David Wilson’s place.

Utilise the time to organise who is carrying what, and how it all fits.

Oodnadatta to Birdsville to Innamincka.

Vehicles must be suitably prepared and equipped.

Vehicles will need to carry about 60 to 80 litres of fuel in gerry cans and 40 litres of water for 2 people in the vehicle.

Fri 22 – Tue 26 Apr

Easter / ANZAC Day

Page: 26

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Date

Event

Details

Sat 7 – Sun 8 May

Otway Drive

Trip standard is easy. l

Sat 11 – Mon 13 Jun

Queen’s Birthday weekend

Sat 4 – Mon 13 Jun

William Creek / Lake Eyre

Trip standard is medium. 

July

―Christmas in July‖

Trip standard is social. J

August

Snow trip

Trip standard is medium. 

Sep

Club birthday bash Border Track

Trip standard is social. J

Sat 29 Oct – Tue 1 Nov

Saturday along the Great Ocean Road to the lighthouse and then inland. On the Sunday, easy dirt roads (including the Otway Fly).

Trip standard is medium.  Start from Rainbow,

Club’s 35th birthday – ―watch this space‖. ―Laneways of Melbourne‖ tour – date will dependent upon what is available.

6.3 Venue

Page: 27

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Date

Speaker / Event

Details

Tues 29 Mar

Kew Library ―Phyllis Hore‖ room.

Tues 26 Apr Tues 31 May

ANZAC Day public holiday

Tues 28 Jun

Subaru Docklands confirmed)

Sophia’s restaurant, Camberwell Start early with a dinner. (to

be

March’s meeting is in the Phyllis Hore room at the Kew Library. Bob has offered to pick up the key.

Need suggestions for club meeting speakers.

ACTION Guest speaker re engine oil additivies.

By whom Andrew Jantke

By when Next few months

6.4 Membership Received the following new membership application.

Paul Saleeba - Forester

RESOLU TION

Meeting resolved to accept Paul’s membership application.

ACTION

By whom

By when

Send application form to membership enquiry.

Andrew Jantke

Next week

6.5 Editor Page: 28

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Have been able to better calculate ink usage with the printing of the last magazine. Estimate cost is about $95. With maintenance cost, etc, printing cost for the month was about $105.

The ―advertisers‖ list to whom magazines are sent was reviewed as to relevance. Various changes were made to the list.

Editorial deadline is next Tuesday, 8th March, 2011.

RESOLUTION

Meeting resolved to increase the reimbursement to Martin for printing costs to ensure that he is not out of pocket.

6.6 Treasurer Current bank account balance is $2,905.41.

In the last month, paid for the trailer registration, magazine printing, and postage.

6.7 Secretary Nothing to report.

6.8 President Nothing additional to report.

7. General Business 7.1 Committee Planning Day Need to have one on, say, third weekend in June. Can committee members please advise their availability.

7.2 Club Survey Should have one before the committee planning day.

ACTION

By whom

By when

Andrew to organise survey to go out with next magazine.

Andrew Jantke

Tues, 8th March, 2011

8. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th April 2011 at 7:30pm at the home of Jessica Walsh.

9. Meeting closed at 11:30pm.

Page: 29

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR April 2011 Thursday 7th Proficiency Course (PC110409) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 9th Proficiency Course (PC110409) Practical - Werribee Saturday 9th First Aid Course (FA110409) - Nth Balwyn Monday 11th Chainsaw Course (CS110416) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 16th Chainsaw Course (CS110416) Practical - Tallarook Sunday 17th Chainsaw Course (CS110416) Practical – Tallarook Saturday 16th First Aid Course (FA110409) - Nth Balwyn Sunday 17th On Road Towing Course (TO110417) - Altona Friday 29th Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110430) Practical - Tallarook Saturday 30th Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110430) Practical – Tallarook Sunday 1st May Advanced 4x4 Course (ADV110430) Practical - Tallarook

May 2011 Friday 6th Proficiency Course (PC110507) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 7th Proficiency Course (PC110507) Practical – Werribee Monday 9th Chainsaw Course (CS110514) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 14th Chainsaw Course (CS110514) Practical - Tallarook Sunday 15th Chainsaw Course (CS110514) Practical – Tallarook Thursday 19th Proficiency Course (PC110521) Theory - Nth Balwyn Thursday 19th Proficiency Course (WC110522) Theory - Nth Balwyn Saturday 21st Proficiency Course (PC110521) Practical – Werribee Sunday 22nd Women’s 4X4 Course (WC110522) Practical – Werribee Sunday 22nd On Road Towing Course (TO110522) – Altona

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FWDV can be contacted on (03) 9857 5209 or e-mail: training@fwdvictoria.org.au Contact S4WDCV Secretary Peter Bellis, secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au regarding attendance at FWDCV courses as a club discount may apply.

Page: 30

Wombat Forest