Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria - November 2014 magazine online version

November 2014

LITTLE DESERT, BIG DESERT, WYPERFELD & THE PINK LAKES (ISSUE 409) Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member www.subaru4wdvic.com.au 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 Page: 2

INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB 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 year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2014/15 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2014 and are as follows: ● Interstate: $110 (Seniors card - $105) ● Single: $120 (Seniors card - $110) ● Joint/family: $140 - (Seniors card - $125). Joining Fee $10 ($20 for Joint/Family) (All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $47) A trip fee of $15 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

South Camberwell Tennis Club 322 Burke Road Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6)

Last Tuesday of each month at 8:00pm sharp (except December)

COMMITTEE Meetings 1st Tuesday each month: 7:30pm Stephen Whittaker president@subaru4wdvic.com.au (President) Jessica Walsh vice(Vice President) president@subaru4wdvic.com.au Peter Bellis secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au (Secretary) Bob Marshall treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au (Treasurer) Martin Foot mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au (OM: Membership) Michael Hartshorne editor@subaru4wdvic.com. au (OM: Editor) Dale Rebgetz resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au (OM: Resources) Jean Bellis (OM: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Events Coordinator ) Jamie Scott (OM: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trips Coordinator) Dale Rebgetz venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au (OM: Venue) Stephen Whittaker / president@subaru4wdvic.com.au, Damian Stock (OM) ds@subaru4wdvic.com.au Venue Presentations

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to the November Subaru 4WD Club magazine. I hope everyone’s past month has been enjoyable.

November has been a big month – particularly for those who came along to the Melbourne Cup weekend trip. It was a brilliant trip… but more on that later.

We’re very grateful to Dale for his efforts in putting together a great technical presentation on sand driving and tyre pressures at the October General Meeting. It was excellent to learn some new techniques as well as get some confirmation that we are on the right track with what we already do out in the bush. You will agree that Dale had put a great deal of effort into preparing the presentation and provided very positive tips and techniques. I’m looking forward to more technical presentations from members in the future. If you have a topic you’d like to present on or knowledge you’d like to share – even if it’s just a short presentation – please let a member of the committee know.

A few weeks ago, the Four Wheel Drive Victoria AGM was held. I went along to what was my first FWDV meeting. It was very well attended by clubs from all around the state. Damian chaired a very positive, encouraging and insightful meeting. What I took away was that the association is going in an excellent direction and providing some fantastic support and representation for us four wheel drivers. The relationships between FWDV, the government, DEPI and Parks Victoria is stronger than ever and with the government committing to supporting and funding the association if re-elected, we’re in the box-seat as members.

The meeting was insightful from the perspective that I learned about the ‘Clean Up The Bush’ program. This is an excellent initiative which you can learn more about at this month’s meeting. It’s important to note that Damian was re-elected as President of the association and will stand for another two years. Well done, Damian!

Back to our club… we’re looking for people to help us out when it comes to a few little projects. Firstly, we’re looking for a few volunteers to help out in the kitchen at our General Meetings. Quite often we see the same people helping serve tea, coffee and biscuits for supper. If you feel like helping out in the kitchen (not every month, but one every now and then), then please let us know. Or feel free to just get in there and help.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT It’s important that those who are usually in helping serve also get an opportunity to participate in the social aspect of supper at our meetings as well.

The other project we’re looking for a volunteer or volunteers for is our Annual Photographic Competition. This is coming up for our February meeting and is always a real highlight of our year as we have some keen photographers in the club! We’d love a volunteer to help run this in February. It involves promoting the event, collecting all the photo entries from members, putting them together in a slide show (the template of which is all ready to go) and then run it on the night. If you would like to do this, then please let a member of the committee know.

Earlier this month, the Melbourne Cup Weekend trip was a great success.

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it a great trip. We explored the Little Desert, Big Desert, Wyperfeld and the Pink Lakes – starting at Mt Arapiles and finishing at the Pink Lakes. You can read full details in the trip report later in this magazine… and get ready for a good ‘fines and fun’ segment at this month’s meeting(!).

The club Christmas Party is coming up on Sunday 30 November. If you haven’t let us know you’re coming, then please get in touch with the Trip & Social Coordinators, Jamie or Jean, and let them know. It’s always an enjoyable social day out with fellow members and, this year, will be held at Brimbank Park. We look forward to your company on the day celebrating another successful year for our club!

At this month’s meeting, we’ll be doing a little follow up on our 5 10 Year Trip Plan. A number of people will be presenting rough trip routes, timelines and dates for bigger trips tentatively planned for the next 3 years. So, come along to hear about what’s involved in these trips.

They’re in their infancy now… but with some good planning, they’ll grow up and before we know it, we’ll be out enjoying them!

I’ll see you at the October General Meeting and out on the road – wherever we may be heading.

Stephen Whittaker President Page: 5

VENUE REPORT NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING Date: Tuesday 25 November at 8pm Venue: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris Presentation: Some rough trip outlines of extended trips over the next few years that where taken from the recent surveys done by members. We are after your thoughts on these so come along and join the discussions.

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

Venue Coordinator

EDITOR’S REPORT With Christmas fast approaching, the next magazine will not be until January.

So the magazine deadline for next edition is Friday, 16 January 2015.

Send all copy to editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT CHRISTMAS PARTY Date:- Sunday 30 November Location:- Brimbank Park, Keilor.

Start Time 12.00 noon Meat (sausages, chops hamburgers, chicken pieces and veggie patties), Bread, sauce and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring a salad or desert to share.

You will also need to bring your own chairs, plates and utensils and other drinks etc, and if you wish a folding table.

The Park is situated on the banks of the Maribyrong River and has a series of walking/bike tracks, 3km Nature walk, a Children’s Adventure Playgound and a CafÊ.

Bring your bike if you would like to go for a ride.

There will be one or two other fun activities on offer.

We are hoping that Santa will find time to visit. Could parents please provide a small gift clearly named. We will provide lolly bags for all children attending thus we need to know numbers.

Trip Leader:- Jean Bellis events@subaru4wdvic.com.au OXFAM CHRISTMAS TREE DELIVERY When: Saturday 6th December (from 5.30am to 11am) Where: Heatherwood School, 370 - 380 Springvale Road, Donvale 3111 Mel Ref 48 F4 Delivering south and eastern suburbs of Melbourne OR When: Sunday 7th (from 7am to 11am) Where: Princes Hill Primary School, Wilson Street, North Carlton 3054 Mel Ref 29 J11 Delivering northern and western suburbs of Melbourne Drivers and Navigators are generally required for 1-3 hours. Each driver is given a list of addresses, allocated within close proximity to each other.

There is no selling or cash handling. All trees are prepaid.

You will need to nominate which day you will do, if you have a trailer and how many trees you can deliver.

Trip Leader- Peter Bellis, e: secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au Page: 7

TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT HIGH COUNTRY CHRISTMAS TRIP Date:- Friday 26/Saturday 27 to Wednesday 31st December 2014 or 1st January 2015 To start in Dargo and include the Haunted Stream, Bentley Plains, Hells Gate and then The Poplars or Buckwong Hut to standing camp for the rest of the trip. More details to come.

Trip standard:- Difficult.

Trip Leader :- Dave Wilson, e: dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au MOUNT SAMARIA STATE PARK 24th to 26th January 2015 ( Australia Day weekend) This area is just south of Benella. It will be a standing camp with access for camper vans.

More details to come.

Trip Leader :- Stephen Whittaker, e: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Standard:- social to Medium.

ANGLESEA Date 14-15 February 2015 Standard Easy to Medium. Meeting time:- 10am Winchelsea.

This will be an opportunity to do some sand driving and explore an area that the club has done little in.

We will start at Winchelsea on Saturday morning and make our way to Anglesea to camp the night at Hammond Rd Campsite. Saturday afternoon there will be time to go to the beach, do a coastal walk or just find a cafĂŠ for afternoon tea. We will have tea in Anglesea and there may be the opportunity to do a bit of night driving on the way back to camp. Sunday we will again be back in the sand and exploring some of the Otways National Park to eventually finish at Lorne. Then it will be back home along the Great Ocean Road.

Come for the whole weekend or just join us for one day.

Cost camping fee are $13 a site and each site can have 2 tents.

Trip Leader :- Jean Bellis, events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT SOUTH GIPPSLAND / TRARALGON Date:- Friday 6th to Monday 9th March 2015 ( Labor Day Weekend) Trip Leader:- Jamie Scott, e: js@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Standard:- Social to Difficult This will be a standing camp with a variety of options. Come for a day or the whole weekend and camp on the property. More details to come.

DISCOVER MELBOURNE WALK Date:- Sunday 22nd March 2015 Trip Leader:- Bev Davison and Jean Bellis, events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Trip Standard:- Social Meet in Federation Square at 1pm and Bev will lead us on a tour of discovery around the City centre. Learn some of the history as we visit historic sites, check out the architecture, venture down some of the little laneways etc. We might even find a Chocolate shop along the way. The afternoon will finish with the opportunity to have afternoon tea together. For those who want to meet for lunch before the walk this is also an option. The walk will take about 4 hours at a leisurely pace.

TASMANIA Date:- 21-28 March 2015 Trip Standard:- difficult to very difficult Trip Leader Jessica Walsh, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au Convoy Limit:- 6 vehicles.

This trip will be along the west coast of Tasmania.

The trip will start and finish with a Saturday night crossing of Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania. Cost of this will be about $500.00 Vehicles will need to be well prepared and self sufficient. A set of spare parts such as hoses and belts, as well as at least one full size spare tyre. Recovery points front and rear, snatch strap, bow-shackles, underbody protection and extra clearance are required as well. I will be fitting a winch to my car before this trip!

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT ROBE South eastern coast of SA Easter 2015 3-6th April This trip will involve lots of sand driving.

More details to come.

OTHER TRIP AND SOCIAL EVENTS without set date yet.

Dinner and Movie at Belgrave Como Twilight Cinema – Trip leaders: Jan and Dale Rebgetz.

High Tea at Yarra Valley Lodge – Trip Leader: Jean Bellis, August/ September possibly OTHER POSSIBLE TRIP AND SOCIAL EVENTS Would you like to lead on of these trips?

Possible locations include: Cathedral Range Strathbogies Brisbane Ranges Lake Thomson Round Trip Murray River Regional Park (NSW) and Barmah State Forest (Vic) or social events, such as: A Picnic at Hanging Rock Queenscliff Blues Train Puffing Billy Dinner & Dance Train Mornington Peninsula LONG TERM FUTURE PLANNING From the list of trip suggestions that people have submitted there are a number of longer Trips put forward. These included : The Canning Stock Route Fraser Island Touring to the MacDonald Ranges The Pilbara Cairns and up to Cape York Simpson Desert The full length of Vic/SA Border Track At the November meeting a short presentation on each of these will occur so that we can gauge interest in these trips and inclusion into a long term trip plan.

Jean Bellis & Jamie Scott Trip and Social Coordinators events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Page: 10

TRIP REPORTS LITTLE DESERT, BIG DESERT, WYPERFELD & THE PINK LAKES TRIP

Friday 31st October – Tuesday 4th November

by Stephen Whittaker (trip leader) Friday: The Melbourne Cup long weekend arrived and another Subaru 4WD Club adventure was planned! This time, we were headed for western Victoria with the plan to begin the trip at Mt Arapiles on the Friday and complete the trip at the Pink Lakes on the Tuesday. Between these two places, we would trek through the Little Desert National Park, the Big Desert and Wyperfeld National Park.

There was a great attendance at the trip – with 11 vehicles in the convoy – a total of 16 of us taking on the adventure! With everyone heading up from Melbourne at various times on the Friday, arrivals at Mt Arapiles started midafternoon and went through to the middle of the evening. The weather that afternoon brought a very strong head wind and above 30 degree temperatures all the way up the Western Highway to Horsham and Mt Arapiles. With the cars loaded with our gear, they were working hard! One vehicle in particular, Peter & Jean’s, worked hard with the temperature gauge getting quite high and after a stop to check, it was discovered the radiator had been consuming coolant with levels down. They got to Mt Arapiles with the plan to look at it closely that evening or in the morning.

To back-track a little, the first fine of the trip goes to the Trip Leader for selecting one of the three sections of the Centenary Park campground without knowing that the maximum number of sites in there was nearly at its capacity at the time of r e c om m e n d e d booking. Long story short, it booked out quickly and we were all fairly well spread out with members of our convoy in all three Page: 11

TRIP REPORTS sections of the park! But, it was a short walk to find each other and chat through the afternoon and evening.

Even though we were split up across The Pines, Upper Gums and Lower Gums camping areas within the Centenary Park Campground, the setting was magnificent. Nestled at the base of Mt Arapiles, the campground has spectacular views of the mountain. Beautiful vertical rock wall formations reach for the sky with plenty of challenging climbs for rock climbers from overseas to sink their teeth (or, more likely, fingertips!) into.

We chatted with a few climbers and one in particular who had a Subaru Forester. A young avid climber, Kat was very taken back by our modified Subies and got chatting with us telling of the long list of difficulties she was having with her Forester. With the list too long to itemise here(!), we recommended some places for her to get some cheaper quotes than she had already been provided and handed her a club brochure and she was on her way… so to speak. Hopefully, she’s able to get the Forester going again soon.

It started to rain that evening and we all headed to bed fairly early.

Saturday: Stephen had mentioned that it would be a big day on the Saturday – and it was! A planned 9am departure quickly became an after 10am departure as a close look and attempted diagnosis of Peter & Jean’s radiator/overheating troubles took place. We topped it up and ran it for a while and all seemed ok.

They decided to continue on with us and we’d monitor levels/consumption regularly across the day. Meanwhile, as the Trip Leader was doing his morning vehicle checks, he discovered no coolant in his radiator overflow bottle and very little in the radiator itself! A similar issue.

However, the temperature gauge had not risen on the journey up. It was topped up and a similar decision made Page: 12

TRIP REPORTS to check it regularly across the day.

Departing the campground, our convoy drove up to the summit of Mt Arapiles. We struggled to fit in the car park. But after a short walk, the summit brought us fantastic views of the surrounding region. We looked down on the various challenging rock climbs and across to Mitre Rock and Mitre Lake. On the road again, we trekked north through Mitre. This is flat, mostly dry country and, looking back at Mt Arapiles, it demands attention. The rock juts up amongst flat farming properties and dry paddocks. We drive north west through Nurcuong and turn right and head north directly through the Little Desert National Park.

Around 15 kilometres on, we turn right off the bitumen and straight into the sand. Stopping for a late morning tea, we drop tyre pressures. Once going again, it’s not long later that the Trip Leader comes across a shut MVO gate.

The map he had did not state that this was an MVO but other’s maps did.

That didn’t stop us. There are always other ways. So, we took the right turn and drove along the fence line south instead. This track had not been driven in a while with debris over the track and no visible tyre tracks.

We turned east still following the fence line that designated the Little Desert National Park and farmland on the other side of the fence. There were spots with some deep sand which provided a little fun along the way. We stopped for lunch just after a short shower of rain at Lears Well. After eating, some of us explored and Jamie found the well. “Well, well well,” a few said! “Well, it’s deep!” chimed another. It was a deep well – later research on the internet has it at 64 metres deep. Lined with timber sleepers as deep as we could see with even the brightest torch in the group, we all speculated how challenging it would have been to construct this without the equipment of the modern day.

After checking two radiators (and topping up Peter’s) we headed further into the Little Desert bound for Dimboola.

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TRIP REPORTS More deep sandy spots proved too difficult for some with Paul getting bogged on one particularly deep corner. Des backed up to help and got himself stuck too! Two stuck vehicles. This wouldn’t be the first time this would happen on the weekend. Digging and towing/snatching occurred and they were finally free.

The terrain had been fairly flat up until this point but then we started to see some actual dunes. Soft in spots, there was much CB radio chatter about getting up and over them. Arriving at the eastern side of the Little Desert, we popped out at Dimboola, fuelled up, aired up and purchased ice-creams (a routine of our club!). North-bound on bitumen for around 45 kilometres, we went through tiny towns of Antwerp, Tarranyurk and Jeparit. These are beautiful communities in the dry western region of Victoria. Onward around the southern and western side of Lake Hindmarsh (a dry lake), we arrived at Schulzes Beach campground right in the middle of the western side of Lake Hindmarsh.

We all got out of our cars and were greeted with a strong wind and very little shelter from it in the way of trees. There were some trees which we all camped behind at least sheltering us a little from what was a very unpleasant wind. Drinks were enjoyed after such a big day but without the ability to have a fire, not long after dinner we all retired for bed.

Sunday: The wind had died to almost nil by the morning, making it a pleasant rise for what was to be another big day. Breakfast was had and tents came down.

9am was our planned departure time. Peter and Jean had to make the

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TRIP REPORTS difficult, but practical decision, to leave the trip at this point and head home.

Coolant was still leaving their radiator through the top of the overflow bottle and, suspecting a blown head gasket, Rick suggested it might be a good, safe exit point from the trip here where they could monitor it every half hour all the way home, topping it up if necessary. It was at this point, Michael H left us as well. After 5 weeks annual leave and spending most of it in his vehicle travelling to different places in Australia, he was tired and wanted to head home.

A line-up photo of all the vehicles in front of Lake Hindmarsh was choreographed by Paul and then we departed Schulzes Beach at 9:30am.

Heading further north along the western side of the lake, we then turned left onto Netting Fence Track then right onto Chinaman Well Track. Air pressures were dropped and more deep, soft sand encountered. This section of track was very undulating with a lot of short dips and peaks so it was slow going.

Rick was hitting the bump stops quite a bit, so the convoy pace was slowed.

However, once through this, we arrived at Chinaman’s Well. Similar to Lear’s Well, this also had timber sleepers lining it but was only around 27 metres deep. We enjoyed morning tea and then left heading further north west along Chinaman’s Well Track. The terrain changed and the distance between dunes increased – as did their size and the depth of the sand! A number of vehicles had to have second and even third attempts at dunes to overcome them. Between the dunes, we were able to travel at a much faster pace than the previous section as the track was fairly smooth. The deep sand proved challenging – but fun!

Reaching the Murrayville Track, we decided to trek north for around 17

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CLUB CA Date

Event

2014 NOV

DEC

Tues 25

General Meeting

Sun 30

Christmas Party

Tues 2

Committee Meeting

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Dec

Oxfam Christmas Tree deliveries

Fri 26/Sat 27 to Wed 31st 24th - 26th Jan

High Country Christmas Trip

Sat 14 - 15 Feb

Anglesea

Sat 7th - Mon 9th Mar

South Gippsland / Traralgon

Sun 22nd Mar

Discover Melbourne Walk

Mount Samaria State Park

JAN+

Sat 21 – Sat 28 Mar Tasmania Easter 2015 3-6th April Trip Standard

Sign

South eastern coast of SA

Vehicle Suitability

Easy Medium

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

Difficult Very Difficult

Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range

ALENDAR Location

Standard Contact for further info. events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

CSTC Brimbank Park, Keilor

Dale Rebgetz Social

The Bellis’ Suburban Melbourne

Peter Bellis Social

Dargo Area South of Benalla

Jean Bellis

Peter Bellis Dave Wilson

Social - Stephen Whittaker

Winchelsea - Anglesea Social -

Jean Bellis

South Gippsland / Traralgon

Jamie Scott

Melbourne

Social

NW Tasmania Robe

Jean Bellis Jessica Walsh

TBA

TBA

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

h dual range and all terrain tyres. e and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).

Cost

TRIP REPORTS kilometres to The Springs for our late lunch. Not much to see but we sought the little shade there was and replenished.

Looking at the time and the distance still to travel, Stephen was thinking it was less and less likely that we were going to make our anticipated destination of Wonga Hut and Campground. So, a couple of alternate options were scoped and it would be a ‘see where we end up and at what time’ day plan.

Once packed up after lunch, we headed a little further north along the Murrayville Track then turned right into Milmed Rock Track, heading east.

Similar terrain was encountered with deep, soft sand. We passed a couple of vehicles – the lead one said to Stephen (presumably after looking at a few Subies), “it gets rough up ahead”. “Thanks, but we’ll be right,” was the reply.

Onward we went with some very interesting dunes tackled. Comments flew about the challenge this would have been going the other way as, after we crested dunes, we had to put the foot down quite a bit to get through the deep sand – downhill! Some would have been quite a good playground and test for us all going the other way. One day.

Stephen had visited Milmed Rock once before when he was younger. So, there was much discussion, lead by him, as to the size of Milmed Rock and everyone was told to be on the look out for it on the horizon on the approach.

Dune after dune, we headed east and finally arrived at Milmed Rock. A small rock no more than two metres high and around 4 metres wide. What makes it unique is that it is an orange rock in the middle of a desert of white sand.

With photos taken and everyone somewhat underwhelmed (not quite sure why!?), we headed further east along Milmed Rock Track through Milmed Swamp, Arnold Springs and Round Swamp to pop out of the Big Desert at a fence – the other side of which was a wheat field almost as far as the eye could see. The stark contrast of desert sand and mallee flora to wheat field did not go unnoticed with all commenting on this change.

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TRIP REPORTS We followed the fence line track next to the wheat field and then arrived at Lake Albacutya around 6:30pm. It had been a big day. We set up camp at the Western Beach campground. There were a few other campers there but they were relatively quiet for us.

That evening, around our campfire, there was much discussion about Des’ Outback that had just been quietly plodding along on this trip. This completely stock, unmodified vehicle was just eating up the sand dunes with ease. With leather seats, sunroof and road tyres, it had only had trouble once when backing up to provide Paul with some assistance in deep sand. Other than that, it was a lounge room on wheels not having any trouble in the terrain we had travelled so far. Les even commented that one of those could be on his shopping list(!).

The campfire was very enjoyable at the end of such a big day and a lot of chatter and laughter enjoyed by all.

Monday: Another anticipated 9am start ended up being 9:10am – we’re getting better at this! In the lead up to departure, while tents were coming down, some went to the toilet block and enjoyed a shower. A cold shower. There was no hot water, of course, and the cold water was VERY cold. But also very invigorating.

Before leaving the trip, Peter and Jean had commented that we would have some ‘fun’ on the dunes on the western side of Lake Albacutya. They’d run a club trip in the area a few years previous where a few members had had some challenging times. So, we left camp and headed north around Lake Albacutya on Purra Track to see what we were in for. It was fun with very deep but spectacularly beautiful sand pits discovered. A couple of tricky dunes and sand pits proved a little difficult with a couple of vehicles having second attempts. At one point, Peter and Katie found Page: 19

TRIP REPORTS themselves stuck in a very deep sand pit. Rick, Jackie & Josh came back to pull him out and after several attempts found themselves stuck too! Jamie came back to help and pulled both vehicles out. Nice work, Jamie. Purra Track was arguably the most scenic 4WD track we completed across the weekend. Wildlife, great climbs, deep sand, burnt landscape, paddy melons – very scenic indeed.

A short, but slow, drive on the bitumen due to our tyre pressures saw us reenter Wyperfeld National Park. It was on this bitumen section that Paul hit an emu. We’d only been travelling at around 50-60 km/h and the emu appeared out of nowhere. Once hit, the emu was stunned but got back up and managed to run away – thankfully.

Morning tea was had at Wonga Hut and Campground. It’s a nice, scenic spot and definitely one to keep in mind for a campsite another time. Paul’s vehicle was assessed for damage from the emu. Thankfully, there was none. Luckily, all escaped harm today.

Back into the sand we went and headed north in the direction of Wirrengren Plain. We passed Lake Agnes along the way and stopped at a junction for lunch – looking for all the shade we could find as it was quite a warm day.

After lunch, we enjoyed a drive directly across the centre of Wirrengren Plain on a dry-weather road only track. This is a wide, open, flat plain that no doubt once had water in it but these days was very dry. You could imagine that, in the wet, it would get very boggy.

We were on the hunt for firewood at this point, as we knew we could not collect it in the Murray-Sunset National Park (where the Pink Lakes are located), but you can in Wyperfeld National Park.

We found a firewood gold mine and loaded up.

Trekking further north, we popped out on the black top at Underbool. Icecreams were again collected at the local store and we left heading west towards the Pink Lakes. Arriving at around 4pm, we all set up camp and relaxed (in reverse order) – that is, we Page: 20

TRIP REPORTS relaxed and then got around to setting up camp when we could be bothered.

We all went for a walk on the dried, pink salt lake next to camp and even enjoyed a taste – yep, you guessed it; it was salty! Everyone cooked and ate dinner and then relaxed around the campfire to reflect on the trip.

Tuesday: On Cup Day Tuesday, we all leisurely packed up on a slightly overcast morning at the Pink Lakes and headed off home in our own time reflecting on a fantastic weekend enjoyed by all.

It was remarkable how few people/groups/other 4WDers there were on the tracks all weekend. We barely saw anyone! It was nice to feel as though we had the place (almost) to ourselves.

Thank you to everyone who really made it a perfect weekend!

Attendees: Stephen Whittaker Rick, Jackie & Josh Koster Peter & Jean Bellis Jamie Scott Les Scott Peter & Katie Mynard Peter & Edith Fullalove Michael Hartshorne Mike Dunn Paul Saleeba Des Lehmann

Forester 2.5X L-series Forester 2.0 Toyota Landcruiser Brumby (Suboo) L-Series Pajero Forester XT Patrol Forester Outback

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PHOTO COMPETITION Our photo competition will be on at the February meeting.

All photos must be entered electronically so please email them to venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au We request all entries to be in a couple of days prior to the February meeting to ensure we can collate the presentation.

Categories you can enter: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Best portrait photo (photo of a person) Best group photo Best landscape/nature scene Best close-up nature shot (flowers, animals, etc.)

Best Subaru action shot Best recovery shot Funniest photo

All photographs submitted must have been taken in the last two years (2013 & 2014) at a club event. Any photographs that have won a prize previously are not eligible.

There is a limit of one photo per person, per category (however, family membership allows for each member to submit their “best photo” but they must have taken the photo themselves).

So, rifle through your collection of club event photos from the last two years and send them to us. When you send your photos, please include in the description the trip on which they were taken and a title for the photo.

Members in attendance at the meeting will be able to vote for the winner in each category - come along, see a display of the club’s events over the last two years and VOTE for the best photos!

Venue Coordinator Dale Rebgetz

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STANDARD TRIP EQUIPMENT & 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 of equipment on every trip: a) Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader b) Two Rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t); c) Rated “Snatch’em” Strap; d) Recovery Points, Front & Rear; plus optional bridle strap, according to vehicle design; e) AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio; f) Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver; g) Spare Tyre (full size); h) Jack and Wheel Brace, or equivalent; i) Emergency Supplies (matches, food, water and clothing); j) Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays; k) A Tyre Pressure Gauge; Compressor (according to the trip) l) An Axe, Bow or Chain 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) Personal First Aid Kit; q) 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 nonemergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.

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RESOURCES We have plenty of resources to sell. We may have many, some or none of the following items so if you are interested in any of these then please come along to the club meeting and I will be very happy to sell them to you.

Correct change will be much appreciated. $ Hat Oiled Skin size 55

20.00

Hat Safari size 59

20.00

Short sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size 14

30.00

Long sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size M

60.00

New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL)

30.00

New Style Vest

60.00

New Style Jacket

70.00

Blue Polo Shirt

15.00

Large Sew on Badges

3.50

Small Sew on Badges

2.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 45deg.

5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x 90deg.

5.00

Fuel Filter Plastic x Straight

5.00

eFlare HZ510 Red with Base

55.00

CV Boot Clamps Large & Small

3.00

CV Joint Grease

4.00

Wheel Nuts [Set of 4]

1.60

MSP Engine Formulation (oil additive) UHF Radio 80 Channel DIN size

50.00 115.00

For substantial discounts on all general automotive spare parts, oils, filters, shocks, etc., please see me for details.

Thanks, Dale Rebgetz Resources Officer, email: resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au Page: 24

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

Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model, $120.00 ONO Roof console to hold CB + lights and switches for Outback $100.00 Contact: David Wilson, e: dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Jessica’s Sale: 3x 225/60 R17 Yokohama Geolander G012 A/T-S tyres to suit the current Outback/Liberty. Two of them have been driven about 30,000km ($50 ea.) and the other is near new with about 4,000km of use ($100).

Contact: Jessica Walsh, e: jw@subaru4wdvic.com.au Wheels and tyres: 5 x 16 inch steel Subaru wheels, with used Geolander G900 tyres. Various states of wear. $25 each or $100 the lot (preferred).

Contact Martin Foot, e: mship@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. Contact the club editor to advertise in this space.

CLUB MEETING MINUTES The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 28th October 2014 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at 8:05pm.

1. Present Dale Rebgetz, Jan Rebgetz, Stephen Whittaker, Paul Saleeba, Kerry Gill, Graham Gill, Jean Bellis, Peter Bellis, Phil Milkins, Elaine Milkins, Peter Fullalove, Jamie Scott, Dave Denver, Gray Impson, Bev Davison, Ruth Marshall, Bob Marshall, Tim Folliard, Cynthina Rennolds, Damian Stock, Les Scott, Martin Foot, Edith Fullalove, Katie Mynard, Peter Mynard, Andrew Jantke, Lisa Jantke, Rick Koster, David Wilson.

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CLUB MEETING MINUTES 2. Apologies Jan Aylott.

3. Visitors Michael Dale, Meredith Dale, Lynette Mudford, Mitchell Grilli.

4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1 The minutes of the September 2014 General Meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Bev Davison and seconded by Tim Folliard.

5.2 There was no business arising from the minutes.

6. Correspondence 6.1 In ● Magazines from various 4WD clubs. ● 4WD Victoria Notice of annual general meeting – 10th November 2014 Draft unaudited copy of annual accounts DEPI media release regarding opening of seasonally closed roads ● Rally Victoria – volunteer officials for 14th and 15th November 2014 ● Cadbury Fundraiser ● Pat Turniey – enquiry about the club.

6.2 Out ● None.

7. Reports 7.1 Resources ● New club caps and shirts are available for sale.

7.2 Editor ● The contact phone number recorded for the Christmas trip is incorrect. Please refer elsewhere in the magazine for the correct details.

7.3 Trip and Social ● A trip leader’s pack has been compiled for use on trips by the trip leader. These will be handed to trip leaders at the general meeting prior to the trip, and need to be returned after the trip. ● See elsewhere in the magazine for details about future trips and soPage: 26

CLUB MEETING MINUTES cial events.

7.4 Venue ● Will have two door prizes on offer tonight. ● See elsewhere in the magazine for details about future club meetings.

7.5 Membership. ● Members’ nametags – have been ordered and should be available within the next month.

7.6 Treasurer ● Current bank account balance is $6,455.50.

7.7 Secretary ● Nothing to report.

7.8 Vice-President ● No report submitted.

7.9 President ● Nothing additional to report.

8. General Business 8.1 1990 Forester – Bev has a tyre and cargo barrier available for sale.

8.2 Damian is after a 17 inch steel rim that fit a Subaru Forester 2013.

8.3 Received a donation of a cargo barrier for a Subaru L-series stationwagon.

8.4 Over the Melbourne Cup weekend, additional water will be released from the Thompson Dam. 8.5 4WD Victoria Regional Representative meeting – the club should contact the local park rangers who are responsible for the areas that the club is trip through so as to get up-to-date information and help further develop relationships with DEPI. 8.6 Fire season is not far away. Therefore, club members need to be mindful of fire hazards, parking of vehicles and checking underneath vehicles for any build up of caught grass.

8.7 In areas that were recently burnt, need to be careful of burnt dead trees – particularly when pulling over for a break or camping.

8.8 Stephen’s brother Jay came eighth in the last round of the Victorian Rally Championship.

9. Fines and Fun 9.1 Nametags ● Peter Mynard, Katie Mynard.

9.2 Last to Meeting ● Rick Koster Page: 27

CLUB MEETING MINUTES 9.3 Trips 9.3.1 Cobaw State Forest ● Jamie Scott – get lost on the way to the meeting point. ● Tim Folliard – for getting stuck on ruts. ● Tim Folliard – for getting bogged - sitting on the differentials in the bog hole. ● Tim Folliard – for being pulled out by a Subaru L-series. ● Jamie Scott – for getting bogged in a hole that everyone else had driven around. ● Jamie Scott – for being pulled out by a Subaru Brumby.

9.4 Total fines collected - $4.40.

10. Presentation ● Dale gave an excellent presentation on sand driving techniques – a timely reminder leading up to the Mallee Wimmera deserts trip.

11. The lucky door prizes were won by Martin Foot and Stephen Whittaker.

12. Meeting closed at 10pm and was followed by supper.

13. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 25th November 2014 commencing at 8pm.

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday, 11th November 2014 at the home of Peter Bellis starting at 7:35pm.

1. Present Peter Bellis, Jean Bellis, Stephen Whittaker, Michael Hartshorne, Bob Marshall, Martin Foot, Bob Marshall, Dale Rebgetz 2. Apologies Damian Stock, Jessica Walsh Page: 28

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 3. Quorum A quorum was achieved with 8 committee members present.

4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 4.1 Minutes of the October 2014 committee meeting were accepted without amendment.

4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 4.2.1 Trip Pack – worked very well on the Little Desert Trip.

4.2.2 Delegate’s nomination form.

4.2.3 Dave Gibson – have not been able to locate any record of such a person having been previously a member of the club.

4.2.4 Cambur advertisement.

4.2.5 Bank account signatories.

5. Correspondence 5.1 In ● 4WD Victoria – notice of the annual general meeting (held last night).

5.2 Out ● Membership kit to Pat Turney.

6. Committee Reports 6.1 Resources As tabled.

6.2 Membership As tabled.

6.3 Editor Nothing to report.

This month’s deadline is Friday, 14th November 2014.

Magazine distribution – as tabled.

6.4 Trip and Social ● Details of future trips and social events removed as these are detailed elsewhere in the magazine. ● Toolangi day trip is being organised for early 2015. Standard will be easy with optional difficults. ● High country huts around Mt Stirling. ● Cinema night at Belgrave sometime during summer. ● Need to start planning for a longer trip for Easter – say sand driving at Robe, South Australia. ● Need to now start planning the longer trips (two to four weeks) for 2016 – potentially Fraser Island. Future trip suggestions for Page: 29

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 2016 / 2017 include the Canning Stock route, Cape York, Anne Beadell Highway, Kimberley Ranges, Simpson Desert, Gunbarrel Highway, Victorian Border (bottom to top), and the McDonald Ranges (around Alice Springs/Ularu). ● For next year’s snow season, do the Mt Skene track (will need to apply for access from 4WD Victoria).

6.5 Venue ● Details of future meetings removed as these are detailed elsewhere in the magazine. ● As tabled. ● Dale has concerns with the amount of stuff he is having to bring to a meeting – resources, supper and door prizes. Should the club consider getting a double-door lockable steel cabinet and locate it in the back room at the tennis club? ● Door prizes – have plenty on hand at the moment thanks to some generous members. Will have a number of items on offer to give the two winners a choice. ● Attendance sheet – it is there primarily to record meeting attendance, with a secondary role of providing information to the membership secretary about visitors. ● Supper supplies / basket – Dale is happy to continue to looking after the basket. However, need another member(s) to set up supper or have a roster system. ● November guest speaker – may not happen. ● Photographic competition – needs to be promoted in this month’s magazine and at this month’s meeting. Seek a member at the next meeting for someone to co-ordinate the competition.

6.6 Treasurer ● As tabled. ● Bank account statement balance is $6,455.50.

6.7 Secretary ● Nothing to report. ● AGM report for 2014 – need to update the vice-president’s report.

6.8 Vice-President ● As tabled.

6.9 President ● Pleased with how last month’s meeting run – very succinct reports, etc. This allowed more time for the presentation and chatting afterwards. ● Attended 4WD Victoria’s AGM last night. It was a very positive meeting. 4WD Victoria appears to be on the right track and is Page: 30

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES pushing the 4WD message with the State Government and relevant bodies.

7. Sub-Committee Reports 7.1 Communications ● As tabled.

7.2 Community Involvement ● No report submitted. ● The “Clean up the Bush” campaign is being lead by one of the Gippsland 4WD clubs. At the moment, rubbish is being located and documented. Next year, the campaign will move into the second phase of recovering the rubbish.

7.3 Constitution Review ● Work has not commenced.

8. Club Christmas Party ● Will be held on Sunday 30th November 2014 at Brimbank Park, Keilor, starting at 12pm. ● It has been checked out by Stephen. ● There are excellent facilities available, plenty of car parking and lots of space. ● The exact location is yet to be determined. ● Have 34 people attending so far (had 44 last year). ● Barbecue – Martin will organise the 4WD Victoria gas barbecue if it is required. ● Food – meat and soft drinks supplied by the club, members to BYO salad or dessert to share and own cutlery/crockery/other drinks. ● Club visitor fee will not apply for this social trip.

9. General Business ● Meeting powerpoint presentation highlighting club activities/events/ advertisers/etc will be re-introduced at the next meeting. Jean is currently updating the presentation that was last used two years ago. ● Long term calendar planner – have planners for 2015, 2016 and 2017 on display at general meetings so that members can easy see where trips are and their spacing.

10. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 2nd December 2014 at 7:30pm at the home of Jean Bellis.

11. Meeting closed at 9:56pm.

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