Monthly Magazine

JUNE2017

Club Address: PO Box 48 DROMANA 3936

Web Page: http://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/portphllip

Editors Email: big-rouge@msn.com

Celebrating our 30th Birthday this year.

PORTLAND

MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE NOW DUE.!!!!!!!!!

CLUB COMMITTEE

Membership: Annual fees are payable at the July A.G.M.

Joining Fee (Once only) $ 25.00

Single Members (1 vote) $ 75.00 per annum (Pro rata after 1st January)

Joint Members (2 votes) $ 75.00 per annum (Pro rata after 1st January)

Associate Members (No vote) $ 75.00 per annum (Pro rata after 1st January)

General Meetings: Held at 8:00pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Old

Dromana Shire Offices, Point Nepean Road, Dromana.

Committee Meeting: Held at 7:30pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the

designated committee member’s home.

Magazine Deadline: 6:00pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month.

Contact Person: Nigel Smith (President), 0400885272

Club Radio: UHF Channel 15

Bank Details: PP4WD Club BSB 083-861 ACC 04-543-7142

General Information…

President & Web

AdministratorNigel Smith

Vice President Don Jukes

Secretary Ken Winn

Treasurer Peter Strang

Social Secretary Kelly Anderson

Trip Co-ordinator Greg Saligari

Communications Officer

(Editor)

Jenny Rouget

Delegate Clive BremnerPort Phillip Four Wheel Registered No.: A 15411C

Drive Club Incorporated ABN: 79336564667

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING 09 / 5 /17

Meeting Opened: 8.05pm

Visitors: Terry Brown

Apologies: Nigel Smith, Rowan McLaughlin, Barb Andruch; Chris Smith and Pip, Alan and Vivian Isaacs;

Norm and Loretta Ryan; Graeme and Jenny Rouget; Megan McLaughlin; Corrie and Fred Riet; Greg Saligari

Minutes of last meeting – Minutes of last meeting were confirmed as being true and correct.

Moved: Jason Chamberlain Seconded: Anna Sanders

Business from Previous Meeting: Nil

Incoming Correspondence:

FWDV – Minutes for 2016 AGM.

FWDV – Notice of “Training Day” for new committee members of Clubs

Statement / Invoice re hall hire

Outgoing Correspondence:

Mags to visitors and sponsors.

Documents to FWDV re recent Driver Training (Don)

Business arising from correspondence: Nil

Presidents Report: As per mag.

Vice Presidents Report: As per mag plus

Club Reg scheme – matter slowly progressing.

Driver Trainning - successfully completed.

Reminder re guest speaker for next month (May) - Rudy Paoletti on the “Aberfeldy Track”

Treasurer's Report: To be as per Mag – Balance as at 1st May being $3817.79

Moved: Lisa Auty Seconded: Glen Simmons

Trip Co-Ordinators Report: As per mag – brief overview of proposed trips advised by Don.

Also noted that if sufficient numbers, will look to running two chainsaw courses.

Comm.’s / Editor Report: All good – some minor updates re email addresses required.

Social Secretary: – Bunnings since advised (verbally) that we have been allocated date of 17th September

for SS at Bunnings Rosebud.

Delegates Report: Nothing to report – next meeting is scheduled for June.

General Business

Don spoke about the Clubs proposed 30th Anniversary celebrations and advised that a small sub

committee (Nigel, Don, Jen Rouget and Glen Simmons) had been established to manage/oversee

arrangements and sought suggestion as to format and date.

As set out in Nigel’s comments in the mag, current thinking at this early stage was for celebrations

to be held over Grand Final w/end at Graeme and Jen’s friend’s property at Warburton. Sub

committee is yet to meet and Don requested that any suggestions and ideas for activities etc –

including the proposed date, be emailed to either Nigel, Don or Ken. Volunteers to assist with

making arrangements and events over the weekend are sought and will be welcomed.

Breakdown Award – Plaque since located – committee will consider likely contenders.

Suggestion put forward by Kelly that perhaps we consider amalgamation of 30th celebrations with

Christmas Party (??).

Jack advised Opposite Lock soon taking over Autobarn store in Mornington (considered likely to be

different franchisee to our sponsor at Frankston store.)

Pete reminded all that uniforms are still available (little take up this year) – details as per ad in

mag.

Clive provided a summary of recent day trip to tracks in Labertouche area – noted that many were

currently impassable due to conditions likely caused by “big wheeled” vehicles.

Jack (Andruch) raised the matter of recruits from Cerberus attending / joining club functions – Neil

advised matter still under consideration by command.

Jack (Braun) formally thanked instructors (Don and Nigel) for the very successful and worthwhile

Driver Training just completed.

Adrian advised of Roof top Tent for sale – and also donated a stainless steel/fire based hot water

urn which is proposed to be raffled off by the Club.

Don advised of two late cancellations – therefore providing two vacancies – first in best dressed –

contact Don asap..

Meeting Closed: 9.00pm Next Meeting Tuesday 13th June 2017.

MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING PORT PHILLIP 4WD CLUB INC.

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 30 / 5 /17

Meeting Opened: 7.40pm

In Attendance: Nigel Smith (Pres.); Don Jukes (Vice Pres.); Ken Winn (Sec.);Peter Strang (Treasurer);

Greg Saligari (Trip Co-Ord.); Clive Bremner (Club Delegate; Kelly Anderson (Social Secretary); Jenny

Rouget (Comms/Mag Ed.)

Apologies: Nil Visitors: Graeme Rouget

The minutes of last committee meeting were confirmed and accepted.

Moved: Peter Strang Seconded: Don Jukes

Business from previous meeting: Nil

Incoming Correspondence:

FWDV

Call for Clubs to run “Camp Host” over coming Queens Birthday weekend.

Notice re Leisurefest – 5th~8th October – invitation for Clubs to have a presence however at cost.

OTHER

Invoice / Statement re hall hire.

Advice from Shire advising change of entry code to the hall. Outgoing Correspondence:

Mags to visitors and members.l

Business arising from Correspondence: Nil

Presidents Report: As per Mag.

Vice Presidents Report: As per Mag.

Treasurers Report: As per mag - Income $921 (mostly for Portland); Expenditure $797 (again mostly

Portland); leaving a balance of $3491.79

Moved: Don Jukes Seconded: Jen Rouget

Trip Co-Coordinators Report: As per Mag.

Communications Report: All good – some minor amendments made to member details.

Social Secretary Report: Bunnings BBQ confirmed as being on 17th September.

Delegate’s Report: Nothing to report – next FWDV meeting mid June.

General Business:

Breakdown Award – agreed to hold over until 30th celebrations.

Club Decals – still under consideration – fresh quote based on amended sizing to be obtained.

Guest Speaker - all set for June meeting - Rudy Paoletti talking on the Aberfeldy Track and

surrounds.

Club Uniforms – discussion around several aspects – agreed that black is maintained as base

colour for items.

30 Year celebrations – Extensive discussion - Sub Committee to meet on 7th June – much to

consider – main items being confirmation of date and venue; nature of celebrations; activities;

preparation and rehabilitation of site; clarification and identification of guests; expenses; logistics

of arrangements; pre inspection of site / location

Christmas Party – while date is set, given focus on 30th celebrations, Christmas function will be

simpler and low key compared to 30th. Nature of event and venue yet to be decided

Club Trailer – future of Club Trailer discussed – agreed any action be deferred until later this year.

Chain Saw Course – Clive confirmed booking for first course - 15th July at Drouin – max 10

participants - two sessions likely – numbers / attendees for 15th July

to be confirmed at next main meeting.

Trip sizes – agreed that not desirable to limit numbers unless good reason exists – larger trips

can be split into two groups if required. Trip Leaders to be reminded of responsibilities in this

regard and Trip Leader Guidelines updated.

Club Rego – Greg advised matter still very much alive and is now able to / will now crystallise.

Committee roles and positions – all positions being declared vacant – nominations / expressions

of interest to be sought –all agreed that changes to committee are desirable and healthy for the

Club.

Meeting Closed: 9.20pm Next Committee Meeting: – 27th June Venue TBA.

Port Phillip 4wd Club Inc. PO Box 48 Dromana Vic 3936

Annual General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE PORT PHILLIP FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB INC WILL BE HELD AT 8PM ON THE 11th OF JULY 2017 AT THE OLD SHIRE OFFICES HALL, NEPEAN HWY, DROMANA. BUSINESS OF THE MEETING WILL BE:

To confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.

The President’s Report.

Tabling and adoption of Treasurer’s Report.

Resolve any items of business for which due notice has been given **

Election of Officers and Committee representatives for the 2017/18 year. ** For inclusion in the agenda, notices of motion and/or other items of business must be presented to the Secretary, in writing, not later than 5pm on 30TH June. 2016. Items sent by mail must be date stamped prior to that time. NOMINATIONS OF MEMBERS FOR ELECTION AS COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

Nominations are to be in writing and signed by both the nominating member; and the nominated member as acknowledgement and acceptance. Signed nomination forms may be posted or handed to the Secretary, but, must be received by no later than the 30th of June 2016. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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POSITION…………………………………………..

MEMBER NOMINATED………………………………………………MEMBER’S SIGNATURE…………………………………………..

NOMINATED BY…………………………………………………………SIGNATURE…………………………………………..

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POSITION……………………………………………

MEMBER NOMINATED………………………………………………MEMBER’S SIGNATURE……………………………………………

NOMINATED BY…………………………………………………………SIGNATURE…………………………………………….

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POSITION……………………………………………

MEMBER NOMINATED……………………………………………… MEMBER’S SIGNATURE …………………………………

NOMINATED BY………………………………………………………… SIGNATURE………………………………………………

PORT PHILLIP FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 11TH JULY 2017

PROXY VOTING FORM

POSITION PERSON WHO I AM VOTING FOR

President

Vice President Secretary

Treasurer

Trip Co-Ordinator

Social Secretary

Club Delegate (FWDV) Communications Offr.

Member’s Name _____________________________________ Member’s Signature ______________________________________ Date ______________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

G’Day All

In a prime example of how quickly time flies buy, I got into the lift in our building last week and in front of me is a digital advert for the Spring Racing Carnival!!! Yep, Cup day is not that far away and speaking of Cup Day, make sure you take note of the information sheet on the Club’s 30th birthday party included in this magazine subtle hint!

The Club continues to progress well with plenty of trips, social events and high level of participation. As you will see from the Treasurers Report, we are financially in a sound position as we head into a new financial year next month. We also have a Bunning BBQ coming up in September which should add significantly to the bottom line.

Last month we had the annual trip to Portland and a social dinner night at Spitfires in Rosebud both of which were a great success. Check out the reports and pictures. In the coming months we have trips to Avoca (1-2 July), Chain Saw Course at Drouin (15 July), O’Tooles Flat (29-30 July); North Stradbroke Island (19/Aug-10/Sept) and Bunning BBQ (17 Sept) so remember to check out the Trip Report.

The July meeting is also our Annual General Meeting (AGM). There are a couple of things that we need to remember and understand around this time of year:

· Annual Fees are payable by 30 June. Normal practice is allow payment at the July AGM prior to voting and this practice/option remains available. However, FWDV have noted that the insurance policy that covers members on Club Trips applies only to those who are financial members as at 1 July. NORMALLY THESE FEW DAYS PROBABLY WOULD NOT MATTER BUT THIS YEAR WE HAVE A TRIP TO AVOCA RUNNING ON THE WEEKEND OF 1-2 JULY 2017!!! Can I please ask that if you are coming on that trip that you make sure your fees are paid by 30 June!!

· You do need to be a financial member before the actual AGM begins in order to:

o Propose a person for a committee position;

o To stand for a committee position;

o To be able to vote on the night.

· All committee position will be vacated (standard practice) so please feel free to nominate someone or stand for any of the positions.

That’s about it from me this month so I look forward to catching up with you at the June meeting.

Cheers

Nigel

VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT

First of all don't forget we have our guest speaker for this months meeting Rudi Poaleti see add in the mag. The Portland trip was a great success with everyone having a great time thanks to everyone who attended. The Club 30th birthday committee have met for the first time and we have made great progress and its looks like coming together well so book your spot and mark your calendar. see you at the meeting.

cheers Don

Rudi Paoletti will be speaking on the Aberfeldy Track-at the June meeting one of the largest European Touring routes in the southern Hemisphere.

Briefly-

He is a publisher and author of over 20 maps and 15 books on the Walhalla to Jamieson District.

He is also founder of the Aberfeldy Track and now the maintenance manager.

He also runs Navrun 4wd Events- since 2002 he has run over 75 events to date.

His presentation on the Track for us will be “10 exciting stories about the Track”, as he has already done a presentation on the founding of the track..

his talk usually goes on for about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

He will also offer his books and maps at discounted prices for all club members on the night.Rudi PaolettiMobile: 0428 534 102

www.navrun.com.au "The Ultimate 4wd Events"

www.adventurermaps.com.au "Maps and books of the Walhalla- Woods Point Area"

www.friendlyrabbittraps.com.au "my 'Friendly' Rabbit Trap

www.westgippslandinc.com.au “maintenance managers of the ‘Aberfeldy Tracks’ Project”

RUDI PAOLETTI. GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE JUNE CLUB MEETING

PLANNED TRIPS/FUNCTIONS

10th-12th June Christmas in June Mal & Karen Chandler 0417592882

29th June Birdsville Big Red Festival Frank Sibberas 0407048794

1st – 2nd July Avoca State Forest [Medium] Nigel Smith 0400885272

15th July Chainsaw Course Clive Bremner 0419535989

29th – 30th July O’Tooles Flat-Merringtons Nigel Smith 0400885272

19th August-10th September Longreach/Nth StradbrokeHard 7000km Greg Saligari 0488388809

19th August-10th September Nth Stradbroke IslandMedium Nigel Smith 0400885272

17th September Bunnings BBQ Nigel Smith 0400885272

4th November PPFWDC 30th Anniversary Jenny Rouget 0419378642

First of all I would like to thank all those who stepped up and took over the trip coordinators role

whilst I underwent my operation. One of the problems in naming names is that I always seem to

forget someone and that is just plain wrong however Nigel, Ken and Don thank you. If there was

anyone else and I forgot you, I am sorry and your help was appreciated.

I’m back on deck full time so if you have any queries regarding trips please get in touch with me.

What is a Club Trip?

I pose this question defiantly not wanting to be Grinch and to discourage any trip but it is an

important issue that all members should be aware of.

The club was formed around trips away and today camping and enjoying friends company in the

bush remains the central focus of our activities. We pay an annual membership to Vic 4-wheel drive

which is the central state body and part of this membership includes insurance should we be

unfortunate enough to suffer an accident. However, this insurance only covers us whilst on Official

Club Sanctioned trips. It does not unfortunately cover members whilst away on a private or non-

approved club trip.

This is an area that some members particularly our newer members may not be aware of. They think

they are going away with a group from the club and will be covered by insurance. To be a club

approved trip it needs: -

1. To be advertised as a trip on the clubs Facebook page and at club meetings

2. It must have a minimum of 3 vehicles

3. The trip must be formally approved by either the club President or Trip Coordinator.

Please don’t think we are trying to limit private trips, we want and encourage all trips but we also

want to make sure our members are aware of the regulations and consequences.

Trip Numbers

It seems going away on trips has never been more popular as evidenced by the larger than usual

participants on some recent trips. This is fantastic but it also creates a couple of logistical problems.

Vic 4 Wheel Drive guidelines recommend no more than 10 vehicles in a single convoy and some of

our recent trips have numbers more than 20 vehicles. If you think about the logistics of large

numbers in a convoy if you are vehicle number 20 crossing a river you could be over an hour behind

the leader.

There is a solution and it is up to the trip leader to recognise they have a large number of vehicles.

As trip leader, be prepared to ask and if you have to, nominate another trip leader and possibly two

to lead smaller convoys. You should be looking to go in varying degrees of different tracks but look at

the maps and arrange to meet for lunch somewhere as a group.

It is also courteous, think about how we feel when we come up to a large group and get severely

held up. Being trip leader is not rocket science and you do not need to know everything. Within the

group there will be years of experience, lean on that experience.

Most importantly continue to enjoy the trips and hopefully encourage more members to lead us

astray in the bush.

Trip Co-ordinator’s Report

Chainsaw Course

As you know, if we are to participate in track clearing exercises with FWDV and the National Parks,

you have to be accredited to use a chainsaw. Apart from this, while I’m sure we have all been using

chainsaws for many years, they are dangerous and it is probably to good idea to get some

recognised professional training and the relevant accreditation.

These courses are NOT cheap – unless you have Clive working his magic and connections through

other 4x4 Clubs to come up with a solution!!

Clive has found an official accredited RTO provider based in Drouin who will run a Chainsaw Course

on a Saturday for 10 people, providing all the equipment for $550 – that is $55 each!

We have 20 names down for this course so we are going to run 2 courses.

The first session: Saturday 15 JULY 2017

The second session: TBA but most likely early to mid August

I will be contacting each of you to organize attendance and asking if you have a preference for

either date. It will be important to let me know if you can only attend on a specific day or whether

you have some flexibility. Obviously we will do our best to accommodate your needs BUT some

flexibility and understanding will go a long way! The details are:

Name of RTO

Australian Safe T

Training

Course

AHCMOM213 Operate and maintain chainsaws

Course description

This course covers the maintenance, preparation and operation of hand-held chainsaws in a work

environment. It requires the application of skills and knowledge to cross-cut fallen timber using appropriate

cutting techniques to maximise volume and quality recovery. It also requires knowledge of licensing and

OHS legislative requirements associated with chainsaw operation along with duty of care to self, others and

the environment. The work in this standard is likely to be carried out under routine supervision with

intermittent checking within enterprise guidelines.

Clients

This course is designed for clients wishing to safely operate chainsaws .

If you are unsure if your name is down on the list, or, if you want to add your name to the list –

check the Trip Sheet at the next meeting or call me on 0400885272.

Cheers

Nigel

PP4WDC 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Saturday, 4th November, 2017(Cup Weekend)LOCK IT IN !!!!!!!!

Graham Road, East Warburton

Spit Roast Dinner

Basic Bush Camping with toiletsCaravans, Tents, swags all welcome.Stay for the long weekend or just come up for the Dinner.

No Power

There is a Motel in WarburtonAlso a B&B that backs onto the property.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SORRY NO DOGS ALLOWED

Firm numbers by 1st October, 2017

I arrived very early Friday morning after a slow trip through the fog, being quite tired I

thought I was hallucinating as I rounded the corner to the camp ground I was

confronted with a sea of dome tents that looked like little mushrooms everywhere, I set

up camp. When I got up in the morning they had all gone, so I am wondering about

those mushrooms for dinner.

Friday was a casual day morning cuppa said hello to John and Avis went into town for

supplies and picked up fire wood on the way back. After lunch I went for a scout around

the dunes to check the lay of the land, quite different this year with gentle slopes one

side and sharp drops on the other.

Saturday saw us split into three groups, the Young blokes where long gone and stuck

before we got our selves organized, with Nigel's group heading towards Nelson end and

my group straight out where we went through quite a few exercises to get a handle on

the dunes and sand driving.

Once everyone had got there sea legs we headed off towards the Nelson end to put our

new skills into practice. Back to camp for a late lunch which consisted of our communal

soup kindly prepared by Julie and Avis. The afternoon was spent exploring the Portland

end.

Sunday we headed off for the Portland end of the Dunes with great driving and scenery

along the way, finally we made the very end of the dune buggy area with pictures to

prove it.

It was then back to camp.

The trip back became a bit of a drama as yours truly had to do that last dune which I got

a bit wrong, lesson, get out and have a good look before you drive it. Anyway I hit the

bottom a bit hard and the old girl just stopped in her tracks, after a lot of head

scratching Tim, Rob and myself got her to run sort of and we limped her back to camp,

so that was the end of my play.

More head scratching and I gave up and disconnected everything and direct wired the

coil and the distributor to the battery (old fashioned hot wiring) and she ran Sweet as a

Bun.

Thanks every one for your help.

Monday was pack up and head for home. Thanks everyone who attended it was a great

trip and looking forward to next years.

Don

Red ones go faster !!!!?

I think I can get one more dunes run out of her yet !!!!!!

PS be very wary of jeep drivers with big mouths and big egos they can be

bloody dangerous

PORTLAND DUNES

Portland Trip 2017

The annual trip to Portland was a great success and as I’m sure you all know, this is one of my

favourite trips. The sand dunes, the driving, the isolation, the wind and the views all combine to

make it one of the very special places to visit.

Unfortunately this year I only had the Saturday and Sunday available so it was away as early as

possible form work on the Friday afternoon and head down with the caravan in tow arriving about

8.30ish. The fire was roaring thanks to Nick (guest) and Tim (ex-member) had arrived earlier with a

boat full wood and they seemed detirmined to burn it all that night! Others arrived up until about

midnight giving 14 or so vehicles all up. We were sharing the campsite with about 5 vehicles from

the Mt. Gambier 4x4 Club who were very friendly – or jealous of our fire – and as always it was good

to catch up with new 4x4ers.

Next morning, Don took the less experienced sand drivers out to show them the ropes, I took a

group of the more experiences drivers out the the steeper dunes in the North of the Park and Tim

and Nick headed off to explore the more remote areas so as to led a group later in the day into these

area that often we hadn’t found in the past. Well, experience, youth and well set up trucks does

NOT make you invincible!!! Yep, Tim and Nick managed to get bogged,at the same time and next to

each other! Apparently, an hour+ of digging, one “burned out” maxtrac and much winching saw

them free and on the move again.

We spent the morning playing in sand that was much softer than previous years and therefore

provided more challenging driving conditions but we all returned to camp for a later lunch – hot

soup and fresh bread rolls.

Saturday afternoon we headed out again, meeting up with Tim and Nick who led us through some of

the lesser known tracks running closer to the beach and heading probably half to the most Southerly

point. Only one vehicle got bogged when forced to stop in a very soft patch as the vehicle in front

had stopped a little unexpectedly. No problems – a few minutes with a shovel and set of maxtracs

and the vehicle was back “on top” of the sand.

Coming back we met up with the Mt. Gambier crew at a point where the track bottlenecks at a steep

and very soft dune climb with basically no room to get a decent run up. It’s always tricky, always has

people taking multiple attempts (which cuts it up making it more difficult for those following),

always requires very low tyre pressures, some pretty switched one “technical sand driving” and a

smidge of luck!

The Mt. Gambier team – or one of them in a Jeep – showed us how NOT to do it! Very relaxed

approach (over confident maybe?), getting off-line, over corrected, off the side, nearly takes out a

group of spectators (never seen Tim and Nick move that fast), hideous side angle, into the trees ,

crash bang and appears at the bottom slightly red faced! Takes a second attampt and spears off the

opposite side but stops in time and reverses down. The 3rd attempt was executed the way the 1st

should have been – backed up, lined up, kept it straight and went straight up and over no drama’s.

Hugely entertaining but in reality, it was seconds away from disaster several time. The sand is fun

but can be very unforgiving!

Saturday night was another huge fire, more soup, wine and port and the usual campfire chatter

about the day just gone and the merits of various vehicles – aka Toyota v Nissan v the others!!

On Sunday morning we headed out for our normal trek to the most southerly point of the driving

area. This is always a great drive and while we repeat it every year, it’s always different. The dunes

change, the track changes, the scenery is magnificent. We found step dunes, soft patches, high

points for photos, “bowls” to race around on side angles and all the other areas I love so much. We

had morning tea the southerly point before heading back – and that’s where the fun started!

Jack B was photgraphed driving across the dunes with his back door wide opn – that’s a fine!

Don took on a steep downhill run - why? Because he could(!) – headbutted the bottom – it was that

steep – and the stopped. 2 hours later, a trip back to camp to cannabalize another vehicle for parts

and we had him moving and back to camp – that’s a fine.

Chris’s gearbox decided to let go leaving him often with only 2 or 3 out the normal 5 gears _ I’d say

that a fine but its cost him enough already!

While we found an alternative route other than the steep uphill dune from Saturday, several people

still took multiple attempts to get up hills.

Finally back to camp, a quick and late lunch while packing and it was time for a few of us to head

home.

As always, there are a number of people that need special thanks for making it such a great trip –

obviously Don for organizing and leading it; Julie Chambers who stayed at camp on Saturday and got

the “soup kitchen” under way for our lunch; Tim, Nick, Tait and Chris being the ‘lumberjacks” and

getting the firewood that kept us all so warm and to many others who provided such great

entertainment by getting bogged, flying over dunes and generally just having a ball.

See you there next year and Cheers

Nigel

SPITFIRE PICTURES

PICTURES FROM PORTLAND

Christmas in June – Queens Birthday Weekend – 10/12 June 2017

This year the event will be held at Mal and Karen property at Rhymney between Ararat and Halls Gap. While the event started with the idea of being a “white Christmas”, recent experience has proved that trying to use a cattleman’s hut without 100’s of other people (often who are not happy to share the hut) above the snow line on that weekend is near impossible and in 99% of cases having to travel by Mansfield which is just asking for trouble for most of us! Last year we ended up at our block at Porepunkah and had a great time BUT it is a long way to go.

The Chandlers property is a great option as it is 3 ½ hours from Rosebud up the Western Highway, has power, is away from the snow fields and the annual crush of the opening of the ski season, large enough to accommodate a reasonable number, has sufficient shelter if the weather is bad and the surrounding area is great for wineries, walks, markets as well as being only a short drive to the Grampians.

A HUGE THANKYOU TO KAREN AND MAL FOR SHARING THEIR PROPOERTY WITH US!

Firstly, given the facilities, we have a limit of 30(ish) people. We have 33 at the moment and that I’m sure that is fine. I have attached the current list so please check and if your name is down and you cannot make it, please let us know ASAP so another member has the opportunity to attend. Feel free to let me or Karen or Mal know if you are not on the list and want to come and we’ll do our best to accommodate!

The format for the weekend will be as follows:

Friday night or Saturday morning arrival as suits. Saturday will be a day of touring the area whether that be to Seppelts winery or to the Grampians or both. We will need to collect plenty of wood as we need coals for camp ovens the following day;

Sunday will be our Christmas lunch. Karen and I will need a couple of helpers but there is certainly time for most people to go exploring. Be back by lunch time:

Lunch will be supplied and will be the normal spit roast and cold ham with lots of veggies and garlic and herb bread. Not sure of the cost yet but I try to keep it to about $20 an adult for the meal (cheaper is possible!);

I will be running a Gluvwein competition. Gluvwein is made by mixing red-wine, cinnamon sticks, sugar, oranges and cloves to create a delicious hot drink traditionally consumed either at the local Christmas markets or after a day on the Austrian slopes in one of the cosy mountain huts. To compete it will need to be made fresh on the day. As it can be very alcoholic, judging the winner could be fun!

Karen will be decorating the shed, setting up a Christmas tree and wants to run an “evil Santa Kris Kringle”. The rules will be explained but all those who want to participate will need to supply a small present valued at no more than $5. Start hunting people;

Sunday dinner, if anyone can face it, is normally finishing off the leftover and Rob, Lisa and I can usually be conned into making a damper.

Monday will be a relaxing day with no plans other than clearing up and heading home as suits you. There will probably be a local market to visit if that appeals.

All other meals are self-catered as normal. What I need participants to bring is:

A camp oven – never have to many;

Contributions to nibbles pre Sunday lunch.

More details as numbers and details are finalized but it will be another great PP4WDC event!

Attendees: Greg S; Jan & Jack; Tom & Jeanette; Ian & Christine; Sue & Ivan; George K; Graeme &

Jenny; Norm & Loretta; Ken & Jules; Greg & Wendy; Alex & Amanda; Rob & Lisa; Gordon & Robyn

B; Don & Daphane; Chris & Pip; Jack & Barb; Neil H; Nigel; Glen S.

North Stradbroke Island – 19 August returning 10 September

While August seems a long way off, I’m sure it will rush here!! Essentially we are going to away for 3 weeks spending 2 weeks camped on North Stradbroke doing very little other walking, swimming and plenty of beach fishing. It goes without saying that we cook fresh fish and prawns, sit around the camp fire and drive along the beach. However, it is base camped on Flinders Beach for 2 weeks and the 4x4 beach driving is easy and on flat ocean beaches much like (but smaller) than Fraser. No sand dune driving is allowed.

I will be leaving on the Friday night after work and probably driving to Grong Grong just past Narrandera NSW. The next day (Saturday) is a big day to camp on a weir just out of Inglewood – about 947 km. Inglewood to Cleveland (closest caravan park that takes dogs to the ferry) is only 294km on the Sunday. Monday morning catch the ferry to the Island and relax.

I intend coming off the Island on Monday 4 September and driving home via Dalby, Lightning Ridge, Lake Cargelligo and home. Longest day on the way home if 610km.

In terms of costs, the ferry is approximately $180 each way (depends on time of travel) for my Cruiser and 5.65 m caravan. Unpowered sites (only option) on Flinders beach are $18.25 /night for 2 adults. Two nights free if you stay a week so that’s $92/week.

There are 2 small supermarkets, hotel/bottle shops/ cafes and all facilities on the Island.

Here is the current detailed itinerary. It’s not set in concrete other than the start/finish dates. Happy to fill in more detail or talk about minor modifications. Happy for people to join us for a week or a day as suits.

Date Day Destination KM's High Tide Low Tide

18/08/2017 Friday Tootgarook - Grong Grong 552

19/08/2017 Saturday Toc- Inglewood 947

20/08/2017 Sunday Inglewood - Cleveland 294

21/08/2017 Monday Nth Straddie 0 6.45am 1.30pm

22/08/2017 Tuesday Nth Straddie 8.32am 2.39pm

23/08/2017 Wednesday Nth Straddie 9.14am 3.21pm

24/08/2017 Thursday Nth Straddie 9.55am 4.01pm

25/08/2017 Friday Nth Straddie 10.34am 4.40pm

26/08/2017 Saturday Nth Straddie 11.13am 5.19pm

27/08/2017 Sunday Nth Straddie 500 11.56am 6.01pm

28/08/2017 Monday Nth Straddie 12.43pm 6.54pm

29/08/2017 Tuesday Nth Straddie 1.43pm 8.05pm

30/08/2017 Wednesday Nth Straddie 2.58pm 7.59am/9.36pm

31/08/2017 Thursday Nth Straddie 4.09pm 9.10am

1/09/2017 Friday Nth Straddie 5.07pm 10.18am

2/09/2017 Saturday Nth Straddie 5.54pm 11.16am

3/09/2017 Sunday Nth Straddie 6.36pm 12.05pm

4/09/2017 Monday Straddie - Bowenville Hotel# 213 7.14pm 12.50pm

5/09/2017 Tuesday Bowenville - Nindigully Pub## 365

6/09/2017 Wednesday Nindigully - Lightning Ridge 231

7/09/2017 Thursday Lightning Ridge 100

8/09/2017 Friday L/Ridge - Lake Cargelligo* 610

9/09/2017 Saturday L/Cargelligo - Tocumwal 324

10/09/2017 Sunday Tocumwal - Tootgarook 366

TOTAL 4502

# Ryan's Mum & Dad own this Pub - could be a big night!

## Nindigully Pub - Australia's biggest hamburger & to raise a toast to Chalky

* Looks like a nice camp spot for an early afternoon and late morning.

TRIP LEADER GUIDELINES: To be a legal and bona-fide club trip with insurance.

1: The trip must be open/advertised to all club members (vehicle limit and/or number of participants is at the discretion of the trip leader. There must be a minimum of 3 vehicles to constitute a club trip.) 2: The Trip Co-ordinator must be notified of any proposed club trip. They will then complete a Trip Form to be available at Club meetings for members to accept and provide their details, and forward all details to Communications Officer to be placed in the monthly mag, on Facebook and email members as required. 3: All visitor forms must be completed and fees collected before commencement of trip. It is the member’s responsibility to notify trip leader of visitors ahead of time. (Please note that trip leader has the right of refusal of participants) 4: Trip leader should carry leader folder and club first aid kit (available from Trip Co-ordinator at meetings or by arrangement) In the event of an incident, the Trip Co-ordinator or President MUST be informed of incident as soon as practical. 5: Ensure all participants have a completed medical form with in their vehicle. 6: Ensure all participants sign the participant’s log form and a photograph copy of this is provided to another responsible club member. 7: Check every participant’s vehicle’s recovery points are adequate for the trip and that all participants are carrying appropriately rated recovery gear. (It is the vehicle owner/operators responsibility to ensure they are RATED sufficiently for their vehicle) 8: Use standard convoy procedures and adopt driving in a sustainable environment as found on the Vic 4WD website. www.4wdvictoria.org.au 9: Be sure to set up all convoys with a mix of experience drivers and novices, insuring Tail vehicle is suitably experienced and has radio contact with lead vehicle. 10: Allow adequate breaks. For example lunch/tea breaks every 2 hours.

TRIP LEADER CHECKLIST:

Check road/track conditions are suitable day before trip.

Ensure each vehicle has completed medical forms for every participant and participants log form is signed.

Collect completed prospective members/visitors forms and fees.

Check for adequate recovery gear and visual of vehicles suitability for track.

Check maps and/or sufficient personal knowledge of proposed route.

Review group for experience and order convoy accordingly.

Check experience of new members/visitors and position in convoy accordingly.

Ensure everyone understands “convoy procedure”.

Ensure “Tail End Charlie” had adequate experience and radio contact.

Confirm radio channel.

Quick “pre-trip briefing” to go over any last minute details before moving on.

To all our Members who are celebrating their Birthdays in

JUNE

Debbie WhiteChris South

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