Melbourne Walking Club Inc.

Transcription

1 Melbourne Walking Club Inc. REG. No. A657P 2018 Annual Report If undeliverable, return to Melbourne Walking Club Inc. Box 2446 GPO MELBOURNE 3001 AGM REPORTS PRINT POST POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA Founded 1894 For the promotion and encouragement of recreational walking in congenial company and to foster the conservation of our natural heritage 16 1

2 Acting President s Report I am pleased to report that over the last year the Club has continued to provide a full and varied walks programme. The lodge at Mt Buller was also well used during the winter months thanks to an excellent snow season last year which fortunately was repeated again this year. The total number of members of the Club has remained largely unchanged at 277 but the composition of the membership is gradually changing. Although there are a significant number of members who don t participate in walks the Club is starting to attract younger and more active members. The number of female members continues to increase following the change to the Club s Constitution in late As at 30 June 2018 there were twenty four female members and more have joined since then. It is also pleasing that there are now two female members on the Executive committee, Kim Rosen who is the Sunday Walks Co-Ordinator and Jenny Hosking who is a General Committee member. Some of the highlights of the last year with which I was involved included the President s Walk and Bus Trip at Leongatha in September 2017, an overnight camping trip to Sealer s Cove at Wilson s Promontory in February 2018 led by Tony Cagney, a base under cover trip to Mallacoota and the Croajingolong National Park for five nights in March 2018 led by Kim Rosen and the annual Combined Walk with the Melbourne Women s Walking Club at Werribee Gorge in May There were also many interesting and sometimes challenging Sunday bushwalks away from Melbourne as well as a large variety of Monday, Wednesday and Peninsula walks. The Club hopes to extend the range of bushwalks and other activities such as camping trips and base under cover walks in the future. We also want to have more activities which make use of the facilities of the Walter Briggs Hut at Mt Donna Buang and the ski lodge at Mt Buller, particularly during the summer months. The main challenge in this regard is to find members who are willing to volunteer their time and actually organize these types of events. In my experience once an event is organized and the details are advertised in the Circular there is usually enough interest from both members and visitors to make the event a success. I thank all of the members of the Executive for their contribution to the Club during the year. They consist of Michael Corrigan (Secretary), Charlie Freedman (Junior Vice President, Circular Editor and Website Administrator ), Jim Thurlby (Treasurer), Alan Hosking (Activities Officer), John Rankin (Membership Officer), David Jones (Convenor of the Mt Buller Lodge), David Kerferd (former Convenor of the Walter Briggs Hut), This page intentionally left blank. 2 15

3 14 Web Site Report Since the Club s new website went online over a year ago, the response has been positive. So far, on average, each month about 70 different people have viewed the website, with three-quarters of them being new visitors (i.e. ones who haven't visited our website before). Each individual on average viewed three different website pages per visit. The monthly circulars and the activities programs are now available on the website as soon as they are published. There are also links to a large number of historical photos provided by Robin Bailey. These had been digitised from various photo albums in the Royal Historical Society of Victoria A notable addition this year was the creation of the Club s YouTube channel, with links to individual videos being provided on the Archives page. Four videos from Lance Cranage have been uploaded to the Clubs YouTube channel so far. There are links to these videos from the Clubs website at: Any more members with videos related to the Club or bushwalking in general (in digital format, e.g. DVD or MP4), who are willing to share them with other Club members, are urged to contact Charlie Freedman on or charliefreedman@yahoo.com. Now that the website is up and running, the website sub-committee has been disbanded. I would like to again express my thanks to Trevor Rosen, David Ikin and Ian Fillis for their invaluable help in setting up the website. Charlie Freedman - Convenor Kim Rosen (Sunday Walks Co-Ordinator), Jenny Hosking, Denis Ward and Richard Jasek. Tony Cagney has now replaced David Kerferd as a member of the Executive and as the Convenor of the Walter Briggs Hut. A very special thank you to Jim Thurlby who is retiring this year as Treasurer after holding this position for twelve years and who has served on the Executive for some fifteen years. I also thank all the other people who have served on Sub-Committees during the year especially the Mt Buller Lodge Sub-Committee, and the Mt Donna Buang Hut Sub- Committee. Finally I thank all of the members who have acted as walk leaders during the year on both the metropolitan and country walks and those members who have acted as leaders at the ski lodge. Many other members of the Club have of course helped in the background in an unofficial capacity and their assistance is also most appreciated. Trevor Rosen - Acting President, Melbourne Walking Club Inc. Activities Officer Report On Page 4 is the Annual Report Summary concerning walks/ events carried out by the club over the past 12 months. There were 112 walks. The number of walkers in each group were as follows. 112 persons attended at least 1 walk, 64 persons attended 5 or more walks, 45 persons attended 10 or more walks, 23 persons attended 20 or more walks. The % member participation was 41%. That means that 59% did not walk at all because of age or age/chronic illness. There were 4 special walks: 1. Presidents Walk: This was led by Trevor Rosen. The walk was along the Great Southern Rail Trail 6th September 2017 to Leongatha. 2. Overnight/Pack Carrying: 17th - 18th February 2018 to Sealers Cove in Wilsons Promontory. Led By Tony Cagney. 3. Bus Trip to Walhalla: 14th March Organised by David Ellis. 4. Base/Undercover: 15th - 20th March 2018 Mallacoota. Led by Kim Rosen. Special thanks to all members who help with organising the years walks/ events. They are as follows. Continued on Page 5 3

4 Activity Total Events Total Attendances Members Visitors 17 to to to to 15 3rd Wednesday Monday Metro Wed Metro Easy Metro Country walk Sunday Peninsula Walk Monday Overnight pack carry Base Tents 0 13 to Base Undercover Extendend Mixed Tour Club Hut Open Day 0' 6 Averages Bike Ride 0' Presidents Walk Canc elled 41 Membership Report Membership was again steady for the year with a total of 277 at 30 June (compared with 273 at that time last year and 270 the year before). Membership as at 30 September was 279. Since 30 June 2017, we have had 16 new Members and 7 resignations. Six Members have passed away. The change of the Club's Constitution in late 2015 to allow female membership has continued to see more women join the Club. Of the 16 new Members since last year, 11 are women making a total of 24 women Members. Details of membership changes are as follows: New Members: Lisa Apfel, Paul O'Kelly, Colleen Simpson, Jane Saunders, Anna Curnow, Susan Crook, Tanya Pinnock, Helen Tucker, Kim Adams, David Adams, Lorraine Ellis, Douglas Hollins, Jennifer Horne, Ian Wilkinson, Rhonda Kellet, Bridget Larkin Resignations: Tony Heyes, Neil Affleck, Ken Rofe, David Littlewood, Marie Revill, Paul Johnson, Ray Gallaher Deceased: Harold Ogilvie (1956), Peter Brockhurst (2004), Tony Durrant (2011), Lauchie Richardson (1970), Viv Wood (1996), Don Gillespie (1973) At David Ikin s request I ve agreed to take over responsibility for maintaining the Member register. I would like to thank all Leaders for sending me their Blue Sheets promptly or handing them to me on walks. It is from the Visitors list on the Blue sheet that we identify potential new members to whom I send information about the Club and, after four walks, an invitation to apply to join the Club. John Rankin - Membership Officer Combine with M.W.W.C. 1 Canoe Tour 1 The figures for the combined walk with the M.W.W.C are only Melbourne Walking Club members and visitors. No figures were provided for the M.W.W.C members. 4 13

5 12 Walter Briggs Hut Report Tony Cagney (member since 2013) was appointed Convenor by the Executive Committee on 9 July 2018 taking over from David Kerferd. The new Convenor s objectives, subcommittee membership and updated subcommittee guideline were approved at the following Executive meeting on 27 August. Members of the subcommittee include, Tony Cagney, Barry Revill, Robin Bailey, Denis Ward, Lance Cranage, Michael Blackett, Kim Rosen and Trevor Rosen. In the first half of 2018 work undertaken at the site included repair of roof leaks, removal of foam mattresses and continued efforts to control non-native vegetation. Our most recent visit to the hut was on 10 September for a meeting with Parks Victoria and a Parks nominated builder to initiate a quote on the repair of stumps and the porch area. The lease remains on a month to month arrangement and negotiations with Parks Victoria for a longer tenure are continuing. During 2019 members can expect to see working bees scheduled in the circular to help with painting, firewood collection and track clearing etc. These days are open to all involving only light duties and are a great opportunity to experience Donna Buang and soak up the serenity. For more technical jobs I am keen also to hear from members who have experience using a chainsaw or are prepared to volunteer their trade skills to help keep our costs down. The hut is in excellent condition and being only a short walk from your car provides members with a unique way to experience the bush without packing your tent. Tank water, fireplace, gas stove and kitchen sink all supplied just BYO food, sleeping bag and a mattress. If you plan to visit the hut or would like to book an overnight stay please contact the convenor through our donnabuanghut@melbournewalkingclub.org. As the new convenor I would like to thank the previous convenor (David Kerferd) for his generous support in handing over and to members of the subcommittee for continuing on. The subcommittee has deep experience with both the club and the hut which will be invaluable as we prepare maintenance and activity plans for Tony Cagney - Convenor David Ellis The Bus Trips. Graeme Barter Collects the Bus money. David Watkins Metro Wednesday & Monday walks. Collects Stats. Oliver Lucas Helps David Watkins. Travis Clark The 3rd Wednesday walks. Hugh Gibson The Easy Metro walks. Kim Rosen The Sunday Bush Walks and Base/Undercover Walks. Denis Ward Helps Kim. Ron Anderson The Peninsula Walks. Tony Cagney The Overnight/Pack carrying Walks. David Kerferd Helped care for the Donna Buang Hut. Treasurer s Report Alan Hosking - Activities Officer The overall result for the year to 30 June 2018 was a $1,766 surplus as detailed in the following summary and commentary. See Pages $ $ Surplus/ (Deficit) - General Fund 799 1,018 - Mt. Buller 967 2,594 1,766 3,612 Mt Buller Given the recovery of total revenue (up $6,351 or 15.5%) from the previous year the small reduced surplus is disappointing. The total running cost increased by $7,205 (55%) and the total fixed cost by $773 (3.1%). The most significant cost increases were in R&M and gas, up $5,547 (92%) and $1,403 (34%) respectively. The R&M cost includes $10,771 (net) for repair of the snow-damaged deck. The total cash held in the Buller Lodge accounts at 30 June 2018 was $61,041. General There was one significant General account cost in 2017/18, repairs done to the roof of the Walter Briggs Hut costing $1408. These costs were partially offset by lower Circular costs (down $712), increased subscription income (up $235 or 2%) and a substantial bequest by Harold Ogilvie. It is planned to use the latter to support the operation of the Walter Briggs Hut. The General account funds at 30 June 2018 totalled $38,752. Jim Thurlby - Treasurer 5

6 MELBOURNE WALKING CLUB INC GENERAL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE $ $ INCOME Subscriptions 12,315 12,080 Interest received Annual lunch - receipts 0 0 Sale of badges Donations received 1, * Walks/tours - receipts 2,265 1,245 Other 0 0 Total Income 16,067 14,236 EXPENDITURE Affiliation fees 5,345 5,074 Annual General Meeting Annual lunch - paid 0 0 Badges Circular printing & postage 1,805 2,517 Donations paid Insurance-Personal/Public liability 2,410 2,390 Postage, telephone, copying etc Rent - for Circular preparation 0 0 * Walks/tours - expenses 2,476 1,657 Walter Briggs hut 1, Sundry expenses Total Expenditure 15,267 13,218 young families once before, they are not young anymore, with the families not using it the way they did. The sub-committee believes the club needs to open up to more members who are interested in skiing in order to protect the viability of the lodge which is the Melbourne Walking Club s principal asset! To do this then we believe the membership rules must be relaxed from 4 walks in one year as per the constitution to something simpler that will be attractive to bring in young members and young families. It is these groups who we believe are likely to be the future users of this facility which in turn will keep the lodge viable financially. There are on-going discussions as to how this constitutional change should be and more meetings will be carried out in the following months. This season, the washing machine failed and thanks to our contacts on the mountain we were able to remove the offending machine and install a new one. We were concerned that if members ran the machine to wash sheets, and linen, then left it for the next influx of members and guests, there might be a flood that would be disastrous should old machine be left unattended. Already there is some damage. Financially we are ok thanks to the great winter season, but should have been better as discussed. Currently we have $62,000 cash at hand. Usage of the Lodge: We would like Club Members and their guests to use the facility, we encourage this. As a walking club, there should be more patronage since there are so many beautiful walking areas around the Buller / Stirling Mountains in summer periods. This lodge is not for the exclusive use of skiers, but available for everyone in the MWC Club. David Jones - Convenor NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Transferred to Accumulated Funds 799 1,018 * Walks/tours - Net surplus (deficit) (211) (412) 6 11

7 10 Mount Buller Lodge Report Working Bee: Held at The Lodge in April 2018 again. Carried out painting, window cleaning, assessment of the new deck and general cleaning. The Deck: The winter season of 2017 was reasonably good and more snow than usual fell on the village, including the old outside deck of our premises. Normally the scheduled Leader of the lodge will organise to get the snow shovelled off this deck for many reasons, including to allow adequate escape in the case of fire. However, the unusual snow fall became so much that the snow depth on it made the task look too difficult. It is a rigorous task at the best of times. So, with a depth reported to be about 1 metre and children building a snowman in the middle meant that this deck could not survive the load adequately. The main central beam snapped causing alarm and the access to the deck was compromised. It was necessary to have the deck repaired during the summer months and this was done in late March early April The new decking which was not cheap did come under some criticism for the money spent, but eventually all on the sub-committee agreed that it should be done for the long-term viability of a timber structure exposed to the elements. The deck material is Mod-Wood, a wood / plastic combination which requires no maintenance. The cost to repair the deck structure to plans drawn up by a professional engineer, and constructed by a registered builder was about $17,400. However, the sub-committee paid only $10,722 of this as the insurance paid the remainder of $6,708. The Project was completed in time for the 2018 season. Winter Tariffs (2018 season) were increased slightly, summer tariffs have remained the same for Membership changes: The sub-committee has serious concern about the future of the lodge and its use over the winter and summer months which is essential to pay the running costs every lodge is obliged to meet whether or not the season is good or bad. It was remarkable to note that this season which has been greeted with exceptional snow falls, better even than 2017 snow season, that the income has not been as good as it might be expected. The reason is that the midweek use has not been good. Over the years, the lodge has had slow usage on mid-week times, although this 2018 season has been exceptional with about 42% of the total income to date. On the leaner years there is maybe 4 or 5 persons there mid-week but not full as it once was back in the 80s and 90s. Why is this? We think the cause is our skiing members are depleting somewhat, and as MOUNT BULLER LODGE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE $ $ INCOME Winter tariffs received 42,270 35,540 less refunds Net winter tariffs 42,105 35,540 Net summer tariffs 2,460 4,720 Total tariffs 44,565 40,260 Locker fees 2, Interest and donations received Total Income 47,373 41,022 EXPENDITURE Site rental 12,747 12,505 Service charge 6,587 6,414 Insurance 6,560 6,206 Liquor licence Total Fixed Costs 26,108 25,335 Gas 5,583 4,180 Electricity 2,250 2,200 Telephone Repairs & maintenance 11,588 6,041 Cleaning 0 0 Stores Honorarium 0 0 Sundry expenses Total Running Costs 20,298 13,093 Total Operating Costs 46,406 38,428 Depreciation-Furniture & fittings 0 0 Total Expenses 46,406 38,428 NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) Transferred to Accumulated Funds 967 2,594 7

8 MELBOURNE WALKING CLUB INC FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30TH JUNE CURRENT ASSETS $ $ Cash at bank - General a/c 18,923 18,603 - Mt Buller a/c 61,041 60,587 79,964 79,189 Fixed Term Deposits CBA - General 19,829 19,383 Fixed Term Deposits CBA - Mt Buller 0 0 Total cash and deposits 99,793 98,572 Debtors and Stocks: General debtors Prepayments - Insurance 6,703 5,135 Stocks - Badges & "Footsteps" ,387 6, , ,679 Total Current Assets CURRENT LIABILITIES Advance tariffs - Mt Buller 17,530 16,475 Advance subscriptions 8,255 8,045 Creditors & expense accruals 4,875 4,406 30,660 28,926 77,520 75,754 Net Current Assets FIXED ASSETS Mt Buller Lodge - at cost 263, ,720 Lodge Extensions - at cost 175, ,234 Mt Buller Furniture & Fittings - at cost 55,516 55, , ,470 less- Provision for depreciation (F & F) 55,516 55,516 Total Fixed Assets 438, ,954 NET ASSETS 516, ,708 CLUB FUNDS (representing Net Assets as above) Accumulated Funds - General 53,546 52,746 - Mt Buller 249, , , ,183 Bequest Fund 7,525 7,525 Revaluation Reserve 206, ,000 TOTAL FUNDS 516, ,