April 09 Newsletter. Inside this issue: Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring

Transcription

1 Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring April 09 Newsletter Inside this issue: Trip Reports: Tallarook Driver training Edi Cutting Fire Recovery FWDV: Track Permits Rural Response OH&S

2 . Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Committee Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Committee Property: Merchandise Sergeant at Arms 4WD Victoria Representative Editor Ron Beurs David Robinson Kristin Suffield Rob Buchan Noel Ham Anne Buchan Stan Williams Craig Cheetham David Suffield David Jackson Craig Cheetham Jim Bramich Craig Cheetham Irene Ham WEBSITE: The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few members in 1983, to a membership of over 40. The Club is made up of individuals and families who are interested in responsible Four Wheel Driving. There is no restriction on the make or type of four wheel drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst members. Where we live: Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong and Melbourne. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is a member of the Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. Affiliations: Members of our club are proud to be part of the Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks Victoria to look after Top Crossing and Lake Cobbler huts. We are also affiliated with the South Coast Four Wheel Drive Club based at Wollongong, and the Four Wheel Drive Club of WA. Current members of the respective clubs are entitled to Reciprocal Membership. Membership: Single or family $65 p.a. General Meetings are held on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month, generally at the North East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, commencing 8.00pm. There is no meeting in January. Please refer to the club calendar. Visitors are always most welcome. Track Torque: Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to Irene Ham: Phone: Mobile: niham@bigpond.com Editorial Deadline - First of the month Advertising: $65.00/yr. Please contact the editor for further details. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or of Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. The editor reserves the right to delete any section of any article, or reject any article, which has been sent in for publication in the Newsletter. Front Cover: Fire recovery activities.

3 "# $ $$%&'$ ( )** +**,** - ' % )** $,** $$$##. $/**$ $ 0 $ $ $ $1 $# % $ 4 5 $ $-4 4$ $. 6 /778 6$ 9: $ $- $ 77-0$ $ $ " $ $ ;$ " $5 KEEP IT SAFE AND WILL SEE YOU ALL NEXT TIME Ron Beurs < < 2 rabbit cut off the bone and put through the mincer 1 onion chop fine 1 clove of garlic chop fine 2 eggs good dollop of tomato sauce good dollop of soya sauce mix altogether roll into patties fry as you would rissoles dollop [ more than a dash less than a swig] =

4 GENERAL MEETING 10 th March 2009 Meeting open 8:05pm Present: Alan Trott, Sue & Graham Abotomey, Allan & Vicki Davis, David Blore, Stan Williams, Bruce Gooday, Craig Cheetham, Noel & Irene Ham, Jim Bramich, David Suffield. Apologies: Kris Suffield, Frenches, Rob Buchan, John & Jenny. Minutes of Prev Meeting: Moved Stan, seconded Graham. Correspondence In: Fusion Digital Print, Feb newsletter invoice & 2 statements; Aust Post, renewal PO box; Crystalair Bendigo, advertising re 12v oven; Dept Planning and Community Development, application for fire recovery funding; Safety sheets; 4wd vic reply to from Stan re certificates for training; Newsletters: Cross country jeep club, Alb-Wod 4x4, 4x4 club WA, Nissan News, GV 4x4 club. Correspondence Out: Stan, 4x4 vic re certificates for training. Treasurers report: Report supplied to Ron, moved Sue, seconded Vicki. General business: -David B: Fire Recovery -5-6km fencing cleared -Kerang members 21-22nd -Alb-Wod th -Easter NSW org -4x4 members asked to volunteer towing caravans for fire relief -Noel: Badges- list is put in, expected to be finished by the next meeting -David B: Grant application for $6100 to go towards chainsaw operator course and purchase of large drink container for club. -Noel: Hip pocket Workwear donated vests, gloves and caps. Need to send letter of thanks. -Stickers & new members pack- Jim B to have them -Noel: Purchasing synthetic winch rope $ & cordless remote control winch $80, if people are interested. Trip Reports: -Craig: Melb Jeep driver training Trip Calendar: -Wed 18 th trip postponed till later in April -Tues 14 th April Next meeting -Need trips in May -23 rd May Club birthday dinner Sargent at Arms: David S: not going to fire recovery -Stan: broken winch -Alan: Not putting cap on motor -Second hand motor -David B: Backing in to daughter s car -Breaking car -Craig: driver training -Rob Holden: bogged dingo Meeting closed 8:50pm

5 Kerryn Anne Lucy Alan David Callum Zachary Bramich Buchan Goudie Beurs Jackson Tiffin VanBerlo Get well wishes to Ron Beurs who injured his back recently Congratulations Stan and Bethne ( see pg 18) Please let the Editor know if you wish to include a birthday, special event, or get well wish in the newsletter. Name Badges have arrived and can be picked up at the next meeting - The committee has decided to order a badge for all financial members and have asked members to contribute $5.00 towards the cost, with the club paying the difference. It would assist the treasurer greatly if you could please bring your contribution along to the next meeting. Please remember to take your car sticker off the car if you are selling it. We are known as a friendly and responsible 4WD group and cannot risk an unknown person doing the wrong thing in your sold car. We were short on pictures for our trip reports this month It would be great if members could me some pictures if you go on any of our future trips. It was great to see the interest in this section last month. Several comments were made on addition to the list provided. Please /post your ideas so they can be shared in a future issue. Thanks, Irene If anyone if interested in purchasing Synthetic Winch Rope please contact Noel, as he is planning a group purchase.

6 Canvas Creations of all types Retail saddlery Full repair service 2/165 Mount Buller Rd. Mansfield Vic 3722 We would love to see some of our sponsors on our trips. Please checkout the trips on the calendar and see if any might suit you. All you need to do is to give the contact person a call.

7 14 Rowan Street Wangaratta VIC 3677 P: (03) F: (03) % Off All Macpac Products Hurry While Stock Lasts Check Out These 4WD Club Specials Coleman Hot Water On Demand Package (with Carry bag and Spray Adaptor) RRP: $349 NOW: $320 VMS Multifunction Navigation & Car PC System $2700 (not including installation) Visit Our Website & Shop Online

8 DISCOUNT FOR CLUB MEMBERS See Peter, Nathan, Damian or Mick 476 Hume Street Albury (Next to Hungry Jack s)

9 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Driving In A Sustainable Environment' The following reports have been taken from E-news and the FWD Victoria website. If you would like to receive a free copy of E-news, the Fwd Vic office and ask to be placed on the list. office@fwdvictoria.org.au Four Wheel Drive Victoria is with the kind permission of TLCC News and the author John Greig able to provide you with detailed information about track permits for the different states and territories. The information provided is to assist with the gaining of permits and permissions required to access indigenous lands, national parks and other remote areas. A wealth of other general and specific information is also provided to further assist you with your travels. Check out the fwdvictoria web page and follow the links for this new link. (excerpts from a 7 page document which can be read on full on the fwdvic web site) Of the 75 Clubs in Four Wheel Drive Victoria, 56 of them have registered interest in providing assistance to the bushfire survivors. To my knowledge, approximately 46 of these Clubs have already provided services. Later in this Newsletter are some Club reports describing the services they have rendered so far During Easter and Anzac Day weekend, members of some NSW and ACT Clubs will be join Clubs operating in the Beechworth fire area. Their services are being co-ordinated by David Blore from the Wangaratta 4WD Club. The NSW-ACT Four Wheel Drive Association Vice President Roger Sheath will be accompanying the NSW members. We are receiving many requests for assistance as listed below. 1. Request for assistance from Wellington Shire s Recovery Centre 2. Request for fencing assistance Shires of Yarra Ranges, Nillumbik, and Whittlesea 3. Request for assistance from the Gippsland 4WD Club 4. Request for assistance from Toyota Landcruiser Club 5. The Salvos need help Goods Sorting at their Warehouses 6. Request for help moving furniture to fire victims 7. Global Care s request for assistance If your Club is still wanting to get involved, and has not been able to do so, or is uncertain of its role, please contact me at dhammerton@optusnet.com.au or phone

10 FWDV Caravan deliveries to homeless bushfire families FWDV has received a letter of thanks and appreciation from the Department of Human Services for assisting them with the Caravan Delivery project. A copy of the DHS letter was ed to all Club's rural response contact with this Newsletter. The Caravan Delivery project has now advanced from towing vans to the staging areas to delivery of the caravans to recipients from the staging areas. Club-members from six different Clubs have moved 14 vans in the last fortnight. This number is lower than expected due to lower demand for the vans, but has been all that was requested by the DHS. Some of these deliveries have been rush jobs. Ron Reed who is managing the project is happy to report that FWDV members have risen to the challenge when necessary and delivered in a few short hours. In general, he is trying to streamline the process and get the job done without some of the panic and that was evident in the first couple of weeks. "will be held in the heart of Melbourne between Friday 1st and Monday 4th May The Conference will be at the Royal Society of Victoria building at 9 La Trobe Street, Melbourne It is a very significant place, as it is the spot where the expedition assembled prior to departure and also where the remains of Burke and Wills were laid in state prior to Victoria's first state funeral... #$% FWDVIC has released a draft OH&S booklet. If you would like to view this and make comments contact one of the committee members and they will forward it onto you EDITOR: Stan and Bethne prepared an excellent OH&S book and provided a briefing for each of our Fire Recovery days. This excellent information was so valid and up to date that it was shared amongst other clubs in the association, and as a result of this, the association now has their first OH&S booklet. Well done to Stan and Bethne, who, with their shared knowledge in this area have been in the forefront of OH&S in this volunteer organization Safety Awards? The grinder The Welder

11 The Painter The Warehouse manager The shipyard mechanics The construction site worker The mechanic The aircraft mechanic contributed by John Storey The City Council maintenance team

12 A Day at Tallarook training ground on Saturday March 28 Jim and I received an invitation to attend a training session for driving instructors. After much discussion and at a weak moment we agreed to attend with a couple of provisos; if Jim attends then I shall also attend and visa versa Jim and I met in Benalla at around 7:15 bells and by a tad after 0830 we were at the training ground somewhere in the hills near Tallarook, yes we stayed somewhere around the speed limit as you must when the fine sergeant is in the car. Most of the day consisted of theory but there were a couple of practical exercises to keep the body moving 1. First exercise was to learn about the electronic gizmos on a new Jeep KK some one had loaned Robert Pepper. I must say all these electronic thingies work very well, the controlled hill decent can be set at different speeds the slowest being 1.6k/hr. Ground clearance was an issue with this model Jeep especially with four people all my size negotiating bush tracks complete with biggish boulders. 2. Exercise 2 was retrieving a Land Rover after a roll over. The idea was to use two vehicles with winches to gently roll it back onto its wheels. Volunteers were called to operate the vehicle and a couple of guys put there hand up as they had participated in the exercise before. So next was a call for someone to lead the recovery. I said I had done a simular recovery for real and I should be exempt from being leader, apparently it does not pay to open ones mouth. Guess who was nominated by the group to lead the recovery bugger, so where s my mate Jim during all this, Oh there he is blending in with the trees. A long lonely story shortened we successfully completed the task in about 15 minutes. Mike Smith (an owner of several Land Rovers) asked if we could reposition the vehicle for the next group, as the Landie was pushed onto its side I made the comment that I always wanted to do that to a Land Rover Disco. 3. Exercise 3 was negotiating steep rutted rocky slopes with risk of tyre damage and possible roll over. Volunteers were called for preferably with vehicles with winch and diff locks, again no one was coming forward so rather than watch someone else have fun the Nissan was put to use as a demonstrator. 4. Mike Smith was the instructor on the most difficult section and he chose yours truly with the Ute to have a go under his instruction. Maybe Mike was getting back at me for the Land Rover comment. We decided to run the obstacles of highway tyre pressures (about 40psi) to demonstrate the adverse effects of not reducing tyre pressures. First obstacle both diff locks were not permitted to demonstrate the limitations of wheel travel and of course when a wheel was lifted all forward travel ceased. Mike proceeded to talk and answer questions for some time in the mean time my brake foot was screaming in pain from fatigue. Finally I was allowed to key start in reverse. At about this time Jim is trying to run a book on whether the Ute would make it up, (you will need to ask Jim the outcome of the book). Taking a more suitable line with both diff locks engaged the vehicle climbed the boulder with ease. See you don t need to let tyres down. Next obstacle was a rut whilst climbing a boulder. Mike said NO diff locks this time and I must follow his guidance or a roll over is possible. Yes I m almost sorry for the Land Rover comment but here

13 goes. Surprise, surprise, after a little bit of scrabbling and driving at the lowest engine revs as possible without stalling, the Ute climbed to the top. Now I can go home without pumping up my tyres. Mike then asked if I would do it again with a passenger, so round we went again without hick up. What most of the fellow instructors were interested in were the Gas/Diesel set up and the big exhaust. More theory followed so about 1515 hrs Jim and I made our apologies and retreated to the Hume Hwy again I know Jim used to word hoon on one occasion but I m sure it was not pointed at me so no fines for the day Stan Edi Cutting Family Weekend A trip report was not available for this weekend, so Robbo offered to put something together for me thanks Robbo for doing this at short notice. The camp at Edi cutting was interesting although the caravan club didn t come out on the night drive. Rob Holden drove my truck to the Top Crossing hut at quite a rapid rate and the other three trucks did manage to keep up even though Ron was in the middle of the convoy and Craig was tail end Charlie. Lots of roos about and some close encounters with those and bunnies (one bunnie did commit suicide at one point although we risked our lives to try and avoid the poor little darling). There were some campers at the hut and we stopped for a brief few moments before I lead the drivers back. The creeks were low and at the second creek we played a practical joke on Ron and became tail end Charlie. Then Craig decides to cross sandy creek and climb the track on the other side for an alternative route back to camp. Good drive enjoyed the company. Cheers Robbo Fire Recovery Update (provided by David early April) So far, two weekend workparties by the Wang 4WD Club with assistance on one from the representatives of the NSW 4WD Association and assistance on the other from the Swan Hill 4WD Club have removed about 10 km of fire-damaged fencing on three properties in the Mudgegonga area. This is a great effort but as we all appreciate the task of fire recovery, even in this relatively small fireaffected area of the state, is still enormous. We have been working very closely with the Alpine Shire Volunteer Coordinator in undertaking our workparties and have developed a strong relationship with Hugh Forrest who is carrying out this role although living and farming in the fireaffected area himself. We have also registered with 4WDVic for towing of donated caravans into the fireaffected areas; the first tow (by myself) is happening this Friday from the staging area at Seymour to the recipient in Reedy Creek. We have been in contact with several other clubs (Albury Wodonga and GV) who are also considering becoming involved in the fire recovery work, but haven't committed to dates as yet. However, the good news is that the NSW Association will definitely be coming down over Easter with possibly up to 25 vehicles, so this will make a big impact on a number of properties in the area.

14 Our Next Steps: Weekend 4/5 April: A one-day workparty is planned for this weekend to maintain the momentum, continue our good work and also assist in planning for Easter with the Shire Coordinator. Again, volunteers are being sought, and it would be good to get some fresh blood as well as the regular candidates of the past workparties. Ed. This was not held due to low numbers. David Blore went up to plan the Easter activities with Alpine Shire Co-ordinator, Hugh Forrest Easter: We are asking for a few volunteers to work with our NSW colleagues over Easter on Friday and/or Saturday for work. Sunday is a day trip for the NSW participants (Wang members are also welcome) which Ron Beurs will lead with other members as necessary. Anzac weekend is now also going to be a big exercise as the ACT Association could also have up to 40 people coming down. David has a prior booking for that weekend so will not be available available. Noel will be attempting to take over from David for this weekend and certainly has big shoes to try to fill We will be following a similar process as for Easter, with members from Wangaratta 4x4 Club leading workgroups. We will need to have at least 4 members to lead these workgroups. As some of our regulars will not be able to make it on this weekend, if you have been considering giving a hand, this is the time to put it up. If you are able to contribute a day to one or both of these workparties, please let me know ASAP so I can plan accordingly. It would be great to see a continuing strong representation of Wangaratta 4WD Club in this highly important work. Ed. This was a great success. See next newsletter for full report. David Blore or david.blore@gmail.com" Great view of a whirly wind running up the valley during our lunch break. THANKYOU to Rob and Liz of HIP Pocket Workwear and Safety for their very generous donation of safety vests, safety glasses, gloves and hats for use on our fires recovery weekends. Rob and Liz Jones High Street. Shepparton Ph

15 Check your winch One dead winch motor Easy way to lift and remove a winch bar, using snatch block, 500kg winch and the lawn mower as a power supply. Open winch motor and its half full of water, drain holes are positioned at the top of the motor so it really a filler hole with no drain great. The motor looked terminal so Phil Ogden got the job. A clean up, new brushes and $ latter, it lives again. Thanks Phil The filler hole and joints are now filled with silastic. All we need now is some flooded rivers to see if it all works Cheers Stan Many aspects of human sexuality are very puzzling, takecelibacy. This can be a choice in life, or a condition imposedby environmental factors. While attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend, Tony and Julie listened to the instructor declare 'It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other.' He addressed the men. 'Can you each name anddescribe your wife's favourite flower?' Tony leaned over, touched Julie 's arm gently andwhispered, 'Self-raising, isn't it?' Thus began Tony's life of celibacy. Contributed by Stan Have you been getting a few tips of this nature lately Stan? Any reason come to mind?

16 DID I READ THAT SIGN RIGHT? TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW In a Laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT. In a London department store: BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS. In an office: WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN. In an office: AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD. Outside a secondhandshop: WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN? Notice in health foodshop window: CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS. Spotted in a safari park: (I sure hope so) ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR. Seen during a conference: FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR. Notice in a farmer's field: THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERSTO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES. Message on a leaflet: IF YOU CANNOT READ,THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOUHOW TO GET LESSONS. On a repairshop door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTH ING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD -THE BELL DOESN'T WORK) Contributed by Kristin

17 Anzac Weekend Fire Recovery combined with ACT Clubs Saturday 25 th and/or Sunday 26 th April The ACT association are visiting us during this weekend to assist with fire recovery activities in the Mudgegonga area. Please consider helping out in this effort to assist farmers in this area, many who have stock returning to their farms from being agisted elsewhere, and require containment fences. It is expected that we may have up to 40 people coming down, so we will have several working parties on different properties, similar to the Easter Weekend. Meet: Meet at Mudgegonga Hall 9.00am Bring: Shovel, hat, gloves, sunscreen, food and plenty of water. Safety glasses & ear muffs, mattock useful if you have them. Camping: Available at the hall, the caravan park and possibly farmer s properties. Trip Leader: Noel Ham Phone Mobile niham@bigpond.com Turning water into wine Turning water into wine usually involved divine intervention. This time, however, it was the plumbers. To celebrate the new vintage each year at Marino, a city south of Rome, plumbers usually connect the wine to the village fountain. But as they way, whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, and the plumbers sent the wine to the taps of nearby homes. The mistake was quickly spotted and reversed, but not before quick-witted residents filled anything they could find, including the kitchen sink. From "Outlet" the official Reece customer update April Contributed by Kristin

18 CLUB CALENDAR Date What Ratings/Comments Trip Leader/Contact Easter Fri 10 th /Sat 11th Fire Recovery NSW clubs attending David Blore Sunday 12th Easter Day Trip NSW clubs invited to attend Easy-Medium Tuesday 14th Anzac 25 th 26th Ron Beurs Ph Mob General Meeting Tarrawingee Hall 7.30 pm Fire Recovery ACT clubs attending Noel Ham Thursday Committee Meeting Glenrowan 7.30pm 30 th (tea at 6.30pm) Future trips/meetings planned: August 23rd: 4 week Pitlands Trip FULL Sept 18 th : Simpson Desert/Alice Springs Family Trip. Contact Stan Williams or Bethne Goudie.

19 April 2009 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club A D PO Box 494 Wangaratta Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring