Mildura. 4WD Club Victoria. PO Box 2067 MILDURA 3502 enquiries Proudly printed at the offices of

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1 Mildura PO Box 2067 MILDURA WD Club Victoria enquiries March In this issue: President s message Bullbars battle won Wyperfeld Trip report Trip & Social Calendar 2011 Pyrenees trip notice NEW Member s noticeboard Proudly printed at the offices of peter.crisp@parliament.vic.gov.au

2 March 2011 page 2 Office Bearers for President: Vice-President: Secretary: Treasurer: Public Officer: Richard Johnson Jan Zino Kate Johnson Anne Benson Kate Johnson Environment & Education Officer: Peter Knyvett Membership & Public Relations Officer: Sue Murray Magazine Officer: Sergeant of Arms: Points Collator: Trip Co-ordinator: Property Officer: Richard & Kate Johnson (temporary) Charles Mitchell Sue Murray Terry Benson Terry Benson Driver Training Officer: Kevin Murray Trip & Social Committee: Terry Benson, Linda Curran, Terry Curran, Tristan Forster, Robert Watson, Leo & Maureen Saunders, David Fetherston Rules Committee: Richard Johnson, Kate Johnson, Anne Benson Jan Zino, Pauline Mason Mildura TJM Megastore Daryl Rogers Fifteenth Street, PO Box 336 CP Mildura 3501 (03) (03) E: sales@austrekadventurecentre.com.au Discounted new parts Guaranteed used parts Reconditioned units Manager 4WDs & JAP COMMERCIALS WANTED FOR WRECKING 6 Industrial Court, Irymple Phone: (03) PO Box 230, Irymple, Vic Fax: (03)

3 March 2011 page 3 President s Message What a great turn out of members and visitors, it was a pleasure to welcome Kym Schramm and Danielle Southon from Parks Victoria. Kym gave us an out line of the "recover me please "program,which we have to have discussions with 4wd Victoria about driver training. He then stressed the importance of doing the right thing in the parks, such as not ripping up the tracks and doing things that reflect not only badly on the club, but on 4 wd Victoria and Parks Victoria, so please keep that in mind next time. Kym then introduced Danielle, who will be liaising with the club on projects such as Mopoke Hut, and other things in our region. It was also good to welcome Geoff, Warren and Carlo along again. We tried out Benos' idea of sitting in a circle, every one agreed it made it easier to hear and see what was happening, well done Terry. Plenty happening on the trip calendar, which is great. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT NEXT MEETING ON APRIL 5TH, WILL START AT ANY IDEAS FOR DAY TRIPS? BRING THEM ALONG TO THE NEXT MEETING. A.G.M 3RD MAY A.G.M 3RD MAY cheers every one. Richard Please notify Trip Leaders of your intention of going on a trip more than 3 days Prior to the trip leaving. Trip leaders need to know ASAP of your intention, some trips will be cancelled or changed if members do not let trip leaders know of their intentions. Aaron Warren Grace Crescent, Buronga NSW Phone Fax: AaronJeffrey@bluescopesteel.com METALCORP Everything in Steel

4 March 2011 page 4 Wyperfeld Trip. 19 th and 20 th February Trip leaders: Linda and Terry Curran Report by Desley Reid-Orr Participants: Mildura Terry & Linda (Patrol wagon) Beno & Anne (Patrol ute) Dave Featherston (Rodeo ute) Desley & Greg [guests] (Navara & Camper Trailer) Participants: Swan Hill Rod (Patrol ute) Ron (Patrol ute) Noel (Patrol ute) Michael & Sue (Toyota Forerunner) Warren & Mariette (Landcruiser) Daniel & Warren (Toyota Hilux Brian (Toyota Hilux) Greg and I were accepted as guests on this trip, and happily joined the party at Big Lizzie on Saturday morning 8:00am for the kick-off. The morning was overcast but not too cool, with a light breeze playing with the tops of the trees. Our group met the Swan Hill contingent in Ouyen, arriving within minutes of each other. Linda, Noel and Rod pored over some of the maps to agree on the best tracks, or to see if anyone knew of tracks which might be inaccessible, and then we set off along the Walpeup Road to find the first dirt track which would take us into Wyperfeld. Finally turning onto Munro Road we all stopped for a cuppa, and to air down tyres. Gunners Road took us into the park proper, beginning on a solid sandy track snaking through the mallee scrub. With recent rains, the dunes KULKYNE KAMPERS brett@kampers.com.au Showroom Camper Hire (03) Calder Highway Fax: (03) Red Cliffs Vic Mobile: * Camper Trailers * Fishing tackle * Camper Trailer Hire * Outback Clothing * Camper Parts & Accessories * Camping Equipment * Used & Budget Campers * 4WD Fit-outs & Accessories

5 March 2011 page 5 were quite firm; there was a lot of new growth crowding out any signs of the drought or bushfires. It was evident early in this trip that the drought has gone; both the wildlife and the greenery are returning to the world. Several muddy puddles provided some fun for the drivers we quickly had to put up our windows as the splash was quite large at times. Unfortunately the vehicles towards the rear of the convoy only got a bit of slush and not much spray, as Terry C in the lead was diligent in clearing it out for the rest of the convoy. Several of the dune ridges were pitted and rutted where heavy rains had washed down over them. We emerged from this track onto an expansive open area, and turning right we found that we had entered the Wirrengun Plain which is very grassy, and dotted with more dead trees than green ones. We immediately also saw many roos bounding along at a distance, and then suddenly up close they even bounded between the vehicles at times! One of the Swan Hill crew commented that kangaroos don t give way, and another reminded him that it is their back yard after all. Slipping and sliding in another series of muddy puddles on the track, we then had to make way for a mob of emus crossing the track with no regard for our safety or their own. Linda then led us all up to O Sullivan s Lookout to get a better view of this area that we were discovering. There are many more trees bordering the plain, although now more green than dead. To get to the lookout we parked at the gate, and then hiked the 1.2 km walking track to the peak it was worth the effort, and gave us a great photo opportunity. Next stop The Snowdrift. The area was becoming increasingly sandy, and at one point there was a small sign advising that this was the site of an historic SAND PIT. Stopping to read the sign was almost a mistake for us we just managed to get going again (towing a camper trailer). We did encounter a pine tree fallen across the track on the way to the Snowdrift, but it was easily bypassed by going bush. We had lunch at The Snowdrift a beautiful large sandhill while several of the convoy had a go at using the toboggans that Linda had bought along for that purpose. Actually it was gpreco@ncable.com.au 32 Eighth Street, Mildura Vic (03) (03)

6 March 2011 page 6 Top: Greg seriously out of shape Middle: Mariette and Ron reach the bottom of the Snowdrift, just before coming off in a heap Bottom: Noel lost his hat, but kept control of the toboggan Ute canopies Caravan annexes and modifications Tents Swags Canvas awnings Shade sails Terry & Anne Benson 3 Industrial Court, Irymple tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.au

7 March 2011 page 7 only Noel, Ron, Mariette and Greg who braved the descent, with one of the Warrens giving them a little helping hand to get started. Great fun, and I believe that most of the others were as jealous of their bravery as I was. Ron wants his own toboggan now... Reluctantly leaving the Snowdrift behind, we retraced part of the track back to Red Hill Track where we turned south along another sandy stretch. Unfortunately Greg was caught unawares by deep sand up a rise, and our Navara bogged quite quickly. Undaunted, Rod following behind us drove to our rescue and snatched us out of it, although for a while there it seemed that he also was in difficulty. Thanks Rod!! There were a number of intriguing track names in the area Nine Mile Square Track, Racecourse Track, Meridian Track, and Moonah Track, Ginap Track, Dattuk Track. We crossed Callitris Clearing, seeing sandhills ahead, then passed North Callitris Track and left this clearing. In light of our recent bogging, Terry C warned us that there was a very loose corner, so Greg gunned the engine and we were more in danger of bouncing out of the ruts than of becoming bogged! Rod ahead of us now had stopped just around the curve waiting to see if we would need rescuing, but his services weren t required this time. We now drove 38 km to the Wonga Campground. Again there were many muddy holes to play in along a track bordering private land. I was intrigued to see 40 kph restriction signs here. The last 7 km to the campground is on solid gravel road across a forested plain. The Wonga Campground is HUGE, with excellent toilet blocks, lots of picnic tables, wide grassy spaces and a multitude of campsites. We took the opportunity for refreshments, then took the bitumen from Wonga towards our intended overnight campsite O.T.I.T. Camp on the edge of Lake Albacutya. Once we located this wide open campground we each chose our spots and set up camp. We quickly discovered someone who can out-beno Terry B; Noel from Swan Hill collected the firewood, lit the fire, chopped up some redgum sleepers (Beno regretted not bringing his Starter Motors / Alternators Batteries Cruise Controls Motorbikes (03) (03) E: rsautos@ncable.com.au 34 ANDRISKE CRT, MILDURA. Fuel Pumps Computers Air Flow Meters Ignition Parts

8 March 2011 page 8 splitters and axe with him), and even organised sandalwood mozzie sticks around the circle of chairs. We sat about yarning and quenching our collective thirst before individually cooking tea and eventually crawling into bed. Michael & Sue did not camp with the rest of us, but returned to Swan Hill after a day of enjoyable driving. Sunday We woke to the glorious sounds of magpies carolling nearby, accompanied by a collection of smaller birds. One kookaburra made a start, but didn t go on with it. Once we had broken our fasts and decamped we took Wembulin Track heading north to go up and around Lake Albacutya to the sandy playground on the other side. I believe that most of the Swan Hill crew were salivating over the sandpit, but they remained loyal to the convoy and stayed in line; there was a lot more soft sand on the track for them to play in anyway. There were also a lot more roos out today, and one VERY confused emu that almost broke its neck when it ran into the fence, plus a clutch of youngish emu chicks which were panicking because they couldn t find dad. Somebody queried the size of an emu s brain, and Dave estimated that it is just large enough for them to be an emu We eventually came off the sandy track onto a solid gravel road heading out of the Park, and followed this down to Rainbow for re-fueling and a refreshment stop. Many of the pastures that were visible from the road still have large tracts of water lying in them. We were now off to have a look at Lake Hindmarsh however; Beno wanted to see how the water levels had risen, and Ron wanted to show us all the sandhills around the perimeter. We entered via the Birdcage Nature Conservation Park, then down to Shulze s Beach where we did indeed see how large this lake is. It still has a little way to go to reach capacity, but is an impressive expanse of water, as a result of the floods. Ron s sandhills appeared to be on the other side of the lake, so we retraced our path along the bitumen around the top of the lake until we entered via a track alongside Outlet Creek. The dunes didn t disappoint and the boys used the available tracks to practice their sand-driving skills, before drifting back down to the bottom where they could reinflate tyres and catch up on a bit of lunch. Rod took the wrong line on one of the dunes, but Terry C was ready to help him out.

9 March 2011 page 9 We started the return trip via Hopetoun, then the bulk of the Swan Hill crew left us heading for Woomelang. Brian stayed until Lascelles, and then he too headed off home. As we were saying our goodbyes over the 2-way, Beno assured Swan Hill that Mildura club does include Toyotaowners. Mariette stopped all further conversation by stating that we have Toyota-owners, and those who aspire to be Toyota-owners. This rivalry will never have a successful conclusion. Thank you to Mildura 4WD club for allowing us to join this expedition, and to the Swan Hill members who were part of it. It was a wonderful weekend which on reflection seemed to have been much longer than just one night away from home, and took us into parts of Wyperfeld I haven t previously seen. SALES AND HIRE OF QUALITY CAMPER TRAILERS Home of Mahindra 4x4 Turbo Diesel DAVE CURRAN MANAGER MOBILE Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Avenue TELEPHONE MILDURA (03)

10 March 2011 page 10 MEMBERS NOTICE BOARD 1. A.G.M 3RD MAY. 2. PRESENTATION NIGHT Terry to confirm date in his calendar. 3. MEMBERS WHO HAVE TROPHIES, PLEASE RETURN FOR ENGRAVING FOR PRESENTATION NIGHT. 4. TRIP LEADERS WHO HAVE NAMES OF TRIP PARTICIPANTS COULD YOU PLEASE FORWARD THOSE LISTS TO EITHER TERRY BENSON, SO THAT POINTS CAN BE GIVEN FOR TROPHIES. 1/79 LANGTREE MALL, MILDURA, VIC 3500 Phone & fax: (03) Proprietors: Ben & Rebecca Batey

11 March 2011 page 11 MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Catherine King, MP Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport 24 February 2011 CK0006/2011 Pedestrian Safety and Bull Bars The Parliamentary Secretary of Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, restated again that the Government will not be banning bull bars. Over recent weeks I have received strong feedback through the consultation process associated with the Regulation Impact Statement proposing the adoption of an international standard on pedestrian safety, Ms King said. Following careful consideration of the views and concerns put by stakeholders, I have decided that the proposal is not suitable for Australian conditions and I have directed the Department to withdraw the Regulation Impact Statement, Ms King said. While the Government is committed to improving the safety of pedestrians we also recognise that bull bars play a positive role in the safety of vehicle occupants. In no circumstances will the Government consider banning bull bars or contemplate any lessening of the protection they provide. We are committed to ensuring that people remain fully protected in animal strikes and other hazardous situations where bull bars play a key role, Ms King said. Ms King has now asked Department to consult with interested parties on the options for improving pedestrian safety. URL: February/CK006_2011.htm Mildura TJM Megastore Daryl Rogers Fifteenth Street, PO Box 336 CP Mildura 3501 (03) (03) E: sales@austrekadventurecentre.com.au

12 March 2011 page 12 Saturday 12 th Sunday 13th & Monday March th Leaving Big Lizzie 8:00 am Saturday Discover Mt. Cole and Mt. Buangor Topping up with fuel and St. Arnaud going down and coming back. Good camping facilities Camper trailers OK Trip leaders Beno & Anne. ph to confirm Looking forward to catching up with members old and new.. Rob Whitworth Proprietor Ph: (03) Seventh Street East, Mildura ~ Victoria 3500 Fax: (03) Mob:

13 March 2011 page 13 This item in the latest 4WD Victoria Enews. Recover me please program. The Recover Me Please Program, which has been running so successfully as a trial in the Wombat and Lerderderg State Forests since it was installed by Past President Michael Coldham on April 1st 2010, as a joint project with Victoria Police and4wd Victoria, has been cancelled by Victoria Police. The program which put people who had become stuck in the forest in touch with a recovery team from City West 4WD club, was terminated by Victoria Police on 28th of January, stating " ethical and conflict of interest concerns ". No notification of the impending termination had been given to 4WD Victoria, and a letter requesting further information and a please explain has been sent to the Minister for Police, Peter Ryan MP. We will keep you informed of the outcome. allen & zita heil autobarn mildura cnr 15th street & etiwanda avenue mildura victoria sales@mildura.autobarn.com.au

14 March 2011 page 14 Trip & Social Calendar March 2011 Tues 1 st 800.pm Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Sunday 6 th 8.45am Sat 12 th Sunday 13 th Monday 14th April 2011 Tues 5 th Calling all members Meet at Car Park Psyche Pumps Leader Peter & Rae Knyvett don t ring just come and do your bit for Australia Day Clean Up. Wear protective clothing, gloves mosquito repellent, bring gum boots if you have them, Free BBQ lunch provided. Labour Day Long Weekend Trip to Mt Cole & Mount Buangor Lead by Beno and Anne ph Camper Trailers OK Departing from Big Lizzie 8.00am Sat Morning 12th March Topping up fuel at St Arnaud on way down and on return trip 7.30.pm Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Sat 9 th 8.30am & Sun 10th Yanga National Park Trip Leaders Tris & Rosy Forster Leaving from parking bay in front of James King Park Sturt Hwy Gol Gol at 8.30am. This is a first time trip to this new National Park by our Club We will be looking through the historic homestead and shearing shed as well as other highlights. Camper Trailers, tents and swags are the recommended accommodation. BYO everything. Park fees apply Phone Tris and Rosie on for more details and to confirm your attendance. 22nd to 25th EASTER BREAK NO CLUB EVENTS Sat 30 th 2.30 pm Twyfords Tractor Museum Trip Leaders Knyvetts & Jacksons Museum entry & Devonshire Tea $10.00 per head followed by an evening at the Jacksons home inc evening meal More details to follow. (03) (03) Cash Tyre Service Tyrepower Tim Mills (B.B.S.) Manager 86 Madden Avenue Mildura VIC 3500 tim@cashtyreservice.com.au ~

15 March 2011 page 15 May 2011 Tues 3 rd Saturday 14th Sunday 15th June 2011 Tues 7th 7.30pm General Meeting followed by AGM at Irymple Guide Hall Henshilwood Oval Reminder Subs need to be paid before this meeting begins Loveday 4wd Adventure Park Trip..Trip Leader David & Kyra Featherston more details to follow 7.30.pm Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Sat 11 th Sun 12 th Mon13th Adventure Trip to Mt Gibbs Station Trip Leaders David & Kyra Fetherston More Details to follow Sat 18th Presentation Night Mopoke hut working bee more info next meeting Sat 25 th 7.30pm Presentation Night More details to follow July 2011 Tues 5th Sat 11 th Sun 12 th Mon13th 7.30.pm Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Adventure Trip to Mt Gibbs Station Trip Leaders David & Kyra Fetherston More Details to follow August 2011 Burn The Scare Crow 20 th & 21 st Club trip to look forward to Information for this section to be sent to Terry Benson tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.au TECHNICAL SALES DEAN HALL CNR. 10TH STREET and LEMON AVENUE MILDURA, 3500 PHONE: (03) FAX: (03) MOBILE: AH dean@malleebearings.com.au

16 March 2011 page 16 Sender: Mildura 4WD Club, Victoria PO Box 2067 Mildura. Vic To: