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1 NISSAN NEWS This Issue: Run for the sun report Portland 2018 report March 2018 Regd. No Print Post Approved No

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3 Nissan News is the official magazine of The Nissan Four Wheel Drive Club of Victoria Inc. ( the Club ) which is a member of Four Wheel Drive Victoria. Articles, trip reports, social and technical reports etc are welcomed for inclusion in Nissan News. General Meetings: Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month (except January) at the Keysborough Senior Citizens Club, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. (Melways Map Ref 89 D9 ). General and Committee Meetings commence at 7.45 PM Sharp. Correspondence: All correspondence (except articles for Nissan News) should be addressed to: The Secretary Nissan 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. PO Box 351 Springvale 3171 Website: In this issue... 3 Calender of Events 4 Trips and Events 10 Run for the Sun Report 18 Portland 2018 Report 22 Minutes: February General 23 Minutes: February Committee CLOSING DATE FOR MAGAZINE 2nd Friday monthly The Editor reserves the right to reject articles submitted for publication. The views and or opinions expressed in Nissan News are not necessarily the views, opinions or policies of the Editor or of the Nissan Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of products or associated companies or individuals by the Nissan Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. Advertising Rates Full Page: $670 (colour) / $460 (black & white) Half Page: $380 (colour) / $260 (black & white) Eighth Page: $110 (colour) / $75 (black & white) CLUB LIFE MEMBERS Steve Trickey Clive Garaway John Barnes Paul Warner Peter Simpson John Tomlinson Gary Lister Trevor Heale Alan McCabe From the Editor One off page advertising (introductions, special promotions etc) per page $100 (colour) / $70 (B&W) For items marked on "For Sale" pages members can list items for sale at no charge for 3 months. Non-members $10 (conditions apply, contact Editor for details). Membership CLUB BANK DETAILS BSB: A/C No: A/C Name: Nissan 4X4 Club of Victoria Remember to include your name in the reference details. A new member joins the Club as an Associate Member. Once the following attainments are achieved the member can apply for Full Membership: Been an Associate Member for 6 months. Completed Driver Training. Attended 2 club trips. Participated in a Club working bee and/or kitchen roster at a general meeting. Attended at least 4 general meetings. Full membership form is available in the members pack or request from Membership Secretary or download from web site. Once a Full Member you are eligible for a key to the club property. Membership Fee's as at 1st July 2017 Once off joining Fee of $110 ( this includes driver training ) Annual Subscription of $140 Therefore a new members cost would be $250 for the first year. Pro-rata is calculated for the second years membership fee. If you have any questions about membership please contact the membership secretary or approach any of the Committee members at the next General Meeting. Hi all, You will notice that the trips coordinator has placed a lot of new trips for members to participate in. These range from day to weekend trips. But they also require trip leaders so if you are interest in leading a trip please contact the trips coordinator where you will receive assistance. Cheers Heath Glass. Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria Editor Cover: Silverton Town Sign Photo by: Andrew Rodrick The Club wish to sincerely thank the NOBLE PARK FOOTBALL CLUB for the use of their club rooms for committee meetings. NISSAN NEWS MARCH

4 Meet the Committee Committee members for the year Executive Committee President Sarah Bounden Secretary Leigh Williams General Committee Membership Secretary (caretaker) Heath Glass Editor Heath Glass Publicity Officer Neil Brydson Sales Officer Rich Hall Trips Coordinator Josh Doble Ordinary Committee Ordinary Committee Member Non-Elected Positions Librarian Glynn Deane Also Wandarrah Key Master Michael Melenhorst Vice President Kyle Baxter Treasurer John Farlow Driver Education Stephen Bloomer Land Coordinator Dean Walker Sergeant at Arms Michael Dingli Social Coordinator Kim Taylor Webmaster Matt Rollins Ordinary Committee Member Mike Hale Regional Representitive John Tomlinson FWDV Delegate Neil Chalmers FWDV Delegate Gary Lyons FWDV Delegate Neil Brydson Committee meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month (except December) as shown in the calendar of events. The committee welcomes members to attend committee meetings as well as table items for the agenda. To advise of attendance or items for the agenda, please contact the secretary two weeks before the meeting to ensure appropriate time can be provided. 2 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

5 Calendar of Events MARCH Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Trip Leader Training GM Andys Birthday Getaway Store Point Trail Maint CM Driver Training APRIL Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun GM CM Driver Training MAY Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun GM Trip Leader Train Simpson Desert Simpson Desert CM Simpson Desert Driver Training JUNE Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun GM CM Driver Training JULY Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun GM The Kimberley and Beyond Xmas In July CM Driver Training The Kimberley's and Beyond Cape York AUGUST Rocky Horror Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun AGM Cape York CM Cape York Cape York General Meeting Committee Meeting Driver Training Working Bee Public Holidays Club Social Event Show Club Trip School Holidays NISSAN NEWS MARCH

6 Club Trips and Events Below is a list of trips and events for club members to attend. For full details look on the Club Forum. If you wish to attend a trip then register via the web site and contact the trip leader if it's required. Notice on attending trips: Please make sure that your vehicle is registered, driver has a current drivers licence and your membership subscription is up to date. Please have a look at the trips that require a trip leader (bordered in RED) as there are a few to pick from. If there is a month on the trip date then this is a suggested month to run the trip. March-April Trip Leader: Required Grampians Drive Rock art & rugged beauty This 4WD tour winds among the spectacular mountain peaks and dramatic rock formations of the Grampians National Park, and features picturesque waterfalls, panoramic views and fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites. 9th - 12th Mar Trip Leader: Andy Harding Andy's Birthday Getaway Hey all, I will be at Wandarrah over this weekend. No trips are going to be planned but as you all know something will most likely happen. If there is enough interest there may also be a pub meal with a shuttle bus so all can have some fun. So come along and I hope to see you there. 9th - 12th Mar Trip Leader: Neil Brydson Wonnangatta Murders Take a trip back in time to the remote Wonnangatta Valley to remember the mysterious, unsolved Wonnangatta murders. Neil Brydson is organising the trip but is unable to trip lead. So a trip leader is requied. So please contact Neil if you are interested. 16th - 18th Mar Trip Leader: Andrew Rodrick Store Point Hut walking trail maintenance visit The club is responsible for the maintance of a walking trail at Store Point hut.it is not hard work, and can be knocked over within a few hours if enough come to support us, leaving time to go for a bit of a drive or an early happy hour. April Trip Leader: Required Snowy River Drive Take a journey into the heart of legendary Snowy River country on a drive with highlights of the remote Snowy River National Park, including spectacular river scenery, deep gorges, waterfalls and magnificent forest 4 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

7 5th - 6th May Trip Leader: Driver Training Group Trip Leader Training The Trip Leader training course is suitable to members who have participated in a number of club 4WD trips and are considering running their own trip. 5th - 19th May Trip Coordinator: Robert Norman Simpson Desert The plan is to head towards Innamincka (Cullyamurra WH camp site) for an overnight stop then taking Walkers Crossing and Warburton track into the Simpson. Then up K1 to Poeppel Corner and east to Birdsville with bush camping wherever we get to along the way. July-August Trip Leader: Required Mount Matlock Snow #1 This is a nice family fun day trip to the snow at Mount Matlock. The trip dates will be flexible as we cannot predict what day the snow will fall. 21st July Trip Coordinator: Kim Taylor Rocky Horror Show If you are interested in going to see Rocky Horrror at Her Majestys Theatre please register and let me know where you want to sit. I can get A reserve grandstand tickets for $120. (Marked yellow) B reserve seats are $100 (marked green) And restricted view stalls for $55 (marked orange) 13th - 15th July Coordinator: Kim Taylor Christmas in Wandarrah Christmas in July Club Party. Mark it in your diary, come and socialise drink, sing and be merry. There will be a limit of 50 people so get in and get registered. 8th July - 30th Sep 2018 Trip Leader: Mike Hale The Kimberley and Beyond For those lucky enough to have time to spare, I am planning a 3 month trip for true off road caravans or those willing to tent it for that time. We will head to Alice Springs, Katherine, Kununurra, Wyndham. Derby, Broome, One Arm Point, Broome, Windjana gorge, Tunnel Crk, Giekie gorge, Bungle Bungles, Wolf Crk. Alice Springs, Boulia, Winton, Longreach, Windorah, Quilpie, Thargomindah, Bourke, Cobar, Cobram and home. NISSAN NEWS MARCH

8 *10% off to all club members * Excludes Fridges Products Bull Bars Fridge/Freezers Winches Communications Hike-Lite Food 4WD Accessories Camp Furniture Tent & Awning Accessories Camping Essentials Coolers Lighting Camp Cooking 4WD Recovery Gear RV Accessories sales@werevr4x4.com.au web: 6 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

9 Club Trips and Events 30th July 2018 Trip Leaders: Brian & Trish Rollins Trip to Cape York This will be a trip to Cape York for approx 8 weeks. Possibly take in Fraser Island on the return trip. We are quite happy to have participants join in/leave if need, be due to time constraints, or participate in the entire trip. 23rd - 25th Nov Coordinator: Kim Taylor Club Christmas Wandarrah Mark it in your diary, it s not just for the kids it s our last get together for the year so come and socialise drink, sing and be Merry. Once again we will be having a Spit Roast dinner catered for by the Maffra Spit Roast company followed by dessert. Date TBA Trip Leader: Required Noojee to Woods Point The trip will start at Noojee heading to Woods Point winding its way through Lock Valley, Toorongo, Baw Baw, and Jericho. It will be a scenic drive with some low range work and possibly some shallow water crossings, with the main focus on having an enjoyable day in the hills. Date TBA Trip Leader: Required Mt Disappointment This will be a fun day trip to the Mt Disappointment. All the tracks are done in sections so there are scenic, mud, hill and bush sections. Something for everyone. These sections can be changed on the day depending on the group. Date TBA Trip Leader: Required Tallarook This will be a fun day trip to Tallarook State Forest. This forest is a small area but packed with tracks. This is a fun around all drive for beginners with possibly a few challenges thrown in. Date TBA Trip Leader: Required Pyrenees 3 Day trip to Pyrenees State Forest. Lots of fun tracks to play on. This is mainly a rocky place with lots of technical tracks. You can pick and choose what track to go on during the trip. NISSAN NEWS MARCH

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11 DOOR PRIZE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Werevr 4x4 The Nissan 4WD Club of Victoria Inc acknowledges this sponsorship with thanks. The members of the Nissan 4x4 Club would like to welcome the following to the club: Paul and Robyn Tovey Andrea Trovo and Jennie Mueller The Nissan 4x4 Club would also like to congratulate the following members for reaching their membership milestone and contribution to the club: 10 Years Neil and Jennifer Taylor 20 Years Peter and Kerin Buckney Max and Gay Chalmers 30 Years Garry Lister Know your bylaws 6.1 Trip Guidelines Part 1 1. Club trips are provided for the benefit of the Club Members. 2. It is the trip leaders responsibility to check that all participants have a vehicle and skills suited for the trip. They will oversee the completion of the Associate Temporary Members form (this document can be accessed on the web or from the trip coordinator) and collect the fees before the trip commences. The Trip leader will add temporary members to the trip participants form upon receipt. The fees are given to the Treasurer at the earliest opportunity. The fees are $10 and are valid till the next June 30th. No receipt of payment means no trip. 3. All Members may apply to go on trips. The trip leader may ask for details of the Members experience and vehicle, and may refuse to accept the participant if the trip leader believes the skill level or vehicle may be inappropriate for the trip. 4. The trip leader may permit Non-Members to use their own vehicle provided the trip leader is satisfied that the Non-Member and their vehicle are capable of completing the trip safely. They must have the minimum equipment specified and be familiar with convoy procedure. NISSAN NEWS MARCH

12 Trip Report Retired and Running for the Sun Report By: Heath Glass 11th September 2017 Participants Andrew Rodrick (TL) John Millane Heath Glass PATROL GU PATROL GU PATROL GU Day 1: It was to be an early start as I was meeting Andrew in Templestowe at 7 am. and we were to meet up with John in Rupanyup at about lunchtime to look at our first silo. The paintings were amazing, showing a girl and boy on each silo. We also noticed an old disused train station which was being rebuilt. Great to see this really old history. Our next stop was Sheep Hills Silos. The full colour painting showed aboriginal elders and two children with an amazing sunset in the back ground. Then it was off to the Brim Silos. This is one of the more iconic silos showing three men and a woman who work in the local area. That night we setup our camping spot in the Brim Lions Club Park. This is a very nice camping location with all the facilities, a man-made lake for water sports as well as a kids' playground. Day 2: We finally found the sun Andrew was looking for so we headed off to the Lascelles Silo. On the way we passed another silo at Rosebery where the painting had just been started. We arrive at Lascelles which had a local woman on one silo and a local man on the other. We didn t realise there was a man on the other silo as it was around the back, but Andrew s keen eye noticed something on that silo from the road so we investigated and saw it. In front of the silo with the woman on it there was an interesting gallery where they made lots of awesome things from corrugated iron. They were very ingenious. The final silo for the day was at Patchewollock. This depicted a local man looking out into his field. Now it was the long drive to Mungo Nation Park with a stopover in Mildura for some supplies and lots of cold and flu medication as I had caught a cold and I felt half dead. We also stopped to take pictures of interesting things along the way. 10 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

13 Our camp spot for the next two nights would be at Mungo National Park. We stayed in the main camping ground where there were a lots of other visitors but plenty of room as there were allocated camp sites. Day 3: It was time to see what Mungo had to show us. There was lots of Aboriginal history in this place along with the sheep graziers as we visited the shearing shed. We went out for a drive around the park to see the well known China Wall. There was a one way road that took you around the park so you got to see the China Wall and the sand dunes at the rear. There was a soak around the back of the wall where lots of wild life would come to drink, we probably counted two emus. Day 4: We headed off to Lake Menindee. We arrived there in good time so we went over to the historic Kinchea Woodshed. From there we drove around to all the camp sites on the river looking for a good place to camp. We stumbled across a rusted out and mangled boiler. On reading the plaque, we discovered it was from a paddle steamer in which the engine had exploded because on leaving the pub one night they forgot to fill it with water. Kaboom. Steamer no more. It was the worst paddle steamer accident in Australian history. Amazing the things you see just driving around! We found a nice camp site for the night overlooking the river. Day 5: We did a tour around the lakes in the area, investigating the wild life and taking many photos. After this we headed to Broken Hill. After having a look around and getting more supplies, we headed out to Silverton to camp for the next couple of days. We stayed at Penrose Park. In its hey day this was the park to come to for a picnic. These days it's just somewhere to set up your camping spot. Day 6: We decided to walk into town and visit the local sites. We visited the Silverton Goal and the Historical Museum and of course we went to the pub and had lunch. Had to be done! We walked back to camp and decided to drive back into town to check out the places that were too far for walking to. Later that Continues page NISSAN NEWS MARCH

14 R E P A I R S 4WD SPECIALISTS BELGRAVE SOUTH ( 0 3 ) MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

15 For Sale Nissan Patrol GU ST-S Y61 Wagon 2005 ZD30 Di This is an opportunity to buy a unique wagon. It is set up for touring as a 2 seater, with the other 5 seats removed. (All seats are available and still new). Full length drawers as well as cabinets per photo. Cargo barrier, bull bar, tow bar GME radio, winch (never used), 2 lift with OME shockers etc. Many of the Patrol weaknesses have been addressed in advance. ie. Heavy Duty Clutch with solid flywheel. EGT and Boost gauge fitted. HPD overboost controller (just in case). Upgraded aftermarket Intercooler (HPD) and 2¾ Beaudesert exhaust system. Also has full complement of tail lights. One owner since new and serviced/maintained by Nissan/ATOC religiously. All records available. This vehicle has only done 160,000kms and is always driven with mechanical sympathy. Ask anyone in the club and you won t find anyone who has seen me mistreating this vehicle. I generally do easy to medium trips and avoid mud at all costs except when AndyH pushed me in once. Only selling as I need a vehicle better suited to towing a caravan. So if you are tired of your old 4.2 and want to trade up to an excellent modern vehicle contact me to discuss pricing. You have time to save your pennies as the vehicle will be available for sale late March. I will sell to club member at reduced price as is, (with RWC) otherwise on CarSales in April. I don t really want to take out all the mods and put seats back in. For enquiries contact Leigh Williams leighww@oz .com.au Ph At General Meeting: I sit up the front. :) NISSAN NEWS MARCH

16 Continued from page 11 evening, we headed to Mundi Mundi Lookout to see the sunset. The view was fabulous! Day 7: We headed back into Broken Hill to see more sites. John wanted to visit Absalom's Art Gallery and he got to meet the man himself. John was over the moon! We also visited the Line of Lode Miners' Memorial which overlooks the town. Next was the Railway Mineral and Train Museum which was very interesting. We stocked up our supplies and headed out of town to visit The Living Desert State Park. This is the location of some sculptured rocks that look amazing when the sun is setting. A must see. We then set out for our overnight stop at Mount Gipps Station. This is a sheep station with a nice camping area and facilities. Day 8: We headed out for Matawintji National Park for a two night stay. On arriving we set up camp and then went for a drive to see as much as we could for that day. Lots of interesting things to see and ways to go on. There was a section of the park that only allowed guided tours, which Andrew had been told we needed to do. So that was our plan for the following day. As it was very windy, it was our first night without a fire. So it was an early night. Day 9: This was the day for our guided tour. Some interesting things happened to get onto the tour but that s for a face to face discussion as its too long winded for this report! Needless to say we did the tour and it was awesome. They took us on a guided hike around the park and explained a lot of the Aboriginal history in the area. Very well worth doing. After the tour we headed back to the camp site. After watching John for three quarters of an hour experimenting with trying to light a fire with a magnifying glass, Andrew and I decided to investigate a gorge in the area. John stayed back at camp and chilled. The gorge walk was 3 km. along a trail and the number of goats in the area was amazing. I have never see so many wild goats in one place! We also stumbled across an echidna. He was shy but we managed to get some photos. On entering the gorge we realised that goats aren't always sure on their feet as the canyon was littered with their remains from falls. At the end of the gorge there was a large body of water where the wildlife in the area came to drink. There were seven goats stuck on a section of rock as they had walked out there but couldn t get back. It seemed the only way out was to jump in the water so we left them to figure that out for themselves. On the way out we were escorted by some curious rock 14 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

17 wallabies who knew how to navigate the rocks. The wind had died down so we had a fire. Day 10: We were heading for Wilcannia via White Cliffs. While in White Cliffs we visited some opal shops. John loves opals so he made some purchases that put a smile on his dial! Andrew took us for a scenic tour around the town. There is generally not much there but it s worth a look. We headed off the Wilcannia to find somewhere to stay the night. We found a caravan park 3 km. out of town and set up camp next to a billabong on the Darling river. The weather was still great. Day 11: This was the long trip down to a camp spot that Andrew knew of on Barmah Lake. This was a great spot with lots of camp grounds and toilet facilities. Andrew also found me some mud to get on the truck. You can t go home with only a dusty truck. Day 12: It was time to head home, the big push South, back to the cold. We had lunch in Echuca, refuelled the trucks and headed out. Andrew and I parted ways from John at Elmore as it was quicker for John to go home from there. For blacktop (bitumen) road it was a nice drive home. Well what an adventure! We actually visited and saw many more things that I didn't put into this report as it would be too long, so if you haven t done a trip around this area before it s well worth it. Many thanks to Andrew for running the trip and to John for his funny and wacky company. A trip to remember. I have the GPS files of the trip if you would like a copy, just let me know. Summary: Distance Travelled: 2,400 kilometres approx. Truck to animal tags: Zero Truck to animal near misses: Hundreds Cheers. Heath. NISSAN NEWS MARCH

18 ABN /4 Canterbury Road, Braeside 3195 Ph: (03) Specialist Services Nissan Trained 4WD REpairs & Service 150 Point Pre-purchase Check Air Conditioning Auto Electrical Diesel Repairs EFI Diagnostics Injector Cleaning Engine Reconditioning LPG Installation Roadworthy Inspections Towing Service Truck Repairs Tyres - including 4X4 Wheel Balancing Window Tint At Cologne Motors we take great pride in offering our clients personalised and friendly service at all times Located in Mordialloc - Braeside Cologne Motors is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. Cologne Motors have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including 4X4 vehciles. As a Repco Authorised Service Centre we have a commitment to high quality workmanship and ensuring the very best in automotive care. Customer Services Loan Cars Pick Up/Delivery Quick Quote Reception Waiting Lounge Tea & Coffee Now Endless Air Agent Opening Hours Monday to Friday Saturday 8.00am pm By appointment 16 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

19 For Sale This is a 'true' off-road O'Brien style camper at a budget price that tows like it's not there and will go anywhere your 4X4 will go. Over the years the camper has made a number of trips to the Outback, Central Australia and (closer to home) the Victorian High Country. It has been scrupulously serviced and garaged when not in use. In recent times the electric brakes and wheel bearings have been replaced, wind down stabilizer legs fitted along with a new waterproof cover and a Thetford 2 burner stove with griller. The full annexe has only been used a handful of times and the camper's heavy duty canvas has not leaked a drop in several serious rain events. All storage areas are able to be accessed from outside the camper when it is closed up. With a deluxe double mattress, 12V power, an electric water pump, heaps of 12V outlets, storage for 2 jerry cans of water/fuel and a rear wheel carrier for an extra spare for the tow vehicle (handy for those rough outback roads), this camper has everything anyone could want. Also included is a Stone Stomper stone guard (a new bar that connects the guard to the tow vehicle would need to be purchased from Stone Stomper) Age has caught up with the owner who has purchased a hard floor camper with electric winch set up. Camper is presently located at Kyneton (Vic) ******************************************* Here's a few other details you may need - Year: 2001 Length (ft): 13 Registered: Yes Registration Number: P12323 Registration Expiry: 15/06/2018 Price is $4,500 For further equiries contact: Robert Norman info@rna.com.au Ph: NISSAN NEWS MARCH

20 Trip Report Portland 2018 Report By: Shane and Brigitte Costello Participants Mike Hale Emilio Salvo John and Lorraine Farlow Bruno and Helen Daly John Millane Wayne Reid and Julie Webster Steve and Deb Nugent 25th January 2018 Jorgen and Ann-kristin Skogstad and Kids Darryl and Georgia Rabbitt and Kids Darren and Debra Hanna Kenneth Mckeon Shane and Brigitte Costello Mike and Jane Carbis Jaime Lopez Patrol GU Patrol GU Patrol GU Jeep JK Patrol GU Patrol GU LC200 Patrol GU Patrol GQ LC200 LC100 Patrol Y62 LC200 Navara Trust is an important aspect of all relationships. You need to trust your husband/wife/significant other, especially when they are your navigator. You need to trust your trip leader, especially when they are taking you out for your first experience on sand. You really need to trust your navigator and trip leader when you are blind not drunk, but genuinely unable to see anything.. It was surprisingly cool and fresh when half a dozen vehicles gathered at the 7/11 service station in Derrimut to begin our journey to the Portland sand dunes. The other vehicles had arranged to meet us either enroute or at the destination. After a quick briefing by trip leader Mike Hale, we set out in the traffic and attempted to maintain some sort of convoy procedures. Luckily there weren t many turns, because the long weekend traffic made it challenging to travel in a convoy. A quick stretch and regroup in Skipton, where we watched a giant crocodile riding a Patrol down the main street. Or maybe it was a loose swag on a roof rack snapping in the breeze. A pie, another quick stretch, and a splash of fuel in Hamilton and we were on the last leg to the dunes. Arriving at the Portland Dune Buggy Club, we set up camp. Well, some of us set up camp. We tried unsuccessfully to set up a new annex, which resisted all attempts and instead tried to take off like a kite on a gusty day. It turns out that setting up your annex in the driveway on a calm day is not quite enough practice for real camping. Giving up on the annex, we decided to do a quick run to the dunes and down to the beach. Mike delivered a careful and considered briefing, but the only thing that really stuck in the memory was more power and don t brake! Tires down to 15psi, and off we went. Except for those that hadn t quite lowered their tire pressure enough and not used enough power for the climb into the dunes. If you have never experienced it before, sand driving is an amazing feeling. Beautifully soft and smooth, yet slippery and disconcerting at the same time. At least until the vehicles with mud tires had been through, or when crossing lots of earlier tracks. Then it became more like a corrugated goat track. Hit the dunes straight and with enough momentum, and it could be an easy ride. Hit the dunes with a little angle or without enough momentum, and things would get exciting very quickly. Late in the afternoon we were following Mike and watched him get bogged attempting to crest a dune. Mike reversed down, climbed out and walked up to the top to inspect the crest. Then he waved us up. Remember what we said about trust? Our trip leader had shown us the way, and was satisfied that it was safe for us even though his Patrol hadn t quite made it. But we were in the mighty Y62 Patrol, and Mike s earlier lesson about more power and less brakes came to mind. So we unleashed 400hp and roared up the dune. Remember what we said about being blind? All we could see was sky, beautiful blue sky with a few wispy stratus clouds. Staring at clouds while driving is pretty much the same as being blind the clouds aren t much help for navigation. But trust is important, and we trusted our trip leader. If it wasn t for a moment of doubt and rolling off the throttle slightly, we would have crested the dune. Instead, we got stuck at the top. We hopped out to have a look at the dune which had beaten us and realised that the other side was virtually a cliff! With a little rocking backwards and forwards, we managed to get off the crest. 18 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

21 After our heart rates slowed, we joined some other vehicles in driving down into The Bowl. A section of dunes with a nice circuit including a steep descent and ascent, the group spent the next half an hour doing laps, and watching most cars climb out of The Bowl. The GU Patrols occasionally had some difficulties with running out of power and momentum on the climb, but the Land Cruisers did it with ease. Watching the nimble Jeep climb the dunes was entertaining there is a lot to be said for a light weight vehicle on the sand. Having conquered The Bowl, the group retired to camp, where we conquered the pesky annex and then conquered some cold beverages. One of the advantages of visiting the Portland Dune Buggy Club is being able to use their amazing gas/solar hot shower. Clean and well fed, the next morning started with a convoy to The Wall, and other dunes to the east. A convoy of 15 vehicles makes for slow travel at times but we made reasonable progress. Until Mike decided to go over Simms Hill, losing traction on the descent and ending up wedged in the bushes half way down. With one car as winch, anchored to another one, we tried for an hour or so to recover Mike up the hill, with no success. Out came the shovels to dig trenches and with the aid of Maxtrax recovery boards Mike was able to get off the hill. The rest of us didn't bother trying Simms Hill, and so The Wall was abandoned. The afternoon trip included a more extensive tour to the west, revisiting The Bowl and plenty of other technical climbs and descents. After a few more recoveries, we called time for the day and retreated to the campsite. After a relaxing sleep in, we celebrated Australia Day with a challenge. Mike briefed us on our mission for the day, which was a team GPS navigation exercise. Travelling in pairs, we would have to navigate to waypoints and collect objects to prove we had been there. We paired up with Darryl and Georgia in their TD42 wagon and plotted a strategic course. Then we threw away our strategy and stopped to wander aimlessly about the dunes for a while, realising that the coordinates may not have been quite as accurate as we thought. A change of GPS app and we were off again, breaking the land speed record to get to the location where our trip leader awaited with another challenge. Remember how you need to trust your navigator? Especially when blind? Trust in the trip leader was already shaken, but when Mike presented a blindfold and asked us to drive around a course in the dunes using nothing more than the verbal directions of the navigator, we realised that he actually disliked us. But with faith in the directions of the navigator, the blindfold was donned, and we were off. Everything went fine until the mighty Y62 decided that 4WD wasn t needed any longer and reverted to 2WD. Being blind and unable to tell which way was up or what was going on, it was only seconds until we were bogged to our rear hubs. A quick recovery and another short, blind drive to the finish line. At that point, the navigator decided to try to guide us exactly to the stopping point by climbing out the window. Somehow the door also opened, and then the navigator was swinging in the breeze, holding on to the panic bar with her feet while looking at the front wheel. Despite all the shrieking and screams for help, the blind driver continued on his way, having no actual idea where they were or even if they were still driving or not. With the obstacle course finally conquered, we continued on our quest. Somehow our team managed to make the fastest time, travelling the shortest distance, while visiting all the waypoints. But we also managed to come last, so if you are hoping to attend a future Portland trip maybe try a different strategy to ours! The afternoon was spent relaxing and cruising (sometimes at eyewatering speeds while following Emilio), before our team decided to head out for a last sunset cruise to the top of the sand dunes and the beach entry. If you have never driven on sand, the Portland trip is an amazing experience. As first timers on sand, and also on our first club outing after driver training, the trip was an exceptional introduction. But even more than the sand dunes, it was fantastic to get away and socialise with like-minded people. Some of the stories told were even taller than the dunes! A special thank you to (the very untrustworthy) Mike Hale for organising such a superb trip, even though he was suffering from an awful chest infection and probably should have been at home resting. The annual Portland trip is a great adventure and highly recommended for everyone! Thanks. Shane and Brigitte Costello NISSAN NEWS MARCH

22 BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY ABN LIC. No SPECIALISING IN ZINCALUME & COLORBOND NEW ROOFS RE-ROOFING BOX GUTTERS SPOUTING DOWNPIPES Owen Power 45 Queens Gardens Bundoora VIC 3083 Mob: MADE FROM 6MM MILD STEEL, LASER CUT, COLD PRESSED AND FULLY MIG WELDED INCLUDES 2 X CUSTOM U-BOLTS, S/S NUTS AND WASHERS AVAILABLE IN EITHER GALVANISED OR POWDER COATED FINISH The Harris Hardcase is simple to fit with no welding or vehicle modifications required HARDCASE4X4.COM.AU INTRODUCING THE HARDARSE SUITS NISSAN PATROL ONLY Does not fit Factory Locker (coming soon) or the H260 diff on some utes HARDCASE SUITS NISSAN PATROL GQ & GU / FORD MAVERICK 1988 TO 2012 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER SERIES coil sprung / solid live axle (non factory PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE locker) For Sale Yamaha EF 1000 super quiet generator Still in original box. 3 amps A/C 10 amps D.C. with cables. 7 hrs. run time on unleaded petrol. $ Watt Inverter. 12 volts to 240 volts. Brand new in original box. $ Contact Mike Hale ( ) 20 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

23 How to Run a Club Trip All trips MUST be accepted by the Trip Coordinator before being advertised in the Club Magazine or forum. Send an to the Trip Coordinator which details your trip. Once the Trip Coordinator has approved the trip it is posted in the Trips section of the Club Forum. Once posted on the Club Forum, please ensure that you keep the trip entry up to date with attendees and review it regularly for comments or questions from members. To comply with our insurance requirements it is essential to complete the required paperwork. Members can use the online digital trip participant form to quickly and easily submit the required details. Alternatively a printable version of the form can be downloaded from the club website ( or Four Wheel Drive Vic. website ( org.au). All other forms for trip leaders and guests can be downloaded from the club website ( or FWDV website ( If you have any ideas about a trip and/or questions speak with the Trip Coordinator (trips@nissan4x4vic.com.au) or any of the committee members. Submitting a Trip Report Hi everyone. I have recently had members ask me how to submit a trip report. Trip reports are a fundamental part of the magazine, so its great when a member wants to share their experience with the rest of the club community. General rule of thumb to submitting a report is that anything you can provide will do. Below is a couple of things that will help me in creating the report if you can provide. Specify whether its Club or Personnel Trip. Trip name and date. Participants on Trip. Photos. Trip report text. Selfie or avatar if you perfer. When I receive your details I will create a proof of your report and send it to you for changes or approval. When writing the actual report, do it from your perspective. It can be how you experienced the trip from start to finish. When I write a report I generally look at the map or GPS file and photos to jog memories. Hope this helps to get those reports in. Cheers. Heath. NISSAN NEWS MARCH

24 General Meeting - MINUTES Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria Inc. 1945hrs Wednesday 7 th Feb Cheltenham Road, Keysborough The Meeting opened at 07:45p.m. with President Sarah Bounden in the chair Welcome and Introduction Apologies: Peter Jay, Keith Newnham, Paul Verbeek, Trish and Brian Rollins, Neville Westbury, Alan Doyle Visitors There were 2 visitors, here as a result of the: Web Site x 1 Referral from members x 1 Acceptance of previous Club meeting minutes As published in the Dec Nissan News were accepted. Moved by Steve Bloomer seconded by Neil - carried Reports: President: Sarah Bounden Welcomed in the New Year and looks forward to some trips. Donation made to Briagolong Rotary Club on behalf of the club. Vice President: Kyle Baxter Advised that when driving to Wandarrah, that Millers Rd is like driving on marbles and there have been some near misses. Did some general maintenance. Let the Land Coordinator know if there is anything needs attending to. Secretary: Leigh Williams Received some mail from the Back to Wonnangatta 100 year centenary event. If anyone is interested in running please speak to Trips Coordinator. Treasurer: John Farlow YTD income is down on last year. Large expense to repair Wandarrah tracks. YTD down around $14k. Income comes in at the end of the year, so no great concerns at this point Membership Secretary: Heath Glass (caretaker) 197 members. Position is still vacant, we need a new person. Land Co-ordinator: Dean Walker Working Bee on 17/18 th Feb. Main table to be replaced. New gutter to go up on hut lean-to. Thanks to Steve Nugent for making that up. Needs some painting to be done. Track clearing needed. Clean gutters etc. Wood pile not too bad at the moment. Filled by Brian and Kyle recently. Fire fighting pump serviced by Kyle recently. Oh Shit hill still closed until next working bee where a decision will be made. Driver Training: Stephen Bloomer- 23/25 Feb Driver Training. TL course now moved to 5 th May. New DT uniforms to be brought in for display as soon as available. Sales: Richard Hall Finalised new clothing supplier Social Committee: Kim Taylor A few new things on the web site 21 st July for Rocky horror show and all the annual events are up. Editor: Heath Glass Latest trips missed the magazine, but on the web site. Will make the next magazine. Publicity Officer: Neil Brydson Vic 4wd show at Lardner Park in Feb on the 18 th Feb. National 4x4 is next show later in the year. 3 day event. Trip Co-ordinator: Josh Doble NTR other than a few trips going up tomorrow. Library: Mick Melenhorst Plenty of magazines recently donated. Webmaster: Matt Rollins Absent Sgt at Arms: Michael Dingli Door prize from Werevr 4wd a camp fire tripod. Raffle large wheel cover and collapsible bowls. GENERAL BUSINESS MikeH reported that on the Portland trip a snatch block gave way and hurled the pulley between 2 members. All the others inspected theirs only to find the only decent one was an ARB one, all the others were inferior. Any slack, replace poor quality ones regardless. Georgia and Daryl Rabbit won the Where the heck are we award and Emilio won the prize for best time/points. Donations collected plus fines on the weekend $455 donated to RFDS, including chain saw profit. Neil will coordinate the Wonnangatta trip in March but will not be attending. Recommended going, well worth it. Sarah welcomed Maureen and John Fowler after an absence due to ill health. There being no further discussion the meeting concluded at 2100hrs 22 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

25 MINUTES - Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria Inc. Committee Meeting hrs Wednesday 21 st February 2018 Moodemere St, Noble Park The Meeting: opened at 07:40 p.m. with the President Sarah Bounden in the chair. Welcome and Introduction Present: Apologies: Visitors: Sarah Bounden, Kyle Baxter, John Farlow, Leigh Williams, Heath Glass, Glynn Deane, Stephen Bloomer, Dean Walker, Richard Hall, Kim Taylor, Josh Doble, Neil Brydson Michael Dingli, Mike Hale Paula, Alan and Lois McCabe, Brian Marshall, Gary Single. Quorum Yes Acceptance of previous Club meeting minutes The January 2018 Committee meeting minutes as published in the February Nissan News were put forward for acceptance. Moved by Stephen Bloomer and seconded by Neil Brydson - passed Reports President: Sarah Bounden - NTR Vice President: Kyle Baxter - NTR Treasurer: John Farlow Submitted Jan. financials. Authorisation required for list of payments to be submitted later. Seconded by Sarah. Need authorisation to donate money to RFDS passed. Secretary: Leigh Williams - NTR Membership Secretary: Heath (caretaker) 2 membership applications from Paul and Robyn Tovey as well as Andrea Trovo and Jennie Mueller. Nominated Kyle and seconded by Stephen Bloomer. This makes it 199 members. Kids badges now available in light purple. Land Co-ordinator: Dean Walker Last weekend s working bee had a good turnout, lots of work done. Proposing a Fire Wall in front of the fire container be built and double up as a climbing wall. Committee suggested we get it built properly for safety reasons. Need to talk to the council to see if they need to be involved. Property track signage. Dean to provide costings for 3 rd party supplied signs. Contacted arborist; currently on leave, will follow up in a month via Heath. John will send to council to get authority to knock down the 2 dodgy trees without arborist. White board markers missing. Need cabinet. Dean to buy up to $200. Indoors bowls mat available for $200 plus bowls $150. Dean motioning to proceed, Leigh seconded. Passed. Driver Training: Stephen Bloomer Trip Leader training put off till May. Driver Training this weekend. Trip Leader training material subject to copywrite - can t be used outside of formal FWDV training. Sales: Richard Hall New supplier now organised Talking to Werevr fwd for reduced pricing. Driver Trainer clothing to be ordered. Money to be transferred to Rich s account so he can pay for jackets. Still working on discounted tyres and parts via large corporate retailers. Windscreen stickers. Heath to see if West awards can make them. Our new supplier has a range of products we can personalise. Rich to order a couple of different things and either sell or make them Raffle prizes. Social Committee: Kim Taylor The date of the Xmas in July function was moved in response to feedback, but because this doesn t suit the Social Officer, date will move back to the original posted date. Rocky Horror show, no expressions of interest to date. Editor: Heath Glass - NTR Publicity Officer: Neil Brydson Lardner Park was very successful, good venue, prime position. 100 mags handed out, another 50 brochures etc. Neil will send in the FWDV data collection form to in. Total volunteer hours 55hrs. Received discount stickers for R&J Batteries. Brochures for Pajero Challenge, Fire Pit manuf. have a laser cut fireplace they can make one to order for us with our logo if we are we interested suggested it could be used as a major raffle prize. Invitation to attend Grantville adventure show. Electrical test and tag invoice to come in for equipment. $110 approved. Proposed JohnF and seconded Stephen B. Details to be sent to secretary. Passed. Trip Co-ordinator: Josh Doble Heath and Leigh put up a bunch of trips with Trip Leaders to be advised. There has been limited response to date. Pajero challenge to go up on web site as a trip Webmaster: Matt. Rollins. Absent. Sgt at Arms: Michael Dingli - Apology Advised we need more door prizes. GENERAL BUSINESS Business arising from previous meeting. 1. Splitter, service is being arranged - Dean 2. What is happening with the Business plan? Business plans and activity to be presented to members at March meeting. 3. Club4x4. It was agreed not to pursue the relationship with them due to contractual requirements. We will ask if they want to present regardless. 4. DTM Turbos Neil to pursue Workshop day with them. New business 1. A number of items were put to the committee for consideration prior to discussion at the next meeting. These will be circulated to the committee again prior to next committee meeting. 2. We need to decide on annual subscription $ for F19 at next month s meeting. 3. The number of committee members also needs to be decided at next month s meeting. 4. The offer of a water safety seminar was declined. 5. An Aussie disposals VIP night will be circulated. There being no further discussion the meeting concluded at 2200hrs Next meeting 21 st March NISSAN NEWS MARCH

26 Are you looking for a 4x4 Club? Do you enjoy 4 wheel driving? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you looking to join a fun, family friendly club? Take a look at the advantages of becoming a member. About Us: The Nissan club was formed in 1976 to engage in and promote four wheel driving for recreation. From those beginnings of some friends with G60 Patrols, we have grown into a well organised and inclusive group of over 200 members. There is a mixture of 4WDs within the club such as: Patrol, Pathfinder, Navara, Maverick, Landcruiser, Hilux, Prado, Wrangler, Pajero, Ranger, Defender, Discovery, Amarok, BT-50 and some SUV which meet specific trip requirements. Club Trips: Club trips are run through out the year. Trips cover the whole of Australia, so wherever you plan to go for your next trip we can certainly help. Club members have a wide range of experiences and are always keen to assist with suggestions, hints and information for your trip planning. The Trip Coordinator ensures there is a good variety of trips available, from the Victorian High Country to the deserts of Central Australia - we have a lot to offer. Trips have varying levels of difficulty from Novice (Easy) through to Expert (Very difficult). Trips range from half a day, one day, mid-week and weekend or several weeks depending on where you want to go. Some of the trips this year have included: Portland Sand Dunes Rubicon Valley Border Track Victorian Mallee Wyperfield NP Victorian High Country Helping the Community: We participate in events which help the community. We are associated with a number of organisations and help out with: - Clean up the bush - Restoration of historic land marks - Charity Events - BlazeAid Social Events: The club also has a social committee which organises social events such as dinners, Chrismas parties and fun sporting events. Driver Education: As part of your membership we have a qualified driver training team that holds driver education programs to assist drivers in 4WD techniques and the safe and responsible use of 4WD equipment. Club Property: We are saving the best for last! The club has its own 80 acre property, two hours east of Melbourne, in picturesque East Gippsland. Club members can enjoy the facilities at their leisure, with plenty of sites for tents, camper trailers or caravans, there are also hot showers and flushing toilets. The extensive fire place area for camp cooking or relaxing with other members at happy hour is a popular spot. There are well maintained 4WD tracks on the property, as well as the tracks in the beautiful area of the State Forest which borders the property. So what are you waiting for? Join now and enjoy the experiences of a life time. Don t forget to check out the web site for more details. 24 MARCH 2018 NISSAN NEWS

27 Auxiliary battery kits RV Storage Systems Drive Lights & Light bars Hannibal Rooftop Tents NISSAN NEWS MARCH

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