Mildura 4WD Club. Mildura Victoria. New members most welcome. June PO Box 2067, MILDURA The things you see on trips Mary s house on wheels

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1 PO Box 2067, MILDURA 3502 Mildura 4WD Club Mildura Victoria June 2012 New members most welcome The things you see on trips Mary s house on wheels Proudly printed at the offices of peter.crisp@parliament.vic.gov.au

Officer: Colin Dyke 4WD Victoria Representative: Leo Saunders Trip & Social Committee: Peter Rickard, Carlo Vadori, Terry Benson, Linda Curran, David Fetherston Website Developer: David Fetherston

2 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 2 Office Bearers for President: Geoff Hume Vice-President: Terry Benson Secretary: Maureen Saunders Treasurer: Public Officer: Anne Benson Anne Benson Membership & Public Relations Officer: Carrie Spann Magazine Editor: Leo Saunders Trip Co-ordinator: Terry Benson Property Officer: Terry Benson Driver Training Officer: Colin Dyke 4WD Victoria Representative: Leo Saunders Trip & Social Committee: Peter Rickard, Carlo Vadori, Terry Benson, Linda Curran, David Fetherston Website Developer: David Fetherston 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 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 3 Mildura 4WD Club Sunday Morning Mechanics Session When: Sunday 24 th June 2012 Where: Meet at Guide Hall at 8.45 am Directions: Travel to mechanic Karl Gross s work shop Activity: Your vehicles can be raised on the Vehicle Lifter for a safety inspection. You may ask any questions and obtain advice on improvements that can be made to your vehicle etc. Informative and interesting session is assured For more info Contact Terry mob /79 LANGTREE MALL, MILDURA, VIC 3500 Phone & fax: (03) aussiedisposalsmildura@westnet.com.au Proprietor: Jason Cook Grace Crescent, Buronga NSW 2739 Nigel Sylvia Tel Fax: Account Manager Mobile Nigel.Sylvia@bluescopesteel.com

and shortly came across the Anabranch, still with plenty of water flowing well. Next we called into Fort Courage now a well-established caravan and camping spot on the Murray banks.

4 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 4 Cal Lal and Beyond. Sunday May 20 th 2012 Participants: Terry & Anne Benson, Roger & Pam Laity, Mary Withington, Tristan Forster & children, Leo & Maureen Saunders. Departed Fotherby Park Wentworth approx. 8 40am. and shortly came across the Anabranch, still with plenty of water flowing well. Next we called into Fort Courage now a well-established caravan and camping spot on the Murray banks. The drive in has been recently planted with trees and shrubs, so will be a magnificent entrance within a few years. The bitumen on the Rufus River Road soon ran out, but the dirt road has been maintained quite well all the way. We passed Moorna station and were soon at Scaddings Bridge camp ground on Frenchman s Creek, where we stopped for a chat and run around for the children. The air was still quite icy, but the sunshine was delightful. There is a road from here into Lock 8, but it was unfortunately not accessible to us. As we left here, we travelled parallel to a large levee bank on our left for some kms, obviously protecting the road from floods from the creek areas. We eventually crossed the levee and Frenchman s Creek, leaving it on our right, to run into Lake Victoria, some 59kms from Wentworth, and continued on to Rufus River and Lake Victoria. Much water management work is continuing to be undertaken by South Australia Water in this vicinity. Water passing from Lake Victoria storage is regulated into the Rufus River and thus into the Murray River. Views over Lake Victoria were observed from the Information Area, which also showcased art work by local school children, dedicated to the Mildura TJM Megastore Fifteenth Street, PO Box 336 CP Mildura 3501 (03) (03) E: sales@austrekadventurecentre.com.au

5 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 5 history of the area, some of which I am not proud to acknowledge. In the 1840 s, cattle and sheep were brought through here from mid NSW to the settlement of Adelaide which was in need of meat for the growing population. This is referred to as the Overland Era in history, if you would like to know more. However, this area was also home to the Mara Wara and Barkindji peoples, and despite attempts by some drovers to negotiate their way peacefully, altercations did occur. Look up any reference to The Rufus River Massacre to appreciate history of the area. The day had warmed as we sipped our warm drinks, while contemplating our past history. Back on the road, we passed Warrakoo Station and Cal Lal Rd and took the Old Wentworth Rd, more like a track, and showing signs of water erosion in parts. Before long we came to a gate, legal or otherwise, but we decided to acknowledge the farmer s request to use another route. At this point, we picked up radio contact with members of the Renmark 4WD club who were meeting us for lunch. So we retraced our tracks back to the Rufus R. Rd, then to the Renmark Wentworth Rd and on 12km to the SA border where a white monument is situated on the right hand side of the road. At this point, we turned left and travelled up the fence line border to the official border obelisk (left) erected by Charles Todd on the 141 st Meridian in 1868 to mark the boundary between SA and NSW. The SA Victorian border south of the Murray River is actually 3km west of this meridian, but efforts to correct it over the years have not been successful. Soon after arriving at the obelisk, we were met by our SA friends in 4 vehicles. We all then proceeded a short distance to Lake Littra 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

6 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 6 campground and the remains of the Scab Inspector s Cottage, or Custom s House, where we had lunch and got to know each other a little better.*** Mary showed us her neat inbuilt bed in her Defender. Go to for a look. After lunch, we followed our SA friends around the area, but were thwarted by water- a lovely sight really,- but as time was marching on, we decided to bid farewell to our SA friends and head back to the Cal Lal area. Tristan headed for home from here, aware that little children tire on long days. Down the Cal Lal Rd, we found the remains of a community- Post office and Police station with a beautiful bougainvillea still gracing the old building. We continued on past farm sheds and a couple of homesteads, turned right and travelled up hill to the Cal Lal Cemetery where many pioneer graves are still evident. The Cemetery is on a large site, suggesting the area was expected to grow into a big settlement. On our way back past the homesteads, we stopped to talk to locals erecting a fence. They were a fount of historic information, and invited us to visit Big Bend Camping Grounds that Leo is developing. Contact: leopin1@bigpond.com or phone (03) Back on the road, we made a comfort stop at Lake Victoria and then continued home with the setting sun behind us. Forms were exchanged at Fotherby Park, and with the cold night air drifting in, we farewelled each other after a very full day that left us pondering our own history and geography and intent on learning more about both. Thanks to our leaders, Terry and Anne! Maureen Saunders allen & zita heil autobarn mildura cnr 15th street & etiwanda avenue mildura victoria sales@mildura.autobarn.com.au

cemetry Top right: Lake Littra Centre: The

Facing page: The group of intrepid explorers (03)

7 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 7 Top left: one of the headstones in the Cal Lal cemetry Top right: Lake Littra Centre: The Customs House Bottom: Cal Lal Po & Primary School Facing page: The group of intrepid explorers (03) (03) Cash Tyre Service Tyrepower Tim Mills (B.B.S.) Manager 86 Madden Avenue Mildura VIC 3500 tim@cashtyreservice.com.au ~

8 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 8 OASIS STAR GAZERS TRIP Linda arranged for us to have a night out with the Oasis Star Gazers Club on Friday 18 th May The Club members met at Centro Plaza car park on Friday night. We waited for a few minutes to make sure no one else was coming, then the four vehicles set off for our destination, the Mildura Glider Field. During the evening, we spent our time looking at the many planets, stars, clusters, black holes, nebulas, and Saturn s rings through a variety of telescopes. The viewing was made even more interesting with Star Gazer members telling us about the night sky and answering our many questions, even if the night was a little cloudy at times. After having spent a couple of hours enjoying the evening and taking in the information given to us, we decided to head for the warmth of home, as the night had gotten chilly. A few of us called in for a cuppa at Maccas. Thank you Oasis Star Gazers for your time and informative talk and thank you Linda for organising the trip. Sue R & L AUTO ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONING (03) (03) E: rlautos@ncable.com.au Unit 3 / 46 Tenth Street, MILDURA. Ronnie Clark

Charles Mitchell Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser.

9 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 9 Mildura 4WD Club Report Lake Benanee Gymkhana. Weekend 5 th & 6 th of May 2012 Trip leader Peter Rickard Toyota 100 Series Land Cruiser Terry and Anne Benson GU Patrol Ute Terry and Linda Curran GU Patrol Wagon. Charles Mitchell Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser. Participating Members from Swan hill 4WD Club George Lindsay and son Hunter GU Patrol Daniel and Amanda Toyota Hilux Brian And Cheryl Dixon Toyota Hilux Rod Rudge GU Patrol Ute Colin Plumridge and Support Crew Toyota 100Series land Cruiser Rob Whitworth Proprietor Ph: (03) Seventh Street East, Mildura ~ Victoria 3500 Fax: (03) Mob:

Brian who has a farm about 10 Kilometres from the lake arrived a little later, he had arranged for us to camp on one of the private properties next to the lake and to run the gymkhana around the clay

10 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 10 Saturday 5/5/12 Beno,Anne and I met at lake Benanee to wait for the group from Swan Hill 4X4 club to arrive. Rod, George, Daniel and Amanda arrived about midday so we had lunch while they let down their tyres, Beno and I had already completed this task while we waited for them to arrive. Brian who has a farm about 10 Kilometres from the lake arrived a little later, he had arranged for us to camp on one of the private properties next to the lake and to run the gymkhana around the clay flats and washouts. After we had lunch we set off to the camp area, lit a fire and Anne was happy to stay and relax with the fire and read her book. The rest of us headed off to set up the course for the next day with Beno and Brian trying to find a track through the washouts. We had most of the course set up when Colin arrived from Swan Hill. He decided to test out the track we had laid out for Sunday, I think he enjoyed his trial run through the course! It was getting late so everyone agreed we should head back to camp for a few quiet drinks and a chat before dinner. Brian s wife Cheryl arrived in their new Nissan patrol to join us for the evening.it looks like Brian has to keep using the trusty old 94 Hilux. Report by Peter Rickard KARL GROSS Tel Morpung Avenue, Irymple. ruralfix@bigpond.com

11 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 11 Sunday 6/5/12 The campers stirred from their swags or roof top tents etc about 7.30am. The fire was lit; breakfasts were prepared and devoured. All were all working towards getting ready to start the gymkhana program by 10am. Mildura members Terry and Linda as well as Charles arrived about 9.45 am. After introductions we all headed off to the course that we had setup the previous day. The course was designed to test our skills at wheel placement, gear selection, brake and throttle control, sometimes all being called on simultaneously. The course layout was enjoyed by all, so much so it took up all of the morning to complete. Everybody got through both directions of the course. Almost everybody got through without losing points. We all returned to the lake side camp site for a lunch break. After lunch George and young son Hunter said good bye and headed for Swan Hill. Daniel and Amanda joined them on the trip home. Brian also had other commitments and took his leave. The rest of us headed back to the course. This time we selected a large flat area and put the cones out for the slalom course. We each had 3 runs through the course. First run was in a forward direction. Second run was in reverse gear. The third run was in a forward motion blindfolded and being directed by a second person over the UHF radio. As always this was an entertaining exercise. The next on the program was the guess your width test. Two upright poles are set up and the driver approaches in the vehicle. The driver stops five metres away he indicates to a marshal to move one pole closer to the other or further away. Once satisfied that he can fit between the poles. He proceeds and drives his vehicle between the poles. If he the vehicle fits a measurement of the gaps on both sides is recorded. If he does not fit and one or both mirrors touch the poles the driver is disqualified. The driver who fitted with the least amount of room wins this task. The driver with the next least margin comes second etc. 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)

125points The Mildura members appreciated the added comradeship from the Swan Hill 4WD Club members and thank them for their participation in the weekend activities.

12 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 12 By the time we finished this task it was time to pack up and head for home. Results were: First place was Charles with a total of 150 points Second place was Peter with a total of 145 points Equal third place was Terry Curran and Colin with a total of 125points The Mildura members appreciated the added comradeship from the Swan Hill 4WD Club members and thank them for their participation in the weekend activities. Sundays report by Terry Benson. Ute canopies Caravan annexes and modifications Tents Swags Canvas awnings Shade sails Terry & Anne Benson 3 Industrial Court, Irymple tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.au

13 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 13 MILDURA 4WD CLUB - AWARDS NIGHT Sunday 27 th May 2012 The Awards night was held at Irymple Hotel. Following a very nice counter meal our President Geoff Hume presented the awards for the preceding year: Award for Achievement: David Featherston The Black Stump Award: Col Perry Golden Mic. Award: Carrie Spann Club Woman Award: Anne Benson Club Man Award: Terry Benson. Congratulation to all the above members for their commitment and service to the Club. As it was the Club s 25 th Anniversary Year Jan Ziino organized a beautifully made cake to celebrate the occasion. Geoff then gave an inspiring speech and the cake was cut up and served for desert Yum, Yum. TECHNICAL SALES DEAN HALL CNR. 10TH STREET and LEMON AVENUE MILDURA, 3500 PHONE: (03) FAX: (03) MOBILE: AH dean@malleebearings.com.au

discussion on basic maintenance and trip preparation meet at clubrooms to travel to workshop See Trip notice on page 3 General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple 7 th & 8 th Riverland

14 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 14 Trip & Social Calendar June 2012 Tuesday 5th Sat 9 th to Mon 11th Sun 24 th 9.00am July 2012 Tuesday 3rd 7.30pm 7.30pm General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Trip to Eldee Station Trip Leader David, Kyra and Miles ***Mark this Weekend on your calendar as a must*** Mechanics session hands on discussion on basic maintenance and trip preparation meet at clubrooms to travel to workshop See Trip notice on page 3 General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple 7 th & 8 th Riverland Cobdogla etc. Trip Leader Carlo 22 nd Skill Day More Details to follow August 2012 Tuesday 7th 7.30pm Date to be decided Tuesday 7th 7.30pm Date to be advised General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Trip to Mandlemann Station via Lake Mungo Details Yet to be arranged Watch this space General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Burn the Scare Crow hosted by the Hamilton 4wd Club at a date to be fixed gpreco@ncable.com.au 32 Eighth Street, Mildura Vic (03) (03)

15 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 15 August 2012 cont d. 19th Day Drive Mallee Cliffs Trip Leaders Linda & Terry Curran 26 th 4.00pm Trip Committee Meeting more details to follow September st Sept Night Drive Tuesday 4th 7.30pm 23 rd 9.00am Sat29 & Sun 30 September 28 th, 29 th, 30 th, and 1 st Oct October 2012 Tuesday 2nd 8.00pm General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple Sunassist Motor Show Mildura Secondary College Oval Camp Host At Pink Lakes? 4WD Gathering Mt Ives Station, Gawler Ranges SA General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple 5 th, 6 th & 7th Adelaide 4wd Show 14 th 9.00am Come & Try Day More details to follow November rd, 4th, 5th &6th Nov Tuesday 6th 8.00pm Melbourne Cup Weekend Either Portland Or Beachport General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple December 2012 Tuesday 4th 7.30pm General Meeting Guide Hall Henshillwood Oval Irymple If you have an idea for a trip to go or to lead please contact our club Trip Co-ordinator ordinator Terry Benson on or beno1@ncable.net.au

16 Sender: Mildura 4WD Club, Victoria PO Box 2067 Mildura. Vic To: MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter June 2012 page 16

December. In this issue: Trip & Social Calendar 2011 Delegates briefing sheet (4WD Victoria) President s Christmas message

December. In this issue: Trip & Social Calendar 2011 Delegates briefing sheet (4WD Victoria) President s Christmas message Mildura PO Box 2067 MILDURA 3502 m4wd@iprimus.com.au 4WD Club Victoria enquiries 50246018 2011 December In this issue: Trip & Social Calendar 2011 Delegates briefing sheet (4WD Victoria) President s Christmas