NOVEMBER TRIP REPORTS: - Gymkhana - Beachport. UPCOMING EVENTS: - east sunset day trip - xmas party camp out

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1 TRIP REPORTS: - Gymkhana - Beachport UPCOMING EVENTS: - east sunset day trip - xmas party camp out NOVEMBER 2014 Proudly printed at the offices of Peter CRISP peter.crisp@parliament.vic.gov.au

Mildura 4WD Club Inc Victoria, PO Box 2067, Mildura Vic 3502 Website: www.mildura4wdclub.com.au Email: mildura4wdclub@gmail.

Property Officer: Driver Training Officer: Education & Environment Officer: Di Sutherland Lisa Wakeman Michelle Liddle / Leo Saunders Terry Benson Terry Benson Colin Dyke Linda Curran Trip & Social

2 Mildura 4WD Club Inc Victoria, PO Box 2067, Mildura Vic 3502 Website: President: Vice-President: Office Bearers for Mark Liddle Glen Sutherland Secretary: Maureen Saunders ( ) Treasurer: Membership & PR Officer: Magazine Editor: Trip Co-ordinator: Property Officer: Driver Training Officer: Education & Environment Officer: Di Sutherland Lisa Wakeman Michelle Liddle / Leo Saunders Terry Benson Terry Benson Colin Dyke Linda Curran Trip & Social Committee: Terry Benson, Terry Curran, Lisa Wakeman, Joe Wakeman, Des Meredith, Glen Norris and Geoff Girardi and David Fetherston PAGE 2 Nigel Sylvia Account Manager Grace Crescent, Buronga NSW 2739 Tel Fax Mobile Nigel.Sylvia@bluescopesteel.com

Morning tea and picnic lunch. To join in please contact Geoff & Jan on 0407 061 527 or by emailing gfgirardi@hotmail.

3 Sunday, 23rd November 2014 Tour through Sunset Country via Raak Plain, Mopoke Hut and the Pink Lakes. Expected return time of 5pm. Trip Leaders: Meet at: Difficulty: What to Bring: Geoff and Jan Girardi 8am at Big Lizzie, Red Cliffs Easy with some sandy sections. Morning tea and picnic lunch. To join in please contact Geoff & Jan on or by ing Prospective members are welcome to come as temporary members. Cnr 10th Street & Lemon Ave Mildura Vic 3500 Technical Sales Ph: DEAN HALL Fax: Mobile: AH: PAGE 3

This would make the sandhills more challenging to navigate and provide participants opportunities for different sorts of recoveries.

4 jjjjjjjjjjjjj 4WD Gymkhana 2014 TWELFTH O C TO B E R It was a warm, spring morning, perfect for a day of refining some sand driving skills. We were expecting that the recent warm weather would have made the sand drier and softer than our last visit in June. This would make the sandhills more challenging to navigate and provide participants opportunities for different sorts of recoveries. It would also be a good experience to test out our vehicles before our next Club trip to Beachport in November. We met at Fotherby Park in Wentworth and drove to a local private property where 9 vehicles tackled a course set out by David and Mark. Setting out the circuit was a bit of fun. David managed to launch the Patrol on a short, sharp ascent while Mark found out how long the Troopy wheelbase really was when he managed to get hung up on the pointy end of a sandhill. After a few changes to the tracks to remove potential launchpads and iffy drop offs, all vehicles made an eventually successful circuit. Shane found some of the soft stuff and managed to bury his Patrol up to the door sills. A winch from Beno and a little less air pressure in his tyres and he was soon on his way again. Next we gathered at the foot of our old nemesis - a steep ascent up the PAGE 4 Terry & Anne Benson 3 Industrial Court, Irymple 3498 tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.au Caravan annexes & modifications Ute canopies Swags Tents Shade sails Canvas awnings

eastern side of the dunes yet to be conquered on previous trips. Des was determined. Today was going to be his day.

Des was duly hailed as an all round legend and King of the Mountain.

This included a roll of toilet paper which unravelled like the proverbial red carpet all the way down the hill. www.kampers.com.

5 eastern side of the dunes yet to be conquered on previous trips. Des was determined. Today was going to be his day. An impressive run up accompanied by a bit of cheering, saw him reach the top. A second attempt and he was up and over. Des was duly hailed as an all round legend and King of the Mountain. John was tackling a steep climb, when his tailgate let go, raining a trail of gear behind him. This included a roll of toilet paper which unravelled like the proverbial red carpet all the way down the hill. sales@kulkyne.com * Camper trailers * Fishing Tackle * Outback Clothing * Camper Parts & Accessories * Camping Equipment * Used & Budget Campers * 4WD Fit-Outs & Accessories Calder Highway, Red Cliffs Vic 3496 Ph: Fax: PAGE 5

Mark was doing some driver training in his Landcruiser when the tyre rolled off one of the front rims.

After discussion about the best method, it was decided to use David s Patrol as an anchor and set up a two line winch pull.

place the jack so the tyre could be changed. Mark had plenty of helpers and the tyre was sorted in no time.

This was all good fun until the engine starting played up in Mark s Troopy while he was out collecting the traffic cones.

6 Mark was doing some driver training in his Landcruiser when the tyre rolled off one of the front rims. It wasn t possible to fix the tyre without moving to firmer ground. This meant winching up, over a sand dune. After discussion about the best method, it was decided to use David s Patrol as an anchor and set up a two line winch pull. Slowly, the 200 inched up the hill and was navigated to firmer ground for the additional challenge of laying in prickles to place the jack so the tyre could be changed. Mark had plenty of helpers and the tyre was sorted in no time. At this point, it was decided to reverse the direction of travel and everyone had a shot at going backwards around the track. This was all good fun until the engine starting played up in Mark s Troopy while he was out collecting the traffic cones. Beno came to the rescue and fairly quickly had the Troopy off the sand PAGE 6 728B Fifteenth Street, Mildura Ph: Fax: info@austrek.com.au MICHAEL SOLOMON - MANAGER

though and ended up travelling home on a trailer.

A BBQ was setup and we took time out to sit in the

Thanks to Beno and Anne for organising the day.

(photos: M Liddle) Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Ave,

7 and back on the main track. The poor Troopy was not looking like an easy fix though and ended up travelling home on a trailer. By now it was lunch time. A BBQ was setup and we took time out to sit in the shade and enjoy a snag or two in bread. Thanks to Beno and Anne for organising the day. Michelle Liddle. (photos: M Liddle) Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Ave, Mildura Tel: DAVE CURRAN Manager full mechanics workshop repairs & service - any make or model victorian roadworth certificates PAGE 7

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh CHRISTMAS PARTY t Overnight camp at BUSHMAN S REST, LAKE

Meat supplied, please bring a salad and a dessert to share.

Contact: Terry Benson on 0417 564 347 or tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.

8 hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh CHRISTMAS PARTY t Overnight camp at BUSHMAN S REST, LAKE CULLULLERAINE t Party starts at 2pm Saturday with BBQ dinner. Meat supplied, please bring a salad and a dessert to share. Extended families welcome. Contact: Terry Benson on or tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.au to book an overnight site by 9th November. PAGE 8 Allen & Zita Heil sales@mildura.autobarn.com.au Autobarn Mildura Cnr 15th & Etiwanda Ave Mildura Vic 3500 Ph: Fax:

beachport sa 1st November to 4th November As we prepared for the trip on Friday night we were almost packed when we received a phone call from Anne with the bad news that Beno had fallen off a ladder.

Day One On Saturday morning we met Glen and Di, Joe and Des and Peter and Susan and armed with our McDonald s coffee we began our trip to beachport.

The winds steadily increased after leaving Ouyen and for the rest of the trip we Trip Report were buffeted by winds near gale force.

9 beachport sa 1st November to 4th November As we prepared for the trip on Friday night we were almost packed when we received a phone call from Anne with the bad news that Beno had fallen off a ladder. Beno had knocked himself around but had no broken bones and would be OK. However he would be unable to travel. Beno asked if we could lead the trip in his stead. Day One On Saturday morning we met Glen and Di, Joe and Des and Peter and Susan and armed with our McDonald s coffee we began our trip to beachport. After stopping for a comfort stop and to stretch their legs at Ouyen we continued on our way. The winds steadily increased after leaving Ouyen and for the rest of the trip we Trip Report were buffeted by winds near gale force. About 20kms before Bordertown I changed fuel tanks as we were almost empty. We travelled another 45kms before the engine coughed and then died completely. We were more than a little concerned as we had only had the Troopy back from the workshop for a few days after an engine changeover following it an engine failure on the come and try day a few weeks earlier. The main fuel tank gauge was showing empty even though the fuel tank selector had been on the Sub tank and I realised what was happening. We found out on our return to Mildura that the mechanics had damaged some wiring when they replaced the engine and as a result only the fuel in the main tank could be accessed. Rob Whitworth Ph: Seventh Street East, Mildura 3500 Fax: Mob: Tel: Fax: PAGE 9

Other than the wind & some rain along the way the run into Beachport was uneventful. After our big day we decided to go to the pub for tea.

10 Des took me the 25 kms back into Bordertown & I paid handsomely at the service station for a 20lt plastic gerry can & some diesel. We returned & after putting fuel in the tanks & with help from Des, Glen & Peter who primed the fuel pump with the manual primer furiously we were able to coax the troopy back to life. Other than the wind & some rain along the way the run into Beachport was uneventful. After our big day we decided to go to the pub for tea. We had a very nice meal and a few light refreshments with plenty of chat about what was planned for Sunday before retiring to bed for a well earned nights rest. Mark Liddle Day Two 9 vehicles saddled up for the trip through Canunda with Andrew in his nimble shorty leading the way. We cruised through Rivoli Bay and the northern section of Canunda, steering inland at Geltwood Beach to visit a long and steep sandhill. Des, Mark and Andrew were all able to make the climb to the top successfully but some of the other 4WDs struggled in the super soft sand. Regardless, everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge. We had a lunch break at the Geltwood campground before heading back onto the beach to continue south. Geltwood Beach lived up to it s reputation for being difficult. The tide tim@cashtyreservice.com.au PAGE 10 Cash Tyre Service Tyrepower Tim Mills (BBS) Manager Tel: Fax: Madden Ave Mildura Vic 3500

was on the way out, but was still fairly high, leaving a sandy narrow path to navigate.

using the track that ran behind the dunes.

treacherously soft sand. The odd wave lapping at the tyres gave us an extra sense of urgency too.

There were a few deepish puddles to navigate and lots of whoops to slow our progress.

returned via the bitumen to Beachport and an enjoyable night around the camp fire. Michelle Liddle.

11 was on the way out, but was still fairly high, leaving a sandy narrow path to navigate. Two cars became bogged so the rest of the vehicles found the nearest exit and navigated back to the stranded vehicles using the track that ran behind the dunes. It took all the maxx tracks we could muster plus a lot of digging to free Cyrus and Glen s vehicles from the treacherously soft sand. The odd wave lapping at the tyres gave us an extra sense of urgency too. Once the group was reunited again, we decided to continue through the southern end of Canunda via the dune track. There were a few deepish puddles to navigate and lots of whoops to slow our progress. We stopped at the Lake Bonney lookout for a break before continuing onto Carpenters Rocks where we aired up and returned via the bitumen to Beachport and an enjoyable night around the camp fire. Michelle Liddle. Day Three Monday dawned clear and the wicked south wind decided to sleep in for once. Our leader for the day was none other than our very own club pres. Mark Liddle who wasted no time in briefing us on the day s activities. 32 Eighth Street, Mildura Vic 3500 Ph: Fax: gpreco@ncable.com.au PAGE 11

Peter and Sue, Des and Jo and Di and I joined the Liddle s to make up the full contingent for the days trip.

12 The plan was straight forward enough with a hard top run from Beachport to Robe and back again via the beach. Mark, Michelle and Steph led the way, Andrew, the girls and Russell in the red terror, Lee, Rachael and the kids and Brad and David rounding out the participating southerners. Peter and Sue, Des and Jo and Di and I joined the Liddle s to make up the full contingent for the days trip. After filling up on coffee and airing down in Robe we hit the beach to start our trip back to Beachport. Our leader did the right thing straight away and personally demonstrated how not to drive on soft sand. Creina that struck a reef off the bay in Its other claim to fame is being known a nudist beach and this was confirmed by not one but two male nudists parading along the beach. Strictly speaking the second one was wearing a hat and according to Di, some sort of adornment or jewellery on his old fella. (Makes for a new take on the family jewels; I suppose), I missed all this as the steep and rocky incline off the beach was more interesting, to me at least. As Mark and Michelle had described in the morning it was a case of in and out, off and on and up and down driving that kept everyone awake and entertained. After a quick extraction we were on our way again towards Nora Creina which is a small settlement of about 60 shacks and holiday houses and one public phone box. The area is named after the brigantine Nora R&L AUTO ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONING Ronnie Clark Ph: Fax: rlautos@ncable.com.au Unit 3/46 Tenth St, Mildura PAGE 12 Mark again decided that another lesson in soft sand driving was required as Peter and Sue were obviously not paying attention the first time so after extracting Peter and Sue and just around the corner; Mark headed

13 straight off the tracks and promptly sunk up to the Troopy s axles. Being near the back and only seeing the aftermath of this manoeuvre, I can neither confirm or otherwise his claim to have been forced off the track by a wayward Hilux. The last activity for the day was taking on the spectacular sand dunes the area has to offer and all had a great time with no real issues at all. It made our come and try days a bit tame though, but I will let the pictures tell the story. All in all it was a great day full of fun, adventure and a large serving of beautiful coast line and scenery. It was a big day and I am certain I wasn t the only one to take no rocking at all at bed time. Glen Sutherland. After a relaxing gathering around the fire with the 4wd Club from the Grampians (where some of the kids toasted huge marshmallows) people drifted off to bed as we were all tired from exhausting and great 4wd driving during the past few days. Day Four We all packed up and said our goodbye s. There were only two vehicles travelling back to Mildura. Glen & Di were off to a National Park and Des & Jo were going to do the slow tourist bit before returning, HOWEVER it was still a Toyota convoy home. Peter nominated himself to be Tailend Charlie (lol roger that). The trip home was via Naracoorte and lunch at Horsham (where Susan quietly and expediently) put some bets on the Melbourne Cup for us. Alas as it turned out we all should have bought some extra Maca s. The convoy arrived home safely around 1700hrs. Peter Tieman. (Photos: M Liddle) jason cook 1/79 LANGTREE MALL, MILDURA 3500 Ph & Fax: mildura@aussiedisposals.com.au PAGE 13

14 TRIP & MEETING CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2014 Saturday 1st to Tuesday 4th Melbourne Cup Long Weekend Trip to Beachport/Robe, South Australia Experience beach driving at its best. *** Completed *** Tuesday 11th Sunday 23rd Tuesday 25th 6:30 pm General Meeting Social Agenda BYO meat & salad for BBQ evening meal and Social Meeting to be held at Irymple Canvas, 3 Industrial Court, Irymple. Murray Sunset National Park Day Trip Day trip through the eastern side of the park Trip leaders: Geoff and Jan Girardi See Flyer on Page 3 8:00pm Trip Committee Meeting To be held at The home of Des and Jo, 8 Muscat Court Mildura to set Calendar for first part of 2015 DECEMBER 2014 Tuesday 2nd 8:00 pm General Meeting Business Agenda Guide Hall Henshilwood Oval Irymple Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th Christmas Party Camp Out Bushmans Rest, Lake Cullulleraine See Flyer on Page 8 If you are camping please notify Terry Benson ASAP we have to book sites at the caravan park. Please also visit for the latest updates. 6 Industrial Court, Irymple PO Box 230, Irymple 3498 Ph: Fax: CHRIS PEART Manager 4WDs & JAP COMMERCIALS WANTED FOR WRECKING Discounted new parts Guaranteed used parts Reconditioned units PAGE 14

member notices Local Land Services Western Region 32 Enterprise Way Buronga NSW 2739 Western Local Land Services will be conducting a two day workshop to learn how to collect, clean and store the

15 member notices Local Land Services Western Region 32 Enterprise Way Buronga NSW 2739 Western Local Land Services will be conducting a two day workshop to learn how to collect, clean and store the seed of sand hill pine and other species. The date of the workshop will be dependent on the availability of seed so there will be a short time frame once the date is set. If you are interested in attending the free workshop, please contact Kay Gottschutzke or Tanya Cooper to register your interest so we can advise you directly as soon as a date is set. Please contact: Kate on or kaye.gottschutzke@lls.nsw.gov.au or Tanya on or tanya.cooper@lls.nsw.gov.au Trade qualified Working locally since 1994 Want a professional job? Call Shane Shane Sammut For all your painting needs Mobile: KARL GROSS Tel Morpung Ave, Irymple ruralfix@bigpond.com PAGE 15

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