Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring TRACK October 2017 Newsletter Torque Pictures: Our wonderful country by some of our travellers. Left: -Lawn Hill Gorge Right: - Head of the Bight in South Australia, the cliffs are called the Bunda Cliffs The President s Page General Meeting Minutes Trip Reports Advertisements (Sponsors) Trip Calendar Inside this issue: www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au
WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB Track Torque President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Committee Members 4WD Victorian Representative Membership Officer Merchandise Officer Newsletter editor Property Officer Publicity Officer Trip Coordinator Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Dave van Zanten Neville Sonego Beryl Strang Irene Ham Noel Ham Irene Ham Chris Sonego Fiona van Zanten Neville French Bev Maher Neville Sonego Mick Maher Da ia O Co or John Strang The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few members in 1983, to our current membership of over 30 families. The Club is made up of individuals and families who are interested in responsible Four Wheel Driving. There is no restriction on the make or type of four wheel drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst members Where we live: Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Corowa, Howlong Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong, Langwarrin, Molyullah, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Stanhope, Violet Town, Melbourne, Rosebud and Overseas (England). Non Committee Position Training Coordinator Sergeant in Arms First Aid Officer Web Master WEBSITE: www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au Dave van Zanten Noel Ham Richard Rhodes Andrew Brown Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is affiliated with Four Wheel Drive Victoria. Members of our club are proud to be part of the Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks Victoria to look after Top Crossing and Lake Cobbler huts. Membership: Single or family $100.00 p.a. Temporary Membership: $15.00 (Three trips) General Meetings are held on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month, generally at the North East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, commencing 8.00pm. There is no meeting in January. Please refer to the club calendar. Visitors are always most welcome. Track Torque: Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to Editor: Fiona van Zanten 0409 831 511 : editor@wangarata4x4club.org.au Editorial Deadline:- 1 st of the month This is your newsletter so be a part of it and send any articles of interest, comments, birthday etc to the editor. Advertising: $100/yr. Please contact the editor for further details. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or of Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. The editor reserves the right to delete any section of any article, or reject any article, which has been sent in for publication in the Newsletter Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 2
Track Torque THE PRESIDENT S REPORT To all Club Members, This month we welcome back a few members who have been away travelling. I hope you all had enjoyable times, your trip reports have been fantastic. Our camp oven get together is coming up next month, hopefully everyone has it marked in their calendar and we can get most of the club along for that one. I d like to tha k e ers of the lu ho ha e helped e alo g ith y trai i g a ti ities lately, especially those who a e alo g for the dri er trai i g eeke d. I e o ee ti ked off as a accredited instructor for both the current driver training course and chainsaw course. We are looking to run a local chainsaw course in April next year so if anyone is interested in attending let me know and we will firm up a date soon. To finish off, David Blore is running our track clearing weekend for us in a couple of eeks ti e. From both a 4WD Victoria and Specially a club perspective it is important that these types of events held in conjunction with Parks Victoria take place. Anyone that can spare a day or the weekend to assist will be ou d to ot o ly e joy the sel es ut help keep the lu s good re ord of assisti g Parks Vi i good stead. If you can only attend the Saturday, talk to David as you should be able to leave and exit the park on Saturday afternoon. Dave van Zanten President Club Contact Details Name and Position Held Mobile Number Email Address Dave Van Zanten 0400 936 113 4wd@dcabs.com.au Beryl Strang (Secretary) bjstrang@live.com.au Irene Ham (Treasurer) 0457 641 282 niham@bigpond.com Damian O'Connor (Fill in Trip co-ordinator for July August and September) Fiona van Zanten (Editor Track Torque) 0417 526 175 damnkez@people.net.au 0409 831 511 editor@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 3
Track Torque Date - Tuesday 12 th September, 2017. Minutes of the Wangaratta 4x4 Club Meeting Location North East Car Club rooms, Nolan Road, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve. Time 7.30 p.m. for an 8.00 p.m. start. Present Fiona & Dave van Zanten, Narelle Cula, Manfred Wagner, Barry Richardson, (from Attendance Jeanette & Allan Wallace, Monica & Neville French, Bruce Gooday, Andrew Book) Ammendola, A dre Bro, Da ia O Connor, Dave Bore, David Robison, Noel and Irene Ham. Virgi ia & Noel Ro i so, Da o O Co or, Mick Maher, Bev Maher, Graham & Apologies Sue Abotomey; Nev & Chris Sonego, Barry Burns, John & Beryl Strang, Guests Approval of Minutes July 2017 Meeting Business Arising from Meeting Correspondence In Dave welcomed: Sean Strudwick, Moved: Fiona Seconded: Allan Nil WAW Bank Statement Stickers from 4x4 Victoria. (one per membership) Carried Correspondence Out President s Report Treasurer s Report Calendar/Proposed Trips Nil Dave welcomed everyone to spring. Talked about the FWDV General meeting and thanked club members who came along and assisted on the day. Driver training this weekend coming. More info in his report in the track torque. Irene presented the Treasurer s report for the month of September. Income HC&B have reimbursed $1000 to the Wangaratta club. Expenses FWDV affiliation frees, ARB Corp reimburse incorrect deposit, High country huts Membership, B Strang Consumer Affairs, F van Zanten for Birthday cake, NECC Hall hire and F van Zanten FWDV meeting Lunch. Total $2,663.40 Closing balance $7380.03 Moved: Irene Seconded: Fiona 14/15 th October: Track clearing. Contact David Bore. 21 st Oct 1 st aid training at Tarrawingee. 25 th No e er: Ca p o e ook up, at Chris & Ne So ego s pla e, Tarrawingee. A shared meal & overnight camp. Bruce has organised a proposed midweek trip, when tracks are open & clear, in mid November. It will be around the Snowy River, possibly following Deddick & Cobberas tracks. Contact Bruce if you are interested. 2018 Dates to be saved:- 26 January Australia day weekend. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 4
Training Merchandise Editor Newsletter Trip Reports 4WDVic Track Torque 17/18 th February: Gastronomical Tour No. 5. 3/4th March: Hunting Expo, Myrtleford. 10 17 th March, High Country & Beyond, based in Omeo. 23 rd June 7 th September (or parts thereof) The Kimberleys & Canning Stock Route. Driver training is to go ahead on the 15 th - 17 th September at the clubrooms, Tarrawingee Chainsaw Training: Dave will soon be qualified to run this Course. As November dates have filled up, training will hopefully be run next April, at Ma fred & Narelle s far ear Buffalo. It has been agreed to go to Worklocker for merchandise and approval of set up cost. If any members did not receive an email with the Track torque attached, please let Committee know, so we can check the address we have on file. Many people still out and about. Trip reports are in the Track Torque. A thank you to be sent to 4wd Victoria Re- First Aid subsidy General Business Volunteer to take Minutes at the Oct Club Meetings. (Templates available tonight!) Maybe share the job if someone else would like to give it a go. Nev has been asked to bring the log roller, PPE for chainsaw use to the next meeting for the track clearing weekend that David Blore is leading. Meeting closed at: 9.15pm Next Meeting: Tuesday 10 th October 2017 7.30 for 8 p.m at Tarrawingee Car Club Rooms. Save the Date for High Country and Beyond 2018. The High Country and Beyond Committee are pleased to announce the dates for next year are Saturday 10th March to Sunday 18th March 2018. The venue will be Omeo There will be lots more new tracks to be travelled To the club Andrew Ammendola. Wangaratta 4wd club members wish you many years of safe and happy 4wding. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 5
Track Torque First aid course is on this month. 21 st October 2017 at the Tarrawingee hall. If you want to update your CPR cost is only $50. Full course will cost ONLY $85 thanks to a $50 4WD Vic subsidy For more information contact Neville French frenchfamily3677@gmail.com Presidents and Club members, CruiserKhana 2017 27/28/29 October 2017 CruiserKhana 2017 is rapidly approaching and some competition places are still available. This year we have over $10,000 in prizes on offer including a VRS 9,500lb Winch with synthetic rope (courtesy of Guest 4WD) for the winner of the Teams Event. The winner of each event as well as overall competition winners will receive prizes from one of our Sponsor. Major sponsor include ARB, Terrain Tamer and Piranha, other sponsors are Kaymar Engineering, Ark Corporation, Camping Adventures, SCS 4x4, Redarc Electronics, Westprint Maps, Wide Tread Tyre Stores, 12 Volt on the Move and more. Competitors and spectators who register and pay the entry fee are entitled to free camping for the weekend on the property and a delicious three course meal on the Saturday night. Ca t o pete this year? Why ot o e for the day, spectators are very welcome for a very reasonable entry fee and snacks are available for purchase from our Kiosk. On-line entry and more information can be found on the CruiserKhana website www.cruiserkhana.com.au or contact me directly on the email address below. Kind Regards Rob Leversha Secretary Cruiserkhana admin1@cruiserkhana.com.au Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 6
TRIP REPORTS Track Torque Pilbara Trip Bev and Mick September 2017 For the month of September the four of us had a great visit to the Hyden area and Wave Rock, before heading off in our separate ways. Mike and I had to get back to Wang before end of September, whereas Chris and Neville had a much more flexible time table. We headed south to the Wheatbelt area of WA which is certainly impressive- huge paddocks as far as the eye could see with some sort of grain- oats, wheat and canola. Beautiful little towns along the way as we headed south. All remarkably neat and tidy and very el o i g to the tra eller. A o derful dri e o the Ti Horse High ay et ee Kuli a d Lake Grace. Spent lovely days touring the Stirling Ranges, Fitzgerald River National Park and Cape Le Grand National Park. Were delighted to see some amazing wildflowers including exquisite orchids growing in amongst the bush. Also thrilled to see the rare Carnaby Black Cockatoos flying overhead. Experienced the delights of the Great Southern Ocean at such places as Bremer Bay, Esperance and of course the wonderful Nullabor area. As usual the dri e a ross the Nulla or did t disappoi t. Wo derful a ps, a azi g people e et, great s e ery, history e ery here, spe ta ular su sets a d do t forget the o derful hales at the Head of the Bight. Had a brief stop at the Eyre Peninsular on way past and enjoyed some of the areas wonderful seafood. Ended our trip home by visiting friends in Rainbow in the Mallee and travelled along the amazing Silo Trail to home. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 7
Our Run South Graham and Sue September 2017 Track Torque The run home is never as exciting as the trip out, or the tripping around. Once you make up your mind that you are heading south you seem to get there a whole lot quicker. Starting from Charters Towers our next stop was at Zilzie a small seaside village just out from Rockhampton to catch up with John and Linda. John was one of the muster team from Yappar River. Continuing on we called into Bundaberg, Maryborough and then Bribie Island again catching up with close friends that we have met over the many years of our travels. Forrest Hills near Gatton was our next destination to again catch up with more friends and to base ourselves so that we could catch up with rellies in Brisbane. With 10 days of visiting our time had come to head for home via Toowoomba, Goondiwindi and Wagga Wagga. Recapping our journey, we left Oxley at the beginning of November 2016. We travelled through NSW, QLD, to Yappar Station near Normanton in the Gulf. After a proper wet season, we had to chopper out of the Station at the end of January. The Station was inundated with flood water so we left our rig there until such a time as we could return. We could drive our car and van out after Easter on the 14 th May, after helping with their muster for 3 weeks. We continued to Darwin and spent a number of weeks doing what tourists do. Our return was back through Qld the long way to Mareeba then turning south to head towards home. We travelled a total of 20400Klms. over our journey. We stayed in a mixture of free camps, on station property, at show grounds a d at frie d s pla es. We did t keep a count of what our costs were but I can say that the dearest fuel Diesel was $1.75 a litre at Barkly Homestead in the NT. And the cheapest was $1.09 at Mount Isa Qld. All trips must come to an end and we had a ball, coming back to these frosty mornings reinforces why we head north for the winter. This is the last of our 17 travels and we hope you enjoyed the journey with us.. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 8
PRE TRIP REPORTS WANGARATTA 4WD CLUB PRE-TRIP REPORT Track Torque Track Clearing Weekend 14-15 October 2017 Trip leader: David Blore Emergency Contact: (outside of trip): Kay Blore 0433 209 396 Tail end Charlie: Trip leader contact details: TBA David: 0407 885 410, email david.blore@gmail.com Start Date: Saturday 14 October 2017 Meeting place and time: Trip duration: Trip rating: Type of tyre tread required: Fuel requirements: At the Parks Vic Depot, 4900 Main Road, Whitfield, (up the hill from the pub and Whitty Cafe), 9 am Saturday One night away Medium-Hard (subject to track conditions and extent of clearing encountered Chris has not been able to recce the tracks so far) All-Terrain at a minimum, with better than 50% tread. Full tank ex Wangaratta or Benalla. Minimum recovery gear required: Snatch straps, shovel etc Winch required Wheel chains required Fire restrictions: If you have one No Unlikely. Type of Accommodation/camping:Tent-based, location not confirmed and subject to progress on the day. Maximum number of vehicles (first in gets a placing): No maximum the more the merrier! Personal equipment requirements: Gear for warm as well as possible cold and wet conditions. Full PPE must be worn if planning to operate a chainsaw (ONLY IF ACCREDITED TO DO SO!). PPE should be worn by all participants when working on fallen timber. Trip Details: We will be working with Chris Clarke, Acting Area Chief Ranger, Western Alps, North East District, Parks Victoria to clear tracks of fallen timber, starting from the Whitfield locality. Subject to numbers we may split into two teams. We may also have members from other 4WD Clubs joining us yet to be confirmed. Chris will be in overall control for the weekend and may indicate what resources are to be deployed and where. Drivers must be experienced in 4wdriving in steep terrain; vehicles must be mechanically sound, have low range and good tyres as noted above. Weather will be significant to the work undertaken; wet weather could affect the whole plan and may result in a change to the planned work or cancellation if too inclement. Expressions of Interest: Contact David to advise if you are coming. A list has been circulating for some time but interest has been shown by a few other members would be great to see more than the four members presently listed! Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 9
Track Torque Wangaratta 4WD Club has been invited by the organiser to have a display on this weekend. 4WD Victoria would also like our club to represent 4WD Vic at the event. In 2018 they are expecting to have over 250 sites, with more than 500 exhibitors! Will be held at Myrtleford Tobacco Complex, Myrtleford and will be bigger than ever. Where: Myrtleford Tobacco Complex, 235 Yackandandah Road, Myrtleford, VIC Entry: $20 Adults $30 for a 2 day ticket $50 Family Ticket (2 adults 3 kids upto 15yrs) Children under 15 FREE (must be accompanied by parent) * This show is not in conjunction with any other club or organisation. THE ORGANISERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY TO ANY PERSON Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 10
Track Torque This is the fifth year of running our Gastronomical Tour. We will be heading back to the places that we have enjoyed the most over the past four years. Great food, great company and a chance to mingle with other like minded people from the Albury Wodonga 4WD Club. Longreach, Mt Isa, Katherine, The Kimberleys, Broome, Canning Stock Route, Perth, Southern WA and the Nullabor. All this and more in an epic 12 week, 15,000 Km adventure. We will be heading to Katherine via Qld before travelling through the Kimberleys via the Gibb River Road. A number of two night stops and a day at Lake Argyle are included. We will have a three or four day break in Broome to prepare for the Canning Stock Route for which I have set aside 21 days so a leisurely pace with plenty of time to see and explore. The trip home will be via Geraldton, Perth and a number of other spots along the WA coastline before crossing the Nullabor and stopping at places such as Ceduna and Streaky Bay. We currently have a number of spare days in the itinerary so we can add extra stops or take some extra detours. I already have one other vehicle travelling with us and will limit this to a maximum of six vehicles. We are happy for people to join or leave us at points along the way to do just a portion of the trip. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 11
Track Torque Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 12
CLUB APPAREL Track Torque Club Tee Shirts, jumpers etc. are available from: - WORKLOCKER 120 Murphy St, Wangaratta, Phone: (03) 5722 4644 (code 3FJ) Black or Bottle green, Kids and Adults Full Zip Polar $35, Kids $27 (code PF631) Ladies $39 (30V) Black or Bottle Green, Polar Vest $25 (CH18) Cap $7 min of 5 Plus logo cost Polo shirts, bottle green and gold. (code PS61) Mens $20.00 (code PS62) Ladies PS62 $19.00 (code PS61K) Kids $18 (code CH27) Beanies $7 min of 6 Plus logo cost Cost for embroidery:- Logo - $7.50 Name $4.50 Prices are subject to change. PLEASE ORDER AND PAY UP FRONT DIRECT WITH WORKLOCKER. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 13
Track Torque Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 14
2017 Trip & Event Calendar Date Trip/Event Location Rating Contact Notes 10 th October General Meeting N.E. Car Club Clubroom Nolan Rd. Tarrawingee October NA Sec: Beryl Strang E: bjstrang@live.com.au Track Torque 7:30 PM for an 8:00PM start 14 th 15 th Oct Track Clearing Start Whitfield David Bore Info under pre trip reports 21 st October 1 st Aid Tarrawingee hall Neville French Info in September minutes November 14 th November General Meeting N.E. Car Club Clubroom Nolan Rd. Tarrawingee 25 th November Camp oven Cook up Chris and Nevilles place at Tarrawingee Mid week trip 12 th December General Meeting BBQ before meeting 26th Australia Day Weekend Snowy River region trip N.E. Car Club Clubroom Nolan Rd. Tarrawingee NA Sec: Beryl Strang E: bjstrang@live.com.au 7:30 PM for an 8:00PM start X Chris and Neville Sonego More details to come. December NA January Bruce Gooday Sec: Beryl Strang E: bjstrang@live.com.au No General Meeting February 17 th 18 th Feb Gastronomical Tour Mystery X Dave van Zanten E: 4wd@dcabs.com.au 13 th February General Meeting N.E. Car Club Clubroom Nolan Rd. Tarrawingee NA Sec: Beryl Strang E: bjstrang@live.com.au March 3 rd -4 th March Hunting Expo Mansfield X Dave van Zanten E: 4wd@dcabs.com.au 10 th 18 th Mar High Country and Beyond 13 th March General Meeting N.E Car Club Clubroom Nolan Rd Tarrawingee Omeo X Irene Ham E: niham@bigpond.com NA Sec: Beryl Strang E: bjstrang@live.com.au See Bruce for more details. 7:30 PM for an 8:00PM start Long weekend. Great opportunity for someone to run a trip. 5 th year running. More details to come 7:30 PM for an 8:00PM start More details to come Website highcountryandbeyond. com.au 7:30 PM for an 8:00PM start April May June. April Chainsaw course Dave van Zanten More details to come June Kimberleys / CSR Dave van Zanten Contact for more information Save the date 25 th November Cook up at the Sonego farm in Tarrawingee. Camp the night if you like. Numbers taken at the next two meetings. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 15
TRACk Torque Track Torque October 2017 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club A0001052D PO Box 494 Wangaratta 3676 www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc October 2017 Page 16