Monthly Magazine

OCTOBER2017

Club Address: PO Box 48 DROMANA 3936

Web Page: http://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/portphllip

Editors Email: big-rouge@msn.com

Celebrating our 30th Birthday this year.

CLUB COMMITTEE

Membership: Annual fees are payable at the July A.G.M.

Joining Fee (Once only) $ 25.00

Single Members (1 vote) $ 75.00 per annum (Pro rata after 1st January)

Joint Members (2 votes) $ 75.00 per annum (Pro rata after 1st January)

Associate Members (No vote) $ 75.00 per annum (Pro rata after 1st January)

General Meetings: Held at 8:00pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Old

Dromana Shire Offices, Point Nepean Road, Dromana.

Committee Meeting: Held at 7:30pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the

designated committee member’s home.

Magazine Deadline: 6:00pm on the 1st Tuesday of

each month.

Contact Person: Nigel Smith (President), 0400885272

Club Radio: UHF Channel 15

Bank Details: PP4WD Club BSB 083-861 ACC 04-543-7142

General Information…

President & Web

AdministratorNigel Smith

Vice President Robert Auty

Secretary Ken Winn

Treasurer Peter Strang

Social Secretary Sue Freer

Trip Co-ordinator Don Dukes

Communications Officer

(Editor)

Jenny Rouget

Delegate Clive BremnerPort Phillip Four Wheel Registered No.: A 15411C

Drive Club Incorporated ABN: 79336564667

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING 12 / 9 /17

Meeting Opened: 8.10pm

Visitors: Debbie Newman; Lisa Marshall; Greg Mullins

Apologies: Chris Smith and Pip Vander Linden, Meg McLaughlin; Rowan McLaughlin; Jan Braun; Greg

Saligari; Pat and Colin Poole; Tom and Jeanette Muschinsky; Geoff Dowling; Gary and Lyn Brumby; Al and

Sue Murphy; Jack Andruch;

Minutes of last meeting – Minutes of last meeting were confirmed as being true and correct.

Moved: Jack Braun Seconded: Graeme Rouget

Business from Previous Meeting: Nil

Incoming Correspondence

Notice of new address for Fox Trophies (1-8 Fuji Crs. Mornington)

Streatrader - Certificate for SS at Tasman Meats received.

Outgoing Correspondence:

Application for Streatrader Certificate.

Responses in respect to membership enquiries.

Business arising from correspondence: Nil

Presidents Report: As per mag. including

Club now back on track after many of the committee absent on holidays.

Outline of coming events I- including noting new SS at Tasman Meats in November.

Calendar is still busy with some events from last year being repeated due to their popularity – eg

“Oscars Hut to Hut Run” early next year; Portland Sand Dunes; Christmas in June; Mt Selma snow

trip; Nav Rally; and Driver Training.

Noted that Club now has 22 qualified Chain-saw operators –most useful when looking at Track

Clearing and similar events which will likely now be during 2018

Overall – currently financially sound with two fund-raisers to occur in coming months before

Christmas.

Re “Oscar’s” Hut Run event, will again be based at Lovick’s hut – minimum crew of 6 required.

Vice Presidents Report: As per mag plus

Looking to have guest speaker at forthcoming meeting.

Acknowledgement that the VP’s role will likely start to encompass increased role / activities.

Treasurer's Report: As per Mag – Income $1475.00; Expenditure $1498.00 leaving a balance of 5558.69.

Also noted there is an amount of $750.00 due to FWDV in respect to FWDV Affiliations. Once paid, net

Club funds will be around $3800.

Moved: Neil Hird Seconded: John Auty

Trip Co-Ordinators Report: As per mag plus

Comm.’s / Editor Report: All good.

Social Secretary:

30th celebrations confirmed and discussed - meeting of committee scheduled for next week.

Bunnings SS this coming Sunday – roster to be prepared and advised.

Re Christmas Party – 3rd December - venue proposed to be Red Hill Mechanics Hall – also allows

for bad weather – relatively inexpensive hire and is of good size with nice surrounds –and good

parking. Arrangements to be made to book the hall.

Donations for Christmas Party now sought / requested.

Also noted that several good prizes donated for 30th weekend – donors being acknowledged in the

mag over the coming months.

Delegates Report: Clive confirmed he attended Parks Connect meeting. System formalises volunteering

for activities in Parks Vic by recording details of prospective volunteer’s skill sets and providing an

automated request and approval system between volunteers and individual rangers/areas.

On a separate matter Clive also confirmed waiting on minutes from recent FWDV meeting.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING Cont…

General Business

FWDV 2017/18 stickers now available – financial members only.

Jacks band – next gig is 28th October at Rosebud Hotel – all welcome.

Club Rego proposal – is progressing.

On behalf of those who went, John Auty expressed thanks to Nigel for his role in leading the recent trip to Sth Stradbroke Island – a great success.

Meeting Closed: 9.10pm Next Meeting Tuesday 10th October 2017.

MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING PORT PHILLIP 4WD CLUB INC.

COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 26 / 9 /17

Meeting Opened: 7.45pm

In Attendance: Nigel Smith (Pres); Rob Auty (Vice Pres); Ken Winn (Sec); Peter Strang (Treas);

Don Jukes (Trip CoOrd); Sue Freer, (Soc Sec); Clive Bremner (Delegate), Jen Rouget (Comms/Mag);

Apologies: Nigel Smith (Pres); Rob Auty (Vice P.) Peter Strang (Treas).

Visitors: Graeme Rouget; Ivan Freer; Lisa Auty.

Minutes of last Committee Meeting 5/9/17 – Moved Clive Bremner; Seconded Don Jukes.

Business from previous meeting: Nil

Correspondence:

19

Invoice for hall hire – August.

Various emails and mags. to / from prospective members.

Cheque for $750 and Affiliation Return sent to FWDV.

Various emails re hire of Red Hill Hall for Christmas Party.

Mags to sponsors.

Business arising from Correspondence: Positive feedback from prospective member noted.

Presidents Report: - To be as per Mag

Vice Presidents Report: - To be as per Mag.

Treasurers Report:

For past month – income $2151.30; Expenditure $1109.81 laving a balance of $6,600 - full details to

be published in mag.

Trip Co-Coordinators Report:

Details to be as per Mag. noting that the calendar remains reasonably full to the end of the year –

with good flow on into next year. Matters discussed included coming week end at O’Toole's (Camp

host); proposed Training Day; possible Track Clearing Day in November (Clive); Oscars Hut to Hut

run; possible breakfast in January; another Portland trip/s; new Trip Sheets (Nigel).

With busy schedule agreed we need to look to lock in some of the more popular drives / events. Club

Rego proposal also noted – still WIP.

Communications Report: all good.

Social Secretary Report: as per mag. noting that we have the following packed in for the remainder

of the year – 30th Celebrations ; Sausage Sizzle fundraiser at Tasman Meats; Christmas party at Red

Hill Hall in early December.

Delegate’s Report: Nothing to report at this stage other than coming FWDV in November; and

confirmation re Parks Connect which facilitates volunteering – Clive “officially” now registered.

General Business:

New Member applications tabled and discussed / approved for:

Ian and Liam Kay

Brian Sard

Leigh Teese

Debbie Newman

Further discussion followed in relation to various aspects of “family memberships” and respective

joining and membership fees - particularly where a family member has their own vehicle and or

he/she may be over 18 and may or not be a dependant. After much discussion, and in view of

insurance implications, it was agreed that further clarification as to how joining /membership fees

should be applied be sought from FWDV and the Clubs Insurers.

Christmas Party Hall Hire – Peter advised that following discussions with MP Shire staff, it was agreed

that proposed bond of $500 be waived ( historic relationship via hire of Dromana Hall cited).

in terms.

Club Uniform Items - Recent purchase from supplier identified cost increases in items – agreed that

Peter would liaise with supplier and obtain up to date prices.

Club Facebook Page – Don advised of two recent requests to join the Club’s closed FB page.

In line with guidelines it was agreed that only one be approved.

Club’s 30th Anniversary – Report on proposed activities and program for the weekend were discussed in

detail together with costs and the entry fee quoted. After much discussion, it was agreed not to amend

current arrangements. It was also noted that there were good numbers for the two working bees with a

few extra tasks outside the main activities to be completed. Also noted that for those interested, their

stay can be extended to include Cup Day. Confirmed that an overview and proposed program be

advised separately to all members. Also noted to request that anyone attending make sure they record

their name/s on Trip Sheet or FB page.

.

Wentworth Property – Ivan advised that Cousin No. 37 has a property at Wentworth (near Mildura)

which he is considering making available to 4WD Clubs. While early days, agreed that an exploratory

Club Trip could be considered if enough interest is shown.

.

Meeting Closed: 8.45pm Next Committee Meeting: 31st October – Venue TBA.

MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING cont..

VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT

Hi everyoneNot a great deal to report this month , for those at

the Bunnings bbq it was a great day and I am looking forward to the 30th birthday.Quiz; what Swahili word is use in the English language meaning long journey.Robert

TRIP CO-ORDINATORS REPORT

I have to say I am very pleased with this months trips and events with the Bunnings BBQ being the best earner yet and camp host being an over all success with 26 questioners being filled out, all but one goodies bag handed over. Everyone I approached was very receptive and happy to help. Over all a good bunch of campers, the exception being some lads near our camp who had a few and played their music until the wee weewee hours, you get that on a long weekend. Happy to say they packed up and left by mid Saturday morning. A big thank you to all that attended. cheers Don

TRIP CO-ORDINATORS REPORT CONT….

O’TOOLE’S FLAT – CAMP HOST – Trip Report. Thursday, 28th Sept. The plan was to meet up with Don and Daph as well as any others at the Caltex services area on the Friday evening. On arrival, I topped up the fuel tank and checked in to Hungry Jacks where I was soon discovered by Christine and Ian Smith. Don and Daph soon arrived a little later and once we had all “enjoyed” a burger, we headed off towards Moe where another fuel stop and vehicle check was carried out. Don then led the small group up from Moe, through Erica and on to the junction of the Walhalla Rd and Merrington’s Track with the objective of joining up with Donnelly’s Creek Road that would lead us on to O’Toole’s. In the dark, the many tracks in and around Merrington’s Campground became difficult to discern with some road signs being somewhat vague and so after two loops across the Aberfeldy River crossings without being able to pick up the Junction Rd, we decided to stop over at Merrington’s. By this time, it was somewhere around 10:30 and I was surprised to discover that finally at 12:30am, I was crawling into my tent and bedding down for the night. During the night there were a few rain squalls that swept through, but by morning the campground was none the worse for the weather. Friday, 29th Sept. Christine and Ian had brought along their little dog which was not in good health and they had endured a bad night looking after it, so they decided to return home and get their pet to a vet as soon as possible. After bidding them farewell and our best wishes, Don led the way as we headed back along Merrington’s Track to the Walhalla Rd and on to Donnelly’s Creek Rd. This was my first time through this area and was impressed with the signage along the way pointing out various historic sites and roads as well as those of Kitty Kane’s Hotel and grave beside the road. Donnelly’s Creek Road is a well maintained narrow track which winds its way through the Toombon Gold-Mines Historic Area where relics of the gold rush days still remain. Eventually, Don made a sharp turn to the left that took us down onto O’Toole’s Flat campground which at that early hour of the day was pretty well empty. Here we soon discovered that Neil Hird had setup camp the day before along with prospective club member Jack. After selecting sites for our tents Don and Daphane and I began unpacking and got the billy boiling. We were soon joined by Doug and Rylan McLaughlin then Lorraine & Sally Haggerty as well as Jenny, Graeme & Matt Rouget. By and large, the morning passed quietly, and Don brought out the CAMP HOST banner which was prominently displayed for all arrivals to see. During the course of the day more arrivals turned up and the campground became a bustling community so Don set off in Hi-Vis vest to carry out the duties of Camp Host handing out and collecting surveys from fellow campers. With those duties done, Don offered to take me for a short drive up, down and around the local White Star Mine Track -- GULP !! – however, this was not initiation by fire as Don gave me an introduction on driving techniques which made the tour quite

O’TOOLE’S FLAT – CAMP HOST – Trip Report.

instructive. With the tour over, we returned to camp for lunch after which, Don, Doug, Rylan, Neil and I went up White Star Mine Track to forage for firewood. Don did the chainsaw duties and before long we had the Patrol’s roof rack stocked up and a good collection long cuts while smaller pieces were stashed away in the back of Rylan’s Land Cruiser. Back at camp we mainly relaxed and the fireplace was stocked ready for later in the day. To my amazement, our entourage was placed under extreme supervision by Mother Duck who led her 8 little chicks in, out and around our camping area. By now, there were more arrivals entering and spreading out so that the campground became a small village as new arrivals setup camp. It was amazing to see a large caravan arrive and we wondered why anyone would be game (silly?) enough to bring such a large van into this area over the narrow and twisty tracks such as Donnelly’s. It takes all kinds – I suppose…. With more arrivals in O’Toole’s, Don donned his Hi-Vis again and continued with survey duties. Once completed, the fire was lit and we gathered around for a yarn, then dinner, and more yarning…. During the afternoon and evening there were a few light showers and during the night, more light squalls swept over O’Toole’s. Saturday, 30th, Sept. Saturday morning was cool and overcast so I was delighted to see that the fire was soon re-kindled and before long became the main meeting place for our small group. Since it was the day of the AFL Grand Final, there was much display of the colours of Richmond with Jenny R taking the prize. Don did more surveys and later Don, Daph and I followed Doug and Rylan on a drive down towards Merringtons via Williamsons Spur Track where we discovered that Hema maps was missing some track changes that google had not. Handy tip: download a local copy onto your phone/tablet of the area you are going to visit. This can be useful when the “authoritive” map does not compute! Once again, we crossed the Aberfeldy and noted that it had risen over the last 24 hrs or so. We then ventured up Junction Track to Donnelly’s Creek Rd and dropped in to visit the new facilities that had been established at Jorgensens Hut. We were all very impressed with the new hut and toilet here and there was some firewood by the fireplace plus a small collection of food inside the hut for emergency use. Back at O’Toole’s Don took a blow-torch to his billy in order to get a hot cuppa and after a lunch break Lorraine, Sally, Jenny, Graeme and Matt were granted leave of absence to journey down to Rawson Pub to watch the Grand Final. Doug informed us that Rylan was going to have a close look at the Wall on Flats Track and our Facebook page has some imagery of the encounter. The rest of the afternoon was essentially down-time as we gathered around the fire and whether we liked it or not, we listened to the Grand Final play out thanks to the load radio of nearby campers. Annoyingly for some of us, the load radio was replaced by overly loud heavy metal junk music. In any case, with the Grand Final now resolved in favour of the Tigers, those of us who remained at the campsite decided to stay put and wait for the Tiger’s cheer squad to return. By 7:30pm the common consensus was that Jenny and her group may have decided to stay over in Rawson so we set about the evening meal. Within 15 minutes, or was it less? headlights and a load “G’arn the Tigers” echoed out across the Flat as Lorraine, then Jenny et al appeared. It was a long evening and late to bed….

Sunday, 1st Oct. Sunday morning, everyone was up and about early as we set about having breakfast, then packing/tidying up. Don had accumulated 26 surveys during his Hosting activities and was well pleased with this. Neil had departed the previous afternoon while Lorraine and Sally, together with the Jenny, Graeme and Matt headed out after breakfast. Don and Daph, visitor Jack and I then wrapped up the camp around 10:00am and made our way slowly back along Donnelly’s Creek Road. We made a stop at the Toombon Mine and checked out the remains of the crusher, other assorted relics and the nearby cemetery. Full credit must go to all those involved in discovery and restoration work in this significant area. And so, another adventure with Port Philip 4WD Club came to a conclusion. In closing I would like to acknowledge the work done by Don and all the other members who made this trip such an enjoyable trip.

PICTURES FROM O’TOOLES FLAT

Ry tackles the wall on Flats track

Hi allThanks for all the helpers at the Bunnings sausage sizzle ,it was a great day. Only two more meeting until Christmas party, so donations for Christmas hamper would be good. Father Christmas for the kids , so I would like names and ages by the November meeting. There will be list out at meeting or put on facebook please.Cheers Sue

SOCIAL SECRETARIES REPORT

Order your homemade pudding for Christmas Dinner$30 will feed 10 $50 will feed 20Contact Sue Freer to order.

PP4WDC 30TH ANNIVERSARYSaturday, 4th November, 2017Graham Road, East WarburtonGates will open 9.am on Saturday 4th.BYO Nibbles to share at 4.30pmDinner will be at 6.30 pm Spit Roast dinner/ roll/gravy/coleslawDessert, Coffee & Tea$15 single $30 couple/FamilyTransfer payment to Club Account. Details on second page of the Magazine

Basic Bush Camping with toilets.Caravans, Tents, swags all welcome.You are welcome to stay until Tuesday 7th Nov (cup day)Stay for the long weekend or just come up for the Dinner.NO POWERDOGS ARE NOW PERMITTED There is also a Motel in Warburton and the Warburton Caravan Park if that suits.Please book early as this is Cup Weekend

RSVP Via big-rouge@msn.com, Facebook, Trip sheet at the meetings.Please let us know if you are camping with a tent or CaravanA fortnightly email will be sent to members with all information needed and a reminder to RSVP by the 14th

October

Firm numbers by 14th October, 2017

THANK YOU TO OUR 30th ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS

MORNINGTON HOTELPENINSULAR CLUBMORNINGTON BCFNATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM MCG

TRIP LEADER GUIDELINES: To be a legal and bona-fide club trip with insurance.

1: The trip must be open/advertised to all club members (vehicle limit and/or number of participants is at the discretion of the trip leader. There must be a minimum of 3 vehicles to constitute a club trip.) 2: The Trip Co-ordinator must be notified of any proposed club trip. They will then complete a Trip Form to be available at Club meetings for members to accept and provide their details, and forward all details to Communications Officer to be placed in the monthly mag, on Facebook and email members as required. 3: All visitor forms must be completed and fees collected before commencement of trip. It is the member’s responsibility to notify trip leader of visitors ahead of time. (Please note that trip leader has the right of refusal of participants) 4: Trip leader should carry leader folder and club first aid kit (available from Trip Co-ordinator at meetings or by arrangement) In the event of an incident, the Trip Co-ordinator or President MUST be informed of incident as soon as practical. 5: Ensure all participants have a completed medical form with in their vehicle. 6: Ensure all participants sign the participant’s log form and a photograph copy of this is provided to another responsible club member. 7: Check every participant’s vehicle’s recovery points are adequate for the trip and that all participants are carrying appropriately rated recovery gear. (It is the vehicle owner/operators responsibility to ensure they are RATED sufficiently for their vehicle) 8: Use standard convoy procedures and adopt driving in a sustainable environment as found on the Vic 4WD website. www.4wdvictoria.org.au 9: Be sure to set up all convoys with a mix of experience drivers and novices, insuring Tail vehicle is suitably experienced and has radio contact with lead vehicle. 10: Allow adequate breaks. For example lunch/tea breaks every 2 hours.

TRIP LEADER CHECKLIST:

Check road/track conditions are suitable day before trip.

Ensure each vehicle has completed medical forms for every participant and participants log form is signed.

Collect completed prospective members/visitors forms and fees.

Check for adequate recovery gear and visual of vehicles suitability for track.

Check maps and/or sufficient personal knowledge of proposed route.

Review group for experience and order convoy accordingly.

Check experience of new members/visitors and position in convoy accordingly.

Ensure everyone understands “convoy procedure”.

Ensure “Tail End Charlie” had adequate experience and radio contact.

Confirm radio channel.

Quick “pre-trip briefing” to go over any last minute details before moving on.

To all our Members who are celebrating their Birthdays in

OCTOBER

Bill KupschColin PoolePat PooleCorry RietGlenn SimmonsRaelene ThomsonCarol DowlingRussell SoderblomLoretta RyanTerry BrownSophie Brown

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