Track Torque “Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring”

TRACK

JUNE 2019 Torque

Newsletter

Inside this issue: The President’s Page General Meeting Minutes Trip Reports Advertisements (Sponsors) Trip Calendar

www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 1 Track Torque

WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few Committee Members members in 1983, to our current membership of over 30 Executive- families. The Club is made up of individuals and families President Neville Sonego who are interested in responsible Four-Wheel Driving. Vice President Mick Maher Secretary Sue Abotomey There is no restriction on the make or type of four-wheel Treasurer Bruce Gooday drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst members. Other Committee Members- Newsletter editor Bev Maher Where we live: Members live all over the North Property Officer Neville French East and beyond, including from Benalla, Publicity Officer Bev Maher Beechworth, Corowa, Howlong Glenrowan, Trip Coordinator Damian O’Connor Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong, Langwarrin, Molyullah, Graham Abotomey Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Mulwala,Yarrawonga, Neville French Stanhope, Violet Town, , Rosebud and Overseas Manfred Wagner (England).

Non-Committee Positions-

Training Coordinator Dave van Zanten Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is affiliated FWDV Representative Dave Van Zanten with Four Wheel Drive . Web Master Andrew Ammendola Members of our club are proud to be part of the WEBSITE: Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au 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 2nd 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: Bev Maher - [email protected] This is your newsletter so be part of it and send in any articles of interest, comments, trips, birthdays etc. Editorial Deadline:- 1st of the month

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 –JUNE 2019 Page 2 Track Torque

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – JUNE 2019.

It feels as though the snow season has arrived which should make for some interesting excursions, if you are comfortable with that type of interesting. I am very happy for anyone to enjoy my share of the snow. It looks great from my lounge room window and that is almost too close.

I would welcome feedback on the meeting at Everton as I felt it to be a positive change. Maybe something similar can occur a couple of times a year which allows for a more social aspect but also allows for the necessary business to be conducted.

After I received a phone call a few days ago from a committee member of our club I thought it would be a good time to remind members to be ever vigilant of the spam emails that arrive in our inboxes. This email purported to be from me, as President, requesting that the amount on the invoice be paid. This was ignored and no action was taken, and I am not aware of any action that can be taken to prevent this occurring again. Obviously, some of our personal details are on the net and in our newsletter, which is distributed to local business houses.

Neville Sonego President

Club Contact Details

Name and Position Held Mobile Number Email Address Neville Sonego 0427 251 576 [email protected] (President)

Sue Abotomey (Secretary) 0424914200 [email protected]

Bruce Gooday (Treasurer) 0409 071 330 [email protected]

Damian O'Connor (Trip 0417 526 175 [email protected] Coordinator)

Bev Maher 0419 533 898 [email protected] (Editor Track Torque)

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 3 Track Torque Minutes of the Wangaratta 4x4 Club Meeting- APRIL 9TH 2019 WANGARATTA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB Inc. GENERAL MEETING – MINUTES Birthday Dinner & Meeting 6.00pm Tuesday 14th April 2019 at Everton Hotel, Everton

Present: Neville & Chris Sonego, Sue & Graham Abotomey, Bev & Michael Maher, Barry Richardson, Fiona & Dave van Zanten, Jeanette & Allan Wallace, Craig, Kristen & Lauren Cheetham, Glenn & Robyn Norton, John & Beryl Strang, Sean Strudwick, Manfred Wagner & Narelle Cula, Bruce Gooday, David & Kaye Blore, Neville & Monica French, Korey Suppa.

Visitors: NIL

Apologies: Damo, Kerrie & Tom O’Connor, Paul & Robyn Kelly, Ron Grant, Irene Jones, Frank Stephens and Irene & Noel Ham.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Monica French / David Blore Carried

Business Arising: NIL

Correspondence • FWDV – Sue has forwarded any relevant information by email for Club members. • Nissan News – circulated by email. • Ron Grant emailed apologies for May, June and July meetings.

Motion: “Correspondence be accepted” Moved: Bev Maher Seconded: Fiona van Zanten Carried

Treasurer’s Report was presented and passed by the Committee on 7th May 2019 with the following motion: Motion: “Treasurer’s Report be accepted, and accounts be passed for payment.” Moved: Bruce Gooday Seconded: Mick Maher Carried

President’s Report - As published in May 2019 Track Torque

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2019 TRIPS CALENDAR MAY: - Birthday Dinner Meeting Tuesday 14th May Everton Hotel 6.30/7.00pm $20 Pot & Steak Night RSVP: Sue 0357 273 427 or 0424 914 200 by 5th May

- , Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May Graham Abotomey 0357 273 427 or 0427 273 427

JUNE: - 1st June – Wagga to Goorambat Silos trip, O’night at Bundalong. Damo 0417 526 175 - - Committee Meeting Tuesday 4th, Wangaratta Club, 4 Victoria Parade, Wangaratta 6.30pm for 7.00pm

- June Long Weekend 8th 9th & 10th – Butcher Country Dave van Zanten 0400 936 113

- General Meeting Tuesday 11th June, Nth East Car Club rooms, Tarrawingee. 7.30pm for 8.00pm meeting -

2020 Hann’s Track, WA David Blore

• Trip Reports Cobbler Hut Maintenance Take 2 – Graham gave a verbal account. Refer May Track Torque. Allan & Jeanette Wallace heading off next week to the warmer climate of NT via the Oodnadatta Track.

• Sargent of Arms NIL

• Member News NIL

• Training NIL

• Merchandise - The Work Locker, Murphy Street, Wangaratta

• Editor Newsletter NIL

• General Business NIL

• Meeting closed 8.37pm

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1. Australian Silo/Water Tank Art Trip Southern NSW/Northeast Victoria CANCELLED- as of 27/05/2019 TRIP LEADERS: DAMIAN & KERRY O'CONNOR Mob 0417 526 175 or email [email protected] or leave a message on our clubs Facebook page of your intentions of coming on this trip. Please let me know a week prior to this trip.

WHEN: Saturday 1/6/19 to Sunday 2/6/19 WHERE: To check out the art work on Willans Hill Water Tank Wagga Wagga, Lockhart Water tank and surrounding art work, Urana's Water tower on Saturday, then on Sunday checkout Rochester's silo, Tungamah's silo, St James silo, Devenish silo, and Goorambat's silo and Uniting Church art work finishing up at Winton Wetlands MEETING PLACE: Apco service station/ McDonalds car park Wangaratta Saturday morning TIME: Around 6:45am for a 7am sharp departure TRIP DETAILS: Saturday checkout the art work on some water tanks in Southern NSW, taking on Wagga Wagga, Lockhart where we will stop and have lunch at the pub then checkout the water tank and other art work around Lockhart, then the water tower at Urana then onto camp overnight on the at Bundalong south. Sunday morning, we will head to Rochester first to have a look at the silo art work, then head back through Shepparton to have lunch and onto Tungamah, St James, Devenish, and Goorambat to check out the silo's and the Uniting Church at Goorambat and finally finish at Winton Wetlands TRIP RATING: Easy, all bitumen touring NUMBER OF VEHICLES: Unlimited FUEL AND SUPPLIES: Full tank ex Wangaratta Saturday morning as the first day we will travel roughly 420 k's. We will probably stop in Corowa Saturday afternoon on the way to our campsite to fill up with fuel ready for the next day, as Sunday we will cover a further 360 k's. We will be camping on the Ovens river at Bundalong south, so bring your swag, tent or whatever camping arrangements you have. Maybe even a fishing rod and all your food and drinks for the whole weekend. Don't forget a chair to sit around the camp fire and warm clothing as it will be the start of winter. Some pics of what we will be seeing on our journey. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 6 Track Torque

2. Pre-Trip Report- Dargo/ Wangaratta 4WD Club CANCELLED as of 02/06/2019 due to early High-Country road closures Dave and Fiona will be camping at Clear Creek track in the Buckland Valley on that weekend (7/6 to 10/06) and extend an invite to anyone who wants to join them. Dave & Fiona will have their dogs with them.

Name of Trip: West of Dargo / Caledonia River

Date/s: 7/06/2019 10/06/2019

From To Timings: Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. We will travel to Dargo on the Friday afternoon / evening. We will be leaving from Albury, Include where to meet, departure time and return time hopefully around 3pm so will be in Myrtleford around 4pm. Times TBC closer to the date.

Fuel and Supplies: Fuel and limited supplies at Dargo, next fuel would be Myrtleford which is approx. 400Km and mostly 4wding. I’d recommend Brief description of where fuel and other Alpine diesel or an additive for that country at that time of year. supplies can be obtained if at all. Fuel required, fuel availability, cater for how many meals, spare parts required, etc Trip Specific Info: Bring typical things for a winter high country trip. Warm clothes, Food, clothing, prohibited items, fire warm bedding, etc. Plenty of food and drinks. Don’t forget restrictions, other items to bring, etc chairs… Trip Details: The plan is to travel some tracks to the west of Dargo including a drive south to north on the Caledonia River Tk. Saturday night List things such as Destination, Plan, camp will be on the Howitt High Plains, Sunday will be a drive Expected weather, Sights, Places, Key track names, etc down and through Wonnangatta. Depending how time goes we may camp in Wonnangatta and then out via Myrtleford on the Monday or we may end up closer to Myrtleford making Monday an easier day and home early. Weather will likely be cold at that time of year and could be wet, could even be snow in places.

0400 936 113 Trip Leader: Dave and Fiona van Zanten [email protected] First Name Surname Contact Info

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 7 Track Torque Trip Rating: Difficult I’ve not driven some of the tracks we intend to include. Caledonia River Tk is noted as a A brief description of likely conditions to be encountered double black diamond, that doesn’t mean it is extreme, it means there are a couple of difficult spots along the track. I’m trying to find more info so we can know more before we depart.

Number of Vehicles: Six in total counting us

Suitable for: Vehicles only, no towing List type of vehicle, whether campers or caravans can be taken, etc.

Vehicle Requirements: Tyres All Terrain Winch Yes

All vehicles on club trips are required to have Lift Yes Snorkel Yes recovery points and carry their own recovery equipment, a snatch strap, shackles and As it could be wet and there are a number of river crossings snorkel, winch and lift are dampener as a minimum. All vehicles require a essential. All terrrains are OK but only with lots of tread. Mud tyres would be preferable if UHF radio, the trip leader will advise radio you have the option. Any other recovery gear such as winch extension straps, tree trunk channel prior to departure. protector, snatch blocks, etc could be useful. The old saying about “having it and not Trip leader to list other items that may be needing it” is good practice! required for this trip. Things such as snow chains, water blinds, chainsaw, etc.

Anyone with chainsaw and PPE please bring both along, if we don’t need to clear tracks we will likely need firewood.

Permits, Camp fees, etc There are no fees of which I’m aware.

Send this completed form to the trip co-ordinator, web site administrator and the newsletter editor.

If you wish to go on this trip, ensure you register with the trip leader. Do not turn up without registering. Remember to let the trip leader know if you need to cancel.

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Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 9 Track Torque

TRIP REPORTS

WONNANGATTA WEEKEND May 2019 words and photography by Graham Abotomey

4 vehicles with 6 members left Whitfield at 8.30am on Saturday and headed out the Road. Our destination was the Wonnangatta Valley. Approaching the Road turn off, our 7th member was waiting to join our convoy. The morning was full of brilliant sunshine as we made our way towards Abbeyard and then onto Catherine Station. There were a number of Deer Hunters positioned along the River Road awaiting the release of their hounds in the pursuance of a Samba deer. Once past Catherine Station we took the West Buffalo Track and headed south towards our destination. Low range selected and we were into the start of our climb up into the Ranges. There were a number of different species of Parrot sightings along the way as well as a number of Roos. Around 10.30 we stopped for smoko and from our position had a fabulous view across the ranges.

Onwards towards the ‘Gatta’ and most of the way was now in 3rd 2nd and 1st low as we were now descending towards the valley floor. The greeted us with the sun reflecting a sparkle off it, a regroup and we all crossed one after the other with me taking photos of the crossing.

Crossing the Wonnangatta River

It was now for the run down the Valley. As we approached the Dry Creek crossing there was a Parks vehicle on the northern side of the creek. Upon reaching the vehicle there was a Parks member inside it and we were advised that at 1pm there was a helicopter arriving and that they were going to set the valley floor alight and do a cool burn to reduce the dry grass content on the valley floor. We would not be allowed to be in the burn area while the burn was happening. As we didn’t plan to camp in the burn area, we were allowed to proceed towards our proposed camping area on the river below the old homestead site.

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Smoke from the burn off seen from camp

We continued on until we came to the Cemetery where we stopped for a look and I explained some of the history of the settlement of the valley. After a look towards the Widow Maker Hill and again an explanation of its history it was down to the river to choose a camp site as there were a number of vehicles looking for the same.

Once camp was chosen lunch was declared. After lunch it was out with the swags and chairs to claim our territory. At approx 1.15pm the sound of a helicopter could be heard and from the southern end of the valley and a red helicopter came into view, fixed underneath it was a silver container carrying unleaded petrol in gell form to be used as ensenduarys to light up the grassland to be burned. The helicopter did one lap of the area to be burned, then set off its siren as it dropped its ensenduarys setting the grasses alight; there was thick smoke for an hour or so until the grass had burned.

Next in order was a wood gathering exercise for our fire for the night as it was going to be a cold one. There had been a cool burn in the area a few days ago and we could see and gather enough good wood for the fire without having to work hard for it. Gathering over, it was back to the homestead site for a look around its surroundings and to divulge its history and the gruesome MURDERS that occurred there and on the high plains above the valley. With time marching on we headed back to our camp to unload the wood and get a good fire going for the evening. A heavy mist started to settle around 8pm and we knew that things were going to be damp in the morning. A few more logs on the fire and a very pleasant evening was had by all.

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At camp

At the Cemetery and the Helli pad

Morning dawned with a thick fog blocking any views of our surrounds. We had plenty of time, so it was a slow pack up and we were on our way around 9.15 in the morning. We headed south towards the Humphrey River where we followed the river with its dozen river crossings to the Deer Stalkers Hut where we had morning tea. Continuing on, at the junction of Whites and Riley’s Tracks, we drove the Riley’s to the Helipad where we had lunch and again great views across the Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 12 Track Torque Ranges. Travelling on we arrived back at Catherine Station to where our High-Country adventure had begun. It was a quick trip back along the Buffalo River Road to our turn off, and a half hour run saw us having ice creams at the Cheshunt store where we said our goodbyes.

I had a great time enjoying the Wonnangatta Run, and I think it’s around 10 years since I was there last. I hope all the other members enjoyed the weekend and I’m sure I won’t leave it as long for my next trip there.

Graham A

More photos of the wonderful Wonnangatta Valley- a magical place Thanks Damo.

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Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 14 Track Torque CLUB NEWS

BIRTHDAY MEETING- MAY 14TH

A great evening was held at the Everton Hotel to celebrate our Birthday. It was very well attended, and a lot of fellowship was evident as everyone caught up with other members and enjoyed a lovely meal over a quite drink.

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2018/2019 – Trip & Event Calendar

JUNE- 2019

4th June Committee NE Hotel N/A 6.00 PM for Dinner Meeting 6.30PM for Meeting 11th June General Meeting N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 7:30 PM for an Clubroom Nolan E: 8:00PM start Rd Tarrawingee susieabotomey@hotmail. com 1st June to NSW/ CANCELLED NA 0417 526 175 or email As per Pre-Trip 2nd June Northeast [email protected] report Victoria Silo Art Trip 7th June – West of CANCELLED Difficult Dave and Fiona van As per Pre-Trip 10th June Dargo / Zanten report Caledonia 0400 936 113 River [email protected]

Your annual subscription has Your Subs are now due: again been set at $100 per $100 per family family. Please pay before June 30th 2019 WAW Credit Union Fees can be paid via cash, Wangaratta 4X4 Club personal cheque or via direct BSB- 803 070 deposit to the Club’s account - Account- 29894 WAW Credit Union BSB 803 070 A/C 29894.

Thanks to all who have paid their fees at this stage. Makes the Treasurer’s job so much easier.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –JUNE 2019 Page 16 Track Torque CLUB APPAREL Club Tee Shirts, jumpers etc. are available from: - Black or Bottle green, Full Zip Polar (code 3FJ) WORKLOCKER Adults$35, Kids $27 120 Murphy St, Wangaratta, Phone: (code PF631) Ladies (03) 5722 4644 $39 New L/S Polo are available. Kids 2KLP Adults 210 $ Polo shirts, bottle green and gold. (code PS61) Mens $20.00 (code PS62) Ladies PS62 $19.00 (code PS61K) Kids $18

Black or Bottle Green, Polar Vest (30V) $25 (CH18) Cap $7 min of 5 Plus logo cost

(code CH27) Beanies $7 min of 6 Plus logo Cost for embroidery:- cost 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 –JUNE 2019 Page 17

Track Torque

TRACk

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JUNE 2019

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 JUNE 2019 Page 18 –