APRIL 2009 PRESIDENT’S REPORT ISSUE No. 39

Inside this issue…….

7th of February 2009…The In the coming months we may be venturing President’s Report 1 day that has been dubbed back into the fringes of the areas that were BWV President’s Report 2 Black Saturday was my burnt. As the bush recovers we need to 5 Minute Chocolate birthday and this is one appreciate what we have and respect it. Mug Cake 2 birthday I will remember for In Case Of Emergency 3 a long time to come. Devas- The fires and their effects are likely to linger Where We Walked 3 tating bush fires surrounded and for quite a while. We live in a country of Basic Navigation Course 3 a lot of the areas we loved to bushwalk in extremes and these fires have written a Point Nepean 4 had been ravaged by wildfires. I cringed as chapter in our nation’s history. Lal Lal Falls 4 the list of townships and communities were Mt Buninyong 4 read out on the radio, the areas covered by Moving forward, if there is anything we can Mt Charlie & fire and the people lost. do to help the areas affected, then we will do Mt Teneriffe 4 what we can. Karijini National Park 4 Because we live in a CFA district we also Firth Park Circuit 5 monitor the CFA activity on a scanner and it There are still lots of areas to go walking in Shanklands Wetlands 5 was amazing the swiftness with which the and we have the ability to adapt our program /Razorback fires took hold. to suit. Our leaders have a great wealth of Track/Whiskey Creek 5 knowledge to draw on and they will most Mt Sugarloaf 5 We thought of the people we know in the certainly have walks in areas we have not Chewton 5 affected areas and the hope that the fires visited for a long time. You Yangs/Branding Yard could be contained before more destruction Track 6 could ensure. To those people we know and This year we will not be holding Christmas Long Forest 6 those affected I send our best wishes. Our in July, in order to retain membership fees at Possum Track/ condolences to those who have lost loved the current level. The Committee will con- 6 ones. tinue to subsidise the year end Christmas Lerderderg Long Point 6 function. Brisbane Ranges/ As a result of the fires, several parks and Steiglitz/Graham Creek 6 prime bushwalking areas are likely to be Till next we meet, remember, everywhere is In Memory 6 closed or unavailable for bushwalking for within walking distance if you have the Middle Gully/Lerderderg some time. time. State Park 7

Healthy Banana Bread 7 The areas most affected are Kinglake, RED ALERT! Bushwalking 7 Marysville, Lake Mountain, Bunyip State Nest Boxes For Park, Murrindindi, Mt Disappointment, Rare Species 8 which directly impacts the 75th anniversary MEMBERSHIP FEE RENEWAL Emergency Markers 9 Federation day walks, Cathedral Range and

75th Anniversary Walk 9 Wilson's Prom. Bush Search & Rescue A reminder that the annual Victoria 10 Walking tracks severely impacted are Free- Membership Fee of $35 is due in How Far We Walked 10 man's Mill, Richards Tramline, The great May 2009. Sunrise & Sunset Times 10 Dividing Trail between Daylesford and Membership fees not paid two Full Moon 10 Blackwood, Condons Track and Mt St Leo- months after June AGM render AGM Agenda 11 nard. Information 12 the member unfinancial.

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New Service for Members enter the site, check the calendar, apply for a trip, or if you have registered as a The system to enable clubs to share leader, put a trip on the calendar. pack carry walks has been about to be NOTE: This is NOT a new club, but launched. It is a wiki-based system for members of Bushwalking Victoria called Packcarry Vic. The site is easy affiliated clubs to go on more to use and I am pleased to announce overnight pack carries with other that Darren McClelland of Essendon affiliated club members. News from our BWV Bushwalking Club and Ed Gregory of This is a new initiative of Bushwalking Waverley Bushwalking Club have Victoria started February 2009. President, David Reid volunteered as account managers for the scheme. New Volunteer Appointments Carla Miller the Project Officer has At the December Board meeting the been working on the development of appointment of Dave Rimmer as this for 12 months and has been 5 Minute Manager, Bushwalking Environment assisted by a project group of Sally was confirmed. Dave, who has a long Walker and Chris Towers. Thank you Chocolate experience in this area, will manage to Carla and her team for all the work Mug Cake the activities of the Bushwalking in setting it up. Environment Committee (BEC). The committee has been restructured, full Awards 4 tbl spoons flour details of which will be sent to 4 tbl spoons sugar members shortly. Its main focus will Bushwalking Victoria has introduced a 2 tbl spoons cocoa be on ensuring that natural areas are new Awards Scheme to recognise 1 egg preserved, maintained and have proper outstanding contributions made by facilities for walkers now and in the 3 tbl spoons milk individuals or clubs to bushwalking in 3 tbl spoons oil future. The second appointment I am Victoria. Local clubs and individuals 3 tbl spoons chocolate chips pleased to announce is Dennis Wykes involved in activities such as search a small splash of vanilla as our new Insurance Officer. Dennis and rescue, track maintenance and will replace David Gordon who has conservation projects enhance the extract taken over the insurance role with our safety and enjoyment of all 1 large coffee mug national body, Bushwalking Australia. bushwalkers and enrich our society as Dennis, who has a professional a whole. Add dry ingredients to MUG, background in the insurance industry, These awards provide the opportunity and mix well. Add the egg and is a member of CAEX Bushwalking to acknowledge the dedication of those mix thoroughly. Pour in the Club and, lucky fellow, lives close to whose special efforts have made a milk and oil and mix well. Add the high country. Dennis can be difference. (Further information on the the chocolate chips and vanilla contacted on BWV website). extract, and mix again. [email protected] Interested In More Overnight Pack Put your mug in the microwave International Walking Charter Walks ? and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise Also at the December meeting the A new program is starting to over the top of the mug, but Board approved the signing of the encourage Bushwalking Victoria don’t be alarmed! Walk 21 International Walking affiliated club members, or individual Allow to cool a little, and tip Charter. The charter sets out eight key members of Bushwalking Victoria, to out onto a plate if desired. principles related to the promotion and take part in overnight hikes. facilitation of walking, be it as a means To find out more check of transport, for recreation and health EAT! www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au improvement or for other purposes. and the What’s New section. A page This can serve 2 if you want to The more organisations that sign the has been established giving you step feel slightly more virtuous. charter the better because hopefully by step instructions to follow in this will put pressure on government to requesting access to the site. You send ensure facilities for walkers (including in your details and a check is made that And why is this the most tracks) are considered in all planning you are a financial member [allow 7 – dangerous cake recipe in the decisions and as part of the 10 days]. world? Because now we are all management of public areas. To read After signing an “Acknowledgment of only 5 minutes away from more about the charter go to the Risks and Obligations”, you can open chocolate cake at any time of What’s New page on our website. your “account” – no fees, it means you the day or night! have access to the site. Then, you can

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ICE - IN CASE OF EMERGENCY FUTURE EVENT

An Important Contact Initiative BASIC NAVIGATION COURSE Rural Ambulance Victoria Paramedics contact, by saving the entries as ICE 1, are supporting the ICE program being ICE 2 etc. introduced by Victoria’s emergency Thu 1st Oct - Theory 7-9.30pm services to make it quicker and easier to It is important to understand that ICE is Sat 3rd Oct - Lauriston get in contact with someone who can not a substitute for the common sense Club Members Only help with vital information. steps you should take to notify friends or Chris Jarvis relatives when you are going out or Area Manager Alan Kennedy said the going on a trip. program encourages people to store Learn the basics of reading emergency contact details in their mobile According to Mr Kennedy, in Victoria contour maps, setting and phone under the word ICE – “In Case Of the police will normally be the following compass bearings, Emergency”. organisation to make contact with the and the basics of bush family of accident or emergency victims, “It’s very simple to set up an ICE and will usually do this in person. It is navigation. contact; just type the acronym ICE possible that the emergency services will followed by a contact name (for example also make contact with family members This course will involve a 2.5 ICE – David) into the address book of in specific circumstances. hour evening theory session at your mobile phone, then save their phone the Essendon Bowling Club, number and tell your ICE contact you Victoria’s police and emergency services have nominated them as your emergency have well practiced processes in place to followed by a full day of contact.” contact family members. However ICE practical bush navigation is a welcome additional tool to exercises at a training area near Your ICE partner should have a list of complement existing procedures and it is Lauriston. people to contact on our behalf eg. another information source that is Friends, family, your place of work and available to the Police and Paramedics in should know your blood type and any circumstances where existing family medical conditions that could affect your contact processes are unable to be used. emergency treatment – for example allergies or current medication,” said Mr From a media release, Rural Ambulance Kennedy. Mr Kennedy said it was Victoria published in “Behind The possible to have more than one ICE Log” (issue 28 Oct ’08). WHERE WE WALKED

A Reminder to provide details of all walks completed: i.e. return completed walk sheets promptly. The collated information is being communicated to Bushwalking Victoria for inclusion on the web site during this 75th Anniversary Year of Bushwalking Victoria. It is also a data base from which information can be compiled about the utilization of our parks and wherever we walk so that the land managers (DSE, Parks Victoria, Local Councils, Coastal shires, State & Federal Ministers’ etc) can adequately address infrastructure requirements, with regard to such things as access, tracks & trails, camp grounds, user conflicts and specific needs, environmental impacts and many other issues. This is more important now since the fires.

On 02 Feb 2009 Parks Victoria announced an innovative review of park management plans for the National Heritage Listed Alpine Country. With many of the existing management plans in the area due for review, the Alpine Parks Management Plan will include the Alpine, Baw Baw, Mount Buffalo, Errinundra and Snowy River national parks as well as the Avon Wilderness Park, Walhalla and adjacent historic parks - an area totalling over 860,000 hectares. Parks Victoria has decided that it is time to take a fresh approach to park planning and include the users, i.e ….US, having our say. We have a short specified period to make our personal thoughts, ideas, and needs known to Parks Victoria Staff. To do this is simple, click onto the link: weplan.parks.vic.gov.au and comment on the blog. This is where Parks Victoria's alpine planning team will discuss the development of the Greater Alpine National Parks Management Plan from the very beginning of the planning process.

There is also a map : The Public Participatory Geographic Information System (PPGIS) is an interactive web-based program where you can map the places you value and any impacts you may have seen. Your experiences and observations will be used by Parks Victoria in the development of management plan content. Soon there will be Wiki available on the website to communicate comments too. Now is the time to make a difference, have your say, join : weplan.parks.vic.gov.au

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POINT NEPEAN walk into the reservoir, as it is not steep MT CHARLIE AND walking. We will explore the magnificent gorges, as well as walking MT TENERIFFE Sun 3rd May through the bush where we will discover 12km E the most impressive Organ Pipes you Ian & Sylvia McLean have ever seen! We will meander out of Wed 3rd June the reservoir, passing a pine plantation, 12km M This walk is not only scenic it is then back to view a terrific head on Alan Moule historic! Point Nepean has only been view of Lal Lal Falls, and back to the open to the public since 1988. Over the cars. It is advisable to wear good boots In the Macedon Ranges preceding 100 years its association with and gaiters on this walk. Meet from the State Park, this walk starts at the early settlement, shipping, quarantine Moonee Ponds Bowling Club Car Park Rowallen Scout Camp on Mount and defense gives it great significance in at 8am. Charlie Road, north of Riddell’s Creek. Victoria's history. It's coastal scenery is After climbing Mt Charlie, we follow spectacular and it's features; manmade MT BUNINYONG forest tracks and some off-track adjacent and natural are diverse. This is also to farming land with pleasant views where Harold Holt disappeared. There before climbing to Mt Teneriffe. The are many points of interest along the Sun 31st May views from Teneriffe are well worth the way to discover. 12km M steep climb. Bookings are essential for a group, as Ian & Sylvia McLean only 600 people are permitted into this fragile area at a given time. So please Mt. Buninyong is an extinct volcano, 10 KARIJINI NATIONAL notify your walk intention well in km southeast of and was the advance of the date. There is also an location of Victoria's first inland PARK entrance fee which applies. We are also settlement in 1837-38. The local

trying to arrange a guided tour of the Aboriginals, the Wanthaurung had a Sun 14th - 27th June Quarantine Station by the friends group. legend of the Mountain. They saw it as Experienced in Pack walking & some From previous trips, this is well worth a wounded man lying down with his base camping it. A small fee applies. Afternoon tea legs drawn up. Buninyong translates as Therese Ryan possibly in Sorrento. 'knee mountain' and is now a forest

reserve. Situated near the mining town of Tom The walk proceeds from the Buninyong Price in Western Australia, Karijini post office, to the bakery, where we can LAL LAL FALLS AND National Park offers some of the most pick up some morning tea, to be eaten in spectacular gorge country in Australia. the Botanic Gardens. After exploring EXPLORATION WALK In June this year, we are joining a Willis the gardens and surrounds we proceed Walkabouts tour to enjoy two weeks in up the mountain via country lanes and Karijini N.P. (The club has previously Sat 30th May tracks enjoying the views as we ascend used Willis Walkabouts several times to 14km M to climb the lookout tower which explore the Kimberley and N.T). Neil Campbell affords commanding views of the The trip is divided into two sections surrounding country side. Following which may be booked separately. After Today we will do a new and interesting this we descend into the crater for lunch. exploring the Munjina and Dale Gorges, walk around Lal Lal Falls, which is on After lunch we make our way back the Kalamina and Wittenoom areas are the north western edge of the Lal Lal down to Buninyong via walking tracks, then visited. Reservoir, which is one of the main back roads and along Buninyong Creek The trip is essentially a pack-carry, with suppliers of water to Ballan & Geelong. to local tearooms to reflect over our some base camping. We prepare our We will commence walking from the walk. Lal Lal Falls picnic ground, then check own breakfasts and lunches for each out the Lal Lal Falls, walking across the week, and share the load of the group food, (evening meals, tea, coffee etc). top, then walk along the newly opened alking can add minutes to W The tour company prepares our evening Moorabool Falls walk, passing the top your life. This enables you at 85 meals and provides drinks with of these waterfalls. It is a pleasant walk years old to spend an additional five with many relaxing bench seats along breakfast. months in a nursing home at $7000 Cost = $ 2450 for Karijini tour alone. the way as well as taking in magnificent per month……. views. We then leave the walking track Discounts may apply. Contact me for f you are going to try cross- and walk off-track, (pending no I further information. You may also rainfall), as we walk down into the country skiing, start with a small research the Willis Walkabouts website reservoir itself. It is definitely worth the country…… www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au

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LERDERDERG GORGE/ point in the southern end of the Pyrete, FIRTH PARK CIRCUIT with good views from the top and upper RAZORBACK TRACK/ slopes. We’ll start the walk near Antimony Mine Road and then keep Wed 17th June WHISKY CREEK close to the southern boundary to walk E into the upper reaches of Djerriwarrh 17km E creek. The route follows a track N Ron Pearce Wed 1st July along the creek, then a side creek and a 14kms M long climb up a trackless spur to reach This is a repeat of the walk in August Alan Moule the top of Mt Sugarloaf. We will walk last year, with the objective of keeping through pleasantly open dry eucalypt to the nominated 17 km. instead of Walk commences from near Mt forest. Short sections of the climb are letting the GPS lead me the wrong Blackwood, at corner of Mt Blackwood scrubby, so boots and gaiters are way and so walk an extra 3 km. and a Road and dirt road leading to Mt recommended. We’ll return to the start near mutiny. Blackwood Tower, approx 500m north via a gentle spur on the S side of the hill Located on Firth Road in the Wombat of Lohs Lane. And initially follows and pads following another creek State Forest, Firth Park has camping, past Mt system. Afternoon tea will be at the picnicking and barbeque facilities as Blackwood, then Lower Chadwick Melton branch of a well known bakery/ well as old forestry equipment. The Track to . Climb over cafe chain. walk will follow mainly forestry Strachan Hill to descend Razorback

tracks with a circuit around the old North Track to the Lerderderg River Andersons mill site. It will also pass again. Follow Whisky Creek upstream CHEWTON close to the Melbourne Grammar to where the Great Dividing Trail School Camp before returning crosses Whisky Creek. The creek will Sun 12 July hopefully to the start. most likely be dry but care is needed as We will depart from Gladstone Park at 13-16km E rocky creek bed will be slippery. Once Ian & Sylvia McLean 8.00 am. and no doubt visit the Jolly on the Great Dividing Trail, the foot Miller at Gisborne on the way home track returns to the vehicles. This walk starts at the Pennyweight Children's Cemetery, close to Castlemaine and proceeds in a circuit MOUNT SUGARLOAF past interesting places such as (South Pyrete) Moonlight Flat, Dirty Dick's Gully, Scotchman's Gully, Quartz Hill, Welsh SHANKLANDS Village, Donkey Gully, Sailors Gully, WETLANDS Sun 5th July Forest Creek and Elephant Hill. There 12 Km M are many interesting things along the Tony Creedy way as the Garfield Wheel, puddling Sat 27th June machines, mines, huts, and Chinese 12km E. How did the Pyrete Forest Market Garden. Ron Pearce get its name? Before the There may be a lovely 3 km extension British arrived in Australia, the French to circumnavigate Expedition Reservoir This walk around the suburbs will discovered and named parts of it. if the creek is crossable. leave from the Westmeadows Reserve, Admittedly most of these places were Afternoon tea will be either in Chewton Ardlie Street at 9.00 am. on or near the coast, and naming was or Castlemaine. done through a telescope from the deck After a stroll along Moonee Ponds of a French ship. Sometimes the names Creek to Jacana, we will head north were adopted by the British, who through the Broadmeadows Valley changed the spelling to make them Park and along the Yuroke Creek. easier. Is is possible that the Pyrete was After reaching the Shanklands originally the Poirot-rete, after the Wetlands and a break, we will return famous French detective? It’s a south and make our way across to Atwood Creek, following the creek mystery, and a great place to walk. Are you thinking of taking food across back to the start via Kenny Street and The Pyrete Forest is now officially the the state border? then to the Westmeadows Bakery. Pyrete Range Area of the , and is like a mini version of Please check the new website before the Lerderderg. It’s located E of the traveling! For information and Gisborne Road, restrictions between Gisborne and Toolern Vale. Like its namesakes elsewhere, the Sugarloaf is a steep hill, the highest www.quarantinedomestic.gov.au

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YOU YANGS/ POSSUM TRACK/ BRISBANE RANGES/ BRANDING YARD WOMBAT STATE STEIGLITZ/GRAHAM TRACK FOREST CREEK

Sat 18th July Wed 22nd July. Sat 8th Aug 16km M 14 km. M 12km EM Neil Campbell Ron Pearce Neil Campbell

Today we will walk We will start the walk from alongside from the Turntable car park and do a the old Historic Steiglitz Courthouse, circuit walk around the base of the This walk will take us into both the and then walk across a small bridge, You Yangs, with a walk around the Lerderderg State Park and The then up along a nearby walking track, West walk, while checking out the Wombat State Forest. Starting near which then meets back onto scenic lookout and an Aboriginal site the intersection of Firth Road and Durdidwarrah Road. along the way. From here we will Chettle Road, the walk will From here we walk onto a very walk onto the saddle for morning tea. proceed along Diggers Track to a picturesque track, which then again We will then walk along the East ford across Digger Creek. A short meets Yankee Gully track, where we walk taking in the views of Port side trip, if time, to visit an old will explore the nearby King Lock Philip and Corio Bay, Geelong, and ruin, before heading along Possum Mine. By the way there are many old Melbourne, as we head back to the Track to O’Briens Road and the gold tailings in this area. Turntable car park. Before lunch we Blue Gum O’Brien Link Track. We will walk along Hazel Track to will get the chance to exercise again From there we head north along have our lunch at the Graham Creek by walking up the Flinders Peak Blue Gum Track to Firth Road and picnic ground. Track to see the spectacular views, find our way back to the cars, After lunch we will continue to walk before descending back to the car using forestry tracks. along, and above Graham Creek park for lunch. After lunch we will We will depart from Gladstone towards the crossing picnic ground. walk along the Branding Trail Park at 8.00 am. and return via the We then walk up a steep gravel road, crossing the many small timber Jolly Miller at Gisborne. where we meet Deadman’s Track, as bridges, passing the open woodlands, we head back to Steiglitz. and gravel pits. Then passing the As we walk back, there is a small Branding Yard area as we head back rock scramble, (nothing difficult), as to finish at the Turntable car park. LERDERDERG LONG we will walk down what was once the We will leave the Moonee Ponds Car POINT main street, and if you observe Park at 8am. carefully you will see where there were old buildings, with the street LONG FOREST Wed 5th August names still in place. There is even an 12km MH old cobblestone road! Alan Moule We will finish the walk with a

Sun 19th July Devonshire tea at the nearby coffee Typical of Lerderderg country, this 12km EM shop just up from the courthouse. We walk will be hard underfoot and Ian & Sylvia McLean will be leaving from the Moonee mostly off-track. Approaching the Ponds Bowling Club car park at 8am. Lerderderg from the east, expect See the last remnants of Mallee, the terrain to be rocky and the south of the . underbrush thick and prickly in In Memory Enjoy a creek ramble and observe the places. Intending walkers should Stokes: For those of you who have not been to flora & fauna. Wallabies and dress accordingly – consider kangaroos are guaranteed to be seen, meetings, you will be unaware that Howard gloves and eye-protection. The along with perhaps a koala or an Stokes from the Upper Plenty Conference Centre sense of isolation and remoteness echidna. There is an array of bird life (Host of Ron’s Mt. Disappointment weekends and will be a highlight as will the th and the flora is unique. Walking will for the cancelled 75 Anniversary event.) lost his views from some of the rocky be on and off tracks following the outcrops. Steep climbs and brother on 7/2/09, defending his property, the Coimadai creek with the surrounding descents are guaranteed. orchard which adjoins Howard's complex. (Which terrain gently undulating. they fought, unaided, to save). afternoon tea will be in Bacchus All our thoughts are with Howard and his family Marsh. at this difficult time. Ron Bell and Tony Creedy represented EBWC at the Funeral Service which 6 was held on 17-2-09. OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2009

be a great way to unite BWV clubs and MIDDLE GULLY/ members of all ages, so come along and work alongside fellow walkers. LERDERDERG STATE Although the planned weekend is not exclusive to BWV members, with PARK strength in numbers, bushwalkers will send a powerful message to many like- Wed 12th August minded people in the community and 10.5 Km. M TREE PLANTING WITH RAY promote bushwalking and our Ron Pearce THOMAS & THE REGENT individual clubs. HONEYEATER PROJECT This walk starts on Firth Road at the So, mark this August date on your intersection with Link Road. A short Bushwalking Victoria at Lurg Hills programs and in your diaries. You will walk along Firth Road takes us into (near Benalla) not be disappointed; it is an extremely the Lerderderg State Park at No. 2 Sat 8th - Sunday 9th August fulfilling and an outstandingly well Firebreak Track. We follow this organized weekend. track south before navigating our way across Middle Gully to get onto The impacts of the bushfires have For the uninitiated — give it a go! If No.1 firebreak Track and heading ‘knocked the stuffing out of us’! and you are unsure about what is involved, back north to Firth Road and back to even though those impacts can not be ask Ian & Sylvia about what the project the start. Departure from Gladstone reversed this is a very unique way of aims to achieve and how much has Park will be at 8.00 am. We will call assisting natures recovery. already been done in the past 14 years. into the Jolly Miller at Gisborne on the way home. It’s not just about planting trees! It’s ☺Contact: Ian & Sylvia McLean or having fun with old friends, meeting inform Ray on (03) 57 611 515 or email new people, helping threatened species [email protected] if HEALTHY BANANA and participating in a BWV event. doing an alternative week end, about a week before the event. Ray needs to BREAD Many bushwalking clubs and individual know numbers so that he can organise club members have over many of years catering. assisted Ray Thomas with his By Angela Robinson outstanding Regent Honey Eater revegetation project in the Lurg Hills ☺Meeting time: at the Benalla Post Ingredients: near Benalla. Last year, BWV clubs Office at 9am, Saturday including CAEX, Border, Maroondah, and drive in convoy to the planting 3 ripe bananas Bayside, Ballarat, Monash alumni, sites. 2 eggs, beaten Catholic, Melbourne, VMTC, 1/3 cup brown sugar Essendon, Boroondara, and Waverley ☺Bring: lunch for Saturday (in the 2cups whole meal SR flour, sifted were the bulk of 106 volunteers who field) and breakfast for Sunday morning 1/2 cup chopped walnuts planted 5100 trees and scrubs over one (or try Hyde’s Bakery in Benalla for an week end. In the previous four years, excellent alternative breakfast), Method: 17 BWV clubs contributed to this sleeping bag and pillow, towel and wonderful community project, helping personal hygiene items. A nominal 1. Combine mashed bananas to plant 13,500 seedlings over four charge applies for a shower at the with eggs, add brown sugar separate weekends. Benalla Aquatic Centre after planting. and mix well. Gradually Unfortunately the 75th Anniversary blend in flour and walnuts. Further information on the Regent Walk which was planned for Mt. ☺ Line a 10 x 20 cm loaf tin Disappointment was cancelled due to Honeyeater project is available at with baking paper and the horrendous fire effects, therefore www.regent.org.au/index.php spoon in mixture. this tree planting event will be the key Hope to see you there. 2. Bake in oven at 180 event to bring together all our BWV degrees C for 50-60 ( If you know you will not be able to go on members…and what better way to do one of the planting weekends, consider minutes until a skewer this than to put something back into the going to one of the Nest Box Checking inserted in the centre environment whilst socializing. It is weekends on 25-26 April. Contact Ray if really heart warming stuff, and anyone you can go). of the bread comes out who has ever been on one of Ray’s clean. weekends will attest to this. It would be 3. Cool on a wire rack. really special to see as many clubs as Alternate Dates: Aug 22-23 possible working in unison at the same Sept 5-6 & Sept 19-20. weekend on August 8th & 9th. It will

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NEST BOXES FOR also need to get accurate reports of bring a GPS unit, it will help confirm unwanted species, like feral bees taking some locations that are a bit uncertain. over our boxes, so that we can remove We will be using the GDA 1994 co- RARE SPECIES them at a later date. ordinate system from now on, to better utilise the new digital maps available.

How do we use the results? Meeting: 9.30am Sat & Sun Dept.

Sustain & Envir., Benalla

Results from several years have given 5.30pm Sat Old Lurg School BYO

conclusive evidence that gliders need picnic tea.

the fertile soils along creeks to breed

successfully. Our records also show Activities: Checking nest boxes to see With Ray Thomas that gliders move out of the dry hills the wildlife at home. Recording Regent Honeyeater Co-ordinator down to the creeks every summer, and observations for our ongoing research Sat & Sun 25/26 April they absolutely need continuous efforts. Placing some new nest boxes in

corridors to do this safely. likely habitat areas. Possible stag- Perhaps you’d like to see some of these So any major breaks in the tree cover watching at dusk to see gliders beautiful little creatures that we’re along roadsides or creeks become emerging. Spotlighting after dark to working to protect up here at Lurg. serious barriers to glider populations. survey some old planting sites. BBQ We’d love to invite you to join us as we Isolated 'islands' of habitat have proven tea at the Old Lurg School House do our annual monitoring work. We empty, because the gliders have been (BYO). have 200 nest boxes already in place, hunted out and they haven't replaced with Squirrel Gliders and Sugar Gliders themselves! Solid information like this What to bring: Sun screen, hat, sturdy nesting in just about all of them! We’re makes it possible to know what needs shoes, long trousers. Roof rack/ropes even starting to find the distinctive doing and also where to act in order to (if you have them) to help carry nests of rare Brush Tailed Phascogales, make the most difference with our ladders. We have 4 extension ladders of efforts. our own, but let me know if you have so we’re likely to see some of them After dark we’ll be spotlighting to one, in case we need extras. GPS unit if face to face when we go checking this search for wildlife in several of our you wish, to help with easy location of year! oldest planting sites. With binoculars at boxes. Why do we need nest boxes? the ready we get delightful views of the nightlife as they forage through the tree Meals: BYO lunch & drinks for Sat & It's pretty simple really; much of the tops, and sometimes we are lucky Sun, as we are out all day. BYO food regrowth bush in Lurg is still too young enough to see the rare Squirrel Gliders for Saturday night BBQ at Old Lurg to have hollow branches, so the wildlife in action. School. don't have enough holes for shelter and Do come and join us. You’ll be helping breeding. Rare species need all the help the wildlife for sure, and it’s a first rate Accommodation: Free accommodation they can get! opportunity to enjoy some close contact at the Benalla Scout Hall if needed. We’ll also be placing some new boxes with nature. It’s also a good Mattresses supplied. BYO sleeping bag to help the animals move around the opportunity for you and your friends to & pillow. Minor kitchen facilities district more easily. The basic problem meet some new people, while you’re all available. BYO tent if you prefer to is an extreme shortage of natural tree having some fun together in the great camp outside. hollows because the old trees were outdoors. heavily cleared decades ago, and the Bookings: Please let Ian and Sylvia regrowth forests are still far too young Bush navigation McLean know, to assist Ray with to have many hollows. planning or contact Ray Thomas direct These extra boxes will provide crucial These weekends provide an excellent on (03) 5761 1515 or email shelter and breeding sites that are opportunity for bush walkers to practise [email protected] absolutely the bottom line to support a their map reading and navigation skills Wildlife Rescue while looking for the nest boxes. The growing population. If you come across injured sites are all mapped carefully on Why check them every year? 1:25,000 contour maps, with AMG wildlife, Wildlife Victoria can references and brief location be contacted 24/7, Regular checking is important so that descriptions. to arrange a rescue. we can find the extent of local Phone 13000 94535 populations, the habitats they prefer, GPS fixes the breeding success of particular Emergency Only colonies, and barriers to their Most of the box locations have been movement across the landscape. We recorded by GPS, so future groups can Put it in your Mobile! find the boxes more easily. If you can

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identify and have been placed in public areas such as public gardens, racecourses, river trails, cycling tracks and National Parks. Other locations such as Airports, large shopping centres and sporting venues, which attract large numbers of people, will soon have markers installed. Increasing the awareness of Emergency Markers is vital for their successful application. I would appreciate your

assistance in our effort by communicating this subject to

your friends. There have been a number of exciting developments in If you would like a copy of our Emergency Marker community safety in recent years. The Emergency Marker brochure for your interest or require further information program, an initiative of the Emergency Services please contact me on 8656 1218 or via email on Telecommunications Authority (ESTA), is one such development. [email protected] ESTA is the statutory authority responsible for Triple Zero emergency call taking and dispatch services. ESTA in Jeff Adair, Manager, Emergency Markers Program, partnership with the Emergency Service Organisations Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (police, fire, ambulance and SES) Parks Victoria and Local Government has introduced Emergency Markers to help Emergency Markers are currently located at: create a safer Victoria. When an emergency occurs at a numbered street address, Albert Park Lake, Alexandra Gardens, Arthur’s Seat NP, ESTA can dispatch the relevant emergency services to that Birrarung Marr, Bunyip State Park, Caulfield Racecourse, specific address. However, when an emergency occurs in a Chesterfield Farm, Coranwarranbuhl, place such as public open spaces with no recognisable NP, Diamond Creek Trail, Federation Trail, Geelong Ring features or reference points, this is not the case. Valuable Road Linear Trail, , Yarra Ranges NP, Kinglake and potentially, critical time can be lost while ESTA NP, , Lerderderg State Park, Lilydale Lake, operators attempt to gather necessary information and for Lysterfield Park, Main Yarra Trail, Melbourne Docklands, the responding emergency service to locate the emergency. Mornington Peninsula NP, Point Cook Coastal Park, Point Nepean NP, Port of Melbourne, Shepherds Bush, ,Sandown Emergency Markers is a Saving Time, Saving Lives Racecourse, The Tan Track, You Yangs Regional Park, Initiative. Warburton Rail Trail, , Woodlands Emergency Markers are unique signs, supported by a Historic Park . sophisticated network of digital maps, GPS co-ordinates and navigational data that assists in getting emergency (NB Fire affected areas in italics) services to the public with minimal delay. They are easy to

75th ANNIVERSARY WALK

by Sylvia McLean

Finally, it is with regret that special 75th Anniversary Walk Day which was to be held at Mt. Disappointment has been cancelled due to the horrific fires. This was to also be our official birthday party with the announcement and presentation of the first of our distinguished service and special recognition awards. I would like to especially thank Tony Creedy, Ron Bell and Howard Stokes for spending the last 12 months with me, painstakingly designing, walking, driving, mapping, describing and redescribing 15 walks for the Mt. Disappointment 75th Anniversary Event. I also extend my gratitude to Monica Chapman (Maroondah BWC), Wayne Rice, (Koonung BWC), John Blackman and Fred Bover both from Diamond Valley BWC. Together we formed the 75th Anniversary Organizing Committee. What a brilliant crew to work with: not knowing each other at all in some cases, we bonded well and worked exceptionally well together. I would also like to thank all the clubs and leaders including our own Ron Bell, Ron Pearce, Ian McLean and Therese Ryan who offered to lead, pre walk, remap, redescribe and generally put up with my hassling them. Even though the 75th Mt. Disappointment event has been ruined at the eleventh hour, EBWC certainly experienced positive spin offs from all the organizing and trialling of new walks. An even greater appreciation of the area as a bushwalking destination, reasonably close to home, all those orchids in Spring….we were forever experiencing pleasant surprises and making new discoveries. These were some of the best day walks I have enjoyed and along with many of you, have many fond memories. I am sure that Mt. Disappointment will be walkable again in due course. Being optimistic, maybe we can do all this again in 5 years time for the 80th Anniversary after Mt. Disappointment has regenerated. Who knows, perhaps we may be involved in some track clearing/developing and reestablishment works- at Mt. Disappointment or even Kinglake.

9 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2009

HOW FAR WE WALKED

EBWC Stats: May 2008 - Feb 2009 (more walk sheets pending)

EBWC - Total distance till 1st Feb 09 is 21,171km, involving 1284 walkers on 126 actual walks only.

To date, 24 clubs (from a total of 64 member clubs, plus individual members) are regularly reporting details of their walks for inclusion in the We have a new name, and a new logo! This is our third name since we WWW 75th Anniversary project. were formed in 1949, and we hope the new name will be easier for the media to grab and the public to understand. Our earlier names were the To date, the following details have been reported 'Search and Rescue Section of the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs' • Number of walks 708 and 'Bushwalkers Search and Rescue'. Look out for the new logo flashing • Number of walkers 8939 onto a television screen near you - hopefully not too often! • Total distance walked 124,019km

And yes, this year is our 60th anniversary, pre-dating the Police Search The location of each walk and the number of and Rescue Squad. walkers reported is also being progressively

plotted on a special Google map. The year got off to an interesting start, with a search in the Otways for This stage of the project is behind schedule but two youths around New Year. BSARV teams played a pivotal role in the more details are being added each week. The search, locating an earlier bush camp and indicating to the Police easiest way to find your way to the map is from helicopter their direction of travel from the camp. The missing lads were the 75th Anniversary page of the BWV web site spotted from the air shortly afterwards, and then escorted out by the at: BSARV teams. www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/75_anniversary

In bushfire recovery, BSARV offered support if needed, and although our personnel were not required, our group's GPS units were loaned to the Celestials: Sunrise & Sunset Police S&R Squad. At last report two units were still out, believed to be with the Dog Squad. (As Equipment Officer, I worry about these things!) 2009

Our own club's contribution to Search and Rescue has shrunk to it's lowest possible level, with just one searcher, Russell Christensen, and 1st Apr May June myself, a Police Liaison Officer, plus three contacts, including Mary rise set rise set rise set Atkins and Pamela Lloyd. Anybody interested in joining can contact me 0734 1914 0801 1833 0826 1809 at any time. To be eligible, you need to be a fit, experienced pack walker, with snow camping experience, competent at off-track navigation with map and compass, capable of sustained heavy scrub bashing for multiple Jul Aug days, fully equipped, and have suitable leave arrangements with your rise set rise set employer. A search commitment is for a minimum of two days, due to 0836 1811 0820 1832 logistics and operational requirements. Full Moon 2009 We also have a major weekend practice every year, and this can be an opportunity for serious prospective members to try us out. This year's practice is scheduled for weekend of October 10-11. April 9th, May 9th, June 7th, July 7th,

August 6th. Chris Jarvis EBC Search and Rescue Delegate source: www.ga.gov.au

y grandpa started walking five kms a …...I have to walk early in M …...I joined a health club last year, spent about day when he was 60……... the morning, before my brain figures out what I’m $400. Haven’t lost a kilogram…….apparently Now he’s 97 years old and we don’t know you have to go there…………….boom boom! where the hell he is………. doing……...

10 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2009

Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc. A0005559B

Annual General Meeting

10th June 2009

AGENDA:

1. Declaration of opening

2. Apologies.

3. Confirmation of Minutes of the 2008 AGM.

4. Business arising from the Minutes of the 2008 AGM.

5. Correspondence pertaining to the AGM.

6. President’s Report.

7. Treasurer’s Report.

8. Election of Office Bearers and Committee Members (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 5 other Committee members).

9. Meeting declared Closed.

(cut out and bring to AGM meeting)

11 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2009

YOUR COMMITTEE CONTACTING CLUB FEES

THE CLUB For 2008 - 2009 Annual Membership President: Ian McLean GENERAL ENQUIRIES (from June 1st) $35.00 Vice President: Tony Creedy Visitor’s Fee (per event) $5.00 Secretary: Brian Smith Treasurer: Ian Yarde (Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Annual Membership fees apply from Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., June 1st to May 31st. Committee: Ron Bell, Ryan Davis, P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds 3039. Gina Casalbuono, Marek Turski, Telephone: Ron Bell Ph. 9338 4057 Membership fees not paid two Tamara Hycenko. E-mail: [email protected] months after the June AGM render the member unfinancial. There are MEMBERS’ DISCOUNTS Club Web Page no pro-rata membership fees as the Club is required to pay an annual Don’t forget that members can obtain www.netspace.net.au/~trekker Federation/Insurance premium. a discount at Bogong Equipment, 374 Little Bourke Street, City. They CLUB MEETINGS An unfinancial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event offer a 10% discount on all non-sale they attend until they have paid their items. Are held on the second Wednesday full membership fee. of each month, at the Moonee Ponds

LOAN EQUIPMENT Bowling Club, Mt Alexander Road, As an unfinancial member, the Moonee Ponds. Meetings start at Club’s Personal Accident and Public The contact for loan of equipment is 7.30pm Liability Insurance on any Club Ron Bell, Ph. 9388 4057. activity does not cover you. WALKS PROGRAMS

Equipment available for loan: Unfinancial members and visitors Tents; backpacks; sleeping bags; rain Are released three times each year, at attending more than three events in a jackets; stoves; sleeping mats. the April, August and December Club year are required to pay the full Club meetings. One copy of the membership fee. Submitting Articles: program is included within the hard copy version of the Club newsletter, New members fee within 28 days of articles can be sent to: Old Man Emu. Additional copies are their membership application being Tamara Hycenko available from the Secretary or approved by the Committee. E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer for 50c each or snail mail via the Club’s post office box at: P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds 3039

If undeliverable return to ESSENDON BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds 3039 Old Man Emu Newsletter of the Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc. A0005559B