April 2019 This Issue: - Licola to Bluff Hut Loop Trip - Electric Chainsaw Review - Wandarrah Wandering - 4X4, Kayak and Fishing Melbourne Cup Weekend

NISSAN NEWS

April 2019 This Issue: - Licola to Bluff Hut Loop Trip - Electric Chainsaw review - Wandarrah Wandering - 4x4, Kayak and Fishing Melbourne Cup Weekend

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Australia Wide Shipping Next Day Delivery Service Nissan News is the official magazine of The Nissan Four Wheel Drive Club of In this issue.... Victoria Inc. (“the Club”) which is a member of Four Wheel Drive Victoria. Articles, trip reports, social and technical reports etc are welcomed for inclusion in Nissan 3 Calender of Events News. 4 Trips and Events General Meetings: 10 Licola to Bluff Hut Loop trip report Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month (except January) at 14 Electric Chainsaw Review the Keysborough Senior Citizens Club, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. 15 Photo Competition (Melways Map Ref 89 D9 ). General and Committee Meetings commence at 7.45 PM Sharp. 18 Melbourne Cup Weekend Report 21 Minutes :March 2019 General Correspondence: 22 Minutes: March 2019 Committee All correspondence (except articles for Nissan News) should be addressed to: The Secretary Nissan 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. PO Box 351 CLOSING DATE FOR Springvale 3171 MAGAZINE : www.nissan4x4vic.com.au Website 2nd Friday monthly The Editor reserves the right to reject articles submitted for publication. The views and or opinions expressed in Nissan News are not necessarily the views, opinions or policies of the Editor or of the Nissan Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply endorsement of products or associated companies or individuals by the Nissan Four Wheel Drive Club Inc.

Advertising Rates CLUB LIFE MEMBERS Annual Rates Full Page: Steve Trickey Clive Garaway From $670 (colour) / $460 (black & white) John Barnes Paul Warner Half Page: Peter Simpson John Tomlinson the Editor $380 (colour) / $260 (black & white) Gary Lister Trevor Heale Eighth Page: Alan McCabe John Fowler $110 (colour) / $75 (black & white)

“One off” page advertising CLUB BANK DETAILS (introductions, special promotions etc) per page $100 (colour) / $70 (B&W) BSB: 083-237 Hi all, A/C No: 36-519-5031 For items marked on "For Sale" pages A/C Name: members can list items for sale at no Nissan 4X4 Club of Victoria Inc It been a slow start to the 4x4ing charge for 3 months. Non-members season for the club because of $10 (conditions apply, contact Editor for Remember to include your name in the bush fires. details). the reference details. Our hearts go out to those Membership affected by the fires and the A new member joins the Club as an Associate Member. Once the following attainments are brave firefighters tackling this achieved the member can apply for Full Membership: enormous job. Full membership form is available in the members pack or request from Membership Secretary or download from web site. Once a Full Member you are eligible for a key to the More trips should be happening club property. soon as the fires are put under control. • Been an Associate Member for 6 months. • Participated in a Club working bee and/or • Completed Driver Training. kitchen roster at a general meeting. • Attended 2 club trips. • Attended at least 4 general meetings. Cheers Heath Glass. Membership Fee's as at 1st June 2018 Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria Editor Once off joining Fee of $110 ( this includes driver training ). Annual Subscription of $150. Therefore a new members cost would be $260 for the first year. Pro-rata is calculated for the second years membership fee. If you have any questions about membership please contact the membership secretary or Cover: Licola Area approach any of the Committee members at the next General Meeting. Photo by: Nick Redwood

The Club wish to sincerely thank the NOBLE PARK FOOTBALL CLUB for the use of their club rooms for committee meetings.

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 1 Meet the Committee Committee members for the year 2018-2019 Executive Committee

President Vice President Gary Lyons 0411 077 255 Ian Geddes [email protected] [email protected]

Secretary Treasurer Leigh Williams Brian Rollins 0414 418 446 [email protected] [email protected] General Committee Membership Secretary Driver Education Linda Vella Garry Single 0427 680 084 [email protected] [email protected]

Editor Land Coordinator Heath Glass 0433 123 143 Dean Walker 0401 394 847 [email protected] [email protected]

Publicity Officer Sergeant at Arms Neil Brydson 0413 737 724 Michael Dingli 0419 327 063 [email protected] [email protected]

Sales Officer Social Coordinator Adam Webb 0417 960 779 Josh Doble 0422 644 180 [email protected] [email protected]

Trips Coordinator Webmaster Michael Melenhorst Alex Glover 0425 124 539 [email protected] [email protected] Ordinary Committee Ordinary #1 (Key Master) Ordinary #2 Glynn Deane 0423 244 907 Mike Hale 0418 351 758 [email protected] [email protected] Non-Elected Positions

Librarian Post Master Steve Nugent 0401 677 059 Wanda McLauchlan [email protected]

FWDV Delegate Regional Representitive Neil Chalmers John Tomlinson 9557 5182

FWDV Delegate FWDV Delegate Neil Brydson 0413 737 724 Gary Lyons 0411 077 255

Committee meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month (except December) as shown in the calendar of events.

The committee welcomes members to attend committee meetings as well as table items for the agenda. To advise of attendance or items for the agenda, please contact the secretary two weeks before the meeting to ensure appropriate time can be provided.

2 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au Calendar of Events APRIL Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 GM Wand, Talbot, Dargo Geosurveys Hill...... Black Snake Crk Hut 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 CM Limestone Coast South Australia ...... Geosurveys Hill and the Geographic Centre of the Simpson 29 30

MAY Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 GM Working Bee 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 CM Driver Training 27 28 29 30 31

JUNE Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 GM 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 CM 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Driver Training

JULY Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 GM Xmas in July 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 CM 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 GM 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 CM

SEPTEMBER Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 GM Awards 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 CM 30

General Meeting Committee Meeting Driver Training Working Bee School Holidays Public Holidays Club Social Event Show Club Trip www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 3 Club Trips and Events Below is a list of trips and events for club members to attend. For full details look on the Club Forum. If you wish to attend a trip then register via the web site and contact the trip leader if it's required.

Notice on attending trips: Please make sure that your vehicle is registered, driver has a current drivers licence and your membership subscription is up to date.

5th - 7th Apr Wandarrah, Talbotville, Dargo Trip Leader: Lachie Smith Trip travels from Wandarrah to Talbotville via Lower Block Track, Old Moroka Road, Valencia Creek track and Billy Goats. Then heading to Dargo next morning for lunch and home.

13th - 14th Apr Black Snake Creek Hut Project Coordinator: Andrea Trovo Nissan 4X4 Club is the custodian for the Black Snake Hut and back in 2012 where involved with the rebuild of the structure. For this coming trip we will be going there to do some light repair work to make the hut safe and useable again.

12th - 28th Apr Geosurveys Hill and the Geographic Centre Trip Leader: Stephen Bloomer of the Simpson The plan is to visit Geosurveys Hill and the Geographic Centre of the Simpson. These areas will be quite harsh and the going will be slow.

Eventually getting to Poeppel Corner and heading to Birdsville. The main crossing is expected to take 7 to 9 days. Depending on how we are going for time will depend on where we go from there to make sure we are back in Melbourne for the 28th Apr.

19th - 24th Apr Limestone Coast South Trip Leader: Jorgen Skogstad We will traverse the Limestone coast sections in South Australia from south to north hugging the coast where possible. We’ll camp in the national parks where we will be moving sites every day. Whilst we’ll likely have an opportunity to “stock up”, but do plan to be self-sufficient.

4th - 5th May Wandarrah Working Bee Coordinator: Dean Walker As with previous working bees, morning tea and BBQ lunch will be provided. We will also continue the tradition of the Camp oven cook off on Saturday night. So please register on the web site if you wish to attend so we know the attendance for catering

Your help will be appreciated.

4 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au 6th - 7th July Christmas in July @ Wandarrah Coordinator: Josh Doble Christmas in July Club Party. Mark it in your diary, come and socialise drink, sing and be merry. There will be a limit of 50 people so get in and get registered.

15th Sep Family Club Awards Day Coordinator: Josh Doble Presentations Bring the family for fun day out at the park and enjoy a BBQ lunch while acknowledging the great work that members have put into the club for us all to enjoy. It would be nice if EVERYONE could come. Where: Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, Yabby hill playscape.

14th Oct - 1st Nov Googs Track Trip Leader: Neil Brydson This trips main event is the driving of Googs track. But there will be a lot more places visited like Gawler Ranges, Davenport Creek, Point Westall, Coffin Bay, Port Lincoln...

Wandarrah Weekenders Wandarrah Weekenders has been established by the trips sub-committee to open up Wandarrah to all members of the club on the 3rd weekend of most months of the year. If you are interested in attending Wandarrah on one of these weekends please register on the web site as you would with any other trip.

Host members on weekends for the year 2019: 18th May 15th June

Dean Walker Glynn Deane 20th July 17th August

Neil Brydson Ian Geddes 21st September 19th October

Gary Lyons Mick Melenhorst 16th November 21st December

Linda Vella Leigh Williams

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 5 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC CONVERSION SUITS ALL GU & GQ PATROLS

AFTER

BEFORE x Nissan Patrol 5 Speed Automatic√ Conversion Kit • Nissan 5 Speed Automatic Transmission • Nissan Tip-Tronic Shifter Assembly • Nissan Automatic Brake Pedal Assembly • Extra Large Oil Cooler with Brackets and Hoses [email protected] • Compushift Transmission Controller & Loom • Comprehensive Instructions with Pictures automatictransmission.com.au/nissan-5-speed-auto/

6 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au General Meeting March

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 7 Products • Bull Bars • Fridge/Freezers • Winches • Communications • Hike-Lite • Food • 4WD Accessories • Camp Furniture • Tent & Awning Accessories • Camping Essentials • Coolers • Lighting • Camp Cooking • 4WD Recovery Gear • RV Accessories *10% off to all club members * Excludes Fridges eMail: [email protected] web: www.werevr4x4.com.au Address: P.O. Box 4164 Frankston Vic 3199

8 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au The members of the Nissan 4x4 Club would like to welcome the following to the club: Glenn and Clarissa McCreadie Rick Noble and Trudy Cain Andrew and Elise Martin

Congratulate the following members for reaching their membership milestone and contribution to the club: 10 Years Mike and Jane Carbis

15 Years Peter Jay and Tess Coady

Offer Expires 31 May 2019

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+61(0)2 4786 0222 [email protected] www.selfdriveadventures.com www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 9 Trip Report Licola to Bluff Hut Loop

Report By: Amanda Redwood 2nd November 2018

Participants:

Marcel Van Der Geer (Trip Leader) Nick and Amanda Redwood Andrea and Jenny Trovo Grant and Constance Fraser Rod Golding (TEC)

ay One had us all meeting at the beautiful DMt Skene Creek campsite about 28 km outside Licola ( turn Right onto Licola- Jamieson Road, then Right onto Macmillian Spur Track, then Left onto Middle Ridge Road). Thanks to our trip leader, Marcel, for meeting all of us and showing us the way otherwise it would have been pretty hard to find. It was a great campsite with a small creek, plenty of space, and sheltered from the wind. No trees fell on the tents, but those across the creek weren't so lucky. for the night. During the day we had to clear the track of fallen trees from the night Day Two was when the real action started before so we were definitely ready by 4 pm covering around 50 kms, heading north for the campfire and a few bevies. on Middle Ridge Road to start a day filled with creek crossings, a variety of tracks, a Day Three saw us heading off nice and early bit of mud and a lot of dust. Middle Ridge to make our way through to Howitt Plains Road provided a few creek crossings to give Hut campsite. Taking Refrigerator Gap Track the cars a clean just before dipping them onto Bluff Link Road and up to Bluff Track, straight back into the mud. We then headed then stopping off at Bluff Hut for some left down Mountain Ash Track, had a quick morning tea. The original plan was to stretch pit stop and then onto Son of a Bitch Track, the legs and go for a walk, but it turned out with plenty of variety and a lot of fun. to be a longer walk than we expected, so we just had a quick pit stop and time to take in the view. We headed up a nice dusty track to Lovick's Hut, where we found that the original track we wanted to go down was closed, so we headed down Cairn Creek, having to cut a few trees off the track and dodge a lot of branches. Onto Brock Road, then Left onto King Billy Track and then up onto Howitt Road. King Billy Track was a great rocky track with some tight spots. It was a very popular day out on the tracks. This was another great day with varying Son of a Bitch Track turns into Bull Plain, tracks and complexities. Howitt Plains Hut which turns into Nobs Track, that then took campsite is great, rolling hills to one side, us Left down Brocks Road, and a sharp turn and a long drop toilet (what a luxury). onto Low Saddle Road where we camped

10 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au area is. The dusty ridges of Mt Margaret Track changed to the rocky drive down Burgoyne Track with a beautiful view of the Licola area. This was a white knuckle drive, with one turn just before the drive down, but if you missed the Right turn you’d be heading the quick way down the hill! We were out by around 10:30 am and headed off home. It was a great weekend with some great company. We had no breakdowns (just) Day Four took us from Howitt Plains Hut and no-one got stuck. The only damage was to Dolodrook River, a great series of tracks a few scratches from the branches, but they where we drove through many a creek. are just the talismans to show that you had There were a few stops along these tracks because Adrian’s lasagne kept getting knocked around in his oven! The highlight was finding Thomastown just off the Dingo Hill Track, it had a great drop toilet and a swimming hole. Our day took us over Caledonia River Track, Dingo Hill Track, Tamboritha Road, B2 Track, B1 Track, and Chromite Mine Track. The B1 track had a nice little campsite with some people sitting in the creek, it was taken so we had to keep moving. The Dolodrook River campsite was massive with quite a few fire pits and plenty of firewood. a good weekend. The tracks in the area are We couldn’t find the Chromite Mine, but for great, the whole way we could see snow on all those wondering (like we were), Chromite top of all the mountains, we didn’t actually is an Iron Chromium Oxide which is an oxide encounter any snow but some nights it felt mineral. It is the most important mineral in cold enough. the production of metallic chromium, and is used as an alloying ingredient in stainless If you decide to take the route we took each and tool steels. day, each corner will surprise you with its variety. Just watch out for the Constance Creek Crossing! Thanks to Marcel aka Dusty for organising and leading the trip and to Rod who held up the rear the whole way. Cheers. Amanda Redwood

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromite Our final day took us on a thrilling drive up and down Mt Margaret Track, with the view of numerous rolling hills giving a real sense of just how small we are and how large the www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 11 GVM UPGRADES for Y61 Patrol GU and Land Cruiser 200 Series Engineer Certified

What is GVM ? GVM (gross vehicle mass) is the factory and legal maximum weight of the vehicle when loaded with people and cargo. Fitting accessories such as bull bars, winches, rear bars, roof racks and storage systems etc, can quickly use up the available payload allowance before the car is filled with passengers, food, camping equipment or tow ball weight. Why do a GVM upgrade? ATOC A GVM upgrade should be done for safety and legal reasons to protect yourself from ATOC has over 30 years experience in the traffic infringements, to maintain insurance 4WD industry, servicing, repairs, accessories cover, but most of all to maintain a safe and and modifications. As with all our work, we stable vehicle while touring. have selected the very best products from industry leading manufacturers to give you the best reliability and long service life, for this reason our GVM upgrade kits use KONI shock absorbers and King Springs. Do the job once and do it right. We are continually adding other vehicle models to our GVM upgrade range. So please give us a call or drop in to discuss your car’s specific GVM requirements. We look forward to your call to see what we can do for you. Call us now and discuss how our GVM upgrade can work for you. (03) 9754 2751

South Belgrave (03) 9754 2751 [email protected] www.atocauto.com.au

12 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au For Sale Loadstar Soft Floor Camper Trailer Camper Includes: • Sleeps 4-6 people • 60 litre water tank • 12v Pump • Jerry can holders • Gas bottle holder • Independent camp lights • 12v and USB charge points • Solar battery system • Small sink in tailgate • Off road heavy duty hitch

Price: $6000 ono Contact: James Perry

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 13 Product Review MAKITA BATTERY POWERED CHAINSAW DUC 252

Review Date: September 2018 (although not a recommended practice), are light, compact and usually have a shorter bar and chain as compared to conventional rear handle saws. Not all of the players offer Top-handle saws, which Ever wondered how good (or bad) a battery cuts the choice down to: Makita, DeWalt, Stihl, and powered chainsaw is? Worth buying? Just a latest Husqvarna. fad? Now, I have tested Stihl models 140C and 200C and With the advancement in Lithium Ion battery the Husqy 532iE and can attest that these saws are technology, almost at a daily rate of change, more at the top of the game. But the’re expensive, you and more tools are being made available as a are looking at around $1000 by the time you get battery powered offering. Adding to the enormous an extra battery and car-charger. But they will out variety of garden tools, industrial tools, commercial perform all others. tools that are battery powered now, are chainsaws. I myself wondered how good or not these things would be and aside from that, what would be a suitable saw that is light and compact enough to throw into a bag and chuck into the 4x4 to take away on a desert trip, something not too big but capable of clearing small saplings off the track and to cut the odd bit of firewood to size. On my recent trip Traversing Victoria, a friend brought along a Ryobi 18 volt chainsaw, which we made use of exactly as outlined above. It was an impressive piece of kit. Very handy to pull out and get to work instantly – no dicking around with fuel, starting and no noise!

All the main players are in the game: Ryobi, AEG, The Top-handle Makita using two 18 volt batteries Ozito, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stihl and including charger (there is no car charger as yet) Husqvarna. So, why batteries and what are the will give you change out of $500. But if you already advantages over the conventional petrol engine run a platform of other battery powered tools, ie saw? The big one is – No flammable liquid fuel to DeWalt or Ryobi or Makita, this may influence your carry inside your vehicle. No fumes, no leaks, no buying choice as you already have the batteries. But mixtures to get right. They are light, easy to use remember, not all offer the Top-handle compact and make very little noise. So no disturbing the design, which as I said was an important brief for neighbors. me. Makita use two 18 volt batteries inserted at the rear of the machine (36 volts, 6 ah power) and without the batteries being in place, the whole unit is only 520mm overall length. You can throw it in a bag. Compared to the “big boys”in the game, the Makita feels somewhat out of balance because both of your hands are next to each other. If you have only ever used a rear handle saw, then it will feel very strange at first. The Top handle Husqvarna is a much more comfortable saw to operate. But then, Husqy have been making chainsaws for 200 years!

But one of the main criteria I believe in, is TRICKSTA. compactness. If you are doing a 4 week desert trip you do not want to be tripping over a heavy petrol saw and you don’t want the hassle of that extra fuel drum, because space is already at a premium. If you look at the models that are Top- handle or Arborist saws, you will see that they are very stumpy (short), can be used one handed 14 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au Andrew Rodrick Memorial/Remembrance Photo Competition

The photo competition is back!!!!!!!!!! As Andrew was a committed member to the club and this photo competition I decided to do it in his honour. It will be run over a period of 3 months from the 15th May through to the 15th of August. The competition is open to any financial member/spouse or child of the club. Junior (u'18) entrants will be judged seperatley and receive their own prizes. The competition has three categories NISSAN 1. Photos of Nissan Vehicles 2. Photos of Landscape or Scenery 3. Other The competition will be judged by two completely independent professional photographers with no association to club members. Trophies will be awarded on the club awards presentation day. Entries to be submitted via email to the competition LANDSCAPE email address shown below. They must be of the highest resolution possible so they can be used for publication. By submitting your photos you are authorising the Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria to use these photos in any club publicity. A maximum of 20 photos per person is allowed.

Please send correspondence and photos to: OTHER Email: [email protected]

Cheers Amy Jones

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 15 ABN 29 007 522 042

5/4 Canterbury Road, Braeside 3195 Ph: (03) 9580 9045

Specialist Services At Cologne Motors we take great pride in offering our clients personalised and friendly • Nissan Trained service at all times • 4WD REpairs & Service • 150 Point Pre-purchase Check Located in Mordialloc - Braeside Cologne • Air Conditioning Motors is a member of the Repco Auto Tech • Auto Electrical training program, ensuring our technicians are • Diesel Repairs kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair • EFI Diagnostics • Injector Cleaning methods. • Engine Reconditioning • LPG Installation Cologne Motors have a wealth of experience • Roadworthy Inspections in servicing all makes and models, including • Towing Service 4X4 vehciles. As a Repco Authorised Service • Truck Repairs Centre we have a commitment to high quality • Tyres - including 4X4 • Wheel Balancing workmanship and ensuring the very best in • Window Tint automotive care.

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16 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au How to Run a Club Trip All trips MUST be accepted by the Trip Coordinator before being advertised in the Club Magazine or forum. Send an email to the Trip Coordinator which details your trip. Once the Trip Coordinator has approved the trip it is posted in the Trips section of the Club Forum. Once posted on the Club Forum, please ensure that you keep the trip entry up to date with attendees and review it regularly for comments or questions from members. To comply with our insurance requirements it is essential to complete the required paperwork. Members can use the online digital trip participant form to quickly and easily submit the required details. Alternatively a printable version of the form can be downloaded from the club website (http://www.nissan4x4vic.com.au) or Four Wheel Drive Vic. website (http://www.fwdvictoria. org.au). All other forms for trip leaders and guests can be downloaded from the club website (http://www.nissan4x4vic.com.au) or FWDV website (http://www.fwdvictoria.org.au). If you have any ideas about a trip and/or questions speak with the Trip Coordinator ([email protected]) or any of the committee members.

Submitting a Trip Report I have recently had members ask me how to write a trip report. As trip reports are a fundamental part of the magazine, it’s great when members want to share their interesting experiences with the club community. The general rule of thumb when submitting a report is to provide as much relevant infvormation as possible. For example: • Specify whether it's Club or Personal Trip. • Photos. • Trip name and date. • Trip report text. • Participants on Trip. • Selfie or avatar if you perfer.

When I receive your details I will create a proof of your report and send it to you for changes or approval. When you write your report, do it from your perspective, how you experienced the trip from start to finish. I find it helpful to look at the map or GPS file as well as photos to jog those memories. When I receive your draft I will create a proof and send it to back to you to make changes if necessary. Hope this helps to get those reports in. Cheers. Heath.

DOOR PRIZE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Werevr 4x4 Email: [email protected] The Nissan 4WD Club of Victoria Inc acknowledges this sponsorship with thanks.

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 17 Trip Report Wandarrah Wandering - 4x4, Kayak and Fishing Melbourne Cup Weekend

3 November 2018 Participants: Heath Glass Jane and Mike Carbis Tino Micari Andy and Sarah Harding Report By: Heath Glass Rod Barnard and Monica Campi Scott and Zac Lanender Adam, Melissa, Emma, Ivy and Abby Webb Dean Walker and Paula Wood Pauline Robbers and Shane Bacon Gary Moloney and Wanda McLauchlan Steven Moloney, Dani Tre and Sophie Daniel and Roslyn Watson More kids there than I could count. :)

ell what an action packed weekend. It was more than just a trip but an entire weekend Wfull of things to do.

Trips on offer: Surrounding towns to visit their tourist hot spots. Four 4WD outings. One of which was a 3 hour night drive up lower block track. Two kayak outings, One on Macalister River and the other on the Thomson River.

Rod and Monica had their mountain bikes there. They ventured out to surrounding tracks and also visited the Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park. Rod also decided to head down "Oh S#!t Hill", disregarding the "Steep Descent" sign. Well lets just say the hill one that battle.

Sorry for the short report but so much happened its hard to write it all down. You will just have to be there next time.

Thanks to everyone that attended and making it a fun weekend.

Cheers Heath.

18 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au Wandarrah Wandering - 4x4, Kayak and Fishing Melbourne Cup Weekend

www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 19 BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

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For Sale New mud terrain tyre, brand new, never been on the road. IKEA Back Pack - Never used $30

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Makita Home Carpenter Kit $50 All comes in a plastic box • Drill • Circular Saw • Jigsaw • Grinding Wheel • Plainer • Parts $400 new sell for $250. Contact Mike Hale Contact Alan McCabe

20 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au Ringwood Nissan Yarra Valley Nissan-Lilydale Would Like To Offer Staff Level Discounts To All Members of Nissan 4WD Club of Victoria The Full Range Of Nissan Genuine Parts, Lubricants and Accessories

Range Of Aftermarket Parts also available though Nissan automate program

Special Service Rates For Service And Repairs

New Car Deals At Fleet Pricing Dealer Contacts Maddison Flannigan - New Car Fleet Sales [email protected]

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www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 21 General Meeting - MINUTES Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria Inc. 1945hrs 6th March 2019 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

The Meeting opened at 07:45p.m. with Vice Publicity Officer: Neil Brydson - NTR President Ian Geddes in the chair. Trip Co-ordinator: Mick Melenhorst Welcome and Introduction • Some trips have places available. Apologies: Gary Lyons, Josh and Kim, Adam • Wandarrah Weekenders in magazine. Webb, Garry Single, Kyle Baxter, Val and Jim • Update vehicle details on the website. Muir, • Discussed Pre-planned and published trips Visitors: and sought contributors. There were 2 visitors, here as a result of the: • FTG Nissan, want to have a weekend away • Web Site x 1 at Wandarrah, details to follow. • 4WD Show, Melb. X 1 Library: Steve Nugent NTR Acceptance of previous Club meeting minutes Webmaster: Alex Glover, an apology As published in the March Nissan News were Sgt at Arms: NTR accepted. Moved by Neil seconded by Mike H Presentations Reports: • Newtracs President: Gary Lyons – An apology • Mike Hale – Portland trip Vice President: Ian Geddes - NTR Business Brought Forward Secretary: Leigh Williams - NTR Business Plan - Workshops - Ian spoke of the Treasurer: Brian Rollins follow up, handed our questionnaire Financials are on the web site. GENERAL BUSINESS Membership Secretary: Heath Glass Black Snake Creek Hut chimney rebuild. Andrea Trovas and Neil from Huts Victoria spoke. • 215 members, Looking to us assist 2nd week April or sometime in • Service badges awarded to Keith May to replace one wall to close off the chimney Newnham 10 years and Clive Garaway 35 until approvals to rebuild is given. years

Land Co-ordinator: Dean Walker There being no further discussion the meeting • Working Bee 2 weeks ago, Front gate concluded at 2130hrs. fixed, made some retaining walls from fallen trees, fire hut doors fixed, fire wood Next meeting 3rd April 2019 collected. • Next working bee in May, maybe a spit roast for Deans last working bee. • Member advised to keep away until further notice due to fires. Driver Training: Stephen Bloomer DT cancelled due to fire risk, members moved to next session. Sales: Adam Webb – An apology Social Committee: Josh Doble - Apology Editor: Heath Glass Needs some more photos for front cover

22 APRIL 2019 NISSAN NEWS www.nissan4x4vic.com.au Editor: Heath Glass Nissan 4x4 Club of Victoria Inc. New bank account details now updated on web/documents. th Committee Meeting - 1930hrs Wed. 20 Mar Suggested new a new brochure for Nissan Dealers to inset in Sales 2019, Moodemere St, Noble Park Pack for new car buyers. The Meeting: opened at 07:30 p.m. with the President Gary Lyons Publicity Officer: Neil Brydson – an apology in the chair But asked if there was any feedback on the Mornington 4WD Welcome and Introduction show. Dean advise that it was fairly small and mostly oriented Present: Gary Lyons, Leigh Williams, Glynn Deane, Dean Walker, around caravans and camps, however the TLLC were there along Adam Webb, Mick Melenhorst, Brian Rollins, Heath Glass, Garry with FWDV and a lot of the major 4x4 retailers. Single, Josh Doble, Michael Dingli. Quorum in place. Trip Co-ordinator: Mick Melenhorst Apologies: Mike Hale, Ian Geddes, Neil Brydson, Alex Glover Some trips have been cancelled due to fires. Visitors : Paula Wood, Trish Rollins, Alan McCabe, Kim Taylor Webmaster: Alex Glover – An apology Acceptance of previous Club meeting minutes But asked the question whether on online presence at Committee from the Feb 2019 Committee meeting as published in the March meetings was available. Whilst no reason why not, the technical Nissan News were put forward. Moved by MickM, 2nd Heath. and practical side may be the limiting factors at this point. Reports The members area of Facebook has been setup but is currently President: Gary Lyon - FWDV – Good financial balance, down until security issues are sorted. Encouraging Camp Hosts, Will be participating in fire recovery via Sgt at Arms: Michael Dingli – Absent Blaze Aid. FWDV has withdrawn from the national association as Business arising from previous meeting. they weren’t providing any value to Vic. There is a question mark over their financials as well. It is likely that in the future it may re- Wandarrah Closure – advice from Newry CFA via Darren Jones is join the national body to ensure a national view of things. RTO is to keep away from Wandarrah at this point. Leigh to advise all growing. Would like to reduce reliance on government subsidies members that it is to remain closed until further notice. in the event the subsidies are stopped. Presentation given by the GENERAL BUSINESS Sat phone shop which was very interesting. 1. Gary gave an outline of the results of the workshops which Vice President: Ian Geddes – An Apology Ian will deliver at the April GM 2. Committee members are still being verbally attacked at Treasurer: Brian Rollins - Finances looking good, reports on Web. meetings and via email. This will be brought up at a GM and Secretary: Leigh Williams - New Black locks and keys have been an article in the magazine. Immediate advice was to not handed to the Keymaster. Next on the list is the Emergency engage at GM’s but to take offline and members speak to the Services Keys. Keys procedure to be posted on line, along with Committee individually or put an agenda item up for the next procedure for trips out of Wandarrah. Committee meeting. This situation highly unsatisfactory. The 2nd draft of a Native Vegetation Policy has been produced in 3. The Trip Coordinator was quizzed about why a trip has been conjunction with the Treasurer, this will be circulated to the wider completely removed from the website and not cancelled. committee for comment/discussion prior to publication. Action was to advise all Committee with current access to the Membership Secretary: Heath Glass - 3 new associate members Trips area to not do this in future. approved: 4. Next year’s committee – Discussion was held around current Committee members considering who might be good Andrew Martin, Glenn McCreadie and Rick Noble candidates for the next Committee in August. At this point Land Co-ordinator: Dean Walker there may be only one of the current Executive standing next Working Bee coming up. As it is the last working bee that Dean year, along with at least 4 General Committee also standing will be leading, he has plans to provide a spit at a cost of $15 a down. head, along with a $50 donation from the club to pay for the 5. Next year’s fees – A discussion was held which determined coals. Email/Forum to go out to members accordingly and advice that we had a Healthy bank balance, no major expenses to pay via bank transfer – Action Dean/Mick planned, we are not anticipating a net loss for the year and Driver Training: Garry Single we have increased membership levels over the previous years. On this basis Gary proposed no increase in fees for the DT was cancelled due to fire risks. Will move bookings. We are next financial year, seconded by Josh passed. struggling to get sufficient DT’s, as the time required of them is a 6. Alans club house proposal. Some clarity is required around significant impost, but a fantastic contribution to the club. Garry exactly where are at with this. Some believing that we are was asked to consider how we might overcome this and what our ready to setup a bank account and start raising revenue in alternatives are. Leigh suggested that this be done in conjunction the absence of a firm business plan. Others believe that with our updated Business plan. whilst all members put their hands up that this was a good Sales: Adam Webb idea, until we have a sub-committee in place to manage this Still plugging away at ‘Square’ to allow for electronic payments. and indeed get a Committee mandate to proceed, that no action should be taken. As a result, Alan will again bring this Has proposed stock levels for clothing items. Gary seconded, passed. The committee is divided on whether we should stock up at the next GM to confirm there are sufficient members 4WD items, Adam will make a recommend what we should stock willing to commit to the setting up and the running of it. for a vote at the next committee meeting. Unfortunately, Adam is 7. Proxy forms for AGM are to be reviewed – Action: moving to Perth; we need to find a new Sales Officer. 8. We need a reminder/update on Amy’s photography competition. Social Committee: Josh Doble Has Web access issue. This relates to the Roles access review last There being no further discussion the meeting concluded at year. Members only have access to their own area. Social no 2100hrs longer has Edit access to Events/Trips, but can provide details to th Trips Co-ordinator to make changes etc. This years Web Master Next meeting 17 April 2019 has been asked to provide access details for all roles for review. www.nissan4x4vic.com.au NISSAN NEWS APRIL 2019 23 Are you looking for a 4x4 Club? Do you enjoy 4 wheel driving? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you looking to join a fun, family friendly club?

Take a look at the advantages of becoming a member.

About Us: The Nissan club was formed in 1976 to engage in and promote four wheel driving for recreation. From those beginnings of some friends with G60 Patrols, we have grown into a well organised and inclusive group of over 200 members.

There is a mixture of 4WDs within the club such as: Patrol, Pathfinder, Navara, Maverick, Landcruiser, Hilux, Prado, Wrangler, Pajero, Ranger, Defender, Discovery, Amarok, BT-50 and some SUV which meet specific trip requirements.

Club Trips: Club trips are run through out the year. Trips cover the whole of Australia, so wherever you plan to go for your next trip we can certainly help. Club members have a wide range of experiences and are always keen to assist with suggestions, hints and information for your trip planning. The Trip Coordinator ensures there is a good variety of trips available, from the Victorian High Country to the deserts of Central Australia - we have a lot to offer.

Trips have varying levels of difficulty from Novice (Easy) through to Expert (Very difficult). Trips range from half a day, one day, mid-week and weekend or several weeks depending on where you want to go.

Some of the trips this year have included: Portland Sand Dunes Rubicon Valley Border Track Victorian Mallee Wyperfield NP Victorian High Country

Helping the Community: We participate in events which help the community. We are associated with a number of organisations and help out with: - Clean up the bush - Restoration of historic land marks - Charity Events - BlazeAid

Social Events: The club also has a social committee which organises social events such as dinners, Chrismas parties and fun sporting events.

Driver Education: As part of your membership we have a qualified driver training team that holds driver education programs to assist drivers in 4WD techniques and the safe and responsible use of 4WD equipment.

Club Property: We are saving the best for last! The club has its own 80 acre property, two hours east of Melbourne, in picturesque East Gippsland. Club members can enjoy the facilities at their leisure, with plenty of sites for tents, camper trailers or caravans, there are also hot showers and flushing toilets. The extensive fire place area for camp cooking or relaxing with other members at happy hour is a popular spot. There are well maintained 4WD tracks on the property, as well as the tracks in the beautiful area of the State Forest which borders the property.

So what are you waiting for? Join now and enjoy the experiences of a life time.

Don’t forget to check out the web site for more details.

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