Four Wheel Drive Victoria

FWDV Staff
Four Wheel Drive Victoria would like to introduce you to the new CEO of the association. Craig Ryan.
He comes from a national and state-level sporting NFP administration and governance background.
Over the next 12 months with the 4WDV team, he plans to prioritize strengthening government partnerships, building agency and industry networks, and supporting affiliated clubs more. While also rolling out a new industry three-year strategic plan, maintaining track access/benefits/education to forests/environment, rolling out new club cloud-based platforms and RTO management systems, increasing digital engagement, and more.
He is also a CFA Volunteer Firefighter, his favorite sport or hobby is Tennis and his favorite Victorian camping or holiday spot is the Grampians and Lake Fyans.
A favorite quote: "Insanity, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".

Great to see that the Range Rover Club Victoria had such a great time at Mt Skene.

Did you know that you can read the FWDV Trackwatch Magazine on line.
Current and previous magazines can be found on our website. Check out the June edition: https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/images/trackwatch/202406/flipbook/?page=1

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED 4WD TRAINING
Four Wheel Drive Victoria has over thirty years of driver training experience. Our 3 unit accredited 4wding course is designed to take a driver of any skill to a 4wder who can comfortably tackle a large range of offroad terrain, safely traverse up and down steep hills, including how to safely stop and start on hills, recover 4wd vehicles using both recovery straps and winches and safely drive through water crossings. Four Wheel Drive Victoria follow and train to the motto of ‘Driving in a Sustainable Environment’, making sure to teach techniques to help preserve and look after the environment we all love.

Next course available in September 2024

Theory - Tuesday 10th September, 2024

Practical - Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, 2024

Theory conducted via ZOOM and practical meeting location Federation Park, Darley 3340

Cost - $950.00 per student

To enrol please click here https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/index.php/training
This is an accredited course which combines the following 3 units of competency

FWPCOT3325 Operate a 4wd on unsealed roads
FWPCOT3326 Recover four wheel drive vehicle
FWPCOT3329 Perform complex 4x4 operations
The course covers the following topics:

Basic understanding of four wheel drive vehicles and their technical aspects
Four wheel driving techniques
Recovery techniques including:
winching with an electric winch
using a hand operated manual winch
recovery with traction aids
Driving in a range of terrain
Water crossings
Instructors are fully trained and experienced in all popular four wheel drive makes and models as well as newer electronic vehicle technologies.
Candidates who are assessed competent in the unit requirements will be award a Statement of Attainment.
To learn about the differences between an accredited and non-accredited course please view our student handbook for a breakdown by clicking here.
Corporate customers: Please contact our RTO, Operations and Compliance Manager, Daniel Whitby ([email protected], 8872 7300) to discuss training designed to meet your specific requirements.
RTO 21605

Back again for 2024 is the Show n Shine at the National 4x4 Show!
Don’t forget to enter before the 26th of July for your chance to be crowned champion.
With two categories, ‘Rough & Tumble’ and ‘Terrific Tourer’ both split to pre and post 2004 judging, there’s plenty of chance to have your ride come out on top.
Follow the link and sign up now!
https://4x4show.com.au/Melbourne/whats-on/show-n-shine

The biggest 4x4, camping and outdoor adventure show is back, 23-25 August! Over three massive days at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the National 4x4 Outdoors Show is your chance to explore off-road camper trailers, caravans and tents, new model 4WDs and aftermarket accessories, camping gear, and so much more!

With an incredible lineup of off-road TV personalities and celebrity guests, 4WD demonstrations, skills workshops, and thousands of products on display including 4x4 Show exclusive deals from leading outdoor adventure brands, there’s plenty to see and do at the Melbourne show! Kids under 16 free.

Tickets via: 4x4show.com.au/Melbourne/buy-tickets

Good news! Mt Cole State Forest reopens today following the fires earlier this year.

We have assessed all of the campsites and picnic areas in the Mt Cole State Forest and most are now safe to visit. ⛺

We urge visitors to still take care and be aware of their surroundings while exploring. Although the recreation sites have been deemed safe, the forest is still recovering from the fire and hazardous trees may still be present.

⛺ Ditchfield Camp – campground open
⛺ Mugwamp Hut – campground open
⛺ Chinamans Campground – campground open
⛺ Smiths Bridge – campground open
⛺ Richards – day use only
⛺ The Glut – day use only
⛺ Ben Nevis – day use only
⛺ Victoria Mill Scenic Reserve – day use only
⛔ Beeripmo – walking track and campground closed
⛔ Grevillea Walk – closed
⛔ Borella Walk – closed
⛔ Paradise Walk – closed

When visiting Mt Cole remember:
🏞️ Conditions will be different following the fire
🏞️ Tracks and trails may be slippery or muddy
🏞️ Trees may have hazardous branches and trunks so always check above you
🏞️ Obey signage at campgrounds that are closed

Seasonal road closures are in place until the end of November to protect some roads in our parks and forests from damage over the colder months. For more information visit:
https://ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures

Firewood collection areas close on Sunday 30 June.

After this date you cannot legally collect firewood from state forests and public land until the spring season reopens on Sunday 1 September.

Penalties apply if you are caught collecting firewood outside the designated collection seasons or areas.

Remember, collected wood needs at least a year to dry before it’s used in the fireplace 🏡

Support and concessions are available for people on low incomes or experiencing hardship who rely on firewood or need help with their energy costs.

Find out more: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support

Don't forget the Four Wheel Drive Victoria and Ballarat District 4WD Club come and try day is on now!!
Bring your 4wd down and come find out what 4wding and being a member of a 4wd club is all about!

Four Wheel Drive Victoria are out in the Colquhoun State Forest this weekend cleaning up rubbish with the Bairnsdale 4WD Club! With recent efforts in the Mt Disappointment State Forest, supported by Icom Communication, returning huge amounts of rubbish cleaned up there will surely be another large amount cleaned up by Sunday!

Victoria’s iconic High Country huts play a critical role in winter, providing shelter for many groups including skiers and horse riders.

🚧 If you’re heading into the forests over the colder months and plan to access the huts, please be aware of seasonal road closures.

❗ Of course, the huts remain open, however access by road to some huts will be restricted.

👉 Plan your trip by visiting https://ffm.vic.gov.au/forest-and-road-closures or call DEECA Customer Call Centre on 136 186.

⛺ Forest users are reminded not to rely on huts for overnight accommodation. Plan your stay and be self-sufficient; carry tents or other shelter as appropriate.

❄️You don’t want to be left out in the cold!

👇 We’d love to see your photos of High Country Huts in snow. Share your photos in the comments.

📸 Craig’s Hut, courtesy Shez Tedford, Victorian High Country Huts Association

Parks Victoria
VicEmergency - Hume
Victorian High Country
Mt Buller & Mt Stirling Alpine Resorts
Four Wheel Drive Victoria

Don't forget Seasonal Road Closures come into affect from today, 13th June 2024. Running until the 31st October 2024, some tracks may have extended closure dates.
Don't be caught out and check current closure info on the link below. Please be aware while all possible effort is put into making sure info is up to date, closures may be in place before resources can be updated. Always have a plan b and don't be caught out.

https://4wdvictoria.org.au/index.php/track-closures/32-seasonal-closures

Don't forget the Come and Try Day supported by Icom Australia Official is on this Saturday, 15th June!
Weather looks good and a great day is ready to be had!
Follow the links for more details.
For more information about Icom UHF CB radios https://buff.ly/3VdksPC
For more information about FWDV Come and Try Day https://buff.ly/3VfnC5o

⛰️✨ Icom Australia proudly supports Four Wheel Drive Victoria (FWDV) Come and Try Day! 🚗
*Join us on the day for a chance to win an Icom UHF CB radio*
✨ Embark on a journey with us and FWDV as we explore the potentialities of Icom's UHF CB radio in the sphere of 4WD exploration. 🛞 ⛰️ ✨

📍 Location: Wills St, Symthesdale VIC 3351
📅 Date: SAT 15th June 2024

For more information about Icom UHF CB radios: https://buff.ly/3VdksPC
For more information about FWDV Come and Try Day :https://buff.ly/3VfnC5o

A great supporter of Four Wheel Drive Victoria, Hema Maps, have launched Australia's first trip planning centre in Pakenham, the Adrenalin Off-Road Centre Pakenham!
With a grand opening for tomorrow, 18th May, be sure to get down and check it out!
The event is linked below for more details and is sure to be a good day out.
The store is set to be loaded with amazing features such as a huge selection of maps, books and atlases as well as two interactive map screens which are sure to make planning you next trip a breeze.

https://www.facebook.com/events/453297610518767/?rdid=6cXaIT3J49Ue6F2F&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FMgVRVLmZvho6TLve%2F

We are continuing to upgrade facilities at Firth Park Campground, with the installation of signage, bollards, picnic tables, BBQ firepits and roadworks to be undertaken.

Works will commence on Monday 6 May. The Firth Park campground and Anderson Mill Walk will be closed to the public from Wednesday 8 to Friday 17 May while these works are completed.

We thank you for your patience during this time.

Have you got a 4WD you haven't taken off road?

Come and take it for a drive with us and learn all about it and it's capabilities.

With campfire, responsible camping and 4WDing talks from DEECA and Four Wheel Drive Victoria, you'll be learning lots to help you get the most out of your next trip bush.

There will even be a display from Icom, so come down and learn all about their great range of products.

Come and chat about the benefits of joining a 4WD Club.

Keep an eye on our website for updates and use the link below to register.

Registration link. https://forms.office.com/r/9xW0GiF1xY

Have your say on how forests will be used in the future 🌳

The end of native timber harvesting opens up new ways to to improve how we manage our forests, balancing recreation and tourism use, while also protecting our environment and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination.

An Eminent Panel for Community Engagement is leading conversations with community about the future of the Central Highlands state forests.

You can take part by:
🗺 using maps to tell us why this part of the forest is important to you
✅ completing a short feedback form
🗣 Engaging with the panel at local community sessions
ℹ reading the background information.

For more information, please visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/central-highlands-forests

Planning a visit to Craig’s Hut? 🌄

🚧 Please note that a section of Circuit Road in the Mansfield State Forest, from Black Landing Track to the Circuit Road Picnic Area, will be closed from Monday, April 8 to Wednesday, 10 April for road works.

During the closure access to Craigs Hut will be via the southern side of Circuit Road only. All other roads and sites are open.

The closure is required to replace a culvert which will help protect the road surface and provide access to the community.

📋 For further information about road and track closures on public land please visit Forest and road closures (ffm.vic.gov.au)

📷 Victorian High Country Huts Association.

Mt Buller & Mt Stirling Alpine Resorts
Parks Victoria
Victorian High Country Huts Association
Mansfield Shire Council
Mansfield Visitor Information Centre
Mansfield Courier
Victoria's High Country
Four Wheel Drive Victoria

Forest Fire Management Victoria is continuing its planned burning program with a number of new ignitions across the region tomorrow, Friday April 5.

If weather and forest conditions are suitable, the following burns will be ignited:

🔥 Benalla, Reef Hills State Park – 150 hectares. New Ignition.
🔥 Fernvale, Mailman’s Gap – 646 hectares. New Ignition.
🔥 Koetong, Grandmothers Track – 217 hectares. New Ignition.

Firefighters will also continue to ignite and patrol the following burns:

🔥 Kancoona South, Gluepot Track West – 2586 hectares. Continued Ignition.
🔥 Beechworth, Lady Newtown Drive – 173 hectares. Continued Ignition.
🔥 Myrtleford Buffalo River, Joe Cook Road - 50 hectares. Continued Ignition.

📌 Leneva, Baranduda Range Track – 20 hectares. Patrol.

🚧 Traffic management and forest closures may be in place while works are completed. Heavy machinery and aircraft may also be in operation.

🚒 Firefighters will patrol burns until safe.

👉 You may see and smell smoke in areas surrounding the burns.

❗ If you experience symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, please seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found at www.epa.vic.gov.au

For more information on planned burns near you visit www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns

VicEmergency
VicEmergency - Hume
ABC Goulburn Murray
Towong Shire Council
Alpine Shire Council
Benalla Rural City Council

Four Wheel Drive Victoria have been informed that due to the recent following heavy rainfall in the Otway’s over last 24hours. Aire Crossing Campground and Youngs Creek Track will be closed until conditions improve.

Please check the following link to see up to date information.

Great Otway National Park Great Otway National Park stretches along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some o...

Four Wheel Drive Victoria have been informed by forest Fire Management Victoria of the following closure.
Grey River Road – Full closure between Kennett River and Benwerrin Mount Sabine Rd.
Dates: 4/3/2024 – 22/3/2024
Planned works: FFMVic will be working with contractors to stabilise 2 landslips, during this operation the road will be closed. It is anticipated that the works will take approximately 3 weeks to complete, however this is all weather dependent and the closure may be extended if required.

Following the severe storms that wreaked havoc across Melbourne last Tuesday, some forests and parks are closed while crews begin to assess damage and start the clean-up.

Having worked around the clock to support Victoria State Emergency Service in the clean-up of residential streets and main arterials, our crews are now focusing on the affected forests.

The following sites in Melbourne's east are currently closed:
❌ Wright Forest, Cockatoo
❌ Lysterfield Park, Lysterfield
❗ Bunyip State Park has areas with significant damage.

Working alongside forestry contractors, the priority is to re-establish safe access for firefighters and the community.

The danger from hazardous trees doesn’t end when the storm ends. Trees and branches will continue to fall for weeks to come, particularly with any strong wind.
As soon as we’re confident these parks and forests are safe to reopen we will do so.

For the latest info on these park closures please visit: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/coc-listing
Parks Victoria Oxfam Trailwalker Australia VicEmergency

ANNOUNCEMENT: Power supply to Lardner Park is ON and we are still going ahead this coming weekend. We are aware that many Victorian’s have been affected by the by power outages and fire and our thoughts are with them 🙏🏼

Are you in a 4WD Facebook Group?
Did you know that if someone is injured or killed on an organised 4WD trip the organisers could be legally liable? Most unlikely but who wants to be in that situation?
Social media groups do not offer any liability insurance so this is an important factor for both trip organizers and participants. Four Wheel Drive Victoria affiliated clubs all have this insurance protection.
Four Wheel Drive Victoria affiliated club insurances include-
• Combined Public and Products Liability Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Management Liability Insurance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance
We can assist members of social media groups either join a club or create a new club from their group. Many social media groups have recently formalized their club and become affiliated to ensure members are protected if something nasty happens and a legal incident occurs.
Four Wheel Drive Victoria are more than happy to come along and discuss these issues with your group at any time so if you are interested please check our website for how to get in contact with us.
www.4wdvictoria.org.au
Photo by Lucy Bonham from the Peninsula 4x4 Club