November1.2 MB - Bushwalking Victoria

Bushwalking News
Victoria November 2012
Camp for track maintenance weekend, Lighthouse Point, Wilsons Prom
Photo by Charlie Ablitt, Bushwalking Victoria Conservation & Track Maintenance Convener
Contributions
Email or post news, views, club
profiles, articles, photographs,
sketches and letters on any
subject of interest to bushwalkers
(subject to editorial approval) to:
editor@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
or
24 Moorhouse Street
Camberwell Victoria 3124
Deadline for the December edition:
Monday, 19 November 2012
The statements and opinions
expressed in articles are those of the
author and do not necessarily
represent the views or position of
Bushwalking Victoria.
Editor: Joslin Guest
Issue No. 231
Inside this issue...
Walking and Talking with the
Bushwalking Victoria President .......... 2
Odd Spot ............................................ 2
Around the Tracks .............................. 3
Australian Alps Walking Track &
Baw Baw Feeder Track Clearing ........ 4
Northern Wilson Prom Track
Maintenance — Images ..................... 5
2012-13 Bogong High Plains
Hawkweed Surveillance Volunteer
Program .............................................. 6
Reporting Sightings of Hawkweed ..... 6
Setopress Bandages for Snakebite
& Sprains ............................................ 6
Lacing Techniques for
Bushwalking Boots ............................. 7
Been Walking Survey ......................... 8
Where2walk........................................ 9
Associations Incorporations Act ......... 9
Emergency Markers ........................... 9
Funding for Warning Signage for
the Great Alpine Road ....................... 9
Federation Day 2012 ........................ 10
Who’s Who at BWV .......................... 12
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
WALKING AND TALKING WITH THE BUSHWALKING VICTORIA PRESIDENT
Critical Incident Response and
Recovery Guidelines
facilities and private homes and businesses. My wife and
I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights camped in the
Marysville Caravan Park, enabling us to have a good look
around, not just the town but nearby areas too. I was
particularly pleased to see that the facilities around
Steavenson Falls have been completely rebuilt and to see
that the floodlighting of the falls will be officially opened at
the end of October. I have many fond memories of
visiting the falls on various visits and know that they are
an important tourist attraction for the town.
It is an unfortunate fact that due to the
age demographic of many of our
members that at some point a club may
have to deal with a critical incident on a
club activity, such as a serious medical
condition or even the death of a club
member. A number of clubs have
already had to deal with such situations. One of the clubs
‒ Maroondah Bushwalking Club ‒ suggested that
Bushwalking Victoria develop guidelines to assist member
clubs to develop their own critical incident response and
recovery plans for dealing with such situations. Board
member Megan Major has done so.
Colin Rigg and his organising committee from Maroondah
did a fantastic job planning, organising and running the
event, and I am sure everyone that attended had an
enjoyable time. In coming weeks we hope to add the
walks to where2walk on the Bushwalking Victoria website,
and these walks will encourage more people to visit the
area and contribute to returning Marysville to its rightful
place as one of Victoria’s premier bushwalking
destinations.
The guidelines will enable clubs to augment their risk
management and emergency management procedures to
include response and recovery from a critical incident. The
guidelines can be modified to suit less serious emergency
situations.
Australian Alps Walking Track
Bushwalking Victoria has accepted an invitation to attend
a meeting of the Australian Alps Liaison Committee on 19
and 20 November. The meeting will involve staff from
Parks Victoria, NSW Parks and Wildlife, DSE and
community stakeholders, and will discuss management of
the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). Agenda items
include an update on the condition of the AAWT, plans for
facilities on/near the AAWT, review and suggest changes
to the 2008-2011 AAWT Strategy and experience the
AAWT through the eyes (and legs) of walkers.
A response and recovery plan will provide direction for
assisting members who may continue to be in shock,
distressed or traumatised as they recover from the
incident. Depending on the nature of the incident and the
relationships between the members involved, the time
taken to recover and the extent of recovery varies. Clubs
may better manage the recovery process if they are able to
suggest avenues of professional help for members
suffering post-traumatic stress or ongoing grief.
The draft guidelines are available on the Bushwalking
Victoria website. Clubs are invited to review the document
and provide feedback to Megan Major by 2 December
2012. Feedback will be incorporated into a final version to
be published early in 2013. The guidelines can be
downloaded using the following link: http://bit.ly/RJZFLO
I am happy to receive feedback on the AAWT including
suggestion for changes or improvements to take to the
meeting.
Chris Towers, President
2012 Federation Walk
ODD SPOT
On Sunday 14 October, I joined 340 bushwalkers from
more than 25 clubs at the 2012 Federation Walk at
Marysville, hosted by the Maroondah Bushwalking Club.
The cold and wet conditions of the previous week gave
way to perfect bushwalking weather, with clear sunny
skies, light winds and warm temperatures. Maroondah
offered a program of 20 walks, ranging from a leisurely and
easy 5km ramble to the rather more challenging Ridge
Track at the Cathedrals. Around 100 people also attended
the Saturday night BBQ at the Community Centre that was
very ably catered for by the local SES crew, who also
supervised parking arrangements on the Sunday morning.
See more on the Federation Walk on pages 10-11.
15 September 2012
Gaelic Day for Victorian Bushwalkers?
The VNPA scheduled a walk to Scotchman's Creek,
Essendon Bushwalking Club had one
to the Welsh Village, and the
Melbourne Women's Walking Club
was off to Irishtown.
Pamela Lloyd,
Melbourne Women's Walking Club
This was my fourth visit to Marysville since the devastation
of the 2009 Black Saturday fires and it was pleasing to see
that the scars wrought by them are gradually being
softened, both by nature and by rebuilding of community
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Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
AROUND THE TRACKS
Wilsons Prom, report By Ian McKellar
Were no track closed signs, but the workmen informed me
that the track was indeed closed.
The following tracks and roads are scheduled to re-open
by 21 December:
 Loo Errn boardwalk
 Whisky Bay beach access track and car park
 Cotters Lake walking track and car park
 Mt Oberon Road
 Mt Oberon summit walk.
Checking on the Net revealed the AAWT was closed from
Walhalla to the Thompson Road; and the Mt Erica Road
was also closed to vehicular traffic, cutting off access to
the AAWT, Mushroom Rocks area and Mt Erica.
The extent of damage on Firebreak Track had not yet
been assessed. Rangers expect the upper elevations of
the plateau to be untouched as being in an alpine
environment the trees are used to high winds. However,
Ranger-in-Charge Andrew Gillham expected the area
around Stronachs Camp to have suffered wind damage.
Bookings are now being accepted for accommodation at
the lighthouse cottages, mainly at weekends but by
December they will be available full time.
Work is taking place on the Sealers Cove track east of
Ferny Glade. Ferny Glade itself still needs major
engineering work, such as bridges, so the whole track will
not be re-opened before Easter 2013.
Before setting out on any walking trip it is always advisable
to check the Parks Victoria or DSE websites for the latest
information on track conditions.
Mts Cole/ Buangor/ Langhi Ghiran Area, report by
John Petheram
Major boardwalk construction on the Waterloo Bay track
is scheduled to commence in March 2013. The track will
remain open to walkers during the reconstruction.
All Parks Victoria trails are now open in the area, except
the Buckatillable Track from Cave Hill to Fern Tree picnic
area. Nevertheless, as many trails in this area are in the
Sate Forest, their condition needs to be checked with
DSE, not Parks Victoria, before use. The 18km Beeripmo
Walk, which is open, passes through areas which are both
a Park and State Forest, but the walk is the responsibility
of DSE.
Parks Victoria has announced that voluntary staff
reductions will reduce the total staff at the Prom by about
10%. The redundancies will not include rangers.
Alps 2, report by Jim Harker
McKillops Bridge
 In June, Parks Victoria completed a program to
eliminate the feral goat population at McKillops Bridge.
 Moroka Hut has been repaired following damage
caused by vandalism.
Four members of Ballarat Bushwalkers met on site with
the regional warden and two local staff on 4 October to
discuss the future Buckatillable Track, which remains
closed and in very bad shape since the 2011 fires. Parks
Victoria would like to permanently close it because of low
use, steep and dangerous sections (chains across rock
faces) overgrown sections; and because of their own low
staff numbers. Unfortunately high winds in the forest of
dead trees stopped us from viewing the worst section.
Another meeting is being arranged.
The Ballarat
Bushwalkers have offered assistance to clear the track
past the section from Middle Creek to Cave Hill, where
they have already worked. But given declining Parks
Victoria staff numbers and other impediments, it may be a
battle to re-open the track.
Strategic Plan
The Australian Alps National Parks Strategic Plan for
2012-15 has been released and can be downloaded from
http://www.australianalps.environment.gov.au/publications
/alps-program/strat-plan-12-15.html
Baw Baw, report by Eileen Laidlaw
The tracks in the Baw Baw National Park and Walhalla
Historic Area suffered a lot of damage from the terrible
windstorm that swept through the area in early September
and consequently clearing the damage is a significant
project.
Powelltown Region, a report by Joy Harte (Area Coordinator DSE Walking Trails Project)
At the time of writing the AAWT was closed from Walhalla
to the Thompson Valley Road. When I walked the track in
this area I encountered trees down all over the place.
Parks Victoria had a track closed sign at the junction of the
Mormon Town Track and the AAWT heading north to
Poverty Point. At this junction I encountered contractors
with a small excavator who were clearing away storm
debris. Walking up the Mormon Town Track there were
too many fallen trees to count. After I had dropped down
to Walhalla I found workmen clearing the track between
the Long Tunnel Mine and the Rotunda in the town centre.
Heading back to Thompson station via the AAWT, there
We have recently been informed that the Walking Trails
Project has been cancelled as due to State Government
budget cuts. As you can imagine we are extremely
disappointed that we will not be able to fulfil the plans we
had made, especially for the Walk into History. Our plan of
producing historical interpretation to our walking track sites
will not proceed as it is longer funded.
We put forward our concerns that we had already
allocated contracts to several small businesses and,
fortunately, we will be able to honour these contracts,
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Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
some steps on the Thornton Track. BEC has surveyed
and measured the track and Parks Victoria has agreed
to supply the materials and convey to the site. The
date of the work is yet to be decided.
which will enable us to at least finish some of the jobs we
have started. And at the very least we would like to still
work closely with our community groups and hope we will
be able to find alternative ways of completing some of
these tasks.
 Alpine National Park
The date for the track work in the East Alps’ has been
set for 25-28 January, Venue is yet to be selected.
Track Maintenance Reports
ALPs
 Other projects
BEC has been contacted regarding undertaking track
work on the Grand Strzelecki track and the Walk into
History, but to date there is no firm proposal.
In May, Parks Victoria undertook track maintenance in the
area near Viking Saddle.
 3km of regrowth cleared between Viking Saddle and
Razor Ridge
Conservation Projects
 2km section of Viking Ridge towards Barry's Saddle
26-28 Jan 2013 (Australia Day long weekend) This is
the willow eradication weekend at Falls Creek. Max 30
volunteers. Accommodation at a lodge at Falls Creek.
Saturday night BBQ.
Register you interest at
conservation@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
has been cleared
 1.5km section of heavy scrub cut back from Catherine
Saddle up to Mt Despair
 6.5km section from Catherine Saddle towards Viking
Saddle was cleared and marked.
David Rimmer, Manager BEC
Northern Wilsons Prom
On 23 September, 13 Bushwalking Victoria volunteers
completed clearing of the track from Lighthouse Point to
Chinaman Long Beach; they also removed some recently
fallen trees from the track between Tin Mine Cove and
Chinaman Long Beach. Their hard work is gratefully
appreciated. This means the northern loop track can now
be used although the campsite to replace Johnny Souey is
yet to be constructed. The former site should not be used.
AUSTRALIAN ALPS WALKING TRACK
& BAW BAW FEEDER TRACK
CLEARING
From Ben Robertson, Ranger-in-Charge:
Thanks for your efforts over the weekend, they are
very much appreciated. Please pass on my thanks to
all who were involved in the weekend and also to
Bushwalking Victoria. The northern circuit has not
been open since March, 2011 and will now (subject to
a PV Inspection) be able to be reopened.
Bushwalking clubs and individuals are invited to join local
Parks Victoria staff, Friends of Baw Baw National Park and
the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club for a 4-day track clearing
activity on the Baw Baw Plateau (Baw Baw National Park)
between Friday 15 and Monday 18 February 2013.
The activity will focus on clearing the walking track network
between Jeep Track Flat and the Baw Baw Alpine Resort,
including a section of the AAWT across Mt St Phillack.
This will further enhance walking opportunities in Baw Baw
National Park following the completion of track works in
the remote Mt Whitelaw area of the park in 2012.
See page 5 or images.
Track Maintenance Projects
Yarra Ranges: Condons Track
Parks Victoria will establish a Base Camp for this activity
at Jeep Track Flat, from early Friday 18th February 2013.
Access to the base camp is via the St Gwinear car park or
Baw Baw Village. Parks Victoria will supply fresh fruit,
general consumables, energy food and all evening meals
for participants who register. Ample water will also be
available at Base camp. Volunteers will need to bring
camping gear, sturdy footwear and wet weather clothing.
2 Dec A snip and walk exercise. Contact Charlie Ablitt at
conservation@bushwalkingvictoria,org.au for more
information and to register interest in attending.
Possible track maintenance projects
 Bunyip State Park: Bench Rest Track
Half-day job for 10 or 11 Nov to define entrance and
clear debris off the first half kilometre of the track.
Contact Charlie Ablitt or Dave Rimmer for more
information.
Participants are welcome for whatever time they can spare
and there will be a variety of tasks to complete from very
easy to arduous. All safety gear will be provided by Parks
Victoria.
 Freemans Mill track
Possible work on this in March-April after Parks
Victoria clear the Northern section of the track.
For further information, or to register your interest in this
activity, please contact the Parks Victoria Latrobe Rangerin-Charge Andy Gillham on 5172 2186 or, Mob
0428 333 464.
 Kurth Kiln
BEC has submitted a plan to Parks Victoria to build
4
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
NORTHERN WILSON PROM TRACK MAINTENANCE — IMAGES
Photos by Charlie Ablitt and Dave Rimmer
5
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
2012-13 BOGONG HIGH PLAINS
HAWKWEED SURVEILLANCE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Help needed to protect Australia’s biodiversity from Hawkweeds on the Bogong High Plains.
Native to Europe, Hawkweeds have recently become established on mainland Australia. Posing a serious threat to
Australian biodiversity and the structure of natural communities, it is imperative that the incursion is eradicated before it’s
too late.
Hawkweeds spread quickly via runners and roots forming dense mats, inhibiting and out-competing native vegetation. In
grassy ecosystems like the High Plains, dense patches of the weeds dominate the spaces between grass tussocks that are
vital for the survival and recruitment of native flora and fauna.
Survey sessions will be conducted during the active flowering period. Most sessions will be five days long, the session
between Christmas and New Year will be four days. Attendance for a full session is preferred but is not essential.
Accommodation will be provided at Falls Creek. Transport will be provided to survey areas each day.
The surveys for 2012/2013 season will be held as follows:
Session 1: Monday the 10th – Friday the 14th of December
Session 2: Monday the 17th – Friday the 21st of December
Session 3: Thursday the 27th – Sunday the 30th of December
Session 4: Monday the 7th – Friday the 11th of January
Session 5: Monday the 14th – Friday the 18th of January
For more information or to express your interest in the program, please
contact:
Keith Primrose
hawkweed@parks.vic.gov.au
Mobile: 0428 508 299
Mt. Beauty Parks Victoria Office: (03) 5754 4693
Orange hawkweed flower. photo: Mark Imhof, DPI
REPORTING SIGHTINGS OF HAWKWEED
As well, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is asking bushwalkers in Alpine areas, particularly around Falls Creek
and Mt Buller, to keep an eye out for suspect orange or yellow Hawkweed flowers and report the details of any sightings to
Weed.Spotter@dpi.vic.gov.au
Do not pull out the plants yourself. Not all that looks like Hawkweed is Hawkweed.
SETOPRESS BANDAGES FOR SNAKEBITE & SPRAINS
A bandage that is designed to regulate venous drainage
was much more effective. The Setopress Bandage which
was demonstrated has a number of advantages. Primarily
it is wider (10cm) and longer (3.5M) than most crepe or
elastic bandages. This will allow a single bandage to reach
the knee or armpit, and two to reach the groin.
As Australian snake venom is carried in the lymphatic
system, the first aid treatment is to use a pressure
bandage to wrap the bitten limb from fingers to armpit or
toes to groin. Immobilise the limb, and transport the
patient to care. Do not allow them to walk out.
Many of us carry a crepe bandage or, even better, an
elastic Ace bandage to do this. However, on the [recent]
Training Weekend many members were a little surprised
when they attempted to use these to apply first aid. The
crepe bandages were essentially useless. Even with two
of the heavier elastic bandages, it was impossible to wrap
higher than just above the knee.
To regulate the tightness (and therefore effective pressure) the bandage has a continuous series of green and
brown rectangles printed along it's length. As the bandage
is stretched, the green rectangles become squares. Increase the tension, and the brown rectangles become
squares. At this tension lymphatic return is minimised,
controlling flow of venom to the body.
The bandage sometimes started to slip off straight away,
and if it stayed up there was no way to tell if it was firm
enough or too tight. (Blue toes or decreased venous return
indicate that it is too tight, but it is then necessary to
unwrap the bandage and start again, allowing a surge of
venom into the body.)
The brown indicators are the ones you should use for
treating a snakebite. When the brown indicators become
squares (the maximum pressure) lymphatic return should
be minimised reducing the circulation of any venom.
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Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
LACING TECHNICQUES FOR
BUSHWALKING BOOTS
The squares are printed off centre to assist in providing a
controlled wrap of half width overlap at each turn, by
covering the visible squares at each wrap. This half width
overlap is required to provide correct pressure, and
also to prevent the bandage causing a tourniquet effect.
Finally, the bandage is textured, which helps to prevent it
slipping down a conical thigh or calf, which would
immediately reduce the pressure and effectiveness of the
bandage.
There are dozens of ways of lacing boots to maximise
comfort. No single technique suits everyone. But all the
methods have the same objective: to stop the foot from
moving around inside the boot.. Here are some sites worth
visiting to explore lacing techniques. The list is neither
comprehensive nor necessarily the best.
For gram counters, the weight is 59g.
Lacing cannot compensate for having a badly fitting boot .
So starting off with the right boot with the right fitting is the
best way to ensure foot comfort. So first, here are some
boot sites.
This technology doesn't come cheap, at around $19.00
each. However, they are designed to be washed and
reused. They are
at
least
as
effective for other
injuries such as a
sprained ankle or
twisted knee and
can be used over
a pad to control
bleeding
or
a l l e v i a t e
something like a
cracked rib, so
they can replace
crepe and elastic bandages in your first aid kit.
Boots
Australian Hats: Choosing and Caring for Hiking
Boots: Explains all the components and materials of a
bushwalking boot.
http://www.australianhats.com.au/choosing-caring-hikingboots-a-11.html
Schellsadmin: How to Select Hiking Boots. A good
video that discusses the type of boot suited to day walks vs
pack carries; the virtues of low, medium and high cut;
waterproof vs non-waterproof etc; and that no one brand is
necessarily the best brand; & the importance of breaking in
the boot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctjg1Ma6J7U&feature=re
lated
My rationale is that if someone is bandaging ME for a
snakebite, I'll consider it money well spent. (And if I'm
bandaging someone else who only has a crepe bandage
with them, I'll send them the bill!!) They are often difficult
and/or more expensive to get at your local pharmacy, so
there are two online suppliers who I have purchased from.
Outdoorsirland: What to Look for with Hiking Boot
This video concentrates on boots for wet walking,
explaining how the different components of the boot work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOWjnQ2BCKA&feature
=related
Independence Australia have a website at
http://www.independenceaustralia.com or phone 1300 788
855. Their product code is 23290110. Service and supply
has been consistently excellent. Shipping is included in the
price.
REI Shop site: General discussion.
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html
Hiking with Chuck: All sorts of information about boots,
including care.
http://www.hikingwithchuck.com/gear/HikingBootsMain.htm
Home Pharmacy have a website at
http://www.homepharmacy.com.au/home/ or phone 1800
333 878. Their product code is 387959. Their prices are
lower, but don't include postage unless ordering over $150
which may be viable for a club. Supply has been a little
inconsistent, but service is good and they have
backordered in the past.
Lacing videos:
Hiking Lady: The video showed a technique for lacing
boots to prevent blisters on the heel
http://hikinglady.com/hiking/how-to-lace-hiking-boots-toprevent-heel-blisters/
Rod Lawlor, alpineSAR Victoria
Backcountry Edge: How to Lace a Hiking Boot for
Better Fit: This video shows 2 different techniques; one for
lacing boots to prevent the foot from sliding forward (useful
for people whose boots are a bit too long or a bit too
short); the second for taking into account feet with high
insteps or large volume.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOE28brAcEc
This article was originally published in the Behind The Log
newsletter, Issue 31, June 2010
Updated 3 September 2012
Note: The article was also previously reprinted in
Bushwalking News Victoria, and is now included again to
include the update.
(Editor)
Your camino: Bootlacing: This video showed another
technique for lacing boots to stop the foot from moving
around in the boot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77IMWQptJI&feature=
Source: http://www.bsar.org/
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Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
WWeW is for anyone who bushwalks, so we also want as
many non-club bushwalkers as possible complete the
survey too, so please promote WWeW as widely as
possible.
Been Walking?
Tell us about your bushwalks by completing our short
survey.
Great prizes to be won
Win Great Prizes
www.wherewewalk.org.au (WWeW) is an initiative of
Bushwalking Victoria to collect data on bushwalking.
We have a great range of prizes to offer people who enter
their walks on WWeW.
Why is Bushwalking Victoria doing this?
Bushwalking Victoria is keen to obtain data on
bushwalking participation because at present there is no
systematic collection of information of this nature. This
lack of data compromises Bushwalking Victoria’s ability to
advocate for better bushwalking — e.g. protection of
walking areas, maintenance and improvement of walking
tracks and other infrastructure used by all bushwalkers. It
also makes it more difficult to advocate for government
funding to support bushwalking, including clubs.
Winners will be drawn randomly from all those who
contribute to WhereWeWalk and will be awarded weekly
from October until May 2013. Bushwalking clubs are also
eligible for the prizes and should a club be successful the
prize will be sent to the club which can then decide how
the prize is to be allocated within the club.
MAJOR PRIZE
A $400 Snowgum Caddis tent. This prize will be awarded
on 31 May with all participants eligible to win.
WEEKLY PRIZES
It is vital that all our member clubs support this initiative by
completing the survey for each club walk. Sport and
Recreation Victoria (SRV) has now made it a condition of
our funding that we provide member participation
information every six months. Not doing so jeopardises
this funding, which for the current year amounts to
$25,000, or around $4 per club member. Put another way,
if we lose this funding, to continue our current work would
require BWV to increase the membership fee by $4pa.
A range of prizes are on offer and will be varied from week
to week:
 Backpacks and water bottles (supplied by
Snowgum). Valued at $70.
 Items of Lowe clothing e.g. short sleeve tops or shell
jackets (supplied by Bogong Equipment). Value
varies with item types.
 Vouchers (supplied by Ajays Snow Country Sports
and Eastern Mountain Centre). Valued at $50.
 Head torches - latest release of Petzl Tikka2Plus
which has a battery life of 140 hours, 3 modes plus a
red light mode. Valued at $74.
 Steripen Emergency Handheld UV water purifier - a
recent release that provides a light and compact way
of destroying 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and
protozoa. Valued at $70.
 Powermonkey Discovery Charger valued at $90. This
battery stores power which can be used when walking
or travelling to recharge most mobile phones, iPods,
MP3/MP4/MP5 players and games consoles. Weighs
107g.
The Survey
WWeW is a quick and simple online survey for all people
who bushwalk to record basic details for each and every
bushwalk they undertake, such as date, location, specific
walk completed, distance and duration of walk and how
many people were in the group. Walkers can also provide
comments such as how they enjoyed the walk and any
problems they experienced along the track (overgrown,
bridges down, signs missing or damaged etc).
Suggestions for improvements or changes to the walking
tracks will be passed on to the relevant land manager —
i.e. Parks Victoria or the Department of Sustainability.
As an alternative to using the online survey, clubs also
have the option of using an Excel spreadsheet to record
the required details which can then be emailed to BWV.
Walks reported using the spreadsheet will be included in
the prize draw. The spreadsheet can be downloaded from
the BWV site using the following link.
http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/files/wherewewalkfo
rm.xls
Bushwalking Victoria gratefully acknowledges the
generous contributions from our commercial and
government sponsors for WWeW.
Chris Towers, President, Bushwalking Victoria
8
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
WHERE2WALK
EMERGENCY MARKERS
Add your favourite club walks
to Bushwalking Victoria’s
Online Walks Library
Emergency Markers are designed to pinpoint your exact
location during an emergency in public open spaces or a
hard to define locality.
Currently more than 1,000 Emergency Markers have been
installed throughout Melbourne and rural Victoria. Some
are stand-alone markers; others are incorporated in other
types of signage. There are plans to install more
emergency markers.
www.where2walk.org.au, Bushwalking Victoria's online
library of bushwalks already has more than 150 walks
from across Victoria available for download. While this is
already an excellent resource for clubs and all who bushwalk, it is just the start.
The combined membership of our 64 clubs have unequalled knowledge and experience of Victoria's bushwalking opportunities, and where2walk provides an opportunity
to share this knowledge with all who bushwalk and at the
same time increase the profile and reputation of our member clubs and Bushwalking Victoria.
Many clubs will have favourite walks they could contribute
and clubs in regional areas are ideally placed to share
their expert local knowledge to contribute walks from their
local area which may not be widely known. Including such
walks on where2walk could therefore benefit not only
other bushwalkers but also the local economy by attracting visitors.
To obtain a list where Emergency Markers are located in
Victoria:
It is likely that clubs will already have many of the required
walk details, minimising the effort/workload required, and
in any case walks can be submitted at any time. To submit a walk for inclusion on where2walk, download and
complete the following form from the BWV web site. All
walks accepted for publication will be fully attributed to the
club that provides the details.
 To view the locations in satellite view, click the
Emergency Marker Google Earth Map file
(Note:. To read this fill, you need to have the latest
version of Google Earth installed.)
 To see a list of the markers as a spreadsheet, use the
Marker Details file
ESTA (the Emergency Services Telecommunications
Authority) is continuing to work at securing support for the
development of a National Standard for Emergency
Markers. This will ensure that there is a consistent
standard and methodology across Australia.
http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/files/
where2walkform.doc
With the cooperation of member clubs it should be possible over time to build the number of walks available on
where2walk to several hundred.
Source:
http://www.esta.vic.gov.au/Our+Role/Our+Services/Emerg
ency+Markers
Chris Towers, President, Bushwalking Victoria
ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION
REFORM ACT
FUNDING FOR WARNING SIGNAGE
FOR THE GREAT ALPINE ROAD
Don’t forget that the Associations Incorporation Reform
Act 2012 and associated regulations will commence on
26 November. The Act replaces the Associations
Incorporation Act 1981.
$120,000 has been allocated for new electronic road
signage on the Great Alpine Road near Myrtleford. The
works to install the sign will commence shortly with
implementation expected by mid 2013. The signage will
provide real time information on traffic conditions at the
northern entrance to the Great Alpine Road — e.g.
potential delays, traffic hazards and diversions, speed
restrictions, road works and even alternate routes.
Make sure your club is notified of the changes by
ensuring Consumer Affairs Victoria has your club's
current details - including those of your public officer
(secretary). For more information and to update your club
details go to http://tinyurl.com/8l8l2av
BWV received updated information on the changes from
Consumer Affairs dated 30 October. This information is
available on the BWV web site at
http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/compliance.html
Bill Sykes, Member for Benalla
From a media release 11 October 2012
9
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
FEDERATION DAY 2012
Our Federation Walk event on 14 October 2012 was a great success. Colin Rigg and his team burnt special incense sticks
the night before, which caused the snow to melt and the sun to shine all day. Parking was well coordinated by the
Marysville SES, the Bakery was serving all manner of hot breakfasts for the early arrivals and the registration team handed
out name badges and walk booklets like they had been doing this at events for years and years. Returning to Marysville
Community Centre at the end of each walk, everyone was served coffee, tea or a cold beverage and cakes created for us
by Christine Doos from the Marysville Patisserie.
Kim Rea, President, Maroondah Bushwalking Club
On Sunday 14 October, 340 registered bushwalkers and visitors from all parts of Victoria walked in beautiful sunshine,
enjoyed a variety of walks, 20 in total, then to be greeted with a magnificent afternoon tea provided by Christine from the
Patisserie at the conclusion of the walks.
On Saturday evening the SES provided a fantastic
BBQ for 105 guests with seconds and thirds; the
parking for 140 cars on Sunday went without a hitch.
Last minute walk changes were fulfilled and Bruce on
the loud hailer had everyone snapping to attention.
I looked on with admiration as our wonderful walk
leaders and whips gathered the circles for the walk
briefings knowing that they would all be returned
safely. Up front three fantastic and lovely bushie girls
were completing the registrations topped off by our
super dynamic treasurer handling late entries.
To have everyone back safely, smiles on faces,
chatting over a cuppa and cake, making new
acquaintances or catching up with friends gave me a
warm feeling and a smile on my face.
A welcoming smile from Deidre and Peg
In the kitchen, under Christine’s direction, we were pouring tea and coffee, washing dishes, plating delicious cakes. Our
bushies gave it their all.
I have received many emails thanking our club. One commented
that as everything went so smoothly it can only be the result of
detailed planning. That certainly was the case. The committee did
put in over the last 17 months and all the work, frustrations and
deliberations did make Sunday so worthwhile.
A thank-you must also go to our club committee for placing [its] faith
and trust in [the organising subcommittee] and for not placing
roadblocks along the way.
I have thanked all those responsible [and] will close with the
comment, “I am so
proud to be a
MBWC member.”
Colin Rigg,
Maroondah
Bushwalking Club
Footnotes,
Vol 32 No 10,
November 2012
Photos:
Jan Shaddick,
Kim Rea &
Hazel Ramsden
10
A reminder of what could have been—this was Lake
Mountain only 4 days before!
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
90 Years of the
Melbourne Women’s
Walking Club
The Melbourne Women’s Walking Club
has published “Wayfaring”, the Journal
of the Melbourne Women’s Walking
Club 90th Anniversary Issue 2012.
This entertaining book should be of
interest to anyone interested in the
history of bushwalking in Victoria. Well
done compilers and contributors to the
book. And of course members. Here’s
to the next 90 years!
You can obtain a copy of the book from
Beryl Haile at beryl.haile@bigpond.com
or by phoning 9889 1727. The cost is
$10.
Top & right:
Woods Lookout Walk, photos by Peter Naughtin, Catholic Walking Club Victoria
bottom:
Keppels Hut Walk, photos by Chris Ashe, Boroondara Bushwalkers
Bushwalking News Victoria
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11
Bushwalking News Victoria
November 2012
Who’s Who at Bushwalking Victoria
Reg No A0002548Y ABN 88 344 633 037
Standing committees (cont)
Conservation and Track Maintenance Project Officer:
Charlie Ablitt
conservation@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Office
Administration Officer: Jenny Sykes
PO Box 1007 Templestowe Vic 3106
Phone: 8846 4131 Fax: 9846 7473
admin@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Office Hours: 9.30-3.30
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Office Bearers
Specialist Officers
President:
Chris Towers
president@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
9802 4449
Skype: ec.towers
Vice President:
Tony Walker
vp@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Secretary
Fred Bover
secretary@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Assistant Secretary
(Vacant)
as@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Treasurer:
Val Wake
treasurer@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
General Board Members
Megan Major
David Reid
Terry Sydes
John Creaser
megan@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
david@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
terry@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
john@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Standing Committees
Bush Search and Rescue Victoria: Peter Campbell
convener@bsar.org
Manager Bushwalking Environment:
Dave Rimmer
tracks@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
0458 998 872
Insurance:
insurance@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Publications and News Editor:
Joslin Guest
editor@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Federation Walks Coordinator
Sylvia McLean
sylvia@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Consultants
Strategy Consultant:
Elaine Towers
strategy@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
Honorary Auditor and Accounting Consultant:
Stephen Skaleskog
Land Management Submissions:
Phil Brotchie
land@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au
5356 2459
Representatives on Other Organisations
Bushwalking Australia:
Victorian Delegate:
Chris Towers
Victorian Deputy Delegate:
David Reid
Please contact via the office
Organisations where BWV Members
Provide a Bushwalking Perspective
Grampians Peak Trail Task Force:
Phil Brotchie
Outdoor Recreation Centre Committee of Management:
Chris Towers
Living Links Steering Committee:
Tony Walker
Bushwalking News
Victoria
If undeliverable
please return to
Bushwalking Victoria Inc.
PO Box 1007
Templestowe 3106
Victoria
12