Newsletter of the ESSENDON BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. A5559B

It was time. Essendon Bushwalking Club had not organised a Leadership Training weekend since 1998, and the outstanding success of that weekend can be judged by the exceptionally high quality of the leaders it generated. This included the current President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. In the ensuing four years, however, several members of our enthusiastic, dedicated (and sometimes strangely eccentric) band of leaders had reduced their commitment, and some had withdrawn from leadership altogether. It was time for the introduction of new leadership blood. The man who made it happen in 2002 was John Atkinson.

John was aided by an experienced group of helpers who assembled at the old Fryerstown school house on the weekend of September 14 and 15. A huge vote of thanks goes to John and everyone involved (and thanks also to those who helped to get John McRae's football off the school house roof). The new walks program enclosed in this edition of Old Man Emu contains several activities contributed by the new blood. Please consider what's on offer and talk with the leaders to discover where their walks will go and the level of ease or difficulty. They've all promised to be honest (but we don't actually have this in writing, so you'll have to trust them).

With the arrival of summer comes the essential need to be vigilant with respect to some additional factors while bushwalking. They include dehydration, bushfires, and snakes.

High temperatures combined with physical exertion will increase your water requirements. You may be unaware that fluid lost through perspiration is not being replaced. You may not feel thirsty, or thirsty enough to realise that your body is becoming dehydrated. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include feelings of weakness, headache, shortness of breath, and (a nice obvious one) your urine becomes a darker yellow colour and there's less of it. The solution to avoid the debilitating effects of dehydration is to drink plenty of water at regular intervals.

Bushfires are another major factor to consider in summer. They were destroying property in New South Wales back in October, which must act as a sobering reminder of their sudden and destructive nature. Please respect the weather warnings given by the Bureau of Meteorology when planning expeditions into the bush, and please recognise that fire bans may result in leaders modifying or cancelling scheduled activities.

Snakes (no, not the multi-coloured jelly ones we consume on walks to restore blood sugar levels) are already active and can be encountered in suburban habitats as well as the bush. No one who attended the September club meeting will forget the presentation given by John Atkinson on the correct treatment for snake-bite victims. It was both informative and entertaining (John, you're a star) and was aided by a practical demonstration on a willing volunteer (thank you Wayne Coleman; the umbrella was meant to be an improvised leg splint and not the potential source of an embarrassing injury, John did know what he was doing). Last January, one of our members received a snake bite during a club walk. While fortunate to escape without major injection of venom, she still suffered illness and discomfort, and some remnant effects from the bite still persist. Please take care.

Finally, the Club constitution is currently under review. While the intent of the document is being respected, a review has become necessary in order to recognise dissolution of the Memorial Education Fund. We must also comply with recent privacy legislation and deal with constraints imposed upon us by changes in insurance. The people guiding this review are Keith Hart, Nicole Lowe and Carmel Roads. If you have any interest in the review, please talk with one of these people. Of course, nothing can be altered without democratic process and members will be notified when the proposed changes are to be presented for consideration.

Now, if you'd like to finish off 2002 with a five-day coastal pack walk in Croajingolong National Park, East Gippsland, with some interesting river crossings.

Trust me, I'm a leader.

It’s the ‘choc-a-bloc’ issue! Well done everybody!

Articles can be sent to Chris Jarvis, E-mail: cjjarvis@labyrinth.net.au

Photographs, including scanned or digital photos, are most welcome. The ‘Ideal’ Cover Photo (space permitting)? Identifiable club members somewhere significant, such as a mountain top or place of interest. Good B&W contrast is helpful.

Editor

The Great Dividing Trail Association held its 10^th anniversary on Sunday 27th of October.

As some people in our club might remember a few years ago on Bill's ‘Marathon’, we walked along part of the Federation Track at the old Wombat Railway Station & cutting. We started a guided 3km walk through the Wombat State Forest, from the main Daylesford - Ballan Road at 9am, and held the ceremony at 11am at the New Rotunda at the Wombat Railway Station site. There was plenty of cake to be eaten as well as reflecting on the achievement. Essendon Bushwalking & GDTA members Neil Campbell, Bill Casey and Laurie Charleston were present at the ceremony. GDTA President Barry Golding congratulated Essendon Bushwalking Club on acknowledging the achievement. On behalf of myself and other Essendon & GDTA members, I would like to send a special thank you to Darren McClelland, the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs, and members of the Essendon Bushwalking Club.

(Anonymous)

Congratulations Darren on the success of your first walk as a Walk Leader. On Saturday 5th October 13 walkers (11 women and only one brave man to support Darren) headed off to Moliagul in Central Victoria. Being a long trip, Darren had made prior arrangements with a restaurant in Castlemaine for us to have a late breakfast, or early morning tea for some. A novel experience breakfast alfresco on the roof top dining area. The weather was pleasant with the only hill climb of the day being PRIOR TO LUNCH! We enjoyed the views from Mt. Moliagul whilst eating lunch, then an easy walk back to the village of Moliagul for a visit to the pub before the long drive home.

Well done Darren

"Happy Walkers"

Sunday October 27

By John McRae

I’ve been on many day walks before, but none like this! The walk was conducted on a private property known as Yarra Grange, just beyond Coldstream. An annual event to raise funds for the local CFA, this was the first time I had been on the walk (among many others, a party of several Essendon members attended, expertly organised by Nicole).

The start of the walk commenced from the picturesque two-story homestead which was set amongst an exquisite garden, rolling lawns, complete with in-ground pool, and shaded by exotic trees. Before setting off guests were able to help themselves to a cuppa from the sun room at the bottom of the homestead. Tea, coffee, cream and short bread biscuits were laid on buffet style, and milk which clearly had come straight from one of the property’s cows and not from a carton!

Off we set with our diagram of the route. Soon we came across an interesting wetland where the fish were jumping for joy! Not long after we came across a portable loo, christened Bogalong Lodge, which was conveniently situated. These people think of everything! Not long after we approached a clearing beside the Yarra where billy tea was served (together with cream bikkies and shortbreads, of course!). Seating was on bales of hay which had been arranged around the campfire. If only all morning tea breaks were like this!

After morning tea, some kilometers further on, we came across Di’s Drink Stop, so named after the lady who had been manning the stop for the last nine years. There we were able to partake of lemon barley cordial with cool water, and a convivial chat with Di and her gang! The final leg of the walk was over lush pastures with views of rolling hills. Back at the homestead we were treated to a wonderful BBQ which we ate while sitting on our chairs on the lawn, with magnificent views of the Yarra valley. With the sun out, and hardly a cloud in the sky, this was very pleasant indeed. A pleasant time was had by all, and I would recommend this walk for future years.

Darren McLelland

Saturday 4th January Medium

"So vast, so remote, yet so close to the city!" (Victoria’s National Parks Explorers’ Guide). You’ve heard all about this Bunyip in Federation reports at meetings. Now here’s a rare opportunity to learn what all the fuss is about. We’ll take a circuit walk from Mortimer’s Picnic Ground among tall shady trees. Expect quite a few ups and downs on mostly formed tracks, and bring lots of drinking water.

Neil Campbell

Sunday 5th January, 14km Easy

This walk is an ideal way to start off the New Year with a nice Easy walk along the Maribyrnong River, starting from the Visitor’s Centre Car Park, and following the Bike Path towards Avondale Heights. We will also walk underneath the huge Railway Bridge, which runs across the Maribyrnong River as well. From there we will find a nice spot for lunch along the River. After lunch we will checkout the panoramic view of the city & skyline from a lookout near Lily Street in Essendon. From here we will then head towards our destination for a well-deserved drink at the Angler’s Tavern.

Darren McLelland

Saturday 11th January

"The Loop offers gentler riding for the mountain bike novices. It is mountain biking however, so expect some climbing and some great downhills." (BV News, April 2002). We’ll do this park-approved 11.5km loop twice at a gentle pace, just to make sure we get it right. It should be a good introduction to mountain biking in preparation for a trip to the Otways later this year. Hybrid or mountain bikes only please.

Neil Campbell

Saturday 18th January

16km Easy / Medium

Due to the success of this walk last year, I’ve decided it was about time we went on this walk again, through the delightful Otway Ranges. On this walk we will see quite a difference in terrain & scenery along the way. We will start the walk from the Distillery Creek Car Park and head towards the Painkalac Dam, (which is the main water supply to the area), as we head towards our lunch spot at a beautiful picnic ground at Mogg’s Creek. After lunch we will continue to walk through the bush, and come out towards the beach at Fairhaven. We will then walk along the beach, back to Airie’s Inlet Lighthouse, where a car shuffle will be awaiting for drivers to transport back to their cars.

John McRae

January 18/19, 22km Easy / Medium

This walk, not far from Mt Buller, is in one of the state’s most popular outdoor areas. Mt Stirling is one of the state’s most popular cross country skiing areas. Our destination, where we will camp overnight, is Craig’s Hut, a hut built for the Man from Snowy River movies.

We will set off on Saturday morning, have lunch in Mansfield, and make our way to Telephone Box Junction, which is the hub of Mt Stirling’s cross country ski operations. It is 42km from Mansfield. After a look at Razorback hut, we commence a steady climb (500 meters) to the top of Mt Stirling. Mt Stirling has expansive views, including the Mt Buller ski village. From there it is a flat 4km to Craig’s Hut.

We will need to take our own water, as being summer, there is no reliable water up there. You will also need to take warm clothing, including thermal garments (it is an alpine environment, and it could turn cold. In any event, summer nights in this area are often in the vicinity of ten to zero degrees).

On Sunday we will return to the cars via a different route down Mt Stirling, and should make it to Mansfield for a late and leisurely lunch. We will cover about 11km each day. Tyrone Thomas has graded the walk as easy, probably as each day consists of a half days’ walking. I have graded it as an easy / medium, as there is a 500 metre climb involved (a relatively easy one). All along 4WD, x-country skiing or walking tracks. Should be a hoot!

Ian and Sylvia McLean

Sunday January 26

11 km, Easy

We will commence walking at 6pm from the Summerton Rd. Picnic area. Melways reference 178 B6. BYO tea to be enjoyed atop the hill, so bring your pack along with the usual requirements!

The walk route includes Woodlands Homestead, the wildlife enclosure (maybe spotting an Eastern Barred Bandicoot if we are lucky, kangaroos are in abundance), then onto Gellibrand Hill enjoying tea whilst viewing the spectacular nightlights of surrounding Melbourne and watching the air traffic as the planes come and go at the airport. The return route is via Boundary Track. It may be handy to bring a torch.

Numbers will be limited. Only participants pre-booked on this walk will be accepted. An unmanageable sized crowd in the dark poses safety issues.

Ian and Sylvia McLean

Saturday February 8, 10 km, Easy

Meeting at 6pm in Greenwich Reserve car park Melways Reference 56 B5 (corner of the Strand and North Street, Williamstown). Tea will be BYO or buy en-route. We will be stopping in Commonwealth Reserve at Gem Pier to eat.

This is an enjoyable circuit walk as it encompasses historic homes and areas, Hobsons Bay Coastline and gardens. After dusk the nightlights over the bay give this walk a fantastic atmosphere. A short snack at one of the cafes will see us back to the cars.

Darren McLelland

Weekend 8 - 9 February

We’ll follow the route recommended in Wild magazine no. 82, along the Australian Alps Walking Track. We commence at Mt Erica Car Park and visit Mt Whitelaw and Talbot Peak, among other features. A car shuttle will be involved to avoid retracing too many steps. It’s recommended walkers have at least one or two pack walks under their belts. Join me on this gently paced tramp among the alps of Gippsland.

Chris Jarvis

February 15 – 16

Medium alpine pack walk

An old favourite in the cooler heights of the Victorian Alps. Starting and finishing at Pretty Valley just out of Falls Creek, its down to Dibbins Hut, along the river and over Swindlers Gap to camp at the base of Paling Spur on the Cobungra River. Then its up Paling Spur and back to the cars via Youngs Spur. A medium walk, suitable for fit beginners with a previous recent pack walk experience.

Saturday 22nd February 2003

Non-qualifying, very social event.

An evening with Almeta, guest artists Don Burrows and Kevin Hunt. Walk after 4pm, BYO chair / rug and picnic tea, Yarra Valley wines available. Purchase tickets $30 from M. Herman, Yarra Grange, Coldstream, 3770. Proceeds to the Burnet Institute for Medical Research.

Contact Nicole Lowe for car pooling

Darren McLelland

Sunday 23 February

Here’s a walk for the latte and shopping tour sets (I KNOW who you are). Our leisurely 9km summer stroll in this historic seaport will take in the beaut monthly market (allowing some shopping time!) and the beaches for a dip or two. Why not make a weekend of it and meet us there? Don’t forget the togs!

Chris Jarvis

March 8 – 10

Medium three day alpine pack walk

Another old favourite. Starting from the Stirling Circuit Road, we spend a day undulating along Stanleys Name Spur before climbing steeply up to the Cross Cut Saw and onto the Mt.Howitt massif, camping at a picturesque site above Macallister Springs. Day two takes us across mounts Howitt and Magdala, then down Helicopter Spur to the Upper Howqua River, camping at the base of Howitt Spur. Then its back up onto Stanleys Name Spur and on to the cars. Slightly strenuous in places, recent medium pack walking experience is essential.

Ian Tovey

Feb 22 to March 3

I'm putting on a multi-day pack walk/s in Tasmania in February 2003. I've left it open for final planning, and its final format will depend on how many people I get, their experience & level of fitness.

My preference is an eight-day walk starting at the Walls of Jerusalem, walking to the Overland Track and finishing at Lake St Clair. Grade E/M plus two days M/H. An alternative is two shorter pack walks in two different areas such as Walls of J, Freycinet Peninsula, Mt Anne, Frenchmans Cap, Maria Island etc.

I would like to finalise the walk by early January 2003 or sooner if possible.

If you are interested please contact Ian Tovey ASAP.

Ian and Sylvia McLean

Saturday March 1

10 km, Easy

Meeting at the Zoo front entrance car park at 6pm for BYO tea before the walk proceeds at 6.30pm from Melways reference 29 E 12

We transit parklands around north and northeast of Melbourne by joining Royal Park, Melbourne University Grounds, Exhibition, Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens. Return is via Lygon Street for a quick refreshment before completing the circuit.

Darren McLelland

Saturday 15th March 7am

We’ll get the Silver Rattler to Oakleigh Station then ride to Richmond via the scenic Bay route, stopping in St Kilda for morning tea or lunch depending on the time of day. The ride takes in a mix of paths and quieter streets. Expect to be home in good time to wash the cat.

Neil Campbell

Saturday 22nd March

18km Medium/Hard

It has been a while since the club has visited this area, so I thought it was about time we went up there again. There are quite a few steep sections on this walk, so you will need to be relatively fit for this walk. We will start the walk from around the Freeman’s Camp Picnic Area, and do a loop walk first, visiting some old ruins, and then head around and start our climb up to the summit of Mt Hickey, which is 805 metres and very steep. The reward is an absolutely magnificent view over the countryside, and a perfect way to get fit. From the summit it will mostly be easy going (Trust Me), back to the cars at the starting point.

Darren McLelland

Weekend 5 - 6 April

A fun weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. We’ll rise early at our guide camp accommodation to explore the Red Hill market, then bring the goodies back to camp before we walk the Red Hill-Merricks Rail Trail and finish the afternoon at a winery. An easy surprise walk on Sunday is in store for those who are up to it.

Neil Campbell, Bill Casey & Steve Davenport.

Anzac Weekend

Friday 25th-Sunday 27th April 2003.

With much talk over the years, when we have been going on day walks in the Brisbane Ranges, and wishing we could do a walk from one end to the other, we have now finally arranged to do a 3-day Base Camp and walk through the area. We will start from the Sappling Gully Picnic Area and head towards Boar Gully Camping Area. From here we will walk along the main walking trail towards Little River Camping Ground, where we will be camping here on the Friday night. We will set up camp here, on the Saturday we will head along towards Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek Picnic Ground. From there we will then continue to walk along the main trail to Old Mill Camp, where we will be camping on the Saturday night. On Sunday we will make it a leisurely walk through the Graham Creek area, and stopping briefly at this beautiful picnic ground. From here we will finish the walk at the Courthouse at the old historical town of Steiglitz. We have a friend of Bill Casey’s who owns a property near the finish at the courthouse, so we have a place to leave the cars to pick up safely at the finish. We are using support vehicles throughout this walk (similar to Bill’s Marathon’s), so you can leave your equipment, food and some supplies in the cars. We only have a Camping Permit for 12 PEOPLE, so you will have to move fast to avoid disappointment.

Darren McLelland

May 2003

An exciting weekend’s riding lays ahead on this little known formed rail trail from Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa. We’ll stay at accommodation that provides bedding and food so you’ll only need to trundle along with minimal supplies. 60km riding each day will take us though picturesque farm land, state forests and past interesting bridges and plains.

David Bass

Wednesday January 15

Hi there, my name is David Bassingthwaighte. I have been a member of the Essendon Bushwalking Club for only the past 18months. I have participated in lots of walks and activities in that time.

Prior to joining the EBC I was a Venturer Scout leader for the past 10 years and enjoy the outdoor life.

With my name being so long I will be listed on the walk sheet as David Bass.

Recently I attended the Leadership Training Course weekend in September and had an enjoyable weekend, and I would like to thank all those Committee members who gave up their time to train us with their knowledge and experience in bushwalking.

I would like to lead my first walk as a mid-week walk on Wednesday 15th January 2003. A nice hot weather walk, starting at Brimbank Park Car Park ‘A’ at 9.00am, following the river to Canning Street, then returning via Buckley Park, Steeles Creek and overlooking the old Niddrie quarry re-development, Keilor cemetery back to Brimbank. If it's hot there are plenty of places to stop for cold drinks and icy poles.

Come along and meet one of your new leaders.

Regards, David

Where would you like to travel?

Aspiring Trekking NZ Mt Aspiring; Lonely Planet guidebooks---Scotland Karakorum Hindukush; Media release Mt Everest Paul Weller adventures Outdoor Travel 2002 advertising Omtrek newsletter Nepal trips till November 2003; Northern Territory Willis Walkabouts; Falls Creek 2002; Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island walks; Aurora expeditions to Antarctica 2002/3

Contact Nicole to read all about it!

For 2002 – 2003 is:

President: Rob Hughes

Vice President: Keith Hart

Secretary: Nicole Lowe

Treasurer: John Atkinson

Committee: Ron Bell, Neil Campbell, Carmel Rhodes, Ian Tovey & Michael Howes

Don’t forget that members can obtain a discount at Bogong Equipment, 374 Little Bourke Street. They offer a 10% discount on all non-sale items.

(Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039

E-mail: trekker@netspace.net.au

Club Web Page: www.netspace.net.au/~trekker

Are released three times each year, at the April, August and December club meetings.

One copy of the program is included within the club newsletter, Old Man Emu.

Additional copies are available from the Secretary or Treasurer for 20¢ each.

Are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at Hall 3, St. Thomas Church (behind the church), Mt. Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Junction (corner of Mt. Alexander and Pascoe Vale Roads). Meetings start at 7.30 pm.

The contact for hire of equipment is Nicole Lowe.

Tent $10 $20

Backpack $6 $10

Sleeping Bag $5 $5

Japara $5 $5

Stove $5 $5

Sleeping Mat $1 $2

Maximum hire rate $25 each week. Each additional week a further $25 fee will apply.

Annual Membership $ 25

Visitors Fee (per event) $ 5

Annual Membership fees apply from June 1 to May 31. Membership fees not paid two months after the June AGM render the member unfinancial. There are no pro-rata membership fees as the club is required to pay an annual Federation / Insurance premium

An unfinancial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event they attend until they have paid their full membership fee. As an unfinancial member, the Club's Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance on any club activity does not cover you unless a visitor's fee is paid.

Unfinancial members and visitors attending more than three events in a club year are required to pay the full membership fee.

New members must pay the annual membership fee within 28 days of their membership application being approved by the committee.

Are you interested in what the Federation’s search and rescue section, Bushwalkers Search and Rescue, is up to? BSAR has its own website and domain name, http//:www.bsar.org/ Log on and be informed! Read search reports. Find out how to join. Catch up on the latest in search techniques and technology. And there’s lots more!

Chris Jarvis

EBC BSAR Delegate

By Ray Scilley

Part of the experience of walking in country England is the 'Bed and Breakfast' accommodation along the way which is quite unlike anything in Australia.

Breakfast means a full English breakfast. That is, cereal, followed by bacon and eggs and tomato and baked beans and fried bread and mushrooms and sometimes black pudding too. All this followed by toast and marmalade and pots of tea. All good fuel for a day's walk! The place of accommodation varied somewhat. In a couple of larger villages room was in an hotel (i.e. pub) or a guest house establishment. But mostly the accommodation was in a private house in the village or a farmhouse nearby.

I came to the village of Rosthwaite, in Borrowdale, late in the day and had to search for 'The How'. I was their only guest for the night because of renovations in progress and because my booking had been made months in advance. The owners, an older couple, showed me around, gave me the key and in a matter of minutes departed for their bridge game leaving me alone in their house. I found the local pub and before I could get the first pint started the publican inquired whether I was doing the Coast-to-Coast and if I was staying with Mr and Mrs Dakin. The owners had left a key at the pub so that I could let myself in, just in case they had to go out before I arrived. When asked about this next morning the response was that "They said you were from Australia so we knew that you would be alright." This was at least one occasion when this Aussie was not hung with rubbish about convicts stealing a loaf of bread and Ned Kelly, etc!

Near Patterdale in Cumbria the two-storey, rambling farmhouse was dated above one of the three front doors "1677". When I remarked to the owner that that was about nearly a hundred years before Captain Cook first put his feet on Australia I was told that that date applied to those later extensions. The ground floor at the near end was older. "We don't know exactly when it was built but it was some time in the fourteen hundreds." The house was fitted with all mod cons but with many rooms, two and a half staircases and upstairs floors that undulated and sloped at odd angles. Doors were oddly shaped to fit the oddly shaped doorways. The huge oak timbers that supported the upper floor had been hand hewn by broadaxe and were neither straight nor level. And there was a definite risk from low head room in rooms.

A contrast to other B & Bs was in the small scenic village of Thwaite. Only about a couple of dozen buildings here and the only commercial activity is the pub and the attached shop. The pub has been done over in a grand manner to attract the honeymoon trade and there were couples of all ages there. I was the only single guest there that night.

Outside the very small village of Urra in Bilsdale it was clear that the farmhouse had been built with repeated additions and tack-ons over many years. The owner said that they had rental records back to 1620? This private house also had a liquor licence so that they could sell to guests and they could even sell for guests to take away to drink off the premises. This is not permitted in an ordinary English pub.

At Glaisdale, on the roadside between the high village and the low village, 'Ashley House' is managed by the Cowans, a retired London Bobby and his wife. Their plan is to do this for four or five months each summer so as to finance their own holidays when they then lock up and go to the southern hemisphere for the winter.

High above the small village of Littlebeck the farmhouse was overfilled with a number of Coast-to-Coasters. In order to take the numbers I was assigned to the bedroom belonging to the eldest teenage daughter. No openings for crude humour here, though, as the farmer's daughter was staying with neighbours!

On most nights dinner was taken in a local pub with other walkers. And it is easy to find someone to chat with. Accommodation cost for B & B each night was only 25 to 28 pounds which equates to about $85 to $100. The final verdict is that this is the way to go in England - great accommodation, reasonably priced and a great way to meet a few of the natives.

Nominations are always welcome for perpetrators of notable mishaps on club activities. The best recipients are those who can laugh at themselves just as well as they do at others.

To jog your memory, previous winners include:

• Darren McClelland - he took the tent for a walk, but left the poles at home
• Bryan Foley - he graded the Great Victorian Bike Ride as "easy"
• Gillian Ryder- locked herself out of her "luxury" Trentham accommodation
• President Rob - took a short cut to Malmsbury- via Bacchus!
• Keith Hart - had the misfortune to have a group who got confused at the junction
• Beth "where's the keys?" Elkins - turned a car shuffle walk into a return route, just to make sure the pre-walk was thorough

Will the three monkeys sit comfortably on your bedside table or PC? Time will tell.

Planning a base camp for NSW? Darren McClelland has a directory of camp accommodation (ie. dormitory accommodation) for NSW with information that may assist you.

Extracts reprinted from VicWalk News, November 2002

"Reprinted with permission from The Australian Standard, September 2002

The new generation of distress beacons are those operating on a 406MHz frequency, of which there are three types:

• Hand-held Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for land use
• Marine-based Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
• Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELTSs) for aviation use

Currently the commonly used frequency for distress beacons is 121.5MHz. However, from February 2009, the Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System will cease to process this frequency, hence making all 121.5MHz beacons obsolete. 406MHz will become the designated frequency for distress beacons.

The primary reasoning for this change is directly linked to the number of false alarms detected by the Australian Search and Rescue body (AusSAR), which is estimated to be 98% of all alerts. Research has indicated that many of the false alarms are detected from non-beacon transmitters, which interfere with the operation of the 121.5 beacon, and from beacons which are accidentally set off. False alarms are timely and costly and employ equipment and manpower which may be required elsewhere in a real emergency.

With its Unique Identification Code (UIC), the 406 beacon seeks to dramatically reduce the number of false alarms which are acted upon. When a consumer purchases a 406 beacon, they are required to register their ownership with AusSAR, including personal and contact details and information about the craft / vehicle that the beacon will be used in. The 406 is distinctive in terms of its operator, whereas the 121.5 is anonymous. These data provide an invaluable source for search and rescue SAR bodies who use this information to carry out more effective rescues. The UIC provides the data by which an immediate point of contact can be established, the viability of the alarm established, and an exact description of the craft / vehicle to be searched for.

The 406Mz distress beacon has a number of other distinct advantages over the 121.5MHz beacons which further illustrate the necessity for the change in frequency. Unlike the analogue 121.5 whose alert time can take as long as two hours, the digital 406 is instantaneous. Due to the fact that it is digital and has its own built-in Global Positioning System, the 406 is able to locate the signal’s position faster than the 121.5 in 90 minutes as opposed to five hours and more accurately to within 120m of the transmitted signal. The 406MHz frequency has global coverage, whereas the 121.5MHz is restricted to the Australian land mass and approximately 900-150km from the coast. These aspects are further enhanced by the increased signal power of the 406MHz at 5W, in contrast to the 121.5MHz operating at 0.1W."

Cartographers Meridian Productions have been busy recently. The first edition of their excellent map featuring the Lerderderg & Werribee Gorges, which was only released in 1999, has been superceded by a second (2002) edition. The map is a treasure trove of information, with notes on walks which can be taken in the area; camping & picnic areas; the area’s history, geography, etc. It also has a map of Blackwood township and adjoining bush area. Scale 1:35,000. Available in paper or laminated versions.

Also recently released has been a 1:50,000 map of the Wombat State Forest.