Newsletter of the ESSENDON BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. A5559B

To protect the privacy of club members, all references to private telephone numbers and addresses have been omitted from the internet edition of OME. Contact the club secretary by email or snail mail if you wish to contact the club.

Chris Jarvis

Editor

Are we growing too big? Are we changing too much? Is the culture of our club at risk?

While it is gratifying to report that Essendon Bushwalking Club continues to grow in size, and conclude that we must be doing some things right, this growth may be coming at a price. First it means that the committee has more work every month. This is not simply a matter of processing your membership and coordinating a program of activities, but it also involves planning for the future.

Our accommodation at Club meetings is just such a planning issue related to growth. It appears that we are at risk of outgrowing the hall at St Thomas’ Church. Latecomers have found themselves forced to stand because all the seats have been occupied, even though the hall is now being set up with the maximum number of seats available to us. We do apologise for struggling to meet the demand, but if it encourages everyone to arrive more punctually at 7:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the month, perhaps this may have the benefit of helping us to start the meetings on time.

The contents of the Constitution have also continued to occupy the minds of the committee as the Club grows in size. Elsewhere in Old Man Emu are details of a Special General Meeting planned for next February to consider proposed changes to the dispute resolution clauses. Of all the sections in the Constitution that have been reviewed, the committee believes that these clauses represented the greatest priority for change because they guard the harmony and cohesion of the club.

Disputes may arise between members, or between members and the committee, which represents the Club. In Section 9, Expulsion, Suspension or Fining of Members, the current Constitution provides for resolution of disputes through the committee, or by Special General Meeting of the Club. The committee wants to introduce provisions for mediation prior to any higher-level resolution. A process for this is available in the Victorian Department of Justice Model Rules for an Incorporated Association (1981). The model rules cannot remove any legal rights any parties may have as to the law, nor does it propose a final resolution. The right of appeal would still be available through the process of a Special General Meeting.

Please come to the January club meeting or contact the Club Secretary if you would like to receive the draft dispute resolution proposals which will be tabled for debate at the Special General Meeting in February. For those of you with further interest in this subject, the current Constitution is posted on the club web site, and hard copies are now available from the secretary, Sylvia McLean, at club meetings.

If you missed the September Meeting, you missed my announcement that Julie Jensen had, that day, accepted my proposal of marriage. The warm wishes and generous words that we have since received from so many people have confirmed that while Essendon Bushwalking Club is growing in size, it remains a club with a genuine sense of caring, interest and support. This is by no means the first happy union to have its genesis in our club, many marriages having emerged from our ranks over the years, and as the club gets bigger there will be many more!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all in Essendon Bushwalking Club, and your families, a joyful Christmas and a wonderful 2004. And while there is little doubt that Essendon Bushwalking Club will grow bigger in 2004, all the good bits will be kept in. The culture that we value so highly appears to be strong and secure.

Trust me, I’m a leader.

Rob Hughes

A Special General Meeting of the Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc. will be held on Wednesday February 11, 2004 at 7:30 pm at Hall 3, St Thomas’ Church, Mt Alexander Road

The business of the Special General Meeting will be to debate and vote on amendments to Section 9 of the Constitution.

An ordinary General Meeting will follow.

P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039

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

Short articles (<500 words) can be sent in hard copy form. Longer articles should be on floppy disk or sent by email.

Photographs, including scanned or digital photos, are most welcome. Prints can be sent to me for scanning to enable easy insertion into the newsletter.

Editor

Saturday 25^th October

By Neil Campbell

Our combined Track Maintenance / Working Bee day in October seemed to go off very successfully with the Great Dividing Trail Association. We had nine people in total that helped out on the day and I would like to thank them all on their help on the day.

We had four people from Essendon walking club Myself, Rob Hughes, Nicole Lowe, and Bill Casey, and five people from the Great Dividing Trail Association, Pat Hope Richard Preisse, (President), Barry Golding, Neville Fraser, and Michael Fox.

After an hour or so we didn’t realise how much work that needed to be done. We must have cleared at least 3kms of track that day. We started raking and leveling at the junction of Lerderderg Road and Wheeler’s Track. We also had to turn around a Marker Post and concrete it back into the ground and place more posts in to stop the trail bike riders from ruining our Track.

We started about 10.30am and finished about 2.30in the afternoon, just in time for us to head back to Blackwood to the sit on the balcony to witness a spectacular thunderstorm occur over the Lerderderg Valley, where we had been working.

It was very good in Richard to be able to help us co-ordinate this working bee with us and hopefully we will be able to continue our close relationship with the Great Dividing Trail Association in future activities.

We already are negotiating another Track Maintenance/Working Bee day in May 2004, (either Saturday 8^th or Saturday 15^th of May), so we hope to see more Essendon Bushwalkers on the next Track Maintenance Day and show our appreciation and respect of our environment.

By Greg Passlow

Eleven brave members including two new to the club ventured to Mountain Creek camp-site on Friday night and made ready for an early start for the Huts Tour on the Bogong High plains.

Saturday started with a clear and warm day around 15°. Setting off from Rocky Valley Dam we progressed over Heathy Spur to the Alpine Walking Track. Dropping packs, it was a short stroll to Johnson’s Hut for morning tea. Then onto Kelly’s & Fitzgerald’s huts for lunch. Finishing the 25km day at at Wallace’s Hut, the oldest surviving hut on the plains, built in 1890. A much needed rest and recuperation was enjoyed by all.

Sunday saw the typical high country weather change to low cloud and a bit colder. We set off for a 5km loop past the Rover Lodge and Cope Hut, returning to Wallace’s, picking up the packs to return to the cars via the south of Rocky Valley Dam, completing a total of 37km, visiting six high plain’s huts and spectacular views of the plain’s. The temperature by then had dropped to a low of 5° with a substantial wind-chill, but it was still enjoyable walking. All adjourned to Bogong Village for lunch and coffee.

The fires of last summer have devastated the high plains. We were given a stark impression of the destruction. There are signs of life in some of the trees and alpine plants but it will be many years before it returns to its former glory. Animal and bird life appeared to be non-existent.

I welcome and congratulate the five new walkers to the world of pack walking and look forward to seeing them participate on more adventures, even if they were asking them selves if they had made the right decision on Saturday night.

Saturday December 20

Easy Medium

Bill Casey

Imagine Christmas in the mid 19^th century in the more remote mining areas of the Victorian Central Highlands. Many a miner and his wife would be thousands of miles from the places on the other side of the world where they had grown up and celebrated the festive season with their families. The Australian Christmas environment was so different with the winter snow replaced by searing summer heat, and the green meadows by a landscape largely devastated by mining.

To most of their children, however, this harsher world was the only one they had known. They were the first generation of white Australians to be born here, and like their parents before them, they would have looked forward to Christmas with eager excitement, knowing that, on that special night, Santa would come down the chimney with their presents.

On this walk we will be visiting many of these chimneys scattered through the Castlemaine Historic Reserve near Glenluce, south of Vaughan Springs.

The chimneys are almost all that remain of the mainly timber and canvas dwellings of that bygone era, the frequent summer bushfires and the ravages of time having devoured all but some stonework.

So come along and experience a sense of history in some real Aussie bush. Stand in the ruins of the chimneys and try to imagine what it was like in the 1850s, with the happy laughter of children on Christmas morning.

There are a few short climbs, and some off-track, but there is very little undergrowth, and the walk is well within the capabilities of most walkers.

Thursday January 8

11 km, Easy

McLean Family

We are hoping to see a full moon for this walk since there are definitely no streetlights here. We plan to commence walking at 7 pm from the Somerton Road entrance. BYO tea prewalk, or if you desire, use electric BBQ facilities. (These BBQ’s are not available in the event of a Fire Ban Day.) The walk route entails Woodlands Homestead, through the Wildlife enclosure (maybe seeing an Eastern Barred Bandicoot if we are lucky, kangaroos are a guaranteed sight) then on to Gellibrand Hill with it’s spectacular night views of Melbourne and surrounds at dusk. The return route will be via the Boundary track. It may be handy to bring a torch.

The walk will still meet here if a fire ban is enforced, but will proceed from Westmeadows along the Moonee Ponds Creeks and into the Park.

January 9 - 17

Nicole Lowe

Base camp and day walks on the Bogong High plains, escaping the heat of Melbourne‚s summer. Self-catering, sleep in bunk rooms at the Cosela Alpine Lodge for $15 per adult per night. (Other accommodation possible.) Come for a week or a few days!

Contact Nicole Lowe before Christmas.

Sunday January 11

Easy stroll, 12km

Greg Passlow

This is an easy stroll along the bike & walking paths following Port Phillip Bay.

We plan to meet at 8:30 under The Clocks at Flinders Street Station. Catch a train to Brighton Beach. From there we head to the Bay and follow the bike / walking tracks along the bay past Half Moon Bay, Sandringham, past Mentone and finally arriving at Parkdale Station for a restful trip back to Flinders St on the train. There is a very high chance of partaking in coffee and cakes at one of the many cafes on the way.

Sunday January 25

10 km, Easy

McLean Family

Meeting at the Western side car park at Fairfield Park (boathouse vicinity, Heidleberg Road) at 6.30pm. We take off down Merri Creek to Dight’s Falls where it flows into the Yarra River. We continue along the Yarra past the Collingwood Children’s farm and return via the Yarra Boulevard through Studley Park back to Fairfield Park. Unfortunately there are no shops en-route so we suggest BYO tea in Fairfield Park before we set out.

Saturday January 31

10 km, Easy

McLean Family

Meeting at 6.30 pm in Greenwich Reserve Car park (corner of The Strand and North Street, Williamstown). Tea will be either BYO or buy en-route. We will be stopping in Commonwealth Reserve at Gem Pier to eat tea. The walk will encompass the sights and atmosphere of Williamstown at night, capturing the Melbourne skyline and it’s lights together with the yachts along the waterfront on Hobsons Bay. Return is via the streets where the shops and cafes are, for which Williamstown is renowned.

Sunday February 15

14 km Easy Medium

Greg Passlow

Located in the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, Toolangi State Forest, north of Yarra Glen. This walk is through mixed forest along part of Murrindindi River Trail and spectacular rain forest whilst climbing past the impressive 75m high Wilhemina Falls. A circuit walk commencing at the Wilhemina Falls car park and there is some climbing to reach the top of the falls before returning back along the Murrindindi River.

Saturday February 21

10 km, Easy

McLean Family

Meeting at 6.30 pm at the front entrance to the Zoo. BYO tea pre walk at 6.30 is suggested so we can be on our way by 7 pm. This walk traverses Royal Park, Melbourne University Grounds, Exhibition Gardens and Spring Street, and onto the Treasury Gardens. Possum and fruit bat sightings are guaranteed. Return will include Lygon Street for supper.

February 22, March 28 & May 16

David Bass

How would you like to walk around Port Phillip Bay? Well, here is your chance.

I am going to program and lead a walk around the bay over the next two years in several stages. All the walks will be on a Sunday and should be an easy to medium grade with a distance of between 12 to 20 km sections. 70% of the walk will be on the foreshore on a walking or bicycle path or on the sand where possible and some rocks.

Eastern side of the bay: The starting point will be Port Melbourne at the mouth of the Yarra River and finishing at Point Nepean.

Western side of the bay: We will be unable to walk the complete section due to some boundary restrictions so alternative ways will be undertaken. This starting point will be Point Lonsdale to Geelong then Werribee River to Newport power station at the mouth of the Yarra river.

I will be starting this walk covering the Eastern side first from Port Melbourne on the 22^nd Feb 2004 at 7.30am 20kms easy to medium on a path walkway. The next two sections will be 21^st March & 16^th May by this time having reached Mt Eliza – Half Moon Bay.

If this is of interest to you please come and join me for an enjoyable day's outing.

Labour Day L/WE March 6 - 8

57km Medium Hard pack walk

Greg Passlow

Prior to departing your leader must sign his life away stating competency of the group regarding experience, navigation and first aid skills as well as having a discussion with a ranger prior to the granting of the hike permit. There is a limit of 6 people per group with a maximum of 12 people per campsite and as The Prom is popular bookings have to be made by January. Cost is $7 per person per night (payable no later than the January meeting).

The walk passes through an area classified as wilderness and as such the trail is not clearly defined or maintained. It includes a few creek crossings as well as a backwater / swamp crossing (up to 1.5m deep).

Leaving Melbourne Friday night to camp near the Prom’s main gate. Saturday is a 21 km day to Johnny Souey Cove camp site along 5 Mile Road (A boring section I have been informed). Sunday is 15 km along 3 mile beach then crossing the northern point to Tin Mine Cove. Returning to the cars Monday 21 km day along Chinaman Long Beach through prickly heath and requiring a few creek crossings.

Labour Day L/WE March 6 - 8

Medium

Chris Jarvis

The Mount Difficult Range starts at Hall Gap (its 'Toe') and finishes at Beehive Falls (its 'Tip'). This three-day walk will do just that - Halls Gap to Beehive Falls. An interesting walk through the marvelous Grampians, suitable for most pack walkers.

After doing a car shuffle early in the morning, we will progress up the walking tracks to Boroka Lookout. A road bash of about 7km, then back onto walking tracks for nearly the rest of the trip, camping somewhere near where the walking track comes up from Plantation Camping Ground. Day two will take us further north to a great campsite near a very reliable creek. Monday we head west, do a side trip up Mount Difficult, onto Briggs Bluff then down to Beehive Falls and the cars.

Labour Day L/WE March 6 - 8

Neil Campbell

Due to the success of last year’s base camp we have decided to place it on the program again. We will do the same as last time with the Anzac weekend walk. We will get permission this time to leave some cars with the local Park Ranger’s House at Steiglitz’s we can do a car shuffle at the end of the walk.

It will be the same as last time, starting from Sappling Gully Picnic Ground, (Northern end of the Park), walk through Boar Gully, then on to Little River Camp Ground for the first night’s Camp. Next day we will walk via the Quarry, Stony Creek Picnic Ground and Anakie Gorge and on to Old Mill Camp for the 2^nd night’s camp. Finishing the walk on Sunday walking via Graham Creek and finishing around lunchtime at the Courthouse and the cars at Steiglitz.

Saturday March 20

16kms Medium

Neil Campbell

Because I haven’t lead a walk at Marysville for a while, I thought it was about time I went back there again as there are some great walks in this area, even on a warm day. This will be a walk starting from the centre of Marysville and we will walk though the beautiful shady forest along Stevenson River. We will slowly make our way up towards Stevenson’s fall for a short break. From here we will make our way up to Oxley and on to our lunch stop at Keppel’s Lookout. Then from here we will walk a short distance where we will pick up the famous Man O War Track. This Track takes us out along near the main road and near the outskirts of Marysville. We will then walk through the town and back to our cars.

Weekend March 20 - 21

30km, Medium

Chris Jarvis

Some of the new pack walkers coming 'on-line' have probably not yet discovered the wondrous glory of the Victoria Range, the second most westerly part of the Grampians. This 'old favourite' pack walk will whet the appetite for further exploration of what I regard to be the jewel of the Grampians.

Starting from the Billywing Plantation, we will progress up to The Fortress, then down and around to camp at the base of Mount Thackeray, with an easy side trip to its summit before or after dinner. Sunday will progress along sandy vehicle tracks, some slightly overgrown but easily passable, with splendid views, to finish back at the cars after completing a fascinating circuit.

Saturday April 24

19kms Medium

Neil Campbell

Today we are going to set out from the Lake Daylesford Car Park and follow part of the Lost Children’s Trail out to Jubilee Lake (Lake No2). From here we will leave the Children’s Trail and head along the old disused / former Ballarat-Daylesford Rail Line towards Specimen Hill Dam, (where the children went missing). From here we slowly head down towards Wombat Creek Dam. We will return back towards Jubilee Lake petty well much along the Wombat Creek. We will stop briefly at the kiosk before heading back to the Lake Daylesford Car Park and finish.

Weekend April 24 - 25, Limit 15

Medium 25 km,

Darren McLelland

Cape Liptrap to Venus Bay is a little known, remote stretch of beach unspoilt by development to date. However windmills are proposed for the area so here's a good opportunity to walk this region in its current pristine condition and enjoy some its wonderful cliffs and windswept vistas. Further, it's Anzac Weekend so in the spirit of Gallipoli we'll walk the beaches and have time to reflect on those who died for us.

We wish to sincerely thank all those people who gave support and showed concern for Italo's health, especially Kevin Drever for his care and help, Ron Bell for offering to help in the garden and all the people who rang us. Italo is well and getting on with his rehabilitation walking every day and pushing the mower.

Thank you and have a Happy Christmas

For 2003 - 2004 is:

President: Rob Hughes

Vice President: Keith Hart

Secretary: Sylvia McLean

Treasurer: John Atkinson

Committee: Ron Bell, Greg Passlow, Carmel Roads, 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 $ 30

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.

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.

Congratulations and welcome to our newest members from August till November: Charles Cassar, Barbara Ring, Anne DeBonno, Marian Skovdam, Alison White, Xi Huang, Geoff Gauci, Sue Boell, Patricia Roberts, Ruth Robertson, Terry Page, Ron Pearce and the return of Jan Hanlon to the Club. May all your walks be enjoyable and safe.

We now have 180 members.

To help keep our records correct, please remember to notify any changes of details, eg names/address/phone or even discontinuation of membership to the Secretary.

The following is a copy of the letter you will receive if you try to pay your membership after this period.

I’m sorry to have to produce this in our newsletter but over 38% of our membership was unfinancial this year. The facts are: Insurance claims would be void, it is an administrative nightmare to have to chase fees for 50-60 people (no one should have to do this!), it is only fair to those who pay early or on time and the Treasurer needs cash flow to pay our large accounts, which unfortunately all fall due mid year. (Namely insurance and hall hire.) This unfortunately has to be and is being enforced.

Membership/Discount Cards are available from the Treasurer, John Atkinson. The VicWalk membership card is a reminder to individual club members that they are a member of VicWalk and also of the role of VicWalk.

As a service to affiliate clubs, VicWalk has obtained discounts, to holders of current VicWalk membership cards from a number of mainly Melbourne based retailers of bushwalking equipment and services. Please note cards needs to be presented prior to processing of sale. Also this is the current list and there are some changes from past years.

TRAVEL - check out the websites for tours and current deals.

• Outdoor Travel: 5% on Outdoor Travel tours and all reservations made directly with the office at Bright www.outdoortravel.com.au ph 1800 331582
• Om Trek: 5% on all treks http://travel.to/kadmmdu, ph (03) 9781 1280

GEAR:

• AJAY's Snow and Country Sports: Heathmont, 10% off RRP
• Bogong Equipment: Melbourne and Collingwood, 10% off RRP
• Columbia Sportswear: Melbourne, 10% off RRP
• EMC, (Eastern Mountain Centre): Hawthorn, 10% off RRP
• Melbourne Map Centre: Chadstone and Kew, 5% discount (except for GPS systems and accessories), Cash sales only.
• Mountain Designs: Melbourne, Collingwood and Hawthorn, 10% off RRP
• The Wilderness Shop: Box Hill, 10% off RRP (excludes equipment hire)
• Outsports: Moorabbin and Frankston, 10% off RRP
• Outdoor Adventure: Camberwell, 10% off RRP, can negotiate more for group prices.
• Paddy Pallin: Hawthorn & Ringwood, 10% off RRP
• Pinnacle Outdoors: Melbourne, 10% off RRP
• Rays Outdoors: - A Privilege Card can be applied for - 6.5% off all stock except for powered fridges, fuel heaters, interest free purchases, sale items, special promotions & gas refills. Invitation to Privilege Nights x 3 per year (22.5% off).
• Snowgum,: - all stores - free first year Snowgum Club Membership card, value $11, which gives 10% rebate on all purchases.

John Atkinson, Treasurer

Dear members of the Essendon Bushwalking Club. The Committee is still considering the issue of family or child membership.

Last year because of insurance policy changes the matter came up because there was a number of parents in the club wanted to or did bring their children along to club activities. Some members of the committee thought it important enough an issue to want to amend the constitution to allow family or child membership, however, the revised constitution was a complex document with many small and large changes and it was felt that family or child membership needed more time to discuss the implications of this change.

Some draft legislation was composed and circulated to leaders for discussion and if the constitution had been accepted this was to be presented to the club for discussion and voting upon as a separate issue, however, the revised constitution was rejected before without this matter being included although there was some discussion. So at last year’s general meeting with a few of amendments being accepted by the club members, family or child membership could not be presented for voting as the amendments were based within new constitution and would not have made sense under the existing document.

At a recent committee meeting it was again discussed and it was decided that the constitution still needed updating and a time frame for change was laid out, very shortly the committee and the club will be asked to consider dispute clauses and then early next year the amendments proposing family or child membership will be presented to the club for consideration. The committee believed that because of the growing numbers in the club and the changing legislations within this state that dispute resolution clauses needed to take priority (in the time line) over family or child membership.

The situation at the moment is that under our current insurance requirements and constitution, children cannot be covered by the club’s insurance as they cannot become a member of the club until they reach the age of 15 (but the insurer would cover them under their current policy from the age of 5). Previously these same children could pay a visitor’s fee to gain access to insurance but the policy changed in June of this year. Thus the parent and the child should sign a disclaimer each and every time the child comes along on a club activity (please note that the disclaimer is a statement that the person is NOT covered by the insurance).

Apart from any legal issues there are several other pros and cons that I have become aware of and are summarized here for consideration and debate only. It is not intended to reflect on anyone person or family and it is not my personal views on the matter.

If the club had never allowed participation by children in the past, the current constitutional restriction would not be an issue. However, we have, over the years allowed participation by children so any proposed constitutional changes to make the existing document reflect current practice may have the potential to change us from a club consisting primarily of adults aged 40+, it may open the door for an influx of a new kind or group of walkers. Also this group would then be faced with finding a suitable number of walks and leaders who are willing to accept families or children on their walks. A phone survey of approximately 70% of our leaders last year indicated that there may well be enough leaders willing to cater for families and put on sufficient walks to make their membership worthwhile. During these talks it came to light that leaders may be unwilling to accept children on activities because of concerns over fitness, distance, the type of activity or group balance to ensure the safety of all. Also it was stated that other club members should be made aware of the attendance of children on their walks as some members may avoid family based activities.

Now historically, the number of members of the club who would be affected by these changes is not great, and it is the committee’s belief that it should remain so, however, within these small numbers are two groups who deserve consideration. Firstly several leaders who have contributed significantly to the program and operation of the club and who bring their children along and secondly there are several pack walkers who occasionally walk with their children, where the children have demonstrated the ability to be present on merit. While democracy will decide the issue finally it would be a loss to the club if the majority were to exclude these two groups of long time participants, as they may well move to another club that offers family or child membership.

Another area of concern was when the leader and the parent have differing opinions of discipline and behaviour, it should be understood that a leader has overall responsibility for all the members (and visitors) on the walk, but the parent would be responsible to ensure their child of children were capable of completing the walk and for their actions, behaviour and care. It is the committee’s position to fully support a leader’s decision to accept or reject who can come on their walk and the leader retains the final decision in this matter.

Finally I wish to site a recent example which was provided by a member where a father and son combination where present on a walk and they took part in good style, they carried all their own equipment and the son was quite capable of completing the activity. More importantly he was keen on bushwalking and interested in the map and compass. It was noted that he was a sociable young man who fitted with the group and clearly enjoyed being with his father, but our rules exclude this potentially valuable person from joining our club. I would like to say that on my limited time on the committee it has been discussed several times about how to attract younger walkers into our club, maybe family membership could be one way of achieving this, and as an example to support this we currently have a second generation family member in our club who has recently become an effective leader.

In conclusion there will be more said on this matter in the upcoming months and the members will be asked to make a decision in the not to distant future. I would be happy to receive any further correspondence on the matter of family or child membership from any member of the club, be it for or against so that when the constitutional changes are drafted they can reflect the opinions of all interested parties.

By Ian & Sylvia McLean

Those who have ever walked in the high country and experienced all it has to offer will surely be quite passionate about removing cattle from the Alpine National Park. It is estimated that 3000 cattle graze on the Bogong High Plains in the summer months. The removal of cattle will prevent the ongoing damage that has occurred since the early 1850’s, particularly, the deterioration of the grasslands, herb fields and bogs. Upsetting the sensitive balance of these ecosystems, has led to habitat loss and destruction and ultimately loss of floral and faunal species. Most of which are only found here in these areas.

Cattle cause destruction by trampling and feeding on the native grasses and herbs, (giving rise to some species being more dominant and abundant); disturbing the balance of nature, upsetting the soil composition either by erosion or compaction and the adding of manure. Cattle manure also gives rise to the spread of weeds and non-indigenous grasses. Soil compaction also makes it difficult for water run off and plants to propagate and their root systems to continue to grow. Likewise erosion removes the soil. They sully and destroy the streams, watercourses and sensitive Alpine bogs.

This situation was compounded last summer by the devastating bushfires. Now is our chance to do something about it. The current seven-year grazing licences are up for renewal in August 2005. However, the graziers are required to give 12 months notification, i.e. August 2004 if they do not wish to renew these grazing licences. (Apparently a condition of the lease.) The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) has commenced a public awareness campaign of ‘cows in the Alpine National Park’. VicWalk’s Conservation Committee is also involved. We have been asked to help by writing letters to state politicians asking for an end to cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park.

Some points to make are: - grazing is an inappropriate activity in a National Park; causes trampling of fragile streams and alpine bogs; spreads weeds; pollutes mountain streams – making unsafe sources for drinking waters for bushwalkers and other park visitors; and costs the public more money to manage than is returned in licence fees.

In March we will have Phil Ingamells from the VNPA as a guest speaker presenting slides on the devastating effects of cattle grazing in the alpine national park. A letter writing campaign will follow this.

By Ian & Sylvia McLean

The cinnamon fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is an overseas invader and our native plants have no resistance to it. It is entirely microscopic and consists of tiny threads that grow in and feed on roots, and produce spores just 24 hours after infection. Their enemies are soil microbes, particularly bacteria that eat, antagonise or out-compete the cinnamon fungus. Australian soils in open (dry) forest, woodland and heathland contain few soil microbes, so the cinnamon fungus has a free go. About 2000 different plant species (most of them Australian) are susceptible to the fungus. Collapsed grass trees are only one indicator of the presence of the fungus.

It is important therefore to stay on the tracks when walking through diseased areas. If you walk off-track your boots will carry infection.

The only way to remove the contamination is to clean out all soil from your footwear and wash and brush them with disinfectant before you leave the area. Carry a plastic trough, some methylated spirits and water and brushes for this purpose. Or use a stiff brush and spray the cleaned boots with a 70% methylated spirits / water solution. Insist that the rest of the group also clean their footwear.

The swimming spores are very tiny and have no cell wall so they are very easily killed with any disinfectant, but any soil or gravel on your footwear will prevent the disinfectant from reaching them. You must not wait until you get back home but clean the footwear immediately.

Be responsible-do not destroy the bush you enjoy!