b'In the spirit of reconciliation, we FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA A nother year has passed acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.The peak representative body for allVictorian four wheel drivers since 1975Victoria Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. FROM THEPO Box 6/27 Thornton Cres, Mitcham 3132 PRESIDENTPhone 03 9874 7222Email office@fwdvictoria.org.au by and what a year it Website www.4wdvictoria.org.auABN 40 891 301 368 has been around the ASSN A0013539S world with wars, global RTO 21605 warming, and electric cars being the focus of many Print Post PP 100005076 discussions around the campfires. In spite of these BOARD OF MANAGEMENTexternal factors, our association is in really good shape.EXECUTIVE I am extremely proud to have served with our President Eric Bishop (TLCCV) board members this year and of course our fabulous Vice President Fred De Gooyer (LROCV) office team with Wayne Hevey, Alison McLaughlin, Secretary Ian Fletcher (MJOC) Daniel Whitby, and Di Hodgson. One can only feel Treasurer Albert Giorgini (LROC) blessed to be a member of the board with such a BOARD MEMBERS professional group in our office. Alison has retired Gordon Porter (Everest 4WD Club), David van Zantenand has effectively trained her replacement and is (Albury-Wodonga 4WD Club, Wangaratta 4WD Club), Athol Clayton (Victorian Police Four Wheel Drive Club)available for assistance for her replacement when and John Toogood (Yarra Valley 4x4 Club). the need arises.STAFF I take this opportunity to thank the extremely Chief Executive Officer Wayne Hevey talented members of the FWDV Staff and welcome (Just Mates 4WD Club) Alison McLaughlins replacement Jo Somerfield. The Office Administrator Jo Somerfield(Pajero 4WD Club of Vic.) board is warmed by the fact that the office staff have Accounts Di Hodgson welcomed her whole heartedly. Jo is from the Pajero Projects & Events Officer Daniel Whitby Club and impressively fits the role. I also take this RTO Compliance Micah Spedding opportunity to thank Wayne Hevey who, as always, TRACKWATCH is 100% FWDV down to his bootstraps. Wayne Editors Four Wheel Drive Victoria team is retiring next year, so the Board is looking for a Email editor@fwdvictoria.org.auIndividual Contributors Wayne Hevey, Eric Bishop, Danielreplacement to move the organisation into the next Whitby, Graeme Walsh, Sharyn McGregor, Jeff Cavanagh,phase of its existence. Daniel Whitby balances the Alison McLaughlin and Mat Masonteam with his youth and initiative regularly backing 2024 Copy Deadline next issue up Wayne and managing the projects the Association 9th February for March 2024 issue develops. Di Hodgson is extremely diligent in 10th May for June 2024 issue managing the financial matters of the office. 9th August for September 2024 issue7th November for December 2024 issue The financial position is showing positive trends Advertising projects@fwdvictoria.org.au for the future. Income from training, which was Design and Artwork by Jaz Effect Design expected to slow, but has performed extremely well Cover picture: Mansfield Alpine 4WD Club Track Cleaning. Govt grant once again will help the budget move All material appearing in Trackwatch magazine is copyright.towards being balanced. All in all, we are trending Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden withouttowards a good year ahead. prior written consent. Freelance contributions and submissionsThe Board has focussed on providing service are welcome by this magazine. No responsibility is acceptedto our members through judicious financial for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, etc. The opinionsmanagement and cost-efficient operation provided expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Fourby our CEO. We are very thankful for the astute Wheel Drive Victoria. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot beefforts of our CEO to keep costs under tight control guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for errorto maximize income-generating activities. The board or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any article or advertisement. Advertisers agree to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material. TRACKWATCH|December 2023 3'