CEO Update - Craig Ryan

The association continues to discover ways to innovate, grow, change, and build on our agency and industry partnerships with a focus on the sustainability of the track access network. From mid-January onwards FWDV will start planning some strategy sessions and consultation with clubs and members on the new three-year strategic plan. The timeline, process, and link will be sent out in January.

The new 'Club Finder' has now been rolled out for stage one, with the new website build to occur in 2025, stage two of the finder will be released then. View 'Club Finder' here

The Regional Representatives meeting was recently held in the Grampians Region 23-24 November, hosted by the Hamilton and Wimmera Clubs with a trip on Saturday, and Sundays Rep meeting was focused on outcomes and new ideas for access. A guest speaker, Marc Sleeman the CEO of Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism also spoke about the region and contribution 4x4 can deliver. A 2025 date/location for the reps meeting is likely May 2025.

The association continues to build the capacity of new platforms and digital engagement, targeted audiences, and relevant content, having a reach increase of 35.7% over the past two months.

The Great Outdoors Taskforce is consulting with Four Wheel Drive Victoria and the community to provide recommendations to the Victorian government on the future management of 1.5 million hectares of Victoria’s state forests that were previously subject to timber harvesting as well as approximately 590,000 hectares of relevant adjacent state forests. The Taskforce wants to hear about your ideas for improved management of forests to support 4WDing, recreation, and tourism.

The Engage Victoria Survey is now live and can be accessed via this link https://engage.vic.gov.au/the-future-of-state-forests. If you could help by sharing this with your networks that would be appreciated. Please complete the survey by 12 January 2025.

Ongoing announcements regarding the Taskforce will be released via the DEECA website here. 

Finally, a thank you to the FWDV staff, trainers, and the board who continue to all work diligently to deliver the best outcomes for clubs and the wider 4WD community, 2025 is already shaping up to be a positive one.

Regards

Craig

FWDV Christmas Closure

Please note that FWDV will be closed from Thursday 19th December 2024 returning to the office on Monday 13th January 2025.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.  Stay safe and enjoy your holidays both at home and out on the tracks.

FWDV Gift Vouchers

Have you thought about giving a FWDV Gift Voucher to a loved one for Christmas?  We have gift vouchers available for both Proficiency and Accredited 4wd courses.  Contact our office before we close for Christmas on phone: (03) 8872 7300.

Four Wheel Drive Victoria Blood Drive

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood still need our assistance as we approach the end of year with blood supplies.  The 4wd community have been doing an amazing job with a new Blood Drive Tally Goal set at 150!!!

FWDV Proficiency and Accredited 4wd Courses

Proficiency Course in February 2025
This is a non accredited training session.

Theory: 18th February 2025, evening session via Zoom
Practical: 22nd February 2025, all day at our Toolangi Training Ground

The course covers the following topcs:

• Basic understanding of four wheel drive vehicles and their technical aspects
• Four wheel drive techniques
• Recovery techniques 
• Driving in a range of terrain
• Water crossings

Please note both sessions must be attended.

Participants wil be presented a Certificate of Particiapation. 

Club member: $255.00
Non club member: $440.00

Accredited 3 Unit Course in March 2025
Theory: 25th February 2025, evening session via Zoom
Practical: 1st and 2nd March 2025, both days at our Toolangi Training Ground

All sessions must be attended.

This is an accredited course which combines the following 3 units of competency.

• FWPCOT3325 - Operate a 4wd on unselaed roads
• FWPCOT3326 - Recover four wheel drive vehicles
• FWPCOT3329 - Perform complex 4x4 operations

The course covers the following topcs:

• Basic understanding of four wheel drive vehicles and their technical aspects
• Four wheel drive techniques
• Recovery techniques including:
  • Winching with an electric winch
  • Using a hand operated winch
  • Recovery with traction aids
  • Kinetic recovery
• Driving in a range of terrain
• Water crossings

Candidates who are assessed competent in the unit requirements will be awarded a statement of attainment.

Club member: $495.00
Non club member: $950.00

To learn about the difference between an accredited and non accredited course please view our student handbook by clicking here. 

For more information please see the FWDV website: Click here

RTO 21605

Revolutionise Sport - for clubs

Four Wheel Drive Victoria has now rolled out the online cloud-based integrated platform.

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/

To see the Features click here

To see the Security Protocols click here

Clubs wanting to adopt the platform or start a free trial please email ceo@fwdvictoria.org.au

FFMVic New recruits bolster firefighting resources across north east Victoria

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) newest recruits are learning the ropes at a week-long training camp at Yackandandah in readiness for the summer bushfire season.

The training ensures “project” firefighters are ready to fight fires and complete work to help reduce bushfire risk.

This summer FFMVic has employed 540 project firefighters to work alongside our experienced permanent crews to keep Victorians and the environment safe.

Within Hume Region 114 project firefighters will be based at depots at Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Broadford, Kinglake, Benalla, Mansfield, Nathalia, Shepparton, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens, Corryong, Mitta Valley and Tallangatta.

Recruits undergo two weeks of classroom and field-based learning on topics including fire behaviour, safety and survival techniques, fire suppression, working with aircraft, and planned burning.

The training camp provides opportunities for hands-on learning, from operating water pumps and chainsaws, to driving specialised fire fighting vehicles.

In addition to emergency response, project firefighters also undertake mulching, mowing, slashing and spraying; maintaining fuel breaks and the public land road network, trail and recreation site maintenance and planned burning.

It’s not too early to register your interest in working as a project firefighter next bushfire season! Register your interest for a role in 2025/26 now, at: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/who-we-are/firefighting-and-employment