CEO Update - Craig Ryan

The association is now in the final stage of rolling out the new three-year strategic plan 2025-2027. We thank members, the general 4WD community, and stakeholders for their input and suggestions on what objectives and actions should be implemented.

From the responses for input, 74% were affiliated members, 20% were the general 4WD community/public, 3% were industry businesses/companies, 1% were the tourism sector, 1% were partners of FWDV, and 1% were other.

From the feedback on all the objectives, the following came in as the top four priorities in order.

1) Track and network accessibility for 4WDing

2) Relationships and partnerships with agency bodies

3) Increase/maintain volunteering opportunities for clubs/members and the 4WD community

4) Provide enhanced support for clubs, training, safety, and education

We expect to roll out the final strategic plan within the coming weeks.

The Regional Representatives meeting is due to be held over the weekend of 3-4 May in the Otways, with a range of topics and support to be covered, Parks Victora and DEECA will also be present.

Over the coming weeks, the FWDV team will be working on a published 12-18 provisional calendar of 'what's on', which will include some courses, events, activations, special projects, and more. This will improve the planning processes for all stakeholders.

The link to the Great Outdoors Taskforce and continued updates are here

The Victorian 4WD Show on Sunday 16 February was a success with a record attendance. Several clubs had an exhibitor site to promote their membership, trips, and operations. The 2025 National 4x4 Outdoors Show will be held 22-24 August at Melbourne Showgrounds.

Craig and the FWDV Team

What's on 2025

March:

18 & 22: Proficiency 4wd Course

21-23: Yarra Glen Outdoor Show

April:

8 & 12: Proficiency 4wd Course

11-13: Ballarat Outdoor Show

29, 3-4 May: Accredited 4wd Course

May:

3-4: Regional Representatives meeting in the Otways

3: Ballarat Come & Try Day

3: First Aid Course for Club Members

6 & 10: Proficiency 4wd Course

June:

27-29 Mildura Outdoor Show

August:

22-24: National 4x4 Outdoors Show at the Melbourne Showgrounds

October:

6: FWDV Annual General Meeting

To view Ridge and Ruts on line: Click here

Victorian 4WD show 2025

Thank you to everyone that attended the Victorian 4WD show at Lardner Park on Sunday 16 February 2025. It was a record attendance for the show  The Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria put on a great show once again.  There were so many volunteers from various clubs which was great to see.

Seeking articles for Trackwatch and/or Social Media

We would love to see more articles coming into the office for Trackwatch along with information to share on social media.  What trips have been going on in your club, anything from one day outings through to interesting interstate trips.  Does your club have an anniversary or other events coming up?  We always love seeing volunteer events taking place whether out on the tracks, at wildlife shelters, tree planting or any other activity.

It's a fantastic way to show your club to a wide audience of potential members and other 4wd enthusiasts.   Please send articles for Trackwatch to email with your articles and high res photos, please make sure to attach photos separately.  

Any social media articles can be forwarded to email

Or feel free to submit your article directly to Rev Sport: Click here

Many thanks in advance from the FWDV Team.

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

FWDV Proficiency and Accredited 4wd Courses

Proficiency Course in March 2025
This is a non accredited training session.
Theory: 18th March 2025, evening session via Zoom
Practical: 22nd March 2025, all day at the Bacchus Marsh 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 April 2025
Theory: 29th April 2025, evening session via Zoom
Practical: 3rd and 4th May 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

First Aid Course - provided by LivCor, RTO 3586 

When:  Saturday 3rd May 2025

Where:  St Simonds Parish St Hall, 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville

Time:  9:15am for a 9:30am start, 4:00pm completion

Cost:

Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) + Outback First Aid variation (includes CPR) - $125.00 pp

Provide Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID009) (First 2.5 hours) – CPR only - $60.00pp

Nationally Accredited Units by LivCor, RTO 3586 All Students will be enrolled with LivCor, RTO 3586 which will be responsible for the quality of training and assessment provided and for the issuing of Statements of Attainment for the units of competency on its scope.

The accredited training and assessment will be conducted by Designer First Aid Solutions under LivCor responsibility and direction.

Online Learning:

You will be enrolled into online learning to support your education on the day. Online learning will take approximately 4-5 hours (1-2 hours for CPR only) and must be completed prior to the face to face session taking place on Saturday 3rd May 2025.

Package Includes:

Interactive first aid training, pre-course online learning, prizes and giveaways, Nationally recognized certificate*, discounted First Aid Products, morning tea.

Register:  Click here

The accredited training and assessment will be conducted by Designer First Aid Solutions under LivCor responsibility and direction.

DEECA Announcement - Firewood collection areas open in state forests on 1 March

Victorians will be able to collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas from 1 March, 2025.

The autumn firewood season ends on 30 June, 2025, but collectors are reminded individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Director of Forest and Fire Operations, Aaron Kennedy, urged collectors to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest.

“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and the safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning,” he said.

Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who need to buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support.

Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood here: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region. Maps will be live from midnight, Saturday 1 March. An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.

Within designated collection areas, collectors can collect and cut wood that is on the ground due to natural fall or forest and fire management works. Heavy penalties apply to anyone who cuts down a tree, living or dead.

Authorised Officers can issue fines of more than $769 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules. More serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $9,879 and/or 12 months in prison. Authorised Officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment that’s used in the commission of offending.  

Community members can find out more about collecting firewood and report any suspected illegal firewood collection by calling 136 186.