CEO Update - Craig Ryan

The association has now commenced the process of producing a new three-year strategic plan 2025-2027. With an aim to have clearer objectives, initiatives and actions.

We encourage members to complete the strategic plan input request by 11:59pm on 17 February here.

FWDV is currently working with DEECA and Forest Fire Management Victoria to review the 'draft' Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Permanent Traffic Restriction Procedure. To ensure there is a clear future process, scope, and principles for consultation with FWDV and clubs in relation to vehicle traffic on managed roads and track closures for 4WDing and other user groups. We hope to finalize this over the coming months.

The link to the Great Outdoors Taskforce and updates are here

The Victorian 4WD Show is once again on Sunday 16 February at Lardner Park, with several clubs having an exhibitor site to promote their membership, trips and operations. FWDV will also have a marquee with staff on-site, promoting all clubs, training courses, and more. View the website here.

FWDV turns 50 this year, with planning in progress for a date and a special 4WD event/weekend to occur to celebrate this milestone, with further details communicated.

Several clubs have already signed up to the Revolutionise Sport cloud-based platform for operations, and we are seeing some positive outcomes, club growth, and better user experiences for committees and members using the platform.

The association has now moved to online and digital sign-up/payment memberships via the Revolutionise Sport platform for Associate Membership types, with a 15% increase in these memberships since online memberships . All memberships via FWDV will also have national ID numbers, welcome emails, and auto-renew reminders, so a better Customer Experience (CX) moving forwards.

Craig and the FWDV Team

Strategic Plan 2025-2027 - input request

We are developing a new three-year strategic plan for 2025-2027.

With the aim of having clearer objectives, initiatives, and actions.

We are seeking input from various stakeholders, such as members, clubs, partners, and the general 4WDing community.

Please submit for input by 11:59 pm 17th February using the link here

Victorian 4WD show 2025

Sunday 16 February - Lardner Park

https://www.vic4wdshow.com.au/

Meet the FWDV Team – Jo

Jo Somerfield is the Office Manager at FWDV and has been working with us for just over a year. Jo is the friendly voice at the other end of the phone when calling the office, along with many other tasks including looking after our club members and students.

Jo has been a member of the Pajero 4wd Club of Victoria for five years and loves getting out with the club exploring new areas. Initially purchasing a 4wd just to be able to go camping on the other side of the river and joining a club to find out how to 4wd, only to realise what an amazing 4wd community we have.

When time permits, Jo enjoys gardening, reading and going to see live music, especially at small regional festivals, if it includes a road trip, all the better. One of her favourite places visited is The Kimberley, with the amazing gorges to explore.

If you have any FWDV queries, please feel free to give the office a call on (03) 8872 7300

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

Chainsaw Course

We are pleased to provide details of the next FWDV chainsaw course taking place in the Gellibrand area.

The pricing for the chainsaw course for affiliated club members it is $495.00 per student (note general public are charged $950.00 each, therefore proving a great member benefit).

The course comprises 2 nationally recognised units of competency, this is an Accredited Course:

FWPCOT2254 Maintain Chainsaw. This unit addresses the following topics.

Plan and prepare for maintenance.  Conduct chainsaw maintenance. Complete maintenance records and clean up.

FWPCOT2273 - Trim and cut felled trees. This unit addresses the following topics.

Prepare for trimming and cutting.  Visually assess felled trees. Plan cutting. Use chainsaw to trim and cut trees. Complete equipment maintenance

Safety is emphasized throughout the course and ensures that WHS requirements are demonstrated.

Dates & Times:

Theory – Wednesday evening 26^th February 2025 (approx 4 hours)

Time – 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start

Location – SES Building, 4 Wood St, Geelong

Practical – Saturday 1^st & Sunday 2^nd March 2025 (2 full days)

Time – 8:00am for a 8:30am start to approx. 4pm

Location: Gellibrand – exact location TBC

Candidates who are assessed competent in the unit requirements will be award a Statement of Attainment.

RTO 21605

For further details on personal requirements, chainsaw requirements click here and how to enrol please email office@fwdvictoria.org.au or call on (03) 8872 7300

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

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Message from Lifeblood

Lifeblood would like to say thank you for 2024. 762,515 donations were given by donors across Australia, that’s the equivalent of 1,500 standard council wheelie bins worth of life-saving blood. Let’s make 2025 even better. To book your appointment call 13 14 95 or go to click here

World Wetlands Day was held on Sunday 2nd February 2025

DEECA has put out a media release to remind us all that the North-east Victorian wetlands are critical habitat for an array of wetland birds, including threatened species.

To access brochures covering our wildlife found in different areas please see DEECA website

Pic 1) Big Reedy Lagoon Yarrawonga      

Pic 2) Sharp-tailed sandpiper

Heading pic) Australian painted snipe