The Four Wheel Drive Victoria 50th birthday celebration weekend is shaping up to be a fantastic event between 17-19 October 2025. Keep an eye on the event page here for more information and to secure a ticket.

The National 4x4 Outdoors Show is 22-24 August 2025 at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Thank you to those clubs who have registered to attend and exhibit. For members who would still like to get involved, there is a volunteer opportunity at the FWDV exhibit here

Recently, FWDV secured some government funding, and this important strategy now enables the use of these funds for specific projects, volunteer work, and key activities. FWDV, as the next step, will plan out the best use of these funds and map out the next 12 months.

The Mount Skene permit system is now in use via FWDV, with various clubs electing to take trips to experience the natural alpine ash, snowgum woodlands, and sub-alpine heathlands here

FWDV held a club Presidents and Delegates meeting on Saturday, 14 June. This provided a unique opportunity for club Presidents to network together, and for FWDV to present current and future directions, understand club challenges, and what support may be required.

Welcome to the Ceylon 4WD Convoy and its club members who have recently affiliated with FWDV.

4WD clubs and members continue to do amazing volunteer work in the community, such as a recent working bee at 15 Mile Hut in the Eildon area and tree planting at Glenaroua (near Broadford).

Craig and Team

What's On

July

August:

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

https://4x4show.com.au/melbourne

October:

6: FWDV Annual General Meeting

17-19: FWDV 50th Anniversary

https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/index.php/50th-anniversary

FWDV 50th Anniversary Event

The Four Wheel Drive Victoria 50th birthday celebration weekend is shaping up to be a fantastic event between 17-19 October 2025. Keep an eye on the event page here for more information and to secure a ticket from 11 July onwards.

National 4x4 Outdoors Show

The National 4x4 Outdoors Show is 22-24 August 2025 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

https://4x4show.com.au/Melbourne

Thank you to those clubs who have registered to attend and exhibit. For members who would still like to get involved, there is a volunteer opportunity at the FWDV exhibit here

Affiliation Fee 2025/2026 Reminder

A reminder to get your club affiliation fees into FWDV if you have not done so already.

The Four Wheel Drive Victoria Board has determined that the affiliation per member fee for the year 2025/26 will be $60.00. An increase from the $58.00 2024/25 fee.

Thank you to all of the clubs that have already paid your fees.  Please note that the new member stickers for 25/26 are now available and can be collected from the office - please let Jo know in the office.

Proficiency Course in July 2025

Theory: 22nd July 2025, evening session via Teams
Practical: 26th July 2025, all day at the 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: $450.00

To enrol click here Please ensure that you click on the club members discount code

Accredited 3 Unit Course in July 2025
Theory: 15th July 2025, evening session online via Teams
Practical: 19th and 20th July 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 topics:

• 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: $975.00

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

To enrol click here please ensure that you click on the members discount code

RTO 21605

Chainsaw Course Ballarat

For those interested in partaking in a Chainsaw Course in Ballarat:

This is a great opportunity for members to obtain their chainsaw qualifications prior to track clearing.

The pricing for the chainsaw course for members it is $495.00 per student (note general public are charged $975.00 each, therefore proving a great member benefit).

The course comprises 2 nationally recognised units of competency:

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 23rd July 2025 (approx 4 hours)

Time – 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start

Location – Ballarat 4wd Club rooms

Practical – Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July 2025 (2 full days)

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

Location: Scottsburn – exact location point TBC

 Pre Course:

• Please use manual enrolment form attached below and return to the FWDV office. 
• Note on the form which FWDV club you are a member of and whether or not you have your own chainsaw and if it is electric or petrol. 
• Ensure all fields are completed including USI number (to find or create a USI please go to https://www.usi.gov.au/ )
• Participants will be provided with a Learner Guide to download and read and a Theory workbook to download, print and attempt the answers prior to the course.  Hard copy Learner Guides will be handed out at the Theory session.

Personal requirements:

Camping - available on site

BYO chair, camping gear and food & beverages.

Clothing to suit weather conditions including hat.

If you feel unwell prior to the course, please DO NOT ATTEND THE COURSE and notify our Office as soon as possible.

Chainsaw Practical:

• Each participant MUST HAVE OWN PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUPMENT (PPE)  Helmet, Ear muffs, Visor, Safety chaps or trousers, Hi-Vis safety vest, Steel cap/solid boots and Leather gloves.  NOTE: failure to comply with PPE gear will exclude you from participating in the course.
• Your chainsaw must be operational, in good working order, comply with Australian Safety Standards and you are required to bring the specific operation manual
• 5 Litres fresh fuel (unleaded, not E10)
• Bar Oil (if using own chainsaw)
• Mixing Oil (if using own chainsaw) – please do not mix prior to the course
• Plastic wedge/s (150mm or 200mm)
• Small stump vice
• Chainsaw sharpening kit (ensure file matches chain pitch)

Please note the attached ‘Student Equipment Requirements to Participate’ document.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Enrolment Form

Student Equipment Requirements to Participate

RTO 21605

Club Volunteering

Our various clubs are doing a great job volunteering.  

We would like to extend our gratitude to the incredible members of our local four wheel drive clubs who have generously volunteered their time and energy to support a range of community projects.  Recent activities have been ran through the Melbourne Jeep Owners Club and Pajero 4wd Club of Victoria.

From maintaining our beloved huts to planting trees and restoring natural habitats, your dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact. These efforts not only preserve our shared spaces but also strengthen the bonds within our community.

Your spirit of adventure, teamwork, and service is truly inspiring. Thank you for driving change—both on and off the road!

Don't forget to let the FWDV team know about your volunteering events so that they can be shared and also to submit your volunteer hours to ceo@fwdvictoria.org.au 

Welcome New Clubs

We wish to welcome two new clubs to the association.  A big warm welcome to:

Ronin 4x4 Club Inc

and

Ceylon 4wd Convoy

We'll look forward to seeing you out on the tracks.

Lifeblood

Who receives the most blood donations in Australia? No, it’s not car accident victims or trauma patients (only 2%). It’s cancer patients. The best way to help someone living with cancer? Donate blood. Just like we are at Four Wheel Drive Victoria, with our own Lifeblood Team. Book yours at in here #lifebloodau @lifebloodau