| Ridge and Ruts - August 2025 edition |
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The Four Wheel Drive Victoria 50th Anniversary is shaping up to be a fantastic event, taking place from 17 to 19 October. The event team has also been out visiting clubs to promote this significant milestone. Ticket sales and camping spots are filling fast. Book here
The National 4x4 Outdoors show is scheduled for 22-24 August. FWDV has now partnered with Saber Offroad and will present a new activation for live recovery demonstrations across the three days here
The association recently secured government funding for the next 12 months. This strategy will ensure funds can be allocated to special projects and volunteering opportunities across the state for 4WD clubs, members, and the broader community. Advocating for and presenting a long-term funding agreement will be the next step in this strategy.
FWDV in July met with the new Parks Victoria (PV) CEO, Lee Miezis, for a positive meeting to continue the joint partnership the association and clubs have with PV across the state.
The association is trialing a new digital link process for the next 12 months to better capture 4WD volunteering, special projects, and events that members and clubs conduct in the community and broader Australia. Capturing information on a rolling basis more often will ensure that specific metrics, such as the number of hours, economic contribution from activities, and the type of activity, can be reported on more easily. View and submit volunteering here
Visit Victoria is currently in the middle of seeking feedback to set out its plans and priorities to 2030 here. Such as the visitor economy, tourism, and more, 4WDing plays its part in this. The strategy will complement and align with the Victorian Government’s Experience Victoria 2033 and Tourism Australia’s Thrive 2030.
For any clubs interested in being a part of the Western Liaison Group reactivation or finding out more information, please reach out to Mat Mason: president@amarokclub.com.au
As always, the team continues to be across any changes, updates, and support needed for track and area access across the state and Australia-wide.
Regards
Craig Ryan and Team
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Four Wheel Drive Victoria 50th Anniversary Event
17-19 October. Ticket sales and camping spots are filling fast. Book here |
National 4x4 Outdoors Show
FWDV will have an indoor exhibit promoting clubs via digital TVs, promoting training, volunteer opportunities, showbag handouts, and more.
https://4x4show.com.au/melbourne
Volunteer at the FWDV exhibit for a two-hour time slot, and in return, you will receive a complimentary ticket to the show for all three days, plus parking.
There are still opportunities to volunteer on Saturday or Sunday for a two-hour slot here |
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New Recovery Demo at the National 4x4 Show
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an outback tourer, knowing how to recover a stuck vehicle safely and effectively is one of the most essential skills in four-wheel driving.
That’s why one of the must-see features at this year’s National 4x4 & Outdoors Show in Melbourne is the live winch recovery demonstration, presented by the experienced training team from Four Wheel Drive Victoria, in collaboration with recovery gear innovators Saber Offroad.
https://4x4show.com.au/Melbourne/whats-on/recovery-demos
This practical and engaging session is designed to give you real-world insight into the safe use of winches and recovery gear, with a strong focus on safety, planning, and correct technique.
This session is ideal for both newcomers and experienced drivers looking to refresh their skills and gain hands-on knowledge of modern recovery methods.
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Proficiency Course in September 2025
Theory: 2nd September 2025, evening session via Teams
Practical: 6th September 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 September 2025
Theory: 9th September 2025, evening session online via Teams
Practical: 13th and 14th September 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
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New volunteering data submission link
Four Wheel Drive Victoria is trialing a new process and digital link for the next 12 months to better capture 4WD volunteering, special projects, and events that members and clubs conduct in the community and broader Australia.
Activities such as track clearing, hut-rebuilding, clean up the bush, flora and fauna projects, disaster relief, community/special work, and much more.
Capturing information on a rolling basis more often will ensure that specific metrics, such as the number of hours, economic contribution from activities, and the type of activity, can be reported on more easily.
Data will then be reported to the government, Parks Victoria, DEECA, and other relevant bodies frequently.
Note that the FWDV link will not replace the Parks Victoria (PV) ParkConnect (PC) platform, as that is for approved PV activities. Clubs, members, and groups are encouraged to still use and submit via PC, but our preference is to submit via the FWDV link as a priority and step one.
Process:
1) Clubs or groups to assign one representative to collect the requested information from each activity.
2) One representative to submit the information as soon as possible, post-project/activity.
View and submit volunteering here
The live link is also available via the resources section on the FWDV website here, and will be available on our social media platforms shortly
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Victorian Four Wheel Drive Centre - update
The Property Management Committee (PMC) compiling of FWDV and LROCV, will meet on Saturday, 16 August at the Rowville premises, to have the next planning workshop.
To re-evaluate the concept design review the cost plan, floor finishes, ceiling finishes, floor and wall finishes, carpet, tiles etc and more. To then submit for the planning permit to Knox City Council.
The PMC is also seeking to obtain information of members/network who have the skills/trade, qualfications and more who may be interested in assiting or contracting with the build.
Email: pmc.vic4wdcentre@gmail.com
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Welcome to Ceylon 4WD Convoy
Welcome to our newest affiliated FWDV Club, Ceylon 4wd Convoy. We are looking forward to working with you and hearing about your club trips.
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Congratulations to Dave Roberts
Toyota 4WD Club of Victoria member, Dave Roberts, recently donated for the 800th time at the Lifeblood Ringwood Donor Centre. This means Dave has single handedly saved up to 2,400 lives through blood, plasma and platelet donation. Incredible!
Want to roll up your sleeve and get that great life-saving feeling? Head to Lifeblood.com.au, join the Four Wheel Drive Victoria Lifeblood Team, and book a donation. Go on, be like Dave!
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