QUEENSLAND

BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.

PO Box 2199
Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No (07) 3341 7509
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

Newsletter

August 2014

President Robin Laban attacks a slope on the return from Paddy's Knob

Club News
Reminder Of Annual General Meeting
The club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is on Tuesday
5 August 2014 at Little Kings Hall, corner of Carl and
O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. The AGM will follow the usual
monthly club meeting which starts at 7:30 pm.

A membership form can be downloaded from

http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/membership

The nine management committee positions which will be

up for election are:

CPR Refresher Course

President
Treasurer
Editor

Vice President
Membership Officer
Social Secretary

Secretary
Training Officer
Outings Officer

If you would like to nominate yourself or another person

for a position, please fill in the nomination form (see p7)
and bring it to the meeting.

The membership form and fee may be handed to a

committee member at the AGM or posted to the club.
16 August

A few members will be doing a course at St John's

Ambulance, Fortitude Valley.
Date: Saturday, 16th of August, 8.30 to 11.30 am.
Cost: $65.00
If you wish to join them book for the course directly with St
John's Ph: 1300 360 455
QBW will reimburse leaders for the course up to 50-100%
of the cost depending on the number of walks they have
led in the past financial year.

To vote at the Annual General Meeting you must be a

financial member of the club and attend the meeting.
The other positions to be filled are: Supper Convenor,
Equipment Officer and two delegates for Bushwalking
Queensland Inc. No nominations are necessary.

Sincere Thanks

Membership Now Due

Membership is now due for the 2014-2015 financial year.
All members will receive a notice by email or by post.
Membership is still only $30.00 and is valid to 30/6/2015.

John and Julie Shera and family wish to extend their

sincere thanks to all members who expressed sympathy
and support for them after their recent bereavement. The
attendance at the service, messages of comfort and love,
and offers of assistance have given them strength and
have been very gratefully appreciated.

Page 1 of 8

Peaks to Points Festival 19 July to 3 August

General News
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage 2014 is on the weekend of 5-7 September at
Camp Laurence on the western shore of Lake Moogerah
near Aratula.
Gold Coast BWC are the hosts, assisted by BOSQ.
Details and booking forms are available from the BWQ
website or at QBW meetings.
Also remember to come up with good ideas for the 2015
Pilgrimage that QBW is hosting at Kalbar.

The Peaks to Points is an initiative that aims to highlight

community efforts to restore and protect Brisbane's
southside catchments. It involves over 40 different
activities during the fortnight.
Several of the activities include walks through natural
environments designed to focus on plants, animals or
birdlife. These activities are supported by local councils
and other organisations. For more information check the
website or contact the Oxley Creek Catchment
Association on 3278 2899.
World Ranger Day 31 July

Bushwalker volunteer working weekend

- Friends of Parks project
The next bushwalker volunteer working bee weekend will
be on the weekend of 27-28 Sept. 2014 at Green
Mountains Section of Lamington N.P. Work will continue
on the Green Mountains Natural History Assoc./ Friends
Of Parks project to partially refurbish the Old Forestry
Camp site and access track. This project is being
undertaken in readiness for the Centenary Of Lamington
N.P. in 2015.
Work will involve assisting rangers to secure the old well
with a safety barrier, and tidying up previous work on the
access track, which may include rock wall repairs
Members of bushwalking clubs are welcome to assist,
either for the weekend or for a day. Please park in the
O'Reilly's car park, meet at the rangers office behind the
Information Centre at 8am. Volunteers will have a brief
site induction before walking out to the site, departing
8:30 each day. You will require lunches, water and usual
bushwalking gear. Sturdy boots, long work trousers or
jeans are recommended, or long gaiters. Also garden
gloves to avoid blisters. All hand tools will be supplied.
Accommodation for volunteers can be arranged Friday
and Saturday nights in the rangers' barracks. BYO
sleeping bag and all food; there is a kitchen, hot shower
and toilet in the barracks, also room heaters. Enquiries
from new volunteers are welcome.
Email: johnbne@bigpond.com.
John Marshall / BWQ Volunteer Coordinator
Walking trails updates
The State Government has announced the allocation of
$2 million dollars to develop a 60km extension of the
multi-use Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Kilkivan to
Kingaroy. For more information check the QORF website.

31 July is World Ranger Day. The State Government

Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and
Racing website has information about this day and related
ongoing activities. It also provides links to further websites
that give an insight into the daily work life of a ranger.
Fundraising on Big Burke and Wills Trek
Desley Pedrazzini (Secretary Bushwalking Queensland)
has emailed us seeking support for a fundraising walk.
She is participating in the inaugural Big Burke and Wills
Trek challenge which will follow a 330km section of the
path that the original ill-fated explorers took. The 12 day
trek starts at the Dig Tree in north eastern South Australia
and finishes at Birdsville in south west Queensland.
Desley has paid the entry fees for the trek, so all of your
donation goes directly to the cause the event is
supporting: a cure for type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is
a serious auto-immune disease. 122,300 children and
adults around Australia with type 1 diabetes need up to
six insulin injections every day or a continuous infusion of
insulin through a pump, just to stay alive. Money raised
will go to research to cure, treat and prevent this disease.
Please visit Desley's personal fundraising page
https://bigburkeandwillstrek.everydayhero.com/au/desley
to make a donation. Thanks for your support.
Great Noosa Trail Walk
The Great Noosa Trail Walk is on again on 4-6 October.
The walk is designed for participants to enjoy natural and
cultural features of the Noosa hinterland. Guides and
shuttle buses are provided for support if required. The
cost is $180 with proceeds going to local community
groups. Bookings are limited to 150 walkers. More
information is available on the website including a 3
minute video of last year's walk.
Escorted Walks

The West Canungra Creek Circuit at Lamington NP

remains closed due to storm damage.
The Warrie Circuit at Springbrook NP is being repaired
with expected completion of work in October 2014.
The Purlingbrook Falls Circuit will be upgraded with the
installation of a suspension bridge downstream from the
falls to be completed in early 2015.
The State Government has announced an eco-tourism
focussed Glass House Mountains Outdoor Recreation
Initiative. This project will provide increased walking,
running, cycling and horse riding networks, competitive
trail running events and rock climbing access.
The State Government plans to maximise use of National
Parks including potential facility developments and
running of participation initiatives on state owned land.
The first stage includes establishment of safe access to
the summits of Mt Beerwah and Mt Tibrogargan. For more
information check the NPRSR department's website.

John and Lyn Daly at Take a Walk Adventures are

promoting some very appealing walks in exciting locations
such as Patagonia, South West USA, Scandinavia, Spain
and China. Find out more in their latest newsletter at
http://www.takeawalk.com.au/.
Peregrine has advised of an 8 day trek along the Kokoda
Track departing from Brisbane on 15 April 2015. Cost
starts around $5000 per walker. If interested, contact
Amanda Harrison at Discover Cruise and Travel, Keperra
on 3351 3400.
Tramping trips in New Zealand 2015
The Otago Youth Adventure Trust/Rotary Club of Milton
Tramping Club has announced that places on its 2015
tramps and cycles are now available. Go the website for
more details of walks, costs, dates, etc. It is necessary to
book via the website: www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz

Page 2 of 8

Coming Walks
Any person wishing to come on a club walk must contact
the walk leader first. The leader will organise the meeting
place and car pooling and has full discretion on who can
come on the walk.
Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to a
weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before
Wednesday trips.
More details are available in the club calendar.

It was good to see the large water tank and basin tap at
the composting toilets were still present, as distinct from
Grey Cliffs where both these items had been thieved!

August 2014
2

Sat

Somerset Trail (Mt Mee) D/W

Margie Rae
3395 1838

10

Sun

Twin Falls/Best of All (Springbrook) D/W

Robin Laban
3805 3300

10-29

Sandakan Walk/Mt Kinabalu (Borneo)

Aileen Elliott
5427 9369

16-17 Sat-Sun

Goomburra (Main Range)

B/C
David Kenrick
3349 8238

Fri-Sun

6-14
13

Pilgrimage (Aratula)

DK disappeared for a day to have a worsening infected

ear treated in Grafton. The Brunotts in the luxury mobile
home headed south to Wooli Council camp ground. Dave
Rae did a bike ride so I solo walked 8km south to Diggers
Camp on part of the 4 day 65km Yuraygir Coastal Walk
(worth considering as a QBW thru walk).
There were great views from top of dunes, native trees in
flower and birds calling. Diggers Camp is a small coastal
holiday village with an artistic culture, with great ocean
views. So I got into the theme and lunched on the grass in
Hippy Hollow there.

September 2014
5-7

Got hammered a bit with high wind and cold rain squalls,
so extra tarps came out, etc. Nothing that experienced
tent and trailer campers could not readily handle though.
Nights were very cold but days magnificent again. So a
few warming beverages were needed in evening, and
Dave Kenricks free hot shower tent was superb. Dave
Rae was the only one numbed enough to swim in the cold
ocean.

B/C

Flinders Ranges (Sth Australia) B/C, T/W

Neil Douglas
3875 1090
Sat

20-21 Sat-Sun

Lincoln Wreck (Main Range)

David Kenrick
3349 8238
Collins to Richmond Gap (Rathdowney)
Aileen Elliott
(7-8pm) 5427 9369

Borneo

10-29 August 2014

Several club members will meet the challenge of the

Sandakan Trek in Borneo in August. That will be followed
by an ascent of Mt Kinabalu, the 13th highest mountain in
South East Asia (4,095 metres).
Flinders Ranges

Sat 6 - Sun 14 Sept 2014

Details of this walk are available in the June newsletter.

Contact Neil Douglas on 3875 1090 to discuss or register
for this trip.

Past Walks
Illaroo in Yuraygir

8-13 June 2014

The endangered coastal black emu visited us at Illaroo.

These are smaller and darker than the western ones. The
emu seemed to enjoy the rocket type greens growing
there.

B/C

(Ed note: This report follows on from the Yuraygir report in

the July newsletter).
Exiting Grey Cliffs campsite our reduced crew of 6
campers headed south to Illaroo campground close to
Minnie Water village (yes, Lake Hiawatha is nearby to
Minnie. Ha ha). We set up camp for 3 days in the North
Illaroo camping area in a great sheltered location right
beside the beach. Toilets and water provided but sadly no
hot showers like at Mt Kaputar and Warrumbungles.

It would have been worth walking north toward Sandon

river (10km on sand, one way) but we decided to go home
as Dave's ear was not responding to treatment (as well as
increasing electrical problems with the perfect Dmax).
Yuraygir National Park is a great place to camp, fish, surf,
bike ride, bird-watch, canoe and walk. Certainly worth
doing further visits to other campsites there and revisiting
Grey Cliffs and Illaroo.
John Hinton
Page 3 of 8

Minnages Mountain

21 June 2014

D/W

Lucky thirteen on this walk. We drove down to the usual

parking area on Bennett's Creek Road only to find it all
fenced off and looking like a private campground. So, we
drove on a bit further to a spot that allowed the cars to be
parked safely off the road.
There is a short road easement to follow, quite long grass
with hidden rocks and holes, before the open area of the
National Park is reached. Here the sometimes steep
ascent began in earnest. A total of 750M of up today.
Some of us (me, that is) struggled more than others to get
up to a rocky slab where an early morning tea was called
by the gasping leader.

We were hurried on a bit by the heavy black clouds

overhead and imminent rain. Ken was in training for a
marathon so ran part of the way but the rest of us
conserved our remaining energy. Luckily, the Shed was
still open so we could all relax with a coffee and an
optional cake.
Many thanks to the following who came on the walk with a
special thanks to the drivers: Sandy, Bob, Norm, Gail,
Aileen, Ken, Haylee, Charlie, Sue, Christine, Michael and
Arif.
Patricia K
Paddy's Knob

28/29 June T/W

It was the promise of a very cruisy walk in the middle of

some of SE Queensland's most amazing mountain
scenery that got me in. A drive up the mountain, a brief
one hour fairly level walk in, set up tent, relax and explore.
Even better, the walk was going to be so easy, we only
had to meet at 10am at Aratula instead of the usual 7am.
Time for a relaxing cup of coffee. Bonus!
We then reached the southern escarpment and turned left
towards the summit, finally entering the walking stick
forest (no obvious track now) for the final 250m to the top
and a welcome lunch break.
A cool breeze meant we didn't dally here for too long. The
initial down was fairly gradual but then became steeper
and steeper with loose rock and grassy slopes.

So it was that John, Julie, Lance, Robin, Marion and

Michael met punctually in the Aratula sunshine. John
advised that Kurt would join us up on the plateau later.
After a drive through Cunninghams Gap we arrived at the
small town of Tannymorel where to our surprise there was
a shortage of places to park our cars. A large auction was
in progress, and it seemed that every farmer and his ute
from the Southern Downs had turned up. We found a safe
place to leave the cars, transferred our gear into two
vehicles and drove to the top of the plateau. John left pink
marker tape at key points to mark the route for Kurt.
After a final gear check, we clambered over a gate and
set off along a vehicle track through thick vine forest. After
several hundred metres and another gate we were treated
to a sweeping view of the Main Range, Wilsons Peak and
a distant Mt Lindesay. The route followed a fence line
through open pasture down a hill that was steep enough
to prompt a discussion around the definition of 'plateau'
and 'fairly level'. It was agreed though that it was definitely
easier walking on the grass than it would be in the jungle
on the other side of the fence.

It was a relief to leave the spur and turn towards the west
and a far gentler stroll down to the creek and the road.
Unfortunately, the leader had decided (unwisely) not to
leave a car at the end of the walk and so the drivers had
to walk the 3+Kms back to retrieve the cars.

Soon enough we reached the bottom of the hill where

there is a gate specially designed to keep livestock out. It
also did an admirable job of deterring a bushwalker with a
backpack, but in the end we all manoeuvred our way
through. We continued along the vehicle track through
alternating forest and open grassland. Gradually the
terrain narrowed to a spur that jutted out above
Condamine (Cambanoora) Gorge.

Page 4 of 8

At the end of an open grassed area next to open tall

forest we dropped our packs and set up camp. As the
weather forecast warned of possible storms some of us
decided to pitch our tents away from the trees.

John set up a communal shelter by stringing a tarp

between 4 trees. Kurt joined us not too long after.
Although he had missed a critical marker on his way in,
he quite enjoyed a brief impromptu tour of the plateau.

The walk back along the spur in bright morning sunlight

was magical, with spectacular views of the bluffs along
the gorge to the east. A sustained effort to climb the
never-ending hill gave us another great view. We
reclaimed our cars and retreated to the aptly named
'Gorgeous' cafe in Killarney for coffee and eats.

Soon enough the wind rose and the first storm cell blew
through. When it abated we did an exploratory walk of
several hundred metres to the edge of Paddy's Bluff and
appreciated the views across and down the gorge. We
were also treated to a 'fashion show' of the Shera's space
age wet weather gear.
Shortly after our return to the campsite a second storm
cell blew in, this time with small hail. Thankfully the tarp
withstood it, so we huddled underneath and watched hail
spill off into a heap. John ate some and declared it good.
Dinner was taken around the third squall, but the fourth
had us all beating a retreat to our tents for the remainder
of the night. A very strong wind blew all night with a
roaring sound as it tore through the tree branches.
Day dawned clear and comparatively calmer. A leisurely
breakfast and pack up was extended by the mystifying
disappearance of the Laban's tent peg bag with remaining
pegs. We didn't think the wind blew hard enough to carry
it away but maybe??

Thank you to John and Julie for organising the walk. It

was as described a short and simple throughwalk that is
very rewarding. And thanks to my fellow walkers, Robin,
Marion, Lance and Kurt for your excellent company.
Michael H.

Page 5 of 8

QBW ANNUAL REPORTS 2012 / 2013

2013-2014 Treasurer Summary Report

Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc

Summary Report 13-14 Year
Income and Expenditure
Category

Description

Income

Expense

Opening balance as at: 01/07/2013

Balance
$2,261.47

Income
Bank Interest
Christmas Party
Donation
Membership
Sundry Income

0%
38
%
4%
57
%
1%

Income Total
Expense
Christmas Party Expense
Donations/ Gifts
Equipment - General
Government Charges
Insurance
Post, stationery, copying
Sundry Expenses
Training

$4.02
$1,300.00
$150.00
$1,950.00
$30.00
$3,434.02

32
%
0%
0%
2%
31
%
12
%
17
%
7%

$924.52
$0.00
$0.00
$46.60
$894.24
$346.90
$500.00
$210.00

Expense Total

$2,922.26

Closing balance as at: 30/06/2014

$2,773.23

Helen McAllister

Page 6 of 8

QBW ANNUAL REPORTS 2012 / 2013 (Cont'd)

2013-2014 Outing Officer Report
During the last financial year QBW has had 86 day walks, 14 through walks, 7 base camps, 8 social events,
2 training days and one each of an extended trip, a bike ride and a kayak trip.
There were 19 members overall who gave their time and effort in leading events.
Those who lead 5 or more walks were Patricia Kolarski, Helen McAllister, Aileen Elliott, David Haliczer, John
and Julie Shera, Norm Johnston, John Morris, Margie Rae and myself.
Also thanks to the other leaders, David Kenrick, Marion and Robin Laban, Neil Douglas, Sandy Thomas,
Gerry Burton, Peter Weallans, John Brunott and Michael Hoopmann.
It is heartening to see that relatively new members are willing to lead walks.
Also several members are purchasing their own GPSs which I believe is a great advantage in leading walks
off the beaten track.
I would encourage all members to put their name down to lead at least one walk during the next year.
Happy and Safe Walking
Richard Kolarski

2013-2014 Media Officer Report

This year 11 newsletters were published which is consistent with previous years. Minor amendments were
made to the format of the newsletter but the general look and feel has been retained.
Some members have provided feedback which has been well received and used to help shape the
presentation of information.
I have resisted the urge to write walk reports myself when there was little forthcoming from club members. It
is great to receive reports from different authors, as everyone has a different perspective of an experience,
and everyone has a unique style of describing that experience. Thank to all those authors who have
provided walk write-ups.
One initiative I would like to pursue (should I be re-elected) is to establish a catalogue of club members' walk
stories on the QBW website with accompanying photos and/or videos.
Michael Hoopmann

(Further reports will be published in full following the Annual General Meeting.)

Nomination Form For Committee Position

I wish to nominate

...........................................................

For the position of

..............................................................

Nominator

..........................................................

Seconder

.........................................................

Page 7 of 8

General Information
QBW Management Committee

President

Robin Laban

0417 991 149

Vice President

Mary Sherlock

3209 8514

Secretary

Marion Laban

0405 536 718

Treasurer

Helen McAllister

0419 684 319

Outings Officer

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership Officer

Margie Rae

3395 1838 (H)

Editor

Michael Hoopmann

0401 527 017

Training Officer

John Shera

5546 0381 (H)

Social Secretary

Sandy Thomas

3711 4134 (H)

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Supper Convenor

Noelene McCay

3889 0264 (H)

Librarian

Mary Sherlock

3209 8514

BWQ Rep

Anne Kemp

3371 2707

BWQ Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

$5.00 charge

Bivy Bags For Sale

$3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright
orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag.
Space Blankets For Sale

$2.50 each.

Lightweight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!

Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for any of the above.

Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs

Redlands Bushwalking Club
Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority
over visitors. Calendar is available at:
http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer

Back Pack for Hire

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)

Meeting Place
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at
7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January.
Meetings are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street.
Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting.
A coin donation would be appreciated.

Membership

BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs

affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ
activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay
visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader.
Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations.
Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/

YHA Bushwalkers
Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at:
http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings

Probationary Membership

Gold Coast Bushwalkers

A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member

on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk
form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member.

Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members

financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with
BWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the
Management Committee.

A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on

his/her second walk by filling out a membership form and paying
the membership fee.
Ordinary Membership
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and
signing a membership form, having a proposer sign the form
and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee
member or walk leader.

Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc

Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The
newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system
and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers.
Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au

What Walk is This??

The proposer may be a friend who is a member of the club, a

QBW walk leader, the Membership Officer or one of the
committee members.
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be
elected to a committee position.
Members of Another Bushwalking Club
Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with
Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and
who are covered by the same insurance do not need to become
a member of our club to go on our walks. However QBW
members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Club Equipment
Compasses

Topo Maps

UHF Radios

Emergency Lights

Steripen

First Aid Kits

The above are for use by members at nil cost.

Garmin GPS
QBW has 4 GPSs which have a 20 metre
contour topo map of the whole of Australia included.

Answer to the July puzzle: Great Ocean Walk, Victoria.

PLBs with inbuilt GPS

QBW has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS.
The PLBs will be made available at each club meeting and will
need to be returned at the following club meeting.
Page 8 of 8