b'H appy New Year to all.along with a story which aired on WIN TV News NEWSFROM FWDV early January. We are looking forward to following CEO up with Parks Victoria and similar material content into the future. We are also working with DEECA on similar projects which we hope to finalise in the very near future. In case you havent caught up with the I hope you have allnews, DELWP has had a name change and is now had a good Christmasthe Department of Energy, Environment and Climate and the New Year is looking excitingAction, DEECA.and prosperous at this early stage.We are presently seeking an audience with the I would like to pay tribute and thank Briannew Minister for the Environment, Ingrid Stitt and Tanner for his excellent work as editor of thisher Senior Advisor to profess what we are able to Trackwatch magazine since 2013. He has performedsupply to the government regarding our commitment a sterling job in bringing everything together for soto looking after the landscape both through our long, to produce an outstanding quarterly magazine.advocacy and volunteer efforts across the state. Unfortunately, the upturn in material costs includingLast year whilst working with the Gunaikurnai postage and the downturn in advertising contentmob in East Gippsland, I was made aware of the and subsequent revenue, has forced us to take aability to partake in a GLaWAC Cultural Awareness hard look at our financial situation which has led toDay. Alison McLaughlin, Daniel Whitby and I drove this change in direction. We wish Brian all the verydown to Bairnsdale and Kalimna recently to take part best in his future dealings. in what was a wonderful day, full of Australian history Here in the office, we have started the yearand generally unknown tragic events, delivered by with a flurry of courses being run and booked intoWayne Thorpe, an exceptional Gunai man. (Please the immediate future, clearing the backlog thatlook him up on Google to see his qualifications) We occurred prior to shutting down for the holidayrecommend this to anyone who feels inclined to learn break. Changes have taken place in the course unitsmore about the Gunaikurnai traditional owners we deliver in our accredited driver training with ourhistory and way of life from their dream time to instructors also having to be brought up to speedtheir present day Caring for Country outlook and with these upgrades. We are once again forgingaspirations.ahead with these to ensure maximum output forWe have a number of clubs who are reaching all concerned, whilst being very diligent with theimportant anniversaries this year. The Land Rover professional delivery of our product to maintainOwners Club of Victoria are celebrating 60 years the level of excellence we have become known for.this year, while the Dandenong Ranges 4WD Club This, we consider will keep the consistency of workare celebrating 50 years in April as are the Geelong flowing into the foreseeable future.4x4 Club and Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Victoria. Our training centre at Toolangi is progressing,The Wangaratta 4WD club are celebrating 40 years albeit slowly, due the machinations of dealing within May, the Port Phillip Club are 35 years in May and a variety of entities whose wishes and directivesAmarok Club of Victoria are celebrating their 10 year must be handled with respect and given the properanniversary also in May. Wonderful achievements by attention. Sizeable gates have been procuredall those concerned in these clubs. It is excellent to see and installed at considerable cost along withthere is still momentum being carried through by the the mandatory cameras to hopefully catch anymembers to encourage activities and events essential vandalism that may occur there. We are hoping to beto the longevity of the clubs and our association.running courses in the facility towards the middle ofIf your club has any significant milestones coming this year. up in the near future please let us know in the office Late last year we were offered the chanceso we can make sure it is celebrated by all.to shoot some advertising material with ParksI hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to Victoria to emphasis the Summer Safety Awarenesscatching up with you on the tracks soon. Campaign they are running. This was invaluable inWayne Hevey putting Four Wheel Drive Victoria at the front ofCEOmind on their social media pages, as well as ours, 6 TRACKWATCH|March 2023'