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Trek 2022 – Kellerberrin to Perkolili

The Kellerberrin to Perkolili Trek was pretty memorable in many ways.  The wreath flowers were a little disappointing, but we were a week or two too early.

A great thankyou to Murchison Shire on their lovely tidy little settlement.  The caravan park there was right up there with the top parks anywhere.  Price, layout, and cleanliness was superb, and the roadhouse provided splendid meals.

Wooleen Station was disappointing. Would like to have seen government grants put back into the tourist side of things a bit more.

From there a great road trip to Mt Augustus, where their facilities have certainly been upgraded and an enjoyable place to stay.  A pleasant surprise whilst there was when Mick Creagh and Butch Lutley rolled up in 4 days, having left from Albany!!

Road to Wiluna was a great run and meeting John & Jenny Breeden along the way, so another great catch up.  Lots of confusion in Wiluna to which way North, south, East and West was.  With the tractors ending up in every street of town trying to find the Resource Centre.  A visit to the Resource Centre is a must and very well put together with lots of history.

Next road to Melrose Station to stay with Norma Ward. A bit of a mishap there for Cumber put a dampener on his trip after that, ultimately leading to surgery after they returned home.

Had a lovely 3 day stay at Granite Peaks Station with Jim Quadrio and children, being the ever great host, as always.  Unfortunately the good Lord turned against us and decided to wash us all thoroughly,  Unfortunately that changed the course of our itinerary in that only 2 tractors and one support vehicle were able to continue on to Well 9 on the CSR as planned.

Another great road to Carnegie Station where once again the hospitality was awesome, except for one mischievous emu who was into everything, a very naughty bird he was.  We stayed for a couple of nights there before making our way to Wongawol Station for a very informative look around and again lovely outback hospitality.  Our next night was a stay near Mt fisher Gold Mine where we were saddened by the departure of Graeme and Di Turnock.

Next day was headed to Leonora, where Cumber was just backing into the caravan park when his radiator let go, so thanks to George, they removed it and repaired it by welding and soldering and back on the road again.  Had a great tour over Sons of Gwalia.

Just out of there Geraldine got a call to say that her Mum had passed away.  Unfortunately their Trek ended there, so missing out on the Red Dust Revival and we left everyone at Kookynie and high tailed it to Dongara.

We then met up with a few of our fellow trekkers, who travelled on down to the Kulin Bush Races.  What an awesome weekend and so well organised.  We were very grateful to Allan Faulkner for organising the tickets, thanks Allan.

AGM 2022

2022 AGM

The WA AGM which was scheduled for May 21st at Toodyay was cancelled due to the uncertainly of Covid restrictions.  All office bearers elected at the previous AGM have agreed to continue for another year.

The Eastern States’ Branch AGM was held on January 15th, 2022 at the Temora Rural Museum.

The following members were elected to executive positions:

Scott Brooks       President                            Committee Members:

Linda Price          Secretary                            Claude Fuller, Roger Rindfleish

Nicolette Moss  Treasurer                            Mark Buchanan, Dennis Hill

TREK FROM TEMORA TO DONGARA

TREK FROM TEMORA TO DONGARA

We departed Claude & Brenda Fuller’s shed at Temora, went via Young to Dunnedoo via Premer to Tamworth where we met our other fellow Trekkers at Alan and Nicolette Moss for an overnight stay. Then onto Goondiwindi where we stayed for a few nights. Then onto Miles, where we met Irene & Bob Butler, who joined us for a few days, via Roma, Mitchell to Charleville Bush Camp (friends of Geraldine’s), for a few nights. Bob & Irene departed us and we travelled via Augathella to Tambo where we stayed o/night and had an entertaining night at the Chook Races at the Tambo Hotel. We visited Blackall, then onto where John Ault lived as a youngster at Barcaldine.

Longreach was our next stay for a few nights before moving onto Stonehenge for the night.

Then travelled via Jundah, Windora to Beetota Pub, where we stayed overnight. Birdsville was our next stay for a couple of nights. Geraldine & Cumber departed their fellow Trekkers for Alice Springs, via Boulia, then a bush camp before reaching Alice Springs, where we all met up again for a few nights. We then travelled via Tennant Creek, camping in Bush Camps before we reached Dunmarra, where we stayed for a few nights. Bush camp before going to Kununurra, where we had issues crossing the Border due to Covid restrictions.

We stayed in Kununurra at a friend’s place before heading along the Gibb River Road where we Bush Camped for 2 nights. Derby was our next stopover before heading to Broome, where we camped out at the Broome Race Club. We then onto Eighty Mile Beach for a 2 night stay at Caravan Park, before heading to Karratha where we stayed in the Light Industrial Area at a camp that was owned by Hammer’s friends.  Then via a couple of overnight stays at Bush Camps before heading to Exmouth, where we stayed with Daemon & Gemma Bass before heading out on Bass’s boat the Kuri Pearl to the Montebellos for a few nights fishing and relaxing.

We then departed for home, where we all met up again at Dongara for dinner at Southerlies Tavern before the Hammers departed.  Claude fuller and John Ault stayed in Dongara for a few days before departing south, then across the Nullarbor to their home town of Temora.

 

2021 – Eastern Goldfields and Station Country

Covid De Stress Trek to the Eastern Goldfields and Station Country 7 August -9 September, 2021.

The meeting place for the start of the 2021 WA Trek was the beautiful little town of Westonia which is just over a four hour drive from Perth. We arrived on the 7 August and were greeted with overcast, cold conditions with light rain, however this did not dampen our enthusiasm, and we all ventured off on a short walk to the tavern for a meal.

From Westonia we travelled north to Elachbutting Rock camp site then the following day camped at Baladjie Rock which is adjacent to the Baladjie Lake Nature Reserve. We moved on the following day for lunch at Southern Cross before making our way to another popular camp site at Karalee Rock and dam. We spent some time exploring each of these rocky outcrops and Karalee had a very interesting story to tell. The Helena Aurora Range was our next destination. Apart from the plants and wildlife, the Helena Aurora Range offers some of the best bush walking opportunities which we all took much advantage of.

Some of the stations we visited were Jaurdhi, Goongarrie, Gindalbie, Cashmere Downs and Malangata. One of the highlights while at Malangata was a personal guided tour of the unique homestead which was designed by Monsignor John Hawes.

Other places of interest we visited were Coolgardie, Kunanalling, Rowles Lagoon, Broad Arrow Tavern, Kalgoorlie (and the famous two up shed at Mullingar), Kanowna, Kookynie, Menzies, Lake Ballard, Niagara Dam, Sandstone and Mt Magnet. The last stop for some members was at a farming property at Pindar. We spent two nights here and before the remainder of the group left for the final camp site at Camel Soak via Morawa we were given a guided tour of the property to view wildflowers and the crops which were almost due to be harvested.

Like so many other treks, this one offered a wide range of interesting things to see and do every day. Museums, The Super pit and other mine sites (some in use and others abandoned), historical buildings and cemeteries, meteorite crater, wildflowers and wildlife. There were many long walks over and around the base of the massive granite outcrops, and exploring the many ponds after dark for any signs of life.

The journey came to an end on the 9 September when the last of the trekkers finally disbanded and headed for home.

There were four tractors and seven 4×4 vehicles taking part in the trek. The beneficiaries of the funds raised during the trek were the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

 

AGM 2021

The AGM was held on Saturday 27th March with 36 members in attendance at the Traveller’s Rest Motel, Mundaring.

The meeting ran successfully and all positions were filled with most office bearers maintaining their positions.

The meeting was followed by a very enjoyable BBQ in the motel grounds

2021 0327 An enjoyable evening at Mundaring

An enjoyable evening at Mundaring


TEC AWARD

The 2020 TEC Award was presented to Bill and Helen Taylor by Ron Bywaters

in appreciation of their many years of service to the Club

2021 0327 TEC Awardees Bill & Helen Taylor

TEC Awardees Bill & Helen Taylor

 

TEC Replica Award for 2019 presented to Ross Smith.

TEC Replica Award for 2019 presented to Ross Smith.


15 YEAR MEMBERSHIP BADGES AWARDED TO: 

Daniel Smith, Mark Buchanan, Barry & Helen Hall, Les & Carol Mauger,

Paul Scorgie, Don Smith, Robert & Irene Butler and Scott Brooks.


UPCOMING EVENTS

2021 TREK FROM TEMORA TO BYRON BAY AND RETURN TO DONGARA

The planned reverse trek of the 2000 Steep Point to Byron Bay is hopefully still on track.

Three WA tractors are still in Temora, having been left there in preparation for the 2000 trek which was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid19 restrictions. It is planned that these tractor crews will be joined by 6 tractors and 2 support vehicles from the Eastern States Branch and another 2 tractors and 8 support vehicles from WA for the start of the reversal trek from Byron Bay in July.

For WA and SA participants, the 2021 Trek will commence in Temora, then proceed to Byron Bay to join other Eastern Branch members and travel back to WA via Alice Springs where they will visit the Alice Springs Hall of Fame before the official end of the trek at Steep Point, then concluding in Dongara.

There are proposed plans A and B for the up-and-coming Trek from WA to Alice Springs.  Also Plan C for a trek throughout northern WA if our Byron Bay to Steep Point does not go ahead.

Our Trek Itinerary for the 2021 trek departing via Coolgardie then from Byron Bay to Steep Point.  Proposed dates are as follows:-

A Members will depart 1st August Coolgardie, via Connie Sue under the guidance of

Cedar Armstrong, Jeff Fordham and Allan Faulkner.

11th July:  

Depart Temora 5-7 days Travel to Byron Bay (flexible)

18th July:

Arrive Byron Bay, and set up camp for 3 days where we meet up with ESB Members who are travelling with us to Alice Springs.

25th July:

Depart Byron Bay via Birdsville en route to Alice Springs, which Cumber & Neville are organising for this part of the Trek with 28 days of travel.

22nd August: 

Arrive Alice Springs where accommodation is booked at Alice Springs Tourist Park, 70 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs for 8 days. We will be joining with the Army fraternity that is passing through on their way to Darwin before they return for the Transport Hall of Fame celebrations.  They have organised events for that week in which we will join.  Some WA Members will be arriving at Alice Springs at this time.

31st August:

Depart Alice Springs for Steep Point for those travelling there, otherwise the ESB Members will be returning to their homes in the East.

 

 

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Trek

A group of enthusiastic members met at Dick and Barb Garnett’s Willemenup property in Gnowangerup on Wednesday 2 September. After enjoying a few pre-dinner drinks around the fire we moved inside for a delicious meal kindly supplied and prepared by Barb.

We set off to travel through the Stirling Range the following morning, stopping off to visit the old Toolbrunup School along the way and also Red Gum Springs. Although there was some beautiful scenery as we made our way through the Range, it was obvious that the bush was still recovering from the fire that had passed through twelve months ago.

We arrived at Mt Trio Bush Caravan Park at approximately 3pm. This was a great little park offering very comfortable facilities and is a wildflower, birdlife and walking hot spot. Some members took advantage of this and booked in for the wildflower/orchid guided walk the following morning. After leaving Mt. Trio we headed for Tozer’s Bush Camp, stopping along the way to visit the ‘Lily’ Dutch Windmill then later stopping off for lunch at Amelup.

The bays at Tozer’s Bush Camp were nestled in amongst natural bushland. There was a very spacious and spotless ablution/camp kitchen area which we all made good use of. Some members took advantage of another guided wildflower tour while others were able to go on a self-guided tour along the path on the outskirts of the caravan park.

From here we continued on to Bremer Bay. Prior to booking in to the caravan park we visited the Wellstead Museum for a tour and an excellent lunch. We were welcomed by Max Wellstead who then gave us a guided tour of the museum. There was such a huge variety of items on display it was impossible to see everything in the short time we were there. A second visit is definitely on our list of things to do.

Soon after entering the Fitzgerald National Park we made our way to Pt Anne where we tried to photograph the whales (you have to be quick!) We continued on and camped at Fitzgerald River Camp Site. Several more members joined the group at this camp site (just as the rain came down).

We awoke to a damp morning however we were all soon on the road and heading in to Ravensthorpe. There was a quick stop on the outskirts of town so the homemade wildflower decorations could be attached to the tractors.

There was no shortage of things to see and do in Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun and everyone was free to choose how they spent their time while there.

We attended the official opening of the Ravensthorpe Flower Show along with special guests Will Yeoman and Sabrina Hahn. We had a choice of tag-along tours available, sightseeing and wildflowers in the Fitzgerald National Park, Farm Gate Art and lots more.

While in Hopetoun we all joined in to another tag-along tour kindly organised by Allan Faulkner, with Moira and Peter McMahon as our guides. Apart from visiting some great locations, Peter explained the process of collecting the wildflower seeds (under licence). We all appreciated Moira and Peter taking the time to share their knowledge with us.

On Saturday 12th we all went along to visit another place of interest which was the Rusty Relic Open Shed on the property of Colin Hughes and Sue Leighton. Great collection of vehicles and collectables.

After a busy few days we left Hopetoun and made our way along the Southern Ocean Road to our next campsite at Starvation Bay. From here we headed to Lake King via Lillian Stokes bush camp site. This camp was a devastating sight, having been totally burnt out. Such a huge contrast from a previous visit when it was all very lush and green.

We stopped off the one night at Holland Tank campsite after leaving Lake King.

Pingrup community was very welcoming and it was here that we caught up briefly with Jack Bock. Tim and Vicki O’Neill, Mick Creagh and Butch Lutley travelled across from Ongerup to join us around the camp fire for tea.  A member from the local Lion’s Club, made a special trip in to town to cook us a fantastic damper the following morning (for morning tea) before we left to travel on to Nyabing. We decided to stay the night in Nyabing and had our last camp fire for the trek.

The following morning we travelled to Katanning to attend the Tracmach field day. Although the weather was extremely cold we had a wander around the many displays. There was a great variety of food available in the pavilion so we made our way there for lunch by the fire. By mid-afternoon our group had dispersed and we were all on the road again returning to our various homes.

Thank you Dick, Allan and Cedar for again being so generous with your time and for organising such an interesting and enjoyable wildflower trek.

AGM 2020

The AGM was held on Saturday 22nd February with 29 members in attendance at Cumber’s beach shack at Knobby Hill near Dongara.

The meeting ran successfully and all positions were filled with most office bearers maintaining their positions.

The meeting was followed by a very enjoyable shared meal and the opportunity to view the memorable sunset.

Members camped overnight and enjoyed a hearty BBQ breakfast before returning home.

Some of the members relaxing before the commencement of the 2020 AGM.

Some of the members relaxing before the commencement of the 2020 AGM.

TEC AWARD

The 2019 TEC Award was presented to Ross and Patsy Smith in appreciation of their many years of being part of the club and their ongoing attention to the Well 5 on the Canning Stock Route, especially their organising the Well 5 Shelter in 2019.

Ron presents Ross & Patsy with TEC Award

UPCOMING EVENTS

2020 TREK FROM TEMORA TO BYRON BAY AND RETURN TO DONGARA

The planned reverse trek of the 2000 Steep Point to Byron Bay was split into two treks:

Starting in June of 2019 some members from WA joined with members from SA to undertake a trek to Temora where they left their tractors and vans before returning home to prepare for the main trek to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the inaugural trek from Steep Point to Byron Bay in 2000.

For WA and SA participants, the 2020 Trek will commence in Temora, then proceed to Byron Bay to join other Eastern Branch members and travel back to WA via Alice Springs to Steep Point, concluding in Dongara.

Preparations for this return trek are now well under way with departure date being 1st June.

Our Trek Itinerary for the 2020 trek departing from Byron to Steep Point and proposed dates are as follows:-

       WA Members will depart 1st July from Coolgardie, via Connie Sue under the guidance of  

       Cedar Armstrong, Jeff Fordham and Allan Faulkner.

       Those who have their tractors and campers in Temora:

15th June:-

Depart Temora 5 days Travel to Byron Bay

22nd June:-

Arrive Byron Bay, and set up camp for 3 days where we meet up with ESB Members who are travelling with us to Alice Springs. 

25th June:-

Depart Byron Bay via Birdsville en route to Alice Springs, which Cumber & Neville are organising for this part of the Trek with 28 days of travel.

22nd July:-

Arrive Alice Springs where accommodation is booked at Alice Springs Tourist Park, 70 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs for 8 days. We will be joining with the Army fraternity that is passing through on their way to Darwin before they return for the Transport Hall of Fame celebrations.  They have organised events for that week in which we will join.  Some WA Members will be arriving at Alice Springs at this time.

30th July:-

Depart Alice Springs for Steep Point for those travelling there, otherwise the ESB Members will be returning to their homes in the East.

Broomehill to Kulin Trek 2019

The trek from Broomehill to Kulin commenced on Thursday 26 September, 2019 soon after an interesting visit to the Henry Jones Café in Broomehill for morning tea.  Jim and Annabelle Withnall made us welcome and provided an interesting,  informal chat about  the history of the Holland Track before we set off on our journey. Annabelle escorted us to the site of the Alpha Hall and the start of the Holland Track.

Later that morning we arrived in Nyabing and called in to the hotel where Christie Smith, Secretary of the Nyabing Progress Association, explained how the Association undertook to renovate the old pub. Unfortunately, due to a range of issues, the building had to end up being demolished. The Progress Association continued to work to raise the funds required to rebuild and now have an amazing new hotel along with accommodation and excellent facilities to cater for conferences.

We left Nyabing and camped at Holland Tank/Rock. The following morning we drove on to Newdegate where Cedar Armstrong and Allan Faulkner spoke about the tractor club, and also our fundraising for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to a group of children from the local school. Our next stop was the Newdegate Hainsworth Building where there was a lovely light lunch provided, with endless cups of tea, which was very much appreciated by everyone.  We then moved on to Geoff McDonald’s Oakalona Farm. The shearing shed was a hive of activity and Allan Faulkner gave us a demonstration of his shearing skills. Later in the day several of our more adventurous members went for a hair raising ride in Geoff’s restored Bren Gun Carrier. The entertainment continued around the camp fire with Geoff and Joe playing a few tunes on their guitars and singing a few country songs. It was a great night.

As we made our way along the Holland Track we explored various rock formations along the way. Lillian Stokes Rock in Frank Hann National Park was just one of many interesting camp sites. We met up en-route in the Shire of Kondinin with Mick who provided some interesting information about the mining activity in the area.

We continued on and visited Lake Cronin. This was an interesting stop however, unfortunately, the lake was dry. Our next camp was at Mount Holland, and the following morning (after our early morning climb) we continued on to Gnamma Hill via Vultee Vengeance plane crash site. 

One more stop before arriving at our final destination was Kondinin Caravan Park. During our time here several members were interviewed by Tyne Logan from Great Southern ABC, we had a group meal together at the hotel and made a visit to the Light Horse Memorial on Yeerakine Rock.

The 25th Annual Kulin Bush Races was a sold out event, and the huge crowd attending enjoyed non-stop entertainment throughout the whole weekend. We appreciated the opportunity of camping in the Vietnam Vet’s Camp Hart enclosure, and the invitation to attend their memorial service on the Saturday morning. The 9G Chamberlain tractors were invited to participate in the grand parade and also competed against each other in a track race. The commentator was our own Bob King who did a great job of calling the race. Members dressed up for the occasion and won second prize in the ‘Fashions on the Field’ competition. The proceeds of the prize were donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation along with other donations we received during the Broomehill to Kulin Trek.

IMAGE GALLERY

ESB TREK TO BILOELA

Recently some of the ESB members made a small trek from Young, NSW to Biloela, Qld which is approximately 100k’s west of Rockhampton, Qld.  Those trekking included Claude Fuller, Malcolm Yerbury, John Ault, Tony & Maree Barnett and Neville Thompson..

The Callhide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club have an event every year which some of us have attended before known as the Silo Complex.  They previously held the National Rally in 2007.and have a great campground and amenities.  This year was the biennial Queensland Heritage Rally.  Whilst there we met up with old and current members – Don Smith, Joan & Brian Derrick, Les Thompson, Bob & Irene Butler and from the responses to our tractors, hopefully more new members as plenty of membership forms were passed on – hope so.

There was a good array of tractors on show, mostly Chamberlains.  The National Tractor Trek is being held in Young this September and has 160 tractors trekking, and out of those there are 58 Chamberlains, 9G’s making a big contribution.  Who would have thought 18 years ago that our trusty 9G’s would become so popular?

Anyhow, as usual, it was good catching up with everyone, good weather, good company, great trip so let’s keep on ‘Chamberling Along’.

2018 – Trek to Well 5

Well 5 – Canning Stock Route

Since the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club of WA adopted Well 5 on the Canning Stock Route, several members have made visits at various times out to the Well in order to carry out maintenance and any general repairs if required.

Our most recent visit was on the 11 July, 2018.  Once enquiries were made and permission was obtained from the M.N.R. Body Corporate by members Ross and Patsy Smith, approximately 30 club members set up camp at Well 5 in order to erect a steel framed shelter and concrete bench seat to further enhance the area for passing travellers.

This new steel shelter was built off-site by Brian Carr, along with assistance from Paul Whittaker, Shayne Smith and Max Smith.

The structure was transported to Well 5 in pieces and erected at the site. The concrete bench seat was transported by truck to the site by Dick Garnett, along with a telehandler which was used to lift and dig as required.

With the equipment provided by members, along with many willing hands, it was not long before the structure was in place and ready for some touch up painting.  Two signs were attached to the shelter to provide some information on the activities and purpose of the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club.  A new survey plaque was also installed at the site.

This was a very successful project and an enjoyable few days camping out for those members who participated.

Following on from the Well 5 experience, some trekkers continued on, meeting up with other members, with a group of 11 people enjoying a few days visiting Mount Augustus and the Kennedy Ranges, along with the very beautiful countryside, very green after the good rains.

Club members with the completed shelter

Club members with the completed shelter