Information for prospective members and how to join
About the Club
After a public meeting in October 1985, the Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club Inc. was formed by a group of interested local people. The Club encourages both beginners and experienced walkers of both sexes in family or single memberships. It fosters most allied activities associated with bushwalking. Current Club membership is about 200. The Club has a strong interest in conservation and encourages Members to look after and care for the environment. The Club also has adopted a non-smoking policy
Club Activities
Walks and activities are organized by club members. Walks are held almost every weekend of the year as well as on Wednesdays. Overnight walks and base camps are held regularly. Extended walks with occasional interstate or overseas trips also feature on the programme. Other activities run by the Club include cycling, cross country skiing and occasionally, canoeing. The Club conducts training in navigation and safe walking practices. As the Club depends on volunteer leaders, after twelve months members are expected to lead a walk. The walk programme is produced twice yearly, usually updated monthly and is filed on the Club Website and also mailed out to Club Members who require it by mail. Amendments are given on the website and at monthly meeting in hard copy but are not mailed. The quarterly newsletter “Bush Telegraph” is placed on the website and mailed to those who require it by mail
Grading of Walks
Rambler |
Walks on mostly level and even terrain with emphasis on visits to areas where social activities can be included. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 6 to 8 km. |
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Easy |
Easy walking, gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks. Suitable for most people. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 10 to 15 km. |
Easy / Medium |
Gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks with some short climbs. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 10 to 15 km. |
Medium |
Some of the walk not necessarily on formed tracks, with some sustained climbs (1km or more). Walking time 5 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km. |
Medium / Hard |
As for medium but includes rougher terrain, ie. heavy scrub, rock scrambling or longer climbs or descents. Walking time 5 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km. |
Hard |
Consistent walking in difficult terrain, rock scrambling, thick scrub, steep ups and downs, creek crossings. Experienced and fit walkers only. Walking time 6 to 10 hours, 10 to 20 km. |
Exploratory |
May be any of the above (usually the harder walks) but the route is not familiar to the Leader. |
Booking for a walk
For day walks ring the Leader at least three days before the walk for information on distance, terrain, departure time and location and for any special requirements. Longer walks, usually one week before or as may be advertised in the Club Walk Programme.
Travel to walk areas
Usually by private car. Transport cost is shared between passengers. The trip leader normally works out the rate based on distance travelled (which allows for fuel plus the additional cost of running a car such as tyres and servicing) and advises the cost at the end of the walk. As a guide, day trips work out between $2.00 and $15.00 per passenger.
What to bring on a walk
In addition to the items listed below, what you take on an activity will be determined by the leader and can depend on the type of walk or activity. Overnight walks will require additional items.
A check list is available from the Club to assist in preparation. The trip leader reserves the right to refuse permission to anyone to attend a walk who is inadequately dressed or equipped for the activity and the expected conditions. If in doubt check with the leader beforehand.
Minimum requirements:-
|
Day pack Woollen jumper, hat
Appropriate
clothing Small thermos (optional) Snakebite bandage Spare dry clothing, change of footwear in car and plastic bag for muddy boots |
Waterproof jacket,
Appropriate footwear First aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent
Rubbish bag Overpants may be required. |
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Hire of equipment
The Club has invested part of its funds in basic gear which is available to members for hire at a modest charge. Items include backpacks, tents, stoves, parkas, overpants, “Therma rest” mattresses etc. This gives new members a chance to try out equipment before purchasing. Club membership entitles members to a discount on purchases from several suppliers of bushwalking equipment.
Meetings
Usually held on third Thursday of each month (not January) at 8.00pm.
Introduction for prospective members starts at 7.30 pm. prior to each meeting. Meetings are held at
METZNER HALL
ELTHAM RETIREMENT VILLAGE ELTHAM (Melbourne City Mission)
(Melway ref 21.J4)
Membership fees
Entrance |
Annual |
|
Family |
$10.00 |
$50.00 |
Single |
$ 8.00 |
$30.00 |
(Above Fees are current at 3rd October 2008)
Note: The entrance fee is payable on registration as a prospective member. If subsequent membership application is made between 1st June and 30th September, half the annual fee is payable.
Visitors fees
The Club welcomes visitors on a casual basis. A fee of $5.00 per visitor per day is payable and collected by the leader on the day.
NOTE:- Prospective members, members from other bushwalking clubs and bonafide travellers from outside the metropolitan area do not pay visitors fees.
To Join the Club
For insurance and privacy reasons we have a two stage process for admitting new members.
The first stage is for you to be registered. This involves you completing and signing a Registration Form and also completing and signing our Acknowledgement of Risks Form which we require for insurance purposes. (You may download these forms by clicking on the links). Once this is done you should bring these completed forms to a club general meeting with your registration fee.
Club General Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month (except January and often on 2nd Thursday in December) at Metzner Hall in the Melbourne City Mission Eltham Retirement Village (Melway 21 J4). Prospective members are asked to meet there at 7.30 pm so our contact officer can check the documents and answer any questions. We call this our Induction Meeting and ask you to make an appointment so we can arrange provision of relevant documents including Registration and Risk Acknowledgement forms if you are unable to print them. Please note to park in the railway carpark outside the village complex and walk down the entry driveway to Metzner Hall. The normal meeting follows at 8.00pm. Usually we have a guest speaker on some aspect of bushwalking. At the induction meeting you will be given our Membership Application Form and our Walk Programme plus a form to carry with you in your pack on club activities detailing people we should contact if an emergency occurs.
The Application Form has space for you to have the Leaders of the first three walks you attend to record the walks you have done and sign the form. We call these your Qualifying Walks. Your application also has to be signed by two club members nominating and seconding you for membership. Usually you will have made friends with a number of members on your Qualifying Walks.
Once the Club has your completed Membership Application form and membership fee then at the next Committee Meeting (usually held on the first Thursday of the month) your Application will be approved and at the following Club Meeting (on the third Thursday of the month) you will be welcomed into the Club as a full Member.
You are expected to complete the qualifying walks within a 6 month period from registering and if you don't the Club will assume that you do not wish to become a member and your registration will lapse.
Contacts
If you wish to obtain further information about the Club and its activities
or want to join, please click on Contacts link above:-
Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club Inc. PO Box 536 Eltham Victoria 3095 - Vic Association Number. A0010907B.