Albury Wodonga's outdoor club for bushwalking (and skiing, cycling and canoeing)
President's Annual Report 08
It's hard to know whether this is a wonderful report by our president Pauline McLaughlin, or a report by our wonderful president. It gives an excellent overview of the BBC because it covers the full scope of the year's activities.
Looking back
Reflecting on the last year of activities of the Border Bushwalking Club reveals a very active and enthusiastic membership.
Membership
During the year, we welcomed 46 new members and it's pleasing to note that some family groups were among those. Our current membership is 234, which is an increase on last years' 212.
Activities were numerous and varied
With something to tempt members out and about on almost every weekend of the year, there has been a wealth of opportunities to walk, ski, snow shoe, cycle and paddle. Of course the majority of these opportunities involved walking but the range of areas to be walked was impressive. The majority of walks were day or weekend walks within reasonable distance of home. But there were extended trips to the Larapinta Trail in NT, Fraser Island in Queensland, the NSW South Coast, Tasmania and New Zealand.
Community input
Members also participated in environmental activities such as the Regent Honey Eater Project, Clean Up Australia, and Mossbed rehabilitation on the High Plains and at Mount Buffalo.
Leaders
Although the same names appear often on the program of activities, 30 members have volunteered to lead over the last year, with some leading one or two activities and others leading often. Our most consistent leader was John Stevens who we're very sorry to have said good bye to as he has left the district. [See Personal Development area on the Index Page]
Government grants
Due to the success of the club in gaining some Government grants, we were able to have 23 members trained in Wilderness First Aid with a Victorian Government Country Action Grant. With funds from a Federal Government Small Equipment Grant we purchased 2 EPIRBs and some First Aid Equipment. A Parks Victoria Volunteer Groups Grant provided funds to help members carry out bog rehabilitation at Mount Buffalo.
Skills training
To build on members' skills, navigation training was offered with a few members taking the opportunity to learn or revise their skills using maps and compasses; a Wilderness First Aid Course was held; and a CPR course was offered. But we are reminded that skills can also be learnt by observation and practice while involved in the regular activities of the club.
Club meetings
Club nights have been well attended with a variety of entertaining and informative speakers ranging from members who've told of trips to Alaska, Nepal, Kakadu, Waterfall Way, The Pyrenean Trail in France, and sailing around the world, to tips from a podiatrist and an overview of the latest in outdoor equipment.
Footprints
Footprints, has continued to provide members with information and reports, with a vital part of its role being to list the program of future events. Thank you to members who have contributed to Footprints.
Web Site
The other avenue for disseminating information is via the club's web site and thanks go to Bruce Key for his diligent maintenance and updating of information, and also to Cindy Marsh who filled in while Bruce was travelling.
Photo competition
The annual photo competition in September again created interest and entertainment, with the family duo of Nicole and Mark Slater taking out the first and second prizes respectively. The competition couldn't happen without input from members who enter and this year the number of entries rose to 150, but the success also is thanks to those who put in the hard behind the scenes effort. So thanks go to Nonie Fielder for coordinating it and to David Gordon for compiling the power point presentation of the entries. [See the section on Photo Competition]
The "Burnt Boot Award"
Among the annual awards at the Christmas party, the coveted "Burnt Boot" award for a memorable trip was awarded to Bruce Key for the trip on the Larapinta Trail, which by all reports was an excellent trip.
The committee
During the year, changes were made to the club Rules (Constitution) to bring them up to date. The membership is fortunate to have an enthusiastic committee to oversee the activities of the club. Some positions have required more work than others, but it's the combined effort that has ensured the smooth running of the club. On behalf of all the members, I thank everyone who has worked on the committee this year, with special thanks to Sandy Kaitler, our secretary, who keeps everything running smoothly.
Looking ahead - our 30th anniversary
The year ahead will see the celebration of 30years of our club and a concerted effort to encourage more members to "take the plunge" to lead a walk. We can all look forward to another year of wonderful outdoor opportunities. Pauline McLaughlin, President