News / Articles

CEO Update - Craig Ryan

The association is in the final stage of reviewing the planned seasonal track closures for 2025 that are managed by DEECA and Parks Victoria. This process is also in consultation with FWDV Regional Representatives. These tracks are planned to close between 5-12 June and are available on the various official platforms for statuses.

A key discussion point at the Regional Representatives meeting on 3-4 May in the Otways will be looking at solutions for tracks that are still currently closed, and a plan with stakeholders and how these might be accessible again in the future.

The link to the Great Outdoors Taskforce and continued updates arehere

FWDV has partnered with Volkswagen Group Australia, enabling affiliated members to receive national fleet and corporate discounts on selected new models under the VW branding. Discount codes are available via FWDV or clubs.

Clubs had success and a boost to the membership at the Yarra Glen Show on 21-23 March, and the Ballarat Show is on 11-13 April, with a 'Come and Try' 4WDing Day 10am-3pm on 3 May at Smythesdale.

Fantastic to see clubs and members continue to volunteer their time in the community, whether it be the 'Hut to Hut' for Autism, donating to Lifeblood, or the working bee at Narbeview Wildlife Shelter. Please continue to post these projects and events on social media for added reach or send them to FWDV to be included in the Trackwatch magazine or EDMshere

Planning is in progress for Four Wheel Drive Victoria's 50th anniversary coming up this year, save the date and further details to be released in the coming weeks.

Well done to the Idlers 4WD club's 30th Anniversary coming up in May.

The 2025 National 4x4 Outdoors Show will be held 22-24 August at Melbourne Showgroundshere

Craig and the FWDV Team

What's on 2025

April:

11-13: Ballarat Outdoor Show

https://www.outdoorlivingcaravanexpo.com.au/ballarat/

May:

3-4: Regional Representatives meeting in the Otways

3: Ballarat Come & Try Day

3: First Aid Course for Club Members

June:

27-29 Mildura Outdoor Show

https://www.outdoorlivingcaravanexpo.com.au/mildura/

August:

22-24: National 4x4 Outdoors Show at the Melbourne Showgrounds

https://4x4show.com.au/melbourne

October:

6: FWDV Annual General Meeting

FWDV Proficiency and Accredited 4wd Courses

Proficiency Course in May 2025
This is a non accredited training session.
Theory:6th May 2025, evening session via Teams
Practical:10th May 2025, all day at the Toolangi Training Ground

or

Theory:27th May 2025, evening session via Teams
Practical:31st May 2025, all day at the Toolangi Training Ground

The course covers the following topcs:

• Basic understanding of four wheel drive vehicles and their technical aspects
• Four wheel drive techniques
• Recovery techniques
• Driving in a range of terrain
• Water crossings

Please note both sessions must be attended.

Participants wil be presented a Certificate of Particiapation.
Club member: $255.00
Non club member: $440.00

Accredited 3 Unit Course in April 2025
Theory:29th April 2025, evening session online via Teams
Practical:3rd and 4th May 2025, both days at our Toolangi Training Ground

All sessions must be attended.

This is an accredited course which combines the following 3 units of competency.

• FWPCOT3325 - Operate a 4wd on unselaed roads
• FWPCOT3326 - Recover four wheel drive vehicles
• FWPCOT3329 - Perform complex 4x4 operations

The course covers the following topics:

• Basic understanding of four wheel drive vehicles and their technical aspects
• Four wheel drive techniques
• Recovery techniques including:
  • Winching with an electric winch
  • Using a hand operated winch
  • Recovery with traction aids
  • Kinetic recovery
• Driving in a range of terrain
• Water crossings

Candidates who are assessed competent in the unit requirements will be awarded a statement of attainment.

Club member: $495.00
Non club member: $950.00

To learn about the difference between an accredited and non accredited course please view our student handbook byclicking here.

For more information please see the FWDV website:Click here
RTO 21605

Meet Gareth Milloy

Gareth is one of the Ordinary Board Members with FWDV from Toyota Landcruiser Club of Victoria (TLCCV)

How long have you been involved with 4wding and how did you get into 4wding?

Ever since I got behind the wheel of a 4WD at 18, I’ve been hooked on the thrill of off-road adventures. Now entering my 30s I’ve explored countless trails, camped in some of the most breathtaking locations, and made unforgettable memories with great mates.

What is your favourite type of 4wd trip and to where?

For me, the best kind of trip is what I call a "swag trip"—where you spend most of the day driving, tackling tracks, and discovering new trails, then find a camp spot in the afternoon to settle in for the night before moving on the next day. There's something special about this style of travel—the sense of adventure, the unpredictability, and the thrill of waking up to a new location each morning.

Without a doubt, my favourite region to explore has to be the Victorian High Country. The combination of challenging tracks, breathtaking mountain views, and rich history makes it an unbeatable destination for any 4WD enthusiast.

National 4x4 Outdoors Show 2025

22-24 August.

https://4x4show.com.au/

Revolutionise Sport - for clubs

Four Wheel Drive Victoria has now rolled out the National cloud-based integrated platform.

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/

To see the Features clickhere

To see the Security Protocols clickhere

Clubs wanting to trial if for free, please clickhere

Mountain Cattleman's Association of Victoria

MCAV would like to invite FWDV affiliated members to join their Association for the special price of $10 for a family membership.

To become a member:click here

Extension of Border Track closure in Ngarkat CP due to dry conditions

Please note the following.https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/closures-and-alerts/ngarkat-conservation-park-one-way-section-of-border-track

SA is experiencing a period of dry conditions and opening the track at this time has the potential to cause permanent damage to the fragile area and pose a fire risk to visitors. The Track conditions and closure will be reviewed again at the end of May 2025 or upon significant rainfall in the area. The Centre Track provides an alternative route parallel with the border for vehicles to access through Ngarkat.

Locked gates, signs and cameras will be erected to stop illegal access during this closure extension.