PO Box 2199
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
The track to Fleays alongside Tallebudgera Creek (see p.4)
Club News
From the editor
Welcome to the March newsletter.
A lot has happened in the past month – we managed to
dodge Cyclone Oma with little disruption to our walks
schedule, extreme temperatures have restricted some
walkers but no walks were abandoned, and BWQ has
confirmed the dates for Pilgrimage. Of course all of that
is over-shadowed by the news that Norm Johnston, a
valued club member, walk leader and friend, recently
lost his brave battle with lymphoma. Details of club
memorial events will be made available for members.
I am aware of a number of club and private excursions
planned to interstate and overseas destinations. Enjoy
them all – for as Mark Twain wrote: “Twenty years from
now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the things you did. So throw off the
bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, and catch
the trade winds in your sails. Explore Dream Discover.”
There is much to look forward to in the months ahead
as the walking conditions become ideal.
Enjoy your reading and see you on the trail.
Michael H
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Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No 0478 239384
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
March 2019
Photo: Michael H
Heart Health talk
After Richard's talk last month on Heart Health, a
couple members asked for a writeup of the talk. There
were no speaking notes as such, but Richard is happy
to talk about his experience directly with people if they
have any questions.
Membership
The club currently has 58 members. We have already
enjoyed a couple of walks with our newest member
Jenny, and hope there will be many more.
Membership fees for 2018/19 are $30. Please send
your payment to Helen or by direct transfer into the
club bank account. Payment details are on page 6.
The same membership form is used whether you are a
new member signing up or a current member wishing
to renew – it is on the club website. Please complete
the form, sign it and either post, email a scanned copy
or hand it to Helen at a club meeting or on a walk.
The club email is qldbwc@yahoo.com.
 General News Coming Walks
Pilgrimage 2019 27 - 29 & 30 September
BWQ has announced their plans for Pilgrimage 2019 !! Any person wishing to come on a club walk must
The venue is Camp Laurence on the western shore of contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise
Moogerah Dam. The dates are Friday 27 to Sunday 29 the meeting place and car pooling and has full
September with an option to extend an extra day into discretion on who can come on the walk. If possible
Monday. The usual walks and bush dance will be provide leaders with plenty of forward notice if you wish
augmented by historical photo displays and activities to to nominate for a walk or if you change your plans.
note the 50th year of Pilgrimage. Details are available
on the BWQ website at: Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to
http://www.bushwalkingqueensland.org.au/pilgrimage.php a weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before
Wednesday trips.
FIDO Eurong Weeding Program 2019 More details are available in the club calendar.
For those members keen to do their bit to restore the March 2019
Fraser Island environment while experiencing some of
2 Sat Mt Glorious loop walk D/W
the beauty and culture of the area, here are some of
Peter Pendle
the FIDO Weeding Plan dates for 2019 :-
3 Sun David Fleay Wildlife Park (Gold Coast)SOC
24 – 30 March Sandy Thomas
21 – 27 July 5 Tues Club meeting (Buranda) 7.30pm
13 – 19 October Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017
All of these dates are for work at Eurong. For more 9 Sat Cronan Creek Falls (Rathdowney) D/W
information please email weeding@fido.org.au . Aileen Elliott
10 Sun Bribie Island walk D/W
QORF Photo/film competition Lynn Sawtell
The annual QORF photo and film competition has 17 Sun Lower Bellbird Circuit (Binna Burra) D/W
been launched with the theme Live Life Outdoors. Aileen Elliott
There are over $4000 worth of prizes. Entries close on 23 Sat Baroon Pocket to Kondalilla (Mapleton)D/W
17 May 2019. See the website for more information: Patricia Kolarski
https://www.visioningtheoutdoors.com/photo-comp/ 31 Sun Long Creek explore (Rathdowney) D/W
Aileen Elliott
Loss of koala habitat – Belmont April 2019
If you are concerned at the destruction of koala habitat
bushland to extend the Belmont Rifle Range, you are 2 Tues Club meeting (Buranda) 7.30pm
Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017
encouraged to go to this website:
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/438/632/829/theyre- 6 Sat Pete's Lookout to Mt Gravatt D/W
Peter Pendle
destroying-precious-koala-habitat-for-a-gun-range/

Scenic Rim Trail Past Walks

The Australian Department of Environment and Energy
on 18 January 2019 granted approval to Spicers
Retreats to “construct and operate a five to six day
supervised bushwalk trail and four associated
campsites from Mt Mistake to Spicers Peak Nature
Refuge, within and adjacent to the Main Range
National Park”.
According to an article in the Brisbane Times, the
development will connect with existing trails in the
National Park, and will include new public campsites.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones was quoted as saying
that projects like this will pump millions of dollars into
the Qld economy and will have a positive impact on the
environment in the long term. There was no added
comment from the Minister for the Environment.
Jude Turner was reported as saying that the Rim Trail
will rival other guided walks in Australia and New
Zealand. The walk build project has a six month time
frame and should be completed later this year.
For updates see:
https://qorf.org.au/scenic-rim-trail-project-update/
Gap Creek Falls 24 February D/W
Was the erratic and unpredictable category 2 Cyclone
Oma going to cause this walk at Cunninghams Gap to
be cancelled? For me as leader, it caused
consternation right up to the days before when finally it
became clear that it was safe to proceed. After meeting
at the Aldi Salisbury car park, five members proceeded
to Cunninghams Gap in one vehicle to find only one
spare place to park – lucky us!
We set off at approx. 9am zig-zagging down and finally
levelling off just short of the falls; the latter being 390m
below the Fassifern Valley Lookout above. Receiving
none of the promised rain from the cyclone combined
with months of drought beforehand, it was no surprise
to find the track covered in dead leaf litter. The forest,
watercourses, and falls were also very dry. We rested
at the falls and had morning tea there. While a little
cooler than for past weeks, it was only when exposed
to the occasional cyclone induced southerly cooling
breeze that we were not sweating on the return
journey.
Back at the Gap we drove down to the picnic area for
lunch and enjoyed a coffee break at Aratula on the way
home. Not a long walk at just under 10km but an
enjoyable day out in the bush. Ron Owen

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Mt Glorious Loop Walk 2 March 2019
Every walk is unique for some reason and this one was
no different, as it was Peter Pendle's first outing as a
walk leader.
A wet start at Maiala
Seven reasonably intrepid walkers met up at Maiala
National Park at 8am. I say 'reasonably intrepid' as
there were leaden skies with light showers and it
seemed that the biggest challenge would be staying
dry on the walk. But oh no – how wrong we were! We
were happy that the showers remained light, sporadic
and virtually unnoticed.
But what we did notice were the leeches! You'd swear
that the leeches hadn't seen a drop of rain for six
months and were coming out to party. Well ok, they
probably hadn't seen any rain for six months, but they
sure hadn't lost their instinct for blood. As soon as we
entered the rainforest along the Western Window walk
the leeches began to join us. The problem was that
every time we stopped to remove them, it gave others
a chance to attach. So the rule was to keep moving!
That was ok anyway, since there were no views from
the Western Window, just the inside of a cloud.
Western Window Rainforest
Despite the love we got from the leeches and the
precipitation, it was a pleasant walk to the Lawton
Road turn around (see p.6). We met a few other
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walkers along the way. The return walk was varied by
continuing along the full Westside Track to Joynter
Ridge road. We then returned to the Maiala picnic area
for morning tea.
In the shelter shed we were entertained by a few
leeches that appeared out of who knows where to
make their escape across the pavers. We also met a
mum and energetic toddler who we encouraged to
keep walking till he could join QBW in about 16 years
time...
Patches of blue sky were appearing so we felt
confident enough to pack away our raincoats and
embark on the next part of the loop. The first
destination was Greenes Falls which is an easy
downhill. We noticed an increase in the number of
walking groups especially young families, which was
good to see, despite the weather.
Greenes Falls
We arrived at the falls in good time and they were
flowing – just. However our resident aquatic expert
(Margy) declared that none of the rock pools were
swimmable. So we took photos and turned back
towards the carpark.
To make the return trip a bit different, we took the
Cypress Grove and Rainforest Circuit options. The
ferns and other greenery in the gullys were quite
attractive. We even spotted a pademelon, though it
wouldn't stand still for a photo.
We were back at the carpark by a little past noon and
the consensus was that we had walked 11 kilometres
in total. It didn't seem that far, which probably showed
the difference of finally walking in cooler temperatures.
It was decided that the Samford Patisserie would be
the lunch venue. A short trip down the hill and we were
soon enjoying pies, drinks and healthy food.
Thanks to all participants in the walk – Jenny, June,
Margy, Noelene, Sandy, – your company was much
appreciated. And a big thankyou to Peter for your
leadership. Well done on your first time as walk leader.
Michael H
 QBW Social Day - 3 March 2019
David Fleay Wildlife Park

Summary: A really top day, educational, good value and relaxing. Highly recommended.
Tip: BYO lunch, brolly & insect repellent

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 Vale Norm Johnston

Norm joined the Queensland Bushwalkers Club in February 2010. With his skills and experience
Norm was welcomed as a regular walk leader in the club. His steady approach to walk preparation
and execution, and his consultative and self effacing style of walk leadership gave clues to his
background. It became apparent during chats around a few campfires that his past life experiences
as a member of the Australian Army (Vietnam service) and years as a patrol officer in Papua New
Guinea contributed to his abilities in the bush. Norm soon found and appreciated the company of
other members of the club who shared similar experiences.

In the nine years Norm was with us, he led a wide variety of walks which were frequently off-track,
sometimes multi-day, and almost always innovative. Thanks to his northern NSW origins, he was
largely responsible for introducing many club members to a number of walks along the Qld/NSW
border and further south. Through Norm we enjoyed the company of several NSW walkers and
kayakers on camping trips. Norm also shared his abseiling skills in places like Watson Falls,
Kinnane Falls, and Back Creek.

While expanding our knowledge of local walks, Norm enjoyed a few trips abroad with fellow club
members. This included an ascent of Mt Kinabalu in Malaysia, the Sandakan Death March walk in
Borneo, and the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Norm's written accounts of his walks were
frequently laced with a good sense of humour and revealed his sensitivity to the needs of his
walking companions. He also engaged enthusiastically in social events and Christmas parties,
where his colourful and imaginative dress up costurmes were regularly a highlight.

When presented with the diagnosis of non-Hodgkinsons Lymphoma, Norm typically advised that he
planned to be one of the survivors. Sadly his optimism wasn't rewarded. However his gentle dignity,
desire to be part of club activities wherever possible, good humour, and appreciation for the
company and welfare of his fellow bushwalkers were always apparent. On 2 March 2019 we
received word that Norm had passed away.
Norm, rest in peace, assured that you will be missed.

He there does now enjoy eternal Rest

And happy Ease, which thou dost want and crave,
And further from it daily wanderest:
What if some little Pain the Passage have,
That makes frail Flesh to fear the bitter Wave?
Is not short Pain well born, that brings long Ease,
And lays the Soul to sleep in quiet Grave?
Sleep after Toil, Port after stormy Seas,
Ease after War, Death after Life, does greatly please.

Inscription on Jim Westray's headstone, Christmas Creek

Extract from Edmund Spenser – 'Fairie Queen'. 1590

( Norm found this ode especially moving.) Norm with friends,Teviot Falls

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 General Information Club Equipment
QBW Management Committee Compasses Topo Maps
Garmin GPS First Aid Kits
President Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017
Vice President Lynn Sawtell 0419 686 559
5 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole
Secretary Lynn Nicol 0400 705 041
of Australia included.
Treasurer Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012
PLBs with inbuilt GPS
Outings Officer Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at
Membership Officer Helen McAllister 0419 684 319 each club meeting and will need to be returned at the following
Media Officer Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017 club meeting.
Training Officer Vacant Contact Gerry Burton on 0408 793 715 to book these items.
Social Secretary Sandy Thomas 0403 821 525
Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs
Other Voluntary Positions
Equipment Officer Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 Redland Bushwalkers Club
Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 The only stipulation is that Redland club members have priority
Librarian Noelene McCay 0407 658 023 over visitors. Calendar is available at:
http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html
BWQ Rep Gerry Burton 0408 793 715
BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)
Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
Insurance Hotline 1300 574 980 walks per calendar year. This will be with the agreement of the
Meeting Place activity leader. Members of BOSQ have priority for nominations.
Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at
7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January. YHA Bushwalkers
Meetings are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at:
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings
Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. Gold Coast Bushwalkers
A coin donation is appreciated.
Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members
Membership financial members of bushwalking clubs affiliated with BWQ.
Probationary Membership This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management
Committee. https://sites.google.com/site/goldcoastbushwalker/
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member
on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc
form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The
A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system
his/her second walk by filling out a membership form and paying and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers.
the membership fee. Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au
Ordinary Membership
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and
signing a membership form, having a proposer sign the form
and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee Feature Pic
member or walk leader.
The proposer may be any current member of the club.
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be
elected to a committee position.
Members of Another Bushwalking Club
Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with
Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and
who are covered by the same insurance do not need to become
a member of our club to go on our walks. However QBW
members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.
Payments
Pay fees or other items direct to the QBW club account at:
BSB: 124-057
Account No: 20421276
Account Name: Queensland Bushwalkers Club
Reference: Include your name and what the payment is for –
eg “RSmith member fee”.
The de-leeching. Lawton Road. Mt Glorious
Website
Additional information is available on the club website at URL: Photo: Michael H
https://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

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