The Club.
The Benalla Bushwalking Club was formed in 1984.
The objectives of the Club are:
* The encouragement of safe bushwalking and allied activities in an atmosphere of good companionship, mutual support and enjoyment.
* To foster a greater love of the outdoors.
* To encourage members to have a wider appreciation and better understanding of the wild and natural environment.
The Club is affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria Inc. and has a close association with similar clubs in Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Albury/Wodonga. Members of these clubs frequently participate in each others' events.
The club logo of a well used and loved pair of boots indicates enjoyment of the outdoors and the comfort of good friends.
Activities.
The club has a program of activities which includes day and overnight walks, weekend camps, canoe trips, bike rides and social events. This activities program provides for at least one event on nearly every weekend and are usually held in the general area around Benalla including the Strathbogie Ranges, Warby Ranges, Mt. Samaria and the Victorian Alpine Region. The Club runs a midweek walk on the second Wednesday of each month.
Activities are also held in more distant areas and in the past have included Hattah Lakes and Wyperfeld National Parks in the mallee, Wilson's Promontory, the Otways, Flinders Island, Tasmania, Fraser Island and the Kimberly's. Several long distance walks have also been completed along the Australian Alps, Hume and Hovell and Macmillan's walking tracks. Overseas walking trips have also been held in Britain, Canada and Turkey. Events are varied to cater for all levels of ability and fitness from the newest beginner to the highly experienced walker. Experienced Club members lead all activities with guidance available to anyone who needs advice or assistance.
Newsletter.
A Club newsletter is distributed to all members every two months. It lists the activities program for the next 2 to 3 months and contains other club news, trip reports and notices. Copies of the newsletter are also available to interested non members. The Club maintains a small library of bushwalking books and magazines which are available on loan to members on request. A range of maps is held by the Club and is available for use by members. The Benalla Ensign publishes Club events weekly in the Coming Events section.
Club Meetings.
The Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month (Except January) at 8.00PM at the Uniting Church Parish Centre in Carrier Street, Benalla. The format is a short business session, walk and other activity reports, a guest speaker, followed by light refreshments and finishing by 10.00PM. Non members are most welcome at Club meetings.
Visitors.
Visitors are always welcome to participate in club activities. They should contact the advertised leader to check on details and obtain advice of the leader's intentions. New members are always welcome. Information about membership, fees, newsletters and walk programs may be obtained from any committee member, or from the secretary at the Club address; P.O. Box 210, Benalla, Victoria 3672.
Mid-week Walkers
A popular part of the club comprising mainly retired people who are unable to handle the more rigourous demands of the fitter walkers. Ages vary from children during school holidays to at least two over eighty. At present, participant numbers vary from 15 to 25 for each walk.
Most walks are day walks of 10 Km or less, with moderate climbing, and we try to vary our destinations during the year, and from year to year.
During walks, we admire and enjoy the bush, birds, animals and wildflowers along the way. Social interaction is very good, and our walks are often referred to as:
“Walk, Talk and Gawk”.
These walks are on the second Wednesday of each month, except December, and are advertised in the Bushwalking Newsletter and the Benalla Ensign. We normally assemble at the Southern section of Barkly Street in The Centre and Dunlop Campus car park at 9-15am, but times vary due to distances to our walk.
Ring the leader of each walk prior to the day.