UPDATED 15th June 2010
The final version of the attendence and activities list has been uploaded to the Members File Swap - see
Members File Swap.
We have secured an auctioneer to conduct proceedings for the auction of the 2010 ExplorOz Memorabilia Photo Print. This is going to be done on Wednesday evening at the BBQ function in town hosted by the Wiluna Shire Council.
Our nominated charity for this Gathering is the "On the Road Program" which is operated by the RFDS, Western Australia. We are thrilled to have their attendence from Wednesday night at the BBQ at the auction. They'll then camp out with us back at the Gunbarrel Laager and be present all day on Thursday where they will be conducting a special presentation to explain what they do with lots of fun hands-on equipment to touch!
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AGENDA:
Upon your arrival to Wiluna, ExplorOz Members may proceed to Wiluna Shire Council offices to collect their Gift/Information kit. Please note also that only the member listed and counted as a "party" on the Excel spreadsheet on the Members File Swap page will be able to collect the gift/information bag from Wiluna Shire Council upon arrival into town.
Please settle yourselves at the Gunbarrel Laager and get ready for Tuesday's commencement of the gathering.
Day 1 - Tuesday 29th June, 2010
Following your breakfast, let's come together for a general welcome on the lawn.
Today's key event is the Bob Cooper Outback Survial Workshop - 2 hours plus travelling time (bush location). Fee of $30 pp (cash on day), but prior bookings essential.
Evening - Bob Cooper Snake Awareness session - venomous and non-venomous species will be shown and the session will look at identification, snake awareness, and there will be the opportunity for handling. Bookings essential. A fee of $40 pp will be charged for this session - most likely to be held at night indoors at the Gunbarrel Laarger. Note, part proceeds will go to native wildlife rehabiliation via Native Ark.
Day 2 - Wednesday 30th June, 2010
Following your breakfast, we'll start out on our full day drive visiting a number of interesting sites beyond Wiluna and incorporating a "Navigation tricks and tips" session conducted by Greg Laurer, Hema Navigator Product Manager, – using GPS with maps etc, plus a "Treasure Hunt" (Geocaching). This will be a full day outing, byo lunch etc.
Upon our return there'll be time to freshen up before we head into town for a fully catered BBQ dinner provided by the Shire of Wiluna. This is also your chance to meet the local community, pastoralists and miners in the garden's outside the Art Gallery (located at Wiluna Shire office). The Art Gallery will also be open for your viewing. We also hope to be treated to a traditional damper & kangaroo tail cooking demonstration (with tasting) by Aboriginal people and perhaps hear some of the history of Wiluna with local storytelling by local identities.
Here we will meet up with the 2 travelling staff from the RFDS who conduct the "On the Road" program. As this is our nominated charity for any fundraising throughout our gathering, this is the perfect opportunity to conduct the AUCTION of the ExplorOz 2010 Memorabiliia Photo Print, featuring the winning photo of the 2010 Members Photo Competition.
Day 3 - Thursday 1st July, 2010
Today, we aim to allow people some time to restock, and pack up so activities are centred around the Gunbarrel Laarger venue for your convenience. We hope to offer you:
1. an information session about the RFDS and the "On the Road" program.
2. a tour of the unique Gunbarrel Laarger (formerly Gunbarrel Grapes) operations and property by owners Malcolm and Gillian Marchant
3. observation of School of the Air used by children living at Gunbarrel Laarger
4. claypan and rockhole tour - possibly incorporating some further navigation/treasure hunt activities.
5. Talks on topics of interest - EOTrackMe and upcoming site features for Members (by David Martin); other topics as requested by you (please advise Michelle).
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ABOUT THE GATHERING
The 2010 National Gathering is being held in Western Australia and we are thrilled to advise the venue will be the Gunbarrel Laager Travelers Rest (just outside of Wiluna township).
Wiluna is adequately serviced to enable you to restock supplies from the Gunbarrel Groceries store/servo and the Gunbarrel Laager is a suitable quiet spot to rest and recouperate ready for the next leg of your journey.
This Gathering has the full support of the Wiluna Shire Council who are lending a hand to ensure we have a really great visit. Group activities (optional) are only planned for 29th June, 30th June, and 1st July. The 28th June and 2nd July are allocated as arrival/departure days.
ACCOMMODATION/VENUE INFORMATION:
The Gunbarrel Laager Travellers Rest
(08) 9981 7161 is located 11km east from Wiluna on the Gunbarrel Highway. Limited donga type accommodation is available with hot showers, toilets plus open bush space is available for approx. 30 self-sufficient campers/caravanners (additional toilet block services this area). Firewood supplied. All guests are welcome to use the modern kitchen which is fully equipped with mod cons, crockery etc with communcal dining room, television lounge and internet access. Mobile phone service is available here. A central ablution block and coin-operated washing machine and clothesline complete the facilities.
Please note there are limited toilets/shower facilities to host large numbers of people so you are urged to be self-sufficient where possible. Advanced bookings are essential for donga accommodation AND camping to ensure that this venue can cater for our party. Overflow camping on Clancy's Flat has now been catered for within another section of the Laager property and is a little removed from the main area. All attendees must confirm attendence and camping requirements to avoid disappointment. Clancy's Flat is a new area being custom-made for our gathering so please help the owners by confirming numbers as early as possible. Do not contact ExplorOz regarding your camping requirements, contact Gill or Mal direct at Gunbarrel Laarger Travelers Rest.
People with dogs may bring their pets however they must be kept on a lead in the area (wilddogs will call to them).
Firewood is provided by the Gunbarreel Laarger or can be collected from nominated bush areas (not within community boundaries).
TOWN CONTACTS/SERVICES
Wiluna Shire Office, Admin and Historical Hospital including Tjukurba Art Gallery
Scottia Street
Tourist info - ExplorOz Gathering start point - register arrival and pick up info pack.
to@wiluna.wa.gov.au
www.wiluna.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 99818000
WATER
is available from town taps at the Wiluna Rec Centre, Pool, and Public Toilet block in the main street of town.
TYRE/SERVICING
Tyre Repair and Mechanic services are available in town at Jim's Mechanics (owned by Barney, who lives on site in dongas at Gunbarrel Laarger). The Wiluna Shire's recovery guy, Jimmy Allan is an ExplorOz Member!
BANKING
There are no banks in Wiluna - bring cash. The pub and shop take eptpos but do not give cashout.
GROCERIES
Gunbarrel Groceries
The retail outlet is open 7 days.
Weekday hours are 7.30am to 5.30pm
Weekend hours are 8am to 1pm only.
Groceries, fruit, veg, dairy
Fuel - the only town supplier
Ph: (08) 9980 6011
You are advised to contact ahead to order - due to extensive numbers of our group the Gunbarrel Groceries advises that stocks may not be available unless you order your supplies ahead. This can be boxed and labelled for you to collect if desired.
TAKEAWAY FOOD
Gunbarrel Cafe (owned/operated by owenrs of Gunbarrel Groceries)
Hot chicken, pies, chips, soft drinks, coffee etc available opposite Gunbarrel Groceries/Fuel outlet in main street.
CLUB HOTEL/ALCOHOL
Ph: (08) 9981 7045
Accommodation, dining room meals, and bar.
Caravan park. Laundry access.
Takeaway beer only.
Wiluna does has some alcohol restrictions in terms of what you can buy over the counter (takeaway) and times of day that takeaway is available from the Hotel. BYO is fine. You are requested to avoid glass if possible.
POLICE
Ph: (08) 9981 7024
MEDICAL SERVICES
AMS Medical Centre on Thompson Street
Ph: (08) 9981 7063
Open Mon - Fri from 8am.
POST OFFICE
Open 9-5 Mon-Fri
Ph: (08) 9981 7031
Situated in main street opposite swimming pool.