Dandenong Ranges 4WD Club

Dont worry me and a couple of others have been talking about our club fees, and IMHO they are rich. :-s But I get drowned out by the other sheep when its brought up. But I have sent a rather large email to the committee members on this using your reply as fuel.

The driver training, I have asked that question of the pres.. IMHO, I cant see why you should have to. But then there is training - and theres training.

The working bee, is more that people meeting others, working bees' arent really purely working! More socialising, and to stop people just joinin for the driver training, and membership card for discounts.
The done 2 trips is to stop the same as above..

So really the only reason you want to be a member of a club is for the insurance?

Sorry, post above wasn't meant as a criticism of the Nissan club - just an observation from what I garnered from the website.

No, insurance is not the only reason - I want to join a club that is social, and family orientated. I enjoy going bush with 'the guys' but also want a club that the family can feel involved in. I and another guy set the PCoA up in Sydney for just this reason. Unfortunately they are mostly NSW and QLD based so I have distanced myself from them after nmoving to Melbourne - and they aren't really all that active. I definitely want to get involved in a club - however the insurance aspect for me is pressing at the moment as my renewals are due on 15 September.

I understand that your club doesn't want to attract members for the wrong reason ie. only discounts and cheap training. You should be commended on this as many clubs willingly take member money to boost the accounts when they know that the 'members' don't really want to be 'part of the club'.

I also note that the Nissan club has a relatively large member base, as does clubs like the Pajero club. From what I can gather you get about 150 people to club meetings?? This is great as it signals a healthy club, however there is also the downside that it can in circumstances make it hard to get onto trips - especially if you cannot commit weeks, or even months in advance. At least that was my experience from the clubs in Sydney.

G'day Moggs. Full membership is just a name IMHO, being in the
club for over a year, the only thing you can't do without full membership
is to vote... Club fees is not everything - Yes there are cheaper memberships but they don't include driver training (I know you don't need it)- you will have to pay almost as much as the joining fee to do the driver training in other 4wd clubs.. And AFAIK any 4wd club which is a member of VAFWDC requires you to do or have completed VAFWDC accredited driver training before being allowed on any 4wd trips.

From what you saying looks like you need something like www.lcool.org - No joining fees, no politics, enjoy the trips and you might even get away with not driving Toyota :)

Hi Stan, yep, I think your right re: training requirements. I have done some VETAB accredited courses - not sure where that leaves me.

Not driving a Toyota LOL - I'm loyal, Pathy or Pootrol - that would be it. :)

Stan, incorrect there are much cheaper clubs that offer free driver training with membership.
the president of one of them came with me to join up one night, and we had to call 000 for an ambo..

Ive been in the club 4-5 yrs now, and still the price to me is losing appeal....

also lcool.org wont get you your cheap insurance.

Have you thought of joining the assiciation directly instead of a club?

Hi Tone, I have heard good things from John re: LC Club. I recommend the whole club thing - its great...if you get the right club IMHO. I'm going to check out the Dandenong Ranges Club - their meeting is on the 2nd Wednesday of each month - so will be on 14/9. I'll let you know what they are like. Likewise, would be good to hear how you get on at the LC meeting.

Also thought the Victorian Four Wheel Drive Club seems worthy of consideration http://www.vfwdc.com/welcome.html

My next door neighbour is active with the Pajero club and raves about it - only downside he has told me about is the size - and that it can be hard to get on club trips as they are quickly over-subscribed. Seems like a well respected club though - if I remember rightly, the Pajero and Dandenong were both founding member clubs of the association???