Chelsea SES Goes 4 Wheel Driving

The fallen tree that blocked the 4WD track in the Tallarook State Forest may have a problem for drivers, but it was no match for the three SES volunteers - including Chelsea’s Allan Crompton - who faced this situation on a recent 4WD training course. 

The chainsaws were brought out and the tree was cut up into manageable logs and pushed off the track.

The fallen tree that proved no match for the SES’ chainsaw gang.

The three SES volunteers then continued driving slowly down the track with their individual trainer/assessors alongside.

 However, there was a bigger obstacle ahead that they were not able to conquer - a very steep hill with a big “hump” just before the final climb to the top.

Chelsea SES member, Bruno Antolini, at the wheel of the unit’s 4WD “Transport”

 About 15cm of fine, powdery dust covered the track for about 20 metres before the hump, concealing loose stones and rocks that added to the challenge.

 With the engine roaring, tyres spinning and the cabin filling with dust, Allan Crompton, who was driving the lead vehicle, had three or four attempts but each time the hump won.

 Assessor Neil Muir took over and made what could be described as two “very spirited” attempts before conceding defeat.

 “They’re bulldozed it so we can’t use it”, he said.

SES members inspect the infamous “hump” from the top of the hill.

Time for a walk to check out the lay of the land

The SES convoy drove back down the hill to find other, more manageable challenges like fallen trees.

 Later, a group of trail bike riders took on the hump. Two managed to get to the top of the hill but three came to grief on the infamous hump.

 The 4WD driving test was part of a two-day course conducted by the National Industrial Skills Training Centre in Seymour. The centre is a business division of the Wodonga Institute of TAFE.

 The other Chelsea volunteers on the course were Amanda Crawford and Bruno Antolini.

Chelsea members, Amanda Crawford and Bruno Antolini, wait their turn to get behind the wheel of a 4WD in the Tallarook State Forest.

 Six volunteers from the Lilydale and Pakenham units also undertook the training.

 The first day consisted of sessions on the theory of 4WD driving, practical recovery exercises using a hand operated Tirfor winch, and electric vehicle mounted winches.

Many thanks to Allan Crompton for these words & pictures.