200503 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South QLD 4123 Email [email protected] Phone No (07) 3341 7509 www.geocities.com/qldbwc

Newsletter

March 2005

Alexandra Headland, Noosa

Club News Membership Fees People who joined QBW last year between January and July should have received a letter by now asking them to renew their membership to the end of June this year. This is to bring them into line with the new QBW financial year. Those members have till the end of March to renew their membership at a cost of $10.00. If you have not paid by then you may be charged $20.00 to become a member again!

Bushwalking Injury Project

Cost





data collection improve liaison, understanding and cooperation between Park personnel and club walkers

betttr understanding of park management by walkers better understanding of remote walking recreation by Park Rangers. Each campsite monitor then gave a short report on their site. Many of the monitors have been doing their site for a number of years and were able to comment if there had been improvement or deterioration. There was discussion about the future of the project and how it may change as the data is examined and put to use.


All Bushwalking Club members and interested members of the community are invited to attend an informal information evening to discuss this project. Supper is provided. When Time Where

On-line booking was also discussed with Steve saying it had freed up rangers to do other duties. However the booking system is still difficult and cumbersome to use in some circumstances. Steve referred to the aims of the campsite monitoring project as stated in a letter sent out by Ross Buchanan in 1999. The aims summarized, were:

Thursday 17th March 7.30pm Norwegian Hall, 23 Parker Street, Newmarket. (just off Kelvin Grove Road) $5.00, (covers hall hire, supper and handouts)

All leaders are encouraged to attend as they will be involved in filling out forms for the month of April. Contact: Barbara Makepeace. Phone: 3245-2186.




Many thanks to Ann for her organization and enthusiasm.

Risk Management Subcommittee

More background information in the Newsletter.

At the committee meeting on 22/2/05 a subcommittee was formed to look at aspects of Risk Management and to report to the committee within three months.

Campsite Monitoring The annual meeting of Campsite Monitors took place on Saturday morning, 5th of February. It was held at Ann Tracey’s place. Ann is the co-ordinator of the campsite monitors. Fourteen campsite monitors attended, as did one ranger. QBW was well represented with five monitors from our Club. Steve Finlayson, the ranger from the Main Range chaired the meeting. He gave a rundown on present park administration structure. A new District manager had been appointed late last year and is stationed at Brisbane Forest Park.

The subcommittee will be looking at such matters as leader and walker guidelines, risk waiver forms for participants and landowners, children at club functions, incident and activities report forms, walk gradings and leader training. The members of the subcommittee are Richard Kolarski, David Kenrick, Trevor Davern, Evelyn Campbell and Frank Garland. Progress will be reported in the Newsletter. Thanks to those subcommittee members for contributing their time.

Page 1 of 6

General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place

President

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

Club Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and Wellington Road, starting at 7:30pm. There is parking within the school grounds off Wellington Road. Consult a street directory, as there are a number of one-way streets in the area. There is also parking in Wellington Road.

Vice President

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Secretary

Bob Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Treasurer

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

Outings Secretary

David Kenrick

3349 8238 (H)

Membership Officer

Ken Walters

3344 1927 (H)

Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership

Other Voluntary Positions

Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member (Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club.

Social Secretary Training Officer

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (H)

Membership of QBW is only $20 and lasts till the end of the Club’s financial year which is on the 30th of June each year.

Equipment Officer

Steve Moyle

3800 3963 (H)

Supper Convenor

Danuta Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Federation Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Federation Rep

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

FMR Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

FMR Rep

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (H)

Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no prescribed fee for a Probationary Member. However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and paying the prescribed fee.

Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying $20.00. An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has neither of these rights. Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered by the same Insurance. Thus they do not need to become a member of our Club for insurance purposes.

3809 2354 (H)

Campsite Monitors Ratatat Hut

Barbara Makepeace Ed Thistlethwaite

Running Creek Falls

Richard Kolarski Gary Woodward Kerry de Clauzel Trevor Smith Christine & Cliff Harrison Ann Kemp John Brunott

Throakban

Members of Another Bushwalking Club

Evelyn Campbell

Mt Superbus Spicers Peak Mt May

New Members Muriel Miller

Equipment for Hire The Club has a backpack (suitable for use as a day or through pack) for hire at $5.00 per week. QBW is also looking at purchasing further equipment in the near future. Any suggestions for equipment to buy would be appreciated.

No of Ordinary Members

148

This is the number of renewals and new members since 1/2/2004

Editors Pic

Also any person who has surplus equipment and would like to donate or sell to the Club, please contact one of the Committee members or Steve Moyle on 3800 3963.

Bivy Bag/Pack Liners for Sale The Club has purchased a quantity of pack liners from VicWalk suitable for through packs. They are 2 metres by 0.9 metres in a bright orange colour. The packliners can double as an emergency bivvy bag and have helpful information printed on them. They are available from the Club for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Club Shirts The club still has a number of Club polo shirts for sale. They are available in XL, L, M and S size. $20.00 each

EPIRB Available for Members

The First Sunrise on Australia on top of Mt Warning

The Club has purchased an EPIRB. It will be available to any member of the Club at no charge for use on weekend or weekday walks. If you would like to take the EPIRB on a walk, ring 3341 7509 on where to pick up and return the EPIRB.

Peter P, Linda H, Jenny W and Gary W are going to New Zealand to climb Mt Aspiring. Best wishes

Emergency Space Blankets

John M is off to West Australia to do the Bibbulmum Track.

The Club has a supply of these for sale at $2.50 each.

Lyn Nicol is off on a trip round Australia. She will be visiting many National Parks along the way.

Comings and Goings

Page 2 of 6

Hinchinbrook Island

Special Coming Events First Aid Weekend

19-20 March 2005

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland Inc, on behalf of Federation Mountain Rescue (FMR), is again organizing a Senior First Aid course for the weekend of 19-20 March 2005. It will be held at Wellers Hill State School Hall, 190 Toohey Road, Wellers Hill. The course will run 8.30 am-4.30 pm both days. The course will be conducted by a St John Ambulance Australia Instructor and, after being assessed, a Statement of Attainment will be issued which will give accreditation for 3 years (CPR is 12 months). Cost: is $125 (includes Course Pack of manual, gloves, bandage and card). Tea and coffee will be provided, but BYO lunch. Those members who have not previously done a First Aid course are encouraged to come along and participate. You never know when you will be called upon to administer First Aid, especially when accidents occur in the bush. There is a limit of 20 people for the course. Nomination and payment must be received by Friday, 4 March 2005. A flyer will be available at the Club meeting or contact Jo-Anne McLaren 3345 2367 (after 5pm) Note that the QBW committee will reimburse a member who does a First Aid Course up to $50.00 if that member has led or leads a walk for the Club

Fraser Island Great Walk

Tues 26 April - Sun 1 May

We will be leaving Brisbane Tuesday morning for the drive to River Head and the 1.30pm barge to Wanggoolba Creek. We will walk to camp at Central Station for the night There we will be met by the taxi that will take us up to Happy Valley where we will walk in to our camp at Lake Garawongera. Further overnights will be at Valley of the Giants, Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie and then on Sunday walk out to Kingfisher Bay for the 1.30pm barge back to River Head and the drive back to Brisbane. As the taxi can only take five passengers, that will be the limit for this walk. If interested, please contact Patricia on 3341 7509.

Pilgrimage 2005

19-21 August 2005

Every year Queensland bushwalkers make the Pilgrimage to a favourite meeting place to camp, walk, socialise, catch-up, and have FUN! Redland Bushwalking Club, the organisers for the 2005 Pilgrimage, wants to make this the biggest and best Pilgrimage ever! When

August, Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21

Where:

Bigriggen camping grounds

Cost

Only $30 per person.

Cost includes

supper Friday night

Hinchinbrook Island

5-9 September 2005

Mt Diamantina At the same time there will be a separate trip with 5 people booked to climb Mt Diamantina on Hinchinbrook. Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for more information.

Bushwalking Injury Project Background Currently there is no comprehensive data collection pertaining to injuries sustained by bushwalkers in Queensland. The aim of this project is to start to correct that significant deficiency. The State-funded Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) collects some relevant data from Queensland hospitals. Federation Mountain Rescue (FMR) collects information on deaths sustained by bushwalkers and climbers and has some other incomplete information on bushwalking incidents. Bushwalker insurance claim information has also been collected and organised. Collection of data on all injuries to bushwalkers is necessary to understand the types and causes of injury and hence prevent injuries occurring through better targeted training. This information also has the potential to better inform hospital funding and focused expenditure. It may also point to possible gains that better equipment design may be expected to deliver. Investigators involved M/s Ameneh Ghafourian – completing a Masters Degree in Public Health (University of Queensland) Dr Peter O’Rourke – (Academic Supervisor, University of Queensland) Prof. Frank Bowling – (Project Advisor, University of Queensland and bushwalker) Dr Ron Farmer – (Project Advisor, Federation Mountain Rescue (FMR), Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs (QFBWC) and bushwalker) Barbara Makepeace – (Project Liaison Officer, bushwalker) The Project: Ameneh will establish a data recording system for bushwalking injuries in Queensland and will endeavour to thoughtfully examine injury data collected for one month (April 2005) from all bushwalking clubs in Queensland. This data will remain the intellectual property of FMR and will be collected with the formal support of the University of Queensland, QFBWC and FMR.

supper Saturday night light breakfast Sunday morning camping fees for two nights opportunity to go on some of the best walks in Queensland There will be

5-9 September 2005

Thorsborne Trail I have booked the Thorsborne Trail for six people, the maximum party size permitted for this walk. Spread over five days this will be a fairly easy throughwalk. Five days’ food as well as camping gear needs to be carried but water will be available each day. Also, because of the long lead-up time, I will have a waiting list just in case someone has to pull out. If interested please phone me on 3341 7509. Patricia Kolarski

Entertainment throughout the weekend A Coffee Shop will be running all weekend (with entertainment) (bring extra coins to purchase beverages and eats) A trip down memory lane display The big campfire plus bushdance, storytelling and entertainment on Saturday night

It is anticipated that this project will be the initial step in providing ongoing injury data collection for bushwalkers and will lead to further studies of the types and causes of bushwalking injuries and lead to future injury prevention strategies. Bushwalking Clubs Club outing secretaries will be asked to assist this project by collecting injury data from their club members and walk leaders for the month of April 2005. Barbara Makepeace will collect the data from each club on behalf of FMR and will then pass it on to Ameneh for her work. FMR may alert supporting sponsors of any information that may be of use to them. Federation Mountain Rescue

Other fun activities planned throughout the weekend. Page 3 of 6

Past Walks South Bald Rock

16 October 2004

This walk was on the Saturday of the Girraween Base Camp to search for some caves at South Bald Rock. We drove from our camping area down to Wallangarra and then on to Norman Road. We parked our cars outside a large stone gate and began our walk.

We finally reached the Lower Portals on the upstream side and decided to swim across the waterhole there rather than take the long way round it. This involved packing clothes and any electrical gear into watertight containers. Jenny did a marvelous job shuttling across the pool several times, despite a large eel being seen (and felt!) there. After a final swim we made our way back to the cars. Many thanks to Dave for leading us on this walk. Richard

Noosa Tracks

14 November 2004

A great day for a walk! We eased into our day by doing the Palm Grove circuit track which is an easy 1km walk commencing from the picnic area. This track passes through rainforest with many hoop pines and piccabeen palms. It was then an easy plod up the Noosa Hill track. A bit disappointing - no views due to the thick vegetation. This is also a circuit so soon after we arrived back down the hill and enjoyed a morning tea watching the sea. The coastal track beckoned us on. The track to Tea-Tree Bay is well graded though a little muddy in spots. Stopping at some of the lookouts we enjoyed the spectacular views. Reaching Hell's Gate it was difficult to pass up the photo shoot. So gather round folk.

South Bald Rock Cottage

One of the first surprises was finding an old stone cottage. It had been long abandoned and the earth roof needed mowing. We continued along the road and after some twists and turns reached the base of South Bald Rock. We scrambled up the granite slope and stopped occasionally to marvel at some of the natural stone artistry. After a final steep push we reached the summit and had lunch with unparalleled views in all directions. On the descent we investigated a rock cave in a steep ravine. With the help of a short rope and with some gymnastics most were able to squeeze through the rock cave to come out in a flat section with a sandy floor and rock boulders for walls. Though we did not find the actual cave we had been searching for, the rock cave made a good substitute.

We began down the Tanglewood track and on to Alexandria Bay. After a short discussion it was decided to walk the beach rather than the track. We certainly got some interesting looks from the other walkers and bathers (could have been because we had on too many clothes?).

Many thanks to Trevor D. for putting on the weekend. Richard

Cronans Creek - Mt Barney

Barney Gorge

The group met up at McDonalds, Beaudesert and drove in convoy to Yellow Pinch reserve.

24 October 2004

This walk was an exploratory up Barney Creek. We began on a fine day from the Lower Portals carpark. After reaching the Lower Portals we took the high ridge route upstream and had good views out to Mt Barney.

Back on the track it was pleasant under the rainforest canopy after the open skies on the beach. All too soon we were back at the crowded picnic area. The amphitheatre looked like a good spot to have our lunch and recall our day. Thanks to all who joined us on this pleasant day. Bob & Danuta 8 January 2005

The first part is a steady plod up the gravel road. Take your time. The track is overgrown in a number of spots and not easy to spot. Fortunately we had Richard & Patricia who had walked this track some time ago. You also need to cross a couple of streams. Watch your step. Morning tea at tent site no. 10 was very pleasant. Back on the track a large monitor crossed our track and then we spotted a land mullet. Richard found the access point to the falls and our brave lads ventured in for a swim.

Follow the Leader

As the day was turning hot, it was decided to go down into the creek at Barney Beautiful campsite and continue following it upstream. As the heat increased, we were glad to stop at a large waterhole for lunch. Here we spent some time having a swim to cool off or just lying in the sun. We then followed the creek downstream and found some cascades. They were near Barney Waterfall and we stayed a while exploring and enjoying a natural water slide.

Water Was As Cold As Three Brass Monkeys

Lunch was very peaceful in these surroundings.

Page 4 of 6

However, it was a short-lived religion and reign. The Romans defeated the Commagenes in 71 AD and destroyed the buildings and sanctuary to prevent any further uprisings from this civilization which had defied them.

Lunch at Cronans

On the way back Anthony couldn't resist taking photos of the large monitor that had gone up the tree so he missed out on the land mullet. However, the yellow-tailed cockatoos put on a show for all of us. Back at the reserve it was decided we needed a cool drink Rathdowney here we come. I still wonder who left that pair of shoes at the base of South Ridge? Thanks everyone. It was a great walk and thanks to Richard & Patricia for showing us the way. Bob & Danuta

Walking in the Middle East Mt Nemrut, Turkey The Middle East is full of history spanning back at least seven thousand years. Many civilizations have come and gone and each has left some remnant of its passing.

Thrones of the Mountain Gods

For almost two thousand years the site was left in desolation. Time and earthquakes have toppled the heads from their thrones but the sheer scale and position of this work of man still enthrall and amaze. The Christian population, which came later to live here, knew nothing of the origins of the sanctuary. They thought that it had to be the work of the legendary Nimrod from the Old Testament. Therefore they called the mountain after the first powerful ruler on earth, Nemrut. It was not until the nineteenth century that the German, Karl Sester, discovered the sanctuary on Mount Nemrut. He was less astonished by the impressive ruins than by the total absence of them on any map of Asia Minor. After his discovery, archeologists from Turkey, Germany and America took on the work to uncover its history and protect the statues from further deterioration. Mt Nemrut is now a National Park and was included on the World Heritage List in 1987. There is accommodation in nearby towns and campsites are available. However the mountain is only accessible during the summer months. For the rest of the year it is covered by snow and ice. Transport is available from neighbouring towns and you can drive to within a few hundred metres of the sanctuary. Alternatively there are walking tracks throughout the area which take you to other historical sites and monuments on the mountain.

Mt Nemrut

Mt. Nemrut is an impressive peak rising from a flat plain in Northern Mesopotamia. It reaches a height of 2150 metres It is even more amazing when you realize that the original peak was removed and in its place was constructed a memorial mound and sanctuary to Antiochos the First. He was a Commagene king when the kingdom was at its height of power during the 1st century B.C. The mound has a height of 50 metres and a diameter of 150 metres and was made by heaping up pieces of rocks the size of a fist. On the east and west sides of this mound are open-air terraces with five gigantic statues of seated gods bounded by statues of lions and eagles. To make these terraces large enough, the builders cut away almost the whole mountaintop. The creator of this sanctuary, King Antiochus, wanted it to be the centre of his new religion. This religion was to unite the Persian and the Greek Roman world. From the top of Mount Nemrut his new religion would radiate over the whole world. From his mother’s side, King Antiochus was descended from Alexander the Great, while from his father’s side, he was descended from the Persian 'King of Kings', Darius I.

Heads Will Roll

Page 5 of 6

First Aid Steps

Snakebites Introduction In Australia there are about 3,000 snakebites per year, of which 200 to 500 receive antivenom. On average one or two will prove fatal. About half the deaths are due to bites from the brown snake. The rest are mostly from tiger snake, taipan and death adder. Some deaths are sudden, however it is uncommon to die within four hours of a snakebite. Before the development of specific antivenom therapy and improved supportive care, snakebite was associated with a high fatality rate. Appearances and coloration may vary considerably within a snake species so you cannot rely on just visual identification of a snake as being non-venomous. It is thus best, from a first aid point of view, to consider all snakes as dangerous even though not all snakes are venomous. Most bites occur during the warmer months, when snakes are more active and people are more likely to venture outdoors and into the bush.

Prevention of Snake Bite While Bushwalking







Leave snakes alone. If a snake is seen, walk away quietly. Do not attempt to catch or handle snakes. Wear stout shoes and adequate clothing, including long trousers. Do not wear sandals or thongs. Never put hands in hollow logs or thick grass or under woodpiles, building material etc without prior inspection. When stepping over logs, carefully inspect the ground on the other side. Take care around campsites on warm nights, as snakes may be active at this time. Use a torch and wear adequate footwear.

Basic Principles of First Aid For Snakebite Older "first aid" methods for snakebite such as tourniquets and cutting or sucking are no longer used and have the potential to cause harm. Their use has resulted in numerous cases of permanent and severe injury to patients, even deaths. Little venom is removed by incision or excision. The pressure-immobilisation technique is recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. Dr. Struan Sutherland and colleagues developed this treatment of first aid in the 1970s. It has been shown that the lymphatic system plays a key role in transport of toxins from the periphery to the circulation. The aim of this method is therefore to retard venom transport via the lymphatic system thus "buying time" for the victim to reach medical assistance. This is achieved in a dual approach. Firstly the lymphatic vessels at the bite site are compressed by bandaging. Secondly, proximal movement of lymph in the vessels is slowed or stopped by splinting the limb, thus also stopping the "muscle pump" effect of muscle movement. Correctly applied, this technique can virtually stop venom movement into the circulation until removed, up to hours later, without any threat to limb tissue oxygenation, which is just one of the major problems in using tourniquets. It must be remembered, however, that this method is only first aid. Once in a hospital the appropriate antivenom, if necessary, can be given. The pressure immobilisation technique of first aid is ideal for Australian snakebite by all species, as well as bites from suspected funnel web spiders, and for bites by the blue ringed octopus, cone shells and severe stings by the box jellyfish (this must not precede vinegar treatment). It is NOT appropriate for bites from the red back spider, other spiders, scorpions or centipedes or stings from venomous fish.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, over 95% of snakebites occur on the legs and arms, with over 75% on the legs. This makes the pressure immobilization technique practical to use in the great majority of cases. The following First Aid is for a conscious patient. For an unconscious patient follow the DRABC procedure if you have a First Aid certificate. In every case check for any danger to yourself, i.e., is the snake still there? Be wary that the mate may be nearby! Bites To The Lower Limb Apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible. Crepe bandages 10cm wide are ideal, but any flexible material may be used. Clothing, towels etc may be torn into strips. Do not take off clothing, as the movement of doing so will promote the movement of venom into the blood stream. Keep the bitten limb, and the patient still. After applying the bandage over the bite site extend the bandage over as much of the rest of the bitten limb as practical. Ensure the toes are covered to immobilise them. The bandage should be as tight as you would apply to a sprained ankle. Extend the bandage as high as possible up the limb. Apply a splint to the leg. Any rigid object may be used as a splint e.g. piece of wood or tree branch, rolled up papers etc. Bind the splint firmly to as much of the leg as possible. Keep the patient still. Lay the patient down to prevent walking or moving around. Bites To The Hand Or Forearm After applying the bandage over the bite site extend the bandage over as much of the rest of the bitten limb as practical. Ensure the fingers are covered to immobilise them. Use a splint to the elbow. Use a sling to immobilise the arm. Keep the patient still. Lay the patient down to prevent walking or moving around. Bites To The Trunk If possible, apply firm pressure over the bitten area. Do not restrict chest movement. Keep the patient still.

Notes Research stresses the importance of keeping the patient still. This includes all the limbs. Bring transport to the patient if at all possible. Even if the bitten or stung person is ill when first seen, the application of pressure-immobilisation first aid may prevent further absorption of venom from the bite site during transport to hospital. If the bandages and splint have been applied correctly, they will be comfortable and may be left on for several hours. They should not be taken off until the patient has reached medical care. If the snake has been killed, bring it with the patient, but do not waste time, risk further bites or delay application of pressure bandage and splint by trying to kill the snake.

Things Not To Do










Page 6 of 6

DO NOT cut or excise the bitten area. DO NOT apply an arterial tourniquet. (Arterial tourniquets, which cut off the circulation to the limb, are potentially dangerous, and are no longer recommended for any type of bite or sting in Australia.). DO NOT wash the bitten area. The type of snake involved may be identified by the detection of venom on the skin. If the snake can be safely killed, bring it to the hospital with the victim. DO NOT give alcohol to the patient. DO NOT give food and only non-alcoholic clear fluids may be used for drinks.