Policies

Sunraysia Bushwalkers INC 2026

  1. Any programmed Club Walk shall consist of a minimum of 3 walkers if the spot or an EPERB is used.
  2. Any member with a health issue is encouraged to disclose this information to the walk Leader, who will keep it confidential. An identity document with health and emergency contact details is to be carried in an easily accessible part of your pack.
  3. Members under 16 years may attend if they are accompanied by an adult and with the walk Leaders’ consent.
  4. Persons leading walks do so on a voluntary basis, and may use their discretion to decline any person’s request to attend. The President will be advised of any such refusals. Members may lodge a written complaint to the President against any refusal to be allowed on a walk.
  5. All persons present on a walk must be recorded, by using the group photo or a list.
  6. Leaders are to observe the “Guide to Leaders” elsewhere in this booklet
  7. The Club will maintain a list of contact persons, one of whom shall be contacted by the leader prior to a programmed walk, and again on return of that walk. The contact will have the information on the route and destination of the party.

In the event of a delay in the return of a Walking party, RING THE CLUB CONTACT – NOT THE POLICE in the first instance.

  1. Transport- Petrol Costs incurred for private vehicles providing transport for programmed trips shall be divided equally among the passengers. All owners are encouraged to take turns using their vehicles. If there is one driver and passenger, the costs are shared 50/50. If more than one passenger costs are shared by passengers only. If more than one vehicle, fuel costs are totalled and then split between the passengers, drivers do not pay.
  2. Informal Walks – Any walks that occur without knowledge of the Committee or the Walks Co-Ordinator.

The club will accept no liability for the consequences of any informal event.

  1. Sunraysia Bushwalkers Inc. and leaders take no responsibility for visitors who do not follow the leader’s instructions

 Bushwalks shall be graded

A Family – Easy, Medium and Hard

B Adult – Easy Medium, Hard and Experienced

The grading used on the Club’s program are a guide only and may change. Check with the walk Leader.

  1. Family Easy On formed tracks over even and undulating terrain may be up to 10km per day.

Medium   Undulating terrain with some up and downs. May be up to 16km per day.

Hard          Long climbs and descent on formed tracks. Distance depends on terrain.

  1. Adult Easy          Gently undulating terrain on formed tracks, Distance up to 14km per day.

Medium   Sustained climbs and descents of 1 km or more, some walks may be off formed tracks.

20 km per day

Hard          Consistent waling with moderate/hard climbing in scrub and forest areas on and off tracks

Experienced   Walking in difficult terrain. May require special knowledge of snow camping, rock scrambling,

survival techniques, first aid and navigation.

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GUIDE FOR WALKERS The following guidelines have been compiled to assist walker participants in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Whistles        ONE LONG BLAST –    Acknowledge in Relpy

TWO SHORT BLASTS – Stop and Re-Group with the leader

THREE LONG BLASTS – EMERGENCY – regroup immediately

 

 

       LEADER’S AUTHORITY

Leaders take walks on a voluntary basis, spending time and effort in organising these for your benefit.

Respect their decisions or directions and try to be helpful.

The Leader is responsible for the wellbeing of all members of the group. Do not make things difficult.

AT THE START OF THE WALK

The following general conditions will apply to both day walks and weekend overnight trips.

  1. All walkers must check in with Leader.
  2. During the “Introduction Circle”, the Leader will give walk details, route, other information etc., appoint a whip and explain the whistle code.
  3. The whip’s duties are to ensure that no-one falls behind them and to assist and encourage walkers at the back.

DURING THE WALK

  1. No-one is to go ahead of the nominated lead walker. Each person should try to keep the person in front and behind in visual range at all times. Do not leave the group for any reason without first notifying the Leader or Whip of your intentions.
  2. Respect private property, fences, crops, animals and other groups or individuals in the area.
  3. Cross fences at gates or at straining posts. Leave gates as you find them.
  4. Protect flora and fauna.
  5. Do not pollute creeks or water holes, waste water must be disposed of 100m from water.
  6. Do not leave rubbish. Take out what you bring in, particularly foil, tins, tissues and plastic.
  7. Be aware of your walk companion’s condition. Notify the Leader if you notice anyone under stress, or experiencing difficulties, especially during adverse weather conditions.
  8. At track junctions, stop and regroup until the Leader indicates which way to go.

IN CAMP

  1. Observe the Leader’s directions with regard to fires, toilet arrangements and washing facilities.
  2. Make sure that all body wastes and paper are properly buried.
  3. Observe fire Restrictions, use dead timber for firewood, or bring your own.
  4. Keep the camp area clean.
  5. Ensure that any campfire entertainment and noise levels are kept to the minimum with respect to early retirees and any close neighbours you may have.

EMERGENCIES

Should a change of plan be required due to unfavourable terrain, illness, injury or weather conditions, follow all the

Leader’s requests, and offer any assistance you can.

COMPLETION OF THE WALK

  1. Before departure, make sure you have been counted by the Leader as having returned.
  2. Clean and disinfect boots and equipment to remove soil and vegetation.

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LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. The general welfare of the group
  2. Protection of the natural environment
  3. Protection of public and private property

PREPARTION OF WALK

  1. Survey the proposed walk area if unsure.
  2. Prepare walk preview with details of terrain and relevant conditions.
  3. Plan alternative routes or walk areas in the event of bad weather and escape routes in an emergency, sickness injury or fire.
  4. If necessary, obtain permission in advance from property owners or managing authorities for access.
  5. Notify club contact of intended walk area and route, the names of people and contact information.
  6. Importantly, the place at which the transport will be left, plus the leader’s car registration number.
  7. Ensure that all members of the proposed activity are suitably experienced and fit enough for the grade of walk when bookings are made.
  8. Take note of any special equipment which may be required, e.g. ropes, tarpaulin shelter, snowshoes, water containers, gaiters, etc.
  9. Check that everybody has suitable equipment and food.
  10. Arrange transport and explain to passengers the sharing costs.
  11. Nominate meeting arrangements and location. Make sure all walkers understand the club contact system.
  12. Organise car shuttle arrangements if required.
  13. Arrange tent-sharing accommodation if required.
  14. Each programmed walk will preferably have one leader, and at least one other suitably experienced walker.
  15. The Leader may use their discretion to decline any person’s request to attend, if the Leader has any doubt about a person’s ability to complete the walk.

BASIC EQUIPMENT – LEADER

 

  1. Maps, compass and route information.
  2. Suitable first aid kit.
  3. Notebook for log records.
  4. Suitable digging tool for toilet and fire pits.
  5. Whistle
  6. Any other special gear.
  7. Check each walker has emergency information in their pack.
  8. EPERB or Spot for emergency use

 

     DURING THE WALK

  1. Allow for regular rest stops. If the group is large and getting too spread out, call a halt and regroup. Watch for slow walkers and control the “racehorses”.
  2. Count heads frequently, particularly in difficult terrain or conditions.
  3. Note any important events during the walk.
  4. Be conscious of group safety and welfare. Watch the groups’ morale, particularly during adverse conditions. Give encouragement and support. Be aware of food and liquid intake of the group.
  5. In case of injury or sickness, render whatever assistance is required, e.g. first aid, and if necessary, share that walker’s gear between other members of the group. Any walker unable to complete the walk, for any reason, MUST be escorted back to safety.
  6. Comply with fire restrictions.

IN CAMP

  1. Check the suitability of tent sites e.g. low ground (flooding), dead trees. Prevent damage to ground surface and vegetation.
  2. If fires are allowed, use existing fireplaces if available, keep fires a safe distance from tents. Ensure fires are 3 metres from combustible debris. Use stove for cooking if conditions are very dry or windy.
  3. Confirm that fires are safe for overnight. Extinguish with water when leaving camp.
  4. Ensure that all washing (personal or utensils) is done away from the drinking water supply.
  5. Allocate toilet areas away from creeks. Remind walkers to dig a hole for toilet visits and leave no trace.
  6. If using huts, leave clean and replace firewood stocks used.
  7. On leaving camp, check for any litter and leave clean. Carry out any rubbish.
  8. Ensure campers are respectful to other campers, with respect to noise or other nuisances.

COMPLETION OF THE WALK

  1. Do a final head count as walkers return
  2. Ensure all vehicles are mobile before you leave.
  3. Inform the club contact of your return. If delayed, ring promptly.

EMERGENCIES  May arise from illness or injury, adverse weather conditions, unfavourable terrain, mislaid walkers, geographical embarrassment, failing to make your objective on time and being caught out by failing light.

  1. Make a careful assessment of the situation and the options. Make a firm positive decision. Consult others in the group where advice is required.
  2. There should be at least two walkers in any group sent out to obtain help, or to explain the late return of the group.

Messages should be in writing by the Leader.

 

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HYPOTHERMIA

The body core temperature may lower in the WET, WIND, or COLD. Prevention is best.  In these conditions warm clothing and waterproof gear should be worn from the beginning of the walk, food and fluid intake should be frequent to maintain energy. Symptoms are often not recognised – watch out for shivering, slowness of pace, stumbling, irritability and exhaustion. If not treated the condition may advance very quickly to mental confusion, irrational acts such as discarding clothes, unconsciousness and death.

At the FIRST SIGNS – STOP WALKING. Shelter and light a fire if possible. Exchange the walkers’ wet clothing for dry clothes. Give food and drink, preferably warm. Rest is important, use a sleeping bag. Warm slowly with body to body heat.

DO NOT TRY TO WARM QUICKLY.

 

HYPERTHERMIA

Occurs in hot conditions. Dehydration occurs, due to excessive loss of fluid and salt through the skin.  Symptoms include headache, nausea, excessive weakness and body cramps.

Stop and shelter from sunlight, replace fluids, rest and cool the body, apply wet, cold compress to the back of the neck.

 

SUNRAYSIA BUSHWALKERS INCORPORATED

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  1. To provide opportunity for members to enjoy the bush and mountains
  2. To promote walking tours and foster allied activities.
  3. To encourage a wider appreciation and better understanding of wild life and natural assets and to assist in their preservation.
  4. To encourage participation in pedestrian recreational activities in safety and with due consideration for others and the environment.
  5. To affiliate, co-operate and associate with any other body or organisation for the furthering of the above objectives.

Notes

The Club has a supply of camping equipment primarily for the encouragement of novice walkers. This equipment is free of charge on two occasions and is available for hire thereafter.  Recipes and lists are available from the club library.

A monthly newsletter is available to financial members.

All members and visitors should complete an indemnity form prior to participating in any organised walks with the club.