Field Day at Yabberup

Our sectional maintenance volunteers usually work independently on their own allocated ‘sections’ – stretches of Track distinguished by convenient access points – whenever they choose and without direct contact with the office team.

Once a year, though, we invite them to participate in a maintenance Field Day in their District where – with many willing hands and the opportunity to bring in equipment and consumables – we complete tasks that are more difficult during standard maintenance visits.

This gives the volunteers the chance to connect with other volunteers and BTF staff, make a difference on an alternative part of the Track, and get updated on maintenance and reporting techniques.

In mid-September, Yabberup campsite had its turn.

Some of things we achieved:

• Brushed down and reoiled the exterior of the shelter and toilet cladding
• Sanded and stained the sleeping platform
• Installed a new noticeboard
• Sanded and reoiled the internal and external tables
• Cleaned the water tanks and checked the pipe and drainage system
• Trimmed vegetation along the internal trails

We also took a stroll down to Lyalls Mill Group campsite. Along the way, the volunteers were instructed in erosion control management – one of the standard volunteer tasks is keeping water bars along the Track in functional condition – and some quirks of Track marking.

The day starts with a briefing	Tasks are allocated and they swing into action
Charmaine manages a full array of consumables	Power tools make the job easier
Refreshing the shelter, inside…	… and out!
Tidying up the tanks	A volunteer of 20 years and a brand new recruit, joining forces
Clearing water bars	A satisfied group – thanks everyone!

It was really lovely to reconnect with some of our long-term volunteers, side by side with some brand new recruits. A chance to pass on knowledge and learn from the experts!

Thanks to BTF staff Helen (Volunteer Manager) and Andrew (Maintenance Manager) for coordination and planning, Maintenance Support volunteers Bill and Charmaine for their assistance, and DBCA Wellington District staff for their support.