The Bibbulmun Track Foundation is pleased to be offering an introductory workshop for aspiring leaders who have no prior experience or training in leading bushwalks.
This 1½ day workshop provides a mix of theory and practical sessions and participants will receive an understanding of practices and procedures to become a bushwalking guide, as well as a good insight into operating as a group leader within the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) framework.
Thanks to the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) the workshop is free.
Participants will receive:
Reference material including checklists and cue cards
1.5-day contact time with theory and practical components including:
Preparation and planning for walks
Risk management plans
Emergency planning and response protocols
Equipment for day and overnight walks
Appropriate food for multi-day treks
Group ratios, health and safety
Judging the fitness and ability of groups appropriate to the walk
Group leadership skills and communication
Conflict resolution
Leave No Trace and minimal impact
Record keeping
Working within the guidelines of the AAAS and GPGs
Tips and insights from over 20 years of training volunteer guides
The training requires some pre-reading to maximise the time available during the workshop for conducting practical exercises.
This workshop is for people who have had no training or experience leading bushwalking groups before. Please note that this is a basic introductory and unaccredited workshop.
Workshop dates:
Albany - Sat 9 & Sun 10 March
Dwellingup - Sat 16th & Sun 17th March
Mundaring - Sat 13th & Sun 14th April
Wongan Hills - Mon 10th & Tues 11th June
Carnarvon - Thurs 27th & Fri 28th June
To register your interest please complete this EOI.
This training is supported through a Hiking Participation Grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
BTF volunteers and PaWS Albany District staff during the field day
While Perth sweltered, it was just cool enough on the south coast last Friday to proceed with the final maintenance volunteer field day of the year at Nullaki campsite.
We all arrived early to beat the heat and soon got to work, giving the campsite a makeover. Typically on these days, we brush down and re-oil the shelter and toilet cladding, revarnish the bed platforms, re-oil the tables, do some painting, and clean the outside of the tank and pipes.
Another task at Nullaki involved completely stripping down the external table and replacing it with some jarrah recycled from another PaWS structure recently replaced. Once varnished, it looked wonderful!
We were very pleased to be joined by PaWS Albany District staff, who look after the Bibbulmun Track as one of their many recreational assets.
Well done, everyone, and special thanks to Albany volunteer Wes Fokkema for coordination assistance.
In a year marked by realignments, trail extensions and new trail construction the Support Volunteers celebrated with a campaign of track work on the South Coast in Frankland and Albany Districts. The Albany-based Binalup Rangers joined the SVs for the campaign, contributing 4 rangers for the 4 days of the campaign, 3 of which had worked on the previous 2022 NRM Grant Campaign in the area.
A very hot Monday but milder Tuesday saw the SV’s and Rangers working west of Parry Beach on a number of jobs. Trackpad stabilisation installed in 2020 was infilled to retain sand while, to the west, the Rangers built a line of steps fitted with trackpad.
Electric wheelbarrow helps cart tools and materials the short distance from the vehicle track to the work site
Binalup Rangers constructing steps with trackpad infill
Infilled trackpad
Wind fences constructed in the sand blow in 2021 were reinforced then draped with coir mesh attached firmly using cable ties. It was very pleasing to record that brushing applied to the dune face, and coir mesh laid on exposed sand in 2020 and 2021 has aided regrowth of flowering plants and various sized shrubs. Hopefully regrowth will continue and the larger shrubs will eventually cover the area completely.
Wind fences with reinforced skeleton awaiting coir mesh cover
Support Volunteers and Binalup Rangers fixing coir mesh to fence
Completed wind fences with brushing and coir mesh to aid rehabilitation
Brushing applied to dune face in 2020 has aided regrowth and rehabilitation
The Binalup Rangers spent the remainder of the week around Mutton Bird and Sandpatch maintaining and improving the many water bars installed in recent years. Their work should substantially improve the effectiveness of the water bars in these areas, decreasing erosion of the track for years to come.
Binalup Rangers relocating water bar for greater effectiveness
Rangers taking a well earned break after maintaining 40 water bars
Recent erosion formed a bank on the Irwin Inlet east side requiring walkers to lift the heavy canoes from the water, no mean task for anyone on a long day. Walkers’ passage across Irwin Inlet will be easier now with the installation of a ramp on the east side. Constructed of a timber frame and GRP deck the ramp was installed in a day by an SV and Frankland District team who motored up the inlet by dinghy.
Timber frame pinned to the ground
The completed ramp
Testing, it worked
While the canoe ramp was under construction another SV team replaced old broken steps on the opposite side of the inlet.
Replacement steps under construction, west side of Irwin Inlet
Finally, the SV team hit Conspicuous Cliffs late in the week to make improvements to the stabilisation constructed in late 2020. Small sections of coir mesh needed repair and trackpads were topped up with sand where it had been blown out. After three years the stabilisation was generally working well with lots of regrowth coming up through the coir mesh and some trackpads.
Typical good condition coir mesh with small shrubs emerging. Trackpads topped up.
Conspicuous Cliffs north, edge boards and coir mesh maintained
In preparation for this campaign Frankland District crews delivered almost a tonne of materials to three separate locations. The canoe shed was accessed by a long, sandy and sometimes difficult route from Boat Harbour. Timber sleepers, trackpad, coir mesh, star pickets and 100lt of water was transported to the sand blow area by vehicle while sleepers and star pickets for Conspicuous Cliffs were carried 2km by hand to the base of the climb. The campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the focussed efforts of the District crews and their supervisors who acted on our requests at, what is for them, a very busy time of the year.
Seventeen year old Peppermint Grove schoolgirl Zara White has become the youngest person ever to complete WA’s gruelling Bibbulmun Track solo.
The Year 11 student took just 54 days to complete the 1000-kilometre walk from Kalamunda to Albany – leaving on October 2 and arriving in Albany on November 24.
Zara took only four rest days during the epic adventure, sometimes walking more than 38 kilometres in a single day.
She also took the opportunity to raise funds to support the Bibbulmun Track Foundation during its 25th Anniversary year – raising more than $11,000.
Recognised as one of the world’s great long-distance walk trails the Bibbulmun Track passes through some of south west WA’s most spectacular scenery, including Dwellingup, Balingup, Pemberton, Walpole and Denmark.
“When she first said she wanted to do this we were a little concerned, but she had walked large sections of the track with the family before, so we know she had the physical and mental strength to do it,” said mum Meaghan.
“We are very proud of her.”
Bibbulmun Track Foundation chair Kath Broderick said that when Zara walked into Albany she would also walk into the record books as the youngest solo Bibbulmun Track “End to End” walker ever recorded.
“It is an incredible achievement and not without its challenges,” Ms Broderick said.
“We wish Zara all the best for her next journeys in life and thank her for her generous support.”
Zara camped in a tent during her adventure, receiving food drops at major towns – every 5-8 days
In the heart of our beloved Bibbulmun Track, a situation unfolded at Waalegh Campsite that might have gone unnoticed, if not for the vigilance and swift action of Jennifer, one of our dedicated Maintenance Volunteers and a committed member of the Bibbulmun Track community.
Jennifer encountered a rather unpleasant surprise while inspecting the water tank: a downpipe teeming with maggots, indicating the presence of a decomposing animal. The discovery itself was enough to unsettle even the hardiest of souls, but Jennifer's response was both prompt and decisive.
Her first step was to try and flush the downpipe, a crucial move to determine if any part of the deceased animal remained inside. Discovering that the filter and downpipe were infested with maggots, Jennifer took on the stomach-churning task of cleaning them out. She managed to dispose of the decomposed bits of maggoty body parts and left messages in both the Red and Green books, advising all to treat the water. Despite the improvement in smell, Jennifer was worried that the water quality might be compromised and immediately reported the gruesome discovery.
This immediate action was not only necessary for hygiene and health but also vital for the safety of countless hikers who depend on these water resources. Jennifer's efforts ensured that the necessary steps were taken to mitigate a potential health hazard.
Her report ended with a touch of humour about her 'stinky day' at Waalegh, yet it was her dedication and prompt action that truly stood out. It is these efforts, often unseen and unsung, that keep the trail safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Jennifer, your day at Waalegh, battling maggots in the sweltering heat, is a testament to your commitment to the Bibbulmun Track community. We thank you for your quick thinking and diligent work in keeping our beloved Track a safe place for all.
The Department swiftly addressed the situation, flushing out the pipes and checking the water quality - ensuring continued safety and hygiene on the Track.
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