Notice Board


 

  • GSWW featured in 2 page spread in the Age newspaper.
  • $737,000 upgrade for parts of GSWW.
  • 'Discovery' is performed to sell out audiences.
  • New  Weather Shelter for the Walk.
  • Bill is recognised by Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
  • The GSWW - An impartial review in 4 parts.
  • Travel + Leisure magazine  GSWW  feature article.
  • Long time Friend and member receives O.A. Medal
  • Graeme Hume honoured as Victoria's 'Best Friend'
  • The ABC does us proud
  • 'Bangas' and Brass in the Bush

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    From the Melbourne Age newspaper Traveller section - Saturday 10/10/2009.

    Travel writer for the Age newspaper Jill Hocking, details her group's experience of sharing accommodation and venturing out on day walks along selected sections of the GSWW.  She also shares her impressions of the walk's many attributes with her readers, particularly the abundant and varied wildlife.

    Unfortunately the images that were used in the spread are not included in the website archive however it does contain the complete text. To take a little time to read her thoughts and impressions  Click here

    The Friends group is very grateful for this acknowledgement.


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    Huge upgrade for many areas of the GSWW infrastructure.

    Minister for Regional and Rural Development Jacinta Allan announced a successful joint funding allocation of $737,000 for improvements to infrastructure on and around the GSWW, to a group of guests and dignitaries.  The announcement took place on Tuesday the 19th of January 2010 on a section of the walk near a commemorative marker close to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse.

    Contributors to this exciting and much appreciated news were, The Victorian State Government's Provincial Pathways fund, Parks Victoria, Pacific Hydro and the Friends of the GSWW.

    The Friends are looking forward to helping provide some of the much needed infrastructure in association with Parks Victoria, who will oversee all of the projects.

    The improvements will be additional shelters, a relocated camp site, car park works, additional steps, additional signage and some safety fencing. 

    Read MP Jacinta Allan's Media Release
     


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    Discovery symphony performed in front of sell out audiences.


    The dream has finally turned into reality with the second and at this stage final performance of the symphony Discovery, being performed at the BMW Edge theatre at Federation Square in Melbourne on August 16th.

    The world premiere took place in Portland two weeks prior to the Melbourne performance which is very fitting as the the event was a tribute to the Great South West Walk and to the long held dream of co-founder Bill Golding, who saw the environment that the walk traverses as a very special place.  Bill's vision was to see the natural environment as one of natures glorious symphonies, one that had four distinct movements, the forest, river, bays and the cliffs of this beautiful part of south western Victoria. 

    The Friends group would like to acknowledge everyone who had some part to play in this highly successful and memorable event, however special mention must go to Music Glenelg and the Event Director Graeme Firth and his team, for the hours of work and time that was sacrificed in order to turn a dream into reality.

    For those who missed the event and for anyone wishing to relive the memories, a DVD  and CD have been be released for sale to the general public.  The DVD package was launched during a weekend of musical activities organised by Music Glenelg.   More Details


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    The performance at Federation Square


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    New shelter opened for Great South West Walkers


    On Sunday The 22 of February 2009, representatives from the Friends of the Great South West Walk, Portland Rotary Club and Pacific Hydro celebrated the opening of the new Springs Camp weather shelter with a barbecue.

    The Springs Camp shelter, which is situated 2 km north of the Blowholes near Bridgewater, is the first to be constructed as part of a plan to erect others at various campsites along the GSWW.

    Walkers who have had use of the new shelter for the past month have already shown their appreciation by entering many favourable comments in the camp’s log book.

    Funding for the project was obtained by successfully applying to Pacific Hydro through their Sustainable Communities Fund and the construction was a joint effort between the GSWW and Portland Rotary club supported by Portland Bay Rotary club.

    Pacific Hydro Communications Manager Emily Wood said the company was pleased to be able to support the Friends of the Great South West Walk to construct the shelter.  “The Great South West Walk is a huge asset for the Glenelg Shire,” Ms Wood said.  “Every year thousands of walkers from around the world enjoy the beautiful coastline and bush landscape along the walk.

     Pacific Hydro would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the volunteers involved who do such a wonderful job in developing and maintaining this iconic attraction.”

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    Pictured L to R - G Hume, H Marsh, G Campbell, E Lovell, G Page, R Bartlett


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    Bill is recognised by Glenelg Hopkins CMA.


    Co- founder and stalwart of the Great South West Walk, Bill Golding has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the environment.

    Bill received his award from the Glenelg Hopkins Management Authority in a special awards and recognition night that was held in Hamilton on Thursday the 21st of June.

    For more than 26 years Bill has been the driving force behind all the happenings and developments associated with the GSWW.

    It is not possible to think of a more worthy recipient, so to you Bill and Val your 'rock', congratulations and well done from all of your friends at the GSWW.




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    Travel + Leisure magazine highlights the GSWW

    An article written by Susan Gough Henly in the March 2008 edition, titled '65 Australian places to visit before you turn sixty-five' has featured the Great South West Walk in the Victorian section.




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    Blog by Dave Tomilinson.  An independent 4 part review of the GSWW

    Read Dave's review as it was posted on the FRANK IN OZ web site.  Dave completed the 250 km round loop in early 2009.  We are very pleased with his independent assessment of what we believe is a very under rated and although, not to us, undiscovered walking experience.  Follow the link to view the four separate posts.  . Read the article


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    Long time Friend and member of the GSWW receives O.A. Medal


    Member and Friend of the GSWW, Lynn Murrell was deservedly recognised in this year's Queens Birthday honours, as a recipient of the Order of Australia medal.

    Lynn was honoured for his contribution to the environment and local government. He has been a very active and supportive member of The Friends group.

    He has been involved in many organisations and steering committees as well as having served as the mayor of the Glenelg Shire.

    On behalf of the Friends we would like to express our heartfelt congratulations and the pride that we feel in the knowledge that he is part of our community group.

    He has had a very interesting past.

    If you would like to know more about Lynn, follow the link to his website.

  • Walk the Talk- Lynn Murrell.




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    Graeme Hume is acknowledged as recipient of 2007 'Best Friend' Award


    Graeme is the third member of the Friends of the GSWW to be awarded the prestigious Best Friend award for the State of Victoria. He follows two previous stalwarts in Bill Golding OAM and Sam Bruton, who like Graeme were also very worthy recipients.

    Graeme has been involved with the walk since its inception. He has been a tireless volunteer, taking on many roles and performing them all in an exemplary manner.
    The citation that accompanied his award, further illustrates Graeme's attributes as a valued Friend of the Great South West Walk.


    CITATION
    GRAEME HUME.
    GRAEME HUME
    FRIENDS OF THE GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK

    Graeme Hume has been a member of this group for 26 years - 15 years as president.
    He has always been a stabalising influence in meetings; a quiet man of few words who presides over the sometimes fractious committee with dignity. He has a remarkable talent for producing high quality work at speed.
    Graeme encouraged the adoption of the proposed Great South West Walk as a student Project in 1980. He spent many, many hours working to establish and maintain recreation with preservation around the volunteer built 250 Km walk.
    His favourite saying on the views on this magnificent walk is "If I could ever write poetry, I'd do it now."


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    The ABC does us proud.


    President Rob Bartlett is featured in an article on the ABC website, where he expresses his feelings on just what the Walk means to him, particularly his favourite section, Lake Monibeong.

    Click on the link below to read Rob's story.

    ABC South East S.A.


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    'Bangas' and Brass in the Bush

    A small ensemble of the highly acclaimed Hawthorn Brass Band entertained a crowd of about 90 music lovers at the Surry Ridge picnic area on Sunday the 24th of February.

      The event was a collaborative effort between three Portland community groups namely Music Glenelg, Portland Rotary Club and the Friends of the GSWW. The weather was fine and surprisingly mild for February which made conditions perfect for such an occasion.

     The melodious sounds from the band were punctuated by bird calls, before they softened and faded into the valley.  Three bemused koalas also seemed to be enjoying the music as they watched on from their lofty position in the trees above. 

    The day was enjoyed by all and a huge success and credit to everyone involved.   


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    Page last updated on 22nd of February 2009




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