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Graeme's long standing involvement with the GSWW was acknowledged by the naming of a section of the track dedicated to him. "Graeme's Walk" stretches from the southern end of the Enchanted Forest to the Volcanic Isle lookout.
In the beginning another stalwart Sam Bruton, who was at that time the District Ranger, convinced Bill Golding, the then Portland High School's principal to sort of agree in principle to his vision of involving school students with the building of a walking track. Graeme, who was the president of the Portland High School school council was credited with mobilising the school in support Sam and Bill's concept and ultimately the birth of the Great South West Walk.
Graeme became the first president of a committee now known as the Friends of the Great South West Walk. He performed in this voluntary role for 15 years, steering the ship on a course that would eventually become a 250 kilometre walking track that has invited many thousands of walkers over time, to follow the same journey.
After 31 years Graeme's enthusiasm and commitment has never waned
and he is still to this day regularly shouldering a giant share of the ongoing
maintenance of the GSWW.
Pictured at right are the affectionately known
"Three Amigos", Graeme Hume (left) Sam Bruton and Bill Golding, taken at the
dedication of "Graeme's Walk. All three now have a small section of
walk dedicated to them.
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Great Walks magazine special feature - "Who I walk with" Apr-May Edition 2012
This is a very interesting article about 4 Australian sisters who have travelled extensively, to trek on many of the world's iconic walks, including the GSWW. One of the stories that they recount is actually an experience, had right here on the Great South West Walk. We hope you like it.Read the extract here....
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New Official map for the GSWW
Available online from the suppliers Meridian Maps, also ABC Maps and other larger map retailers. OR over the counter at the Portland Visitor Information Centre or at E..Davis & Sons Newsagency Portland.
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South Solitary the movie, filmed on location at Cape Nelson.
Many walkers who have experienced the thrill and the grandeur of the cliff tops and scenery surrounding the Cape Nelson lighthouse will be able to relive some of those memories as well as get a feel for what it may have been like in the 1920s by viewing the 2010 film, South Solitary.The film incorporates many of the natural features as well as the lighthouse and outbuildings as background scenery. There are also glimpses of parts of the GSWW.
South Solitary, filmed on location at Cape Nelson is expected to premiere at Portland on or about September the 3rd 2010
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The Friends of the GSWW win three prestigious Awards in 2011.
This has been a particularly good year for the Friends as we have managed to be acknowledged on three separate occasions that have recognised our efforts during 2011. Congratulations go to all past and present volunteers who have made this possible.August 25th we received from Glenelg Hopkins CMA on behalf of Landcare Australia Ltd the Coastcare Award for environmental work. at Cape Bridgewater.
November 5th we were awarded Victorian state-wide biennial Kookaburra Community Partnership Award from Parks Victoria.
And finally on November 15th, being the winner of the Victorian Government Coastcare Award. This achievement which is also awarded biennially, has great significance for us because it automatically places us as Victoria’s nominee for next year’s Australian National awards to be held in Canberra. Read an extract from the 2011 Landcare Newsletter
Congratulations also go to Bill Golding OAM. and Life Member, who deservedly was declared the Glenelg Shire’s - 2011 Citizen of the Year
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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.
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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
The performance at Federation Square
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New shelter opened for Great South West Walkers
n 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.”
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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Landcare Award goes to local joint projects involving the use of Maremma dogs
Two joint projects that are using Maremma dogs to guard a little penguin colony at Warrnambool and our own Point Danger gannet rookery, have been awarded a prestigious Australian Government Coastcare Award at this year's award ceremony that took place at Government House in Melbourne. Read moreBack to top
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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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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 stabilising 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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Page last updated Aug 2012
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