Day 1 | Saturday, 8 June 2019

Warren and my first ‘outing’ with the BMW Drivers Club (combined with Club Mini) started with meeting everyone at Essendon BMW for pastries and coffee on the Saturday morning at 8.30am.

We had met Jo, Graeme, Shaaron & Lawrence at the Phillip Island Historic Cars in October and it was because of these four people (who were very friendly and told us all about the club) we decided to join.  We were given a booklet of instructions written by Peter Williams and he was to be our lead car and the book of instructions he produced was a work of art!!   The club are so lucky to have someone like him to organise these driving routes etc.   We were also to find over the three days the organisation that Jo Mawson puts into the accommodation, lunches, dinners was impeccable.

We departed BMW en route to Malmsbury, about 88 k’s away it was comforting to have Peter as the lead car, Georgiana & Andrew as The Mini in The Middle, and Jo & Graeme as Tale end Charlie. We felt very secure that we knew we would be found if we got lost !!!!  which we didn’t!!!!     We stopped for our coffee/toilet break in Malmsbury, the weather was magnificent and the little town very picturesque and a very popular coffee shop/bakery there. We had more time to chat & meet the other drivers and admire their cars.

Heading off from Malmsbury we were headed to Maldon, 45 k’s away, stopping at the Berryman’s Café & Tea Rooms for a delicious lunch. We were then able to meander through the township for a little while and we then proceeded through the town and drove up to the Mt Tarrengower Lookout   (this was formerly a hill-climb track and still holds historic events).

After this great photo opportunity  we proceeded onto Barham (203kms) where we were to spend the first night at the Club Barham River Motel, where after checking in we walked across the road to their restaurant and had a really nice dinner and a well-earned glass of wine, once again chatting amongst the members lots of laughs and stories . A great day organised by great people left us looking forward to heading to Horsham on Sunday 

Margaret Fairweather
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Day 2 | Sunday, 9 June 2019
Visit to Catalina Flying Boat Museum – Lake Boga Victoria and Silo Drive 

Waking up in our room at cluBarham River Motel, Sunday morning in the town of Barham, just a short five minute walk to the banks of the Murray River separating the NSW and Victoria border. Our temperature to start the day, a brisk 5°C with an expected top of 16°C. So a hot hotel room sachet instant coffee followed by a hot shower, and warm clothes was the order for our days planned journey.

Making our way across the road to the dining room at 8.30, the morning continued with a BMW Drivers Club Melbourne and club MINI Victoria catered breakfast, providing us with a warm meal and better COFFEE to fuel our energy for drive ahead.

Once the group gathered, the pre-ordered lunch distribution proved to be quite entertaining…   Preparing our drive with a morning brief prior to leaving the dining room carpark, the organisation for the travel for the day (weekend) was well planned and communicated and we were introduced to our weekend dedicated convoy leader, (Itinerary master)  Peter Williams in his blue M3 Coupe, following all the way behind at the rear of our 16 vehicle convey as ‘Charlie’ in a white X5 with a ‘tour guide style’ flag surpassing the X5 roofline, was Jo Mawson and (Drone Master) Graeme Bell, Who also supplied several two-way radios to convey to assist with keeping us all updated on our progress as a duel club convoy to our destinations.

Once on the road, our journey takes along a scenic drive that at times caused some small towns to witness their one and only ‘traffic’ rush hour (well, more like half hour at most) taking us to our first destination between Swan Hill and Kerang to the Flying museum on the shores of Lake Boga.  This being previously the home to the No.1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot, A former facility that helped to keep Australia safe from 1941 to 1947 as an integral part of allied defence during World War II.

Extract from Lake Boga Flying Museum website:

Lake Boga – the No.1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot.

Following the Japanese attacks on Broome in 1942, resulting in the loss of 16 flying boats, the establishment of a safe haven for flying boats and amphibians was deemed “Essential to the Defence of Australia.” - “South and inland” were prerequisites.

Inspections of Lake Boga and Kangaroo Lake were made, Lake Boga being the preferred site as it was an ideal stretch of water for the flying boats and amphibious aircraft because it was almost circular (offering unlimited choice of landing/take off direction) and free of obstructions.

The required infrastructure was already in place, vacant land around its foreshore, an adjacent railhead and highway, electricity from Swan Hill and telecommunication.

A requisition of property, Priority A1.” was signed on 1st April, 1942. It had been decided to “build Lake Boga”. Multiple sites were required. The repair depot itself with workshops and hangars (on the foreshore), a stores area (on railway land near the Depot), living quarters (west of the township), sick quarters (at Castle Donnington), first-aid and dental post (on the foreshore), a radio transmitting station (on the Depot site) and a VHF transmitting station (west of the township). Construction started immediately.

June 28th, 1942 saw the arrival of the first RAAF personnel under the command of F/Lt. G.S. Moffatt and on July 12th, 1942, the arrival of the first Catalina flying boat carrying a quantity of stores and equipment was flown in from Rathmines, N.S.W. Hangar construction had just begun. The design, an open-fronted, grandstand type hangar with a cantilevered canopy. Eight large steel-framed structures were erected, 120 feet wide by 58 feet deep. These were to be followed by structures to house activities such as administration, signals & cypher, airframe repair, electroplating, engine/hydraulics repair, drafting, metal work, photography, stores, armament repair, propeller testing, machining, crew rooms, control tower. The first Catalina to be serviced at Lake Boga was A24-17, which carried a crew of 4, plus 12 personnel on posting from Rathmines in New South Wales, arriving August 5th, 1942.

During the Depot’s wartime life personnel undertook large volumes of work. 416 aircraft were serviced, repaired, restored, rebuilt or overhauled. These aircraft included Catalina, Dornier, Sikorsky KingFisher, Sunderland, Walrus and Martin Mariner.

In the five years of Depot life, there were more than 1050 aircraft arrivals/departures and an estimated 800 test flights (plus associated “unofficial aerobatics”). In addition to RAAF aircraft, many allied flying boats used the Lake Boga Depot for repairs, including those of the United States of America and the Netherlands.

At peak operation 39 Officers, 802 Airmen and 102 WAAAF’s staffed the depot.

The base at Lake Boga closed in November of 1947. 

The aircraft on display is a Catalina PBY5. It depicts the type and size of aircraft that were used as patrol bombers during World War II and was built in the USA by the Consolidated Aircraft Company. It was originally a Netherlands aircraft that was adopted by the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942 and given the registered number A24–30. After the war it was sold to Kingsford Smith Airlines, who used for spare parts. The body was sent to Lake Boga for scrap, but it was purchased by a local farmer and taken to Nyah. The farmer used some parts but left the rest lying under a tree for forty years. His family donated it to the Lake Boga Lions Club who has painstakingly assembled and semi-restored it to something of its former glory.

Other displays included models of Catalina’s, a ‘willy’s Jeep, a discovery centre that offered a theatrette, library and research area where some of our club members watched a short video of the Repair Depot and were invited to read about and research war history, As well as the original underground communications bunker that had been reconstructed from original memorabilia and old photos.

As our time ends at Lake Boga, The day has warmed up, as a convoy, we are led away driving as we pass small historical towns through the winding country roads. Our lead car brings us to a salt lake for a stretch, light lunch and photo opportunity. Some of us even learning how to style up a brief stop with seeing picnic rugs, tables and chairs that were well stored in driver’s cars (the experienced traveller). 

This stop also provides the opportunity for a daily mid-drive brief on our progress, as well as updates and what is planned for the afternoon.

Arriving at our first silo, we exit our cars excited to explore the detail and think about the logistics it would have taken to utilise this Silo as the artist canvas. known as Patchewollock, Painted by the artist Fintan Magee of local sheep and grain farmer, Nick “Noodle” Hulland. Taking out our cameras, trying to find the best angle to get the whole grandeur of this Silo in the best shot.

Extract from Silo Trail Website:

Completed in late 2016, the artist’s depiction of the famously reserved Hulland portrays an image of the archetypal Aussie farmer – faded blue “flanny” (flannelette shirt) and all. Hulland’s solemn expression, sun-bleached hair and squinting gaze speak to the harshness of the environment and the challenges of life in the Wimmera Mallee.

So the first of our silo experience leaves us with a memory as we pull out of the dusty carpark and continue or road trip to our next destination.

Upon arrival at our second Silo, Known as Lascelles, by Melbourne/Geelong Artist Rone, The direction for our BMW’s and Mini’s to line up in a row as if in the town’s ad-hoc show and shine, displaying the variations of our vehicles, was a great photo opportunity with the ‘Lascelles’ Silo in the back ground, The timing for another club arriving behind us assisted in filling the car park with more BMW’s giving other visitors a unique display of the BMW and Mini Marque.

Extract from Silo Trail Website: 

Lascelles Silo, Rone says that he wanted the mural to portray his subjects as wise and knowing, nurturing the town’s future with their vast farming experience and longstanding connection to the area.

In order to capture the true essence of Lascelles, Melbourne-based artist, Rone knew that he had to learn about the town from those who were deeply connected to it. Here, he depicts local farming couple Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, part of a family that has lived and farmed in the area for four generations.

After a bit of wonder, we returned back to our cars and commenced to follow each other in single file back onto the bitumen of the of the Sunraysia Highway to continue our journey.

Venturing along the highway, as the afternoon rain starts to make an appearance, our third Silo just out for the township of Hoptoun comes into view, Rosebery by Melbourne artist, Kaff-eine. This being a shorter stop than previously, due to the wet weather and drive in and out smaller car park.

Extract from Silo Trail Website:

Completed in late 2017, Kaff-eine’s artwork depicts themes that she says embody the region’s past, present and future.

The silo on the left captures the grit, tenacity and character of the region’s young female farmers, who regularly face drought, fires and other hardships living and working in the Mallee. In her work shirt, jeans and turned-down cowboy boots, the strong young female sheep farmer symbolises the future.

The silo on the right portrays a quiet moment between dear friends. The contemporary horseman appears in Akubra hat, Bogs boots and oilskin vest – common attire for Mallee farmers. Both man and horse are relaxed and facing downward, indicating their mutual trust, love and genuine connection.

As we continue our trip back on the Highway, the rain ceased as quickly as it arrived, leaving grey clouds in its place as well as reducing the temperature for the remainder of the afternoon.

Our fourth Silo, Brim by Guido van Helten, due to its size, gives us the opportunity to have another vehicle line up photo opportunity.

Brim Silo was the first silo artwork to appear in Victoria, and soon infused the town’s community with newfound energy and optimism. After gaining widespread local and international attention, Brim’s silo art success shone a spotlight on the Wimmera Mallee region and inspired the establishment of the Silo Art Trail. Van Helten’s mural depicts an anonymous, multi-generational quartet of female and male farmers. Rendered across these four 1939-built GrainCorp silos, van Helten’s subjects bear expressions that exemplify the strength and resilience of the local farming community.

Back on the road, the enthusiasm still remains as we continue onto our fifth and most colourful Silo,  Sheep Hills by Melbourne-based artist, Adnate. This time, we line our cars in a row on a raised car park, pointing out towards to entry, giving the opportunity for a weekend group photo in front of our cars, attempting to put another manufacture that’s more known for the Hilux series, jump in the air to shame..

 Extract from Silo Trail Website:

Sheep Hills Silo by Adnate, depics of Wergaia Elder, Uncle Ron Marks, and Wotjobaluk Elder, Aunty Regina Hood, alongside two young children, Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald celebrates the richness of the area’s Indigenous culture.

The night sky represents elements of local dreaming and the overall image signifies the important exchange of wisdom, knowledge and customs from Elders to the next generation.

The afternoon is getting on and the best part of the daylight is making its daily farewell, with one more and unique Silo for the day, we make our way to the township of Rupanyup, showing us a delicately nuanced monochromatic rendered onto a squat pair of conjoined Australian Grain Export steel grain Silos. We line and park our cars on a bitumen side street, as this Silo is part of the town.

Extract from Silo Trail Website:

Rupanyup by Russian mural artist, Julia Volchkova, turned her attention to the town’s youth and their great love of team sport. The work vividly captures the spirit of community and provides an accurate insight into rural youth culture.

The featured faces are those of Rupanyup residents and local sporting team members, Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann. Fresh-faced and dressed in their sports attire (netball and Australian Rules football, respectively), Baker and Weidemann embody a youthful spirit of strength, hope and camaraderie.

The clouds are looking darker hinting that the evening part of the day is almost upon us, also indicated by our car lights automatically switching from day driving lights to night driving. This stop over gives us the time to prepare to drive to our evening accommodation close out for the informative and appreciation of the history and unique artwork that brings essential tourism back into country Victoria.

The opportunity to share this road trip with members of who we have met previously, to the introduction to new members, the friendships now formed and shared experience has taken us away from our conventional lifestyle and will be a unique recollection collection that we tell our friends and family,  as well as when we meet again.

Paul Holliday
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Day 3 | Monday, 10 June 2019

Ok, after completing an additional 704km for work over the last two days it is my turn to upload my images from the join ClubMINI VIC and BWM drivers club.

So, I'll start with day 3 - yes, I do things in an odd order.

Day 3 of the Murray - Grampians Art Silo tour started with a wet morning matched by the underlying sense that today was the last day off what had been an amazing weekend. Starting the morning with a full tank of 98Ron and the traditional fluid checks the morning came to life with the undeniably sound of a R53 supercharger.

We all know the saying "if you walk away from your car and don't look back, you own the wrong car", well that is the same sentiment when I start the engine.

Day 3 was the shortest day as we departed Horsham for a drive over the Grampians to our lunch spot in Dunkeld. The radios cracked to life with the call that all cars where in the convoy and 16 cars departed. There was a sense of disappointment as we had to avoid the Horsham Antique shop. We made our way along the highway and turned right towards the Grampians. The roads where reasonable for drivers with stock suspension but the few drivers with a lowered sense found them to be less then comfortable but still enjoyable.

Whilst well made the roads where narrow so a few dust clouds and stones where raised. Reed Lookout was the first destination and as we ascended through the fog it was definitely a site to be seen. However, the ClubMINI VIC beanies came in very handy as the cold winds and mist certainly required a few extra layers. As we waited for Peter Williams, the resident photographer to move the sun across the scenery there was an awesome view across the valley. Unfortunately, the second lookout was not such a great vista, fog the natural enemy of good vision won out on that occasion.

We descended down the other side of the Grampians to Halls Gap, which as predicted was very busy so rather then add to the traffic congestion the team moved to the local reservoir to assemble for photos and drone time. As had become custom on our assembled park ups, we all stood pack and admired the fantastic vista of 16 proud vehicles looking at their caring owners. 

The last stretch to Dunkeld was some very spirited roads providing brilliant opportunities for some drivers to use the forward and rearward dash cams to create great convoy footage. Lunch was a quaint cafe that provided comforting food and a sun warmed room.

Drivers departed to their home locations form here, our drive took as through Ararat and surprisingly for the weekend the first major police presence. The poor police officer had to bend over quite a way to lower the breathalyser through the window. Finally arriving home, the unpack begun. Each bag bringing back the memories of the little country stall or shop that we stopped at some near the silos and others just little cafe's or lolly shops.

All in all, if you ever get a chance to do a tour like this, don't just walk, run, get involved. The people are amazing, the cars are stunning, the views are breathtaking and the jokes well they are only appreciated by the humorous among us.

Thanks to ClubMINI VIC and BMWDCM for the experience. Jo Mawson and Peter Williams, you did an amazing job, and to everyone else, thanks for making what to me is normally less than happy long weekend a beautiful memory full of laughter, joy and some really funny stories.

Andrew Weir
Club MINI