Severe Thunderstorm Warning for FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES 09 Feb 10
A large thunderstorm cell is near Lilydale and moving slowly east. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning at 3:25pm today for severe thunderstorms near Lilydale, Seville, Wonga Park, Yarra Glen, the area east of Lilydale and the area south of Kinglake. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Healesville, Yarra Junction and the area east of Mt Dandenong by 3:55 am.
Very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.
We advise all participants to stay away from the area until weather conditions improve.
Don Road Safety - between Old Don Rd & Ferngully Rd 09 Feb 10
We are concerned about he number of reports of Trailwalker participants walking on Don Road between Old Don Rd and Ferngully Rd (CP6 to CP7 - map book direction I & J). There is a small path on the left hand side of this section, although the path is not always clear the grass surrounding it has been cut giving participants plenty of room.
While this section of Don Rd looks like a nice quite country road it is frequently used by the local residents, has a speed limit of 80km/h and poor sight lines, making it dangerous for groups of people to be walking along it. We ask all Trailwalker participants NOT to walk on this section of road and stay on the path as outlined in map book instructions - as this is the safest route.
Watch for snakes on the trail! 02 Feb 10
We share our beautiful trail with australia's flora and fauna, in particular snakes. Now we don't want to scare you but as the weather gets warmers, snake activity does increase. They thrive in warm weather and are most active on warm nights. Snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They will only attack humans if hurt or provoked - most bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes. Snakes normally avoid people, but there is an element of risk so we ask you just to be alert.
We do not profess to be experts on snakes but we have sourced some helpful tips on what to do if you see a snake while training:
- Watch your step!
- Don't panic. Parks Victoria advise to stand still or stamp. Snakes nearly always move away when they feel footstep vibrations. Other advice is to just calmly walk the other way.
- Use a torch and take particular care when walking at night and wear shoes or boots as protection
- Remember to carry a first aid kit with you just in case.
Remember snakes are a protected species.
Check weather conditions before training on the trail! 22 Dec 09
Summer is upon us once again and it is a good idea to check weather conditions on the trail before heading out for a training session. Last summer brought with it tragic bushfires across Victoria in particular and with this in mind, we ask our Trailwalkers to take care this summer when training outdoors.
We will continue to update participants about important trail and safety information in eNews and through Latest News. However we recommend you check conditions yourself before you head out. Organisations such as the Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) feature bushfire-specific information which is current and extremely helpful. Also be aware that some parks will be closed in extreme weather conditions. You can keep an eye on park closures at Park Victoria website.
When the thermostat rises, your team should refer to these websites as well as other news sources to ensure you stay away from bushfire affected or threatened areas.
Common sense is the key for training in extreme weather. Refer to your Safety & Training manual for more information or check out our website.
As always we ask Trailwalkers to be careful out on the trail. Make sure you carry plenty of water, stay hydrated and try to keep cool when its hot!
Training on Don Rd, Launching Place 14 Dec 09
The trail crosses numerous roads throughout the route. Oxfam TRAILWALKER endeavours to provide marshals at busy road crossings during the Event. We ask participants to take special care at all road crossings and obey pedestrian lights, particularly during training.
On the new super leg section (between checkpoints 6 and 7), you should take particular care when walking along Don Rd (between markers C and F in your Map Book) as the road is narrow and the speed limit is 80km/hr. You should walk on the right hand side of the road, against traffic, in single file and as close to the verge as possible. If you plan to walk this section at night, then it is advisable to have head torches and reflective gear on, so that oncoming traffic can see you clearly.
Take care when training!
Take care training on the Melba Track 14 Dec 09
A couple of teams have reported they found the Melba Track to be steep, slippery and difficult to walk on. This particular track falls half way between checkpoints 4 and 5 and has a very steep decline of (as highlighted in your map books).
We ask teams to support each other on the trail and for all participants to be very cautious of the slippery terrain and take it very slowly down the Melba Track.
To view the 2010 trail click here.
TEAM REGISTRATIONS CLOSED!! 14 Dec 09
Registrations for Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne 2010 have now closed.
With 700 teams having registered since the event opened on October 1, we can now announce that all team places have been filled.
Want to join a registered team? Post an ad on the Singlesboard where you'll find teams looking for walkers looking for teams.
If you'd like to help us put on an amazing Oxfam TRAILWALKER event, then read more about joining our 800+ volunteers.
TRAIL: Planned Burn near Trail 06 Nov 09
If you are planning on training tomorrow (Saturday 7th November) please be aware that Parks Victoria are conducting a planned burn near Silvan Reservoir. The planned burn will occur just east of Silvan Rd between Chalet Rd & Boundary Rd to the edge of Silvan Reservoir. While the burn will not occur on the trail it is relitively close (within approximately 750m) so please be cautious and take care.
Happy Training!
You're our eyes and ears on the trail! 05 Nov 09
Unfortunately the Trailwalker Team are unable to be out on the trail as regularly as we would like or as our marvellous teams in training, we appreciate your support as being our eyes and ears on the trail. If you see anything let us know. For example; footbridges closed or damaged / fallen trees, new fences, gates or buildings erected on the trail or at checkpoints.
You can keep us informed by email carrief@oxfam.org.au or phone 03 9289 9489
Happy Training!
TRAIL: TRAINING ON THE TRAIL IN NOVEMBER 05 Nov 09
Please be aware that until the end of November Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria will be carrying out the last of their spring Planned Burning.
We will regularly update the latest news section if there are Planned Burns that will affect your access to the Trailwalker trail. But you can also check for upcoming planned burns that are due to be ignited, or check for burns that have already been ignited, by visiting Burns Today on DSE website, particularly important if you are training in other areas. You can also listen to your local ABC or commercial radio station for updates about burns in your area.
You can also call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 for information on planned burns.
You can get more information on Planned Burning here.
Summary of 2009 Team Awards 09 Jul 09
On June 23, the Trailwalker Awards Night took place at BMW Edge, Federation Square. The Awards night is a night to celebrate the success of Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne 2009 and to say thanks to everyone who made it happen. Here is a summary of our 2009 award winners:
FASTEST TEAMS
Fastest Team Melbourne Midday Milers
Second Fastest Team Upstreamfoundation.org
Third Fastest Team Best Boys
Fastest Over 40's Team Best Boys
Fastest Over 50's Team The Jana Spectres
Fastest Over 60's Team Henry 4 x 60+
Fastest Female Team Women on the Run
Fastest Mixed Team Partnerunning HardInTheSlush
SPECIAL AWARDS
State Street Overcoming The Odds Kathy Long (It's Only A Flesh Wound)
State Street Corporate Fundraising Award Deloitte
Asia Miles - TW Hong Kong Upstream Five Triple Two
HIGHEST CATEGORY FUNDRAISERS
Advertising, Media, Marketing & Sales The Roaring 40's $10,079
Retail, Hospitality, Tourism, Recruitment & HR The A Team $15,465
Sporting Clubs & Recreation The Tigers $21,313
Banking Sole Survivors $10,415
Construction & Property Kane Toads $13,853
Financial Services Nevermore $27,720
Government, Community, Defence & Emerg. Services The Hoplites $11,081 Health, Education, Science & Technology 4 Penny G $20,000
IT & Telecommunications Pronto Old Shane $14,538
Law Orangeutans $7,382
Manufacturing, Engineering and Mining The Proclaimers $12,278
Open Us4 $28,865
HIGHEST OVERALL FUNDRAISERS
Highest Fundraising Team Us4 $28,865
Second Highest Fundraising Team Nevermore $27,720
Third Highest Fundraising Team RSY $27,620
Check out the awards page on our website for more information.
