As noted in the September Newsletter Ian and I are planning to walk on the Lycian Way in Turkiye in September/October 2027. Ian and I currently intend to go on one of the Ramblers scheduled walks, however, if there is sufficient interest from club members we will ask Ramblers to arrange a private trip for a group of club members only in the period late-September - early-October, 2027.
You can find more details in the September Newsletter. See the "More information ..." link below.
If you are interested I need your Expression of Interest by end-October 2026 so that I can liaise with Ramblers to confirm a booking date.
Ramblers Worldwide cost is about $5,400 which covers accommodation, transport along the trail and half-board (breakfast and dinner included daily). Additional costs will be airfares to Antalya and any extra exploration that you would like to do.
You will be responsible for your own booking with Ramblers once tha dates are confirmed and I will provide you with more details when I know if there has been sufficient interest to form a group. Please do not indicate an Expression of Interest unless you are sure you plan to join the trip as this could complicate the trip arrangements with Ramblers.
Looking forward to your company.
In a personal message to its extensive community of suporers Matt Ruchell, Executive Director of the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), announced that he will soon be standing down. After almost 20 years at VNPA and 40 years working and volunteering in similar organisations looking after nature, he has decided it’s time to retire.
The President of MBW, Susan Maughan, sent a note of thanks on behalf of all members for his contributions and leadership in the ongoing debate around the presevation of our natural heritage. Some key points in his retirement message were:
"I won’t be leaving immediately. Over the next 8-12 months I’ll keep working with the VNPA Council and staff to make sure the transition is smooth, while we remain focused on the important work ahead.
While there have been the memorable moments, much of VNPA’s success lies in persistence, eye for policy detail and working with local and state partners.
Victoria would be a much poorer place without the dedicated work of VNPA over the last 74 years. Nature protection only happens when people push for it.
This organisation is a unique, strong and independent voice for nature. Everything we've achieved together has only been possible with the support, commitment and generosity of supporters."
It is with sincere affection that Melbourne Bushwalkers notes the passing of Geoffery Bradbury Schafer.
Geoff was a former member of MBW, and brother of MBW Past-President Athol Schafer, before he moved to Western Australia where he joined the Perth Bushwalking Club. It is during that time he was active in promoting the formation of what is now known as the Bibbulman Track.
He returned briefly to Melbourne and renewed his membership (2014-2020) when he often attendended social activities.
"Geoff’s contribution remains memorialised in the naming of Schafer Campsite, situated between Pemberton and Northcliffe. Nestled beside a picturesque swimming hole in the karri forest, it provides a fitting place for today’s walkers to pause and remember one of the people whose idea helped make their journey possible."
See the "More information ..." link for additional details.
