The Central West Bushwalking Club formed in late 1976, initiated by interested people working at the Central Mapping Authority (now Spatial Services), offices still in Panorama Avenue Bathurst.
The first president was Jim Wilks, serving from 1977 to 1982. In November, the club will celebrate 50 years, a fantastic milestone. It has now grown to over 150 members stretching from Bathurst, Orange, Blue Mountains, Sydney & even as far as Leeton. There are two original members still leading trips with the club: Bruce Mullaney & Linda Hurford. There are currently three life members: Bruce Mullaney, Wayne Holgate & Jamie Davidson.
To celebrate, there are four local walks of significance in the club’s spring programme:
- 24 Oct: Mount Ovens Bathurst – the location of the first walk in Nov 1976.
- 25 Oct: Bakers Shaft Reserve Orange area – a heritage listed spot.
- 31 Oct: Evans Crown Tarana – a club favourite.
- 1 Nov: Mount Canobolas Orange – visited many times in the club’s history.
There will also be a car camping weekend at Ganguddy (Dunns Swamp) on 7/8 Nov, another club favourite spot with kayaking & walking available in a scenic, tranquil location.
The highlight will be a celebratory dinner at Bathurst RSL on 14 Nov. Former members are also welcome, RSVP before 24 Oct on centralwestbushwalkingclub@hotmail.com
Having club membership has many advantages. The inexpensive membership fee covers trips to less known locations led by experienced leaders, from easy to hard walks, kayaking, camping, abseiling, snowshoeing & bike rides. Also there is the social aspect of fun, friendship & being safe in a group, an advantage in remote wilderness areas. Here’s to another 50 years!
For more information, visit www.centralwestbushwalking.org.au
Story: Laurence Outim
