President’s Report 2009
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 | News | No Comments
Humans do not like change, which means it is often viewed with fear and suspicion. However, it is one of the president’s primary responsibilities to provide direction for the organisation, which inevitably involves change. When we take on a committee position, we are each responsible for making an effort to improve the organisation during our brief time in office. On becoming your president, I embarked on a mission to improve CAWA, knowing that I would meet with resistance and criticism along the way (fortunately I realised that I wasn’t entering a popularity contest), but it has still been very challenging to remain positive and keep persevering.
I did not take on the role of President to sit back and twiddle my thumbs. I took it on because I thought that I could make a positive difference and in doing so, hopefully change the perception held by a few, that CAWA committee meetings are tea drinking social events. Not only am I in my prime (or so I keep telling myself every time my fingers violently object to crimpers) but personally, I prefer coffee. And, as a committee, I believe we have made a difference.
The current committee will attest to the fact that any attempts to stray from the path of decision making and moving forward during meetings will prompt me to out get my whip and spurs. I mention this not to frighten away new committee members but so that potential nominees understand that the time they give is respected and valued.
At the committee meeting in May 2009, I presented my vision and goals to the team. Feedback was sought and with everyone on board we embarked upon an era of change.
My vision: That CAWA becomes an association that climbers not only want join but want to be actively involved in.
CAWA’s goals:
- By the 2011 AGM we will have enough volunteers to fill every committee position.
- By the 2010 AGM we will have increased membership numbers by at least 50%, ideally with a large number of younger members who will then continue to support the association and then become involved in its management.
- The next edition of the CAWA Guidebook to be on sale by June 2010.
- To launch a new CAWA website that is user friendly for both members and the committee by the end of June 2009.
- By August 2009 a regular (either two or three monthly) newsletter is to be produced so we stay in touch with members and keep them updated.
We are currently on track with all except the second one. In retrospect, expecting such a rapid increase in membership numbers was unrealistic because effecting any sort of change was going to take time. However, this is a learning process. The much anticipated updated and revised CAWA guidebook is expected to be available in June 2010.
One of our most significant achievements over the last year or two is improved relations with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). This is critical to meeting some of the main objectives of the association, which are to ‘promote and develop rock climbing’ and ‘protect and promote the interests of rock climbers’ in WA. Contrary to the view held by some climbers, DEC is not the enemy and has in fact been very helpful in facilitating access to Canning Dam Quarry. We are in the process of finalising the agreement.
Like any other relationship, it requires work. Canning Dam negotiations took place over an extended period of time but ultimately we achieved our goal of obtaining access and it is the perfect example of how the correct approach makes all the difference ─ CAWA, as an organisation, succeeded where individuals have previously failed. It also illustrates the importance of having a peak body to represent and further the interests of climbers.
During the year there have been a number of well-attended and very enjoyable climbing trips to such places as Willyabrup, Mt Frankland, Peak Charles and most recently, Albany. Our attempt to trick the weather gods and travel to Mt Frankland in March rather than September did not stop the rain. However, all was not lost and two new routes made an appearance. For the uninitiated, table bouldering provided a new and addictive activity (complete with sparklers for added difficulty) on New Years’ Eve at Albany.
Another of the year’s big achievements for us was launching the new CAWA website. It is definitely still a work in progress, with more functionality to be added as time goes on. We are planning to use the site to improve communication with members and encourage constructive feedback so that we can be sure we are giving you what you want. Well done to all who were involved in this project.
Acting on requests to consider the current relevance and restrictions of the Albany Adventure Climbing Zone, CAWA engaged with Albany locals and it was agreed that in its current state it was outdated and hampering the development of climbing in the area. At the November 2009 committee meeting, a motion was passed redefining the AACZ (see January 2010 newsletter and web forum for further details), which has already resulted in at least one fabulous new route being bolted at Peak Head over the Christmas break.
It is very important for me to thank everyone who has supported your committee and myself over the last year or so and made it possible for us to achieve so many things. Particular members of the committee have worked tirelessly and volunteered more than their fair share of time to help us get things done (much better than having to deal with me in nervous breakdown mode). In doing so, they have not only improved my mental health, but also demonstrated their understanding of the importance of following through on a commitment because without that, it is impossible to achieve anything.
Due to limitations my health has imposed on me, there have been extended periods when I have not been able to climb. But, it is my passion for the sport and concern about access issues that saw me first join the committee in 2007. I mention this because there are many of you out there who benefit from the work that CAWA does and have valuable skills that could assist the organisation and help us continue to improve in all areas. Whether you climb hard, occasionally or are a beginner, I encourage you to give some of your time to help develop and support the association that is beavering away to support you, by nominating for a committee position.
Happy climbing!
Dena Rao
President
2010 CAWA AGM
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 | Events, News | No Comments
The main items on the agenda at this year’s AGM were reporting the committee’s activities for the year and electing a new committee. The physical turnout for the AGM was disappointing, with almost as many proxies as actual people. Thanks so much to those who did send in their proxies-it was much appreciated. I have posted the President’s Report as a separate news item where you can see the summary of the year’s activities and achievements.
This year, I am looking forward to seeing through to completion such tasks as the new edition of the Perth guidebook.
I would also like to welcome back some familiar faces as well as some fresh new ones. To see the details of who is doing what, please check out the ‘About’ section on the home page and select ‘Committee’ from the drop down menu.
There are currently two positions vacant on the committee. Treasurer and a general committee position. Anyone who is interested in either of these positions, particularly treasurer, is encouraged to contact me.
Dena
President
Mt Frankland Trip Fri 26 Feb - Mon 1 Mar 2010
Monday, February 22nd, 2010 | Events | No Comments
The coming long weekend will see a CAWA trip to sample the slab delights of Mt Frankland.
Mt Frankland is about 5 hrs from Perth and this year we will be camping at Fernhook Falls. It is not possible to book camp sites. There is a camp kitchen and toilets but no showers (you can have a wash in the river).
Some of us will be heading down late on the Friday night.
Please contact Ross on 0422 927 962 or at Ross.Weiter@WorleyParsons.com for more details.
Regards
Dena
President
Banff Mount Film Festival
Thursday, February 18th, 2010 | Events | No Comments
“Hot on the heels of the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has hit the road, with stops planned in more than 285 communities and 30 countries across the globe.
This year’s tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking active, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Travelling from remote landscapes and cultures, to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2010 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is produced by Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre, and features award-winning films and audience favourites from approximately 300 films entered in the annual festival in Banff.
Join Paddy Pallin when the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to Australia in May and June.”
TICKETS ON SALE 1ST MARCH FROM HERE
Screening Details:
Perth, The Playhouse - 28, 29, 30 April
CAWA 2010 AGM - Wednesday February 17
Friday, February 5th, 2010 | News | No Comments
The 2010 AGM will be held on 17th February, upstairs at Rosie O’Grady’s in Northbridge. We ask that everyone arrives at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
If you are a member and unable to attend, please return your proxy (preferably by email) as soon as possible so we can be certain of achieving quorum.
The main item on the agenda this year will be election of a new committee. We are very keen to have some new and enthusiastic faces in these roles. There are four specific positions (president, vice president, secretary and treasurer) and six ordinary committee positions. Included below are links to job descriptions for all of the positions. It is important to remember that the ordinary positions are general roles critical to the functioning of the organisation and that committee members filling these places will need to be happy to undertake a variety of tasks. Ordinary committee members have, at times, taken on particular roles that have been relevant to the organisation at the time (for example, trip officer). We want to utilise particular interests and skills, however, the needs of the association determine any more specific roles that ordinary committee members may be asked to fulfill during the year.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
ordinary-committee-member-duty-statement
Dena
President
Albany Trip Report
Thursday, January 21st, 2010 | Trip Reports | No Comments
By Louise Fisher
This New Year, as on many others, a group of CAWA climbers headed down to Albany to sample the multitude of sea-cliff climbing delights and other delectable treats available in the area. The group took time to gather so it was only a small band of most eager climbers who headed for West Cape Howe early on Monday morning. Kylie led Carousel (15***) with Lou seconding, while Ang led Andromeda (15**), seconded by Blair, and Phil jumped on Wire Flake (16***) with Steve seconding. Later Kylie and Lou moved on to Andromeda while Ang scaled Planar Craving (21).
Angela on 'Planar Craving' (50 m, 21) at West Cape Howe. Photo by Phillip Calais
That evening the groups numbers swelled and it was a veritable crowd that made their way to the Gap the next day; a late start due to rain. Fortunately Ross and Dena had arrived the previous night, bringing with them the CAWA rain shelter which was providently erected one minute before the rain started. Everyone huddled under it to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Phillip leading 'Wire Flake' (50 m, 16) at West Cape Howe. Photo by Steve Fleming.
Once the rain cleared up climbing commenced. Providing an additional attraction to the many tourists swarming the top of the Gap and Natural Bridge that afternoon, the majority of the group spent time on the Whales tooth wall, climbing Black Russian (14*) and Whalestooth (15*). Kelly, Kylie, Lou and Conrad climbed Surf’s Up (15***) and some were also persuaded to venture up Over Indulgence (19***), getting in some early prep for New Years Eve.
That evening the group gathered for dinner and Kylie, Ang and Kelly treated us to their version of baseball – using a wine bottle and/or plates as bats and anything to hand as a ball. The saner/sober parts of the group hastily retreated from the pitching zone. Heavy rain and strong winds swept through the camp overnight, prompting Blair and Lou to hurriedly collapse the rain shelter at 2am before it could take off for greener pastures - or land on their tents. The weather failed to significantly improve with daybreak and Wednesday climbing was rained off all along the coast so the majority of climbers took the opportunity to sample the delights of Albany’s coffee houses and shops. Dena and Ross did venture up to the Stirling Ranges where they braved the strong gusty winds and a lengthy uphill approach to climb Nailbite (15) on Talyuberlup. Up for an epic of any sort; Kelly, Blair and Mario decided to hike the Stirling Ridge Walk in one day. Arriving back at camp they wowed us with tales of derring-do, intrepid bush bashing and peaks summited before admitting they had bugged out down the “Loser Track” at 3pm with Bluff Knoll still off in the distance. They may have lost the battle but the war continues with a return engagement planned for March.
Kylie on 'Over Indulgence' (16 m, 19) at The Gap. Photo by Kelly Chapman.
The weather brightened up on Thursday, ready to end the year on a high note, and a large group headed back to the Gap – this time congregating at the Amphitheatre. Phil and Jolene splintered off and met up with Caroline to climb Albatross (15***) at Peak Head. Back at the Amphitheatre Ang, Kylie, Dave and Paul all led Rattle (15) while other’s top-roped Shake (16) and Roll (17). Later Dave, Kylie, Mario and Paul climbed The Red Terror (16) while Ang worked her way up Listen to the Wind Blow (22).
And that brings us to New Years Eve. A democratic vote had crushed the protestors who were lobbying for a visit to the local steak house so it was business as usual at the Golden Town Chinese. Several hours later with their MSG cravings fully sated the group returned to camp with just over an hour left until 2010. It was at this point that Blair chose to introduce everyone to the concept of Picnic Table Bouldering, demonstrating the table-top traverse. A fierce competition ensued with Remi and Phil putting up several new problems for the rest to play on. Remi was declared the eventual winner, scoring an extra grade for the innovative addition of a burning sparkler to the system. Moments later it was midnight and the rest of the sparklers were lit up while Kelly popped the cork on a bottle of bubbly. A few minutes later everyone dispersed to bed, getting ready for an early departure to West Cape Howe.
Picnic Table Topo
Blair bouldering ('tableing'?) on the Picnic Table.
West Cape Howe has to be one of the best places possible to start a new year. To make things even better, this time around there were enough four wheel drives to get everyone in to the crag with minimal effort. Consequently we arrived bright and early and ready to go. Adding extra interest to the day was the start of the 100 climbs in 100 days challenge, initiated by Remi and joined by several others on the trip including Delphine, Mario, Ang and Kylie. This challenge is a fundraiser for Burrup Rock Art preservation and you can track the participants’ progress on: http://www.facebook.com/l/40cf4;www.100in100days.com.au. Friendless (15**) saw some traffic with Remi, Delphine, Kylie, Kelly and Mario all climbing. Ang, Dave, Paul and Lou climbed Carousel and Shitsky Variant (18**). Ross, Dena, Phil, Richard and Jesse headed over to the Raft Area while Blair and Jolene climbed Andromeda. On the way out some four wheel drive drama saw one of the small Suzuki’s reluctant to leave, but fortunately a large crowd of climbers were on hand to ‘encourage’ it to move onwards.
Remi on 'The Climb' (23 m, 18) at West Cape Howe. Photo by...?
The last weekend of the trip saw small groups climbing at a number of crags. Ross and Dena headed to Peak Head for a first ascent of Ross’s new route Transformer (18 M1). Jolene, Paul, Mario, Blair and Dave headed for the Porongurups with Rehearsing the Fates of Absalom their target. After some intense bush bashing they encountered a mossy slab and a distinct lack of features to aid them in locating the climb. Unwilling to be deterred after the epic approach Jolene began her ascent. Those on the ground watched the air around her turn blue as she dug dirt and moss out of cracks to make way for gear. Discouraged, after one pitch she and Mario returned to the ground and the group retreated. Also wandering around the Porongurups was Phil, who, emerging somewhat later than others from the shower, found himself alone at Gibraltar Rock. Who exactly was to blame for this breakdown in communications remains disputed. All were envious of Kelly, Ang, Richard, Remi and Delphine who’d had a second good day at West Cape Howe.
The return journey to Perth began on Sunday. A few die-hards, and the 100 climbs gang, headed for the Gap to get a few more ticks in. Others chose to enjoy breakfast at the Middleton Beach Café or lunch at the White Star hotel. Standout moments were relived and plans for next year put in place. See you all there.
Albany Adventure Climbing Zone
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 | News | 2 Comments
There has been much recent discussion about the Albany Adventure Climbing Zone and whether it is still relevant and hampering the development of climbing in the areas that it applies to. So, at the committee meeting on 25 November 2009, after consultation with local climbers, a resolution was passed and the AACZ amended to the following:
The Albany Adventure Climbing Zone (AACZ) is henceforth redefined as including the following areas only: The Gap, Natural Bridge, Blow Holes and all areas within or between any of these locations; also Stony Hill boulders, and any location within the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. These areas are either highly environmentally sensitive areas or have high tourist traffic. No further fixed protection may be placed in the AACZ. The CAWA Code of Bolting and New Route Development and the CAWA Code of Conduct are to be applied to the South Coast, same as per the rest of the State.
For those unfamiliar with the ACZ concept, I would refer you to the thread at the following location which give a great deal of background and explanation: adventure climbing zone bolting.
Dena
President
New Website
Sunday, November 1st, 2009 | News | 3 Comments
As you can see, we have now completed the redesign of the CAWA website. You may notice the following changes:
- News items, which many users were unaware of, are now part of the CAWA blog. We will be using this to improve our communication with the WA climbing community.
- Updating the site is much simpler, ensuring information is always current and accurate. If you find an error, please contact us and we’ll be sure to get it corrected.
- The message boards are now located at http://forum.climberswa.asn.au. Whilst no different in function, this paves the way for us to migrate to some new forum software in the near future.
Thanks to the following people for their help in this effort:
- Kirk Hille of www.kirkhillephotography.com for the Bluff Knoll photo used in the header
- Shannon Jenke and Eystein Alnaes for assisting in the graphic design
And remember; this is your site, so please let us know how we can improve it to serve you better. Enjoy!
Climbing Articles and Photos Wanted
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 | Western Climber | No Comments
We are keen for any climbing stories from WA or abroad that may be suitable for publication in newsletters. All climbing images or artwork would be welcomed.
Stories from the recent CAWA trip to Willyabrup would be a great start.
So please send your material in, we want to share it with other climbers and this is great place to do so.
Submissions can be sent to cawa@climberswa.asn.au
Please include a suitable subject heading such as ‘Newsletter article’ to help us manage the numerous incoming emails that the committee deals with.
If you would like some assistance or advice with preparing something for publication, please let us know, and we’lll see what we can do.