My name is Lee Dunstan and along with 5 other friends formed and joined the Black Diamond Recreational 4wd Club Inc in 2009, I was elected to the Presidents role at the club's inaugural meeting and currently still hold the position of President. I also hold the position of State Vice President of Lands, Southern regional Chair, Public Officer and State Representative to 4wd Australia. I purchased my first 4wd in 1982 to start an adventure that continues today. My wife Nicole Dunstan and I share a passion for 4wd adventure that has taken us to amazing places throughout Australia that can only be experienced and enjoyed by a 4wd, being a member of the Black Diamond Recreational 4wd club has allowed us to experience these places with like minded people who have become true friends. Our small club has continued to grow from its inception, to now have a strong presence in the state body 4wd NSW & ACT Inc.
I get asked what my highlights of Black Diamond Recreational 4wd club are, things that quickly come to mind, our long-standing 4wd adventure show commitment, creating a Memorandum of Understanding with National Parks, obtaining controlled access to Bowmen’s House and the Glenn in the Abercrombie National Park, Jamboree 2018 and 2019, working with land managers to make our recreation sustainable and the list goes on, but for me, it’s the people I have met and the friendships formed over the years of the club. The fabric of the club has been sown with strong leadership from fantastic committees and the foundations strengthened by its remarkable members.
4WD NSW & ACT Delegates - Lee & Nicole Dunstan advocate for the Black Diamond Recreational 4WD Club Inc. as delegates to 4WD NSW & ACT Inc
Member of Black Diamond Since 2010 (2nd or 3rd official meeting from memory)
Since being a member of the club, I have previously represented the committee or support committee as the Magazine Editor and Quarter Master. Both roles were enjoyable and occasionally challenging (1 more than the other).
My current role is Vice President. Only having been in this role for a few weeks I am still learning the ropes. My predecessor in this role did a fantastic job. As VP our role is to support and fill-in when the President can’t attend meetings or other commitments. We are here to also assist with the smooth operation of the committee and ensure all members have someone they can reach out to.
The friendship and camaraderie that is shown by all members of the club both on trips and day to day life makes this club feel more like a family rather than an organisation that only connects during outings and meetings.
After doing a day trip with Macca and a couple of other mates, he suggested joining the club where I would get the correct training required to correctly use the vehicle.
My reasoning for joining the club way back in 2010 was to gain the appropriate training and correct use of the 4wd I had just purchased, as opposed to becoming another “Idiot” that knew nothing and caused damage to both the areas I wanted to see and explore or damage to the vehicle. Since doing the training I have had the opportunity to see some fantastic areas including Victoria High Country, Cape York, Western NSW just to name a few. I also enjoy the opportunity of giving back to our community through the clean up days or assisting either NPWS or at the 4wd adventure show.
One of the most enjoyable memories happened at the 4wd Adventure Show test track. As a volunteer driver I had the opportunity to take the general public around the track in various vehicles. Towards the end of the Saturday times, I have pulled up at the pickup/ drop off area. My new passengers jumped in and belted up. As we headed off I quickly realised that 2 of the passengers were deaf, however this didn’t reduce their enthusiasm if anything it pumped it up. I got to the “Gunshot” part of the track and looked at both passengers- their smile was as large as they could make. We stopped at the base where I gave them the thumbs up.. I got 2x 2 thumbs up…After completing the 1st lap of the track I chose to break protocol and give them a 2nd lap around the test track.
Regards: Wes Hurt - 0467489674
agoodrid@bigpond.net.au Mob 0418421822
NSW Maintenance Manager at Prixcar Transport Kembla Grange NSW 2526.
Member of club for approx. 4 years.
Position held is as Secretary for last 2+ years.
Owner of a 2016 Toyota Hilux SR5 with a few aftermarket extras fitted.
Together with a Bluewater Lachlan Camper Trailer.
My name is Anne & I have been a member of Black Diamond for XX years. I currently hold the position of treasurer which means I have the joy of trying to make the books balance as well as managing outgoing & incoming funds.
I first started 4wding around Double Island Point in Qld when I was 21 but have loved the bush for as long as I can remember. My husband & I got our first 4wd in 1984 to tow my horse float & allow us to get more safely into caving and climbing areas, as well as really enjoying the driving to get there.
We have been through several vehicles since then Landcruiser, Patrols, Hilux, Ranger as well as a couple of surprisingly capable soft roaders, depending upon our family needs at the time.
We have had 4wd trips around Australia, and through Egypt, Syria, Jordan & Turkey and around Iceland as well as some interesting winter journeys in the USA & Canada.
Favorite places in Aus-hard to call as there are so many brilliant destinations but among the highlights would be The Hay River track, Dalhousie Springs, Harts Ranges, The Gibb River Road, Tanami Desert crossing, Bungle Bungles, a couple of trips through the centre, north Queensland, the Flinders & Gammon Ranges, The Blueys-the list goes on.
Bucket list trips include Mt Augusta in WA, Tasmania, revisiting the Nullabor & dropping over to the bight and Southwest WA\
We love the bush and look forward to seeing more of our great country.
Why Black Diamond? - for friendship, travelling companions, a wealth of accumulated experience & knowledge, access to areas otherwise locked and the opportunity to give a lot back to this great country & its wilder side.
See you all on the tracks
Hello, and welcome to the Black Diamond Four Wheel Drive Club.
I am Ian McIntosh (Macca), and along with my wife Shari we are two of the original members of the Black Diamond Club. Having known Lee & Nicole for many years and in another four-wheel drive club with them we were invited to assist in the beginning of the club back in 2010. I have always been on the committee, first as the Treasurer and now as the Trip Coordinator.
I have had two Toyota 80 series Landcruisers in the last 23 years, the first one was replaced with a 1994 GXL after a rollover. The car is modified with a 3” lift, winch, dual battery system, top mount intercooler and rear drawer unit.
We camp and travel these days with a Kimberley Karavan, having graduated from a soft floor camper (Cavalier) to a Kimberley Kamper and then the Karavan. It’s quick to set up with all the comforts of a large van but will travel 99% of the places the cruiser will go.
I enjoy planning and driving on long distance trips. Trips include The Cape twice, Fraser Island, Central Australia, The Binns Track and following Burke & Wills route, (planned but not completed due to Covid 19).
The Trip Coordinator is responsible, not for organizing but for facilitating the running of trips organized by the club members. If you are interested in running a trip, contact me at blackdiamondtripregister@gmail.com and I will assist you any way I can.
Hey there,
I am John Poulton I have been 4wding for more years than I like to remember. I like old rocks and deep holes in the ground. I love music, both listening and playing. I have had many, many 4WDs in our 4WD travels and currently own a Ford Ranger. If you would like anything added to the magazine, email me at blackdiamondeditor@gmail.com, and I will be sure to include it.
Hi there, welcome to the Black Diamond Recreational 4wd Club. Your Social Secretary is Tony Annable.
This role in the committee provides the opportunity to organize prizes for the raffles held at the club meetings as well as the monthly members’ draw. Another role is to cater and cook for social events that are held at special events during the year.
A little intro of myself: Born and still living in Towradgi, driving a Toyota 120 Prado my first 4wd.
I am the owner of EmbroidMe Wollongong, a uniform, Embroidery, Screen Printing and Promotional Products Franchise for 17 years.
If there is anything I can help you with making your membership in the club a wonderful experience please don’t hesitate to ask
Regards, Tony Annable.
Hey there!
We're Jackson and Lauren, a passionate duo running a photography business dedicated to capturing cherished moments. When we're not behind the camera, you'll find us exploring the great outdoors with our adventurous Kelpie, Bella, in our trusty Isuzu MU-X and pop-up camper trailer. We love blending our creative work with our love for travel and exploring our beautiful backyard.
I started my working life as a Carpenter and then became a career public servant (Federal & State) and I am now a Bus Driver for a local company.
I'm happily married to Janet, have two adult children and two grandchildren & one on the way.
When I joined Black Diamond 4x4 club inc I was looking for a club that embraced the idea of family, went out and enjoyed the country, and wasn’t a club that tore it up. I have been a member since 2014.
I was encouraged to take on the land care position due to my role within the state government working with Local land Services and my links to local Aboriginal communities. I also enjoy fishing now & then and getting on the Harley for a ride.
I currently drive a 2008 Toyota Hilux SR5 but havel lately taken possession of a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak with a few mods.
Ken and Janet Davies
My name is Lenore, my role in the Black Diamond committee is Apparel/Welfare. As part of my role I order, pick up and deliver club shirts and jackets. I also send out cards or flowers to club members when they are unwell. At our monthly club meetings, I read out member's birthdays then do a draw to win a birthday scratchy.
I joined Black Diamond after meeting Rob, I have had an interest in four-wheel driving since a child watching the Leyland Brothers Adventures. I enjoy being in Black Diamond as everyone is friendly and fun loving. I have mainly been on day and weekend trips.
Hi, my name is Nicole Dunstan and I have been a member of the Black Diamond Recreational 4wd Club since its inception in November of 2009 when my husband Lee Dunstan and I decided we wanted to start a 4wd Club. We have both been involved in 4wd Clubs for around 40 years and have always enjoyed camping in the great outdoors and love being part of a club.
I started out on the committee in the role of Secretary in 2009 and spent 7 years in this position before changing to the role of Social Secretary for a further 3 years. During this time, I was also the Secretary of our State body Four Wheel Drive NSW and ACT inc. taking the minutes for 6 years.
After serving 10 years on the committee of Black Diamond Recreational 4wd Club Inc, I took a step back and enjoyed the less involved role of Video/Book Library Officer in a support committee position. This year (2021) I have also taken on the support committee position of New Membership Coordinator and look forward to welcoming our new members.
4WD NSW & ACT Delegates - Lee & Nicole Dunstan advocate for the Black Diamond Recreational 4WD Club Inc. as delegates to 4WD NSW & ACT Inc
G’day.
My name is Barry Neall & my wife, Jo, & I joined the club in late ’21.
We had done several epic trips prior to joining, including crossing the Simpson, doing the Vic high country & travelling around the Flinders Ranges & Central Australia. However being part of a club has allowed us to find new places to travel, learn new skills & go on trips with a like minded, fun group of people. My main role on the committee is to organise working bees & maintenance/improvements to our club property, as well as two other areas that the club has an interest in. I’m also more than happy to help out fellow, or prospective, members if needed.
Barry.
Hello!, I am Kerry and I help out the committee whenever they need an extra hand. My husband Greg and I joined Black Diamond 4wd Club inc. in 2021 and soon found ourselves a part of this generous and welcoming community. We are enjoying learning new skills, gaining experience and attending trips to interesting and beautiful places. Our highlights have included a trip to the Flinders Ranges and Strzelecki Track, exploring areas on the south coast and outback NSW. We love that many of the trips enable us to bring our caravan however we are currently working towards our setup for more remote exploring and we can’t wait for the next adventure. Hope to see you in the great outdoors.
Coming Soon - John Lawrence