Perth 4WD and Outdoor Show.

The Perth 4WD & Outdoor Show (14-16 November 1997) was excellent. There was a wide range of new vehicles, after-market parts, radios, tyres & other. The WA Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs had its new trailer on display showing details of the various clubs, a video of the Driver Training Program and with many club members informing the public about the value of joining a 4WD club. A number of clubs also had their own display tents. The Driver Training Program demonstration track had a variety of different elements such as a steep climb and descent, staggered railway sleepers, sand etc. and members of the public were taken over the course by DTP trained drivers. I was there on the Friday and, though this is a normal working day and thus the quietest day of the Show, there were always people queuing to be driven over the course even up to near the closing time of 6pm.

Despite the expected lower numbers on Friday, and the large area the Show covered, all the stands seemed to be busy and well attended. Rumours are that the new vehicle sales people did pretty well. 4WD clubs also seemed to be happy with the responses though this is just on the few comments I have heard to date. The very well placed tent and stand of Tread Lightly, right beside the entrance, also seemed to be well patronised, thank goodness, and Ivan and Jan Scudamore were manning the display. Cheers for people like them and for Tread Lightly and the Four Wheel Drive Associations nationally and in each state. Without them, a lot of Australia would be more degraded by untrained and feral 4WDrivers and locked up to those of us who love four wheel driving and exploring the outback.

Tony Weldon
Odyssey Images and a 4WD club member.

See the Perth cross-reference page