What’s all this then?

We’ve all seen the barrage of accusations, dodgy statistics and media lynchings currently being thrown in the face of the general public regarding 4WDs. If you were to believe half of it, you’d be ashamed to show your face in public. The problem is that it is being believed, and by the people who would be more than happy to vote us right out of National Parks and State Forestry trails.

Whilst these people may never venture into these areas, negative publicity is fuelling their view of us as law-breaking, ego-maniacs and environmental thugs with anger management issues. This, apparently, is what the current statistics indicate...from overseas. The truth is that the average 4WD owner in Australia, is a law-abiding, responsible middle-class working guy with a family. Hardly a social misfit, and definately not worthy of the discrimination that is being heaped on them.

Joe and Jane Average are just that, your average Australians who work hard all week, raise their family as best they can on whatever their budget may be, and they drive the type of car they can not only afford, but best suits their lifestyle. They enjoy their weekends away in the bush, and at some time in their lives, dream about taking ‘the big trip’ around this wonderful country of ours in their 4WD.

So this area of the website is for the Joe and Jane Averages out there. Somewhere to share your views and ideas to improve our image as a whole, and to post up activities your social group or club might have coming up, that represents the 4WDing community in a favourable light. We need to make sure the public is getting not only accurate information on the so-called dangers of 4WDs, but are also allowed a peek into our lives to see the good work that happens behind the scenes in our clubs and local communities.

Most of all, we need to show our off-road lifestyle for what it really is, simply an enjoyable recreational activity. So, what do I do with this space?

Please advise us of the dates and locations of your event or gathering, so we can spread the word, and add it to our calendar. Feel free to send in pictures, articles and news items you may have found that relate to fight against bad publicity and track closures. Have you heard about an impending closure or changes to an access situation? Let’s try and get in first, before it’s too late.

We have added a section to the forum called ‘4WD Community News’. This area is dedicated to discussions on all things anti-4WD, and how we can improve them. It’s important that we keep this area agro free, let’s try and be positive.