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Edition 445: 1st September, 2016 Hi ExplorOz Reader, EXPLOROZ FACEBOOK COMMUNITY IS GROWINGHate it or love it, social media is here to stay. The official ExplorOz Facebook Page has 6200 likes so get onto that now if you haven’t already. We also recently setup a public group page for all ExplorOz users on Facebook called the ExplorOz Traveller Community. In addition to these Facebook pages, we also have our own YouTube Channel and Twitter account.
None of these social media platforms existed back in the dark ages when we first started ExplorOz, and “crowd-sourcing” is a term that was invented 5 years after we were already doing it! So please share away but spare a thought for how information is used across these various platforms. Social media is great for having fun, or when you need to get information shared more broadly than the standard range of contact. For example, you lose a wedding ring at a location, you could post it on our Forum, then share that Forum post on our Facebook page, and also on your own Facebook page. But if you’ve just visited a particular area and are overwhelmed with what you experienced, then share your photos and a review to the Places page on our website (or in the ExplorOz Traveller App) and then everyone in the future can always find that useful information.
The reach of ExplorOz is huge – never doubt it. But please respect that it is only as good as the input of the people using it.
GIVE DAD THE EXPLOROZ TRAVELLER APP
 Father's Day is coming up in just a few days - Sunday 4th September. If you've left shopping to the last minute, and you know that Dad has an iPhone or iPad - here's an idea for you! Give the ExplorOz Traveller App as a gift through the iTunes store. All you need is an iTunes account (you don't need an iOS device yourself) then simply follow the instructions in the "Gift an Item" section on this page - Send an iTunes Gift via Email (unfortunately, it's not quite so easy with Google Play but you might be happy to purchase gift cards from your participating outlets - JB HiFi, Coles, Caltex etc).
WA WILDFLOWER SEASON HAS STARTED Many avid adventurers have already headed off in search of WA’s first wildflower blooms and reports are flooding in with exciting finds, including the beautiful Leschenaultia Wreath & Desert Pea. With the assistance of the wonderful people at Menzies Tourism Centre and Australia’s Golden Outback, we’ve updated our Finding Wildflowers in WA Article with all the latest location tips for this season. If you’re currently finding wildflowers (and you know the rule is “look but don’t touch”), then please share your photos to any of the following:
SUPER SPECIAL DEALS %ShopSpecials%
PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTAnyone who has renewed their Membership Subscription within the last 3 months has been in the draw to win a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Electric Trailer Brake Controller (worth $360) thanks to Redarc Electronics - our Membership Sponsor for 2016/17. So we are excited to announce that the winner of this great prize is Member - Paul B1 (VIC)
Winners are Grinners!
 Pic Above: Member - Robin C2, winner of May's Prize DrawRENEW NOW FOR ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN
Thanks to Redarc, we are once again offering a prize draw for anyone who renews their Membership Subscription within the next 3 months (1st September - 30th November 2016), Lifetime Members are also included in every prize draw. Up for grabs is a Redarc 700W Pure Sine Wave Inverter, worth $895.
TRAVELLERS TALK Here's some of the recent feedback that is being shared about the ExplorOz Traveller App: Yvonne Smith (5 Stars) August 26, 2016 Little Ripper Fabulous app, exactly what we are after for our travels around OZ. Donald Pedro McInnes (5 Stars) August 13, 2016 ExplorOz Traveller I am amazed at how easy it is to operate this app. Certainly recommend to my travelling companions..... Member - William B (The Shire) (5 Stars) August 24, 2016 I have updated the app to the latest version (on Android) and am delighted that I can now store the maps on the external storage. Brilliant, excellent work EO team. Do you have something to add? If you already own the ExplorOz Traveller App, please rate it and add your comments in the relevant app store.
CALLING ALL TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHERS
 Are you an avid, but amateur, travel photographer? Is photography of outback Australia your passion? Then why not submit your best photographs of Australia to the ExplorOz 2016 photo competition. All submissions will be judged based on their suitability for use in the 2017 ExplorOz Calendar. As a guide, you can view the 2016 Calendar here. Submission GuidelinesWe're looking for photos that draw the observer into the scene and make them desire to go there, or go away from wherever they currently are – to get outdoors, to get camping. The photo should sell the “emotion” of being away. For nature photographers, that means some of the beautiful scenes that capture the purity of nature may not quite hit the mark for this competition. Consider how you could use a prop or more obvious subject matter that says “4WDing”, or “Camping”. And whilst sunsets and sunrises are always gorgeous they're not likely to be chosen unless there is subject matter that tells a story. The one chosen for the cover page of the 2016 Calendar was spot on.
Photos of the track also makes us feel like we are behind the wheel. We want photos that make us want to drive! Images of vehicle convoys tell both the 4WD ExplorOz story but also shows us that people have fun – that it is a journey shared together with others. Some 4WD action is always good, as is vehicle breakdown, bogged, etc. This is compelling us to want to get outdoors and experience something exciting!
Remember, this competition is to find the best photos that depicts "Australia from the ExplorOz perspective" for use in the ExplorOz 2017 Calendar and we expect to require 13-15 photographs to compile a 13 month calendar. The photographers of the selected photographs will receive 2 free copies of the calendar. Calendars will be made available for sale to the ExplorOz community through our online shop in time for Christmas. How to Submit your Photo(s)Please send your expression of interest by email to info@exploroz.com and we will send you a link to upload your photo submissions.
For each photo submitted, you must also supply:1. Photographer's Name
2. Image Title
3. A small “story/blurb” about the image - this could describe how the photographer reached the area, or something significant about the subject matter, or the technique used to get the shot. It's up to you. Submission DeadlineAll entries must be uploaded by the 8th of September 2016.
COMPELLING REASONS TO BECOME A MEMBER
We have reserved the best for those that purchase a subscription and become "Members". Members receive the following entitlements:
1. Free online tracking map service via EOTrackMe
2. Free use of track logging system built into ExplorOz Traveller (save $29.99)
3. Member Discounts off all items (up to 10%) in the Shop
4. Free GPS file downloads (Treks & Places) - (GPX, OziExplorer, Hema Navigator, CSV, or GeoRSS)
5. Classified Display ads for free (save $20 each time)
6. Exclusive free Member sticker for your vehicle sent via post upon joining
7. Automatic entry into the current quarterly Redarc Prize Draw when you renew (Lifetime Members qualify for all draws)
8. Exclusive Member site tools & content
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