Bushwalking in Herb Lippmann’s footsteps
by Jacqui Hickson

In April 2003 Herb Lippmann and his wife Yu Hua Liu died in a bus accident in Tibet, at the beginning of a long holiday to visit friends and family in Asia and Europe. In 2004, as a memorial to Herb and his wife, the Foundation is organising the installation of interpretative signs at five trackheads in the Blue Mountains.

Herb Lippmann and Yu Hua Liu pictured during a bike ride Photo courtesy CAMWEST

Herb Lippmann lived life to its fullest, much of it working enthusiastically for the good of other people. People who knew him speak of his ‘zest for life’, describing him as ‘one of life’s characters’, – ‘not always politically correct but with boundless energy’.

A life spent outdoors

His activities included bushwalking, cycling, rogaining, bushdancing and driving buses as a volunteer during the Paralympics. He was Disabilities Officer at the University of Western Sydney assisting people with disabilities. He was Tracks and Access Officer with the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW at the time of his death, and regularly sent off emails regarding the lack of track maintenance in National Parks. He was an active member of CAMWEST, a group of dedicated cyclists who work with local Councils, the RTA and other bodies to improve conditions for cyclists in Western Sydney.

It was his love of bushwalking which led to this project with the Foundation. About four to five years ago Herb founded the Up and Downers Bushwalking Club Inc. Originally created for past participants in bushwalking courses through Macquarie Community College, new members are now often ‘friends of friends’. The club puts on a walk every Saturday and regularly has about 20 walkers from a membership of roughly 60, ranging in age from late 20s to early 70s.

Fundraising Up and Downers Style

For some time the club has charged $5 per person per walk (on top of a small yearly fee) to help cover administrative costs and to donate to conservation or humanitarian causes.

At the time of Herb’s death the club decided to donate these funds towards a suitable memorial to Herb and his wife and their love of bushwalking.

Via the Department of Environment and Conservation, they contacted the Foundation and Executive Officer Leonie Gale found a suitable project. Five popular trackheads in the Blue Mountains needed interpretative signage and the club was enthusiastic about getting involved.

They could have chosen one sign for $1,000 but decided on all five for $5,000. To raise the extra funds required, the club committee appealed to its members. They didn’t even need to hold a ‘chook raffle’! Herb’s enthusiasm had inspired the members and the funds were easily raised. (It was also a sign of their popularity that 35 members attended a memorial walk in May this year.)

Looking down Greaves Creek towards its junction with the Grose River, where tracks from Perry's Lookdown, Lockley Pylon and Victoria Falls meet in the Blue Gum Forest Photo: Jacqui Hickson

The signs are designed to enhance visitor appreciation of the environmental values of the area and provide orientation maps, park use regulations and safety messages. The signs will also include recognition of the contribution by the club and the memory of Herb and Yu Hua Liu.

They will be located at Perry’s Lookdown Trackhead, Victoria Falls Trackhead, Lockley Pylon Trackhead, Mt Solitary Trackhead (junction with Ruined Castle Track) and Point Pilcher Lookout.

The Up and Downers’ donation covers the production cost, while the DEC is contributing sign design, interpretative material, installation and project management. The signs are now under construction and will soon be installed.
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