I plotted a course that took us back up the track that we had just descended and Phil handled it really well. We stopped at the ridge line above the valley as the cacophony continued down in the valley. It was obvious that the organisers could not hear the radio calls, a radio black spot, no radio coverage. However we were OK . We were on our way to win.
As were listened to the radio, Phil suddenly recommended that we should pull out of the Challenge and assist the vehicles down below. That showed Phil’s character. The fact that we might be in a podium winning position did not enter Phil’s consideration. Barry and I agreed, and our chances of winning disappeared.
From our position overlooking the valley, Phil set up his command post. Using his radio, his booming voice hit the airways and he took command of the situation. Finally the vehicles in the valley were receiving some advice and direction. For instance, we heard a transmission from a Pajero Club crew that had escaped the valley and Phil requested them to turn back and assist the Pajero with the displaced spring. After about an hour, after some order has been restored, we left the command post and drove back down the slippery track and up the steep track till we found the Range Rover crew who had had a frightening ride backwards in darkness. The vehicle was in a difficult and dangerous position. Phil used his winch several times over a couple of hours to steadily move the disabled vehicle to a safe position where it could remain till the owner figured out how to recover it. By then the valley was quiet. With the other crew from the Range Rover now on board (six of us in Phil’s vehicle), Phil drove back down the steep track and back up to the ridge line again. By then it was about 4 am and I plotted a course straight to the finish at the Upper Yarra Dam.
In June 2002, Phil contacted me saying that he had undergone routine medical tests required for an insurance policy and had been directed to an oncologist. Secondary cancers had been detected in his liver. Within a few days he went from a seemingly fit 46 year old full of life to a person with only 6 months to live. A few days after his diagnosis, he spent the day with me and at no time was he anyone but his old cheerful self. His funeral was attended by many Club members whose lives had been enriched by Phil.
After his death, the Club implemented the Phil Viney Award in his memory – an award that recognises a Challenge competitor who best demonstrates the personal attributes that Phil displayed that night on the slippery track.
Doug Hammerton (570)
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