Safer Cliffs Victoria

History and FAQ

Safer Cliffs Victoria has been in existence since the early 2000s as an informal group of climbers who volunteer to monitor the condition of fixed climbing hardware and replace it when necessary.

Safer Cliffs Victoria's aim since 2002
Ensuring the long-term safety of fixed protection on climbing routes through collaborative, grassroots maintenance efforts.

Is Safer Cliffs Victoria part of Crag Stewards Victoria?
They are interrelated. Safer Cliffs is an Australia-wide initiative that pre-dates Crag Stewards Victoria by many years. The groups have different core aims. Crag Stewards Victoria is a registered not-for-profit organisation with the aim of "climbers taking action to protect the cultural and environmental values at the places we love to climb". Safer Cliffs Victoria is a non-profit fundraising body that aims to gather and safeguard funds over the long term to ensure that rebolting efforts undertaken by volunteers all over Victoria can be reimbursed, hence encouraging route maintenance and crag stewardship. Read more about the aims of Crag Stewards Victoria here.

What types of activities are undertaken?
Dangerous fixed anchors such as sun damaged slings, worn abseil anchors, poor quality, poorly positioned or corroded bolts are replaced so that the climb is made safe. Equipment used is to the highest quality and designed to maximise longevity of use and minimise damage to the environment. Fixed anchors that are not being used for modern climbing will be removed and not replaced. Safer Cliffs does not condone retrobolting routes without permission from the first ascentionists.

Moving towards best-practice
Bolt and glue technology is constantly evolving and Safer Cliffs Victoria does support the evolution of equipping climbs with respect to world best-practice.

How can I help?

1. Donate! Safer Cliffs Victoria relies entirely on donations of gear, time, equipment and money to continue work. A single bolt costs upwards of $15 in hardware costs to replace.
   
   

2. Look! You can also keep an eye out for potential issues while you are climbing. If you have the means to fix the issue, do so. If not, you can report the issue here.
   
   

3. Volunteer! We have regular working bees, and also maintain a formalised list of crag stewards around the state. Learn more.

Making a donation

All the good work done by Safer Cliffs Victoria relies entirely on donations from everyday climbers like you!

Donating Money

• THE BEST WAY TO HELP!

  • One time contribution via this secure donation page on trybooking.com

• If you'd like to help in an ongoing way, consider scheduling a regular donation
  

Donating Materials
Bolts, hangers, glue, glue nozzles, drill bits or rap anchors. Please contact us to arrange a pick-up, drop-off, or an address to send to.

Applying to use materials or money from the fund
If you are planning to rebolt a route in Victoria, Safer Cliffs Victoria wants to help you. We will either supply materials, or fund your project. Contact us and we will assist.

Contact
Vic

Reach out to us using the contact form on this page.