After 6 years at committee level – one as a committee member, one as a club captain and 4 as club president – I feel it is time to move aside and let a new face with fresh ideas steer the club towards future goals.

I would like to reflect on my past 4 years as your President. I appreciate that some of you may not have agreed with some of my initiatives but there can be no denying that I have, together with my various committees, obtained outstanding results and certainly have given VMXWA a very solid platform to grow from here on.

My first job was to push forward the construction of a lean-to from the clubrooms, to house our club machinery. Something that had been talked about in previous years but never actioned. Next to the lean-to we also had delivered a 40 foot sea container. This is to store our ever increasing paraphanaelia and give our clubroom a bit more breathing space. We also, at long last, made use of the redundant water tank on top of the hill. It now collects rain water and has a pump installed ready for irrigation.

As our club was fast approaching our 15th Anniversary, and with an ever increasing membership base, it was clearly evident that our ablution block was groaning under the strain! Luckily for the club, at the time of making plans for this, the Government of Western Australia was trying to kick start the economy during the global recession, and had initiated the Royalties for Regions Fund. Your committee at the time, put together a very professional proposal which included planning permission for a new toilet and shower facilities. We were able to access funds of $40,000. Expertly constructed with Stan Reid at the helm, it was built in 9 months and ready for our 15th Anniversary celebrations. We also at long last, had our power supply substantially upgraded with the help of Steve Covich.

Not only have your committees made substantial improvements to Dandaloo Park, it has built on the excellent relationship we have with Geoff McKeown, CEO of Narrogin Shire. As many members will recall, the Narrogin Dirt Bike Riders Assn has always been a thorn in our side, with making strong advances to the Shire for them to use our track. It should not be underestimated, the work myself, Ted Lewis and Wayne Clark did to fend off the local riders. Many dialogues were had with the Narrogin councillors and Geoff McKeown, and eventually we were able to renew our lease for another 10 years, until 2020. Future committees will need to bare this date in mind as the lease renewal needs to be prepared well in advance.

This year, VMXWA was once again fortunate to be able to access Royalties for Regions Fund and go some way in addressing our track watering crisis. Just recently, we were awarded $5,500 for the purchase of 80,000 litre storage tank which will vastly improve our track watering.

Not only have your committee made substantial improvements to Dandaloo Park, we finally made the tough move to act on the lack of flaggies on race days. Back in the day, it was common for racing to be delayed due to lack of volunteers. Now we have the opposite with an abundance of people flagging which makes race day so much safer.

Over the past 4 years, we have worked hard to develop a much more amicable relationship with MWA. Like them or not, our club needs to get on with them. By developing a better working relationship with them, it has made the yearly licensing of Dandaloo Park a lot easier, with open and friendly dialogue with various MA officials. I would expect this relationship to now be maintained.

The last couple of years I have helped quash persistant discussion at general meetings regarding whether VMXWA should include post 1975 into the fold. I think it would be fair to now say, everyone is a winner, with the pre ’85 Club having been established and they are now standing on their own and have a bright future ahead.

In previous years, sidecars were relegated to the occasional feature race throughout the season. Now they are an integral part of our club and are welcome with open arms to each and every race day. We must not forget some members only race sidecars so they have every right to race at each and every meet. It think everyone would also agree, this is a win-win situation for VMXWA as well.

Let us not forget the two excellent race meetings we have had. The first being when we invited Jiri Starec and world champion Jaroslav Falta, who both graced us with their racing prowress, first at Wandering and then 2 weeks later at Narrogin.

And who could forget our 15th Anniversary that was so very well run and organised. Again, a grant was sought and we were supported generously by Healthways. A huge effort on many members part. A three day event that would have rivalled any National title but without the nuisance of red tape and politics. With 8 international riders and 5 interstate riders, it was a thrilling experience that many members will treasure forever. This event also turned in a handsome profit of $5,000 which will benefit the future of the club.

I would like to personally thank every committee member who has attended the 48 committee meetings I have chaired over the last 4 years. Every meeting gave every member the right to air their views. Often robust debate would occur. And rightly so, as this only highlights a club run by members, for the members. This needs to be borne in the minds of the next President and all future committee members, as it really is the only way a club can function fairly.

In closing, I can only say what an absolute fantastic time I have had as President meeting along the way so many wonderful people. VMXWA is truly a unique club, with members varying in ages that are unheard of in other clubs. To share race days with grand old timers is truly an honour, but equally so with the 16 year olds, who I’ve had the pleasure watching grow and start their racing careers. Yes, I take away many memories which I will hold dear. I have no doubt that my committee and myself, have developed for the club a great platform of new positions. With responsible leadership these positions will see the club grow and mature and, in the blink of an eye, we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary!

I therefore wish the incoming President and his new committee the very best.

 

Peter Barker