WARRNAMBOOL & DISTRICT MOTORCYCLE OWNERS CLUB
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 8th JANUARY, 2026
PRESENT: 32 Present (A lot of members must have been still in holiday mode)
APOLOGIES: Brian Quinn, Graeme & Carol Robinson, Bruce Brown, Bill Owens, Keith & June Bonnet, Jamie Nicolson
Minutes from previous meeting held 6th November 2025 as circulated be accepted.
Moved: Colin Rogers Sec: Peter O’Keeffe Carried
BUSINESS ARISING:
CORRESPONDENCE IN - Nil
CORRESPONDENCE OUT - Annual Statement & Payment submitted to Consumer Affairs on 30th August, 2025,
PRESIDENTS REPORT -
The Christmas breakup was a great event with about 52 members attending and enjoying the company of other members.
Thanks to Elaine for organising the event.
We may need a larger venue next Christmas so if anyone has any ideas let us know.
We are still working through issues with the bank, we have a motion in general business to move that will hopefully resolve that.
Basically we need a “Public Officer” who is responsible for reporting to Australian Business Registration & Australian Tax Office to be nominated.
We have a motion in General Business to initiate this.
The club was once again involved in the Toy Run.
Thanks to Skip for leading and the club members who acted as corner marshals. There was a suggestion that we need a TEC.
Thanks also to those members who attended Laurie Gunnulson’s funeral and participated in the Motorcycle Motorcade. The family were overwhelmed by the number of members and motorcycles that took part in the motorcade.
Steve Heazlewood lead the motorcade out of the Church yard on his mobility scooter.
Thanks to Barry and Ken for taking the lead role.
RIDE REPORT
Rides: The regular club rides have been going well with different members stepping up to lead rides and be tail end Charlie.
For the safety and smooth running of a ride It is important that members follow our simple ride etiquette attached to minutes
Mainly please show respect to the member who volunteered to lead and just enjoy the ride.
If you want to go faster don’t overtake just save your desire for speed for the way home.
See attached ride etiquette.
SECRETARYS REPORT - Hope you all had a Great Xmas & New Year. We now have 291 Members.
14 Members resigned at the end of the financial year.
TREASURERS REPORT -
Balance as of 7th November $19,945.43
INCOME
Memberships $ 80.00 $ 80.00
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$20,025.43
EXPENDITURE
Name Tags $ 33.00
Insurance $1,027.98
Raffle Vouchers $ 250.00
$ 1,310.98
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Balance 8th January, 26 $18,694.45
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MOTION; Financial Report be approved as presented.
. Moved Peter O’Keeffe Sec Michael Stephens. Carried
RIDE REPORTS
Most have appeared on our Facebook page.
Nov lunch Ride: Skip Lake Goldsmith
Dec lunch ride to Digby by Ken Rowe
Jan lunch ride a mystery?
⁃ Beaufort. Lead by David Morse
⁃ Barry Gippsland Tour
Other
Ride to Remember at Ararat - 10 members.
Depart KFC at 9:30 am on Saturday 31 Jan.
Australia Day - 9am - Deans Marsh
Feb 1st 9 am - Bruce will send email
GENERAL BUSINESS:
WDMOC inc will appoint a “Public Officer” who is primary contact for ABN & ATO departments, and this person will be elected at every AGM and if the nominated person changes from the previous year they will update contact details with ATO.
Peter O’Keeffe is happy to do that. He is very experienced in Governance and has already provided his information to Business Registration.
MOTION: I nominate Peter O’Keeffe as the Warrnambool & District Motorcycle Owners Club Inc. Public Officer for the period 8/1/26 until the 2026 AGM where a new Public Officer will be appointed.
Moved Colin Rogers Sec David Morse. Carried
NOMINATION OF NEW MEMBERSHIP
Mitchell Hose Nominated by Peter Arden
Welcome to the CLUB.
30 SEC SALE Helmet - Free
Dragon Jeans & Panier Bags -
Don’t forget to check out our WEB page WDMOC.com or FB Page
Bill Owens has been putting together History of the Club. You will find this Under Club History on our WEB page. If you would like to add any information please contact Bill.
Raffle - Meal Voucher Jon Narik
NEXT SOCIAL NIGHT - 12th February, 2026 - Victoria Hotel
Meeting Closed 8,45pm Next Meeting 12th March, 26
WDMOC MARSHALLING ON RIDES
On regular rides the Club utilises a rolling marshalling method to direct riders along the chosen route.
On all rides there will be a nominated lead rider and a nominated rear rider (tail end Charlie). Usually identified with Club hi viz vests. The destination of the ride will be made known to all participants before setting off.
When the ride reaches a point where there is more than one direction that can be followed (intersection or fork in the road) the rider directly behind the lead rider will stop and provide direction to the following riders in the group until the rear rider approaches the point then rejoin the group.
There are a few simple points to be made to ensure that all riders reach the destination safely
- Rider directly behind lead rider marks the turn
- If that rider doesn’t stop the next rider marks the turn
- Pull up where you can be clearly seen by following riders
- Stop in a position that is safe from other road users
- Utilise a clear method (indicator, hand signal, etc) to indicate the direction to be taken to avoid confusion
- Where possible stop with the bike facing the direction to be taken
- Rejoin the ride when the rear rider approaches and it is safe to do so
- Check carefully for any approaching traffic before rejoining
- Don’t leave the corner/turn until the rear rider is sighted
- If there is a long period without other riders or the rear rider passing phone the lead rider prior to leaving the corner/turn
- If you are the rear rider and an incident occurs that will hold up the ride phone the lead rider
- To keep the group together a handy technique is to keep track of the rider behind you. If you don’t sight the following rider slow until you do. This will have the effect of bringing the front riders back to the group without the need for a stop to regroup.
- In circumstances where the group gets split up (traffic, very twisty terrain, etc) the lead rider may choose to stop in a safe place to regroup until the rear rider is sighted.
Ride Preparation (Trevor White)
- Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition. It is both unsafe and
Before each group ride starts, make sure your fuel tank is full and that you have been to the toilet
- To avoid fatigue, you also need to stay hydrated. Always carry drinking water.
Keep an eye on the rider in front of you and don’t become mesmerised by them
- Ride in single file, not in staggered formation, and allow at least three seconds
Stay where you are in the group once it is moving. Overtaking is one of the prime causes of accidents.
Overtake only if you see that the rider in front of you is pulling off the road. In that case, the tail rider will take care of any problems.
Be considerate of others, both in your group and on the road generally. It’s both polite and safe.
If the group’s speed is faster than you are comfortable with, drop out and ride on your own. On an organised ride, advise the Tail End Charlie. If you fall behind,
don’t try to catch up; many accidents happen that way. A group ride is not a race.
Meet the others at the next stop.
Trevor White
President
