Canberra Chapter Annual Meeting
29 August 2023 / Rod Nicholas
The Annual Meeting was an opportunity for all members to discuss how the Chapter is going - to offer feedback and suggestions for how we can make the most of our MX-5s and our experience in belonging to the Club.
We had 16 members turn up – around 12% of our Chapter’s financial members – which was a little disappointing, although probably not unusual for most clubs. Those who were there, however, enjoyed a pleasant lunch at Yowani country Club and then got actively involved in the meeting that followed.
A call had gone out for volunteers to help run the Chapter, and those present were not reticent in putting their hands up. After some discussion, various positions were filled:
- Convenor – Rod & Maryanne Nicholas
- Events Coordinator – Norm Barker
- Events Committee - Ian Bottcher, John Chaphuis, Brett Goyne , Mike Lawless , Barry Matson , Stephen Wakelin, Frances Wood
- Website and Social Media Coordinator - John Chaphuis
- Regalia Coordinator – Frances Wood
- Motorsport Coordinator - Vacant
- Council of ACT Motor Clubs Delegate – Bob Judd and Brett Goyne
Many thanks to all.
Convenor Rod led a discussion on several matters:
Review of the last year from 1 September 2022
- we programmed 45 events, and after 6 cancellations ran 39
- an average of 28 members attended 16 social events (Coffee & Lies, Christmas lunch etc) meetings (max was 52 for Christmas, average 29 at C&L)
- an average of 16 participated in 23 runs (max was 27, min was 4)
- we liked going to the coast, picnic runs and the Five Hills run to start the year
- overnight runs are well-attended
- Coffee & Lies remains a well-attended event
- mid-week lunch runs could have been better attended
Communications
The Chapter, and Club, communicates with members through several means including:
- Canberra News monthly
- Club News weekly (via Membership Secretary in Sydney)
- Occasional emails directly from the Convenor
- Website (please visit frequently - this one is important!)
- Facebook.
We will explore other media, such as Threads or X (formerly Twitter) and Flickr (or alternative photo sharing media), but aim to inform without bombarding anyone.
Rod noted that posting or commenting on our public forums (chiefly Facebook at this stage) is – like our radio chats – open to many. They are not private chat groups. It is important to recognise that whatever intent an author might have, she or he has little control over how a reader may interpret a comment. So, any communication should be welcoming, kind, courteous, and respectful. Although interaction and discussion are encouraged (even if others have different opinions) harassment and bullying of any kind or disrespectful or degrading comments will not be tolerated. Posts or comments deemed by Administrators to abuse these ‘rules’ can be removed at an Administrator’s discretion, and the person responsible blocked or removed from the group.
Chapter Funding
The Chapter receives funding via:
- Sponsorship – ACDC Pty Ltd and Belconnen Mazda (you are encouraged to support both businesses)
- Development Allowance – Max of $400 each year
- Event subsidy - $25 for each member attending an event (typically the Christmas function), and a further $25 for members attending the President’s Picnic
- Other subsidies – used for trophies etc
Please let the Convenor know if you have ideas on how we might use our sponsorship money.
Future runs/events
We’d love to hear if you have any thoughts on:
- convoy or waypoint runs
- grading system
- suggestions for events and runs, etc.
Our thanks go to everyone who has helped with the Chapter or participated in any of our events. We can’t do any of this without you.
Rod & Maryanne Nicholas
