Vice President Report August 2018
Crickey! (as one well-known Australian used to say!) – another year is coming to an end. As you know I am stepping down from the position as VP and allowing someone else to take up the reigns. As far as I am aware there has not been a nomination for this position. So if you are wondering about being on the Committee then this is a position that is available. The role itself is not too difficult. Primarily the role is to support the President and the Club. As a committee member you need to attend the committee meetings the week following the Club meeting. Here you participate in the discussions and decisions about issue pertaining to the Club. You do need to be aware that if the President is unable to run a Club meeting that it is the VP who stands in at that time. In this respect Stuart has been an absolute star this year and I have not been required to step in for him. However, I have been given other roles on Club nights – technician, secretary and so on. Again the role is to support the President and the Club. If you are someone who is happier with someone else in the spot light while you support in the background this is the right position for you (well in the back ground until you step up of course….). Think about it……
I would like to thank Stuart for his tireless work for the Club and Committee – he has been not only the President, but also the venue officer primarily for the last year too. He has always been available to deal with matters arising and areas of concern. Whilst everyone may not always agree his heart and commitment, from my perspective, have been exemplary. Thank you.
To the committee – it has been another fun year with much debate and discussion – just like a committee should. Decisions are not made lightly, but the aim of the committee is to do the best for the Club and its members. Being a part of the committee in any position is a rewarding and enjoyable experience as you share a passion for all things 4WD’ing with like-minded individuals. Thank you for your candour, your humour and your support – another great year.
Moving forward….
The Club needs to move forward, have new blood and continue to provide for all members of the Club. We have a lot of members and many have been with the Club for many years. We are getting new members and unfortunately losing a few too, but we do need to consider all avenues for members. Last week there was an intended talk regarding weights and measures for caravans. (This has been rescheduled due to a lastminute problem). This is an area of increase in the last few years as members of the Club are able to use their retirement and travel for longer periods of time. Why go for a weekend when you can go for a week or even a month? And good luck to those that can and do. But we do have an area where we are lacking – the shorter day trip or overnight event. Many of our younger or newer members are not able, or don’t feel competent, to take on a big trip for several days or weeks and need to ‘cut their teeth’ on smaller trips first. I still remember my first ever foray into 4WD’ing and I was quite petrified – “what do you mean take your foot off the brake and let the engine do the work……” But this was just part of the learning. I did the proficiency course, met several friends and over the next couple of years we got together numerous times 4WD’ing and then camping too. We did lots of trips getting dirt under the tyres, but we were all of a similar age and similar experience level, but we organised and ran trips getting out there and doing. This is the area where we seem to have diminished somewhat. Our more experienced members are going for longer trips and the amount of work planning a week is not much different to doing a day, and as I mentioned if you can go for a week why would you go for a day?
This issue, though, is not just happening with the Pajero Club. I have a close friend who is VP of the Nissan Club and they are finding exactly the same issue. It’s easier to find someone to do Cape York or the Simpson than a day trip to Toolangi.
So if you have the time, and a love of all things 4WD, then please consider our newcomers and their need to get out there and learn more / do more with like-minded individuals. Sharing with other Club members is never a mistake – who knows they may also become friends for life too….
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