2010 National Rally / AGM - Young, NSW

Minutes of the Masonic Motorcycle Association of Australia Inc (MMAA)
National Rally held on Monday 25 January 2010

The meeting was held at the Young Masonic Lodge Hall, 62 Blackett Avenue, Young and commenced at 10.00am.

Present:
Central Coast/Sydney – Michael Lampadarios; Cathie Duff; David Anthony; Graeme Williams & Gary Duff
NSW – Mark Walker &Shane Mathies
NW NSW – Trevor Capararo; Wendy Capararo & Anthony Morley
Sydney – Bojan Vizintin; Lynden Norgate; Virginie Norgate; Hans Gyger; Ross Jackson & Peter Seymour
Tasmania –Tony Bruce-Mullins; Rosemary Bruce-Mullins; Paul Goninon; Rick Goninon; Craig Deane; Alan Burton; Peter Shacklady & Kellie-Sue Coy
Victoria - Grant Bates; Terry Webster; Chris Packham; Dot Marshall; Greg Marshall; Mal Hurst & Roger Coates.
Observers: Brett Balfour

Apologies:
NSW - Kevin Bontes; Don Drummond & Brian Ridley
Sydney – Phil Lye; Janelle Lye; Ross Ebeling; Terry Gardiner; Neal Gardiner & John Ivkovitch

Michael Lampadarios welcomed all members who were able to attend.

Michael alerted members to the Websites and reminded all Chapters to add photos to same. Michael advised that eventually all Chapters would have a link to the MMAA Website. Michael reported on Wombats Wish Memorial Ride which was held on 18 October 2009 and attended by the VIC Chapter where a donation of $3,500.00 was presented which was made up of VIC Chapter member donations; ($1,000.00); VIC Chapter donation; ($500.00) and National body donation ($250.00) which was matched “dollar for dollar” by the Freemasonry of Victoria Board of Benevolence equalling $3,500.00.

Mal Hurst spoke a few words of the Wombats Wish Memorial Charity which is in honour of the late Greg "Wombat" Currie, owner of the Geelong Harley-Davidson dealership. Wombat's Wish is a charity dedicated to assisting bereaved children living with grief following the loss of a parent. Some of the services provided by Wombat's wish include camps and after school care, as well as grief counseling and support for childreno

Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Moved: Dot Marshall
Seconded: Grant Bates

“That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 January 2009 as emailed/mailed be accepted.”
CARRIED

Business Arising From Minutes:
NIL

Secretary’s Report:

Dot tabled the Membership Summary for period 1/11/08 to 31/10/09 which totalled 95 members. There had been 9 new members since 31/10/09 to date. Four of those members were yet to be processed.

Moved: Gary Duff
Seconded: Roger Coates
“That the Secretary’s report as tabled be accepted.”
CARRIED

Dot tabled an income and expenditure report for the period 1/11/08 to 31/10/09 advising a Bank Balance as at 31/10/09 of $3,536.82. The current Bank Balance was $3,842.51 as at 21/1/10.

Moved: Dot Marshall
Seconded: Greg Marshall
“That the Treasurers report as tabled be accepted.”
CARRIED

Moved: Dot Marshall
Seconded: Tony Bruce-Mullins
“That capitation fees be paid to those Chapters still active and held in the account for those that were not.”
CARRIED

Moved: Terry Webster
Seconded: Bojan Vizintin
“That a cheque covering reimbursement of expenses totalling $56.55 be paid to Dot Marshall.”
CARRIED

Presidents Report:
National President:
MICHAEL LAMPADARIOS

Welcome one and all to the 8th annual AGM of the Masonic Motorcycle Association of Australia Inc.

This welcome is extended to all who had made the long trip to be here. A big welcome goes to our Tasmania Brethren who travel by Bike, Ferry and then by Bike again to be here. Also to our visitors who had made a special effort to come down to our AGM and spend their weekend with us.

As you might not be aware there has been allot of changes since our last AGM in 2009 members have the ability to check for any rides that may be organized by accessing the events calendar on our web site. They have been active with rides and activities ranging from single ride days to participating in organized rides with other clubs. Also been informed by email.

All Chapters have been out and about, on day rides, Charity Runs, BBQ’s.

Victoria Chapter, NSW Central Coast Chapter and NSW Sydney Chapter had some really good rides during the year. Charity Rides being the most frequent ones attended.

The MMAA attended the Wombat’s Wish Ride which was held on the 18th of October 2009. We were pleased to be able to present the organisers with a cheque for $3,500 to assist them in these activities. This is a great charity that we are very proud to be a part of and we are very grateful that Freemasons Victoria matched our fundraising dollar for dollar. Well done Vic Chapter and special thanks to "MAL" Hurst who organised our attendance and GL's $ for $ contribution for our donation, and also for his own personal contribution. Thanks also to National Chapter for supporting our presence by way of a donation. Great work everyone!

Recently Terry Webster and myself had flags and stickers made up with the MMAA logo. These will be available very soon for all members to display on their Bikes. The NSW Central Coast and Tasmania Chapters had their own flags made. Also available Hand out Club cards, made up for anyone who may want to hand out to Bike riders who may be interested in joining. We have placed them in Bike shops and at Cafes frequent by Riders on the weekends. They are well accepted by other Motorbike Clubs.
I hope this trend continues in the future. Now that we have several new Chapters under our belt we can spread our name around.

Tasmania being the newest Chapter to be formed. Was formed on the 1st of February 2009 with Rick Goninon coming in as Chapter President and Craig Deane as Secretary and with several other chapters in the pipeline.

Even had an inquiry from New Zealand for the formation of a Chapter over there.

Also as the National President I would like to say a very big thank you to all those members who have stuck by the MMAA in the hard times and the good times. And to all new members that have come aboard in 2009.

Members like Terry Webster (National Membership Officer)
From the very beginnings of the MMAA stuck by it and went out of his way to promote the MMAA, went on to become the Founding Member of the Victorian Chapter. And later the 3rd National President (taking over from Cliff Hobson) and finally the National Membership Officer. He has done a brilliant job not only in contacting members from all over Australia but also going to Grand Lodge in Victoria and getting the MMAA recognized in Victoria. Terry to you I say a Very Big Thank you and am proud to call you friend.

Dot & Greg Marshall
Greg and Dot are a really great couple. Since the very start they have attained every AGM. They do not ride their bikes to the AGM but tow them on the trailer. They manage to come to every AGM the MMAA has had from its beginnings. Thank you, Dot for being our National Treasurer/Secretary & to continue in that role. Nor would our members be advised on when their dues are due for renewal. To you Dot I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also I would like to thank Greg for his full support of Dot on taking on these roles. To you Greg a very big thank you, not only from me but every member in the MMAA.

Grant Bates (Victoria Chapter President)
For putting up with Terry and me, plus all the hassles he had with his motorbike. Firstly breaking down at our very first get-together, spent all weekend trying to chase down a battery for it then founding out the Computer packed it in, then having to tow it back to Melbourne on Greg’s Trailer and second for coming in strife with an echidna. The echidna got the worse of it, but Grant was not left untouched he was pretty sore for a good while after that and even tried riding the battered bike back down to Melbourne. And after getting the bike back on the road, what happens, another accident. Now he is riding a Ducati. Grant I say thank you for staying in there. And stay upright for god’s sake.

Roger Coates. (National Vice President)
Now what can one say about Roger or Lizard as he likes to be known. Roger Joined the MMAA in Victoria and from the first time he & I met we became very good friends. Now some may look at Roger for the very first time and think he does not look like a Mason. We get that allot at Lodge’s we attend with together as a group. But let me tell you this. Roger (Lizard) would and will help you out to the best of his ability. He will defend and promote MMAA without question. With the help of Lizard efforts we would not have our Road Rules. Which he personally approached the H.O.G. Club to get their permission to adopt their Road Rules for our own? And he is a stickler for the Rules and expects all to follow them. I included. To you Lizard I say thank you.

Gary & Cathie Duff (NSW Central Coast Chapter President)
Gary and wife Cath are from the NSW Central Coast a member of the MMAA he wanted to make sure the Central Coast Chapter did not fold due to lack in numbers. Which at one stage its numbers dropped down to only 4 active members? He went out of his way to build up and sustain the Chapter with members. Organized rides for the Central Coast members and also inviting the members from Sydney Chapter to attend. He then decided to take over as Chapter President and Wife Cath took on the role and Treasurer/Secretary of the Chapter. Thought not many meetings were had in 2009. He had organized a couple BBQ’s and a Christmas diner night at the local club. Gary & Cath thank you.

Trevor & Wendy Capararo.
Now Trevor and Wendy. Well where we will start. Terry and I first met this fine couple on the Central Coast when Terry came up for the Harleys 100 Birthday celebrations. We mentioned the MMAA to Trevor and Wendy and they joined that year as Associate members. Trevor also last year was initiated in Freemasonry and is due to proceed to the third in April of this year. Those who would like to be there for this occasion please do so. Several members from Victoria, Sydney, Central Coast and Tamworth will be in attendance.

Tony Bruce-Mullins for getting brethren together to form our Tasmania Chapter. With Rick Goninon coming in as Chapter President. Tasmania Chapter have had several rides and by their web site the rides were great. And they are also allowed to wear their bike gear into Lodge without any conflict. This is what we should be doing, promoting Motorcycling in Freemasonry and Freemasonry into the Motorcycling community. A very well done to all involved.

The Gardiner Brothers
Neal Gardiner (National Communications Officer).
Neal has tried his best to communicate with all members in regards to rides and events. He also had a bit of bad luck with his bike recently had a tree fall on it and did some damage. He is up and riding again.

Terry Gardiner (National Road Captain)
Has been out on rides with other clubs, and with the MMAA. He is promoting the MMAA his way. Terry himself had a miss hap on his Bike, came unstuck and had the bike written off and was given a brand new one by the insurance company. Lucky him. Many thanks to Neal & Terry

Hans (Sydney Chapter President)
Hans is the president of our Sydney Chapter and has the experience this Association needs years of riding, he has insight and the knowledge on how to do things. But he had to put these on the back burner due to health reasons. Hans please keep up the battle and if you need someone to talk to I am sure our members will be there for you, anytime anywhere.

I would also like to say a big thank you to Big Shane who rode down to our last AGM and to Tamworth from Toowoomba QLD. Shane you are always welcome and I personally would like to thank you for your support and hope to come up to QLD when we get a Chapter starting up there.

There are so many others I would like to thank for making 2009 a very good year for the MMAA in general. Over all we are looking very good.

I thank you all for your attendance here today and wish you all a very safe trip to your home and family.

Michael reminded members that merchandise was available for order for members via the Website http://www.themmaa.com.au

Michael extended an invitation to all interested MMAA members to attend the 3rd Degree of Trevor Capararo (NW NSW) in April 2010.

Michael expressed his thanks to both Trevor and Wendy Capararo for organising such a successful 2010 AGM.

Central Coast/Sydney President:
GARY DUFF

Gary Duff advised that the CC/S Chapter were going well. Rides were organised and well attended and they also had some prospective members.

NW NSW
TREVOR CAPARARO (Acting President)

Trevor Capararo advised that after a successful beginning, the Chapter had hit a stumbling block. The highlight of 2009 was the April Masonic Visit to Tamworth for his Masonic initiation “1st Degree”. Trevor requested all members interested in attending his “3rd Degree” in April 2010 to RSVP directly to him.

Sydney
HANS GYGER

Sydney MMAA Chapter had a rocky start to the year due to issues concerning the re - establishment and re – consecration of lodge Highway where for a while the Sydney Chapter of the MMAA was side tracked toward the tasks of forming a motorcycle lodge in the Sydney region.

Once it was brought to every ones attention that the MMAA was a social motorcycle enthusiasts group consisting of people with a Masonic background and not involved in running or establishing Masonic lodges or any other Masonic business. Resolving this confusion regretfully caused some members of Sydney Chapter to resign.

Sydney Chapter had some well attended and successful rides during the year mostly combined with Central Coast Chapter as currently both chapters suffer a lack of membership.

Sydney Chapter members also attended the Sydney Pink Ribbon ride November 1 2009 which raised close to $40,000.00 to support breast cancer research.

Due to the lack of active members in Sydney Chapter the decision was made at Sydney Chapter meeting held January 25 2010 at Young that unless our membership was boosted and more members encouraged to participate in chapter activities Sydney Chapter would merge with Central Coast Chapter which would result in a strong workable group of about 20 members.

Some suggestions were made for rides etc. which will be looked into by the chapter secretary before Sydney Chapters AGM.

The final decision for this merger will be made at Sydney Chapter AGM which will be held in March 2010.

Victoria President:
GRANT BATES

Victoria has had a very successful year, and even though there have been a few resignations, we currently have a total number of 20 members in the Victoria Chapter.

We have held 6 General “Breakfast” Meetings throughout the year as well as 5 organised rides which have been well attended.

Our most successful effort has been the donating of $3,500.00 (made up of members donations; chapter funds; a contribution from the MMAA National Body; and a dollar for dollar donation by Grand Lodge of Victoria) to The Wombat’s Wish Memorial Charity and Open Run held in Geelong on Sunday 18 October 2009 . It was well attended and was a very successful day, having a story published both in the local papers and the Freemasonry Victoria Magazine. Our Christmas Function held in November 2009 at the Melba at the Langham Hotel in Southbank was well attended and enjoyed by all.

We are looking forward to another good year with our current Road Captain Chris Packham organising rides.

Grant thanked NW NSW for the organising of the Young AGM and Tasmania Chapter for their company with regard to riding as a group to Young.

General Business:

Regalia Logo re Breast Patch
Terry Webster discussed the proposal to change the MMAA Breast Patch to reflect that we are a national Australian organisation.

After discussion, all members recommended that the MMAA revisit the design of the logo. Terry invited all members to email him with any ideas or suggestions.

Election of Office Bearers:
Michael Lampadarios then declared all positions vacant and passed the Chair to Terry Webster for the election of Office Bearers.

Moved: Hans Gyger
Seconded: Roger Coates
“That Michael Lampadarios be elected National President of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

Moved: Greg Marshall
Seconded: Bojan Vizintin
“That Roger Coates be elected as National Vice President of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

Moved: Bojan Vizintin
Seconded: Michael Lampadarios
“That Terry Webster be elected as National Secretary/Treasurer of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

Moved: Terry Webster
Seconded: Hans Gyger
"That Gary Duff be confirmed as National Road Captain of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

Moved: Craig Deane
Seconded: Rick Goninon
“That Tony Bruce-Mullins be confirmed as National Communications Officer of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

Moved: Terry Webster
Seconded: Greg Marshall
“That Michael Lampadarios be confirmed as National Public Officer of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

Moved: Grant Bates
Seconded: Chris Packham
“That Mal Hurst be confirmed as National Administration Officer* of the MMAA National Body for 2010.”
CARRIED

*National Administration Officer includes purchase/supply of Merchandise & Regalia

Bank Signatories
The incoming Secretary/Treasurer was instructed to organise the removal of Alison Gimbert from the list of signatories to the bank account and add Malcolm (Mal) Hurst to said list.

Michael Lampadarios assumed the role of National President and chaired the rest of the meeting

National Rally 2011:
After discussion, VIC Chapter was appointed to organise the AGM for 2011. Tasmania Chapter offered to tentatively organise a 2011 Easter Rally Run. Rick Goninon would invite all members to attend and those present were asked to indicate their interest in attending by show of hands.

Raffle
Virginie Norgate and Alan Burton were the lucky winners of the 2 bottles of whisky raffled and donated by Gary Duff (CC/S).

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 11.25am

All members enjoyed morning tea with cakes and biscuits organised by Trevor and Wendy Capararo.