Last chance to respond if you’re interested. We will close ‘Expressions of Interest’ at the end of September.
First published 25 July 2023:
If you have attended our annual Rally at Bethanga, it can be difficult (and potentially embarrassing!) trying to remember the names of other members of the Club who you may only see once a year. This issue may be amplified if you also attend events or meet-ups during the year with other motorcycle clubs.
You may have noticed that some other motorcycle clubs (e.g. the VJMC) employ the use of name badges to help alleviate this issue.
Subsequently, we are now seeking Expressions of Interest from any members who wish to purchase an SR500 Club-branded name badge (at a nominal cost per person, yet to be determined).
Please note that VicRoads has identified that due to a processing error, around 2,000 club permit renewals were recently sent out to various car and motorcycle clubs without the inclusion of new logbooks.
VicRoads is in the process of rectifying the issue by sending all affected permit holders their respective logbooks asap.
VicRoads has made an error with the expiry year on some July Club Permit renewals, which have been printed and issued with incorrect expiry dates (2023, instead of 2024).
This error impacts renewals with an expiry between 1st and 25th July 2024.
Impacted members are still able to use this notice for payment of their Club Permit, but once paid, VicRoads will issue the correct label for your motorcycle and your logbook.
VicRoads will be writing to impacted customers and will be re-issuing renewal notices with the correct dates.
The issue is limited to Club Permit vehicle renewals only and does not impact driver licences or normal vehicle renewals.
Should you have any further concerns or require further guidance, please contact VicRoads.
We are very saddened to advise that long-time Club member, Andy Hunt, has passed away.
Andy passed away peacefully at home in Ballan on Saturday, May 27, after a long illness, surrounded by his family.
Andy joined the SR500 Club way back at its formation in 1998, becoming member #007, and he remained an active, valued and respected member ever since.
Andy served as Club President for seven years, from 2008 to 2015.
He will be remembered fondly for his efforts in helping to organise our annual rallies, gymkhanas, trophies, Club rides, and trips to Tasmania.
In recognition of Andy’s dedication to the Club, he was made a Lifetime member in 2009.
Our sincere condolences to Annette, daughters Alana and Tara, son-in-law, Ben, and all of Andy’s family and friends.
RIP Andy.
Funeral and wake
Andy’s funeral will take place on Thursday, June 1, at 10.30am at Pat Cashin Funerals, 1114 Doveton St N, Ballarat (parking on Armstrong St N), followed by a Celebration of Life at Ballan Bowls Club, 5 Cowie St, Ballan.
Andy’s final wish was to have as many motorbikes, trucks and cars as possible for a convoy back to Ballan. Leading the convoy will be his blue Western Star truck, followed by his Norton and Hilux, with other motorbikes to follow. The dress code is ‘casual’. In lieu of flowers, Andy’s family would appreciate any donations to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation. A donation tin will be available.
Not too much SR400/500 stuff left, but it may be worthwhile visiting and having a look through what is left for something that may be suitable for your SR and/or project bike, e.g. shock absorbers, kickstart levers, foot pegs, centre stands, etc.
Plus there is an SR400 in the entry area which is largely intact.
Closing down sale
Everything must go!
No reasonable offer refused. Bring your trailer, truck or ute. Bikes, projects, motors, frames, wheels, tanks, seats, sub-frames, and more. Come and get your cheap parts before they get scrapped.
The Club has decided to change its postal address to a location which is more accessible to the current Committee. With immediate effect, our new address is:
PO Box 500, Kew, VIC 3101
A redirection order is in place for the next 12 mths to ensure any mail inadvertently sent to our previous PO Box in Braeside, will still get through to the Club. But please start using our new Kew address from now on.
In 2016, the committee (and a quorum of members) made the decision to begin taking a small portion of the funds collected from members’ membership fees to make annual donations to notable charitable causes.
Each year, a charity is suggested and voted upon by members at monthly meetings in the led up to our rally in November. Subsequently, the colours chosen for each year’s rally badge often reflect the colours of the chosen charity.
Details of the charities we have supported are shown below.
If you have any suggestions of a charity you would like to see supported, please contact the Club at sr500clubau@gmail.com
We hope you can join us for our first monthly meeting of 2023, which will be on Tuesday, 31 January.
This month, we will be meeting at a different venue: The Palace Hotel, 505-507 City Rd, South Melbourne.
Situated on a corner, there is plenty of off-street parking on the wide footpath and grassed area at the front of the pub, AND for your convenience, there is a 7-Eleven petrol station right across the road, in case your motorcycle also requires sustenance!
The Palace offers a great range of food at reasonable prices, in a relaxed and casual setting. To view the current menu, please click here.
Feel free to meet us there from 6.30-7.00pm for a meal. The meeting proper usually commences at around 7.30pm.
After a three-year absence, it was so great to have a Rally back in Bethanga this year!
Despite poor weather and road conditions, attendance was good. 103 people signed in, which consisted of members of:
SR500 Club, Monarchs MC, VJMC, SCUM Tourers, Lemmings MC, BMW Touring Club NSW, British Two Stroke Club, Bendigo Historic MC, Ulysses Club, Albury Wodonga Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club, Veteran Vintage and Classic MC ACT, Shoalhaven Vintage MC, Townsville Restored MC, Cancer Research Advocate Bikers, and Redgate Classic MC.
Subsequently, there was a great selection of bikes to peruse!
Show ‘n’ Shine
At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!
Best stock SR – Mathew Rode (1984 SR500), again!
Best modified SR – Geoff Garlick
Best XT/TT 500 – Colin Jay
Best 4/5 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Andrew Willcox (SRX600)
Peoples’ choice – Chris Rowley (Honda 400 Four)
Best non-SR – Greg Doubleday
Longest distance – Rick Carbis (all the way from Warwick, QLD)
Best rat bike – Mick Kirby
Saturday night raffle
A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!
A big THANK YOU to the following companies who donated prizes:
Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
Vanem, Lane Cove (NSW)
Yamaha Australia
Hospitality and entertainment
The Bethanga community provided delicious meals for us over the weekend – a wonderful assortment of curries on Friday night; a succulent selection of roast meats on Saturday night; decadent desserts; huge, cooked breakfasts, and hot and cold beverages.
Brett Gilbee and band, Back Porch Fridaze, provided Saturday night’s musical entertainment, who performed brilliantly despite inclement weather!
Annual General Meeting
At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:
President: Jeff Gillman
Vice President: Paul Newbold
Treasurer: Craig Lemon
Secretary: Mike Haysom
Congratulations to Jeff, Paul, Craig, and Mike, who retain their positions for another 12 months.
Granya 2022
Andrew Willcox, Winner Best 4/5 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660).
