135 volunteers and their families took part in Motorcycling Victoria’s 2016 Volunteers Day on Saturday, January 16 at Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sports Complex.
The day was a chance for volunteers, officials, club committee members, coaches and their families to enjoy a leisurely ride around Broadford. A BBQ lunch was also provided and was a great chance to have a breather and a chat with likeminded volunteers throughout the day.
“This event has now become a permanent way to start the year for our incredible volunteers and it’s just a small token of our appreciation for the amazing job that they do for motorcycle sport throughout the year,” MV’s Operations & Events Manager Mark Vallance said.
“It was a fantastic day, but as with every event, we also need people to put up their hands to help us out, and once again there were some great people who did just that. For that, we thank them doubly!” Mark added.
MV decided to slightly change the way volunteers were invited to this year’s Volunteers Day. Previously, invites had simply been emailed out to every official and coach in MV’s database, but after feedback from clubs after last year’s event, it was decided that clubs would nominate those tireless people who give up their time to help out at each club. As a result, MV has received very positive feedback from the way the event has been organised this year.
Ron Matthews, who has been volunteering for nearly 64 years, said it was the best Volunteers Day yet. “It was brilliant. It was the best one, as far as I was concerned. It was well organised, we had plenty of food. I was rapt,” Ron said.
Ron, who has been an invaluable MV Board member, started volunteering for the Preston Motorcycle Club when he was 15-years-old and helped dig ditches when they were building the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for weekends during a time in the 1950s.
“Volunteering gave me a worthwhile thing to do and it was great to be part of a club,” Ron said.
“It’s a great day to be able to relax. I came away really happy and I think everyone enjoyed themselves,” Ron added. “I love the camaraderie of the sport. I’ve hardly met an unfriendly motorcyclist,” he said.
“It’s also great to see the sport become really inclusive with women and juniors,” Ron added. Ron said he’ll always continue to volunteer for as long as he’s needed. “I’m putting back in what I got out of it, basically. A lot of people helped me and they never got paid so I just like to help and if they want my help, beauty!” Ron added.