President’s Report - July 2026
Warm Greetings all,
I’m writing this report whilst on the Bentley Drivers Club, Winter Solstice event and my outlook today is the beautiful Marysville hills, green with a splash of fire red from some late changing trees. We live in a beautiful country but there are still reminders of how quickly things can turn with the effects of Black Saturday still visible through parts of the bushland.
When you read this report, I will be on a plane headed to the northern hemisphere. After nearly four years working between Melbourne and Adelaide, my professional role there has been completed, with a great outcome. However, I have chosen to take some time off as a reset before I look for my next challenge. I will be travelling to the UK, France Greece and Spain via China and will be back in early August with tales as well as many motoring photos and stories to share. So for July the club will be in the very safe hands of Stephen Peoples supported by your committee.
We have enjoyed some fabulous moments recently with our last General Meeting giving us a different perspective of life at sea. Club member Anil Bhatia, had us well and truly entertained with stories from the high seas and certainly gave us a different perspective on the challenges of international shipping. Thank you Anil your presentation was enjoyed by all.
At the same meeting we were delighted to have in attendance our new Federal President Dr Steven Berveling. Past Federal President, our own Louise Matthews, was able to adorn Steven with the Presidential sash and we were delighted to have Steven as our guest.
The following Sunday, at our technical session, we were educated on the science of hydro blasting and methods of cleaning and restoring parts by Phillip Burns of Motoscrub. A very informative session followed by a very enjoyable lunch at the Stamford Hotel. Sincere thanks to Phillip and all who attended, Phillips contact card is included in this newsletter for further reference.
Coming up we have plenty to entertain.
Our guest speakers in July are again some of our own, with Gareth and Lucas Bryant giving us a perspective on the Australian vehicle market at present.
Our club run for July is of a different sort of mechanical focus with a visit to the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club, this will be on the last Sunday in July (26 July) as this is when they have many of their engines in operation and very interactive displays, lunch at the Stamford Hotel will follow.
Full details of our Regional Meeting in Gippsland are also included in the newsletter – be sure to save the dates and book some accommodation for what will be a very entertaining weekend.
Also please do not forget to mark your diaries for our two premier events,
Our Concours and Display Day at Cruden Farm on Sunday 22 November
Club and Concours Awards Presentation and Christmas Lunch at the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron on Tuesday 8 December (book the day off now)
Until August
drive safe and stay well.
Keith Mortimer
