Some information may be duplicated between this web page and the Upcoming Events web page, due to progress reports relating to upcoming events.
For information about the event, please visit the new web site for the rally, at
http://www.nhmafairbridge2011.info/
This was only the second AGM to be held in Western Australia since the formation of the NHMA in 1987 at Lake Goldsmith. The last one was when The Old Machinery Club of WA Inc hosted the 6th National Rally in 1997. So, in keeping with NHMA tradition; where the AGM is held in the State of the Rally hosts, Yarloop (120 km south of Perth) was chosen as the venue. The Old Machinery Club of WA Inc, and The Machinery Preservation Club of WA Inc, joined forces with the Yarloop Steam Workshops for its fortnightly steam-up; to put on a good display of vintage machinery.
On Saturday the Committee meeting was held at Fairbridge Village, where the 13th National Rally will be held in September 2011. The Day started with a tour of the site; giving the Eastern States visitors a great opportunity to see first-hand what an excellent venue Fairbridge Village is. Needless to say they were suitably impressed, and all queries and questions asked received a satisfactory response. At the start of the meeting, Brendon Widdowson, the Fairbridge Village Manager, addressed the committee, giving them a warm welcome to the venue, a brief history of Fairbridge, then saying how they are enjoying working with the Rally Team, and are sure of a successful event.
The meeting itself went well with lots of issues being discussed and dealt with. It could be noted here that John Victor has taken on the position of Web-Master for the NHMA website, which is excellent news as the website is a necessary medium for our movement. The meeting took most of the day and finally finished about 4pm. It was then back to the various accommodation locations to prepare for the dinner to be held in the evening.
The venue chosen was the Cabin Restaurant at the Yarloop Workshops. An enthusiastic crowd attended to enjoy a nice meal; and between courses, President Phillip (Ned) Morrison presented the NHMA committee members with their new name badges. He also thanked the gathering for the warm welcome he and his colleagues had received from the West Australians. This was followed by several guests addressing the gathering about their involvement in the forthcoming rally. The evening was a great catalyst in the bonding of those who will be very instrumental in the organising of next year's National Rally.
The AGM was held at 9am on Sunday morning, in the lovely heritage-listed Yarloop Town Hall; where the new NHMA banner flew for the first time. An early start was in order, as most in attendance had to man their engine displays, following the meeting. A very pleasing number turned up to be welcomed by President Phillip Morrison and Secretary Ken Bock. The meeting proceeded with some lively discussion taking place, with all questions and queries answered and dealt with. The election of Executive and State Representatives took place. The membership applauded those who accepted the voluntary positions and help manage the organisation which keeps our hobby running smoothly. Some concerns were noted relating to safety issues; where it has been reported some clubs are not completely following the NHMA safety guidelines. The meeting agreed that this situation must be rectified in the interest of our hobby, or we will all suffer the consequences. The meeting closed and members enjoyed tea and biscuits, compliments of the Yarloop Workshops. It was then off to enjoy an excellent display of engines in the compounds and lots of live steam in the old workshops. Isn't this what it's all about?
All in all, it was a great weekend and gave the West Australians a chance to entertain their Eastern State colleagues, as it is usually the other way round.
Our guests enjoyed various other places of interest while in the area, and they related to me again the warm welcome extended to them. I am sure they will be excellent ambassadors for Fairbridge 2011.
All club members should possess a copy of the NHMA Safety Guidelines. If you do not have one, ask your club Secretary for a copy. The latest issue was recently sent to all member clubs.
It is brought to the Committee's notice that a number of rallies are not completely complying with the NHMA Safety Guidelines. The Committee is not a self appointed group to police our guidelines. This issue is in YOUR club's hands; let us be "up front" with this, non-compliance WILL eventually lead to incidents/accidents. Should a serious accident occur the best that can come out of it will be a sharp rise in our insurance premium. The next best is that Work Cover/Work Safe will step in and possibly restrict the displays. The worst case would be our inability to obtain insurance.
The Guidelines do not ask much more than "common sense" so with a little more planning and effort clubs can work quite safely within these Guidelines. The Committee of Management appeals to member clubs for their support in this matter.
Grateful thanks must go to TOMMS magazine for publishing this report, as this is one of the best ways to get the message across to vintage machinery enthusiasts.
MPC Members of the Rally Committee:
Secretary - Bob Wallis 0417 788 292
Publicity and Promotion - Ralph Thomas 0407 444 988
IT Technician - Keith Chappell
Registrar - Les Jones
Webmasters - Ralph and Wendy Thomas 0407 444 988
Ken Wyatt, Liberal Candidate for Hasluck, and Senator Judith Adams today announced funding for the Machinery Preservation Club currently located at the Midland Workshops for the amount of $450,000 in the event of a Liberal Government being elected at the upcoming Federal Election.
This money is to go towards their preparations for the National Rally in 2011 and their upcoming need to relocate their premises in the near future.
The Club meets every Tuesday morning and restores old machinery to its original working condition.
Ken Wyatt said "The Machinery Preservation Club is a great community group that allows men to come together and work on projects that are historic treasures. Their 'Technology on the Move' aspirations and charter to take the 'Museum to the People' are great initiatives."
"This Club provides a similar service to the Men's Sheds in the fact that men come together to share stories, share skills and share experiences. I commend this initiative and wish to see it continue into the future."
Ken Wyatt said "lt is important that there are opportunities to preserve our history that involves members of our community. Men's health awareness is a very important issue for me and one that I advocate for."
"l look forward to their upcoming National Historical Machinery Association (NHMA) 13th National Rally in Fairbridge Village, which will be the Club's focus for next year. I encourage the community to get involved with the Club's exciting forthcoming project."
Ken Wyatt said "The Machinery Preservation Club not only provide a great historical service to the Hasluck electorate but also provides a place for men in the area to come together."
The National Historical Machinery Association (NHMA) 13th National Rally in Fairbridge Village takes place September 2-4,2011. More information can be found by visiting http://www.nhmafairbridge2011.info/ .
More information on Machinery Preservation Club can be found by visiting http://www.machinerypreservationclub.com.au .
For further comment please contact Ken Wyatt on 0417 913 311.