Oktoberfest - the famous Bavarian public festival which started as public celebrations of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen October 12, 1810.
Over time this has morphed into 2 week fairground event attracting over 7 million visitors who collectively get through over 7 million litres of Bavarian beer served in "tents" - now permanaent structures seating over 1,000 each!
Sadly we can not replicate that in Australia but we can mimic the food, the drink and the fun!
The Beaumaris Motor Yatch Squadron facilities provide a fine view out over the Bay and a great venue for a Bavarian style celebration, which we greatly enjoyed.
Dressing up is almost mandatory, a lot of fun, and a great way to pretend to be in Munich at party time!
Lawrence Glynn #3
Photos Graeme Bell and Rosslyn Watts
What an incredible day! We’re still buzzing from our Breast Cancer Fundraiser, and honestly, we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity, support and enthusiasm shown by our amazing BMWDCM community.
Everyone who came enjoyed a lovely 10 course "high tea stylle" brunch in a wonderful friendly fun atmosphere.
From everyone who came along, bought raffle tickets, bid in the silent auction or helped make the day happen — THANK YOU!
We’re still working through the final numbers (because you all exceeded our expectations!), but at least $3,000 including an amazing $600 raised by auctioning off a fabulous professional pressure washer generously donated by Wurth.
Our supporters donated a large range of excellent prizes to raffle off.
Photos Graeme Bell #1
You would think being the son of a two times World Champion F1 driver would mean an automtioc route into the F1 world and at least a good chance of a drive. Not so
Damon Hill did become a World Champion in F1 in 1996, becoming the first father-son duo to be F1 World Champions (Keke and Nico Rosberg being the only other one to date), but he only started in F1 at the age of 32, the age when most drivers are retiring now! He talked about his time with his famous father and the group of his father's F1 racer friends - a very different paddock atmosphere in the '60s and '70s to today. His father died when he was just 15, somewhat ironically for the era in a plane crash, not a race car.
His main passion was motorcycles which he raced succesfuilly whilst working as a builder's labour and despatch rider. His mother persuaded him to move in racing cars as she thought this was safer.
He struggled to make progress through the ranks, and struggled even more to secure finance. But, he made it, racing alongside the famous names of Prost and Senna. Damon had quite a bit to say about both of them, very different characters from each other. I got the impression that Damon did not quite see himself on the same level as either of them despite having matched their records of starting all 16 Grand Prix in a season from the front row. The death at the wheel of Senna whilst Hill's teammate clearly still weighs on him, but his insight into what may have gone wrong (we may never know for sure) was fascinating.
He also talked about the psychological toll inflicted by nearly but not quite winning the 1994 season and how that detracted from his performance in 1995. This is not something we think about much but clearly all athletes (and F1 drivers are athlete) need a sound mind as much as a sound body.
Perhaps understandably, Damon was less complimentary about the man who "stole" his 1994 championship in controversial circumsatnces - one Michael Schumacher.
Overall it was a fantastic night which ran well over schedule but still finsihed too soon, with some wonderful insights into the rarefied world of F1 both as team hanger-on-er, a driver and finally a commentator and pundit.
Whilst our club proudly has BMW in its name, we are a club for car enthusiasts. Obviously we favour BMWs but any car someone is enthusiastic about is OK with us. To celebrate that we occasionally hold events such as this one, to share the joy whatever else our members have.
Despite that being the whole point of this coffee and cars style event (turn up any time, leave any time) the weather (which not good but improved) seems to have put quite a few of the "others" off. BMWs, however, turned up, perhaps being made of more weather resitant materials?
Nonetheless, we had a very pleasant morning, always things to lok at and talk about. Perhaps the highlight was a coincidental reunion of a former owner with a car sold many years ago.
Lawrence Glynn #3 Photos Lawrence Glynn and Simon Wilkins
These are the most informal but so worthwhile evenings, they have an ultra relaxed format under shelter (if raining) currently at McDonald's Geelong Bypass Northbound (55-95 Kulina Drive Loverly Banks Vic 3221).
7:30 pm is the start time and the venue caters for those who may wish to get a coffee / drink or food.
Cars (usually BMWs) are always a good place to start conversations but many other topics of interest from local matters to world events evolve so everyone will feel included. These gatherings have a feel of welcoming all and are great ways of asking about cars in all aspects and getting good advice. You may also be the one who knows something and assists another club member over an issue they may be having difficulties with. The venue and gathering make possible communication not available on day ventures while driving.
No pressure to stay all night, members become friends at these gathering which is a major bonus, people come and go to suit their needs.
These gatherings are how club camaraderie, or Zusammengehörigkeitsgefühl, is generated.
Peter Kelly #57 Photos Reinhold Schutz #701
September has been a magnificent month for BMWDCM. With spring finally here, the weather has been perfect for driving, socialising, and enjoying everything we love about our club. The sunshine certainly brought out the best in our members, and their cars, and it has been one of the most enjoyable months we’ve had in a long time.
9 September – Melbourne Coffee & Chat at Shannons
We kicked off the month with our first Coffee & Chat at Shannons, and what a brilliant start it was. The turnout was fantastic, with an impressive range of cars on display. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and full of great conversation. It was wonderful catching up with so many members and seeing Shannons filled with BMWs and smiling faces.
13 September – Private Tour of the Dowell Museum
This was a real highlight. The private tour of the Dowell Museum was simply amazing, a stunning display of cars that left everyone in awe. I’m very glad I didn’t miss this one. We had a terrific turnout, enjoyed a delicious lunch afterwards, and finished the day with another beautiful drive home. A perfect Sunday with perfect company.
19 September – Südschleife Gippsland Weekend Tour https://www.bmwdcm.com.au/news/13716900
Our short weekend away was nothing short of spectacular. Over 30 cars joined us for the Südschleife (South Loop) Gippsland Tour, and the weather could not have been better. The roads were sensational, the scenery breathtaking, and the company outstanding. I must say, this was possibly the best weekend away we’ve had in a very long time. The accommodation was first class, and the entire event ran like clockwork. A huge thank you to Peter and Jo for organising another flawless tour, arranged to absolute perfection.
23 September – Variety Grand Final Charity Auction Lunch https://www.bmwdcm.com.au/news/13718402
Jo and I were invited to represent the Club at the Palladium at Crown at the Variety Grand Final Charity Lunch and Auction. What a wonderful event, raising over half a million dollars for the children Variety supports. We, of course, support Variety with our Stars on Track event each year and we also donated some of the auction items for this event. We were very humbled to be seated on a table with a few celebrities and dignitaries, right in the front row centre of the room. Have a look at the blog for the photos and story. We had a fantastic time and hope to go back again next year. We may even look at having a Club table at the event next year, if there is enough interest from members.
30 September – Geelong Coffee & Chat
We wrapped up the month with our ever‑popular Coffee & Chat in Geelong. This event has become a real favourite, always well attended and always full of friendly faces. It’s wonderful to see our Geelong members, and those who travel down, enjoying these relaxed evenings.
Looking Ahead to October
October is shaping up to be just as exciting, with a fantastic lineup of events:
3-4 October – E30 Racing at Phillip Is
A few of our members will be racing at Phillip Is for the last round of the E30 Racing Championship with the Vic State Race Series, if you are at a loss for something to do, go down to the Island and watch some great racing and support our E30 friends and members.
4 October – “What Else Is in Your Garage?”
This event looks like it will be very well attended. It’s always fun to see what other treasures our members have tucked away at home, not just BMWs! Sadly, we will be away, so won’t be able to attend this one. I love seeing what treasures our members have tucked away.
5 October – An Evening with Damon Hill
A special night with a motorsport legend. This will be a memorable evening for all motorsport fans. (SOLD OUT)
18 October – Pink Ribbon Brunch (SOLD OUT!)
This event is completely sold out, and Jo and the team have done an incredible job collecting raffle prizes. It will be one of our best fundraising events yet, and I’m pretty sure everyone will walk away with something from the raffle. Don’t forget our Silent Auction Item, an amazing pressure washer kit, worth over $1000, donated by Würth Australia. Bids are open until the 17th, so don’t miss out on this amazing item. You might have to fight me for this one, it truly is an amazing, professional level machine. Thank you so much to Wurth Australia and all the businesses that have made donations, we are so lucky to have such wonderful sponsors and supporters of the Club.
25 October – Oktoberfest at Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron
Always a favourite, great food, great cars, and all things German. A fun, relaxed day by the water. This is becoming a favourite place for some of our meetings and being Spring now I am sure it will be a wonderful day out, can’t wait to get the lederhosen’s out and have some fun.
Club Updates
Jo and I took a week off to explore the Red Centre, which was absolutely amazing. If you haven’t been to Ayers Rock, it is the perfect time with all the wild flowers out and everything so green with all the rain they have had this year. We’ll be away again at the start of October, first week in KL for the F1, then we rush back for the Damon Hill night and then hook the caravan up to the X5 and straight off to Bathurst to officiate at the Bathurst 1000.
Membership numbers are steady, welcome to all the new members, merchandise is selling extremely well, and there are some great bargains in the store, so make sure you check it out.
Our welfare team continues to work hard behind the scenes, supporting members quietly and compassionately. Always remember, we are one big family, if you are doing it tough and need anything, reach out, we are here for you all.
All is well in our Club, everything BMW and everything community. We have some truly great events coming up, and I encourage you all to get involved. We have such a variety of events, there is sure to be something to interest everyone.
Upcoming Events
September has been a month full of great driving, great company, and great memories. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, organised, and supported our events. Your enthusiasm is what makes BMWDCM the incredible club it is.
CPS renewals requiring signing in person must be done by appointment, so please don’t just turn up, remember, we are all volunteers and we’re not always at the office when you think we might be, especially the next few weeks! We won’t be there at all. Before heading down, just give us a quick call so we can make sure someone is available to help you.
You can also complete CPS renewals online, which is often much easier and quicker. Many members find this the most convenient option, especially during busy periods. Head to the web site for all the information on how to renew.
We’re here to help — just reach out and we’ll make the process as smooth as possible.
I look forward to seeing you all at our October events, spring is here, the weather is perfect, and there’s plenty more fun ahead.
Stay safe, enjoy your driving, and see you out on the road.
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
PO Box 81, Tyabb VIC 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council Motorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club
A Day of Heart, Hope and Community
Being guests at the Variety Grand Final Lunch was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, the room was buzzing with energy, a powerful mix of generosity, excitement, and genuine community spirit. It was clear we were part of something truly special.
The food was exceptional, the atmosphere electric, and the raffles were nothing short of fantastic. Every prize announced brought a wave of cheers across the room, and the sense of shared purpose was unmistakable. For us, one of the proudest moments was seeing the four items donated by BMW Drivers Club Melbourne attract strong bids. Watching people enthusiastically support our contributions, knowing those funds would directly help families in need, was incredibly humbling.
But the most moving part of the day came from the stories. Hearing football legends and families speak so openly about how Variety has impacted their lives was deeply touching. They shared how essential equipment, funded through Variety grants, has transformed their day‑to‑day living, giving their children independence, comfort, and opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have. These stories weren’t just inspiring; they were reminders of why events like this matter.
This is exactly why BMWDCM is so passionate about running our Variety Stars on Track event each April. Seeing firsthand how much these funds mean to families reinforces our commitment to making our event bigger, better, and even more impactful next year. Our goal is simple: raise more money, support more families, and help more sick and disabled children live fuller, more normal lives.
Walking away from the Grand Final Lunch, we felt proud, humbled, and energised. Proud to stand beside such an incredible charity. Humbled by the strength and resilience of the families we met. And energised to continue doing what we do best, bringing our community together to make a real difference.
BMWDCM is honoured to support Variety, and we look forward to building on this partnership for many years to come. Together, we can help create brighter futures, one event, and one child, at a time.
Jo Mawon
Vice President #2
BMW drives on the south loop - a reference to the famous North loop, and less famous South loop, at the Nurburgring race track.
I mean, what can I say, this was nothing short of a perfect weekend and certainly the longest tour yet I’ve done with the F22.
The journey to our morning tea stop in Mirboo North was where the magic began with twisting roads and great scenery to provide a taste of what was to come, once there it was a good opportunity to have a wee stroll and enjoy the morning sunshine before moving onto the next leg of the journey. Wherein we encountered our only real traffic frustration in the form of a slow-moving tractor, but that was soon forgotten when we came to an impromptu stop at a lookout on Mount Tassie. Sun shining, clear blue sky, gentle breeze, just exquisite.
Back on the road, we shimmied on through some more brilliant scenery and roads to our lunch stop at Port Albert where we enjoyed some lovely meals by the sea, although the wind seemed determined to blow it away! Continuing on, our next stop was Agnes Falls and I suspect what happened is that Agnes fell in love with the breathtaking scenery there, as the water cascaded further and further down into the valley. Day 1 ended with a drive to our overnight stop at the RACV Inverloch resort, complete with pre-dinner drinks as well as plenty of laughter and chatter over tasty set-menu meals.
Day 2 saw yet more fantastic roads, interspersed with my terrible Pierce Brosnan-like rendition of ABBA’s SOS, to our fi rst stop at a beach in Walkerville North. The weather was once again perfect with a clear blue sky and a nice gentle breeze to accompany it (another day in the office as Ros put it). Must say, I’m incredibly jealous of the people living in the house just above the beach, what a view that would be to wake up to every morning. Following on from that, we made our way over to the small town of Fish Creek for a brief cuppa stop before making our way back into Mirboo North for lunch during which we were presented with an objet d’art of a French toast-cake that Jo had ordered. It was quite the thing to behold.
Afterwards, we embarked upon the final leg of our journey, which was like a parting gift to all of us with yet more fantastic scenery and great roads that took us there. Before long though, we entered our fi nal stop of Drouin where we all said our goodbyes and parted ways back to our homes. What an extraordinary weekend it was, one that I’ll never forget as long as I live. I still cannot express enough how thankful I am to Jo, Graeme and Perfect Purple Peter for organising such an incredible event and for them and all of the other wonderful people who came along that made it such an unforgettable experience. I thoroughly look forward to joining in on many more like this in the future!
Brayden Burnett #1044
The Dowel Museum is a private museum which rivals or beats many commerical museums. Whilst in transition to being open to the public we were asked to not share publicly any photos we took inside.
But, as you can see from the supplied photo the displays are neatly arranged in mostly date order with interpretive signs for each car. What a welcome change from many other museums I have been to. The range of vehicles is extensive yet we were told there are more which will be housed in an additional space soon.
To get things started we were treated to a brief hsitory of the Dowel family and some of the antics of the members when they were younger. Highly entertaining and in stark contrast to the disciplined museum!
Our substantial turnout (some of the member's cars shown above) were left to explore the display at our leisure with various staff members always close at hand should a question arise. Most enjoyable it was too.
The visit was closed off with an excellent lunch at a near-by pub, another hidden gem, with more than sufficient time to catch up with other members before departing for home.
Life does not have to be super organised all the time so a simple get together with friends is sometimes exactly what one needs.
Taking the popular "coffee and cars" format indoors gave us all chance to see, admire and comment on each others cars and have casual chats and conversations - whether about cars or otherwise.
As an added bonus we got to use Shannon's "photo booth" for those who wanted a nice photo or two of their car with no distracting background.
This certainly makes the cars "pop" out in the photo, very effective.
Many thanks to Shannons for the use of their facilities, their coffee machine and their staff who helped make the evening a great success.
A terrific evening we will, by popular demand, repeat.
© 2025 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc. All Rights Reserved.
