November was a month full of adventure, camaraderie, and memorable moments for our club. As we head into summer we look forward to longer days and sunny days. Perfect for getting out and enjoying our cars and our get togethers.
Canberra Adventure
We kicked things off in November with a large group of intrepid travellers heading off on a 10 day adventure to Canberra. Along the way, we detoured through the Snowy Mountains, where the Alpine Coaster at Thredbo gave us all a thrill and plenty of laughs. There was even some snow still on the hills up there. Canberra itself proved once again to be a fantastic city, with some truly amazing driving roads to enjoy. It was wonderful to have a friend from the NSW club join us for part of the trip, and equally special to catch up with our Canberra mate from E30 Racing. You can read more about the fun we had HERE.
Sandown Historic Racing & Calder E30 Round
While we were away in ACT, a group of our enthusiasts proudly represented the club with a display at Sandown Historic Racing. A big thank you to Simon Wilkins for picking up the banners and flags and flying the club colours while we were gone. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, our members were racing at Calder for the final round of E30 Racing. We managed to watch the races on Blend line TV and Jo provided lively commentary as we drove home through some spectacular roads, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Challenge Bathurst
As the month drew to a close, members travelled to Bathurst to take part in Challenge Bathurst. I’m proud to say we had entries joining our group from across the east coast and South Australia, and equally proud of the volunteers who gave up their time to help run this iconic event. Without officials and volunteers, none of these events would be possible, so thank you to each and every one of you. Especially since our medical issues prevented Jo and I heading up again. I was very disappointed not to be up there again this year. This is a fantastic event and about the only way any of us normal people can get to drive one of the best racetracks in the world, as fast as you like. For information on how to get on track at Bathurst feel free to chat to Jo or myself.
Midweek & Twilight Drives
With the weather warming up and the days growing longer, midweek drives returned to the calendar. A great group headed off to Lorne for a mid-week evening drive, enjoying fantastic cars, great company, and a beautiful night. Our final drive for the month was a Twilight Drive to Panton Hill, which sold out quickly and proved to be a huge success. These later drives are clearly becoming more popular, and we’ll look at adding more of them in the future as the weather warms up and the evenings get longer.
Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship
November wrapped up with Round 8 of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship. It was a pleasure to be out there supporting potential new racers, and I even had the chance to conduct a couple of OLTs (Observed Licence Tests) on the day.
A Personal Note
As I mentioned earlier, sadly, Jo and I were unable to attend Challenge Bathurst this year. Jo was rushed into hospital the week before with kidney stones and required emergency surgery. She has two more surgeries scheduled over the next month, so her journey isn’t over yet. Before heading to Canberra, I also discovered a lump in my throat, which was later diagnosed as cancer of the left tonsil. With this news, we had to make the difficult but necessary decision to put our health first. Knowing that Lawrence and the team were officiating at Bathurst gave us peace of mind that everything would be well looked after.
I have spent a few days at various hospitals over the last two weeks, having pan-endoscopy, biopsies, PET and CT scans and talking to specialists, next week we meet with them again to set the plan of attack to treat the cancer and move forward. Looking like Chemo and Radiology, so I might be out of action for a few weeks.
We are both determined to face these challenges head on, and while there may be times when we’re out of action, we’ll continue to support the club as much as we can. The strength of our community and the generosity of our volunteers remind us why this club is so special. Thank you all for your emails, calls and texts of support, it really is comforting to know we have so many friends in our corner.
Looking Ahead – December & Beyond
December brings a quieter schedule as we head into Christmas. Our annual Christmas Show & Shine at Cruden Farm is just around the corner, and we’d love to see as many members as possible there. Helpers are still needed, so please put your hand up if you can assist—it’s not too late to register and bring the whole family along.
We’ll finish the year with a relaxed Coffee & Chat (used to be called donuts!) night in Geelong, the perfect way to wind down after a busy season.
Events to Diary in 2026
Final Thoughts
As 2025 draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year it has been. From epic road trips to thrilling race days, BMW’s 1-2 at the Bathurst 12 Hour, from casual coffee catch ups to twilight drives, we’ve shared so many experiences that embody the spirit of our club.
Last but not least our fantastic BMW Clubs Australia Nationals that was one to remember.
I had hoped to finish the year with good health news, but life has given Jo and I another journey to navigate. Even so, we remain grateful—grateful for the support of our members, the dedication of our volunteers, and the friendships that make this club feel like family.
Please remember to check that your CPS registrations and membership renewals are paid up. With the silly season upon us, it’s easy to forget, and we’d hate for anyone to have their registration cancelled due to a missed payment. We are all volunteers and deserve some time off over Christmas, so if your Club Permit is coming due get it to us early rather than last minute for a signature as we may well be away over the break and you will then have to wait to get it signed.
Thank you all for being part of this wonderful community. Here’s to a joyful Christmas, a happy New Year, and an exciting 2026 ahead.
Graeme Bell | President
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
TBA
As a very busy October draws to a close, I’m proud to reflect on another action-packed month for our club. From winding roads to heartfelt fundraisers, we’ve shared some truly memorable experiences together.
Events Completed
We kicked off the month with our Twisty Roads Drive, a favourite among our driving enthusiasts. The October “Donut Replacement” Coffee Night brought members together for relaxed chats and mutual car admiration, followed a week later by a well-attended Members Meeting at Brighton BMW, where we shared updates and welcomed new faces.
Our Wonthaggi SES and Coal Mine visit, preceded by a scenic drive, was both educational and enjoyable—thank you to our hosts and all who joined. I for one could have spent a lot more time at the SES and the Coal Mine, both were very interesting, and we will have to go back again to both.
The AGM at the German Tivoli Club was a great opportunity to connect with our members and celebrate our shared passion. The Executive committee was re-elected, unchanged from last year. We also announced a new initiative where we are bringing on more people to help run the club. Whilst not official committee positions, each will have a job to do to help us run the club and share the load the Executive jointly carry. Positions like Dealer Liaison, Assistants in running events, marketing, and social media are all areas where we would love more people to help out. So, if you have some particular skills or areas of expertise and you’d like to help run our club, send us an email at info@bmwdcm.com.au and we’ll get you involved.
A special highlight of October was our Pink Ribbon Morning Tea at Black Rock House, where we raised over $2,000 through raffles and generous donations. Nearly everyone went home with a prize, and the spirit of giving was truly inspiring.
We also had members attend Superfest 2025 in NSW, representing our club with pride, and wrapped up the month with the Geelong Area Mid-Week Twilight Drive and Dinner, a perfect blend of driving and dining.
As I write this, we’re gearing up for our Week-Long Trip to Canberra, starting 31st October. It promises to be a fantastic journey filled with camaraderie, culture, and of course, plenty of driving.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars—November is just as exciting:
Save the Dates
Looking further ahead, don’t miss these key events:
A little about the Variety Stars on Track event. We have partnered with Variety Victoria to bring some fun and excitement to the kids and families of kids battling illness, by putting on passenger rides around Sandown. We will have a wide variety of cars on hand to take kids and their families for some hot laps around Sandown, all at no cost to them. The day is about bringing some fun back into the lives of families impacted by illness and maybe just for a day, forget about their troubles and have some fun.
We will need drivers and cars and lots of helpers for this event, so keep an eye on your emails and come and help us make the day a great success. All volunteers will need Working With Children checks so please update you officials details with this import and necessary addition and make sure BMWDCM is linked to your WWC registration via the WWC website.
Thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, and members who make all of our events possible. Your enthusiasm and support continue to shape our club into something truly special.
See you on the road,
What better way to spend a Wednesday evening now daylight saving is here than a scenic drive via a not-so-direct route to the Royal Hotel at Meredith. A lovely selection of cars from nearly old to nearly new and one which is not even nearly a BMW! A lovely meal served efficiently but with humour invoked many great chats and discussions. Were it not for the staff wanting to go home we may still be there! Great to see a couple of prospective new members come along and be made very welcome by the whole group.
We were lucky to enjoy a huge improvement in the weather after last week’s cancelled event.
The picturesque and very pleasant drive set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable night, followed by a delicious meal and, of course, the best part—sharing it all with such good company.
Looking forward to the next one!
Kind regards
Terry and Anne Lane #965 and #1112
A Morning of Hope and Generosity
On a beautiful morning at Ebden House, the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne community came together for a heartfelt cause—our annual Pink Ribbon Morning Tea in support of breast cancer awareness and research. The event was a resounding success, raising an incredible $2,000 so far, with donations still coming in.
Raffle Joy and Generous Spirits Guests were treated to a delightful spread of morning tea, surrounded by laughter, warmth, and a sea of pink. The raffle was a highlight, with a stunning array of prizes generously donated by our sponsors. From luxury hampers to automotive goodies, nearly every attendee went home with a smile—and a prize in hand!
Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Supporters We extend our deepest thanks to all our sponsors whose generosity made this event possible. Your contributions not only filled our prize table but also helped us create an atmosphere of celebration and community. To every attendee who donated, participated, and shared in the spirit of giving—thank you. Your kindness fuels the impact we can make together.
A Community United It was truly moving to see so many members, friends, and supporters gather in solidarity. Whether you baked, brewed, donated, decorated, or simply showed up with a smile, your presence made a difference. Special thanks to our volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.
We’re proud to stand together in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and look forward to continuing this tradition of compassion and connection.
Jo Mawson #2
What began as a misty morning at Caldermeade McDonald's quickly turned into a day full of laughter, learning, and scenic driving as BMW Drivers Club Melbourne members set off for a memorable journey to Wonthaggi.
Despite the drizzle, spirits were high and attendance was strong proof that a little rain can’t dampen the enthusiasm of our incredible community. As we hit the road, we were treated to the sight of countless bikes heading to Phillip Island for the MotoGP. While the spectacle was impressive, we were all quietly grateful to be cruising in our warm, dry cars!
Scenic Roads & SES Visit
The drive itself was nothing short of stunning—rolling hills, coastal glimpses, and winding roads that made every kilometre a joy. Our destination: the Wonthaggi State Emergency Service (SES), where we were welcomed with an informative and engaging presentation. The SES team shared insights into their operations, equipment, and community impact. We could’ve stayed for hours soaking it all in!
Lunch at the Coal Mine
Next stop: the historic Wonthaggi Coal Mine café for a delicious lunch that had everyone raving. The food was hearty and satisfying—perfect after a morning on the road. Some members ventured underground for the guided mine tour, while others explored the grounds and museum exhibits. Both options offered fascinating glimpses into Victoria’s industrial past and the lives of those who worked below the surface.
Missing Peter, Sending Love
We missed our dear Peter, Williams who’s currently recovering from knee surgery #2. He’s doing well, and we’re counting down the days until he’s back behind the wheel with us. The roads aren’t the same without him! He had, however, put together another stunning route combining scenery and entertaining driving.
Tourboss & Sunny Roads Home
A big thank you to everyone who used our Tourboss app—it kept us on track and made navigation a breeze. As the clouds cleared, we were treated to a glorious sunny afternoon and some of the best driving roads on the way home. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
To all who joined us—thank you for your smiles, your stories, and your company. Days like this remind us why we love what we do. Until the next adventure!
As part of the informative visit to the marvellous Wonthaggi SES we learnt about a subject dear to my heart, the computer tablet Crash Recovery System. This is a replacement for the paper based, " Airbag guide " more properly known as the Emergency Rescue Guide or Road Resecue Guide, which I supervised the compilation of for several years. Both these products guide the rescuers on how to safely deactivate the vehicle (including the high voltage batteries on hybrid and electric vehicles) and avoid cutting into the airbag detonators, and more. Detailed information on each and every car model. This used to be updated every 6 months with a print run costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, one thick book per rescue truck across Australia. Now, updated daily at no extra cost and much quicker to search.
Lawrence Glynn #3
What a fantastic evening we had at Brighton BMW! With over 70 members in attendance, the showroom was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable hum of shared passion—for cars, community, and connection.
From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this was going to be a special night. Stunning BMWs lined the space, each one a conversation starter and a testament to the brand we all love. Members mingled over delicious food and drinks, catching up with old friends and warmly welcoming new faces into the fold.
Welcome to Our New Members!
One of the highlights of the evening was signing up a brand-new member right there on the spot—what a way to kick off their BMWDCM journey! We also had the pleasure of meeting several other new members who joined us for the first time. Your enthusiasm and smiles were contagious, and we’re thrilled to have you with us. We can’t wait to see you out and about at future events!
Friendship, Food & Fabulous Cars
It wasn’t just about the cars (though they were spectacular)—it was about the people. The conversations flowed easily, the laughter echoed through the showroom, and the sense of belonging was unmistakable. Nights like these remind us why our club is so special: it’s not just a place to share our love of BMWs, it’s a place to build lasting friendships.
A Huge Thank You to Brighton BMW
We’re incredibly grateful to the staff and management at Brighton BMW who stayed back after hours to make this event possible. Your generosity and hospitality helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made everyone feel right at home. Thank you for going above and beyond!
To all who attended—thank you for making the night so memorable. Your presence, positivity, and passion are what keep our club thriving. Here’s to many more nights like this—filled with great cars, great company, and great memories. See you on the road soon!
So much to see with all the beautiful BMWs on the floor and Mini and Motorrad upstairs, something for everyone indeed.
Great meeting some new members joining us and catching up with lots of regulars as well.
Make sure if you are in the area looking for a new BMW or get your car serviced here that you mention you are a DCM member. Always good to let our club sponsors know you are a member and say thank you for supporting the club.
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