As we begin a new year, I want to thank all our members for their continued enthusiasm, support, and commitment to our club. January has been a busy month, filled with both wonderful events and a few challenges along the way.
Unfortunately, our Twilight Drive scheduled for 16 January had to be cancelled due to the bushfires affecting the region. The safety of our members and recuse teams always comes first, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding.
We were also delighted to have a great turnout at the AOMC Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm on 18 January. The event was very well attended and enjoyed by all who participated. Thank you to Lawrence and the rest of the attendees for making this such a fantastic event.
We were pleased to see such strong attendance at the Australia Day Eve Drive to Marysville on 25 January. Feedback from those who participated has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s fantastic to see our community starting the year with such energy and connection.
Jo and I were unable to attend the January events due to my ongoing cancer treatment. For those who have reached out to ask how I am going, it has been a tough few weeks and the treatment is certainly taking its toll. We are taking things one day at a time. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has respected our privacy and offered quiet support—it means more than you know.
I also need to share that, sadly, the F1 AGP Display will not be going ahead for our club this year. The AGPC have taken a different direction for 2026, and we were not selected. While disappointing, we remain proud of the strong presence our club has built over the years, and we will continue to pursue opportunities that showcase our members and their cars.
February is shaping up to be an exciting month with a full calendar of events, including:
I am honoured to be receiving an award at the Motorsport Australia ceremony, and it is wonderful to see that we have nearly sold out our ticket allocation for the night. Your support is truly appreciated.
Our merchandise continues to sell well through our online store, and membership is growing steadily each month, something we are extremely proud of. The strength of our club comes from its people, and it is heartening to see our community expanding with passionate, engaged members.
We would like to welcome on board Julie Ahern as our new Dealer Liaison who will be helping Jo out who normally covers this roll. Any other sponsors who would like a visit from Julie please email her on dealerliaison@bmwdcm.com.au and I am sure she will be happy to drop in when she is in your area.
Also we have Kilian Treacy on board as one of our welfare team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our members happy and cared for. Welcome Kilian.
Thank you all for your ongoing support, kindness, and understanding. I look forward to seeing many of you at our February events and to another successful year for BMW Drivers Club Melbourne.
Warmest regards,
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
We got in early with our Australia Day drive this year by having it the day before! This freed our members up for other activities on the Day and avoided some of the traffic, giving us a fairly clear run along some of the fabulous roads Peter Williams had selected for us.
With ample time between meet and departure times there was plenty of opportunity for groups fto form and chat before we split into two groups, one leisurely and the other, well, not so leisurely.
Scenic, as always and with a great balance of twists and turns, rise and falls but fast or easy as you choose. Fortunately our route was not affected by bush fires past or present but, attractive as the landscape is, the bush fire potential was painfully obvious and smoke did obscure some of the views in the distance.
The other major component of a successful drive, great company, was definitely enjoyed, at the half way stop at Warburton and especially after the drive sitting around having a coffee or a drink before dinner, and during dinner as well.
It was great to have time to have extended conversations and make a few new friends, particularly for those on their first drive with us who were extended an inclusive welcome by our wonderful members.
Some of us stayed overnight and enjoyed a bit more of Marysville on the Monday.
Altogether a brilliant weekend.
Lawrence Glynn #3
We are very pleased to welcome Julie Ahern into the Committee Support role of Dealer Liaison.
Julie is a highly experienced marketing and advertising professional who has spent many years running her own successful marketing agency. With a strong background in marketing strategy, promotions and client management, Julie prides herself on outstanding customer service skills.
A proud BMW X1 owner, Julie is excited to combine her passion for the BMW brand with her professional strengths as she steps into the Dealer Liaison role. She is genuinely looking forward to building relationships and ensuring that every dealer enjoys and exceptional experience.
The Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm delivered a memorable day of camaraderie, colour, and chrome, beginning well before engines ever reached the paddocks. Our morning kicked off with a swift rendeavour at the local Hungry Jacks, where caffeine flowed freely and Lawrence set the tone with a clear and enthusiastic briefing on our display plans for the day. With bellies full and expectations high, the group was ready to roll.
Departing in an orderly fashion, we made our way towards Cruden Farm, anticipation building with every kilometre. Entry was made via a long and winding track that felt like a ceremonial approach rather than a driveway. It was the perfect prelude to what awaited us. Upon arrival, vehicles were parked in precise formation, transforming our allocated space into a cohesive and eye-catching exhibit. Club flags were raised, individual vehicle posters positioned, and our BMWs proudly stood shoulder to shoulder, gleaming in the summer light.
Surrounding us was an extraordinary cross-section of motoring history and passion. From the unmistakable presence of Singer, Jensen Interceptor, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, and Bentley, to the character and charm of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Rover, and Austin Healey, the variety was immense. German engineering sat comfortably alongside Ford, Holden, Mercedes, Volkswagen, custom builds, vintage vehicles, and countless other marques, each telling its own story.
The Festival of Motoring once again proved why it holds a special place on the calendar, not just as a car show, but as a celebration of the people, friendships, and shared pride that make the automotive community thrive and support the Redkite Charity supporting families facing childhood cancer.
Michael Mimmo #515
As we close out another remarkable year at BMW Drivers Club Melbourne, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful spirit, generosity, and camaraderie that define our community.
We, personally, have had some challenges the last year and it is our friends and family in this community that keep stepping up to help when needed and offering the support we all need from time to time. For all of you that have called or messaged or dropped in to see how we are, you have no idea how great that feels. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. It reaffirms how wonderful our club is, and you are all a part of it.
December brought us one of the most enjoyable events of the year – our Christmas Show & Shine and family picnic on the 7th. We were treated to a fantastic turnout, with an impressive array of cars gleaming in the sunshine and creating a display that truly showcased the pride and passion of our members. Even more importantly, together we raised a much needed $1350 for Prostate Cancer Research, a cause close to many hearts.
The atmosphere on the day was simply brilliant. Nearly everyone walked away with a prize from this year’s raffle, and the smiles, laughter, and festive cheer made it a day to remember. My heartfelt thanks go to every volunteer who helped the event run so smoothly. Your time, effort, and willingness to pitch in are what make days like this possible.
As we head into the New Year, Jo and I want to wish each of you a very happy and safe New Year. We look forward to seeing you all soon, though it may be a little later than usual for us. My treatment for throat cancer begins on the 5th of January, so for the first few months of the year we may not be as present at events as we would like. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and we will be around whenever we can.
For those with CPS vehicles, please remember that while Jo and I may be less available in person, renewals will continue as normal. You can renew via email, download and complete (but do not sign!) the Club Endorsement Form and email to cpsrenewals@bmwdcm.com.au , or, if electronic is a challenge post the CPS renewal form as received from VicRoads along with a stamped self-addressed envelope to 11 Jean Place, Grovedale, VIC 3216 and we will ensure they are processed promptly.
A sincere thank you to our generous sponsors throughout 2025. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 as we continue building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive club community.
Our online merchandise stocks are fully up to date, so if you’re looking for new items over the break, feel free to place an order through our online store. We’ll have your items posted out as quickly as possible.
As many of you enjoy some well‑earned downtime with family and friends, please take care on the roads and drive safely. For those who continue working through the holiday period, thank you for keeping the wheels turning – quite literally.
Thank you all for your friendship, your enthusiasm, and your unwavering support throughout the year. Being part of this club is a privilege, and Jo and I are grateful for each and every one of you.
Take care, enjoy the break, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026.
Many Thanks to Lawrence for organising tonights Coffee & Chat in Geelong. A great group of Enthusiasts. Lots of discussion, most of it car orientated. And several very interesting cars to look at.
Reinhold Schutz #701
Absolutely perfect day for our end of year Show and Shine and Xmas get together.Sun is shining, lots of cars and people coming in to share in the day.
Winners of the Show and Shine were : Under 120,000 kms Paul Caruso 1982 BMW E21 Alipna C1 2.3 Over 120,000 kms Simon Wilkins 2001 BMW E39 5 Series Non-BMW Matthew White 1935 Singer Bantan Special People's Choice award Matt Kenny BMW 840 Ci Our thanks to the Show and Shine Jdges Igor Kay, Luke Devlin, Jess Palmer, Daniel Roberts, Steve Garth, Russell Eastaway.
Thank you for another wonderful year of our amazing club. Look forward to seeing you again in 2026.
As part of BMW's "Neue Klasse" (New Class) step change in its product portfolio they have introduced a new BMW "Roundel" logo.
You have too look hard to tell the differences but the main change is to strip out the "chrome", which is line with the overall design language which is cleaner and uses much less fussy detail.
The badge differs from the logo used in letterheads, media etc.
You can read the history of the logo here and, no, it never was a propeller!
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. Read the report here.
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. But here is what happened.
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.
Don't be put off by the hints of rain in the above photograph. Thanks to the vagaries of Victoria's weather our drive was rain free, although some roads were damp and best treated with caution.
We did not totally escape the ironies of life as the start point Peter had changed us to, in order to avoid the crowds at the original location which failed to materialise, turned out to be very crowded thanks to an unforseen market/fair. However, we all made it out in a reasonably tight group.
The first leg took us to Yarra Glen along pleasant and interesting roads, as expected from a Peter Williams drive.
We had short "comfort" stop which seemed to include a fair bit of chat before the second leg to the Panton Hill Hotel. This leg included some more challenging, but still open enough, roads the best of which were along the slightly greasy Buttermans Track. Thanks to our use of the TourBoss app and radios, no one was pressured to go faster than was comfortable in a vain attempt to keep up.
The pub was very busy (always is apparently which is a good sign) but we had a deck all to ourselves so no shortage of space. The good was excellent and the company even better.
And, yes, the rain did catch up with us but only after a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
© 2025 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc. All Rights Reserved.
