AUSWIDE MOTORHOME CLUB - Inc.
The Club was formed in late March, 1999 after a long deliberation by a number of motorhomers from several states. They were united in their desire to form a Club, which was completely accountable to its membership
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The Club is a "no frills" organisation - all committee members, at National and Branch levels, are volunteers who are reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in their duties.
The inaugural meeting attracted just over 100 people. The Club doubled its membership in the first two months of operation, and by the end of the first year had more than quadrupled its membership. All this with no advertising, other than by word of mouth.!
There are branches in Queensland, N.S.W.,Vic, Tas, with members in all States & ACT.
The Club structure is for all members to belong to a branch, and the branches decide changes to Policy, Rules, Code of Conduct etc. for resolution by National Committee.
Should that body not resolve an issue to the satisfaction of the membership, the matter would go to a general meeting for decision.
The Club magazine "The Grapevine" is at present published bi-monthly with a newsletter to each branch President & Secretary in the alternate months. The magazine is a vehicle for entertainment & communication - it does not publish items which should be dealt with by the branches, The National Committee or a general meeting as applicable.
The way to join is similar to that of many other clubs. Interested people are welcome to come to any branch gathering and, if they think it might suit them, discuss with the branch members & committee about joining.
There is currently no joining fee - but membership fees will increase from $24 to $30 on 1st April 2008 for couples - and $15 to $20 singles. Joining between 1st October & 31st March pay $15 couple and $10 single.
The Club does not have an insurance scheme of its own, but competitive insurance for motorhomes, campervans & all other vehicles is available for Auswide members & others at- OAMPS Insurance Brokers, P.O.Box 565, Warragul Vic. 3820
For general insurance enquiries and quotes, please contact:-
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Club has a policy of being seen by the wider community as a group of motorhomers who are prepared & willing to pay their own way. The practice of 'free- loading' by always stating the name of a motorhome club & requesting a discount has, in many cases brought motorhomers into disrepute. TO BE FREELY OFFERED AND AVAIL YOURSELF OF, A DISCOUNT, IS OF COURSE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MATTER.
The club's policy in regard to "freebies" is as follows. Many of our fraternity prefer to overnight in other than caravan parks or other tourist areas. The location of 'freebies' should not be publicised in writing since this frequently results in their closure. Discreet word of mouth is the preferred method of passing such information. Club members should also respect the rights of operators of caravan parks & other tourist facilities, and not bring disrepute to our group by their actions.
Where pets (including dogs) are permitted by the owners or controlling authority of the venue being used, the club has no objection to their attendance, PROVIDED THAT,
- owners take full responsibility for their behaviour. This includes:-
- Dogs to be kept under strict control & on a lead in all public areas.
- Owners to pick up & properly dispose of all faeces.
- ALL pets are prohibited at formal meetings, happy hours, communal meals or where food or drink is being prepared, served or consumed.
The club does not want to discriminate, but wishes to respect the requirements of all members. The Club thanks you for your cooperation in all these matters.
Auswide National Secretary is Jeff Bishop - 1300 13 12 14
New South Wales State Representative - Jim Marshall (02) 6281 5531