AFTER 18 years at the helm of Motorcycling Victoria, Mr Darryl Hiddle, stepped down as president of the State Controlling Body for motorcycle sport at its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday night, April 10.
Addressing a large contingent of MV Delegates and Life Members at the Newport-Braybrook Motorcycle Club in Spotswood, Mr Hiddle thanked the retiring Board members for their efforts during the past year, praised MV’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Weiss, for his strong leadership, and thanked the MV staff, both at Port Melbourne and at Broadford, including the sport’s tireless volunteers that have made motorcycle sport as strong as it is in Victoria.
“Thanks for my 47 years with Motorcycling Victoria,” Darryl said. “I remember in 1973 the net-worth of MV (then the Auto Cycle Union of Victoria) was some $8,000 in the bank, without an office, and no land holdings. Now it is bordering on $7.6 million in assets – so keep up the good work,” Darryl added.
Darryl has served three terms as MV president: 1984-85, then in 1989-92, and 2000-2013.
“I started riding an old paratrooper motorcycle and have been involved in the sport ever since. I became involved in MV in 1966 the delegate from my own club was sick and couldn’t go to the General Meeting so I went along to have a look and the rest is history,” Darryl remarked.
Reflecting on his time at Motorcycling Victoria, Darryl considers purchasing Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sports Complex in 1973, as one of his most memorable moments: “It’s a unique facility. It has all the tracks there in the one location. I don’t think there is a motorcycling facility like this anywhere in the world,” Darryl added.
“Most recently, it’s been great to see changes to Board sitting times; changing from night-time to daytime sittings has certainly helped. The move to the office in Port Melbourne and Andrew coming on-board has certainly benefited MV.
“Victoria has always been an easy state to work for or with. I think we do it right, I think we’ve got it right. I like Victoria, and I like the Broadford property that’s right in the heartland of the state,” Darryl continued.
“You only have to look at our balance sheet to see what we’ve achieved in 40 years, which is a fair bit. I’m very happy and was also really pleased to see so many people come along (at the AGM), as well as the MV staff.”
Darryl was also awarded Patron of Motorcycling Victoria at the AGM. “It was an honour,” Darryl added.
“I’ll still be involved in the sport – there’s a lot of work to be done at Broadford and with track inspections.
“I’d also like to thank my family for putting up with the interruptions that meetings can cause, like missing birthdays. Being at countless meetings does interrupt your private life. I’ve still got a bit a go in me – I’m finally going to learn the base guitar and do a bit of pistol shooting.
“I wish all the best to Rob (Mestrom) in his new role as MV president and I wish all the new and old Board members a great 2013. I certainly hope Motorcycling Victoria moves upwards and forwards and becomes bigger and better,” Darryl said.
Other outgoing Board members for 2012 were Kevin Williams and Neil Bowen. Gavin Cosway (Sandringham MC), Julianne Randell (Race Marshals Victoria) and Darren Sciberras (Preston MCC) are the new 2013 Board members.
“I would personally like to thank the members of the 2012 MV Board, and the Committees and volunteers who put in so much countless and thankless hours – you are the very soul of MV and it is what keeps us ticking,” MV’s CEO Andrew Weiss said.
“I would also like to personally thank Darryl for his incredible dedication and passion for motorcycle sport. He is stepping down as president after 13 consecutive years and is heading for a well-earned break. While he admits himself that he is not ‘everyone’s cup of tea’, no-one can argue about his commitment to the cause,” Andrew added.
“His heart beats motorcycling and it beats Motorcycling Victoria.”