President's Report December 2025
16th December 2025
By Michelle Jackson
Hello everyone
A fantastic turnout for our annual Christmas party with over 140 attending. We had so many volunteers who helped out on the day, a big thank you to those that made the party extra special.
The members provided a delicious buffet of potato bakes, salads and desserts, which complimented the Ham and Chicken, so thanks to all who contributed in making this party such a success.
We were honoured to have our co-founder Ron Quickenden attend with his daughters, on this special 50th year and Ron presented the Quickenden award that has been his legacy.
This is awarded to a long term member of the club who has consistently given to the club over the years. We had many nominations, this year's award was presented to our longest serving and one of our hardest working members over the years, Bernie Malone.
Bernie has led many 100's if not 1000's walks over his years in the club, many off track walks, Mt Barney and surrounds being a favorite and day walks, as well as Safety & Training days and knot classes, he was also a past secretary, very well deserved and congratulations to Bernie, he was very surprised and delighted to get his award.
We also presented a life membership to Maureen Fels, who has been a long serving committee member as a secretary and treasurer for 18 years. Maureen also puts on bike rides and bike camps, so very well deserved to Maureen, she always has the club's best interests at heart and always contributes to make the club such a special one.
A fantastic display of photos were submitted for the photo comp and it was a hard decision but the winners were:
All about the light- 1st Broughann Macklin, 2nd Dean Trezise
Bushies being bushies- 1st Robin Baker, 2nd Bob Fairless
Scenery - 1st Bob Fairless 2nd Lucy Nagle
Rainforest Magic 1st Laura Ryan 2nd Chantelle Howse
Wildlife- 1st Jane Thomas, 2nd Katherine Campbell
Birds - 1st Elwyn Butler, 2nd Katherine Campbell.
We presented OBEs, over 80yr old , some were away so they will be awarded at the next general meeting or we will post, and this year we also awarded OBN,s over 90 yr old, still active members getting involved. Such an inspiration.
Our next year's general meetings will start at 7.00 pm so please arrive by 6.45. We have an interesting presentation at the February meeting from Anna Bransden on the Dolomites, so come and enjoy.
Our New members walks start in January and we will try for every month. This is a welcoming and information activity for new members, although all members welcome.
Thanks to Linda and our leaders for getting behind this new initiative.
A big thanks to all our leaders and coordinators and committee members who consistently give to make our club the success it is. We have so many new members joining every month, which is wonderful to see.
I'd like to wish all our members and their families a Happy and Safe Christmas.
Best Wishes
Michelle Jackson
President.