Meeting Minutes

               Minutes of the General Meeting on November 4 2025

Meeting Opened:
Attendance: Peter Cassar, Trish Cassar, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, Dennis Elford, John Wooster, Jim Florence, Gary Catt, Dick Dwyer, John Penkaitis. Brenda Christiansen,
Melvyn Gillott, KeithJay
Apologies: Wayne & Kathy Beckenham
Previous Minutes Accepted
Proposed Richard Dwyer Seconded Trish Cassar Accepted
Business Arising from the Previous Minutes
● Dawn Chamberlain has obtained a quote for SBUG embroidered caps from Custom Clothing. The cost would be $18 each based on a volume of 30-50 caps. Six members expressed an interest in their purchase. Any members wishing to purchase one please contact the secretary . Note we would require a minimum of 30 orders to proceed.
● We have received positive feedback replies registering our requests for road works from Shoalhaven Council and Transport NSW.
Correspondence
In
21/10/25 – Bicycle NSW – Monthly Update, E Bike advocacy win, spring cycle, Regional trails, Velo 2025
Out
Nil
From the Committee Meeting for Mention
● Constitution amendments – still a work in progress the committee will provide a draft for approval.
Agenda Items – New
● Nil
Reports
● Treasurer’s Financial Report – John Penkaitis –
Working Account Balance 30-9-25                    $2831.66
Income – Membership                  $30.00
Interest                                          $43.41
                                                                               $73.41
Expenses First Aid                         25.76             ($25.76)
Bank Balance 31-10-25                                      $2879.31
Social Account Balance 30-9-25                             $64.32
Income (membership fee to wrong account)           $10.00
Balance 31-10-25                                                    $74.32

Consolidated Accounts 31-10-25          September            October
Working Account                                     $2831.66             $2879.31
Social Account                                            $64.32                 $74.32
Term Deposit                                                $2000                  $2000
Total                                                         $4895.98             $4953.63
● Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Estelle Burgess – None provided.

● Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham
o Membership renewals for the 2025/26. Currently we have a total of 124 paid up members for the new year. There is one new member Chey Martineau, and Bruce Porter renewed.
o Our SBUG Gmail Contacts lists have been updated

● Website Manager’s Report – Trish Cassar –
From Tuesday 7 October until Tuesday 4 November 2025 – 28 Days
o Average Monthly page views               466.0
o Average Monthly Unique Visits            405.0
o Average Monthly First Time Visits       371.5
o Average Monthly Returning Visits         33.5

● Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham – Nil

● Stack Team app report – John Wooster
Stack Report for October 2025 (November Meeting)
o Attendance report
o No. of scheduled rides 34
o Cancelled rides 7
o Actual rides 27
o Most popular rides 19 on Stockinbingal ride RL: Peter Cassar 23/10 and 16 on BOMADERRY TO BERRY FOR COFFEE – RL: Jim Florenec on 27/10.
o Most frequent rider 12 rides for Peter Hewlett, 11 rides for Jim Florence, Jan Van Duin and John Van Duin
o Total Attendance 218
o Average attendance = 8
o Total Attendance/Actual rides Active riders this month 60

● Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence – The Weekly newsletter continues to be sent to all members via the STACK app and email, and an abbreviated report of the next week’s ride forwarded to the South Coast Register. Thanks to all ride leaders who send in reports and every one who sends in photos. Last week’s report also included a very thorough report on the Cootamundra away ride with lots of photos. Thanks to John Wooster for providing the report. The Coota report, along with a number of photos was forwarded to BNSW for inclusion in their newsletter. BNSW asked if we could provide maps and ride descriptions as well and I have forwarded the ride descriptions from STACK and maps that were provided by John Wooster.

● Ride Coordinator’s Report – John Wooster –
We need to consider a change of start time for Saturday and Monday rides, with the arrival
of warmer weather. I would suggest a 7am start from 1st December through to the end of
February.
● Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess – Nil Report –
General Business
Agenda items – Previous/Reporting
Nil
Agenda items – New
● Safety – Ride Leader First Aid kit was used on a ride to patch up a rider after a fall. Ride Leaders must take a First Aid kit when leading a ride if supplied by the Club. Make sure you restock the kit after use and the cost will be funded by the Club.
Any Other Business
● It was suggested that the meeting night be changed to a Wednesday. Members will be canvassed to see if this is a better meeting day (We could take advantage of the $15 ham burger night). Dennis Elford will check the availability with the Ex Sevo’s
Meeting closed at 7:27pm
Next Meeting: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at The Ex Servos Club Nowra – 7.00 pm
Chair: P Cassar

Minutes of the General Meeting held on October 7 2025

Meeting Opened:
Attendance: Peter Cassar, Trish Cassar, Michael Strachan, Kathy Beckenham, Dennis Elford,
John Wooster, Jim Florence, Gary Catt, Dick Dwyer, Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham,
John Penkaitis. Sharron Whittaker.
Apologies: Bill Patterson
Previous Minutes Accepted
Proposed Wayne Beckenham Seconded Dawn Chamberlain Accepted
Business Arising from the Previous Minutes
None
Correspondence
In
 30/9/25 – Bicycle NSW – Monthly Reminder, Insurance details, Bicycle NSW discount code for
members, Request for copy of our AGM Report.
 6/10/25 – Membership / Ride enquire, from Corinne Wilmontte.
Out
Nil
From the Committee Meeting for Mention
 Constitution amendments – still a work in progress the committee will provide a draft for
approval.
 The none elected officials remain the same as last year
 The committee will meet six times a year

Agenda Items – New
 The Cootamundra trip away – John Wooster provided an update ride plan, a copy is
attached
 Sharron Whittaker advised that the ladies ride for this year is finished, with six rides
completed. Rides may restart new year but we are looking for female ride leaders to
volunteer to run these. A very successful ladies lunch took place at Sharron’s house to end
this year’s rides.
 Sharron W asked for expressions of interest for a gravel / mountain bike ride 50-60 kl
finishing at Nelligen for the end of October.

Reports
 Treasurer’s Financial Report – John Penkaitis – See Attached copies
 Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Estelle Burgess – None provided.
o Noted that a very successful tour of Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre occurred 23
September with 12 members attending. The Christmas Party is now locked in.
 Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham
o Membership renewals for the 2025/26. Currently we have 122 paid up members for
the New Year.
o Our SBUG Gmail Contacts lists was updated to only include current financial
members. People who have not renewed membership will not receive the SBUG
Weekly Newsletter or other information from the Committee.

 Website Manager’s Report – Trish Cassar
 From Sunday 7 September until Tuesday 7 October 2025: 30 days
o Average Monthly page views           837
o Average Monthly Unique Visits        664
o Average Monthly First Time Visits    578
o Average Monthly Returning Visits      86
o Friday 26 Sept 67 page views
 The Website has also been updated with the following forms:

o Ride Procedures and Guidelines New File
o Hand Signals, Verbal Commands and Ride Etiquette
o Guidelines for Planning Trips Away New File
o Guidelines for Planning One-Off Rides New File
o Group Code of Conduct 2024
o Ride Leader Action Check List New File
o Bike Maintenance
o Incident Report Form
o Ride Registration Sheet

 Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham
o Following our ride leader training day held in May. Four of our new ride leaders, Brenda
Christiansen, Trish Cassar, John Penkaitis and Mel Gillott are now leading rides and by all
reports are doing a great job relieving the pressure on other ride leaders. Graham Johns is
yet to complete the course with a co-led ride.

 Stack Team app report – John Wooster
o No. of scheduled rides 28, Cancelled rides 4, Actual rides 24
o Most popular rides 15 on Duffy’s Corner to Tallowa Dam Three Views. RL Richard Dweyer
25/09 and 14 riders on the Bomaderry to Berry for coffee, RL Jim Florence on 15/09
o Most frequent rider – 9 rides for Trish Cassar, Jim Florence and John Wooster
o Total Attendance 180
o Average attendance = Total Attendance/Actual rides = 7.5
o Active riders this month 51
o Stack Team Attendance Issues – This is a problem because RL can turn off attendance
tracking and then are unable to turn it back on. Stack support agrees that it is a problem and
are working to fix it.

 Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence
o The weekly newsletter continues to be sent out via the stack app and e mail, with an
abbreviated report sent to the South Coast Register to be included in their “What’s on in
Sport” section. The SCR report only includes details of the next week’s rides. Thank you to
all Ride Leaders who send inn reports and to everyone else who send their photos.

 Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil report

 Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess – as you all know from Cootamundra Kath
Bennett is is well and truly back in the saddle. An amazing and determined effort. Bill Purdy
another miracle man is back with his regular rides and is feeling very good. Verne is taking
it easy but improving every day keeping busy with catching up with chores around the
house. Everyone had a great ride without incidents at Cootamundra, Well done John for
organising such an event and making it all possible.

General Business
From the Committee Meeting for mention
Nil
Agenda items – Previous/Reporting
Nil

Agenda items – New
o Safety – Repairing punctures on the roadside is hazardous. Make sure this is done off
the road including the observers.
o Kevlar inserts are available for tyres to make them almost puncture proof –
Continental Gatorskin Folding Road Tyre – Bikebug as an example.
o The rides scheduled on Wednesday needs to be reworked, as they are not coordinated,
Master Ride Leaders requested to investigate.
o Baseball caps – it was suggested that we spend some of our bank account money on
the purchase of SBUG embroided, good quality baseball caps. Dawn Chamberlain has
agreed to obtain prices and report back.
o The President has reaffirmed that every member has an opportunity to raise any SBUG
relevant matter at the meeting:
 In the first instance, the secretary will always request for agenda items before the
meeting. If this deadline cannot be met, any member can raise an issue or ask a
question during the final agenda item on the night of the meeting. This is called
‘Any Other Business’.
 Members are requested to attend the meeting in person if they wish to raise an
issue or ask a question.
 The intent is to allow the Committee to provide an answer to any question raised
in advance on the night.
Meeting closed at 7:45pm
Next Meeting: Tuesday 4th November 2025 at The Ex Servos Club Nowra – 7.00 pm
Chair: Peter Cassar
P Cassar

                            General Meeting Minutes held on September 2 2025

Date: 2 September 2025

Meeting opened at 6:30pm

Attendees

Wayne Beckenham, Verne Mutton, Dawn Chamberlain, John Wooster, Trish Cassar, Jim Florence, Keith Jay, Kathy Beckenham, Dick Dwyer, Dennis Elford, Gary Catt, Peter Lawrence, Brenda Christiansen, Crick Christiansen, Mel Gillott, Peter Cassar, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Ed Proudfoot, Julie Bourke, Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, John Penkaitis, Barry Cruwys, Sharon Whittaker

Previous Minutes Accepted

Proposed Kathy Beckenham Seconded Peter Lawrence Accepted Business Arising from the Previous Minutes.

• Clarification of incoming correspondence information regarding Bicycle NSW emails dealing with insurance presented to the August General Meeting:

○ 15/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW – Advice of Insurances Certificate of Currency. This insurance refers to                    Bicycle NSW Inc, including affiliated Bicycle User Groups (BUGs), members, temporary members (for                      events), officials, accredited coaches and volunteers – and covers

■ Professional Indemnity $ 5,000,000 each and every occurrence and in the aggregate

■ Public Liability $20,000,000 each and every occurrence

■ Products Liability $20,000,000 each and every occurrence and in the aggregate

Note the insurance discussed above only applies to members of Bicycle NSW

○ 9/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW – Update on 6 key items – Item 6 – this insurance relates to SBUG (as an organisation) coverage for public liability insurance.

 Correspondence

In

29/8/25 – Email – Sharon Whittaker – Sea Otter Event – 24&25 October 2025 – Batemans Bay – information dispatched to members.

26/8/25 – Email – Rachel Cogger – Jervis Bay Road to Hawken Road upgrade –

Shoalhaven Bicycle Users Group consultation invitation – This applies to the road north of the Highway/Jervis Bay Rd intersection – Ed Proudfoot / Lani Imhof requested to attend as they are local on behalf of SBUG.

22/8/25 – Ian Newbold – Advantage Legal / Bicycle NSW webinar – third party driver of the car/motorbike is not identifiable (hit and run) – unfortunately the link to the video is no longer available.

End of Year Reports:

Stack Report for August 2025 – John Wooster

The Attendance editing issue has been fixed by Stack, ie, the Attendance List does not clear when trying to add another rider.

Stack Report for 2024 – 2025 (2025 AGM)

This is the first full year that we have been using Stack and it seems to have been accepted and well used by the membership.

Positive outcomes are that ride leaders have a good indication of those intending to ride before arriving at the start and we can easily extract statistics from the app which will help with future planning of rides.

We now also have an online incident report form accessed via the app. Let’s hope it won’t be used too often or at all.

There have been a few hiccups with members forgetting their password, Stack updating the app with changes in functionality, but overall the app has made the RL’s job easier.

John Wooster

Treasurer’s Financial Report –  John Penkatis

No report provided, Treasurer overseas will update October meeting.

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Estelle Burgess

The SBUG Christmas Party is planned for 20^th November 5:50pm to 8:30pm at the Southern Hotel in Berry. Cost will be approximately $40/head

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

Looking back at the last three (3) years of membership records SBUG membership has had a slight increase each year but this year I believe we may not reach last year’s total.

In 2022/23 it was 121 members

In 2023/24 it was 134 members

Last year, 2024/25, the figure was also 134 members and so far, this year we have had only118 members renew their membership. Sixteen people who were members last year have not yet renewed membership, even after three reminder emails. Each year we have some members leave and others join. Last year we had 18 new members join our group.

Female Membership.

In 2024/25 we had forty-four female members out of 134 members. That is 33% of our total membership. Currently six of our female riders are also ride leaders.

Bicycle NSW Membership.

Each year Bicycle NSW verifies a list of our members who have renewed their BNSW membership. At the end of October 2024, 65 members, or around 50% of our membership were also members of BNSW.

Website Manager’s Report – Trish Cassar

Trish Cassar advised that from 6 Aug to 2 Sep 25 (28 days)

• Average Monthly Page Views: 362
• Average Monthly Unique Visits: 304 `
• Average Monthly First Time Visits: 245
• Average Monthly Returning Visits: 59

The website figures represent an increase over last month attributable to Spring and better weather.

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride leader Reassessment.

Some of our ride leaders were accredited by Bicycle NSW ride leader training as far back as 2005. In 2021 a new ride leader manual and training course was developed and fourteen of our ride leaders have been accredited under the new course. Nine of our ride leaders were trained under the old course prior to 2021.

Following recommendations from BNSW we developed a ride leader reassessment course consisting of short theory sessions and a practical ride leading assessment for the nine ride leaders accredited prior to 2021. All of our twenty-three ride leaders have now been reassessed in accordance with the current BNSW training manual.

Ride leader training.

Following a very successful ride leader training course held in late June 2024, which included three SBUG ride leader trainees and three trainees from the newly formed Illawarra Ramblers BUG, another ride leader training day was held on Saturday, 10th May 2025. The candidates for the training were Brenda Christiansen, Trish Cassar, John Penkaitis and Graham Johns. All candidates successfully completed the first three modules of the course, Theory of Ride Leading, Ride Planning, and a Practical Ride Leading Assessment. Three of the candidates have now completed their Co-led Rides and have been awarded their BNSW accreditation certificates, one has yet to complete the Co-led ride.

Ride leader Meetings.

We are currently having ride leader meetings approximately every three months. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss any issues encountered on rides or suggestions for improving our ride leading. To allow more ride leaders to attend, particularly those who work during the week, we have scheduled the meetings at weekends.

Our first ride leader meeting for 2025 was held on Saturday, 15th February. Sixteen ride leaders attended the meeting and discussed a variety of issues relating to improving the planning and leading of our rides. With the recent retirement of three of our long-time ride leaders it was good to see a couple other ride leaders step up to fill some gaps left by the retirees.

Our second ride leaders meeting was held on 5th July in the Bomaderry Bowling Club upstairs meeting room, fourteen ride leaders attended. At previous meetings we have included some training on the use of our new online ride registration system, the Stack Team App. On this occasion John Wooster gave a presentation on the use of the new digital incident/accident reporting system using Google Forms. This system replaces the old paper base incident report form and allows the recording of required information on a smartphone at the site of the incident. Thanks to John Wooster for his dedication in refining the Stack Team App system to suit our needs and providing training for our members.

At a recent committee meeting it was agreed to provide ride leaders with first aid kits funded by the SBUG. Six ride leaders were issued with kits, others indicated that they did not require them as they have their own kits. It is expected that all ride leaders will carry a first aid kit on every ride.

Overall, I believe our ride leaders are managing the rides very well in accordance with their bicycle NSW training.  It is good to see most of our regular riders assisting the ride leaders by paying attention at pre-ride and regroup briefings and helping to manage important aspects of a ride like signposting, signalling and calling hazards etc.

Remember the first point of contact for discussing any issues you may have on a ride, is the ride leader of that ride. If not satisfied, you may wish to refer the matter to one of our master ride leaders. Our three master ride leaders, Jim Florence, Richard Dwyer, and I are always happy to discuss any suggested improvement for managing our rides or to discuss any problems identified by our members.

In conclusion, I wish all our members safe and enjoyable cycling.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

The weekly newsletter is still going out on a weekly basis to all members and over the past twelve months has been sent by email and through the STACK app. Reports of the previous week’s rides that are not permanent rides are included although if a report for a regular ride is sent it is also included. Including the newsletter in STACK means they are permanently retained. Reports are also sent to the South Coast Register although it is an abbreviated report of mainly the next week’s rides, due to the fact that the SCR limits the size and will edit the report as they see fit if it is too big.

Articles continue to be forwarded to Bicycle NSW to be included in their newsletter, however it meets with mixed success. Some end up being included and some not included. However, on a positive note the person now responsible for the BNSW letter seems a lot more enthusiastic and keen to have the various BUGs forward details of BUG news.

I would like to thank all the Ride Leaders who send in their weekly reports, and the photographers among us who send in photos. I cannot use every photo, but please be assured your efforts are appreciated.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

My thanks go to the 24 Ride Leaders with whom communication has been well coordinated. They have been encouraged to use text or other media so that ride information is not mislaid. All 24 ride leaders now have regular rides to lead.

A meeting to organise 6 months of Sunday rides was held at the Mutton residence on Friday 23rd May and rides entered in Stack until Christmas.  A similar meeting will be held in November. Ride descriptions have been entered into Stack to the end of November. It is intended to keep Ride entries three months in advance. Changes to Stack software in the last year have provided some challenges such as answering the RSVP Risk Warning. Thursday MTB rides continue to be entered on a weekly basis.

There are new rosters for Ride Leaders on Wednesday and Saturday rides with a Tuesday Ladies ride organised by Ride Leader Sharon since 25th February this year. A spreadsheet summarizes all current weekly rides and leaders. Wednesday rides. Mel Gillott is leading a new Woollamia to Vincentia ride. The ride from Falls Creek has been reinstated and led by Trish Cassar. The Ride Coordinator has attended Ride Leader’s meetings on Saturday 5th January and Saturday 5th July. Helped Wayne, Jim and Richard on Ride Leader assessments on Saturday 10th May. Since January inclement weather has resulted in most of the cancelled rides (35 in all). I would be happy to perform the ride coordinator’s role for the following year.

I wish the newly elected committee all the very best for happy and safe riding next year.

All-Women’s Ride Group Report – Sharon Whittaker

This year in March, 2025 an all women’s monthly ride was introduced to the club programme. The idea behind the programme was to offer ladies in the club more opportunities to ride and to discover new trails in the safe environment of the club. To further support, strengthen and develop women’s skills and love of riding, all the while getting to know each other more. The additional ride takes place monthly on a selected Tuesday. To date 6 rides over 6 months have taken place. As ride leader I have thoroughly enjoyed taking every ride, with sometimes 7 and other times 3 riders attending. Along with myself I believe all our riders have enjoyed the experience.

We live in an area with a great and diverse range of riding terrains and our members are riding across a myriad of bikes including regular and E-bikes, road, mountain, hybrid and gravel bikes. As the programme continues on into 2026 it would be great to ascertain from the SBUG lady membership their thoughts and opinions on the programme and their ideas to grow the programme.

I believe the women’s ride programme has strengthened our club as an important local and inclusive riding club of which I’m glad to be a member of.

Presidents Report – Peter Cassar

Annual Presidents Report: Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group (Sept 2024-Sept 2025)

Executive Summary

The Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group (SBUG) has demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistent growth throughout the 2024-2025 reporting period. Despite challenging weather conditions and ongoing infrastructure changes within the Shoalhaven region, our group has maintained a comprehensive riding program that catered to cyclists of all abilities and preferences. Over the past twelve months, we have organised hundreds of scheduled rides with an average attendance provided John Wooster’s report. The Membership Secretary Wayne will cover memberships.

We have fully transitioned to the Stack Teams App providing an electronic ride attendance facility. I cannot emphasise enough the amount of time and effort John Wooster and Wayne Beckenham have dedicated to make this work for the SBUG. This report provides a detailed analysis of our riding activities, achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations for enhancing our offerings in the coming year.

The widespread adoption of E-bikes has allowed more people, including beginners and seniors, to cycle by making hills and long distances easier, providing a healthy, active, and enjoyable mode of

transportation. Studies show e-bike users increase their overall activity and ride more frequently, offering benefits like reduced physical stress, enhanced mental health, and a cost-effective, fun way to ride. NSW Road Legal E-bikes are embraced, encouraged and welcomed within the SBUG community.

The group’s activities have not only provided recreational opportunities but have also contributed significantly to cycling advocacy in the Nowra region and throughout the Shoalhaven. Our cycling community engagement initiatives have strengthened relationships with local businesses, council authorities, and other cycling organisations such as Graveleur and Goodness Gravel providing Ride Leaders to support the local events.

Sadly Jan and John Van Duin retired as Ride Leaders this year and I would like to recognise their contribution over many years to the club and thank them for their sterling service. This retirement initiated more Ride Leader training and thanks to our Master Ride Leaders, we gained four new Ride Leaders and one returning Ride Leader.

The following sections provide a comprehensive overview of our activities from September 2024 to September 2025, highlighting key statistics, safety records, special events, and recommendations for future development.

Introduction

The Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group (SBUG), located in Nowra, NSW, Australia, continues to be the region’s premier organisation for recreational and advocacy cycling. Affiliated with Bicycle New South Wales, our group remains committed to promoting cycling as a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation. This report summarises our riding activities over the past twelve months during my Presidency and aligns with our mission to create a supportive, social cycling community while advocating for improved cycling infrastructure and safety standards throughout the Shoalhaven region.

This reporting period has been particularly significant as it marks the third year since our successful 25th Anniversary Silver Celebration in 2022, and my fourth year as your President. We continue to build on that momentum with an expanded ride calendar and diverse riding opportunities including the introduction of Gravel rides of 50km plus and a dedicated exclusive Tuesday woman’s ride thanks to Committee member Sharon Whittaker.

The purpose of this document is to provide the membership and committee with a comprehensive overview of our activities, achievements, and challenges to inform strategic planning for the upcoming year.

The data reveals that leisure rides continued to be the most popular category engagements. This aligns with the diverse demographic of our membership, which includes many recreational cyclists who prefer both scenic road and off-road routes through areas like Nowra, Berry, Cambewarra, The Bay and Basin including Huskisson, Vincentia, Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Milton, Ulladulla and other Shoalhaven towns and villages. The continued growth in mountain and gravel riding reflects broader cycling trends and the development of new gravel rides and off-road trails by our Thursday riders all over the region.

The increasing diversity in our participant base, particularly the growth in female ridership, represents a significant achievement for our group and reflects our conscious efforts to create an inclusive cycling environment. Our ‘Guest Rider’ option to come along to three rides without joining  have been particularly effective at attracting new cyclists to our group, with our first-time participants joining through these introductory events.

Key Achievements and Highlights

Membership Growth and Engagement

SBUG experienced steady growth in membership throughout the reporting period, with the majority choosing to renew but also quite a few New Joiners. This growth can be attributed to:

• Our beginner-friendly ride initiatives that lowered barriers to entry
• Strategic partnerships with local bike shops and businesses
• Effective use of social media and community outreach
• The 15% discount on Bicycle NSW membership available to SBUG Members.
• The 50% discount on Bicycle NSW membership available to SBUG Ride Leaders

Our member retention rate remained high, indicating strong satisfaction with our riding program and community atmosphere. The average monthly participation rate among members as stated by Stack Teams suggests a healthy engagement with our scheduled activities.

Safety Record and Incident Management

Throughout the reporting period, SBUG maintained an excellent safety record with only two minor incidents and two major incidents requiring hospitalisation reported across all rides. The minor incidents required medical attention with basic first aid. This is why the club has invested in purchasing first aid kits to Ride Leaders. This outstanding record can be attributed to:

• Comprehensive pre-ride safety briefings
• Effective use of group riding hand signals and verbal commands
• Increased member awareness of wearing ‘high vis’ and using daytime running lights
• Increased member awareness regarding new and emerging cycling safety technologies and Helmet Crash Data standards
• The dedication of our trained Ride Leaders and Sweep riders
• A detailed and comprehensive Risk Assessment with continual review

Our commitment to safety education has been a cornerstone of our approach, with a permanent safety agenda item within our monthly general meeting and safety workshops focusing on bike maintenance basics.

New Route Development

This reporting period saw the development and successful implementation of 14 new routes, expanding our riding portfolio significantly. Notable additions include:

• The challenging climbing ride up Mt Kiera in Wollongong
• The Milton loop ride developed in coordination with the Milton, Ulladulla Cycling Group
• A challenging 100km Presidents ride
• A 70 year birthday ride
• A challenging gravel scenic route via Burrill Lake, Tabourie and up Monkey Mountain
• A Tianjara Falls to Lake Conjola via Mt Bushwalker gravel ride.
• An expanded Thursday ride program with new rides all over the Shoalhaven

These new routes have been well-received by members, offering fresh perspectives on the Shoalhaven region and challenging riding options for all skill levels.

Safety Initiatives and Incident Analysis

Education Programs

Throughout the reporting period, SBUG placed significant emphasis on rider education and safety awareness. We conducted:

• Monthly dedicated safety agenda items covering group riding techniques, hazard identification, and emergency procedures
• Pre-ride briefings before every scheduled ride, emphasizing route-specific hazards
• Two bicycle maintenance clinics focused on pre-ride safety checks and basic repairs
• Ongoing promotion of wearing Hi Vis clothing and using day time running lights

These initiatives have contributed substantially to our excellent safety record and have been particularly valuable for newer members who are less experienced with group riding dynamics.

Incident Analysis

The four incidents recorded during the reporting period included:

• Two minor incidents resulting from equipment failure and an abandoned ride
• One major collision with a Cattle Grid on a cycle route in the ACT
• One major rider over the handlebars incident requiring a trip to hospital

Notably, we experienced no collisions with vehicles during the reporting period, which we attribute to our safety education efforts and the increased visibility provided by High Vis clothing and daytime running lights. More community engagement will be a goal for the next year’s committee.

Advocacy and Infrastructure

Our advocacy efforts focused on improving cycling infrastructure throughout the Shoalhaven region. Key achievements included:

• Meeting the NSW Minister for Regional Transport The Honourable Jenny Aitchison MP
• Participation in the Bega to Tathra shared path campaign
• Ongoing monitoring of road surface issues on popular riding routes
• Collaboration with Bicycle NSW on state-wide cycling initiatives
• Campaigning for a Falls road cycleway on public land
• Extensive use of the Snap, Send Solve App for increased reporting of poor road conditions.

These efforts have helped position SBUG as a respected voice for cyclists in the region and have contributed to tangible improvements in local cycling infrastructure.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

The 2024-2025 period saw unusually wet weather during typically dry months, resulting in the cancellation or rescheduling of planned rides. Weather remains a significant challenge for ride planning and participation. Our response to this challenge included:

• Reliance, encouragement and support to our Ride Leaders to cancel rides if they deem them to be unsafe due to weather.
• Implementing a more flexible ride scheduling approach
• Developing wet-weather alternative routes on less vulnerable roads
• Improving our communication protocols for weather-related cancellations

Infrastructure Limitations

Despite improvements, cycling infrastructure in parts of the Shoalhaven region remains inadequate. Particular concerns noted during the reporting period included:

• Inconsistent road surfaces on some popular routes
• Incomplete network connections forcing riders onto dangerous stretches of road
• Construction-related disruptions due to ongoing development in the Nowra area

These infrastructure limitations occasionally necessitated route modifications and presented ongoing safety concerns that require continued advocacy attention.

Recommendations for Future Development

Based on our analysis of the past year’s activities, we recommend the following priorities for the coming year:

• Update and modernise the clubs constitution
• Encourage members to volunteer for Committee positions
• Encourage more members to attend the monthly General Meetings
• Seek feedback from new members and those that haven’t renewed membership
• Develop more diverse Sunday Rides calendar to capitalise on growing interest in gravel cycling
• Expand the use of local gravel offerings to cater to changing preferences
• Introduce skill development sessions focused on off road riding techniques
• Create more multi-day touring options building on the success of our Nerriga to Moruya ride
• More community engagement opportunities must be explored.

Safety and Education Initiatives

• Continue the formal ride leader development program to ensure we have sufficient leadership capacity
• Develop additional safety resources focused on education, Hi Vis clothing, taking advantage of new technologies such as radar’s, camera’s and mandating the use of day time running lights.
• Partner with local driving schools and the RTA to promote awareness of cycling issues among new drivers

Infrastructure Advocacy Priorities

• Prioritise advocacy for improved road surfaces on key riding routes
• Continue engagement with council regarding the completion of the Shoalhaven cycle network and maintenance of existing.
• Support regional cycling infrastructure projects such as the South Coast shared path
• Be the advocacy voice to all cycling groups within our region
• Assist Shoalhaven Council to bid for Active Transport Grants

Conclusion

The past year has been one of significant achievement and healthy growth for the Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group. Despite some challenges, we have maintained a diverse and engaging riding program that has attracted new members while continuing to serve our existing cycling community. Our commitment to safety, cycling community engagement, and advocacy for improved cycling infrastructure has strengthened our position as the leading cycling organization in the Shoalhaven region.

As we look to the coming year, we have an excellent foundation upon which to build an even more vibrant and diverse riding program. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, we can continue to grow our membership, enhance the riding experience for all participants, and contribute to making the Shoalhaven region a better place for cyclists of all types.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Cassar

President SBUG

From the Committee Meeting for mention

• Stack app Issues with Android Phone deleting attendees when RL tries to add another rider.
• Email sent to all members on 15 August 2025 advising of issues with members not being able to log onto rides – re-enter password.
• These issues have now been dealt with.

The committee approved the General Meeting recommendation to send a $100 donation to Bicycle NSW to support advocacy issues. – Action John Penkaitis to confirm that this funding has been sent

General Business

• Safety – Peter Cassar gave a presentation on Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
  • 240% more visible using a flashing rear light.
  • 33% fewer collisions with bikes equipped with DRL.
  • 80% accidents occur during the day when riders and cars are mostly on the road together.
  • Note that there are different lights for day riding and night riding:
  • 400 Lumens is ideal to be seen (DRL). Night riding requires a minimum of 1000 Lumens.

• Government report on use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and related mobility options – Peter Cassar gave a an overview of the report available here

• Peter Lawrence – When riding from Bomaderry to Berry on the highway, riders ride close to the traffic which is a safety issue. Often it is response to debris on the shoulder. – Action Peter Cassar to send an email to TNSW/Council requesting shoulder cleaning.

• Mel Gillott – Requested that a sub committee be formed to encourage younger riders and new members – Action, for consideration by the new Committee.

Meeting closed at 7:29pm

Next Meeting: 7pm on 7^th October 2025 at The Ex Servos Club in Nowra

SBUG AGM Report – September 2025

Meeting opened at 7:36pm

Attendees

Wayne Beckenham, Verne Mutton, Dawn Chamberlain, John Wooster, Trish Cassar, Jim Florence, Keith Jay, Kathy Beckenham, Dick Dwyer, Dennis Elford, Gary Catt, Peter Lawrence, Brenda Chritiansen, Crick Christiansen, Mel Gillott, Peter Cassar, Bill Paterson

The President Peter Cassar stepped down from chairing the General Meeting and requested John Wooster to chair the AGM election process for Committee members.

All positions were declared vacant and nominations were called for Committee positions.

The following table summarises the results.

Meeting closed 7:49pm

Minutes of the General Meeting 5th August 2025

Meeting Opened:

Attendance:  Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, Kathy Beckenham, Dennis Elford, John Wooster, Jim Florence, Mel Gillot, Gary Catt, Dick Dwyer, Wayne Beckenham, Bill Paterson.

Apologies: Dawn Chamberlain, Barry Cruwys, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, John Penkaitis, Ed Proudfoot

Previous Minutes Accepted

Proposed                                 Seconded                                Accepted?

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

 Strengths and Weaknesses sub-committee –

• • Michael Strachan advised that the initial work on the analysis has been completed and will be reviewed by the Committee, following which it is proposed to extend input from the club as a who
  •  
  • John Penkaitis to investigate options for two separate rides for the Monday Berry ride
    • Work in progress
• Disruption to the meeting room for General Meetings
  • The change of meeting location is expected to continue until the end of the year due to renovation work at the Worrigee Sports
• The SBUG Annual General Meeting
  • The AGM will be held on 2 September 2025 following the General Members are encouraged to consider taking on a Committee position.

Correspondence

In

29/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW – e-bike ban on trains update

21/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW – Advice of Constitutional Update Zoom Meeting

15/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW – Advice of Insurances Certificate of Currency. Mel Gillot requested that members be clarified on what insurance this refers to – Action Bill Paterson

14/7/25 – Sarah Bickford – Petition on Belinda St Pedestrian Crossing Issues 9/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW – Update on 6 key items:

1. Constitutional Update Consultation meeting 4th August

a. Bicycle NSW is looking to update the constitution as it hasn’t been updated for 14 years and requires a number of minor updates to be made. We have scheduled a consultation meeting on the evening of Monday 4th August at 6pm to present the changes and seek Can you please promote this to your members? The registration link is https://events.humanitix.com/bicycle-nsw-members-constitutional-update-consultation

2. Legal Education Webinar on Hit and Run Crashes 30th July
   1. Bicycle NSW is hosting another educational legal webinar with Advantage Legal on 30th July at 5pm via This very relevant and important topic of what to do in a hit and run

incident (even if the vehicle is not identified) will be discussed with a Q&A. Can you please promote this to you members, registration is free and the direct link is  https://events.humanitix.com/of-hit-and-run

3. BUG News and updates
   1. Please let us know if you have any updates, news or stories which you’d like us to promote and share in our different communication Please email your information to info@bicyclensw.org.au
4. BUG Flier
   1. A new Bicycle NSW Membership flyer (DL size) has been developed and printed (please see attached) so please let us know and we can post you some copies to use in your meetings, rides and A number of BUG’s have already received them and are using them to promote the benefits of being a member of both the BUG and Bicycle NSW.
5. Updated BUG website map
   1. We have recently updated the BUG webpage map so please take a look at https://bicyclensw.org.au/bicycle-user-groups/ and let us know if any additional changes are
6. Certificate of Currency

As an affiliated group of Bicycle NSW, we provide you with free public liability insurance which is valued at approximately $100,000 for all groups. We have just renewed this cover and are in the process of sending out certificates of currency for 2025/26 so keep an eye out for them this month. – Mel Gillot requested that members be clarified on what insurance this refers to – Action Bill Paterson

2/7/25 – P Mclean Bicycle NSW, Scott Wells SCC and P Cassar– Exchange of emails on legality of what is a bicycle lane and when cyclists are required by law to use them.

Out

Nil

Reports

• Treasurer’s Financial Report – John Penkaitis
  • In John’s absence Gary Catt presented a report prepared by

• Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Estelle Burgess – Nil Report. Members present agreed that it was a great social night and congratulations should go to Estelle for organising the event.
• Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham
  • Membership renewals for the 2025/26. Currently we have a total of 115 paid up members for the new year and 23 people who were members last year have yet to If you haven’t yet paid your $10 fee, please do it as soon as possible.
  • On 1st August 2025 our SBUG Gmail Contacts lists were updated to only include current financial members. People who have not renewed membership will not receive the SBUG Weekly Newsletter or other information from the committee. When members have not renewed for two consecutive years, they are removed from the SBUG membership database and from the Stack Team App.
• Website Manager’s Report – Trish Cassar – nil report
• Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Training

• Following our ride leader training day held in May, four candidates have been awarded their Bicycle NSW Ride Leader Accreditation Certificates, and one candidate is yet to select a date to complete his co-led

Ride Leaders Meeting

• A second ride leaders meeting for the year was held on 5th July the Bomaderry Bowling Club upstairs meeting John Wooster gave a presentation on the use of the new digital incident/accident reporting system using Google Forms. This system replaces the old paper

base incident report form and allows the recording of required information on a mobile phone at the site of the incident. A report is then automatically generated and emailed to the ride leader reporting the incident. Additions and amendments can be made to the report before it can be printed to obtain the required signatures of witnesses etc.

• As previously reported our committee agreed to provide ride leaders with first aid kits funded by Six ride leaders have been issued with kits, others indicted that they did not require them as they have their own kits. It is expected that all ride leaders will carry first aid kit on every ride. The total cost of the kits was $34.00.

• Stack Team app report – John Wooster
  • of scheduled rides 29, Cancelled rides 5, Actual rides 24
  • Most popular rides 20 on Hyams Beach intersection to Stoney Creek 17/7, 19 on Parma and Hell Hole Fire Trails 24/7. both led by Karen
  • Most frequent rider 11 rides for Jan Van Duin and John Van Duin
  • Total Attendance 199
  • Average attendance = Total Attendance/Actual rides = 8.3
  • Active riders this month 61
• Stack Team App have reconfigured a few things in the last months, one causing an issue for Ride When RLs mark attendance on a ride there is an extra function to do with attendance tracking available to turn on/off. Please leave this turned ON. Also when editing  the Attendance ie, when another rider turns up and you try to add them to the list, the list clears and all need to be added again. This last one is peculiar to Android Phones and Stack have told us that they will fix this issue.

• Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence
  • The weekly report is still being published via Stack and email, with a condensed version going to the on-line South Coast A report of our ride leader training has been included in the latest Bicycle NSW newsletter. Thanks to all the Ride Leaders for their reports and everyone who sends in photos.

• Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil report

• Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess – Cath Bennet is back riding

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention

Nil

Agenda items – Previous/Reporting

Nil

Agenda items – New

• Safety –
• Screen Printing of SBUG Cycling Shirts

o As previously reported our committee agreed to fund screen printing of club logos on a limited number of member supplied shirts. Twelve members have provided fifteen shirts for screen printing, and printing is currently underway.

• The meeting discussed the club’s Facebook page and it was suggested that the page could

be revamped as part of the Strengths and Weaknesses analysis.

Meeting closed at 7:42pm

Next Meeting: on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 at The Ex Servos Club Nowra – at 6:30pm. This meeting will be immediately followed by the Annual General Meeting

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 1 July 2025

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair : Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, John Wooster, Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, John Penkaitis, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, Dawn Chamberlain, Ed Proudfoot, Sharon Whittaker, Peter Hewlett, Dennis Elford, Richard Dwyer.

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed: Jim Florence     Seconded:  John Wooster             Carried unanimously

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes –

• John Penkaitis to investigate options for two separate rides for the Monday Berry ride.
• The financial report for May 2025, presented in the June minutes, was a preliminary report only and the adjusted report is given below in the Treasurer’s Financial Report.

Correspondence

In

• Email – Bicycle NSW – Peter Mclean – Information on Spring Cycle – information forwarded to all members.

https://springcycle.com.au/

• Email – Bicycle NSW – Yvonne Poon – Request for articles from BUGs. Jim Florence replied.

Out – Nil

Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – report by John Penkaitis

May 2025 (Adjusted)

June 2025

In addition to the above funds there is a sum of $2,015.57 in a term deposit that was rolled over in April.

The meeting recommended that a donation of $100 be sent to Bicycle NSW to support their advocacy program. This recommendation will be sent to the SBUG Committee for action.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Trish Cassar      Seconded: John Wooster   Carried-  Unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Estelle Burgess– There has been a great response to the Xmas in July function with an expected 42 people attending. Reminder that it is individual pay on the night.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Membership renewals for 2025/26 are progressing well. Currently we have a total of 80 paid up members for the new year. If you haven’t yet paid your $10 fee, please do it as soon as possible.

Website Co-ordinator’s Report – Trish Cassar advised that from 4/06/25 to 1/07/25 (28days)

• Average Monthly Page Views;-              295
• Average Monthly Unique Visits: `            261
• Average Monthly First Time Visits:-        190
• Average Monthly Returning Visits;-          71

It was suggested that the club attempt to determine from new members as to how they found out about the club. After discussion, it was recommended that this be raised with Ride Leaders and perhaps informal discussion at the after-ride coffee could be a suitable opportunity.

 Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Ride Leader Training

Following our ride leader training day held on Saturday, 10^th May. Three of the four candidates, Brenda Christiansen, Trish Cassar and John Penkaitis, have recently completed their co-led rides, and are being awarded their Bicycle NSW Ride Leader Accreditation Certificates at tonight’s meeting. Mel Gillott has also rejoined our ride leader group after a short break. Another candidate, Graham Johns is yet to select a date to complete his co-led ride.

Ride Leaders Meeting

A ride leaders meeting has been arranged for Saturday 5th July at 3:00pm, in the upstairs meeting room of the Bomaderry Bowling Club. At this meeting John Wooster will be giving a presentation on the use of the new digital incident/accident reporting system using Google Forms. This system will replace the old paper base incident report form and will allow the recording of required information on a mobile phone at the site of the incident. A report is then automatically generated and emailed to the ride leader reporting the incident. The report can then be printed to obtain the required signatures of witnesses etc.

Stack Team app Report – John Wooster

• In June there were 27 scheduled rides, 1 ride was cancelled.
• The most popular rides were 20 on Vincentia to Old Erowal Bay (12/6), and 17 on Vincentia to Cave Beach (19/6) both led by Karen Davis
• The most frequent riders for the month were 11 rides for Jim Florence, John Van Duin and Jan Van Duin, and 10 rides for Bill Purdy.
• Total attendance was 239 for an average attendance of 6.3. There were 71 active riders this month.

There seems to be a bit of a rash of members not being able to sign in to the App, the main problem being a forgotten password. If this happens to you, at the login screen enter your email then tap on the Continue button. The next screen asks for your password but under the Continue button is a “Forgot your password” link, tap on the link and the next screen gives options of how to login.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence advised that;

The weekly newsletter continues to be distributed to BUG members by email and Stack. I have discovered that Stack does not like newsletters of over 10,000 characters so I had to edit some of the reports this week. This hasn’t happened before so I don’t think it will be a problem in the future. I have been in receipt of correspondence from BNSW asking that regional BUGs such as ours provide more updates on what is happening in our BUG which I will endeavour to do, however as I pointed out to the sender I have often sent news to BNSW which has not appeared in their newsletter. They have responded with an assurance that they are revising their procedures to ensure that all news sent to them is actioned.

Thank you very much to the Ride Leaders who take time to send me reports for the weekly newsletter. Please note; It is much easier for me if the reports are part of the body of an email rather than word or PDF attachments. Thank you also to the Ride Leaders and other members who continue to send me photos. It would be appreciated if names, and where the photo is taken could be provided.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess – Kath Bennett is continuing to improve and hopes to be back riding in August.

Everyone seems to be getting through the winter rides with extra layers and big smiles

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention  – Nil

Agenda items – New

• Safety – Peter Cassar advised that the club Risk Assessment review has been completed and signed, and is available to any member on request.
• Trish Cassar was presented with a President’s 100km Achievement Award.
• Potential disruption to the meeting room for General Meetings – Bill Paterson advised that the Worrigee Sports Club is undergoing renovation and that the current meeting room may not be suitable for the next few months. An alternative room at the Ex Servos Club at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Junction St will be investigated. Note the Ex Servos is associated with the Worrigee Sports Club and the membership card is valid for both.
• Presentation of Bicycle NSW Ride Leader Accreditation Certificates – Peter Cassar presented certificates to the new ride leaders who were present on the night, Trish Cassar, and John Penkaitis.
• Screen Printing of Cycling Shirts – SBUG is offering to pay for screen printing of club logos on member supplied shirts. Cost to the club is $17 per shirt for a minimum of 10 shirts. To date there have been insufficient numbers of shirts requested and ready for printing. As we have not yet got the required minimum number of shirts for printing a reminder email will be sent to all members. Please note the suitable shirt colour, information will be in the email.
• The SBUG Annual General Meeting is coming up in early September. We are always after enthusiastic members to put their hand up to support the club by volunteering for a position on the Committee. Your club needs you! So please consider stepping up for a Committee position. Every committee member would be happy to discuss what is involved in their positions, with confidentiality if that is preferred.
• Review of the Constitution is progressing. It was recommended that the Constitution be kept as simple as is required for effective and legal compliance. The results of the Strengths and Weaknesses project that is currently in progress will be incorporated in a separate club policy that can be flexible and more easily adjusted than inclusion in the Constitution would allow. Once the new draft of the Constitution is reviewed by the club Committee it will be presented to the general membership for consideration and adoption.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:40 pm.

Next Meeting:  7pm on Tuesday 5^th August 2025 at a location to be advised.

Chair Signature………………………………………………………………………….

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 3 June 2025

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair : Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, Richard Dwyer, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, Dennis Ellis, John Wooster, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, Verne Mutton, Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, Ed Proudfoot, Sharon Whittaker, Graham Johns.

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed: John Wooster    Seconded:  Richard Dwyer           Carried unanimously

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes –

• Membership fees for 2025/2026. – The Committee has resolved that the annual membership fee will remain at $10.00. This needs to be ratified at the AGM.

Correspondence

In

• Email – Bicycle NSW – Yvonne Poon – Requesting clarification on the geographical area covered by Shoalhaven BUG.

Out – Nil

Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – verbal report by John Penkaitis

In addition to the above funds there is a sum of $2,000 in a term deposit that was rolled over in April.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: John Wooster    Seconded: Richard Dwyer Carried-  Unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Estelle Burgess– The response to the Xmas in July function has been very strong. It is pay on the night. An update on the night will be sent out in a couple of weeks to the group explaining the payment on the night. Minor funding will be required for items such as lucky door prizes.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Currently we have a total of 134 paid up members for 2024/25. Membership renewals for the 2025/26 year are due by Tuesday, 1^st July 2025. The annual membership fee has been reviewed by our committee and will remain at $10. An email outlining the renewal process has been sent to all members.

Website Co-ordinator’s Report – Trish Cassar advised that from 7/05/25 to 3/06/25 (28days)

• Average Monthly Page Views;-               362.5
• Average Monthly Unique Visits: `            319.0
• Average Monthly First Time Visits:-        242.5
• Average Monthly Returning Visits;-         75.5

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Ride Leader Training

Our ride leader training day was held Saturday, 10^th May. Four candidates successfully completed three modules of the course, Theory of Ride Leading, Ride Planning, and a Practical Ride Leading Assessment. All candidates only need to complete their Co-led Ride, which involves leading an actual group ride of their choice while being assessed by one of our master ride leaders. These rides are expected to be completed in the next few weeks. Thanks again to the six riders who volunteered their morning to make up the riding group for the training assessment rides.

Ride Leaders Meeting

The next ride leaders meeting will be held on Saturday 5th July at 3:00pm, at the Bomaderry Bowling Club.

Stack Team app Report – John Wooster

• In May there were 28 scheduled rides, 3 rides were cancelled.
• The most popular rides were Bomaderry to Berry (5/5/25) and Parma Road (31/5/25), both with 15 riders.
• The most frequent riders for the month were John van Duin (10) Dick Dwyer (9), Jan van Duin (9), Peter Hewlett (9) and Mel Gillott (9).
• Total attendance was 225 for an average attendance of 9. There were 68 active riders this month.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence advised that;

The weekly newsletter, with an abridged version for the South Coast Register, is still being forwarded to the membership via Stack and e-mail. A report was sent to Bicycle NSW for their newsletter regarding the President’s meeting with the NSW Minister for Transport and Regional roads, and our recent ride leader training. Thanks to all ride leaders who sent reports in so quickly and others for the photos.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil

Welfare Officer’s Report –Both Steve Pryne and Cathy Bennett are out of hospital and home following their incident, wishing them both a speedy recovery.

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention  – Nil

Agenda items – New

Safety – Peter Cassar gave a short presentation on technology that can improve rider safety and record incidents. Links to the information are given below.

• Cycliq dash cameras for bikes
• Garmin, bike radars, cameras and lights
• Affordable rear light radar.
• Affordable bike computer compatible with rear light radar

 Peter Cassar urged riders to be aware of the risks associated with driver’s vision being impaired by sun on dirty windscreens, particularly at this time of year. Lights on bikes and high vis clothing during the day reduces the risk. Be seen, be safe!

• ClubGRANTS – A successful application has been made for a subsidised meeting room, to Bomaderry Bowling Club under the ClubGRANTS scheme to allow SBUG to hold 4 Ride Leader meetings per year at a $30 per meeting which is a 80% discount on the normal hire rate.
• Concern was expressed at the group size that sometimes occurs on the Monday Berry ride and that people are wanting different route One possible solution is to offer two separate rides on the day. – John Penkaitis to investigate options for a second Monday Berry Ride.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:41 pm.

Next Meeting:  7pm on Tuesday 1^st July 2025 at The Worrigee Sports Club.

Chair Signature:                             P Cassar

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 6 May 2025

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair : Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, Richard Dwyer, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, Gary Catt, Dawn Chamberlain, John Penkaitis, John Wooster, Ed Proudfoot, Sharon Whittaker, Rob Paterson, Graham Johns, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed: Trish Cassar Seconded:  Richard Dwyer Carried unanimously

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes – Nil

Correspondence

• In  NSW Premier’s Department – Invitation to a Community Cabinet to be held on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at the Ulladulla Civic Centre. The Premier will be attending and it will include:
  • Meet-the-Minister: Pre-arranged meetings with Ministers from 11.00am-12.30pm
  • A Community Forum: from 1.00pm-2.15pm. 

Peter Cassar will be attending on behalf of the club. Other members who wish to join Peter at the meeting with the Minister should contact him to make arrangments, there may be limitation on numbers. Members are generally able to participate in the Community Forum.

Out – Nil

Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – presented by John Penkaitis

In addition to the above funds there is a sum of $2,000 in a term deposit that was rolled over in April.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain Seconded: Richard Dwyer Carried-  Unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Given by P Cassar – Thanks go to Bruce Porter for a Pot Luck Dinner on election night, a good event.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Currently we have a total of 134 paid up members for 2024/25. The latest membership renewal is Katrina Wright.

Membership renewal time is approaching with renewals for the 2025/26 year due by Tuesday, 1st July 2025. The annual membership fee will be reviewed by our committee and announced at the June General Meeting.

Website Co-ordinator’s Report – Trish Cassar advised that from 9/04//25 to 6/05/25 (28 days)

• Average Monthly Page Views;- 586.0
• Average Monthly Unique Visits: ` 517.5
• Average Monthly First Time Visits:- 400
• Average Monthly Returning Visits;- 117.5

May 2025 already has 185 page views.

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Ride Leader Training

Our ride leader training day is being held this Saturday, 10th May. There are four candidates booked for the course. Thanks to the six riders who have volunteered to make up the riding/acting group for the training assessment rides. Our MRL’s, Jim, Dick and Wayne, would like to wish the candidates all the best for the day.

First Aid Kits

At the last committee meeting it was suggested to provide ride leaders with club supplied first aid kits. The proposal has been emailed to all our ride leaders. 3 have indicated they would like a kit, 4 have said they do not require one as they have their own, and 12 have not yet responded. The matter will be considered at the next ride leaders meeting in June (date yet to be decided).

Stack Team app Report

• In April there were 32 scheduled rides, 3 rides were cancelled.
• The most popular rides were Bomaderry to Berry (7/4/25) with 16 attendees and Woolamia to Vincentia (9/4/25) with 16 riders.
• The most frequent riders for the month were Dick Dwyer, Jan van Duin and John van Duin with 9 rides each.
• Total attendance was 270 for an average attendance of 9.3. There were 71 active riders this month.

Changes to the Stack app

• RSVP issues on iPhone where you could only see the first line of the risk warning is now fixed although there is now an extra step.
• RSVP issues on Androids where the risk warning was greyed out is being looked at by Stack Support. We now know how to work around this issue.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence advised that;

The weekly newsletter is continued to be forwarded to all members via the STACK app and email.

The STACK app is working well. A summary is also being sent to the South Coast Register online edition.

Thanks to all ride leaders who send in reports of previous week’s rides and members who send in photos. I also have a good library of historic photos that I can utilise.

For every one sending reports, I would like to ask that they be sent preferably in the body of an email, with photos attached, or as an email with photos and a word document attached. The text in PDFs of google docs cannot be copied and pasted and photos embedded in PDFs cannot be used.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil

Welfare Officer’s Report – Peter Cassar – Steve is now out of hospital and Kathy will be out shortly.

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention

A Committee meeting was held on the 1st May and relevant issues for reporting were

• A proposal to make the Canberra away-ride an annual event was considered by the Committee. It was decided not to make this a formal policy as there are only usually 2 and at most 3 away-rides per year and locking in one destination may limit other proposals and opportunities.
• The Committee is considering financially supporting members who incur costs due to inspecting routes for away-rides.
• A sub committee is to be formed under Michael Strachan’s leadership to progress the Strengths and Weaknesses analysis for the club. The object of this exercise is to look at what the club is doing well, and not so well, so that the best experience can be had for existing and potential members.
• The proposal to provide Ride Leaders with club supplied first aid kits will be considered at the next Ride Leaders meeting.
• An offer will be made to club members to pay for the club logo printing of a member supplied shirt. Cost to the club is $17 per shirt so a limit will be placed on numbers of shirts printed, on a first come first served basis. Wait for the offer before responding.
• It was discussed and noted that reporting of cycling hazards to the relevant authorities is resulting in relatively prompt corrective action. Members are encouraged to use the Snap/Send/Solve app.
• The issue of illegal e-bikes and the community backlash and potential for reputational damage and restrictions on use for legal e-bike users was discussed. This was supported as an advocacy issue for the club.
• The issue of publication of member medical situations and associated privacy issues was discussed. Peter Cassar has been tasked with addressing the issue.
• The issue of publication of photos of members, outside the internal club forums was discussed. Michael Strachan and Ed Proudfoot are going to investigate the privacy issues with use of club member photos on external sites, such as Facebook and Instagram.
• The “Guidelines for Planning SBUG Trips Away” were reviewed and amended.
• Recent errors in the Stack app were discussed and it is noted that the issues with iPhones have been resolved, however Android devices are still a work in progress.

Agenda items – New

• Safety – Peter Cassar gave a short presentation on Mips equipped helmets and the results of helmet safety testing. A link the testing article is given below; https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/helmet-star
• All Ladies Ride Maintenance Workshop proposal – Sharon Whittaker is organising a maintenance workshop to be held in June or July – an email will go out to members when the details are finalised.
• Guest Riders – it was advised that the offer for new riders to the club to participate in 3 free rides to get a feel for the club is limited to people who have not already been a member of the club.
• Resupply of SBUG cards – Peter Cassar is to arrange for more cards to be printed.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:38 pm.

Next Meeting:  7pm on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 at The Worrigee Sports Club.

Chair Signature………………………………………………………………………….

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 8th April 2025.

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

John Penkaitis, Gary Catt, Dawn Chamberlain, Peter McLean, Michael Strachan, Trish Cassar, Richard Dwyer, Ed Proudfoot, Sharon Whittaker, John Wooster.

Apologies

James Florence, Bill Paterson, Kathy Beckenham, Wayne Beckenham

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn C

Seconded: Trish C

Carried unanimously.

 Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

First Aid Kits – Pricing

Canberra Ride- A fantastic event organised by Karen. 21 riders attended, split into 2 riding groups.

Thanks to navigators Karen, Lesley, Paul Cooper and Mich Jones, and tail enders Dick, Ed and Nigel.

Cathy Bennet suffered a broken leg after a fall, we wish her a speedy recovery.

Ed suggests that we make this an annual event.

Correspondence

Email from Scott Wells at SCC regarding Falls Rd Bike Track proposal – advising that Council resolved as follows;

That Council receive for information, the report on the Falls Road Bike Track Proposal and in future considerations of the bike track proposal, Council liaise with the Shoalhaven Bicycle User Group and explore options for direct consultation with landowners and stakeholders.

Email from Transport for NSW – Nowra Bridge Project Community Update – Work crews are beginning to remove rivets in preparation for removing and replacing corroded and damaged sections of the truss. See the crew in action below working on top of the bridge. In the coming weeks, work will begin to remove sections of the cantilevered footpath attached to the bridge. From Monday 7 April for up to two weeks, the pedestrian underpasses at both ends of the bridge will be affected. The pedestrian underpasses will remain open, however members of the work crew will guide pedestrians and cyclists through the area when it is safe to pass under the bridge. Some minor delays may be experienced. During this time, pedestrians and cyclists may wish to avoid the area and use the signalised crossings north and south of the bridge to cross the Princes Highway.

Email from Peter McLean from Bicycle NSW –.

I will be attending and speaking at the NSW West Region Bike Forum 2025 on Wednesday 9th April in Parkes. You are also warmly invited to attend as well so the registration link and details are all below. I hope to see you there.

We are very pleased to be co hosting an event with Roxy De Beaux, CEO of Camcycle at Sydney Townhall on Friday 5th April.  Tickets are FREE but you need to register on Humanatix. In 2025 Camcycle celebrates 30 years of “wins” for people on bikes: from slowing road speeds to empowering advocates, from improving existing infrastructure to shaping future city plans. How can we successfully advocate for cycling, and what does it take? Join us for an inspiring evening learning from Roxanne De Beaux, CEO of Camcycle, the cycling advocacy charity for Britain’s cycling capital, Cambridge.

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – John Penkaitis

Term Deposit – $2000.00 expires in 17 days, to be rolled over. To date $40.76 in interest, to be added to the General Acct.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: John P

Seconded: Dawn C

Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – nil

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

Currently we have a total of 130 paid up members for 2024/25. The latest membership renewal is Paul

Cooper from Canberra.

Website Manager’s Report –

Average monthly page views 627.5

Average Monthly unique visits 543.5

Average monthly first time visits 468

Average monthly returning visits 75.5

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Training-

Another ride leader training day is being planned for Saturday, 10th May. We will need six volunteers to assist in the roles of group riders and actors, in various scenarios, during the practical ride leading assessments. Anyone who would like to assist please contact to Jim, Dick or Wayne. More information on the training will be provided at next month’s meeting.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

The weekly newsletter is going out as per usual thanks to the efforts of those who send in reports. I’d like to especially thank those who participated in the Orange gravel bike ride for the extensive report they forwarded to me.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Nil

Stack Team App Report – John Wooster

Attendance report

No. of scheduled rides 28

Cancelled rides 4

Actual rides 24

Most popular ride,19 attended the 70th Celebration 23/3/25

Most frequent rider, 9 rides Bill Purdy and Jim Florence

Total Attendance 204

Average attendance 8.5

Active riders this month 70

Have you got Notifications turned on? They can be turned off in the app or on your phone.

Members should ensure they have logged on and set up the app prior to arriving at the start of a ride.

Ensure that your email address in the app is the same as the address you provided when joining the club as  email address is the identifying field in the app. It must be unique, i.e., can’t be shared by a couple.

Changes to the Stack App

When RSVPing to a ride, the screen where you answer the risk warning question has changed so that only the first line of the risk warning is visible.

Note that it seems that Android devices are not affected, only iOS devices as well as the Stack Teams website.

I’ve reported the matter to Stack as follows –

Hi, it seems the screen that displays when RSVPing to an Event has changed in the last 2 days.  We are a riding group and in each event we include a Risk Warning in the Questions(optional) field, to which individuals need to read and agree, by responding Yes. This is a legal requirement of our insurer. Now when the screen is displayed only the first line of the warning is displayed (see attachment) and so cannot be read. This seems to occur only on iOS devices. Can anything be done so that the full optional question can be seen as it was previously?

We’ll see what they say

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Cathy Bennet- reported above

Steve Pryn – In the private hospital recovering.

Chris Bellamy –

Dennis Elford – Laid up with back pain

General Business

Cootamundra Trip update. Sixteen have indicated they will be attending. We will be doing the same 3 rides as in 2022.

Cycling reports. Jim has requested that he be sent a report of your cycling adventures for inclusion in his weekly newsletter.

Safety –

Our very own Peter McLean reported that the local bike shops are now reporting substantial penalties if they sell, repair or service illegal e-bikes. Both the bike shop and the mechanic could face serious fines.

This should come as a remainder to all SBUG members that they are required to only ride NSW Road legal bikes on SBUG sanctioned rides. If any SBUG member is riding an illegal e-bike on NSW roads they must be aware that any insurance they may have, including BNSW insurance, will be void should an incident occur and they themselves retain the legal liability and they could face prosecuted by the NSW Police.

The SBUG and BNSW explicitly prohibit the use of non-compliant or illegally modified e-bikes in accordance with NSW road regulations.

Next Meeting: 7pm on 6^th May 2025 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Chair__________________________________________

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 4th March 2025

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair: Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, Richard Dwyer, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, Dennis Elford, Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, Gary Catt, Dawn Chamberlain, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Ed Proudfoot, Brenda Christainson, Erik Christainson, John Wooster, John Penkaitis, Sharon Whittaker.

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed: Dennis Elford  Seconded: Richard Dwyer  Carried unanimously

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes – Nil

Correspondence

In

• Email from Scott Wells at SCC regarding Falls Rd Bike Track proposal – Advising that the proposed report to Council scheduled for 25 February has been postponed to the council meeting on 11 March 2025.
• Email from Peter McLean from Bicycle NSW – advising that Ride Leader Training has been scheduled for Sunday 9th March at Sydney Olympic Park.
• Email from George Takas – Active Transport Taskforce Coordinator – Healthy Cities Illawarra – TAFE NSW are conducting workshops in our four LGAS, late May and early June, and are seeking names of people who influence social and economic outcomes in their local area. The organiser contacted me by phone as she is after people who have a specific interest in active transport. – Ed Proudfoot is dealing with this matter on behalf of the club.

Out

• Email to all members regarding short notice unsanctioned ride away opportunity to Kangaroo Island from member Vic Reed.

 Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – presented by Gary Catt in the absence of John Penkaitis.

In addition to the above funds there is a sum of $2,000 in a term deposit.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed:  Dawn Chamberlain      Seconded:  Michael Strachan        Carried-  Unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Nil provided

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Currently we have a total of 129 members for 2024/25. The latest new member is Janet Luxton from North Nowra.

I have been asked why there is a difference between the number of members shown on the Stack Team App and the number of members I report each month. The Stack Team App includes several trialling Guest Riders who have not yet joined SBUG. Guest riders are allowed to attend three rides before deciding whether to join our group. The 129 members referred to in this report are those who have paid membership for the current year. 

Website Co-ordinator’s Report – Trish Cassar advised that from 10/2/25 to 4/3/25 (23days)

• Average Monthly Page Views:                 404.5      
• Average Monthly Unique Visits:               366.5
• Average Monthly First Time Visits:           319.5 
• Average Monthly Returning Visits:             47.0

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Ride Leader Meetings

Our first ride leader meeting for 2025 was held on Saturday, 15th February. Sixteen ride leaders attended the meeting and discussed a variety of issues relating to improving the planning and leading of our rides. With the recent retirement of three of our long-time ride leaders it was good to see a couple other ride leaders step up to fill some gaps left by the retirees. We are still looking for a ride leader for some of the Wednesday, Woollamia/Vincentia and return rides.

Ride Leader Training

Another ride leader training day is being planned for Saturday, 10^th May. The training will be facilitated by our three master ride leaders in accordance with the Bicycle NSW ride leader training requirements. The candidates for the training are Brenda Christiansen, Trish Cassar, John Penkaitis and Graham Johns. We will also need six volunteers to assist in the roles of group riders and actors, in various scenarios, during the practical ride leading assessments. Anyone who would like to assist please contact Jim, Dick or Wayne. More information on the training will be provided at next month’s meeting.

Free first aid training paid for by the club for Ride Leaders has not got the required support from the Ride Leaders as a minimum of ten was required to run the course.

Stack Team App Report – John Wooster

• In February there were 25 scheduled rides, 2 rides were cancelled.
• The most popular ride was Bomaderry to Berry with 18 attendees.
• The most frequent riders for the month were Jan Van Duin and John Van Duin with 10 rides and Trish Cassar and Jim Florence with 9 rides each.
• Total attendance was 222 for an average attendance of 8.9. There were 62 active riders this month

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence advised that;

The Weekly Newsletter as it is now called is continuing on thanks to the efforts of those who send in reports of their rides and photos. I would like to encourage people who have cycling adventures outside the BUG to submit articles and photos. The Reports only need to be brief and concise. War and Peace is not necessary.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil provided

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Monika is recovering well from Knee surgery and is now back at home. Hopes to return to tap dancing next week.

JP is in recovery after a horrendous crash on his motorbike. Injuries sustained preventing him riding his cycle so pretty miserable at the moment.

Peter Hewlett is doing well.

 Membership Secretary’s Report 

Currently we have a total of 129 paid up members for 2024/25. That is the same number as last month. In addition to the current SBUG members, we have 26 ‘Guest’ riders registered on the Stack Team App. Guest riders are allowed to trial on three rides before they decide whether to join SBUG. The Stack App can provide information on the number of rides that each guest has had so that ride leaders can then invite them to become BUG members. All ride leaders will be emailed a list of guest riders including the number of rides they have attended.

General Business – Nil

From the Committee Meeting for mention – Nil

Agenda items – Previous/Reporting – Nil

Agenda items – New

• All Women’s Ride Series – Peter Cassar gave a report on behalf of Sharon Whittaker who was unable to attend the meeting:

After advertising the program some weeks ago to all members via club email, I am heartened to say that I have received support from both female and male members alike. The program kicked off with our first ride in Berry last Tuesday and the 4 riders who attended all agreed it was a lovely day. We all discovered a new trail and agreed over coffee to extend the ride further next time. Over the next few months, the rides will move to other areas of the Shoalhaven covering road and cycleway courses as well as gravel trail courses in keeping with the great variety of riding environments we live in. I am hopeful the program will be a great addition and experience for the club as it unfolds over the next 6 months.

• Privacy of members – There have been instances of posting SBUG members photos during rides to social media sites such as Facebook etc. Please ensure if you intend to post photos of members to social media that permission is obtained from the member before publishing.

          Normal photos to the SBUG Publicity Officer Jim Florence for internal SBUG use are not affected. 

• Safety – It is highly recommended that riders use front and rear lights on their bike, both day and night and especially in bad weather as this will ensure you are visible to other road users and the ride leaders.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:27 pm.

Next Meeting:  7pm on Tuesday 1st April 2025 at The Worrigee Sports Club.

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 11 February 2025

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair: Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, Richard Dwyer, Trish Cassar, Ed Proudfoot, John Penkaitis, Peter Cassar, Peter McLean, Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, David Walker, John Wooster, Dennis Elford, Peter Southgate, Mel Gillott, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, Max Long, Peter Hewlett, Karen Davis, Dawn Chamberlain.

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed: Richard Dwyer  Seconded: Trish Cassar                Carried unanimously

 Business Arising from the Previous Minutes – Nil

Correspondence

In

• Transport for NSW –17/12/24 – email – updating progress with the Illawarra/Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan. Following consultation with stakeholders they are preparing a draft Plan to go for public consultation. Expected mid-2025. Interested parties can still contribute through SRITPs@transport.nsw.gov.au . To be advised to the next General Meeting
• ISATT – email – advising NSW Health have released their Active Transport Health Model. This work attempts to capture the health benefits in dollar terms of getting people to replace some car trips with walking or cycling. For further information, see the following link. https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Council/Projects-and-works/Major-projects/Active-Transport-Strategy
• Email from Scott Wells at SCC regarding Falls Rd Bike Track proposal – Peter Cassar provided an update to the meeting on progress with the issue, as follows;
  • the new “Active Transport Strategy” was on exhibition until 27 September 2024 (5 weeks);
  • all (102) submissions in response to the Draft Strategy were reviewed;
  • an “Exhibition Outcomes Report” was prepared to document the feedback and what Council is doing to address it;
  • Some final (minor) amendments to the Strategy were made to address the feedback we received; and
  • pursuant to the 15 August 2024 Council resolution – The Strategy has now been finalised (January 2025)
  • Council is currently in the final stages of preparing a community update, and placing the new Active Transport Strategy on the website.
  • 25 February, 2025 is the date currently proposed for the Council report
  • To find the report search “Shoalhaven City Council meetings”; then select “Agendas and Minutes”; and look for the 25 February Meeting business paper, which is typically posted in the week leading up to the meeting
  • To find the “Exhibition Outcomes Report”, which addresses the whole strategy (not just Falls Road) – search “Get Involved Shoalhaven”, go to “All Projects”, select “Active Transport Strategy (PAMP – Bike Plan Update)”. Look for the link to the “Exhibition Outcomes Report” (also listed as the new Appendix H)
  • Council will have to consider, as part of its annual budget process, if/when to fund projects, being mindful of the current financial challenges affecting Council.
  • Because of the complexity of the Falls Road Bike Track proposal, and the concerns raised by surrounding property owners, at this stage staff are only recommending that “if” Council wanted to pursue the project, it should consider only identifying sufficient funds “for investigation” at this stage, so that options can be explored in sufficient detail, with community consultation, to try and resolve the matter.
  • In the meantime, whilst the debate may continue in regard to the Falls Road Bike Track proposal, Council staff have continued to encourage local cycling enthusiasts to raise their concerns direct to the NSW Government (considering that the current Jervis Bay Road/Princes Highway upgrade project continues to be the main cause of their safety concerns, from the feedback received).

Out – Nil

Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – John Penkaitis

In addition to the above funds there is a sum of $2,000 in a term deposit gaining interest.

The loss on the Xmas Party is currently calculated as $332. However, there appears to be a refund of the $200 deposit yet to be claimed.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed:  Peter McLean  Seconded:  Peter Southgate                     Carried-  Unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Nil

The meeting was advised of a BBQ to be held at Verne Mutton’s house after the 70km ride.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Currently we have a total of 129 members for 2024/25. The latest new member is Janet Luxton from North Nowra.

I have been asked why there is a difference between the number of members shown on the Stack Team App and the number of members I report each month. The Stack Team App includes several trialling Guest Riders who have not yet joined SBUG. Guest riders are allowed to attend three rides before deciding whether to join our group. The 129 members referred to in this report are those who have paid membership for the current year.

Website Co-ordinator’s Report – Trish Cassar advised that;

From Monday 7 October to Tuesday 5 November

• Average Monthly Page Views; – 686.3
• Average Monthly Unique Visits: –  612.7
• Average Monthly First Time Visits: – 537.0
• Average Monthly Returning Visits; – 75.7

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Ride Leader Meetings

Our first ride leader meeting for 2025 will be held next Saturday afternoon, 15th February, at 3.00pm. Please note there has been a change of venue for the meeting, it will now be held in the upstairs meeting room at the POSTMAN’S TAVERN, Junction Street Nowra. To allow more ride leaders to attend, particularly those who work during the week, we have moved the meetings to the weekend.

If anyone, who is not a ride leader, has any questions or comments regarding ride leading, discuss the matter with one of our master ride leaders, after this meeting, and they may decide to bring it to the next ride leader meeting.

Stack Team app Report

• In December 2024 there were 25 scheduled rides, 1 ride was cancelled.
• The most popular ride for December was Bomaderry to Berry on 13 Dec
• The most frequent riders for the month were Mel Gillett (12), Jim Florence (11) an Trish Cassar (10)

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence advised that;

The weekly report and media report to the South Coast Register are continuing as usual. I’d like to thank everyone for sending in their reports and photos. Over the years the weekly report has been called a media report as that is what it started out as – A report for the South Coast Register. The role of this report has now changed considerably as I only send a small portion of this report to the SCR as it is only published online, and there are restrictions on the size of the report they will accept without them deleting whatever they see fit. It has become more of a weekly newsletter and that is what I would like to call it from this point on – The SBUG weekly newsletter. Reports to the SCR will continue. I would also like to encourage people to send in reports and photos about social activities such as pot luck dinners and kayaking, and about other cycling adventures they may have outside the BUG, e.g. The Great Victoria Bike ride, and of course our weekends away.

Some of you may notice that I make minor changes to the reports you send in. This is mainly because they are often written in the first person and it sounds like it is coming from me, and I will often get queries about the report. In one case a couple of years ago I was on the receiving end of a very annoyed new member who took exception to a comment about e-bikes (which I had taken as a bit of harmless banter). If you find it easier to write these reports in the first person please continue to do so and I will make the changes necessary, but I would never change the context.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton – Nil

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess – Nil

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention

• Constitution review and update – John Wooster has a final draft
• AGM Election Process Review – draft nomination form has been developed.
• Club Funds
  • Ride Leader First Aid Training – approved by committee at a cost of $1,500 for 10 attendees. If there are vacancies on the course they will be offered to the general club members.

Agenda items – Previous/Reporting

Agenda items – New

• Peter Cassar informed the meeting of Canberra Ride Away from 30th March to 4th April 2025 is now full and only reserve bookings are being taken.
  • There will be 4 days of off-road riding with distances of up to 60 kms, with plenty of lifting bikes over gates. An email will be sent to all attendees. Thanks to Karen Davis for organising.
• John Wooster is proposing an Away Ride to Cootamundra from 20^th to 24^th October 2025.
• Peter Cassar advised of the Five Peaks Challenge ride in Canberra on 27^th April 2025. It is a non-competitive event with ride lengths of 120km and 80km.
• Asset Register – Peter Cassar advised that a full bike packing kit has been kindly donated by Paul Parnell to the club and is available for use by members.
• Sharon Whittaker is organising Shoalhaven BUG’s attendance at a community information event to be held at the Dunn-Lewis Centre in Ulladulla on 11^th September 2025. A question was asked if the club could do a ride in association with the event – members to be advised.
• The Buy/Sell/Swap initiative, allowing members(only) to advertise gear for sale has commenced. If anyone is interested in joining the Buy Sell Swap WhatsApp group they should contact Pres via email and include a mobile number.
• The club has recently had 3 Ride Leaders resign for personal reasons. This has required some rides to be cancelled. If members are interested in becoming a Ride Leader, please contact one of the club’s Master Ride Leaders.
• The Bicycle NSW Spring Cycle event is back on and scheduled for 12^th October 2025.
• The Goodness Gravel Fondo is happening in Orange on 15^th March 2025. 4 members going so far.
• Details of the Ladies Ride Program will be available in the club calendar shortly and on the Stacks App.
• A vote of thanks for service was passed for the three recently retired Ride Leaders, John and Jan van Duin and Gary Catt. They have all made significant contributions to the Club as Ride Leaders for many years and we are extremely grateful for their inspired leadership and dedication in this role.
• Jim Florence advised that start times for the Monday and Saturday rides will change back to 8:00am as from the first Saturday in March. The Sunday ride will remain as a 9:00am start unless altered by a Ride Leader for a particular ride.

Safety – Members are reminded that they must take personal responsibility for the decision as to whether they are fit and competent enough to take part on a SBUG ride. Do not ride if injured or unwell.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:45 pm.

Next Meeting:  7pm on 4th March 2025 at The Worrigee Sports Club.

Chair Signature………………………………………………………………………….

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 5th November 2024

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair: Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, Michael Strachan, David Walker, Richard Dwyer, Trish Cassar, Dawn Chamberlain, Dennis Elford, Ed Proudfoot, John Penkaitis, Peter Cassar, Peter Lawrence, Warwick Mottram, Peter McLean, Kathy Beckenham, Gary Catt, Wayne Beckenham, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Verne Mutton, Sharon Whittaker, Estelle Burgess, John Wooster

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed:           Trish Cassar        Seconded: Dawn Chamberlain                   Carried unanimously

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

Christmas Party – Dawn has sent an email to members advising of time date and cost.

Social Secretary Position – to overcome the issue of Committee members needing to have membership of Bicycle NSW, a new position of Social Secretary was created, not requiring Bicycle NSW membership, and Estelle Burgess accepted the new role. Dawn Chamberlain has graciously offered to look after the position until the end of 2024.

Correspondence

In

1. Peter McLean– Bicycle NSW – Advising there are currently two streams of active transport funding available to NSW Councils. – These are the NSW Get Active grants which close on 25th November, as well as the Federal Government Active Transport Fund which closes 13 Jan 2025. – So if there is a key local project opportunity which has been discussed but not funded then perhaps this is an opportunity to discuss with your local council. – Meeting Comment – the funding requires 50% contribution from Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) and council has restricted funding. The club is liaising with the SCC representative.

2. Peter McLean– Bicycle NSW — Advising of a Ride Leaders Training Course in Sydney for Sunday 9th March. – Meeting Comment, SBUG can offer the same training at nil cost to members.

3. Peter McLean– Bicycle NSW – Advising that there are 10% discounts for members attending the Sydney to Gong Charity Ride on 3^rd November and the Bowral Classic Ride.

4. Monique Ewen – Bicycle NSW – Update on Bicycle NSW’s #CouncillorForActiveTransport campaign – Meeting Comment – ED Proudfoot advised the meeting that 4 pledges were received from the current councillors and Clr Selena Clancy is interested in attending a meeting of SBUG to learn more about the group. Ed will continue to liaise with council.

5. Michael Irving – Enquiry on the SBUG contact page, as to whether Shoalhaven BUG is involved in looking at cycling infrastructure around Nowra. – Replied to by P Cassar in the affirmative and inviting Michael to consider joining SBUG.

6. Transport for NSW – An update on the project to repurpose the Old Nowra bridge – for further information see https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/historic-nowra-bridge-repurposing. – Meeting Comment – Wayne Beckenham advised that SBUG had previously provided design comment on the project which had improved the design for cyclists. Action – Secretary to send Transport for NSW a letter reminding them of SBUG’s past involvement and offering to further review the proposed design.

Out

1. Michael Strachan to SCC – Jervis Bay Intersection project – cycling safety issues. – Meeting Comment – Michael Strachan has spoken with the project engineer regarding further safety issues with sign placement and he will continue to monitor the site situation.
2. Michael Strachan – Requesting inclusion of SBUG in the “About St Georges Basin Magazine ” sporting club link.
3. Peter Cassar – email to HMAS Albatross advising them of availability of grants and potential to upgrade cycle transport route Nowra to ALB.

Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – John Penkaitis

John advised that following a Committee meeting recommendation, he has transferred $2,000 of SBUG general funds to a term deposit account earning higher interest.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Gary Catt     Seconded: Jim Florence             Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain advised that;

• An email has been sent to members updating information on the Christmas party to be held at the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club.
• The Karaoke Night went well.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

Currently we have 123 members for 2024/25 and there are 16 people who were members last year but

have not yet renewed. The SBUG email list has been amended to only include members who have paid

their fees for 2024/25.

Bicycle NSW has recently verified our list of members who have renewed membership of BNSW

this year. At the end of October, 65 members, or 50% of our SBUG membership are also members of

BNSW.

Website Co-ordinator’s Report – Trish Cassar advised that;

From Monday 7 October to Tuesday 5 November

• Average monthly page views; – 538
• Unique visits: – `               476
• First time visits: – 419
• Returning visits; – 57

November already has 145 page views so far, showing that the website is still very valuable along with the Stack Team app.

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham advised that;

We are currently having ride leader meetings approximately every three months. November 22 was

scheduled for our next meeting but as some of our RLs will be away we have postponed the ride

leaders meeting until early next year, date to be decided. However, for those RLs who feel they need

more guidance with the Stack app we will have a Stack app refresher afternoon tea at the Tea Club on

Friday 22 November at 2:00pm

Stack Team App Report

• Last month there were 28 scheduled rides, 1 was cancelled.
• The most popular rides for the month were Bomaderry to Berry on 14 October (RL Jim Florence) and Blackbutt/Hellhole MTB ride on 3 October (RL Karen Davis).
• The most frequent rider for the month was Mel Gillot with 11 rides, then Jim Florence, Jan Van Duin, John Van Duin with 10 rides each.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence advised that;

• Weekly reports continue to be forwarded to all members via the Stack App and email, and a summary to the South Coast Register. Reports include a summary of the next week’s rides focusing on the Sunday and Thursday rides which change weekly, and a report on the previous week’s ride particularly the Thursday and Sunday rides, and any other news applicable to the BUG.
• A report of the last away rides to Myrtleford was sent to Bicycle NSW for inclusion in their newsletter but has yet to appear.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

• Verne intends to hold a meeting to decide on 2025 January to June Sunday rides for those ride leaders who do Sunday rides. The meeting will be on Friday 29th November at 2pm (duration 1hour) at the Mutton residence, 22 Ferntree Drive, Bomaderry. A proposed ride schedule will be supplied at the meeting for discussion. He will send an email to ride leaders.

Welfare Officer’s Report – On behalf of the club Peter Cassar passed on our sincere condolences to Bill Purdy and family for the recent passing of Shelly Purdy and thanked those members that attended Shelley’s funeral.

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention

• Constitution review and update is ongoing.
• AGM Election Process Review – the change of order of the meetings, with the General meeting first, then the AGM was approved by C/tee. Further discussion is happening on a more formal nomination process. the earlier timing of nominations and circulation of proposed nominees to members before the AGM.
• Social secretary and BNSW membership – agreement that a new non-committee position of Social Representative be created. This would allow for a volunteer to undertake the role without needing to have BNSW membership.
• Club Funds – the C/tee approved the Treasurer moving an amount of $2,000 to an account earning better interest.

Agenda items – Previous/Reporting

• Michael Strachan encouraged members to find out more about get involved in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven | Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans | Have Your Say (nsw.gov.au) at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/illawarra-shoalhaven

Agenda items – New

• Peter Cassar informed the meeting of ride events he has attended and recommends that members support.
  1. Beers and Gears – held on the October long weekend in Wagga – excellent event.
  2. Clark’s Gambit in the Milton, Ulladulla and Nelligen areas. – 40km and 100km rides on both Saturday and Sunday – all gravel and climbing involved.
  3. Bowral Classic – road riding. Unfortunately, this year’s ride was cancelled as the traffic management team got the date wrong.
• The meeting was advised of a charity “Bikes for Humanity” located at Moss Vale, who repair old bikes and ship them to Namibia, where they provide significant benefits. For more information, see the following link. https://search.app/?link=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2FBicyclesForHumanityNSWSouthernHighlands%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4
• Michael Strachan raised the issue of a Falls Rd Link cycleway project to connect the Highway to Woolamai Rd. He understood this may go as a report to council I the future. –  Action – Peter Cassar to write to Shoalhaven City Council regarding a possible investigation report and the expected date it will go to council.

Safety – Peter Cassar emphasised the high risk of using a mobile phone while riding. He uses a Bluetooth headphone that allows the ability to answer calls without touching the phone.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:52PM

Next Meeting: 7pm on 3^rd December 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Chair Signature………………………P Cassar………………………………………………….

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 1st October 2024

Meeting Opened: 7:00pm

Chair : Peter Cassar

Attendance

Jim Florence, S. Whittaker, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, David Walker, Richard Dwyer, Trish Cassar, Dawn Chamberlain, John Wooster, John Webster, Dennis Elford, Mel Gillott, Ed Proudfoot, John Penkaitis, Peter Cassar, Bill Paterson

Apologies:

Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, Keith Jay, Peter Hewlett

Previous Minutes Accepted

Motion that the previous minutes be accepted.

Proposed:           Mel Gillott           Seconded: Jim Florence                Carried unanimously

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

Nil

Correspondence

Bicycle NSW – Ride Leader Training Course in Sydney on 27/10/24, cost $75

SCC – Community Infrastructure Review – Council is undertaking a review of its 637 open space and community facilities to determine how they will be managed into the future. See Council’s website for more details.

Bicycle NSW – Draft Strategy feedback reminder

Michael Smith – membership enquiry – replied to by Wayne Beckenham

Transport for NSW – Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans covering the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas. Feedback requested. For further details see haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/SRITP. Comments close 29/11/24

Out

SBUG – Meeting with Stephen Hodge Director National Advocacy – Peter Cassar met with Stephen Hodge in relation to grants for Active Transport

Reports

Treasurer’s Financial Report – John Penkaitis

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain                 Seconded: Trish Cassar             Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – presented by Dawn Chamberlain

• The Christmas party is to be held at the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club. They are sending menu and prices. The Club booking cost is $200.
• Karaoke Night – 16 members interested and 6 have paid.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham – no report available – member is an apology

Website Manager’s Report –Wayne Beckenham – no report available – member is an apology

Master RL Report – Wayne Beckenham – no report available – member is an apology

Stack Team app Report – John Wooster

• If a ride is cancelled can the ride leader please email asap Verne Mutton, Wayne Beckenham and John Wooster so that the Stack Team site and website can be updated.
• Please advise Verne Mutton, Wayne Beckenham and John Wooster if there are any errors in ride information.
• Members can sign in early on the Stack app, this helps the ride leader.
• Last month there were 36 rides, 3 were cancelled and there were 25 people on the most popular ride.
• Trish Cassar attended the most rides in the month.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

• Regular reports are being published weekly on the Stack app and in the South Coast Register.
• If you want to see a photo in the report, you need to click on it.
• Information on the Club’s away rides has been sent to Bicycle NSW.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

• No report provided

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

• No report provided

General Business

From the Committee Meeting for mention

We need a Social Secretary! The President raised the importance of obtaining someone to fill the position. After general discussion the President indicated he would speak privately with a potential candidate.

The President welcomed the new Committee Members, Bill Paterson, John Penkaitis and Sharon Whittaker.

Agenda items – Previous/Reporting

Agenda items – New

Woman’s exclusive ride program – Sharon Whittaker gave a general presentation on how the concept will work.

• Proposed to start in February 2025
• 2 rides per month on the 1^st and 2^nd
• The 1^st Tuesday ride will an easy ride, with a full morning commitment.
• The 2nd Tuesday ride will be an off-road medium difficulty ride with a full morning commitment
• In a 6-month ride calendar period there will be 2 rides in each of the north, middle and southern Shoalhaven areas.
• There has been interest shown by non-members, which may foster new membership.
• There may be afternoon rides and potential social events.

Safety – The importance of using Hand and Verbal Signal when stopping in a group especially when stopping at traffic lights to cross – John Penkaitis led a discussion on the use of visual and hand signals that are appropriate when moving into a travel lane to safely get around parked cars. The Direction provided by the two Master Ride Leaders present was to ensure that signals should be made well in advance, be clear and unambiguous, and in compliance with standard traffic rules for lane changing.

Any Other business – Nil

Meeting Closed 7:45PM

Next Meeting: 7pm on 5th November 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Chair Signature: P Cassar

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 3rd September 2024

Annual General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Anne Cornish, Kathy Beckenham, Verne Mutton, Keith Jay, James Florence, Peter McLean, Peter Lawrence, Steve Pryn, Dennis Elford, Sharon Whittaker, Richard Dwyer, John Penkaitis, David Walker, Gary Catt, Mel Gillott, Bill Patterson, Trish Cassar, Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham, John Wooster.

Apologies

Les Cornish, Peter Hewlett, Michael Strachan, Ed Proudfoot, Julie Bourke, Estelle Burgess, Karen Davis, Naomi Spencer.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Vern Mutton

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

President’s Report – Peter Cassar

Another year gone! The 2023-2024 year has seen a small increase in membership but a considerable increase in Committee and Ride Leader business. The variation and scope of rides we offer continues to increase and I am pleased to report we now have more qualified Ride Leaders and a third Master Ride Reader. We have also provided training for the Illawarra Ramblers Ride Leaders, which is a first. Interestingly, this was born from a cry for help from their President. The Ramblers insurance company refused to cover the organisation if using E-Bikes on their rides. This is why they became another BNSW affiliated BUG and reaffirms and justifies our commitment to remain with BNSW.

The dedication and proactive nature of our Master Ride Leaders, Ride Leaders and Ride Coordinator is what makes this club so special. This for me is a constant source of admiration and I thank them for their dedication in these important roles. Currently the club rides all over the region, specifically being designed and delivered in a safe manner for all riding abilities.

It’s time again to look back at the preceding 12 months; We have introduced a Code of Conduct to protect the membership from unwanted or unacceptable behaviour. We have increased the quantity and variation of the rides with some fantastic organisation and co-ordination that has created some variety and challenging events. The monthly meetings have included cycling related guest speakers to try and encourage better attendance.

We had our annual Xmas Party which was an outstanding success. We received very favourable feedback primarily due to the live music organised by our departing Social Secretary. Dawn has done a great job during her tenure as Social Sec. This year’s Xmas Party will need support so join us for a fun night with likeminded people and an opportunity to shake a leg.

As a social bike club, we really need a proactive organised and passionate Social Sec, and I know we are going to miss Dawn’s enthusiasm for getting things like the social paddle days and other social events that have been so successful.

The multi-day, credit card, bike packing South Coast adventure for me was a highlight and identified that we really don’t have to travel too far to get into some of the best gravel riding in the State. Sharon did a great job of getting that off the ground and cleverly included a weekend of riding in Moruya at the end, to ensure inclusiveness of other members who didn’t fancy the distance or remote nature. These sorts of events support local communities struggling after fire, floods and COVID so we need to do more.

Our ride away to Canberra that was organised by Jan and Jon VD went off without a hitch and was enjoyed by all so a big thank you to them for organising that enjoyable event. What a difference riding in Canberra was, with dedicated cycling lanes and courteous drivers.

We had quite a few members turn 80 years old and what better way to celebrate than a highly supported turn out to the 80km birthday ride organised by Max. So popular in fact, that it caught us out creating a chaotic situation on the day. Who would have thought an 80km ride would have been so popular! We also had the resurrection of the SBUG 100km ride which historically used to be an annual event. Not as popular as the 80k but that’s probably my fault for riding too fast. Look out for the next one, next year it will be local and I encourage you to give it a go!

We also received an invite to assist the organisers of a local Clarks Gambit Gravel ride from the Milton Ulladulla Cycling Club which starts and finishes in Nelligen. Sharon, Graham Johns and I led the Short Course which was provided for families and beginners to enter the 40km gravel ride with the confidence to know help was on hand if required. Doing these sort of events raises the profile and reputation of the club, which can only be a good thing. We will be doing this again on the weekend of 26th & 27th Oct.

The popular bike maintenance course continues and has been joined by a MTB training course and six members successfully navigated obstacles both physical and mental to ride safer on uneven ground with confidence.

In the near future, Sharon has proposed, with Committee endorsement, an additional Tuesday ride consisting of an exclusive woman’s only ride and rides of greater distance on gravel. Jamie is proposing a Wednesday Night MTB ride in the dark! and yes you heard it here first. I know work is currently going on in the background by Ed to go back to Canberra but to do the entire Centenary Trail so look out for that next year. All of these rides will need your support so give them a go and report back. Your feedback is essential for us to gauge interest.

We have our trip to Myrtleford in a couple of weeks, which I guarantee is going to be a great riding event so get your name down if you haven’t done so already as accommodation is limited. Anne, Les and John have ensured the distance of the rides will be above average so an element of training may be required for those not used to riding further than 40km.

Of course, if you’re content with the way things are, that’s ok too and the staple rides will continue. It’s worth stating that as ever we value every member’s input, it’s your club and your contribution is what will ultimately make the club successful. What we need now is future thinking, audacious and dynamic Committee members to drive the club forward and challenge the status quo. This will include constitutional change to ensure it’s up to date with modern policies and procedures. If you’re that person, then I implore you to get yourself elected by getting nominated for a position.

The biggest change in the year was the introduction of the Stack Teams Application which now replaces the Ride Sheet. I cannot emphasise enough the amount of time and effort that has gone into making this work for the club. John and Wayne and all of the early testers really tackled the complex task with vigor but more importantly with a sensitivity to recognise that the introduction was going to cause some distress to the less tech savvy members. It’s worthy of note that co-ordinating the Stack Teams app requires a dedicated person to ensure it continues to run smoothly in the future. John has kindly volunteered to keep this going for us.

Jim, our Publications Officer and PR guru has done a fantastic job of badgering the ride leaders for content to ensure that not only the membership knows what’s going on but the entire BNSW membership and local community. This again raises our profile, improves our reputation and is very important work

This year is the last year as Secretary for John Wooster, and I would like to formally thank him for his exceptional work in the background as the unsung hero who keeps the wheels turning. His dedication, council and commitment has made my job easy, and I have really valued his input and moral courage to speak out when his President steps out of line, and yes, I have and did.

Anne Cornish is also stepping down as Treasurer after many years of sterling service. I look back fondly at the rebuke I received over authorising expenditure without consulting her, never again. Thank you, Anne, great job keeping us in the black and maintaining impeccable accounts on behalf of the club.

We have an approved Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) Bike Plan that is now on exhibition and open for public consultation as the Councils Active Transport Strategy 2024. Wayne did a fantastic job, collating the club’s formal response into this important document and has ensured we have input into the priorities for Council planning from a cycling perspective.

We challenged Transport NSW on the design of the new Nowra bridge active transport lane and got them to change the right of way, favouring the cyclist to improve safety. Again, this was Wayne not afraid to challenge a big organisation on behalf of all cyclists in the region.

Finally, it only remains for me to thank the outgoing Committee, Master Ride Leaders and all the Ride Leaders for all their hard work supporting the group and me as your President. If you have time or spare capacity, I ask you to get involved. You can nominate for a formal position or just help with organising a ride away. Assistance in club activities is always welcomed and you have opportunities to make a difference if you want to, it’s your club.  Personally, I couldn’t do any of it without the support of my lovely wife Trish so, role on the rest of 24/25 and ride safe!

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial reports be accepted.

Proposed: Anne Cornish

Seconded: Dawn Chamberlain

Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

12/ 9/2023         A paddle to Minnamurra

15/10/2023        Progressive Potluck LUNCH @ Sharon Whittaker’s, Max Long & Bill Purdy’s

6/11/2023          Ride away to Canberra ACT

31/11/2023        Annual Christmas Dinner Party

26/ 1/2024         Australia Day BBQ Breakfast/Ride

8/3/2024            Moruya weekend away

20/ 4/2024         Pot Luck Dinner @ The Van Duin’s

19/ 6/2024         80 klm ride for 80 year olds birthdays

23/ 6/2024         Presidents 100klm ride

13/ 7/2024         Xmas in July Potluck dinner @ Dawn’s

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

Looking back at the last three (3) years of membership records SBUG membership has had a small increase each year.

In 2021/22 it was 115 members

In 2022/23 it was 121 members

Last year, 2023/24, the figure was 134 members and so far, this year we have 120 members with 19 members from last year yet to renew. Most years we see some members leave and others join, however since September 2023, we have had around 20 new members join our group.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

The website usage statistics are showing that in the last twelve months we have had 210 visits to the website each week. This is a little higher than last year’s 148 visits, but it is expected that website visits will reduce in the future due to the fact that the Stack Team App is now our primary source for checking the ride calendar.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Reassessment

Some of our SBUG ride leaders were accredited by Bicycle NSW ride leader training as far back as 2005. In 2021 a new ride leader manual and training course was developed and twelve of our ride leaders were originally accredited under the new course.

In September and October 2023, following recommendations from BNSW Jim Florence and I developed a ride leader reassessment course consisting of short theory and ride leading assessments, for the nine ride leaders who were trained under the old course prior to 2021. All our ride leaders have now been reaccredited in accordance with the current BNSW training manual.

Ride leader training.

Another ride leader training course was held on Friday 21st June 2024. There were two SBUG ride leader trainees, Steve Pryn and Jamie Mathews and one SBUG master ride leader trainee, Richard Dwyer. At the request of Bicycle NSW, we also trained another three ride leaders from the newly formed Illawarra Ramblers BUG. All candidates completed the course and Richard Dwyer completed his master ride leader accreditation to join Jim and I as MRLs. We currently have twenty-two ride leaders including three master ride leaders. Congratulations to the new ride leaders and a big thankyou to the SBUG riders who volunteered their morning as group riders/actors on the assessment rides.

Ride Leader Meetings

We are currently having ride leader meetings approximately every three months. The meetings are a fairly informal get-together over coffee and an opportunity to discuss any issues encountered on rides or suggestions for improving our ride leading. At the last two meetings we have also included some training on the use of our new online ride registration system, the Stack Team App. Thanks to John Wooster for his dedication in refining the Stack Team App system to suit our needs and providing training for our members.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Reports are still going out to the membership on a weekly basis and is included in the online version of the South Coast Register weekly. The report consists of reports on the previous Thursday and Sunday rides, and also includes other rides if something of interest has occurred, and details of the next Thursday and Sunday rides. Other things of interest such as reminders of meetings, and safety tips are also included. Photos of the previous week’s ride are included, and often historic photos are included.

This year reports were also sent to Bicycle NSW for inclusion in their newsletter, including details of our ride leader training, our century ride, and our Nerriga / Moruya away trip. I’d like to thank the ride leaders and others who sent me reports and photos. Your efforts are appreciated.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

1. My thanks go to the Ride Leaders with whom communication has been well coordinated. They have been encouraged to use text or other media so that ride information is not mislaid. There has been a smooth transition to using the Stack App.
2. A meeting to organise 6 months of Sunday rides was held at the Mutton residence on Friday the 7th June and rides entered in Stack until Christmas. A similar meeting will be held in November.
3. Ride descriptions have been entered into Stack to the end of October. Ride entries in Stack will be completed shortly up to Christmas.
4. Ride entries for Thursday MTB rides will continue to be entered on a weekly basis.
5. There are now rosters for Ride Leaders on Wednesday and Saturday rides with a proposed Tuesday ride spreading the workload more effectively among Ride Leaders.
6. A ride coordinators job description is on the agenda.
7. The Ride Coordinator has and will attend Ride Leader’s meetings.
8. Helped Wayne and Jim on Ride Leader assessments (great acting) on Friday 21st June.
9. ONE OFF UNSCHEDULED RIDE PROPOSALS (except Sunday rides) will be forwarded to the Ride Coordinator to be actioned under proposed GUIDELINES.

I would be happy to perform the ride coordinator’s role if elected.

Wishing the newly elected committee all the very best for happy and safe riding next year.

Stack Team App Report – John Wooster

There were discussions last year about the need for an electronic sign on system. After some research and advice from one of our members based in Canberra, we found that Pedal Power used the Stack Team App as the only method of signing on to a ride. In February Wayne Beckenham and I set about investigating how we could best adapt the app for our use. In April we were ready for a limited trial of Stack, inviting committee members to download the app and join the app and play with it, to get a feel for its functionality and assess if it fulfilled our needs. At the May monthly meeting, a demonstration of the app was shown to those present and soon after all members were sent guides for downloading and using the app and invited to join.

Less than 3 months later by the end of July we had ceased using the paper sign on sheet with the whole process being handled by the Stack Team app.

Some of the Advantages

• Members can sign on to a ride days ahead
• We can easily retrieve statistical information on rider numbers etc.
• RLs can access all rider information required in an emergency
• Quicker and easier sign on process

We now have members adding pictures to the gallery, using the Chat room and Jim Florence is now putting together the weekly Newsletter in the app and sending it out.

I think we can say it has been an overwhelming success, and it should be said that Wayne and I had quite a bit of NERDY fun in the build process.

The SBUG website Ride calendar is now synched to the Stack Team App Event calendar. The website ride calendar may at times be a bit slow to update, so the app calendar should be your first point of reference.

On a personal note, I will not be restanding for the Secretary position. After 7 years someone else should put their tilt on the job.

It’s been a fulfilling experience, and I thank those who have helped me. I hope I’ve had a positive influence on the club. I’ve made quite a few friends in the club in that time, it’s what you’d expect from a social club with pedals. Thank you.

Membership Fees – The president reported that the committee recommends that the annual membership fees remain unchanged at $10 pa. There were no objections.

The president declared all committee positions vacant and appointed John Wooster as Returning Officer to conduct committee elections.

John Wooster verified all the results and invited President Peter Cassar to take the chair. Peter congratulated the new committee members and thanked all for coming.

Meeting closed at 7.45pm.

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 3rd September 2024

General Meeting Opened 6.30 pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Anne Cornish, Kathy Beckenham, Verne Mutton, Keith Jay, James Florence, Peter McLean, Peter Lawrence, Steve Pryn, Dennis Elford, Sharon Whittaker, Richard Dwyer, John Penkaitis, David Walker, Gary Catt, Mel Gillott, Bill Patterson, Trish Cassar, Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham, John Wooster.

Apologies

Les Cornish, Peter Hewlett, Michael Strachan, Ed Proudfoot, Julie Bourke, Estelle Burgess, Karen Davis, Naomi Spencer.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Peter McLean

Seconded: Verne Mutton

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email from BNSW re Can you help us find more #CouncillorsForActiveTransport?

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Jim Florence

Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

Refer AGM

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

Refer AGM

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

Refer AGM

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Refer AGM

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Refer AGM

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Refer AGM

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Tom is making slow progress and has returned home.

Michael is having surgery this week.

Stack Team App Report – John Wooster

In August there were 30 scheduled rides with 8 cancelled due to the weather.

Most attended rides, 17 attended on Aug-08-2024 WORRIGEE TO CALLALA BAY AND RETURN – RL: Dick Dwyer and 17 attended on Aug-15-2024 J B CIRCUIT ANTICLOCKWISE- R.L Stephen Pryn

Most oftenest rider – 10 rides Jan Van Duin, 9 rides John Van Duin, Jim Florence and Peter McLean

General Business

Safety – PC talked about bike lights. There are two types, lights that warn others of a riders presence and lights to illuminate a riders path. The latter need to be 250 to 400 lumens.

One off Scheduled rides – A guide for organising these has been devised by Jim Florence and is available for all to see on the website.

Meeting Closed at 7pm

Next Meeting: 7pm on 1/10/2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 6th August 2024

Presentation by Guest Speaker:

Indian Pacific Wheels Ride; Prior to the meeting, commencing at 1830,

Guest Speaker Kerwyn Ballico gave a very interesting, informative, and

at times humorous talk on his unsupported rides from Freemantle to

Sydney as part of the annual Indian Pacific Wheels ride. Kerwyn is

continuing his cycling adventures and in 10 days time will be tackling the

historic Savannah Way from Darwin to Cairns.

Meeting start:

The monthly meeting started after the talk at 1952.

Present:

Steve Pryn, Denis Elford, Graham Johns, Jamie Mathew, Jane Mathew,

Peter Southgate, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, Peter McLean, Keith Jay,

Kerwyn Ballico, Wayne Beckenham, Kathy Beckenham, Mel Gillott, Dick

Dwyer, Joe Nethery, Nina Strachan, Michael Strachan, Gary Catt, David

Walker.

Apologies:

Sharon Whittaker, Anne Cornish, John Wooster, Barry Cruwys.

Previous minutes:

Previous minutes were read by the President. Accepted by Wayne

Beckenham.

Treasurer’s Report:

Opening Balance $3992.74.

Incoming:

Membership renewals $280

Interest $0.03

Outgoing:

Reimbursment for C. Church (paid membership twice) $10

Reimbursment to W. Beckenham for Ride Leader course catering – $130

Closing Balance $4132.77

Social Co-ordinator’s report:

Christmas in July was held at Dawn’s home on 13th July. A carol was

sung (with actions), poems were recited and a few stories told. Thank

you to all who participated to make it an enjoyable night. A special thank

you to Karen who was too sick to attend but made sure her delicious

trifle was delivered.

Shoalhaven Heads Bowlo has been approached for our Christmas

Party, unless anyone has other suggestions. The 12th and 19th

December are available dates. (A show of hands was called for to

choose the date and the majority was for the 19th)

Membership Secretary Report:

Membership renewals for 2024/25 were due on 1st July. 115 people

have renewed their membership so far and there are 21 who were

members last year but have not yet renewed. If you haven’t yet

renewed, do so by paying $10 into the SBUG General account.

Remember to put your name into the reference box so we know who has

paid. The SBUG Gmail list has been amended to only include members

who have paid their fees for 2024/25.

Master Ride Leader Report:

Ride leader training.

After our ride leader training held on Friday 21st June, all five candidates

have successfully completed all modules of the course and have

received their certificates. Our two new SBUG ride leaders are Steve

Pryn and Jamie Mathew. The other three, from the newly formed

Illawarra Ramblers BUG, are Phil Prentice, Peter Aubourg and Rudy

Drmota. In addition, Richard Dwyer completed his master ride leader

accreditation and joins Wayne and Jim as SBUG MRLs. Congratulations

to all the new ride leaders.

Next Ride Leader Meeting

The next 3 monthly ride leader meeting is scheduled for Friday 23rd

August 2024. All ride leaders are welcome to attend the meeting and

get-together over coffee and cake. The meeting will start at 1:00pm

sharp, at the “Three Pots Café” (formerly the Tin Shed) in the Pleasant

Way, Nowra. The cafe at closes 2:00pm so come early to order food and

drinks as the meeting will start at 1:00pm.

 Publicity Officer’s report:

Weekly reports are still being sent to the South Coast Register and all

members. The report is now being included in the news section of the

Stack App. Members who do not have the Stack app are still getting

emails, however this will change when all members are signed up to the

Stack app. It’s been noted that there was a report on the SBUG activities

again in the BNSW newsletter, however it was a repeat of last month.

Ride Co-ordinator’s report:

1. Communication with Ride Leaders with respect to the ride

calendar has been excellent.

2. A meeting to organise 6 months of Sunday rides was held at the

Mutton residence on Friday June 7th. The Sunday ride descriptions

have been updated in Stack to Christmas.

3. Ride descriptions have been entered to Stack to the end of

October.

4. Helped Wayne and Jim on Ride Leader assessments (great

acting) on Friday 21st June.

5. Will need to enter ride descriptions for the 3 day Myrtleford visit

shortly.

 Welfare Officer’s Report:

Peter Lawrence is out of hospital and stabilized at the moment. He was

in for a month due to high calcium in his blood, a side effect of his

medication. Tom is in Berry and rehab is progressing well. He is in good

spirits. Les was to drop off signed cards for both but not sure if this

happened. They were signed at the Christmas in July dinner.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Ride Leader and Master Ride Leader certificates:

The President presented Ride Leader certificates to Steve Pryn and

Jamie Mathew, and a Master Ride Leader Certificate to Dick Dwyer.

 Stack Team app report:

Weekly media report – Jim is now duplicating the weekly media report

into the stack news section. When this is posted in stack a notification is

sent via the app to all members and the report can be read in the app.

An email also gets sent to all. The email has the report embedded in it

but only displays one photo. If you click on the photo it will be re directed

to the website where all photos in the report can be viewed.

Notifications – A lot of members seem to have turned off notifications on

the app. Probably when the app was first loaded you said NO. It is

probably better if notifications are left on, then notifications will be

received for ride cancellations, news, postings etc.

When you first open then app there are four menu items at the bottom of

the screen. Notifications is the third item and this is where all

notifications are displayed. If you wish to change your preferences,

select the fourth menu item Settings, and then preferences and

notifications. Full admin can see whether you have notifications turned

ON.

Note that you can also set Notifications in your phone, or at least in an

IPhone I know you can, I assume android phones have similar settings.

On the iPhone select Settings, Notifications and then you get a list of all

apps on the phone, select the Stack Team app, and make your choices.

Attendance Report:

No of scheduled rides 28.

Cancelled rides 3

Most popular ride – Seventeen attended on Thursday 25th July,

Blackbutt Range, Parma, Hell Hole and Sandy Creek circuit. – RL

Richard Dwyer.

Most oftenest (sic) riders – John Van Duin and Ed Proudfoot 12, Jan

Van Duin, Jim Florence and John Wooster 11.

 Safety:

No safety issues from those present.

 Proposal for a new weekly SBUG ride:

Sharon Whittaker is proposing a new regular trail/MTB/hybrid Tuesday

ride. The proposal is for two per month as a women’s only ride, and the

other two a mixed ride. Sharon has presented a detailed report on her

proposal including detailed rationale for the Tuesday ride and for the

women only rides. Her proposal will be considered at the next committee

meeting and was read out to the members present. There was no

negative comment from those present.

 Clarkes Gambit Gravel ride:

The President advised of gravel rides being held over 26 – 27th October

in the Nelligen area. There are 40, 50, and 100km routes. Entries close

12th July. Check out Clarks Gambit 2024 Gravel Ride Nelligen NSW –

Graveleur website for more details.

 AGM next month:

The President reminded the meeting that next month is the AGM, and

encouraged anyone who wants to be on the committee to put their hand

up, and think about, and talk to, anyone they’d like to nominate.

Close:

There being no further business the meeting closed. The next meeting

will be the AGM commencing at 1830 at the Worrigee Sport’s club Jack

Elliott meeting room, followed by the monthly general meeting.

James Florence

Acting Secretary

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 2nd July 2024

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Anne Cornish, Kathy Beckenham, Les Cornish, Peter McLean, Dennis Elford, James Florence, Karen Corr, Ed Proudfoot, Mel Gillott, Trish Cassar, Julie Bourke, Wayne Beckenham, Ron Lukin, Bev Lukin, John Wooster.

Apologies

Dawn Chamberlain, Richard Dwyer, Peter Hewlett, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, Max Long.

 Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Peter McLean

Seconded: Kathy Beckenham

Carried unanimously.

 Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

Nil

Correspondence

Email from BNSW Cambewarra Village Shared Path proposal

Julie’s response to BNSW regarding Nowra Bypass consult

Email from Antonio Corral

Council Response – RE: SHOALHAVEN BICYCLE USER GROUP INCORPORATED (SBUG) Letter regarding unformed section of Falls Road

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurers financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Peter McLean, Seconded: Jim Florence, Carried unanimously.

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

2 epic rides were held this month 80 kms & 100 kms well done to all who participated.

A potluck dinner is to be held on Saturday 13th July at Dawn’s.

Wear some tinsel to celebrate Christmas in July.

I will send an email closer to the date with details, such as address etc.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

Membership renewals are now due for 2024/25. Of the 134 members last year, 88 have already renewed their membership. If you haven’t yet renewed, do so by paying $10 into the SBUG General account. Remember to put your name into the reference box so we know who has paid. In the next few weeks, the SBUG email list will be amended to only include members who have paid. To ensure you receive weekly rides update emails or other information from the committee, please renew as soon as possible.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

The SBUG website ride calendar has now been synchronised with the Stack Team App events calendar so that when entries or amendments are made in the Stack calendar, they will automatically flow through to the website calendar. The website calendar only displays future rides for approximately three months ahead of the current date, but the Stack calendar shows all our rides. Both the calendars are viewable by the public via the internet but only members of Stack can register for rides using the Stack Team App. Most riders will probably use the new Stack calendar as it allows people to check out the ride details and register for a ride at the same time.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride leader training.

A ride leader training morning was held on Friday 21st June. There were two SBUG ride leader candidates and three from the newly formed Illawarra Ramblers BUG. All candidates completed the theory session and practical ride assessments, they only need to complete a co-led group ride with a MRL to complete their accreditation. A big thanks to the SBUG riders who volunteered their morning as group riders/actors on the assessment rides, everyone performed their roles very well.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Weekly reports are continuing to the membership and the South Coast Register. I have just sent a newsletter to Bicycle NSW for inclusion in their next newsletter. Subjects included our over eighties 80KM ride, the revival of our annual 100 km ride, and recent ride leader training.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Nil

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Nil

General Business

Falls Rd access – PC reports that we received a reply from SCC stating that this was a low priority and they other 290 projects and no funding. MS reports that he received a reply from Councillor Ell stating he would bring it to council meeting.

Stack Team App update. JW. – 77.9% now signed up.

We’re now adding the ride leader’s name to the event title. That way the RL is identified in the attendance report, so it’s important that a late change in ride leader be reported to Verne, Wayne or John.

Some people are still not completing the sign on procedure correctly. Make sure you have a green YES after you have signed on.

As Wayne reported the website calendar is now synched to the Stack Event Calendar so the website may look a little different. There is a limit (100) to the number of events that can be synched. That equates to about three months worth. There is some lag in the synchronisation of the calendars of 4 to 5 hours. This means that the Ride Cancellations may not show up in the Website ride calendar for a while, so the Stack Event Calendar is the gospel. All ride cancellations should be reported to Verne, Wayne and John.

Attendance report – not exactly accurate this month, as not all rides have been fully Stack handled.

No. of scheduled rides = 29, Cancelled rides = 7

Most popular ride = 29 attended the 80th celebration ride, 19 attended the Hyams Beach intersection to Stoney Creek Ride on Jun 13, and 16 attended the Monday Berry Ride 17th and 24^th.

Most oftenest riders were John van Duin and Jim Florence both on 11 rides.

Helmet Donation – Max Long has proposed that we buy cycling helmets to donate for distribution to Bomaderry PS. We have done this in the past and it was questionable if it was a worthwhile project. The feeling was not to proceed.

MTB Training and Maintenance Day reminder for this weekend. Two places still available. See PC.

Incident Report Form. – WB advises that the form has been updated and is available on the Stack Team App under the Documents button and on the website.

Safety PC – When approaching a lip on the road such as on a driveway, a rider should always line up at an angle of greater than 45 degrees.

Scan the trail ahead

Emergency phone numbers should be kept up to date. During a recent incident we were unable to reach the Emergency contact because the wrong number had been supplied. The emergency numbers that a member provides is listed in the Stack Team App on your Membership Entry card. Please check that this info is correct and email Wayne if it needs updating.

President’s 100km ride presentation.

Certificates awarded to Bev Lukin, Ron Lukin and Ed Proudfoot. Peter Hewlett and Sharon Whittaker will also be presented.

7.52pm close

Next Meeting: 7pm on 6^th August 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 4th June 2024

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Wayne Beckenham, Trish Cassar, Jan Van Duin, John Van Duin, Peter McLean, David Walker, Sharon Whittaker, Dennis Elford, John Penkaitis, Monika Palczewski, Ed Proudfoot, Gary Catt, James Florence, Kathy Beckenham, Richard Dwyer, Les Cornish, Anne Cornish, Dawn Chamberlain, Peter Lawrence, John Wooster.

Apologies

Naomi Spencer, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, Julie Bourke, Erik Christiansen, Brenda Christiansen, Tom McDonald.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Peter McLean

Seconded: Jan Van Duin

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email and Letter to councilors re Falls Rd access + 5 replies

Email from BNSW re Nowra bypass and transport improvements – Consultation Summary Report

Email from BNSW re Membership renewals – social media posts

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the financial reports be accepted.

Proposed Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Peter Lawrence

Carried unanimously.

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

Only social event this month was coffee after the rides. Thank you, Michael and Nina Strachan, for suggesting a paddle and a potluck dinner at their home in November – date will be advised.

Regarding the ride away to Myrtleford in September – we’ve booked out 8 cabins! There are a further 2 cabins that are vacant but for 3 nights only i.e. Mon, Tues, Wed. Ring them (03) 5752 1598 to book.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

We currently have 134 members who have renewed membership or joined our group for 2023/24. The latest members to join are Erick Christiansen and Laurence McMillan. I have received another application; I am just awaiting his payment.

Membership renewals are now due for 2024/25 and 33 have been received to date.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

There have been no issues reported to me lately, regarding the SBUG website. Verne will be updating

the ride calendar with the next six months Sunday rides and any other changes required, after his Ride

Coordinators meeting next Friday.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride leader training – A ride leader training morning has been scheduled for Friday 21 st June in Bomaderry. There are two SBUG ride leader trainees, Steve Pryn and Jamie Mathews one SBUG master ride leader trainee, Richard Dwyer. At the request of Bicycle NSW, we will be training another three ride leaders from the

newly formed Illawarra Ramblers BUG. The Ramblers have agreed to pay SBUG $25 per candidate to help pay for morning tea, lunch, and training materials. Some SBUG rider leaders have volunteered as group riders on the assessment rides, but we could use a couple more. Anyone who can spare a few hours on Friday morning, 21st June, please see me after the meeting.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

The usual weekly e mail reports are being forwarded to all members and the South Coast Register. Thanks everyone for the photos although I can’t use them all. It was good to see that the report of the recent multi day ride finally made it into the BNSW newsletter. Thanks to the Sunday and Thursday ride leaders for their reports of the previous week’s rides.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Everything is going well with communication with ride leaders. Just a reminder of a meeting scheduled on Friday 7th June 2-3pm at our residence to decide the next 6 months of Sunday rides. Just waiting now when the Google ride calendar and the Stacks App are linked together.

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

No report from Estelle.

Ray Martin crashed on a ride last Sunday week and ended up in hospital with concussion. Richard reports he is recovering ok.

David McCorkell is recovering at home.

General Business

Stack Team App and website changes – JW spoke on the progress of the app. Over 60% of members have signed up, many are RSVP’ing to rides and RL’s are checking them in. Comments we have received have been positive. At the committee meeting last week, we approved the changes to the SBUG website that will synchronise the Ride Calendar to the Stack Event Calendar, meaning we will no longer need to enter events manually into both calendars. PC asked the meeting informally if there were any objections or problems with the app and there were no comments.

Moving forward, individual RLs should encourage riders to use the app and RLs should decide when they want to stop using paper sign on.

Code of Conduct – PC advised that a Code of Conduct has been developed and approved by the committee. The document will be available on the website.

Committee positions – PC advised that 3 members of our current committee will not be seeking re-election at the next AGM. The positions vacated are Secretary, Treasurer, Social Secretary. The non-committee position of Website Co-ordinator will also be vacant. These positions are all integral to the running of the club and we ask members to consider putting there hands up. If you want information on what the job entails, please speak to the President or the current committee members. Phone numbers are available on the website.

Old Nowra Bridge Refurbishment – Shared User Path. Wayne Beckenham

Following our deputation and request to TfNSW to review the ‘Give Way’ signs on the shared user path at the intersection of Pleasant Way and the Princes Highway, work has been completed to correct the situation. The following information has been included in the Nowra Bridge Project Community Update newsletter emailed to residents.

“The intersection of the Princes Highway with Pleasant Way involves vehicles crossing over a shared path. To improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and reduce confusion, the intersection has been permanently changed to give right of way to shared path users. Motorists will now be required to stop and give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing Pleasant Way.

New signage and line marking has been installed as well as green pavement over the shared path crossing location. Electronic message boards are in place to alert motorists of the change.”

Recommended: That we send an email to TfNSW, attention Dan Farrugia, thanking them for carrying out the works suggested by SBUG to improve safety for all shared path users and asking that they keep us informed of the proposed designs for restricting vehicular access to the refurbished old Nowra bridge.

Safety – if you are looking to buy a new helmet this website rates over 200 helmets for safety Virginia Tech.

Training courses – PC is running 2 training courses –

SBUG Bike Maintenance Course Sat 6 Jul 24 1300-1600

SBUG Intermediate MTB Skills Course Sun 7 Jul 24 1400-1700

Limited spaces so check with Peter to sign up

PAMP update.

Information on Council’s Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP), which now includes items from the Shoalhaven Bike Plan, and Active Transport Initiatives, has been updated and is available to view on the Council website. This is a long-term plan to improve all types of pedestrian and active transport infrastructure throughout Shoalhaven.  There are around 750 items in the plan for future grant funding and implementation. Draft maps of all towns and villages have been prepared showing existing and proposed footpaths, pedestrian crossings, shared user path, on-road cycle paths, beach access tracks, bushwalks etc. Visit Council’s web site for more information at https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Council/What-guides-us/Policies-and-strategies/Pedestrian-Access-and-Mobility-Plan#section-7

Falls Road access – PC read the letter sent to council. Falls Rd access. Five councilors have responded already, Michael Strachan is following up with phone calls.

Thirroul/Kiama ride this Sunday – Jan advises that she has checked that trains are running so the ride is on.

Next Meeting: 7pm on 2^nd July 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 7th May 2024

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair
Peter Cassar

Present
Peter McLean, Wayne Beckenham, Trish Cassar, Dawn Chamberlain, Roz Jaeger, Ed Proudfoot, Kathy Beckenham, Gary Catt, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, John Wooster.

Apologies
Les Cornish, Anne Cornish, James Florence, Richard Dwyer, Sharon Whittaker.

Previous Minutes
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.
Proposed: Trish Cassar
Seconded: Michael Strachan
Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes
nil

Correspondence
Email from BNSW re BUG and Members update and Council Election Campaign Online Zoom Webinar – 7pm 15 May

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

General Account Bendigo Bank Previous Balance at 1/3/24 3547.86
Income:
Interest 0.06
Membership fees H.Youll 10.00
Jersey purchase Cornish 50.00
60.06
Expenses:
Micromaze website hosting 250.00
Soldiers On donation 105.00
355.00
Current Balance at 30/4/24 $3252.42

Social Account Bendigo Bank Previous Balance at 1/3/24 184.85
Income:
0.00
Expenses:
0.00
Current Balance at 30/4/24 $184.85
Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial reports be accepted.
Proposed: Anne Cornish
Seconded:
Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain
I received 4 responses to a tentative HARS visit, so that event will be rescheduled for later in the year, when more are available.
On 9th April, a paddle to Red Point Reserve was organised by Max Long. Thanks Max, your paddles are always an adventure and much enjoyed by all who attend.
John and Jan Van Duin held a potluck dinner on 20th April, over 20 attended. Thank you for hosting a great night John and Jan.
Speaking of Potluck dinners, the next one is at my place on Saturday 27th July, the theme is Xmas in July so wear something Christmassy and be prepared to sing Christmas carols!
There was a Karaoke night at the family tree cafe, Berry on 25th April, a few BUG members attended & from all accounts it was a great night.
I’m passing around a list for people to add the names to future Potluck Dinners, don’t be shy!

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham
We currently have 132 members who have renewed membership or joined our group for 2023/24. The
latest member to renew is Mandy Ferretti from Lake Conjola. I am waiting for one other person to pay
their membership fee.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham
There have been no issues reported to me lately, regarding the SBUG website. Verne has updated the
ride calendar to the end of June.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham
Ride leader training-
Following a request from Bicycle NSW for us to assist with training some ride leaders from the new
Illawarra Ramblers BUG group, Kathy and I volunteered to help with the BNSW ride leader training
day, which was held on 28th April, at Sydney Olympic Park. Nine candidates from regional BUG
groups were put through the course including some of the Illawarra Ramblers. Jim Florence and I will
be going up to Albion Park next week to carry out co-led rides for three of the Ramblers to complete
their training course. We will also be assisting the group by training some of their other members when
we hold our next ride leader training course in Bomaderry in a few months’ time.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence
Publicity is still going out weekly in the form of a publicity officer’s report to the SCR and the membership. A comprehensive report with photos on the Moruya away ride was forwarded to BNSW for inclusion in their newsletter. It was not in the last newsletter but I am confident they will eventually include it in a later newsletter. Thanks to the Ride Leaders who forward their reports and photos, and especially the efforts of Sharon Whittaker and Michael Strachan for their comprehensive reports of the Moruya multi day ride.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton
nil

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess
Spoke to Garry C and he had just had a cataract done going well. He has a skin cancer on his leg and that gets checked next week with a specialist in Gerringong.
Verne is getting stronger and has returned to riding.
No news about JP and Dave is going well.
Barb Hinnrichsen is going really well and was great to see her at potluck night.

General Business

Stack Team App presentation.
JW gave a presentation explain the Stack Team App. We have been investigating this for a couple of months now to see if it could replace our paper ride sign on system and we had done some trialling with committee members. We are satisfied that the app will fulfil our requirement and those of BNSW and our insurers. We are now ready to extend the trial to all members.
There was some discussion regarding the implementation, but all at the meeting agreed we should extend the trial to all members.
Emails will be set to all explaining the next steps.

Old Nowra Bridge Refurbishment – Shared User Path
On 26th February 2024, Peter Cassar, Jim Florence, and Wayne Beckenham met with Transport for NSW representatives Dan Farrugia and Piers Hardwich to discuss concerns we had with bollards and signage erected on the new shared user path (SUP) leading to the Old Nowra Bridge. TfNSW representatives agreed to remove the bollards on both approaches to the old bridge as they did not conform with Australian standards and did not serve any purpose given that vehicles could drive around them. Refurbishment of the old bridge is not expected to be completed until about 2026 but we asked that SBUG be given a chance to comment on plans for excluding unauthorised vehicles from driving onto the old bridge. A line of several bollards across the SUP would not be acceptable. Dan agreed to send us details of the bridge entry treatment when available.
At the meeting we also asked TfNSW to reassess the ‘Give Way’ signs on the shared path at the entry to Pleasant Way. Currently the signs require pedestrians and cyclists to give way to vehicles crossing the SUP. This is contrary to the NSW Road Rules which states a driver, you must give way to pedestrians in shared zones, pedestrian crossings, when turning at intersections and when entering or leaving a driveway. Since the meeting in February a couple of emails were sent to TfNSW requesting an update on any changes to the ‘Give Way’ signs.
On Thursday last week Dan Farrugia rang to inform us that investigations are still continuing but it is likely that the signs will be changed to require vehicles to give way rather than pedestrian and cyclists.

Myrtleford Away Trip.
Proposed for 16th to 20th Sept 2024, staying at the Myrtleford Holiday Park. There will be three organised rides on roads and rail trails. A notice will be sent out shortly with details.

Safety Risk Assessment
The scheduled 12 month review of the club’s Risk Assessment has been completed.

Code of Conduct
We have developed a Code of Conduct for the club to ensure that members understand their rights. A draft copy has been sent with these minutes so members can comment and contribute.

Keen Riders
Sharon Whittaker and Cathy Bennett, supported by Lilly Hartnell have undertaken a ride in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. We wish them happy travels.

Safety
Gary Catt reminded all to apply sunscreen and wear a hat.

Meeting closed at 7.50pm

Next Meeting: 7pm on 4th June 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 19th March 2024

General Meeting Opened 7.30pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Wayne Beckenham, David Walker, Kathy Beckenham, Mel Gillott, Ed Proudfoot, Barry Cruwys, Dennis Elford, Trish Cassar, Gary Catt, John Penkaitis, Monika Palczewski, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, Julie Bourke, Richard Dwyer, Peter Hewlett, Michael Davey, Barbara Davey, Peter McLean, Jan Van Duin, John Van Duin, James Florence, Dawn Chamberlain, John Wooster.

Apologies

Les Cornish, Anne Cornish, Penelope Espinoza Hallett, Raul Espinoza Mendez,

Previous Minutes

Mel Gillott advises that he was not present at the previous meeting as stated in the minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted with the above amendment.

Proposed: Michael Strachan

Seconded: Jim Florence

Carried unanimously.

 Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email from BNSW re MOU

Email from BNSW re Webinar Webinar- How to secure grants

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the financial reports be accepted.

Proposed: Gary Catt

Seconded: Trish Cassar

Carried unanimously

 Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

Happy Leap year to all.

Thanks Max Long for organising a paddle on 13/2/24 to Wandandian Creek. I’ll advise the date for the next one, after speaking with Max.

This is Harmony week and to celebrate cultural diversity, this Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Nowra School of Arts, 11 Berry Street, Nowra. There will be free workshops, (Zumba and Salsa), lunch and an afternoon concert with some amazing multicultural entertainment.

I will be canvassing members to see if there is an interest in visiting HARS (Historical Aircraft Restoration Society) at Albion Park in the cooler months of May/June. The cost is $25 for a 1.5 – 2 hour tour. There is a cafe on site, called “Connie”, where morning tea or lunch can be purchased at a reasonable price.

Any volunteers for 2024 to host a Potluck dinner?

Motion: That the Social Co-ordinator’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded:

Carried unanimously.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

We currently have 132 members who have renewed membership or joined our group for 2023/24. The

latest member to renew is Henry Youll from Avoca on the Southern Highlands (previously from Callala Bay).

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

There have been no issues reported to me lately, regarding the SBUG website.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Our ride leaders had a meeting on Friday 23rd February. Some of the items discussed are as follows.

Notifying attendance on a ride

On some occasions ride leaders may wish to request riders intending to participate on a particular ride, notify the ride leader of their intension before the ride. This would be helpful especially with rides starting at distant locations from Nowra. If ride leaders would like to use this option they can contact Verne Mutton, our Ride Coordinator, to have the following note added to the ride calendar.

“NOTE. Riders intending to participate on this ride PLEASE CALL OR TEXT the Ride Leader, before

the ride, to notify their attendance on the ride. If no riders have registered for the ride, the ride leader

may cancel the ride and not be at the starting point of the ride”.

Ride leader training.

Bicycle NSW has notified all BUG’s that a ride leader training day has been scheduled for 28th April, in Sydney. There will be some of the new Illawarra Ramblers BUG group doing the course and depending on how many are trained on that occasion, we may be assisting the group in training some of their members when we hold our next ride leader training course in a few months’ time.

Wednesday ride North Nowra to Cambewarra.

Mundamia ride leader, Ed Proudfoot, and the North Nowra/Cambewarra ride leader, John Wooster, have decided they would like to make the North Nowra/Cambewarra ride a monthly event, instead of only every 5th Wednesday of the month, which only happens a few times a year. The idea had broad support from the regular Wednesday riders, and it was decided to go ahead with the change. So, the ride on the 3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month will be North Nowra/Cambewarra ride instead of Mundamia. Ride leader will be John Wooster.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Weekly publicity reports are being sent to all members and the South Coast Register. Thanks to the ride leaders and others who send in reports of their rides and photographs. Some weeks I received as many as 15 photos so please don’t be disappointed if your photo isn’t used.  I am also including some historic photos in some of the reports. Thanks to Michael Strachan for the report on the recent multiday ride and the photos. Sharon Whittaker is sending me a report of the weekend that was attached to this ride, and it will be included in next week’s report. I will also combine them and send them off to BNSW for their newsletter, so more photos of these rides would be appreciated.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Nil, Verne not present

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

nil

SBUG Away Trip Report – Sharon Whittaker (read in by PC)

Nerriga to Moruya

Tuesday March 5th to Sunday 10th 2024

6 days of riding

KILOMETERS-=323km

RIDE COURSES COMPLTED -7.

The idea of the trip came from the challenge to ride a series of continuous days from the mountain plateau of the Shoalhaven to the headwaters of the Durra River and follow the rivers course down to the sea.

After plotting the courses, coordinating accommodation and setting up the socials, it was time to go.

What transpired was a group of 28 Sbug adventurous spirits, made up of 14 riders doing the 3-day overnighter and 14 riders joining in at Moruya.

The Route:

Nerriga to Braidwood. 60km

Braidwood to Araluen. 74 km

Araluen to Moruya. 66Km

Moruya Heads to Mossy Point. 46km

Moruya Township loop. 30km

Congo -Bingi Loop 30km.

Tuross Meander 15km.

The COURSE:

Riding across a fabulous range of terrains, from the mountain plateau to bike hiking along isolated sea beaches the group enjoyed terrific comradery, lots of laughter, fun and awe-inspiring vistas.

IMPORTANT SOCIALS:

Strategically placed Pub overnight stops and 2 excursions on route, numerous bush morning tea and lunch stops in the mountains, lunches under shady trees alongside beaches, and most important a few lunch stops in cafes and one boatshed on the coast.

I believe the trip was a great success. I thoroughly enjoyed the riding and importantly the company of my fellow riders. I hope all those who went also enjoyed themselves. First and foremost, all members returned home safely.

A big shout out and thank you to the Sbug committee who has built the mechanisms within the club so an event like this can be put on, it takes a lot of work behind the scenes. It was great to be able to offer the trip to all of the Sbug riding members, we are a great and generous riding community and I’m grateful to a part of it.

PS Looking forward to the next SBUG adventure.

 General Business

Peter Hewlett advised that he has been unable to contact Antonio Correl for a while now, he was last heard of travelling in Japan.

Action: PC to follow up.

Safety

PC stressed the importance of wearing eye protection whilst riding.

It was also stressed that it was important to advise the ride leader when leaving a ride.

Stack Team App

PC announced that the committee was looking at the Stack Team App for managing our ride sign on process and that JW and WB are investigating and trialling the application. JW explained that it is a free application that is loaded onto smart phones. Once members login and join the SBUG Team, they will be able to see all our rides and events in a calendar and go through the ride sign on process by ticking boxes, without the need of entering phone # etc. Ride leaders will mark riders attending the ride and will have access to phone nos. Members data can only be seen by Administrators and Ride Leaders. Also able to post photos and videos, chat, post news items and store documents. There is still much setup and testing needed. Watch this space.

Ebike battery charging

Do not charge overnight. Over 1000 house fires caused by battery charging.

2028 Meeting Closed

Next Meeting: 7pm on Tuesday 7^th May 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 6th February 2024

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Michael Strachan

Present

Anne Cornish, James Florence, Richard Dwyer, Les Cornish, Sharon Whittaker, Gary Catt, Peter McLean, Mel Gillott, Jan Van Duin, John Van Duin, Penelope Espinoza Hallett, Raul Espinoza Mendez, John Wooster.

Apologies

Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham, Julie Bourke, Trish Cassar, Peter Cassar, David Walker.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Richard Dwyer

Seconded: James Florence

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email from SCC FAO Mr Michael Castlemaine Traffic/Construction – Naval College Road/Booderee Ave

Email from Peter McLean Ride leader training

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Anne Cornish

Seconded: Peter McLean

Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

Happy New Year to all. Max Long organised a paddle on 23/1/24 at Sussex Inlet. 11 people attended with 10 paddlers. Bill Paterson waved them farewell then went in search for a good coffee shop after the paddle (thanks Bill).

There were no takers for the Ride on Lawn Mower event, (a few people told me why) and another paddle is being organised by Max Long for 6/2/24 at Wandandian Creek.

Any volunteers for 2024 to host a Potluck dinner?

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

We currently have 129 members who have renewed membership or joined our group for 2023/24.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

There have been no issues reported to me lately, regarding the SBUG website.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Reassessment – Eighteen of our ride leaders have either completed our ride leader reassessment course or were accredited under the new BNSW Ride Leader Training Manual, released in April 2021. Another ride leader, Paul Taylor, who now lives in Wollongong, but occasionally leads our rides, will be doing his reassessment with Illawarra or Kiama BUG. Thanks to those who have taken part in the reassessments.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Ride leader’s reports are continuing to be sent to the South Coast Register and the membership weekly. I have also started to include historic photos with an explanation of the relevant historic significance of the photo, so if anyone has some significant historic photos, please send them to me for possible inclusion in the report. Thanks to the ride leaders for their reports and to the riders in general for their photos.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

No report

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

No report

General Business

Saturday Ride leaders – General discussion indicated that for the Parma Rd ride the system of rostering is working. Jim wants a similar system for the GP ride and is working on it.

Moruya Trip – Sharon said that all is in place for the trip. All the rides have been entered into the calendar, including the rides around Moruya.

Safety Issues – Richard Dwyer reminded all to ensure that ebikes are switched off before any work is carried out.

Guest Speaker for the March Meeting – Jim has invited a guest speaker to our March meeting.

Michael Davey is ex-Navy. He is a writer, teacher and keen cyclist who has done three charity rides around Australia supported by his wife Barbara. His last ride raised over $100,000 for Soldier On, a charity that supports ex-servicemen who have PTSD and are at risk of suicide.

March Meeting – It was noted that the March meeting is in the week of the Neriga-Moruya ride and there may not be many at the meeting for the guest speaker. The first thought was to move Michael to the April meeting, but this is immediately after easter and again attendance may be down. It was decided best to move the next meeting to Tuesday 19^th March 2024 and that the April meeting will be cancelled.

Cyclist Warning Sign – Sharon advised that Steve Pryn had made up a warning sign to hang on the back of his car whilst trailing the Neriga- Moruya ride. Sharon asked if the club could get one made up. Discussion on the merits of the sign. The thoughts were that if such a sign was displayed it would look like an “official” ride sanctioned by local police and authorities and we need to apply for a permit. All agreed we don’t want to go down this track so no sign will be used.

1938 -Meeting closed

Next Meeting: 7pm on Tuesday 19^th March 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 5th December 2023

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

James Florence, Gary Catt, John Penkaitis, Jan Van Duin, John Van Duin, Rhonda Mottram, Warwick Mottram, Barry Cruwys, Trish Cassar, Dawn Chamberlain, Anne Cornish, Wayne Beckenham, John Wooster.

Apologies

Peter Hewlett, Michael Strachan, Ed Proudfoot, Julie Bourke, Monika Palczewski, Les Cornish, Kathy Beckenham, Verne Mutton.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Wayne Beckenham

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

The bollards outside the caravan park in Woollamia have been removed.

Correspondence

nil

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Jan van Duin

Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

Motion: That the Social Co-ordinator’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: John van Duin

Seconded: Trish Cassar

Carried unanimously.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

We currently have 128 members who have renewed membership or joined our group for 2023/24. We have at least one rider who is trialing our rides at the moment.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

There have been no issues reported to me lately, regarding the SBUG website. An email went out to all members yesterday outlining some changes to the wording of some documents on the website under the ‘Forms’ tab. Please read these short amendments which help to clarify issues regarding a rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike and equipment complies with NSW Road Rules. The amended documents include.

• SBUG Ride Procedures and Guidelines
• Ride Leaders Pre-ride Briefing and
• SBUG Ride Registration Sheet

Our ride co-ordinator Verne has arranged a ride planning meeting next Friday 8 th December to discuss the next six months Sunday and Thursday rides. He will then update the ride calendar on the website. All members are welcome to attend the meeting and suggest new rides.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Meeting – A ride leader meeting was held on Friday 24th November, over coffee and cakes at the “Three Pots Café”, Nowra. Fifteen of our twenty ride leaders attended the meeting and discuss various ride leading matters. Minutes of the meeting have been sent to all RLs and Committee members. The next ride leaders meeting is scheduled for Friday 23rd February 2024.

Ride Leader Reassessment – The ride leader refresher course, consisting of a short theory session followed by a ride leading assessment, is nearing completion. Only three of our RLs need to finalise their riding assessment rides. We will soon have nineteen ride leaders who have been accredited or reassessed under the new BNSW Ride Leader Training Manual, released in April 2021. Thanks to those who have taken part in the reassessments.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Reports of the previous week’s rides and the next week’s rides are still being forwarded to the membership weekly, and a shortened version sent to the South Coast Register. Thanks to all the Ride Leaders who send their reports in weekly and to the various photographers who send me photos. I received a detailed report of the Canberra ride away with numerous photos and they were included in last week’s report. Thanks also to the Ride Leaders and photographers on the Canberra ride.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Have been kept busy by ride leaders wanting substitutes. Must be the holiday season. I would encourage Ride leaders to text me any change as sometimes a phone call information is easy to mislay if I’m out and about.

A meeting to decide on January to June Sunday rides during 2024 is suggested can take place on Friday 8th December between 3 – 4pm at the Mutton residence.

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

nil

General Business

Peter Cassar apology. Peter apologised for the mix up over the Christmas party spending.

The March ride from Neriga to Moruya has been approved by the committee. Peter Cassar described the ride from Sharo’s extensive notes. Steve Prynne will support the ride in a vehicle. Ultimate Cycles will be providing bike transport to Neriga.

Safety. John Penkaitis recently saw an incident with cyclists turning right that caused some angst to a following motorist. When riding in a group all cyclists should move to the right-hand section of the road at once.

John Penkaitis reports that former member Tony McCourt recently had a heart attack and was saved by action of ambulance staff.

Peter Cassar reminded us all that with the weather changing make sure you apply sunscreen and hydrate.

Meeting room grant. Jim Florence reports that the application for the grant has been submitted and we will know in January if we are successful.

Christmas lights ride on the 17/12/23. Verne reports that we still have no ride leader for this event. A pre ride pizza party will be at the Mutton residence. Wayne Beckenham advises that he is unhappy with the safety aspects of the ride particularly it being at night with all the traffic around.

Saturday rides start time. Both the Parma Rd ride and the Greenwell Pt ride will start at 7:00am commencing this Saturday 9th December.

Wednesday rides will remain at an 8am start time.

Barry Cruwys advises that he cannot regularly lead the Parma Rd ride and relief ride leaders need to be found. John Wooster and Peter Cassar advise but they can be alternates. A roster will be devised for this ride.

The Greenwell Pt ride needs a new ride later. This Saturday Gary Catt will lead the Greenwell Point ride and Peter Cassar will lead the Parma Rd ride.

The meeting expressed its’ thanks to Mel Gillott and Peter Hewlett for their service as right leaders.

Bike Haven, there’s a new bike shop in Bomaderry located behind the car wash. They’re offering 10% discount to a SBUG members.

Next Meeting: 7pm on Tuesday 6^th Feb 2024 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 6 May 2025

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Wayne Beckenham, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, Richard Dwyer, Peter Lawrence, Peter McLean, Gary Catt, Les Cornish, Sharon Whittaker, Ed Proudfoot, James Florence, Trish Cassar, Kathy Beckenham, Mel Gillott, Anne Cornish, Dawn Chamberlain, John Wooster.

Apologies

Verne Mutton, Julie Bourke.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Wayne Beckenham

Seconded: Peter Lawrence

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email from SCC and TfNSW MFCM: Strategic Cycleway Corridors Program +OM SCC – Council Workshop – Shoalhaven City Council.pdf

Email from BNSW  Invitation BUGs Christmas Ride and Lunch Sunday 17 Dec

Email to SCC  Construction on a Shared User Path at Woollamia without Council Approval

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Dawn Chamberlain

Motion: That the Social Co-ordinator’s financial report be accepted.

Proposed: Peter McLean, Seconded: Richard Dwyer

Carried unanimously.

Social Secretaries Report – Dawn Chamberlain

A very successful progressive lunch was held on 15.10.23. Thank you, Max Long for organising and hosting along with Sharon Whittaker and Bill Purdy.

30 people have now paid for the Christmas dinner to be held on 30.11.23 at the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club.

The sub committee meet on 13.11.23 at the club to finalise arrangements and an email to all members will be sent out.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

We currently have 128 members who have renewed or joined our group for 2023/24. Nineteen new members have joined our group so far, this financial year. There has been an increase in membership each year for the last eight years, but this is the highest number of members we have ever had.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

Currently the website seems to be working OK, no issues have been reported to me lately. The SBUG rides calendar is up to date to the end of December 2023. Our ride co-ordinator Verne will soon be arranging a meeting to discuss the next six months’ Sunday and Thursday rides and then he will be updating the ride calendar.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Meeting

The next ride leader meeting is scheduled for Friday 24th November 2023. All ride leaders are welcome to attend the meeting and get-together over coffee. It is an opportunity for ride leaders to discuss any issues or suggestions they may have for improving our ride leading. The meeting will start at 2:00pm sharp, at the “Three Pots Café” (formerly the Tin Shed) in the Pleasant Way River Lodge, corner of Pleasant Way and Hawthorn Avenue, Nowra.

Ride Leader Reassessment.

The ride leader reassessment programme is nearing completion. We have completed the refresher theory courses for the ten ride leaders who were accredited prior to the introduction of the new BNSW Ride Leader Training Manual in April 2021. Seven of the ten have also completed the final ride leading assessment rides. Thank you to those who have taken part in the reassessments. We believe the process has generally improved the level of our ride leading.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Have been kept busy by ride leaders wanting substitutes. Must be the holiday season. I would encourage Ride leaders to text me any change as sometimes a phone call information is easy to mislay if I’m out and about.

A meeting to decide on January to June Sunday rides during 2024 is suggested can take place on Friday 8th December between 3 – 4pm at Mutton residence.

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Nil

General Business

• Safety – Don’t forget to apply that sun cream.
• MTB skills course
• Canberra Trip – Thanks to the Van Duin’s for organizing the trip. 3 road rides were organised plus an extra off-road ride around Canberra and surrounds.
• Trip proposal – Sharon has been planning a bike packing trip from Nerriga to Moruya, 4 days/3 nights. This would link with a weekend in Moruya all welcome. Invitation to be sent to all.
• Parking at Hyam’s Beach – The area normally used to park by riders is being temporarily used to stockpile road maintenance material. A nearby carpark is still available.
• Parking in Boodaree – Some confusion re paying in the NP. It was pointed out that there is parking available nearby in JB Village.
• Age restrictions on SBUG rides – The rules are that no children under 13 and those aged 13-17 need a supervisor.
• Bollards – Culburra Beach shared path bollard upgrade is now completed. The bollards on the path at Jervis Bay Holiday Park in Woollamia are still there. Wayne has again written to SCC asking for the removal.
• Christmas Party – Entertainment expenses to be discussed at the next committee meeting.
• Ride leaders who are not able to lead an assigned ride should ensure that another ride leader is assigned. Please call or message Verne Mutton to ensure the new arrangements are in place.
• Princes Highway upgrade at JB Rd – This major works will be starting soon. Michael Strachan suggested that a Falls Road link at Falls Creek would help alleviate rider access to the area. Michael will draft a proposal and talk to Scott Wells.
• Cycling Tourism – It was pointed out that with the rise in Cycling Tourism that there is no drawcard cycling trail in the Shoalhaven.
• Ebike warning – a recent experience with a chain repair highlighted that ebikes should be turned off before maintenance works are undertaken.
• Christmas Lights Ride – scheduled for 17^th December, Verne to organise.
• Les’s 80k ride – 20th December, email with details to be sent.

Next Meeting: 7pm on Tuesday 5^th December 2023 at The Worrigee Sports Club

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 03 October 2023

General Meeting Opened 7.00pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Peter Lawrence, Peter McLean, Richard Dwyer, John Van Duin, Jan Van Duin, Mel Gillott, Sharon Whittaker, Barry Cruwys, Barb Hinnrichson, Kathy Beckenham, Trish Cassar, Julie Bourke, John Penkaitis, Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham, John Wooster.

Apologies

Les Cornish, Anne Cornish, Peter Hewlett, Michael Strachan, Nina Strachan, Jim Florence.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Trish Cassar

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email from Bundanon Trust – Draft Guidelines for Cycling at Bundanon

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial reports be accepted.

Proposed: Richard Dwyer

Seconded: Peter Lawrence

Carried unanimously.

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

A picturesque paddle event was held on Tuesday 12/09/23 along Minnamurra Creek, with 12 people and 11 crafts attending then a light snack afterwards at the local cafe.

Progressive Lunch to be held on 15th October 2023.

Ride away to Canberra scheduled for 6th November 2023.

Christmas Party sub committee meeting on 9/10/23.

Christmas Party at Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club on 30/11/23.

Christmas lights ride to be discussed at 3/10/23 meeting.

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

We currently have 120 members who have renewed or joined our group for 2023/24. We have had twelve new members join our group so far, this financial year, including four couples.

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

Currently the website seems to be working OK, no issues have been reported to me lately. The SBUG rides calendar is currently up to date to the end of December 2023. Changes to rides can happen at any time so remember to check the calendar before attending a ride.

A full ride description of each Thursday mountain bike ride is now being shown on the ride calendar each week, usually the Sunday or Monday before the event. Eventually all Thursday rides for the next six months will be shown on the calendar similar to the Sunday rides.

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

Ride Leader Meeting – The next ride leader meeting is scheduled for Friday 24th November 2023. All ride leaders are welcome to attend the meeting and get-together over coffee. It is an opportunity for ride leaders to discuss any issues or suggestions they may have for improving our ride leading. The meeting will start at 2:00pm sharp, at the “Three Pots Café” (formerly the Tin Shed) in the Pleasant Way River Lodge, corner of Pleasant Way and Hawthorn Avenue, Nowra.

Ride Leader Reassessment – The ride leader reassessment programme is currently under way. Jim Florence and I have had one refresher theory course with five ride leaders attending and two ride leading assessment rides have been completed so far. All of our ride leaders are welcome to attend the refresher if they desire.

Another theory course has been scheduled for Monday next week for the final five ride leaders listed to do the course. The theory part of the course is a short review of some of the important sections of the new ride leader training manual. Ride leading assessments rides are being carried out on our normal weekly rides with a master ride leader observing and giving feedback.

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Not present

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

Not present

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Not present

General Business

Canberra Trip – 6-10^th November. Organised by Jan and John Van Duin

Day 1 Round the lake

Day 2 To Queanbeyan

Day 3 Wetlands ride.

Monday night – welcome BBQ at Alivio

Tuesday and Wednesday dining in the restaurant at the park

Thursday night BBQ

Safety – Magpie season, ride leaders should consider route changes.

Roundabouts, be prepared to stop. John Penkaitis.

Boodaree Parking – The normal parking spot at the start of this ride has been closed by council. PC will approach SCC for clarification of the matter. Sharon to email PC with information. The rangers want feedback about cycling in the park.

MTB training – PC is running a course for sic participants. Details to be emailed to all soon.

Strava – Sharon Whittaker has been made an Administrator of the Strava group.

Rider age limit – Richard asked if there was a minimum age limit for SBUG rides. This matter will be looked into by the committee.

Ride Sheets with regular riders already entered. Wayne explained that these are available to ride leaders.

Extreme conditions – Looking like this summer we will experience extreme fire conditions. Ride leaders and riders should be aware of the conditions prior to the start and cancel rides if safety is an issue.

Progressive Lunch – Another ride leader is required for this day. Verne is co-ordinating.

7.52pm Meeting closed.

Next Meeting: 7pm on 14^th November 2023 at The Worrigee Sports Club. Note the change of date.

Minutes of the General Meeting held at The Worrigee Sports Club 05 September 2023

General Meeting Opened 7.15pm

Chair

Peter Cassar

Present

Les Cornish, Mell Gillott, Trish Cassar, David Walker, Michael Strachan, Dennis Elford, Ed Proudfoot, Dawn Chamberlain, Wayne Beckenham, Anne Cornish, Tom McDonald, Jim Florence, Peter McLean, Richard Dwyer, John Penkaitis, Denise Evans, John Wooster.

Apologies

Sharon Whittaker, Karen Davis, Peter Hewlett, Julie Bourke, Peter Lawrence, Barry Cruwys, Janet Jolly, Nina Strachan, Michell Bills, Gary Catt.

Previous Minutes

Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.

Proposed: Wayne Beckenham

Seconded: Dawn Chamberlain

Carried unanimously.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes

nil

Correspondence

Email from SCC/Healthy Cities – More than a cyclist survey

Email from BNSW – Once in 4 year opportunity

Email from SCC – Woodhill Mtn Rd closure to cyclists

Treasurer’s Financial Reports – Anne Cornish

Motion: That the Treasurer’s financial reports be accepted.

Proposed: Dawn Chamberlain

Seconded: Trish Cassar

Carried unanimously

Social Co-ordinator’s Report – Dawn Chamberlain

The Christmas Party Sub committee comprising of Julie Bourke, Peter McLean and Janet Jolley has been held and the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club has been booked for Thursday 30 – 11 -2023. More details will follow closer to the date, but please diarise.

Progressive Lunch to be held on 15th October 2023 at Sharon Whittaker’s for Entrees, Max Long for lunch and Bill Purdy’s for dessert. Please check your email for details, Max Long is organising this event. Thank you, Sharon, Max and Bill, for opening up your homes.

Ride away to Canberra scheduled for 6th November 2023.

Please advise if you have any social event ideas you have for 2024

Membership Secretary Report – Wayne Beckenham

As per AGM

Website Manager’s Report – Wayne Beckenham

As per AGM

Master Ride Leaders Report – Wayne Beckenham

As per AGM

Publicity Officer’s Report – Jim Florence

Please keep the photos coming.

Ride Coordinator’s Report – Verne Mutton

As per AGM

Welfare Officer’s Report – Estelle Burgess

Nil

General Business

• Medical emergencies – Wayne has updated the SBUG Ride Procedures and Guidelines document on the SBUG website regarding calling an ambulance. All riders should read this document.
• MTB training course – Peter Cassar will be running an MTB training session. Time and place TBA.
• November general meeting. As the Canberra trip clashes with this, the meeting will be moved from 7^th to 14^th. Action: JW to organise with club
• Safety – John Penkaitis mentioned a few recent riding incidents and reminded all not to get blasé about safety. John suggested that Ride Safety should be a regular agenda item. It is the responsibility of all riders to ride in a safe manner and be aware of hazards and other riders. Wayne suggested a debrief post ride might ensure issues get discussed.

Meeting closed at 7.41pm

Next Meeting: 7pm on 3/10/2023 at The Worrigee Sports Club

NOTE: The minutes of all SBUG meetings, dating back to our first meeting in

September 1997, are held in an archive file on the SBUG Google drive.

These minutes can be  retrieved by our Secretary as required.