Dear ARMA members,

I’d like to take this opportunity to remind all club presidents to keep an eye out for invitations to the ARMA Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held in December. Your participation is important as we look ahead to another year of growth and collaboration.

On a brief administrative note, our ARMA President is currently taking a short break, and I have stepped in as Acting President during this period. I’d also like to acknowledge committee member Paul Barrett, who has kindly agreed to take on the role of Secretary until the AGM.

Our rebranding journey is progressing well, with the new ARMA look gaining traction at events and online. An ARMA style guide has also been emailed to all club contacts. It is important that changes be made to electronic media, social media, and other communications in line with this style guide before the end of November. If your club has not received this information, please reach out to media@arma.net.au.

Thank you to everyone who has shared photos and stories—keep them coming! Don’t forget to watch our Facebook page for upcoming initiatives that will help showcase your club’s unique spirit.

1. Club & Association Highlights (October 2025)

4WD Queensland (QLD) – Corroboree, Training & Community

The Queensland Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs hosted the annual Corroboree at Woodford from 3–7 October. This event brought together clubs from across the state for a weekend of scenic drives, inter-club games like Tug-O-Snatch, and evenings around the campfire. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter echoing across the grounds and friendships forged over shared challenges. Sunday’s raffle and NRL Grand Final screening capped off an event that perfectly blended fun and camaraderie.

In addition to the Corroboree, October saw a strong focus on training, with recovery and complex driving courses delivered for Bayside and Redlands club members. These sessions reinforce the commitment to safety and skill development within the Queensland 4WD community.

AJS MotoTrials Club of WA (WA) – Trials Season in Full Swing

• Busy Bee – 21 September (AJS Trial Park): A maintenance and preparation day that brought members together to ready the park for upcoming trials. Tasks included clearing sections, repairing signage, and general upkeep. Despite the hard work, the atmosphere was upbeat, ending with a sausage sizzle and plenty of laughs—a great example of the club’s volunteer spirit.
• Memorial Trial – 28–29 September (Ninigo Farm, Toodyay): An interclub event organised by PTMCC, this trial honoured past members while delivering competitive fun. Riders tackled natural obstacles like logs and rocky climbs, aiming for clean runs. The event fostered camaraderie across clubs and showcased the technical skill that defines MotoTrials.
• AGM & Trophy Day – 5 October (AJS Trial Park): A day of celebration and recognition. Members gathered to review the season, elect committee positions, and present trophies to riders for their achievements. The event highlighted the club’s commitment to both governance and community, blending formalities with a festive spirit.
• Twinshock Challenge / Ashes – 12 October (Mental Falls, Toodyay): A closed club event focused on classic twinshock bikes. Riders navigated challenging terrain with precision, celebrating the heritage of trials riding. The relaxed, friendly vibe encouraged mentoring and shared tips, making it as much about community as competition.

The club continues to seek volunteers for event setup and scoring and encourages spectators to attend with sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure. Photos and results are regularly shared on their Facebook page, helping to promote the sport and build community engagement.

All Tracks 4WD Club (WA) – Outback Adventures

• Kennedy Ranges Trip (September): A true outback adventure. Members camped under star-studded skies, explored Temple Gorge at sunrise, and navigated rugged tracks few dare to attempt. Stories of swims in Bilung Pool and photo shoots on remote trails painted a picture of a trip that combined challenge with breathtaking beauty.
• Mundaring Powerlines Run (15 October): Rain turned this iconic track into a mud-lover’s paradise. Drivers faced deep ruts, slick clay climbs, and unexpected rock obstacles, with teamwork and winches saving the day more than once. Despite the weather, spirits were high—coffee breaks and shared laughs made the challenges worthwhile.

Isuzu 4x4 Club WA – Remote Expeditions

Dunns Track Expedition (18–25 October): This seven-day trek through remote country was as much about history as adventure. Members retraced a goldfields route from the 1890s, visiting rockholes and ruins along the way. The isolation demanded self-sufficiency, but the reward was unparalleled—vast landscapes, campfire yarns, and a sense of stepping back in time.

Sydney Districts 4x4 Club – Drives, Challenges and Training

• Coorangooba Trip (17–19 October): Members enjoyed a relaxing getaway in the scenic surrounds of Coorangooba. The weekend was all about chilling out and good company, with the added excitement of a challenging black diamond drive on Saturday for those seeking a bit more adventure.
• Ranger Bob Expedition (19 October): The group set out to tackle Ranger Bob, one of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic and demanding tracks. This double black diamond route featured ever-changing technical climbs and required teamwork to navigate loose rocks and challenging obstacles. Once committed, the only way was forward, with each section presenting its own unique test. After conquering Ranger Bob, the group enjoyed several single black diamond side tracks before finishing at the Zig Zag car park.
• Halloween Weekend (24–26 October): Club members embraced the spooky spirit with a Halloween-themed camping weekend. Campsites were transformed with ghoulish spiders and playful displays of “skeletal remains” from past club adventures. Evenings were filled with campfire yarns, treats, and plenty of laughter, making for a memorable and light-hearted gathering.
• Scenic Drive to Wheeny Creek, Colo River & Hawkesbury (25 October): Members set off from Richmond, travelling through farmland and bush towards Wheeny Creek, the Colo River, and eventually the Hawkesbury. The drive followed mostly bush roads, with stops at St Albans, Wollombi, and a few hidden gems along the way. The route included a gentle water crossing and some steep sections, but nothing too challenging. It proved to be a leisurely day out of Sydney, perfect for newcomers to 4WD, with plenty of opportunities for morning tea and a great pub meal.
• Bush Mechanics Training (26 October): Held in Baulkham Hills, this hands-on session covered a range of bush repairs to keep vehicles moving during trips. Members practised fault finding, discussed essential tools and spares, and learned techniques for tyre, electrical, fuel, and cooling system repairs—including welding with car batteries. The morning began with introductions and a look at different vehicles, and the group shared lunch and drinks while building practical skills for future adventures.

AWDC Sydney (NSW) – Exploring History and Nature

• Maralinga Expedition (17 September–4 October): The Maralinga trip was a journey through history and harsh beauty. Members explored the former nuclear test site, guided by local experts who shared sobering stories of its past. The stark desert scenery contrasted with the gravity of its history, leaving participants reflective and deeply moved.
• Jenolan Caves Mystery Trip (11 October): This mystery trip delivered awe and adventure. The limestone caves dazzled with their ancient formations and underground rivers, while the surrounding Blue Mountains offered stunning vistas. Members described the experience as “otherworldly,” with guided tours revealing secrets of a cave system 340 million years old.

2. A Note to Our Clubs

This month, we were able to feature a range of clubs thanks to their public updates and event reports. If your club wasn’t included, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a short write-up (What/Where/When) and a photo link to media@arma.net.au.

We encourage all clubs to keep their websites and public Facebook pages regularly updated. Sharing your events, trip reports, and community initiatives publicly—not just in private groups—is one of the best ways to promote your club and attract new members. It helps build visibility, strengthens the national network, and showcases the incredible work being done across Australia.

3. Help Us Feature Your Club Next Time

Please forward event write-ups, photos (with permission), and links for past or upcoming activities to media@arma.net.au. A simple 3-liner is fine: What / Where / When + one photo link.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this update are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ARMA. This summary was prepared with the assistance of AI and may contain errors or omissions despite best efforts to verify details. Please rely on the linked sources and your club’s official communications for definitive information.