By: Graham van Leeuwen – Vice President (ARMA)
After a full day’s work, Bruce (President) and I made the trip north to attend the Newcastle Land Rover Club (NLRC) monthly meeting at Club Macquarie. Arriving a little early, we took the opportunity to grab a meal in the bistro before the meeting began—and were soon invited to join members in some pre-meeting conversations.
From the outset, the welcome was genuine and relaxed. It gave us a chance to meet people, share stories, and get a feel for the Club before proceedings formally began. That simple act of inclusion set the tone for the entire evening. A special thank you to Lu Taylor for the invitation and for helping make us feel so welcome.
By the time we made the return trip home to Sydney later that night—covering roughly a 250km round journey—it was clear that the effort was more than worthwhile. It reinforced something I would like to do more of in 2026 and beyond: getting out to club meetings, meeting members face-to-face, and strengthening connections across the broader 4WD community.
The evening highlighted not only the strength of the Newcastle Land Rover Club (NLRC) today, but also the values that underpin the wider 4WD landscape.
HERITAGE
The Newcastle Land Rover Club (NLRC) holds a unique place in Australian four-wheel driving history. Established in 1963, it is the oldest 4WD club in New South Wales and the second oldest in Australia—by just eight days. For more than 60 years, the Club has enjoyed continuous and strong operation, which speaks volumes about its culture, leadership, and member commitment.
While the Club has its roots firmly in the Land Rover marque, it has evolved over time and is no longer limited to Land Rover vehicles. Today, it welcomes a broad range of four-wheel drives, ensuring its continued inclusiveness and relevance in the modern 4WD community.
The Club’s rich heritage was also reflected in the presence of one of its founding members and his wife at the meeting—both of whom were active participants in early 4WD activities and competitions. Their continued involvement is a powerful reminder of the NLRC’s long-standing legacy.
That heritage is further strengthened by the Club’s connection to Australian 4WD pioneers Mike and Mal Leyland. As young Newcastle locals, both worked in media—Mike as a cameraman at NBN Television and Mal as a photographer with a local newspaper.
Their desire to access remote parts of Australia to capture landscapes and wildlife led them to join the NLRC in the early 1960s, where they learned to drive Land Rovers and develop the skills needed to explore beyond the accessible.
Importantly, their success was not achieved alone. They learned from fellow club members and took that knowledge into the field. When they undertook the iconic Wheels Across a Wilderness expedition in 1966—becoming the first Australians to cross the country west to east by 4WD from Steep Point to Byron Bay—they were joined by two fellow NLRC members:
- Ted Hayes (NLRC), the mechanic who kept the vehicles running
- Keith Davey (NLRC), a naturalist and photographer documenting the journey
This year marks the 60th anniversary of that expedition, which has recently been re-created by Mal Leyland and his daughter Carmen, travelling once again to Byron Bay with a convoy of vehicles.
A wonderful piece of trivia shared with us is that Mal Leyland was also the NLRC’s first magazine editor, and copies of those early editions still exist. One of these was recently presented back to him at a local event—bringing the story full circle.
COMMUNITY
The meeting itself was exceptionally well run—structured, respectful, and engaging—with strong participation from attendees throughout the evening. It was clear that the Newcastle Land Rover Club (NLRC) has a genuine sense of community and pride in what it does.
Simple initiatives such as the lucky door prize and the “100 Club” added to the evening, fostering camaraderie while also supporting the Club financially. These types of grassroots activities are often the backbone of long-standing clubs.
Importantly, the Club continues to operate as it was intended—run by members, for members. That ethos was clearly visible, not only in the meeting format but also in the interactions between members both before and after proceedings.
ADVOCACY
A valuable part of the evening was the open discussion around insurance. Members raised several thoughtful and relevant questions, and it was encouraging to see such strong engagement on topics that directly impact participation in the hobby.
Providing clarity around insurance coverage and how it supports both members and club activities is an important part of ensuring long-term confidence and continuity within the 4WD community.
RESPONSIBILITY
Clubs like the Newcastle Land Rover Club (NLRC) play an essential role in promoting responsible four-wheel driving practices.
The professionalism and structure demonstrated during the meeting reflect a strong commitment to governance, safety, and accountability.
During the evening, we also discussed the increasing trend of “arrive and drive” style trips, often organised informally through social media groups. While these gatherings are often well-intentioned, they frequently operate without the safeguards that established clubs provide—particularly in relation to insurance and structured risk management.
As outlined in my article More Than a Convoy, the absence of these protections can leave organisers and participants exposed to liability should something unexpected occur. This is not about discouraging participation—but rather reinforcing the significant value that structured clubs like the NLRC provide in ensuring safe, well-managed, and responsible engagement in our recreational activities.
FREEDOM
One of the key messages we aimed to reinforce was the role of the Australian Recreational Motorist Association (ARMA) in supporting clubs—without directing them.
Our attendance was not about promoting ourselves, but rather about ensuring clubs are aware that support is available when and if it is needed.
ARMA provides this support through:
- Access to a broad and experienced membership base
- A committee structure focused on key areas such as insurance, treasury, and special projects
At the same time, we fully respect that clubs operate best when they are free to run in their own way. ARMA does not—and will not—dictate how clubs manage their day-to-day activities.
Each club has its own identity, and that independence is something we strongly respect and support. Our role is simply to stand alongside clubs—offering guidance and assistance when required.
LOOKING AHEAD
Another important point discussed during the evening was the upcoming 50th anniversary of the official opening of the Club’s Lease property—a valued site located within the Chichester State Forest.
Situated on the banks of the Paterson River, the Lease offers a unique bush setting complete with amenities, shelter sheds, open fireplaces, and wood-fired BBQs—a testament to the Club’s long-standing relationship with the land and outdoor recreation.
While access is currently restricted due to significant storm damage affecting roads and bridges, the Club is actively working with Forestry and undertaking fundraising efforts to restore access ahead of planned celebrations later this year.
FINAL REFLECTION
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile evening. The professionalism, engagement, and sense of community on display reflect a Club that is not only proud of its history but continues to build on it.
The Newcastle Land Rover Club (NLRC) stands as a strong example of what a well-run, member-focused club can achieve—over not just decades, but generations.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence, drawing on publicly available information and club-supplied material, and is provided for general informational purposes for ARMA members. While reasonable care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the content may contain errors, omissions, or information that is no longer current. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of ARMA, its board, or its affiliates. Readers are advised to independently verify information and to rely on official government and club communications for authoritative and definitive guidance. Any corrections, updates, or submissions should be directed to: me***@******et.au
