September has been a magnificent month for BMWDCM. With spring finally here, the weather has been perfect for driving, socialising, and enjoying everything we love about our club. The sunshine certainly brought out the best in our members, and their cars, and it has been one of the most enjoyable months we’ve had in a long time.

9 September – Melbourne Coffee & Chat at Shannons 

We kicked off the month with our first Coffee & Chat at Shannons, and what a brilliant start it was. The turnout was fantastic, with an impressive range of cars on display. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and full of great conversation. It was wonderful catching up with so many members and seeing Shannons filled with BMWs and smiling faces.

13 September – Private Tour of the Dowell Museum 

This was a real highlight. The private tour of the Dowell Museum was simply amazing, a stunning display of cars that left everyone in awe. I’m very glad I didn’t miss this one. We had a terrific turnout, enjoyed a delicious lunch afterwards, and finished the day with another beautiful drive home. A perfect Sunday with perfect company.

19 September – Südschleife Gippsland Weekend Tour  https://www.bmwdcm.com.au/news/13716900

Our short weekend away was nothing short of spectacular. Over 30 cars joined us for the Südschleife (South Loop) Gippsland Tour, and the weather could not have been better. The roads were sensational, the scenery breathtaking, and the company outstanding. I must say, this was possibly the best weekend away we’ve had in a very long time. The accommodation was first class, and the entire event ran like clockwork. A huge thank you to Peter and Jo for organising another flawless tour, arranged to absolute perfection.

23 September – Variety Grand Final Charity Auction Lunch  https://www.bmwdcm.com.au/news/13718402

Jo and I were invited to represent the Club at the Palladium at Crown at the Variety Grand Final Charity Lunch and Auction. What a wonderful event, raising over half a million dollars for the children Variety supports. We, of course, support Variety with our Stars on Track event each year and we also donated some of the auction items for this event. We were very humbled to be seated on a table with a few celebrities and dignitaries, right in the front row centre of the room. Have a look at the blog for the photos and story. We had a fantastic time and hope to go back again next year. We may even look at having a Club table at the event next year, if there is enough interest from members.

30 September – Geelong Coffee & Chat

We wrapped up the month with our ever‑popular Coffee & Chat in Geelong. This event has become a real favourite, always well attended and always full of friendly faces. It’s wonderful to see our Geelong members, and those who travel down, enjoying these relaxed evenings.

Looking Ahead to October

October is shaping up to be just as exciting, with a fantastic lineup of events:

3-4 October – E30 Racing at Phillip Is

A few of our members will be racing at Phillip Is for the last round of the E30 Racing Championship with the Vic State Race Series, if you are at a loss for something to do, go down to the Island and watch some great racing and support our E30 friends and members.

4 October – “What Else Is in Your Garage?”

This event looks like it will be very well attended. It’s always fun to see what other treasures our members have tucked away at home, not just BMWs! Sadly, we will be away, so won’t be able to attend this one. I love seeing what treasures our members have tucked away.

5 October – An Evening with Damon Hill

A special night with a motorsport legend. This will be a memorable evening for all motorsport fans.  (SOLD OUT)

18 October – Pink Ribbon Brunch (SOLD OUT!)

This event is completely sold out, and Jo and the team have done an incredible job collecting raffle prizes. It will be one of our best fundraising events yet, and I’m pretty sure everyone will walk away with something from the raffle. Don’t forget our Silent Auction Item, an amazing pressure washer kit, worth over $1000, donated by Würth Australia. Bids are open until the 17th, so don’t miss out on this amazing item. You might have to fight me for this one, it truly is an amazing, professional level machine. Thank you so much to Wurth Australia and all the businesses that have made donations, we are so lucky to have such wonderful sponsors and supporters of the Club.

25 October – Oktoberfest at Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron

Always a favourite, great food, great cars, and all things German. A fun, relaxed day by the water. This is becoming a favourite place for some of our meetings and being Spring now I am sure it will be a wonderful day out, can’t wait to get the lederhosen’s out and have some fun.

Club Updates

Jo and I took a week off to explore the Red Centre, which was absolutely amazing. If you haven’t been to Ayers Rock, it is the perfect time with all the wild flowers out and everything so green with all the rain they have had this year. We’ll be away again at the start of October, first week in KL for the F1, then we rush back for the Damon Hill night and then hook the caravan up to the X5 and straight off to Bathurst to officiate at the Bathurst 1000.

Membership numbers are steady, welcome to all the new members, merchandise is selling extremely well, and there are some great bargains in the store, so make sure you check it out.

Our welfare team continues to work hard behind the scenes, supporting members quietly and compassionately. Always remember, we are one big family, if you are doing it tough and need anything, reach out, we are here for you all.

All is well in our Club, everything BMW and everything community. We have some truly great events coming up, and I encourage you all to get involved. We have such a variety of events, there is sure to be something to interest everyone.

Upcoming Events

• 3-4 October – E30 Racing at Phillip Is
• 4 October – What Else Is in Your Garage
• 5 October – Evening with Damon Hill (Sold Out)
• 18 October – Pink Ribbon Brunch (Sold Out)
• 25 October – Oktoberfest
• 30 October – Coffee & Chat Geelong
• 1 November Point Nepean Heritage Motor show
• 3 November Melbourne Cup drive
• 12 November – AGM
• 18–22 November – Challenge Bathurst
• 27 November Twilight Drive
• 12 December – Christmas Show & Shine Family Picnic
• 11–14 February – Bathurst 12 Hour
• 18–21 March – BMW Clubs Australia Nationals (NSW)
• 24 April – Variety Stars on Track

September has been a month full of great driving, great company, and great memories. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, organised, and supported our events. Your enthusiasm is what makes BMWDCM the incredible club it is.

CPS renewals requiring signing in person must be done by appointment, so please don’t just turn up, remember, we are all volunteers and we’re not always at the office when you think we might be, especially the next few weeks! We won’t be there at all. Before heading down, just give us a quick call so we can make sure someone is available to help you.

You can also complete CPS renewals online, which is often much easier and quicker. Many members find this the most convenient option, especially during busy periods. Head to the web site for all the information on how to renew.

We’re here to help — just reach out and we’ll make the process as smooth as possible.

I look forward to seeing you all at our October events,  spring is here, the weather is perfect, and there’s plenty more fun ahead.

Stay safe, enjoy your driving, and see you out on the road.

BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.

PO Box 81, Tyabb VIC 3913
Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council
Motorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club