Monday 27 January 2014

BATHURST!


Media and Rider Alert

This Saturday (Feb 1) in Bathurst motorcyclists from around the state will gather in Russell Street

for the annual Bathurst Street and Custom Motorcycle Show.

This annual event last year attract 140 motorcycles for the two competitions plus several thousand

local residents.

This year the show will be opened by Mayor Gary Rush who will arrive on a mate's Harley Davidson around 11am.

Other highlights this year:

  • Free entry for the general public
  • The Shannons Big Rig which includes their famous Go-Go Mobile , free driving simulators for kids and will serve as the motorcycle competition registration area
  • Free kids jumping castle
  • Special displays from Bathurst's Beard Brother Motorcycles and Capital Harley Davidson in Orange
  • Special interview with Tony O'Donnell, Chairman of the Australian Confederation of Motor Clubs about the future of custom motorcycling.
  • Temporary Australians Motorcycle TV Show, motorcycle clothing and accessories displays
  • Sausage Sizzle and soft drinks on sale by the 3rd Bathurst (All Saints Cathedral) Scout Group
  • Special thanks to volunteers from Bikers Australia and Brotherhood CMC and sponsors Shannons Insurance, Beard Brothers Motorcycles, Capital Harley Davidson, Brotherhood CMC, Live to Ride Magazine, 2bs Radio, B Rock Radio and Bathurst Regional Council.

Attached is the General Event Press Release.

For more information call Greg Hirst on 0414 798 440.

Saturday 25 January 2014

ANTI-BIKIE LAWS


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/snake-found-in-arrest-of-dayboro-three-20140124-31dc0.html

The Victorian Parliament will vote on a law that will make it difficult, if not impossible for some, maybe all groups, to gather in public to protest against bad laws, taxes and or projects.

The bill will go to the Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2014.

We urge Victorians to sit in the public gallery of state parliament in a silent, law-abiding protest against this undemocratic, un-Australian legislation. You can get information on the proposed law and when it will be tabled at:

http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/static/www.legislation.vic.gov.au-bills.html

Start with the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill.

Before February 4 we need to let as many MPs as possible know that this is an election year and we do not want anti-association/VLAD type laws in Victoria. The Victorian Government has betrayed this state's 326,000 bike licence holders by refusing to abolish the TAC tax, do not be fooled into thinking it will hesitate to use the anti-association laws against the motorcycle & scooter community, their family, their friends and their workmates.

More information on the TAC tax betrayal elsewhere on this blog.

Go see you MP. If you can't get an appointment to see him/her before February 4, tell the MPs staff what you think. Encourage others to do likewise.

Two or three votes in parliament mean the difference between this law passing or failing.

A few thousand votes in marginal electorates in the November election mean the Victorian Government staying in power or being put out.

It's up to you and your family and friends. Go see your MP.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

Thursday 23 January 2014

Tuesday 21 January 2014

FATHER BOB DOCO.



http://goo.gl/XjKnVc

Thursday, January 23, 7:00 PM

George Revival Cinema
St KIlda, Melbourne, Victoria, Austalia.

"In Bob We Trust" - Documentary Film
This will be a special one-off screening of this documentary film.

The screening will be introduced by Father Bob with all money raised
going to the Father Bob Maguire Foundation.

Regards
Trish

91 Victoria Ave
Albert Park Vic, 3206
T: (03) 9681 3255
www.fatherbobsfoundation.com.au


"In Bob We Trust" is also being shown this weekend at 
Swanpool Cinema 

http://swanpoolcinema.com.au/ 

This weekend as follows:

Friday 24 January 7.30 pm (followed by "Once My Mother")


Saturday 25 January 7.30 pm (followed by "Once My Mother")
In Bob We Trust Matinee screens 2.00 pm Saturday


Sunday 26 January 6.00 pm (followed by "Once My Mother")

Monday 20 January 2014

VIC TO END PROTEST RIGHTS?

This link was shared to the fb page:


Early in 2014 the Napthine Government in Victoria aims to pass draconian laws that will make it almost impossible for community groups, and others, to assemble in public. That's why the Australia Day protests this Sunday are so important. If you want to "assemble" where you want, with who you want, head for a parliament house near you. Details elsewhere on this blog and on the IRG facebook pages.

The Victorian Attorney General, Liberal MP Robert Clark will put the first of the Queensland-type anti-association laws to parliament on Tuesday, February 4. I plan to be in the public gallery and I invite anyone who can, to be there too. Details of times etc. are on:

www.parliament.vic.gov.au

January 21, 2014.

These laws could make it very hard to organise big rides like TOY RUNs if someone in your local police or in government did not like the organisers. Prejudice & discrimination have always been with us but now it is aimed directly at us.

Go to a parliament house near you this Australia Day and protest against police-state laws.

Soon you may not be allowed to.

Damien
IRG


January 22, 2014.

Right to assemble?! You won't have the "right" to inhale without a written permit the way things are going. Then you'll have to hold your breath while the cops drive past.

Remember these bikies laws are NOT bikie laws. As Boris points out the legislation does not even mention motorcycles/ motorcyclists, bikes/ Bikies. It is very UNSPECIFIC and AMBIGUOUS so it can cast a very wide net over whomever the police choose.


At this juncture VLAD laws are being sold to the public as affecting filthy, criminal 1%er gangs so the changes will be accepted and subsequently entrenched into the daily life of Australians.


If they were accurately perceived as "anti-whatever-we-feel-like" laws then there might be a murmur of resistance (not rebellion, most Australians being the apathetic dicks they are).

No matter whom the laws are aimed at (exclusively for now) the whole thing is moot as we already have laws against rape, drug dealing, drug manufacturing, drug cultivation, drug possession, assault and affray, battery, and everything else between mass murder and grotting on the footpath. The public (if only they were capable of intelligent deductions from clear evidence) ought be asking why "these people" (or anyone else) are not being prosecuted under existing laws.

Interestingly, in Singapore (which I think Newman wants to model his Queensland on) citizens must apply for a permit to gather. This definitely applies to protests. The police will 'get back to you'. If and when they do, what you say and do at your regulated  protest is closely monitored and authorities will stand by to squash it at a moment's notice should you been seen as creating dissent.


If this label is applied to you, you are really in the shit! Deep!!!

In the event that your gathering should proceed and your day of demonstration/whatever comes and goes, detailed records will be kept and the authorities will have the power to charge you retrospectively for being a troublemaker, an enemy of the state as it were!

Please make the distinction between POWER and RIGHT. I believe everyone has the RIGHT to demonstrate and state their point and air their grievances. This sort of oppression affects their POWER to do so.

If it were only the case of Queensland and its "White Sadam", Campbell Newman exercising his insanity, that would be one thing, but the sad fact is that police top brass all over the country have been baying for these laws (and the extra power their henchmen will get as a result) to be authorised in their respective states. I would reserve some respect for any police comish outside of Queensland who publically denounced the law as UnAustralian and stated that he did NOT want such shit in his state.


This is why I pounced on the opportunity to write an open letter to Scipione (NSW Police Minister) about the headline story that 1 in 40 police have crim records.

Another distinction is LAW vs PENALTY. Drug distribution, for example, is illegal (unless you are Bayer, Hoechst, Pfizer et al and lobby the government). The penalty for this is X.
Why is it then acceptable for certain groups to be liable for a penalty of Y for these offences?

And if this is the case, surely police, noble and trusted public servants, should be liable for a penalty of Z for their similar offences!

Perhaps next time I am charged with bashing someone with a few of my mates for saturday night sport, I can claim "stress'' because "my job is so stressful". Or does this only work if your gang colour is blue?

Speaking of which, perhaps I should see the writing on the proverbial and invest in grey or beige clothes and practice meditating while I chant the name of our Fuehrer.

Lindsay

FREEDOM RIDE


 Organised Nationally by the Free Australia Party & the Freedom Riders
Protest for the Rights of ALL Australians ~ ALL Welcome
Departing Saturday, 25th January & Returning Monday, 27th January 2014

North & North East Victoria to Canberra ACT
~ IRG Kelly Country Protest Ride ~

Departure Point: Caltex Northbound, Hume Highway, Tallarook
9.30 am for roll out 10.00 am

You are welcome to join us, along the Hume Highway, between the following Stops:

·        Glenrowan BP Northbound, Hume Highway – 11.45 pm for roll out 12.00 noon
·        Albury – BP Lavington NSW, Travelstop Way, (enter off Thurguna Drive) – 1.00 pm for roll out 1.30 pm
(South Gundagai; part of Group will peel off to accommodation –  2.45 pm)
·        North Gundagai Shell/Coles Express, Dog on the Tuckerbox – 3.15 pm for roll out 3.30 pm

Arrive Canberra 5.00 pm

Limited accommodation available via IRG for Saturday & Sunday nights South of Gundagai.
Camping available at Mitchell or Sutton, ACT
For details, or any other information:
Please email independentridersgroup@iinet.net.au or call Cate 0412 049 504
Updates, if needed, will be posted on: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernRegisterIRG?fref=ts

“Let those who ride decide.”
Share on your Facebooks, Blogs and Emails.
Independent Riders Group (IRG) encourage attendance at Parliament House Canberra if possible. 
Most States & Territory's have Protests organised at their Parliament Houses, for those unable to take extra time out to travel to Canberra.
Please beware, be aware, and stay shiny side up.
Vehicle drivers, please take extra care while sharing the road with riders on this Australia Day long weekend.

The Freedom Day Protests Australia wide this Sunday, 26th of January, are not only about motorcyclists right to ride; they're important because it's about Australia's freedoms. It's about the right to meet with who we want, when & where we want. It's about stop & search powers extending to ordinary citizens, and more.  These Protests & Rides have been organised nationally by the Free Australia Party & the Freedom Riders.  Protect your right to ride, and stay upright :-)
PLEASE read & pass on 'Rules of Engagement for Silent Resistance' & leave anger & attitude at home.  The Australia Day Freedom Protests may be the only chance we'll get, to show our objection to any laws similar to those already in place in Qld, being introduced in other States & Territory's.  Victorian Premier Napthine has already stated he will do it.  Therefore, it is VITAL that we remain peaceful at all times, and DO NOT react aggressively to any member of any State or Territory Police force.  It is both the Govt. & media's desire to continue to demonize motorcycle riders, to justify the introduction of these draconian laws, which WILL impact enormously on our freedom to ride Australia wide.  Let's show some constraint, & NOT play into their hands, or all our efforts will be wasted.  

NB  Protest is at OLD Parliament House, and after the speeches, there will be entertainment provided.

VICPOL PR?

The vilification of motorcycle riders by police and law-makers across OZ, especially in Queensland, does effect ordinary riders.

1.3 million Australians hold bike licences. Police say only 5000 of them are members of "outlaw motorcycle gangs". 

To justify their push for power and dangerous laws government spin doctors generate negative publicity which is lapped up by the sensationalist media. Bad bikie news gets the front page treatment, good bikie news rarely gets a run. They need villains. This means riders are at greater risk on our roads and police get away with treating motorcyclists unfairly.

I copped it myself. On January 11, I went for a ride.

St Andrews up to King Lake was a great road. Now it is a death trap. The speed limit has been reduced to 60 kph for nearly 20 kms of twisty bits. Narrow blacktop. Lots of blind corners. There was a speed camera in roadside scrub at the bottom. There was no police presence.



About 11 am on a Saturday the road is infested with bicyclists who can't do anything like 60 kph going uphill. They ride two abreast in both directions.

Car drivers don't even begin to think about using their brakes and waiting to pass safely. They just swing out and overtake. A motorcycle or scooter rider can face a head-on with a car, usually a 4WD/SUV monster coming round a blind corner at a closing speed of up to 100 kph. It happened to me several times on the one trip.

I had a pie at the King Lake bakery. Too early for a counter attack at the pub and headed off to Healesville. The plan was lunch at Marysville. Spending my tourist dollars and being a good citizen.

The road through Toolangi was safe and deserted. Perfect conditions, no cars. I think the speed limit was 50 kph. I was tootling along at about 40 kph enjoying the solitude. There was a bike cop by the road. He pulled me over. I asked why he had stopped me. He said it was his job to check my licence. My licence is clean. I was wearing the right gear. The bike had been roadworthyed 24 hours before. He went over the bike and told me what was wrong with it.

I was not happy getting a lecture on a rare day out for doing absolutely nothing wrong so I returned fire. I asked him why he was pulling bikes up on a very safe bit of road when a few kms away deadly mayhem was being committed by idiots on pushbikes and potential culpable drivers. He said it was not his area. He did not deny he was only pulling up motorcyclists. He tried to make excuses that the hills were a high bike crash zone. He was not where the bike crash risk was high on the St Andrews / King Lake Road.

After about 20 minutes it was clear he was not going to find something to book me for so I left. Spoilt my day. What great public relations for the Victoria Police eh?

Damien
IRG

SURFACE SLIPS ON MELBOURNE'S WEST GATE

Hi DAMIEN,

The crack appears to just be the membrane separating from the asphalt due to the heat (no structural damage):

http://theage.drive.com.au/roads-and-traffic/heatwave-likely-cause-of-large-crack-on-west-gate-bridge-20140120-314w4.html

However that shouldn't stop us from pointing out that motorcycles have the lowest impact on the roads and do not cause these kinds of problems.

NB. It was probably the trucks that made that asphalt move over the membrane.
*************************************************************************
Traffic chaos caused by two lanes on Melbourne's West Gate Bridge being closed is bad for everyone.

Trucks damage infrastructure BUT in the short to medium term we can't move goods any other way.

Single occupant cars make up 70% of the city's traffic and a lot of them are on unnecessary trips. They pollute our air, clog roads and damage infrastructure. These drivers should be encouraged to commute by scooter or motorcycle. If 5% of car drivers made the switch everyone would benefit. We'd breath easier and save time and money.

Australian cities will continue to grow and the motorcycle & scooter community will too. This was documented in the Federal Major Cities Unit report The State of Australian Cities - 2012.


VicRoads must abandon its antibike policies and the Transport Accident Commission must review motorcycle & scooter CTP premiums and abolish the "safety levy" (antibike tax). They should follow the City of Melbourne's lead and actively promote commuting by motorcycles & scooters.

Damien

Sunday 19 January 2014

WANNA JOB?

http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/south-melbourne-3205-vic/executive-corporate-strategy/senior-management-board/9145662+chief+executive+officer+motorcycling+australia.aspx?from=jobalert&alertid=1033882&s_cid=ja:20140120:daily:executive+/+corporate+strategy,+marketing,+media,+advertising,+arts+&+entertainment,+pr+&+communications:melbourne:&utm_source=jobalert&utm_medium=email

Situation vacant at Motorcycling Australia.

Saturday 18 January 2014

BIKE BROADCAST 2014


Don't forget to tune in on Tuesday night next week at 7pm on Alive 90.5 online around Australia.

Find out the latest on the Freedom Ride to Canberra on January 26.

why it looks better for custom motorcycles in Australia.

Interesting news for Queensland regarding the High Court Challenge.

Why recreational riders have received an apology from the Police Commissioner.

All this and more great Aussie music - so tune in if you can!  

www.alive905.com.au

UNDERCOVER IN NEW YORK

abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=21586184&ref=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FAbKHAUKjrK

Friday 17 January 2014

LETTER TO A MINISTER




The Victorian Scooter Riders Association (VSRA) have been in favour of traffic filtering since our inception. 

The VSRA policy letter supports filtering, we have sent several media releases supporting filtering independently and also as joint media releases with the Independent Riders Group (IRG). 

One of our member clubs made a submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety supporting filtering. We have made numerous pleas to Terry Mulder the Victorian Minister of Roads to support the recommendation resulting from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety in particular Recommendation 59 regarding filtering.  

The VSRA made a submission to the Melbourne Road Safety Plan proposing the introduction of Filtering in the Melbourne CBD, I personally raised the issue of an overdue filtering trial and establishment of a Filtering Review Committee at the last Motorcycle Advisory Group meeting at VicRoads in Kew.

In this regard, along with previous initiatives to see filtering introduced, the VSRA supports the draft rider rep PTW Filtering Submission of the 19th December and we commend it along with all previous and any future initiatives that may one day see the long overdue filtering trial and establishment of a Filtering Review Committee in Victoria.

Regards
Stephen Bardsley
Spokesperson - VSRA  

Thursday 16 January 2014

DOUG SUNDERLAND LINK

 http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/onyourbike/

Doug Sunderland left us. His obit is in an earlier post.

There may be a memorial ride.

MARKETING INTERN

MARKETING INTERN

Exciting opportunity for a student of Marketing to gain experience in Blog and Website marketing as well as Social Media development during summer holidays.

IRG, a Melbourne based not for profit organisation for motorcylcists is offering a two month internship during February/March 2014. Interested applicants should have some experience with Google Analytics, backlinking, all forms of Social Media (Blogs, FB, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linked-in, Youtube etc), be able to write good tight and effective copy. Some knowledge about effective website advertising would be welcomed. Position to be carried out at home with Social Media training provided once a week via skype.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for training and development and has no financial remuneration.

For further details please mail Adrienne at mail adriennefarrelly@yahoo.com.au.

VALE DOUG SUNDERLAND

Doug   Sunderland  was one of Australian motorcycling's greats. He was
a rider for  73  years and his two-wheel adventures would fill the lives of ten ordinary riders.

Doug passed away early on January 15, 2014.

He made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into motorcycle & scooter  safety  at
the  hearing in Wangaratta, Victoria. It is worth reading.

http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/rsc/motorcycle_safety/Transcripts/20111129_DSunderland_Transcript.pdf

Damien
IRG
*********************************************************
Hi Damien,

Here is an email I just got.

It is sad news.

John Vance
Wangaratta, Vic.
*********************************************************
Hello

I am writing to you to let you know that Dad, Doug Sunderland, passed
away early this morning. As you may be aware Dad suffered a major
debilitating stroke in July this year, as a result it affected his
memory and his cognitive impairment to the point where we were forced to
place him in Illoura Nursing home.  Since that time Dad suffered
numerous mini strokes the most recent last Sunday morning rendering him
comatose and non responsive a condition he remained in until he passed
away around 3am this morning.

We have a meeting at 3pm today with the funeral home with the thought at
this stage the funeral would be mid next week.

Please be advised that Dad's service will be private family only with an
after service celebration with all welcome, We will advise you of dates

Please tell any and all related or connected to Dad in any way that they
will be most welcome as well.

The bottom line is Dad was a tough old bugger who had taken many hits
over the years but kept going and as usual did things in his own time
frame his own way which we were all please, it is just unfortunate the
sad way it ended and not over the edge of a cliff on his bike as he
always hoped for.

Cliff Sunderland
************************************************************
Hello Damien, John,

In the absence of telephone numbers for either of you,  I have some sad news to 
impart via this email.

Doug Sunderland passed away yesterday in Wangaratta. I am assuming, based on 
past correspondence, that his family will want a private funeral ceremony but I also 
know that a great many people will want to pay their final respects. I have just posted 
on our Facebook page my intentions.

I am in the process of organising a Memorial Run for him on Australia Day, Jan 26th, 
from Sydney to Wang and I'm wondering Damien whether you'd care to arrange 
something likewise from Melbourne? 

John, we'll need some local advice and logistical assistance for just where we might 
meet in Wang; no idea at this stage how many bikes might be involved.

Please feel free to call me, 02 9970 6370 to discuss.       

Mike

Ferris Wheels Motorcycle Safaris  |   WOW Television
P O Box 996  Narrabeen  NSW  2101 Australia
www.ferriswheels.com.au     |      www.worldonwheels.tv
World On Wheels TV series, shown Australia-wide and internationally.
redenfield     

Saturday 4 January 2014

NO QLD HOLIDAYS FOR ME!

WITH SOCCER CLUB ASSOCIATES RUNNING RIOT ONE WONDERS WILL THESE FOOTBALL CLUBS BE BRANDED CRIMINAL ORGANISATIONS IN QUEENSLAND.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/five-victorian-men-charged-under-queensland-bikie-laws-20140105-30bh7.html

REGARDLESS I WON'T BE RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE WHILE THEIR ANTI-ASSOCIATION LAWS ARE IN PLACE.

THIS IS AUSTRALIA NOT NORTH KOREA

DAMIEN

Thursday 2 January 2014

BRACKS = NAPTHINE

Both Steve Bracks MP and Dennis Napthine MP made promises to the motorcycle & scooter community, that they broke. Both became premiers of Victoria then shafted riders.

Here are some quotes from Aussie Sadler that, I reckon are relevant.

Damien


                   In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a government.
  John  Adams
If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are  misinformed. 
   Mark  Twain
Suppose you were an idiot.  And suppose you were a member of government. But then I repeat myself.
   Mark Twain
I  contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying  to lift himself up by the handle.
    Winston Churchill
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
   George Bernard  Shaw
Foreign aid might be defined as a  transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.
   Douglas  Casey,  Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown  University
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage  boys.
     P.J.  O'Rourke,  Civil Libertarian
Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavours to live at the expense of everybody else.
      Frederic  Bastiat,  French economist(1801-1850)
  I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
    Will  Rogers
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free!
      P.J.  O'Rourke
  In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as  possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. 
      Voltaire   (1764)
  Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
       Pericles (430  B.C.)
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
      Mark Twain   (1866)
Talk is cheap...except when government does  it.
       Anonymous
The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.
      Ronald  Reagan

The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.
      Mark  Twain

There is no distinctly Native American criminal class...save government. 
      Mark  Twain
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
      Edward   Langley,  Artist (1928-1995)
  A  government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. 
      Thomas   Jefferson
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
        Aesop


Wednesday 1 January 2014

VICPOL & DISCRIMINATION

Something has changed in the Victoria Police over the last decade or so. Command policies and methods have changed and not in a way that inspires confidence in police by the general public.

On Wednesday, January 1, 2014, Damien Codognotto wrote:


G'day all.

I half heard a bit on ABC radio about the Victoria Police being taken to court for discriminating against black African migrants?

I'd like to know more. What law? What court? What are the police supposed to have done?

It may apply to the way motorcyclists are treated by police in some cases?

Damien






I have been fully involved with the case
I supplied evidence to the lawyers for the lads  in the Flemington case
It was presented to Vicpol & assisted in reaching a settlement 
My evidence was an statement to the OPI in relation to the matter
The whole OPI investigation was a direct cover up by Vicpol
It never got investigated by Vicpol

Dale Robert Maggs
Mob 0432776458
@convictstock
Independent Riders Group

There's currently a discrimination case involving police unfairly targeting young Africans and that's been given alot of media coverage. Alongside this, the Sunshine Police are in trouble with some very racist stubbie holders they have in their bar.

Not sure if you heard the tail end of this media report at all?

Cheers,

Name supplied.

Thanks 

Wasn't it the Sunshine police that let the old Chinese bloke die in the rain?

Damien

That happened at Dandenong Police station. 

Outrageous situation and something I'd expect in China not here. 

Sometimes I think WE should have the status of developing nation.

Name supplied.