CAMS Marque, Touring and Enthusiasts Commission (MTEC)
What is it and what will it be doing for Car Clubs?
Let me explain some changes first to help you understand.
The new structure of CAMS has created several separate Commissions to look after the various disciplines of motorsport and motoring throughout Australia.
They will hold their own meetings in each State and Nationally to handle issues which involve them and affect their part of the organization.
MTEC members’ delegates will not have to sit through long and sometimes boring State Council meetings just to hear about their particular area of interest and /or have their say on what is happening in their part of the sport. Simple and specific meetings of this Commission, held by various means of communication, will do the work needed in each State and then a representative (called a Commissioner) from each State will talk with other Commissioners from the other States on a regular email basis and twice a year, face to face to agree on things, sort out the issues and let CAMS Board members and staff know what the majority of members would like to happen or be done in their area of motoring.
The idea behind MTEC it is that there are many, many clubs out there who do not get involved in motorsport. However CAMS has “products”, services and strengths which these clubs could and should make use of and they are now being made available to them.
Getting all motoring clubs around Australia together can only be good for “our” voice to Governments and others who can, and do, affect the enjoyment of our vehicles. Yes, there are several bodies which do parts of that now but none of them, including CAMS, can honestly say that they represent everyone involved. And from bitter experience I can tell you that unless you can say that, you have far less ability to get politicians to take notice of you.
Other sports and hobbies have such representative bodies heading up their efforts to gain support and funding. Look at Tennis Australia, Swimming Australia and many others for good and effective central bodies who can say that they represent everyone in their discipline and get great access to many things, both Federal and State. But motoring does not. We are splintered into many and varied groups and that is a part of our nature. Has been for many a long year.
This is not an attempt to take control of it all as some have suggested. The various State and National groups covering all things from traditional vintage car clubs to the new style of internet based clubs which cover the so called Generation Y and their more modern cars have their place and function. And I encourage them to stay the way they are and continue to do what they do best. In fact, CAMS needs those groups to stay strong and provide input on the issues that affect their members.
CAMS wants to provide the central voice from the large and well recognised base it currently has plus the wider motoring community. CAMS has the infrastructure and the personnel to expand and do that right now. I cannot think of another group who can as they are all voluntarily run.
What “products” does CAMS have to offer?
Well, apart from the above mentioned ability to create a substantial voice the number one item would be Insurance, no doubt.
CAMS MTEC membership from $264, including GST, will automatically include $100M Public Liability cover for clubs. And for those clubs needing to renew by the 1st October 09, the first year will be extended to 15 months to allow alignment with CAMS normal 31st December renewals. So that’s $264 for membership and insurance cover from 1/10/09 to 31/12/10. The 15 month deal is on offer until 31/10/09.
The cover extends to Show and Shine events, Display Days, Club runs plus normal Club meetings and activities WITHOUT the need to apply for a permit or notify CAMS. Automatic cover for your regular events.
If an event involves something bigger like a swap meet or car show where the public are charged admission it will be a simple process of contacting CAMS by email, letting them know what the event consists of, and a specific permit will be issued. It may cost a few dollars or it may be issued at no charge. If the municipal Council you are renting grounds from requires their name to be included on a certificate of insurance then that can be done at a small fee. Volunteer worker cover is included in the policy.
Executive Officers Indemnity cover is available from $250 per year. Not compulsory but good value and well worth considering if you have outspoken folks in your Club.
CAMS staff, including Club Development Officers in your State will be available to help you with anything they can. It’s part of the service. Be it advice on how to do things, come to your Club meeting and explain things or whatever, these very professional people, employed full time, are there for you to contact. Advisory packs and information about how to set up and run clubs plus do all the things necessary with the authorities are available for new clubs and the established ones, should they wish to check that they are doing the right thing.
MTEC Clubs are encouraged to send a delegate to State MTEC meetings whenever they are called and to provide emails for those who wish to be informed of MTEC activities etc. That way you will have your say and input to matters of concern to you.
MTEC Clubs will be invited to have all their members join in the extensive discount and loyalty schemes which CAMS have developed. Many companies are offering savings which can easily offset most annual membership fees. Shannons, Repco, Bosch are just a few names which are on board with CAMS.
MTEC Clubs will not be able to apply for permits to run Motorsport events and that would be logical. Swap meets, tours, car shows etc, will be covered. MTEC member Clubs will be able to transfer to other styles of CAMS membership in the future should they wish to go down the motorsport path.
MTEC Clubs will be able to issue their members with CAMS motorsport licenses up to and including level 2 speed (L2S) at whatever the standard charge is and they will allow those members to take part in a wide range of events run by other CAMS Clubs who will invite you to join them. MTEC Clubs will not be able to sign off on National Competition (NC) and higher licenses as that should remain a part of the traditional CAMS Clubs who do organize events at tracks and other venues.
A membership application form, specifically marked for MTEC is attached and copies are available for you to take back to your Clubs.
Please be assured that I will be doing my best as MTEC National Chairman to ensure that the promises made here will be adhered to. I have a very long record of dedicated service with the Council of Motor Clubs in NSW, The Australian Historic Motoring Federation and the car movement in general. I am purely here to voluntarily help the members of all Clubs. I am very sure that all the “horror” stories of past issues with the CAMS of old will never be allowed to recur.
Value for your Clubs, a minimum of hassles to help you enjoy your cars and your fellow Club members company, unity amongst all forms of Club level motoring and a strong voice to resist the ever increasing restrictions and rules foisted upon us is my charter. And on behalf of all motoring enthusiasts I will do my very best to see it through and make it happen.
Terry Thompson O.A.M.
Visit the Cams Website http://cams.com.au