History written by Pedro Eberbach

The Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association Incorporated, or V.M.M.A. as it is commonly known, was initially developed by a small group of active Freemasons who wanted to promote motorcycling and freemasonry, by way of a motorcycle rally.

Thus, in late 2000, the Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Rally Association was born, due mainly to the efforts of its main proponent Brother Roy Trimble, from Ararat. The aim of the rally was to raise money for charity, particularly the Freemasons Hospital, and also to raise the profile of motorcycling Masons in Victoria and the community at large.

From those humble beginnings a hugely successful rally in March 2001 started the great charitable work V.M.M.A. now continues around Victoria.

The memorable quote from that rally was “ they came in their hundreds and left thousands”. Consequently, the 2001 rally raised $4958 for the Freemasons Hospital.

Clearly the recipe for success was correct as we conducted another rally in 2002 albeit at a different venue, which enabled us to donate a further $2000 to the hospital, and $2500 to the Ionic Coaching Service to support children with educational support needs. 2002 also saw us formalise our status with the V.M.M.A. becoming an Incorporated Association in Victoria.

Keeping our charitable aims in mind our members were happy to agree to further donations, some of which include ‘Raise the Roof ‘ - $180, Mansfield Historical Society - $290, TLC for Kids - $500, Pink Ribbon Ride for Women’s Breast Cancer - $250, and Bendigo Radiotherapy Centre - $200.

So it can be seen that we sincerely believe that we are living up to the aims of V.M.M.A. which are: “to actively pursue the tenets of Freemasonry by uniting motorcycle riders from all parts of society, whilst raising the profile of motorcyclists and Freemasonry via charitable and social events”.

In 2003, V.M.M.A. had to seriously consider the implication of various event insurance requirements and therefore chose not to conduct a rally. Consequently, 2003 has been a year of consolidation where our focus has been on visiting many lodges around Victoria, whilst still quietly raising sufficient monies to support our donations program.

Early in 2003 our members were horrified to see and hear of the plight of the farming community in East Gippsland due to the massive bush fires. It was therefore decided to donate $1000 to assist them, and very pleasingly a local Orbost V.M.M.A. member and Grand Lodge Officer presented the cheque on our behalf.

Our Lodge visitation program was very successful in 2003, and it is noteworthy that as well as giving money to needy causes, some Lodges have given money to us to continue our work.

August 2003 saw a dozen or so members and partners enjoy the hospitality of brethren and families of the Echuca and Milawa Lodges, at a lodge meeting and Sunday BBQ.  Typically, there hospitality like many other lodges we visit is warm and memorable. We were pleased to leave $410 with them for disbursement to their nominated charity.

November 2003 once again saw our members, and other motorcyclists support the CanTeen organization, which provides assistance to teenagers and their families affected by cancer. Although the day was wet and soggy, the teenagers were at least able to ride the last 25 km’s to their destination, which was Kryal Castle in Ballarat.

All attendees enjoyed a substantial BBQ and entertainment, before the teenagers were able to return to the Royal Children's Hospital by motorbike. This annual event attracts many riders, and although the weather was not kind in late 2003, the re-scheduling of the event to late March (2004) should give greater guarantees for the future.

These are a sample of events we support.

Naturally V.M.M.A. will be supporting other annual events such as the many motorcycle Toy Runs that occur around Victoria, and other community events.

Current membership of V.M.M.A. (at December 2003) stands at 70 members and 44 partners, not to mention the number of other family members who join us in our events and activities. Membership is not restricted to masons, and there is no requirement to have a motorcycle, although it does help.

Because of the spread of brethren and motorcyclists around Victoria, we encourage those members interested in the Craft to join a local lodge and will arrange for those introductions. Melbourne based members have the opportunity to join a local lodge or the Civil Service Lodge in North Melbourne who have willingly offered to sponsor V.M.M.A. In the future V.M.M.A. may call upon Civil Service to assist us in obtaining the necessary requirements to form a motorcycle Lodge and even to request a travelling warrant from the United Grand Lodge of Victoria (U.G.L.V.). 

The V.M.M.A. has enjoyed fantastic growth over the past 4 years, and our simple aims and objectives make us attractive to a wide section of the community.

Naturally, the common bond we enjoy is motorcycling, friendship, and in most cases freemasonry. I believe we are making a difference in our ability to donate generously to those individuals and groups who require our assistance. The vibrancy and passion of the members is truly astounding, and it is particularly gratifying to see not only the happy faces of our worthy donation recipients, but the joy and satisfaction of our hard working members.

Our work has been recognised by U.G.L.V. (Freemasonry Victoria) who officially support V.M.M.A., and we are in communication with Albert Street (Freemasonry Victoria Headquarters) at every opportunity to inform them of our achievements.

 I have no doubt that we will grow and continue to be recognised for our kindness and consideration in providing assistance to those who are in great need.