Another 12 months has passed and the AGM is this month. In May we passed the 2 year anniversary of purchasing the property and have we been busy. As mentioned in last year’s report we had 2 major projects which were on the top of the priority list, the installation of a Fire Service and the replacement of the roof on the meeting room. I am pleased to report that the roof replacement is completed after a successful grant application and the Fire Service is close to completion funded by the Society and supported by a number of members over numerous working bees both during the week and on weekends for the last 6 months.

As a bonus we were able to incorporate other improvements into the latter project which maximised the use of the trenches such as the replacement of the aging domestic water pipes, wiring for a future public address system, underground power to the white ant building and to the front gate as well as for future street lighting. By fortunate coincidence the Salisbury Council provided the recycled water connection at the same time so we have also laid the recycled water pipes. This has set us up well for the future with the only down side being that the Society bank balance has taken a big hit which will have to be addressed. Still we have been here before and we have always come out ahead.

The other major project has been the upgrade of our eating area through the Work for dole programme. The old sails have been replaced by a steel pergola and the paving replaced and extended. We still have to do some final work ourselves due mainly to an increase in area for the BBQ and servery but this should be completed soon. It will be a great asset for Group visits and other events.

Visits to the museum have been steady; however group visits were down over recent months largely due to the onsite works but have improved over the last few weeks. This is something we will need to work on over the coming year particularly promoting the availability of the new facilities. The Beersheba event in October was a huge success both from a public attendance and financial point of view, raising in the vicinity of $7000.

In the workshop the restoration of the Bedford Utility for the Salisbury Council was completed in time for the Christmas Pageant in November. Earlier this year the Studebaker 6×6 was completed and is now on display. The FWD restoration has continued and is now being accelerated after a recent Grant being provided under the Centenary of the Armistice. Our goal is to have it ready for the Armistice commemorations on Remembrance Day this year. The M548 is now also in the workshop undergoing restoration and is progressing well and the Landrover Project in conjunction with the Bowden Brompton Community School is also moving forward. We are lucky to have such a group of dedicated and talented volunteers.

For Society members a number of outside events were attended this year including the Playford Christmas Pageant, Salisbury Christmas Pageant, Port Adelaide Christmas Pageant, and of course we continued to provide vehicle support for the Anzac Day March. Further afield members attended and enjoyed the Landrover 70 anniversary Birthday bash event at Melrose over Easter and the Annual Corowa Swim-in during March was well attended as usual. An overnight run to Swan Reach a few weeks ago was attended by some members who enjoyed a cruise on Sam’s ex RAN Torpedo Recovery Boat, many campfire stories and good wine. An increase in runs for members like this should be on our agenda so if anyone has some ideas feel free to start organising. As it is every year the Annual Christmas Show in December was enjoyed by all who attended on a day of perfect weather.

On a sadder note last month we lost Kevin McQuillan who had been a past member and a longstanding member of the Nine Mile Snipers.

Finally I wish to convey my thanks to the committee and subcommittee who again this year have put in many hours of work and to all members who have contributed with their time or donations during the last 12 months. It has been another good year and although we have some challenges ahead we can look forward to more progress in the coming year.

Dave Carmen

President, MVPSSA