Chapter History

In the latter part of 1990, a group of existing Harley Davidson owners organised a meeting to discuss the possibility of forming a local chapter of the Harley Owner's Group.
The group consisted of eight committed motorcyclists plus Gavin Walker, the local Harley dealer. Information was presented by Gavin regarding the Harley Owner's Group and that several Australian Chapters had been established already.
After two or three such meetings, it was agreed to invite Peter Chiodo (the Peter in Peter Stevens Motorcycles), to Mildura to present HOG information and requirements to start a local chapter.

The meeting occurred in March 1991 and the 9 joined HOG International, and with Peter Chiodo's help, lodged the paperwork to become the Mallee Chapter, with Quick Fix as the required sponsoring dealer. Grant Maynard was elected the first Director with Roger Trinne as Secretary/Treasurer. Of the 9 original members in 1990, Jack McCarthy & Ray Tegart have remained members.

During the first year (1991), 6 new members joined. Part way through the year, Grant sold his Harley and stepped down as Director. Jack McCarthy was elected to the role which he performed for 5 consecutive years. Jack remains an active member of the committee and Chapter Historian.

The Chapter produced newsletters and planned a ride calendar with an overnight run every month, usually to a town with a pub where a good time was had by all. Included were places such as Ouyen, Patchewollock, Robinvale, Swan Hill, Bunnerengee Bridge, Renmark, Berri , Broken Hill, in fact anywhere we haven't visited previously within around a 300km range.

During the second year (1992), a further 11 new members joined and the Chapter was developing in accordance with the HOG philosophy of riding Harley's & having fun. Personalities such as Gap (Neville Boulton), in his sidecar and Locky (Simon Lock) meant that there was never a dull moment on overnighters.

In 1993 the Chapter attended its first National HOG Rally in Cobram, Victoria. The group of 22 members and partners ensured that it was a great rally and put Mallee Chapter on the map.

The tradition has continued with Mallee Chapter being represented at every National Rally since, at distant venues such as Mackay, Perth (2), Gold Coast (3), Launceston, Adelaide, Canberra, Cobram, Mooroopna, Alice Springs, and more. Jack & Norma McCarthy have attended all since 1993.

The Chapter continued to progress over the years, growing to a peak of 105 members in 2003 and currently around the 100 mark. The Chapter covers the tri-state areas of Victoria, New South Wales & South Australia.

Since 1991, Mallee Chapter has attended at the Mildura Specialist School to take special needs children for Harley rides every Christmas. It has also organised fundraising events and donated proceeds to this worth cause.

There have been many events conducted over the years such as Rock 'n Roll nights, bike shows, charity events for community groups, back to front draws, poker runs, countless weekend rides away and HOG State Rally's always include South Australia, Victoria and sometimes New South Wales & Northern Territory.

In 1996, the Chapter organised and conducted the Victorian State HOG Rally in Mildura, which was an outstanding success. The Chapter ten years later, organising the 2006 Rally in Mildura in March, which was even better than the first.

Finally HOG International, in 2007 reached the 1,000,000 members worldwide, which is an astonishing achievement. There are in excess of 40 Chapters in Australia and 2000 internationally providing activities and fun for members.

Enquiries about the Mallee Chapter or the Harley Owner's Group can be directed to Quick Fix Harley, 45 Seventh Street, Mildura or contact the people listed in the Mallee Chapter website.