23/12/2025
Our National President's Christmas Message
Brothers, Sisters,
As another year draws to a close, I want to take the opportunity to wish every member of the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club, along with your families, supporters, and friends, a very Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year.
Before anything else, I want to acknowledge the families and supporters who stand beside us. Your patience, understanding, and quiet strength are the backbone of this club. The time we spend on rides, meetings, commemorations, and support activities is only possible because of the sacrifices you make at home. The MBMMC does not exist without you, and your contribution is recognised and deeply respected.
A Year of Progress and Achievement
The past 12 months have been a defining period for our club. Across the country, our members have demonstrated resilience, discipline, and commitment to the values on which the MBMMC was founded.
At a national level, we have achieved something significant through strong leadership and unity of purpose:
The club has progressed through extensive constitutional review and national voting, ensuring our governance is strong, contemporary, and fit for the future.
National votes have been conducted professionally and transparently, reinforcing that this club is driven by its members—not individuals.
Our membership systems, SOPs, and national oversight have been strengthened to protect the club, its reputation, and most importantly, its people.
These are not small achievements. They reflect a maturing national organisation that is prepared to do the hard work required to safeguard the future of the MBMMC.
State and Territory Highlights
Across Queensland, sub-branches have continued to grow and professionalise, including incorporation milestones, strengthened administration, and ongoing engagement in veteran-focused rides and events. Queensland members have remained committed to safety, compliance, and club discipline in challenging regulatory environments. There have been some amazing achievements in QLD. CSC, Cairns and LVB has certainly weathered a few storms but have risen above to prove the task is definitely theirs.
In New South Wales, our sub-branches have shown outstanding resilience. Despite injuries to key leaders and the closure of two sub-branches, the state has continued to move forward. NSW members have been heavily involved in Black Dog rides, inter-club cooperation, and veteran-focused events, demonstrating unity and visibility across the state. Hosting Vietnam Veterans Day at Evans Head as a multi club event was certainly a highlight.
Victoria continues to set a strong example with stable sub-branches, successful endorsement ceremonies, and meaningful advocacy initiatives. Of particular note is the work being done in veteran wellbeing and su***de prevention, including nationally significant memorial projects that will leave a lasting legacy and positively reflect the MBMMC brand for generations.
In South Australia, leadership transitions and governance processes have been handled professionally, reinforcing our commitment to constitutional integrity and cooperation between sub-branches. Congratulations on a massively successful postie bike ride fund raiser. The highlights for 2026 certainly look exciting.
Western Australia has continued rebuilding and strengthening after a challenging period, with renewed recruitment, engagement with veteran assistance organisations, and improved state-level coordination. A massive congratulations on the funds raised for Legacy at your annual event.
Tasmania remains steady and reliable, continuing to support joint activities and laying groundwork for future veteran-focused events and musters. Certainly the quiet achievers who have managed to reach milestones for veteran support that should make us all envious. I wish you all the very best of luck with MND fundraising walk.
Across all states, the common theme is clear: the club is active, visible, respected, and moving forward. There are so many achievements that are not relayed across the wider club, we all see from time to time on social media snippets. I encourage you all to provide more highlights and achievements, it can be a massive tool in driving motivation and inspiration.
Growing National Support and Recognition
One of the most encouraging developments this year has been the groundswell of support around the country. The MBMMC continues to gain respect from:
· Veteran communities
· Supporters and followers
· Other motorcycle clubs
· Motorcycle councils and
· Governing bodies
Our conduct, professionalism, and commitment to doing things the right way are being noticed. We are no longer just participating—we are being recognised as a credible, disciplined, and values-driven organisation.
Grants, Charitable Status, and ESO Recognition
A major achievement this year has been the success of sub-branches in securing charitable status and recognition as Ex-Service Organisations. This has directly resulted in:
· Access to grants and funding
· Increased capacity to support veterans and families
· Improved infrastructure and financial stability at a sub-branch level
These outcomes do not happen by chance. They are the result of hard work, compliance, governance, and dedication by members who are prepared to put the club first.
Our Most Important Asset – Our Members
As we look to the future, I want to reinforce something that cannot be overstated.
The most important asset this club has is its membership.
Every one of us carries responsibility for the integrity, reputation, and future of the MBMMC. That responsibility begins with who we offer an application form to. Each decision we make as individuals directly shapes the culture and direction of this club.
We must continue to:
· Uphold our standards
· Protect our values
· Ensure the mission of the MBMMC is passed on intact, not diluted
The strength of this club is not measured by numbers alone, but by the quality, commitment, and integrity of its members.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the New Year, I am confident in the direction we are heading. The distractions of the past are behind us, the foundations are stronger than ever, and the path forward is clear.
Thank you to every member, every family, and every supporter for your dedication throughout the year. Thank you to our State Presidents, sub-branch executives, and volunteers who carry the load day in and day out.
Stay safe over the festive season, look after one another, and remember why this club exists.
From my family to yours—
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lest We Forget.
Respectfully,
Stewy
Stewart M Tonkin CSM
National President
Military Brotherhood MMC
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
