4th International President, 2007-2012
I started riding over 35 years ago; my first bike was a dirt bike 175 Yamaha. I then progressed to a Honda 250, after that a Kawasaki GT 550 for over 20 years, BMW 1100 and then several Suzuki Vstrom 650s. I joined WIMA Australia Canberra Branch in 1986 and was treasurer for several years with this branch. In the mid 2000s, our membership seemed to be dwindling and the different branches were struggling in WIMA Australia. So those not doing so well folded, and those remaining members were made WIMA Australia members, with Victoria and South Australia running strong with their membership. At this time, I was WIMA Australia (national captain) president and with the different issues WIMA Australia was struggling with, we were able to hold a smaller membership base, change the constitution to match the changes happening with the membership to continue our love for riding and supporting women riders. With membership fluctuating and the enthusiasm of the membership, we kept WIMA Australia going.
In 2007, I was nominated and voted in as WIMA International president; the reins were handed over to continue promoting WIMA and encouraging more women to join. Through this time four new countries joined WIMA – Korea, Hungary, India and Curaçao and a fifth with Malaysia joining the year I resigned from being international president, after having a motorcycle crash. There was huge change happening with technology improving and increased access with the internet. This enabled the WIMA International committee and national presidents to communicate more directly and faster. Keeping up with these changes, the WIMA International website was updated, the constitution updated, guidelines set up regarding using the different electronic media, e.g. setting up Facebook pages and monitoring these. This was done through a team effort with the WIMA International committee and national presidents. Through this time as international president, there were many positives working with the diversity of the membership within WIMA and it was a pleasure to have served as WIMA International president.
(2021)
