Following the approval of the CAMS Board, Chairman of the Australian Rally Commission, Mr Colin Trinder, today announced the composition of the new ARCom that will lead Australian rallying through its next period of evolution.
The new ARCom appointments for 2008 include George Shepheard from Queensland and Adrian Dudok from the ACT. They will join existing members Ben Rainsford (SA - ARCom Deputy Chairman), Peter Macneall (WA), Ross Runnalls (Victoria) and Geoff Becker (Tasmania). In addition, Spencer Lowndes, Warwick Rooklyn and Molly Taylor have also been appointed as specialist advisers to ARCom.
Trinder said that ARCom had received expressions of interest from a number of high quality candidates with the necessary experience, passion and commitment to make a significant contribution to the work of the Commission.
"The individuals appointed strike a balance between experience, youth, technical expertise and a spread of geographical representation. There are certainly some significant challenges facing Australian rallying and having such a breadth of experience will ensure that the Commission is tapping into a diversity of views about matters impacting on our sport.
"I see communication as the key - each member will be expected to consult widely within our sport about issues that concern people be they competitors, organisers, volunteers, our commercial partners or Government authorities.
"ARCom has a significant workload to plan and execute early in 2008. There are a number of issues and reforms I want to pursue as quickly as possible including the development of a robust strategic plan, streamlining and simplifying the rally officials licensing process, considering technical regulations, and investigating the application of alternate standards that meet the spirit and intent of the FIA to name just a few. ARCom will continue to be assisted in this task by the CAMS Rally Department, led by Manager, Campbell Andrea.
"I am also keen for ARCom to do everything in its power to ensure that the sport remains strong, viable and undivided. We will consult with the rally community over the next couple of months to address the issues concerning our sport and inform everyone of ARCom's strategic planning process. Anyone will be welcome to attend these meetings and voice their opinion," concluded Trinder.
Specific details of these forums will be circulated shortly.
CAMS CEO, Graham Fountain, said that the newly appointed ARCom has the full support of the CAMS Board and Management.
"The number and quality of expressions of interest received by CAMS for ARCom membership, as well as the passion and interest expressed to me during my travels across Australia, clearly indicate the significant support and diversity of the rally fraternity. This provides a fantastic platform for us to work in partnership in defining the future of rallying in Australia."
AUSTRALIAN RALLY COMMISSION (ARCom)
* Colin Trinder (ACT) - Chairman
* Ben Rainsford (SA) - Deputy Chairman
* Ross Runnalls (Vic)
* Peter Macneall (WA)
* Geoff Becker (Tas)
* George Shepheard (Qld)
* Adrian Dudok (ACT)
* Molly Taylor (NSW)
* Spencer Lowndes (Vic)
* Warwick Rooklyn (NSW)