by Phil Henry, MG Car Club of Queensland, Capricorn Chapter
The Capricorn Chapter of the MG Car Club of Queensland takes the responsibility of looking after its members very seriously.
Jim Armstrong, the coordinator, and the run committee have a duty of care, even if unwritten, to do all they can to keep members safe.
Of course, safety on the road features strongly in this thinking.
This is particularly so for our group because we are the only Chapter that regularly conducts what we call “long runs”.
These have been to Townsville (2016), Winton (2017), the Mary Valley and Sunshine Coast hinterland (2019), and the Warrego and Maranoa (2021).
In August this year, some 36 intrepid souls in 19 cars are heading to Cairns via the coast on the way up and inland on the way back.
Some are even coming up from the Sunshine Coast to participate.
Reflecting on all the possible risks, Rae Cowie, a Registered Nurse who is one of our members, was prompted to identify the value of the group carrying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a comprehensive first aid kit.
This would then be available on both long runs and our shorter monthly runs, noting that some of these are also overnight trips.
AEDs come with easily understood instructions and so do not require users to have medical training. In our case, Rae will provide a briefing before the Cairns trip and regularly thereafter.
Jim Armstrong and the run committee readily agreed, as did the general membership.
To help raise the necessary funds, a silent auction is being held with an eclectic assortment of items donated by members.
In addition, some members from out of the local area have donated cash and some generous sponsorships have been offered already by local businesses including the Alley, Yeppoon, and Evans Edwards Accountants.
We hope to reach the target figure and purchase the equipment before we leave on the long run.
In instituting this innovation, the Capricorn Chapter has set an example and we understand two other local car clubs have committed to copying the idea.
It will provide some additional peace of mind as we all set out on our various adventures on the open road.