What is the AOMC

The AOMC is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1976 that represents over 250 member clubs comprising some 45,000 motoring enthusiasts in Victoria.  The Association, run by volunteers, represents all Victorian hobby motorists, including vintage, veteran and classic car, motorcycle and truck enthusiasts.

The Association, totally run by volunteer staff, represents all hobby motorists.

The AOMC will admit as a member any bona-fide vehicle club (including motorcycles and commercial vehicles); having modified vehicles within its ranks does not preclude a club from membership.

The AOMC communicates with its member clubs by: quarterly Newsletters, delegates' meetings and special mailings.

The AOMC runs seminars to assist member clubs in their management and to disseminate relevant information affecting motoring enthusiasts.

The AOMC's involvement in matters concerning the preservation, restoration, authentication of historic vehicles, and legislation that may affect vehicle enthusiasts is well known and respected by Government and non-Government organisations.

If your club is not a member of the AOMC and would like to join you can apply for membership here

Achievements

The AOMC has -

• Served the interests of hobby motorists and motoring enthusiasts since 1976.

• Successfully staged the American Motoring Show every year since 1983.

• Successfully staged the British and European Motoring Shows since 1984.

• Since 1994 these shows have been run annually as a combined event (more recently known as the Classic Showcase). 

• Organised shows and rallies for the National Motoring Heritage Day (third Sunday in May) at a number of venues.  

• Provided a presence at most major motoring events and swap meets in Victoria.

• In the early years we had a purpose built Information Van which was towed to these events. Most of the promoters provided the site free for the benefit of the movement.  Shows organised by the AOMC will usually have a dedicated tent or area set aside for AOMC information, memorabilia and displays.

• Prevented the destruction of the VicRoads pre-computer Engine Number Records in 1991. There are about 11 million cards in this archive which relate to vehicles whose registration was current as at late 1984. These records have historical significance and make the re-registration of vehicles easier and less expensive.

• Been involved with, and a significant contributor to, the Light Vehicle Modification Working Party (LVMWP). The LVMWP shaped the Victorian Road Safety Regulations of the late 1980's

• Worked in close cooperation with the National Road Transport Commission (NRTC) in formulating its policy and standards with respect to vehicles of all ages but particularly for vehicles built prior to 1988. This work is on-going as there are still aspects of the NRTC's proposals which have not been accepted by some Australian State Government Ministers and bureaucrats.

• Successfully staged a protest rally outside Victorian State Parliament involving some 500 cars in September 1986. The AOMC protested against annual roadworthy checks claiming that they were not cost effective. The requirement was subsequently dropped from the Victorian Road Safety Regulations proclaimed early in 1987. 

• The saving to EVERY Victorian motorist being at least $35 per annum.

• Maintained a database and referral service for over 550 Victorian motor vehicle clubs and over 3000 clubs Australia wide.

• Negotiated modification of many Municipal Council Local Laws. When they were drafted at the end of 1995 most of the Councils had included provisions requiring every householder to have a permit for the storage of second hand goods or vehicles on their own property. Most Local laws now allow for hobby activities or rely on requirements to maintain the amenity of the neighborhood. Work still continues. 

• The saving to every householder in one third of Victoria's Municipalities being at least $50 per annum.

• Co-operated with Professor Donald Stedman from Denver University, Colorado and the R.A.C.V. in testing drive-by emission testing equipment which is now accepted throughout the world as an effective method of testing many vehicles to detect gross polluters.

• Conducted emission tests in 1992 on over 100 vehicles from the historic fleet which gave us the basis to continue discussions with legislators and others regarding the general condition of vehicles in the historic fleet.

• Established a good working relationship with Vic Roads management and staff.

• Established a network for club contact. Proposed changes to the Associations Incorporation Act in 1996 were quickly brought to the attention of clubs which were likely to be most affected. They were able to put submissions to the review panel in time for consideration.

• Researched, produced and published five editions of the Club Permit Handbook. The fifth edition was published in June 2011 with the second revision published in October 2015.   A series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are now provided in the handbook to quickly resolve any questions arising from CPS holders and their clubs. 

• VicRoads has endorsed this publication which is available to-

  • all authorised Clubs,

  • all VicRoads Offices,

  • appropriate departments within the Victoria Police, and many enthusiasts in Victoria.

•   Negotiated extensions to the Club Permit Scheme

  • In 1984 the rolling 25 year cut off was achieved. Once a vehicle is 25 years old it is eligible provided its owner is a member of a VicRoads Approved Club, and the vehicle has been declared safe to be on the road by virtue of a Roadworthy Certificate or a report from Club Vehicle Inspectors. 

  • In 1991 Special Use vouchers were introduced so that vehicles could be driven on non-Club outings

  • In 1995 Left Hand Drive vehicles were re-admitted to the scheme, provided they were built before 1 January 1969.

  • Owners of hobby vehicles built after 1942 have the option of saving over $600 per annum by putting their over 25 year old vehicle on Club Plates.

  •  In 2011 the 45 and 90 day permits with a log book were introduced by VicRoads

• Put submissions to the Federal Government working parties regarding the Moveable Cultural Heritage Act - an on-going commitment.

• Negotiated a group Public Liability Insurance Scheme for car clubs in 1997.  More than 80% of clubs would save approximately $200 pa in premiums.

• Gained recognition from Federal, State and Local Governments as the largest State level body in Australia and is regularly presented with drafts of proposed legislation for comment prior to enactment.

• Continued to receive invitations from various groups to attend seminars applicable to motoring generally to make sure that the historic fleet is not disadvantaged when changes are to be made.

• Run Information seminars for car club members covering issues such as Accounting/financial, legal liability, Incorporation, insurance, Club Permit Scheme etc etc.

• Run Restoration seminars for car club members covering issues such as repair processes, services and products presented by specialists in their field.