Established around 1970, the Leongatha Motorcycle Club was born from a genuine community need.

Local police officers Graham Washfold and Geoff Phipps approached Ray “Fritter” Matthews, owner of the local Yamaha dealership, with an idea: to establish an official club where young, unlicensed riders could enjoy motorcycling in a safe and dedicated environment. The aim was to move riders away from local streets and reduce late-night motorcycle noise around the town.
In the early days, membership cost just $2, with all proceeds reinvested directly into activities for members. These included motorcycle movie nights, social gatherings, and the ever-popular pie-and-beer evenings.

Community accountability was also part of the club’s culture. Members were encouraged to report reckless riding, with the culprits forfeiting their share of the pies or refreshments to those who helped keep them in check.

From its earliest days, the club’s core philosophy has remained unchanged: keep it affordable, look after the members, give back to the community and, above all, have fun.

FOUNDING MEMBERS
Ray Matthews, “Whisper” Williams, Peter Kerr, Will Kennedy, Ross Eldred, Robert Simon, Michael Egan, Steve Riley, Russell Hinds, Peter Larkin, Steve Hallyburton, “Kiddo” Matthews, Kevin Cook, Peter O’Malley, “Bong” Patterson, Peter Kavanagh, and the club’s inaugural president, Paul “Megs” Breedin.