The Road to Canberra Chapter
14 April 2026 / Story by Bryan Shedden
Long before websites and Facebook, there was a different kind of social network — one powered by cards left on windscreens, coffee cravings, and the occasional mysterious phone call. This is the story of how the Canberra Chapter of the MX-5 Club of NSW gradually came to life starting 30 years ago — part legend, part laughter, and entirely fueled by a love of the little roadster that could.
Chapter 1: The Easter That Started It All (1996)
In Easter 1996, Canberra found itself humming — not with politics, but with the unmistakable buzz of Mazda MX-5s. NatMeet II had arrived, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. It was meant to be the second national gathering of the Mazda MX-5 Clubs of Australia … but for a handful of locals, it sparked something bigger.
Among them was Louis Serret — a 36-year-old new Club member of merely 9-months who looked around at the crowd and thought, “Why should Sydney have all the fun?”
And so, sometime after the Easter chocolate was exercised away, Louis began quietly organising informal monthly meetups. No grand announcements. No fancy schedules. Just a simple idea:
“Let’s meet for coffee… and maybe a drive.”
Chapter 2: The Underground Years (1996–1997)
This wasn’t a Chapter yet. It was more like a secret society of about a half dozen people. Most of them were met through leaving cards on windscreens and approaches on the street.
Information about runs? Rarely published.
Meeting points? Closely guarded.
Instructions? “Call this number.”
Photos from the run? Too busy enjoying the drive.
In the days before the Club website arrived, members relied on a printed newsletter — Club Events — that arrived by mail like a treasure map. Then, in February 1997, something remarkable appeared: the first Canberra Column, listing Louis Serret as the contact. By March, it had a name: Capital Capers. Which morphed to Canberra Capers from June 1997.
And just like that, Canberra had a voice.
Chapter 3: Coffee, Lies, and Open Roads
At the heart of it all was a ritual: the monthly coffee gathering.
It began innocently enough at Café Paradiso in Fyshwick (now Theo’s Café). Enthusiasts gathered on Saturday mornings, sipping coffee and talking cars.
But over time, stories grew taller. Modifications became wilder. Corners got tighter.
Eventually, someone gave it the only fitting name:
“Coffee & Lies.”
Meanwhile, Sundays became sacred. By early 1997, regular informal runs took place — usually on the first Sunday of the month. Routes were often improvised, destinations flexible, and the joy? Guaranteed. Legend has it that the runs were highly “spirited” — the original BreakFast Club!
Chapter 4: Characters Enter the Scene
Along came another new member, 49-year-old Rick Fischer — a meticulous enthusiast and serious contender in the Concours world. In 1996 at Kangaroo Valley, he claimed Runner-Up in the 1600 Original category and placed 5th outright. No small feat against the formidable Colin Caldwell.
By July 1997, Louis relocated to Sydney for his job and lost contact with the Canberra group. Rick took the wheel, bringing structure — and perhaps a slightly shinier polish — to proceedings.
Rick organised a Pre-Concours Critique & Picnic at Commonwealth Park, followed by a spirited convoy to Penrith for the Concours.
And in December 1997 came a defining moment: the first Canberra Christmas lunch at Cork Street Café in Gundaroo — a venue that would echo through the years, including its present form Grazing at Gundaroo.
Rick’s influence would shape the group for four years as the Canberra Representative, and he remained a central figure until his move to Queensland in 2013.
Chapter 5: From Fringe Group to Official Chapter (1999–2004)
By the late ’90s, the Canberra crew was impossible to ignore.
In 1999, the Club launched its first website, Canberra page included (though rarely updated), and the Constitution was amended to include an “ex officio Canberra Representative”. It was starting to look official.
Meanwhile, the social fabric tightened: BBQs at Rick’s place, farewell dinners, and spontaneous second runs on the same day — because one drive was never enough.
Then came “The Big One” in 2001 — a Thredbo overnighter that lived up to its name — along with regular meetups with Sydney members, proving Canberra was no longer the quiet cousin.
In September 2001, 47-year-old Steve Hinton took over after Rick’s epic stint. Just like his predecessor, Steve was another new member for just 16 months. The formula remained — but the flavour changed. Steve decided to make some noise about the Club’s future in Canberra. He focused on boosting membership in the region by enhancing social contacts and established links with the Council of ACT Motor Clubs. Runs expanded to include Temora Air Museum visits, Cowra and Mallacoota weekends, Snowy Mountains tours, and picnic runs to Uriarra Crossing and the Big Hole.
And yet, through it all, one thing never changed:
First Saturday.
Café Paradiso.
Coffee & Lies.
Possibly Steve’s most significant initiative was to hound members into providing stories for the Club’s magazine for the first time. Another new member, John Brown summarised his first six-months of membership in the Summer 2001 edition of Club Talk. Finally, Club members could read some news about what was happening in the ACT. Steve Hinton, Chris Fondum and Ed Cory shared the workload with John in subsequent editions. Photos from Canberra events were shared on the website too.
At New Parliament House on 19 May 2002
When Sandie Wilcock took over in 2003 as the first female Canberra Rep, things grew even more ambitious. “The Big One” returned but this time it was a 550 km marathon in a single day. Then, in 2004, came a 16-day Tasmanian adventure. The Canberra group was no longer just driving. It was touring. Sadly though, coverage of Canberra events in Club Talk paused for a bit.
Then came the defining moment. In 2004, the Constitution was updated to formally define what a “Chapter” was and the Canberra Representative morphed into the Chapter Convenor, still ex officio — and there it was in black and white:
Canberra Chapter — official at last.
No longer a side note. No longer a whisper in the newsletter.
It had arrived.
Chapter 6: Growth and New Leaders (2005–2006)
By 2005, under Paul Beerworth, the Chapter hit full stride. Paul was 55-years-old and had enjoyed three years of Canberra activity under Steve and Sandie. He had a clear vision for the future of Canberra Chapter.
In October 2005, members were invited to the ACT launch of the new NC model at Rolfe Mazda in Belconnen. Rolfe’s General Manager Mark Wilson used the occasion to announce sponsorship of the Canberra Chapter and presented the sponsor’s cheque to Paul. Then in December 2005, at the Canberra Christmas Party held at Madew Winery on Lake George, Dave Battisson of Carco Automotive announced their sponsorship of the Canberra Chapter. Both relationships would continue for several years. Later in 2007, Fox Antiques was added as a third sponsor of the Canberra Chapter!
Paul went on to become the first ACT member to join the Club Committee when he was elected as Vice President in October 2006.
New elements appeared:
- Monthly meetings at Rolfe Mazda
- Motorkhanas and karting events
- “Marques in the Park” and “Shannons Wheels” displays
- Winery lunches and Christmas parties
Shannons Wheels 2004
And the runs? Still relentless: Jervis Bay, Bundanoon, Wagga, Bermagui, The Great Alpine Road.
Coffee & Lies even went boutique, moving from Café Paradiso to Bohemian Café, and later to Tulips Café. Same stories. More parking space. Better coffee.
By the time the Chapter passed its 10th birthday in 2006 (slipping by unnoticed), membership had grown to around 50. Events were consistently supported by around 35 members in about 20 MX-5s. A loyal core from this era — names like Cory, Brown, Broughton, Beerworth, Bolton, Leyton-Grant, Judd, Klören, McDonald, and others — have remained the backbone of the community. Thanks to Paul’s infectious energy and drive, the Chapter doubled to 100 members in the next 12-months!
The outstanding contribution of Paul Beerworth was recognised in 2013 with the award of Life Membership.
Chapter 7: A Community Matures
As the years rolled on over the next two decades, the Chapter became a well-oiled machine.
Leadership passed smoothly through a succession of dedicated Convenors:
- Pat Rooke
- Damon Muller
- Bob Judd & Bricet Klören
- Tony & Iris McDonald
- Norm Barker
- Giulia & James Schiemer
- Peter & Annemie Wilson
- Rod & Maryanne Nicholas
- And today, John Chapuis
Meanwhile, the broader Club evolved:
- The Hunter Chapter emerged in 2006 (first discussions began in 2001)
- The Chapter Convenor role was made a Club Committee position in 2010
- From 2012 to 2019, five new regional Chapters were established across NSW, including a formal Sydney Chapter
- The management structure of the Committee was overhauled
- Club-wide awards grew to recognise participation across all Chapters.
Through it all, Canberra remained true to its roots — active, connected, and always ready for the next run.
Epilogue: More Than Just Cars
What began as a tiny handful of enthusiasts meeting quietly after NatMeet became a thriving, recognised chapter with three decades of history.
But strip away the Constitution changes, leadership lists, and event calendars, and one thing remains unchanged:
A group of people, gathering over coffee — telling stories that get better every time — then heading out for a drive.
Because in Canberra, the road is never just about the destination.
It is about the journey … and the friendships that grow stronger with every kilometre.
And somewhere in the background, you might just hear the echo of Louis Serret quietly suggesting:
“Let’s go for a drive.”
