News

If you have been a member of Bike North at any time over the past five years, you will know that President Phill Hart has been highly visible, leading rides, volunteering with Cycling Without Age, speaking at Big Rides Days, speaking to members about a myriad of issues and writing to members via the Chain Reaction newsletter.

In acknowledgement of Phill’s leadership and commitment to achieving positive and long-lasting outcomes for Bike North, he has been awarded a Volunteer Award for 2025.

Phill joined Bike North in May 2019 and only a year later had put up his hand to stand for President at the August 2020 AGM. He was elected unopposed. Since then, Phill has involved himself across all areas of the club, with some standout contributions.

One theme to Phill’s leadership has been maintaining forward momentum for the club by always seeking out innovative ways of doing things and new areas for the club to be involved in, all for the benefit of members. Here are a few examples.

Soon after his election, Australia plunged into the dark period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to operate as usual, this was a difficult time for Bike North, having to navigate restrictions yet still offering benefits to members. Phill guided the club by encouraging innovative ideas to keep members engaged, active and part of a community.

Another example. Under Phill’s presidency, the biggest issue the Committee faced in recent years was the ageing and unsupported IT system. With the input of members on the Executive Committee and others, Phill drove the project forward to upgrade our systems, was hands on in the selection of a replacement system, design of a new web site and the ensuing implementation.

Phill has also been open to exploring new initiatives which open up the joy of cycling to those to whom it would be otherwise inaccessible. He has led support for Cycling Without Age and the Pino bikes (for those with sight problems), providing varied opportunities for Bike North members to volunteer.

In Phill’s time as President, he has encouraged and maintained forward momentum for the club, ensuring that the club is well placed to meet member needs both now and in the future. His contributions will stand the test of time and the grant of this award to him is testament to the impact of those contributions. (David Thomson)

Phill ensured he was across all current cycling issues in order to promote improvements for not only Bike North members but the cycling community as a whole.

As the club’s figurehead, Phill’s presence in advocacy meetings with politicians at Parliament House or Members of Parliament, or in meetings with Bicycle NSW provided strong and persuasive support to the advocacy team and his clear communication of the club’s stand on issues, showed his strong grasp of those issues and commitment to achieving positive outcome for cyclists. (David Thomson)

Finally, Phill showed his true colours as a leader through the application of his exceptional people skills.

Phill took the time to know and support members, particularly those taking various volunteer roles in the club, whether committee members, the social sub-committee, ride leaders, Tour de Cowra organisers or others. Phill extended his personal touch to supporting members suffering from injury or loss. (David Thomson)

Always on the lookout for improvement for our members he has drawn in colleagues to assist and has the quiet capacity to draw out the best in others.  (Tom Rubin)

In addition to all his presidential duties, Phill is a Bike North Ride Leader and has submitted a number of new rides, with a special interest in gravel riding.

Whilst Phill is hanging up his gavel as President, we are sure to see Phill out leading rides and participating in Bike North activities for some years to come.

Thanks Phill for your contributions and congratulations on your award!

Nominated by Brian Lynne, Rides Co-ordinator

Supported by the full Committee with formal support from Tom Rubin, Secretary and David Thomson, Advocacy Co-ordinator