The sixth edition of the Building Better Kart Clubs (BBKC) Conference is underway on the Gold Coast, bringing together the Karting Australia Board and Management, State Associations and club representatives, officials and industry leaders to strengthen the future of karting in Australia.
Held at the Sea World Resort and Conference Centre, the 2025 BBKC Conference is themed “Australian Karting – Powered by Experience, Propelled by Vision”, reflecting the sport’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The event is designed to equip karting clubs with the knowledge and resources to enhance operations, governance, and community engagement.
The conference commenced today with three targeted professional development workshops for race officials, technical inspectors, and track safety officers.
- Race Officials Workshop: Led by internationally recognised motorsport figures, including Supercars Race Director James Taylor and Australia’s first Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi along with Karting Australia’s CEO Kelvin O’Reilly, COO Lee Hanatschek and key Officials Mark Horsley, John Wishart, Robert Motbey and Karen Arnett, the sessions focused on officiating best practices, driving standards, and race management strategies.
- Technical Officials Workshop: Led by National Technical Commissioner Shaune English and engine manufacturer representatives from IAME, Rotax, Torini and Vortex, this session covered regulatory compliance, scrutineering standards and the latest technical developments in karting.
- Track Safety Officers Workshop: Hosted by Karting Australia Safety and Compliance Manager Tony Manson at the Ipswich Kart Club, this hands-on session emphasised track inspection protocols, risk management and facility upgrades to ensure karting venues meet the highest safety standards.
Industry Expertise at the Forefront
The conference continues across Saturday and Sunday with the official opening and welcome by Karing Australia Chair Kevin Davis before a highly credentialled line up of speakers present sessions across a wide range of important topics. .
AFL legend Nathan Buckley will deliver the keynote address on building a ‘members-first’ club culture, offering insights into leadership, teamwork, and fostering an environment that drives success both on and off the track.
Legal and risk management are critical elements of club governance, and this year’s conference includes expert-led sessions:
- “It Won’t Always Be Right” – Matthew Krog (Karting Australia’s Lawyer)will outline key risk minimisation strategies, ensuring clubs are fully compliant to prevent unnecessary legal claims.
- “Insurance – The Last Line of Defence” – Terry Berryman (Gallagher Insurance)will educate attendees on public liability insurance, WHS requirements and essential event protocols to protect participants and organisers.
Customer experience will be a focal point with the “Bringing ‘CX’ Into Your Club and Events” panel, facilitated by Samantha Reid and featuring Lauren Batchelor (Tennis Australia), Andrew Westacott (Ex-Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix CEO), Tim Watsford (Supercars COO), and Jason Spiteri (Hill-Smith Family Estates). This session will explore how clubs can enhance engagement and deliver world-class events.
Volunteer retention and management are also high on the agenda, with Belinda Taylor and Samantha Reid presenting the “Volunteer Management – Strengthening Your Team Now and for the Future” session, highlighting Karting Australia’s Volunteer Management Action Plan (VMAP) and tailored club templates.
Integrity, Governance, and Emerging Leaders
Discipline and member complaints are some of the biggest challenges facing club executives. Glenn Turnor (Acting Deputy CEO, National Sports Tribunal) will lead the session “Integrity, Complaints, Investigations and Tribunals”, providing insights on simplifying disciplinary processes and handling integrity matters effectively.
Karting Australia will also launch its Emerging Leaders Program, spearheaded by Sarah Ryan and Belinda Taylor, to nurture the next generation of motorsport administrators and officials.
Girls Race Too – A National Movement
The “Girls Race Too” initiative continues to gain momentum, with Belinda Taylor and Tiff Kemp providing updates on program developments, future plans, and new resources available to clubs nationwide.
Launch of KARM 2.0
Karting Australia’s revamped and new look two-stage Risk Management program – KARM 2.0 will be launched to reinforce the necessity and Karting Australia’s commitment the continuing evolution of karting safety and risk management.
A Platform for Karting’s Future Growth
Karting Australia CEO Kelvin O’Reilly emphasised the importance of the BBKC Conference, stating: “This event is a cornerstone of our commitment to building stronger, more sustainable kart clubs. By bringing together leading experts and dedicated club representatives, we are fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and setting the foundation for continued growth in Australian karting,” said O’Reilly
The conference will conclude on Sunday, ensuring club leaders return with practical tools, valuable insights, and a strengthened vision for the future of Australian karting.
