Treasurer’s Report – 2024

It has been an absolute joy serving as your Treasurer in 2024. Witnessing the Western Pigeon Federation (WPF) turn its financial position around with a responsible and sustainable approach to pricing has been incredibly rewarding. Our efforts have ensured the federation remains viable, thriving, and ready to soar into the future.

Investing in Our Future – The WPF Truck

Purchasing our truck was a challenge, and staying within budget was no easy feat. We encountered unexpected costs, including higher-than-anticipated insurance premiums. While I initially used Greater Melbourne’s pricing with a rating of one, insurers did not recognise our 52-year track record with just one incident.

I successfully negotiated lay-up insurance, reducing our initial quote of $13,000 to under $9,000 for the year. Once we achieve the coveted rating of one, our premiums should drop to around $6,000 annually—a major win for the WPF.

A heartfelt thank you to John Saggers, our President and head of the Transport Committee, who worked tirelessly to keep our truck operational. From managing logistics and battling Vic Roads to stepping in as a backup driver and liberating our birds in Narrandera, John’s dedication has been instrumental.

Operational Success & Future Improvements

✅ Fuel, driver, and convoyer expenses remained on budget.
❌ Maintenance exceeded expectations due to one-off roadworthy certificate costs.
🔧 Planned Upgrade: In 2025, we will install a bull bar to further protect this valuable asset, funded from our reserves.

Game-Changing Savings – Not-for-Profit Registration

A major milestone this year was registering the WPF as a not-for-profit benevolent organisation with VicRoads. This means our truck and trailer registration fees are now ZERO, saving us approximately $12,000 annually.

Although I applied before purchasing the vehicle, VicRoads processed our application after racing commenced, resulting in incorrect registration fees. We have now submitted a refund request for $8,273.83.

Volunteer Insurance & Our Racing Community

Through Fortitude Insurance, we secured volunteer insurance for the WPF, reducing brokerage fees. To show our appreciation, we named our second 400-mile race in their honour. Special thanks to Arbel Eyvas, their director, for making this partnership possible.

Our Valued Sponsors – Supporting the Future of WPF

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose contributions make a huge difference to our federation:

• Latrobe Financial – Provided a signed Collingwood 2024 guernsey (available for sale on our website!)
• Hunter Stock Feeds – Supplied high-quality race mix to fuel our birds
• Benzing Australia – Ongoing support for racing technology
• Meadows One Loft Race – Supporting our sport’s growth
• Strait Link Shipping – Reliable logistics partner
• CCA Financial Planners – Long-standing financial support

A special thank you to Marc Tenaglia and others who donated cash or birds to auctions. By declining our honorariums, Marc and I contributed over $3,000 back to the federation—this spirit of generosity keeps WPF soaring!

Expanding Our Sport – A Call for Innovation

While we’ve made great strides, we must think bigger about attracting new sponsors and participants. Pigeon racing is a unique and exciting sport, yet we often find ourselves stuck in old ways of thinking.

🚀 Future Growth Strategies:
✔ Syndicates Inspired by Horse & Dog Racing – A model that could introduce new financial contributors
✔ Enhanced Digital Engagement – A clearer, exciting results framework to attract outside interest

Grant Opportunities & Community Engagement

Although our mental health grant application was unsuccessful, I am committed to improving grant-writing skills and strengthening relationships with councils and community groups in the western suburbs. The potential to expand our reach and bring more people into our wonderful sport is enormous.

Cybersecurity & Digital Transition

We’ve made significant investments in electronic processes, streamlining membership applications and banking while safeguarding members’ data with best-practice cybersecurity measures. The WPF is moving forward in a cashless society while maintaining security and efficiency.

Pension Audit & Membership Sustainability

Our pension audit was a success, with 99% of pensioner discounts validated. While the $15 race fee has covered costs and delivered a surplus, new funding models must be explored as more members transition to pensioner or life memberships.

Introducing the WPF Hall of Fame & Legend Status

A highlight of 2024 was launching the WPF Hall of Fame & Legend Status, celebrating both exceptional racing and outstanding contributions to the sport.

🏆 Congratulations to our first inductee – Robert Saggers (Yarraville Club)!
Hall of Fame committee members Joe Pulis, Ray Russell, and I look forward to reviewing your submissions—please follow the guidelines in our application form.

Membership & Transport Fees

✅ 2024 Transport Fees: $550 per member (including convoyer costs) – same as 2023.
✅ Auction Support: Members who supported auctions received $80 discounts.
✅ Thank You to Non-Members: Special appreciation to the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union and Geelong City Homing Club for choosing the WPF as their preferred pigeon transport provider.

A Record-Breaking Year!

🥇 Congratulations to all winners!
🏆 Vella Family – Secured a record-breaking prize pool of $32,254.89, the highest in WPF history!

Final Words of Gratitude

A massive thank you to Marc Tenaglia for his tireless work and dedication to the WPF and the broader pigeon racing community. Marc, your unwavering commitment has elevated our sport, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. It has been an absolute privilege working alongside you.

Looking Ahead to 2025

What an extraordinary year it has been! With your continued support, we will reach even greater heights in 2025 and beyond.

💙 Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Treasurer!

Yours in Sport,

Christopher Cachia
Treasurer
📞 Ph: 0418 360 771