Treasurer’s Report – 2025

The 2025 season was a landmark year in the Federation’s history, defined by record participation, disciplined financial stewardship, and strong collaboration across federations. Through thoughtful initiatives, prudent cost control, and a shared commitment to fairness, we delivered a highly competitive racing season while maintaining financial responsibility. The depth and quality of competition throughout 2025 were exceptional, with flyers from all sections producing outstanding performances week after week. This was celebrated at the combined WPF & VRPU Presentation Night at The Meadows, where members, families, and supporters came together to recognise excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. The 2025 West Track prize money series reflected strong engagement across all distances, with a total of $97,228 awarded to members.

A total of 89 members paid for membership and raced in 2025. While membership income was lower than in 2024, this primarily reflects continued uptake of our member-centric initiative, which allows members to pay next year’s membership fee via a deduction from prize money. This approach eases cash‑flow pressures for members while providing certainty for the Federation. The majority of members again adopted this option in 2025, demonstrating ongoing confidence in this flexible payment model.

Transport Costs: Fairness & Collaboration 

Transport remains one of the Federation’s largest operational cost centres. For the 2025 season, total transport operating costs amounted to $79,636, inclusive of fuel, insurance, maintenance, registration, conveyor, and driver expenses. To keep racing affordable and sustainable, the Board agreed to cap depreciation at $5,000 for internal transport costing purposes for the VRPU, despite accounting depreciation being considerably higher. This decision reflects the practical reality that our truck will not depreciate in line with the statutory 20% formula.The joint transport initiative, a collaborative cost-sharing arrangement with the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union and the Geelong City Homing Club, contributed $17,626 toward the four, five, and six hundred mile races. This contribution significantly reduced net transport costs and ensured members were not unfairly burdened by higher outlays.

Members’ transport costs were allocated pro rata based on combined membership, resulting in an identical raw transport cost of $424.72 per member, regardless of whether racing in the WPF or VRPU. Charging members $550 per race team, above the raw cost, was a deliberate and prudent decision to build modest reserves, protect against unforeseen expenditures, and maintain long‑term financial stability.

GST, Not‑for‑Profit Integrity & Cost Sharing 

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Federation does not profit from transport operations. All costs and savings, including any excess GST receipts over transport GST claims, were fairly shared with the VRPU, ensuring transparency and equitable treatment for all contributing members.

Fuel costs came in under budget, reflecting effective negotiation and disciplined cost control. Sincere thanks to John and Marc for organising United Petroleum discounts, which contributed to these savings.

While truck and trailer maintenance costs exceeded expectations in 2025, these expenditures were necessary. The works reduced the risk of in-season breakdowns, improved reliability, and are expected to lower costs in future seasons. The Federation also continued to support its people by implementing modest increases for conveyor operators and drivers where appropriate, while ensuring that bird welfare and operational readiness remained paramount.

Fundraising, Innovation & Member Support 

In 2025, the Yarraville Racing Pigeon Club demonstrated exceptional generosity and commitment to the Western Pigeon Federation (WPF), providing meaningful financial and practical support across multiple initiatives.

The Club donated $2,500 to the WPF for the purchase of a high-quality PA and speaker system, significantly enhancing communication and presentation capabilities at Federation events. For the third consecutive year, Yarraville Racing Pigeon Club proudly sponsored the Squeaker Squadron, contributing $3,000 to support a program that in 2025 included 18 children, an initiative that continues to foster youth participation and secure the future of pigeon racing. In addition, the Club donated $1,000 worth of transport discounts toward the WPF membership drive, with six members benefiting through a barrel draw initiative.

Importantly, the Club’s generosity extended beyond direct donations. In November 2025, Yarraville Racing Pigeon Club committed to providing the WPF with an interest-free loan of up to $80,000 to assist with the purchase of a trailer. This extraordinary show of trust and support reflects the strength of our shared values and cooperation, and for this commitment and all contributions made throughout the year, the Board and members of the WPF are sincerely grateful.

Breeders Plate Fundraising Initiative 

A major highlight of the 2025 season was the outstanding fundraising effort surrounding the Breeders Plate. This event has grown into a genuine national drawcard, attracting fanciers not only from across Victoria but from interstate as well. A very special and sincere thank you to Frank DePasquale, whose tireless work behind the scenes was instrumental in the success of this initiative. Frank coordinated and encouraged numerous new flyers from external clubs and federations to support the race, significantly broadening participation and strengthening relationships beyond our own federation.

His efforts resulted in one of the record prize money pools offered in federation racing in Australia today, firmly establishing the WPF Breeders Plate as a premier event on the national racing calendar. We also acknowledge and thank Frank for his support and endorsement of the Western Pigeon Federation retaining 25% of the funds collected, ensuring future growth and long-term sustainability of the event for the benefit of all WPF members. Frank, we truly appreciate the energy, commitment and dedication you brought to this initiative. The success and stature of the Breeders Plate would not have been possible without you.

Not‑for‑Profit Support & Member Contributions 

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Federation warmly welcomes support in all forms, whether through financial donations or the generous contribution of members’ time and expertise. We sincerely thank all members who supported the WPF throughout 2025. Special thanks to Matt Ciancio, who generously donated a fridge valued at approximately $1,500. This donation arrived at a time of genuine need following the failure of our existing fridge and was greatly appreciated by the Federation and its members.

Fundraising and donations increased significantly compared with 2024. We introduced Federation merchandise, which was well received, strengthened our collective identity, and provided an additional revenue stream. The Federation also supported members purchasing Benzing clocks, improving race transparency, basketing efficiency, and the delivery of real-time, trusted results.

Completing the honour boards, which had not been updated since 2016, represented a substantial one off cost but was a necessary investment to properly recognise and honour the achievements of members across generations.

Why Joint Transport Must Be Retained

The 2025 season clearly demonstrated that collaboration, not competition, delivers the best outcomes. The combined transport initiative ensured fair cost distribution based on membership shares, enabled the largest race programme in Federation history, and delivered transport costs well below independent commercial quotes.

By comparison, a commercial transport estimate exceeding $120,000 confirms that our cooperative model, owning and jointly operating our truck with the VRPU, is unquestionably the most effective and sustainable path forward.

To protect the interests of every member, it is imperative that we retain the joint transport initiative, our partnerships with the VRPU and the Geelong City Homing Club, and a cost‑sharing model that keeps racing affordable, competitive, and accessible. Thank you to John Saggers for collecting VRPU birds on race nights, ensuring that when federations unite, every member benefits through lower costs, broader participation, and a stronger racing community.

Operational Support, Technology & Race Success 

In 2025, the Federation made a strategic investment in advanced weather and liberation technology to support our liberators and convoys in delivering safe and successful race starts.

We subscribed to the professional version of the Windy application, providing access to highly detailed and accurate weather modelling, supporting improved decision‑making on liberation days with enhanced analysis of wind, pressure, and cloud patterns.

Complementing this investment, a live CCTV feed focused on liberation zones was deployed, providing real‑time visibility of on‑ground conditions. This enabled Daniel Tenaglia and Matthew Ciancio, our dedicated liberation team, to make confident and informed decisions based on both live visuals and professional forecasting. Together, these technologies were pivotal in ensuring bird welfare remained the Federation’s highest priority. Sincere thanks are extended to Daniel and Matt for their outstanding work implementing and supporting these systems.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Marc Tenaglia. Marc’s tireless work, unwavering dedication, and steadfast commitment have elevated the WPF and the broader pigeon racing community in ways that will be felt for years to come. You are a true gentleman and a true leader, and your efforts have never gone unnoticed. Marc, thank you not only as a colleague but as a true friend. Your influence has challenged and sharpened me; iron sharpens iron, and together we have grown both professionally and personally. It has been an absolute honour to serve as your Treasurer for the past four years and, in 2025, as your Publicity Officer.

Working with the 2025 Board has been a highlight of my time with the Federation. Together, we delivered a season defined by strong participation, sound financial management, innovation, and collaboration, achievements driven by the passion and dedication of every member who races, volunteers, and supports our community.

After much reflection, I have reached the difficult decision to stand down from my role, as I can no longer give it the level of commitment it deserves. This decision is made with confidence in the strong foundations we have built and optimism for the future.

I look forward to seeing future Boards continue to grow and strengthen the Federation. With the base now firmly established, I am confident the 2026 season will be another year of success, pride, and strong community spirit.

To every member, thank you for the privilege of serving you. Supporting the WPF has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

Finally, thank you to our liberators, conveyor, drivers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. Your time, effort, and dedication are the heartbeat of our Federation. It has truly been an honour to serve you.

Yours in Sport!

Christopher Cachia  

Treasurer

Ph: 0418 360 771