Life Memberships and a range of significant achievement awards were recognised at Karting Australia’s Honours & Awards dinner the other week.
by Karting Australia
Maureen and Alf Capri – Lifetime Achievement Award
Few names are as synonymous with karting in Australia as Maureen and Alf Capri. As founding members of Ipswich Kart Club in 1958, they have been integral to the sport’s development for over 60 years. Their unwavering dedication extended beyond their home club, contributing at state and national levels through their involvement with Karting Queensland and the National Karting Council.
Known for their honesty, integrity, and tireless advocacy, Maureen and Alf were pivotal in fostering the growth of karting across generations. Their mentorship and support for drivers, officials, and volunteers have left an enduring legacy.
Many of today’s competitors and administrators attribute their success to the guidance and leadership of the Capris. They were instrumental in shaping the framework of karting governance, ensuring the sport remained inclusive and progressive.
Their contributions to karting have been profound, from hands-on roles at race meetings to high-level decision-making. As role models, they demonstrated the value of community, commitment, and fair play.
Their influence is deeply embedded in the sport’s history, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of karters in Queensland and beyond.
Sandra Walker – Impact on Karting Award
For over three decades, Sandra Walker has been a cornerstone of karting in Western Australia. Her dedication to Hurricane Kart Club, where she played a key role in securing club land ownership, and her 33-year tenure as Treasurer of Karting WA, showcase her lasting impact.
Sandra’s meticulous financial stewardship transformed Karting WA from a struggling organization into a financially stable and well-managed body. She played an essential role in supporting clubs, ensuring they had the resources to thrive. Her commitment extended far beyond financial management—Sandra was also a Grade One Steward and Clerk of Course, officiating at events across the state.
Her leadership, honesty, and resilience set a high standard for the karting community. Even when faced with challenges, Sandra remained steadfast in her commitment to fairness and accountability. Her influence has touched countless drivers, officials, and administrators, making her one of the most respected figures in the sport.
As she retires after 33 years of service, her legacy remains firmly embedded in the fabric of karting in Western Australia.
Karen Arnett – Life Membership
For over 30 years, Karen Arnett has been a driving force behind officiating and club development in Victoria. Starting as a lap scorer, she rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected Clerks of Course in the state and a Race Director at the Australian Kart Championship.
Karen’s contributions to Bendigo Kart Club have been immense. As a longtime club executive, she has helped shape its direction and success. At a state level, she has been a dedicated mentor for officials, training and guiding them to ensure high standards of officiating.
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Her influence extends beyond race control—Karen played a crucial role in implementing the CMS system, traveling across Victoria to train timekeepers. Her professional, fair, and supportive approach to officiating has set a benchmark for others to follow.
Karen’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to improving karting officiating make her a true role model. Her dedication has earned her immense respect within the karting community, ensuring her legacy will continue to benefit the sport for years to come.
Derek Ferry – Life Membership
With a career spanning over 30 years, Derek Ferry has played a significant role in karting at both club and state levels. From serving as Newcastle Kart Club President to leading Karting NSW as Chair and CEO, Derek’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the sport’s direction.
Under his leadership, Newcastle Kart Club grew into one of the strongest and most financially stable karting clubs in the country. His efforts ensured the club became a premier racing venue, hosting major events and fostering a strong racing culture. Beyond Newcastle, Derek served as a State Official, a Grade 1 Steward, and an Officials Coordinator at the 2001 Nationals.
During his time at Karting NSW, Derek guided the sport through some of its most challenging periods. His principled leadership and dedication to transparency earned him respect across the karting community. He championed a family-friendly approach to karting, ensuring the sport remained accessible and welcoming. His mentorship of officials and club members has created a lasting impact, inspiring many to take on leadership roles.
Derek’s commitment to karting goes far beyond race day; his legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering passion for the sport.
Paul and Dawn Hull – Life Membership
With over 25 years of service, Paul and Dawn Hull have been an integral part of karting in New South Wales. Paul started as a racer before stepping into club leadership, becoming President of Tamworth Kart Club and later a member of the State Karting Council. Dawn played a vital role behind the scenes, managing the club’s canteen and serving as Club Secretary.
Both have been tireless officials, taking on roles as Race Management Officials, Stewards, and Technical Officers. Paul’s expertise as the Karting NSW State Technical Officer has been invaluable, as he has travelled across the state assisting clubs and mentoring others. Dawn’s tenure as State Secretary for Karting Australia (NSW) Inc. demonstrated her dedication to the sport’s governance.
Even as their home club moved away from Karting Australia, their passion for the sport remained steadfast. They continue to officiate at major events across the country, always willing to step in wherever needed. Their integrity, commitment, and willingness to sacrifice personal time for the betterment of the sport set them apart as true role models.
Paul and Dawn Hull’s impact on karting extends beyond their official titles—they have helped create a culture of dedication, sportsmanship, and community spirit that continues to inspire all who know them.
Sylvia Stania – Life Membership
A highly respected figure in Victorian karting, Sylvia Stania dedicated decades to the sport as an official, mentor, and leader. As an official at all levels—from club races to state and national championships—she was known for her fairness, calm demeanour, and extensive knowledge of the sport.
Sylvia was the Victorian Officials Coordinator for ten years across two decades, playing a critical role in training and mentoring new officials. Her influence extended beyond enforcing rules; she taught officials how to apply them with integrity and compassion. Many of today’s leading officials credit Sylvia with shaping their approach to officiating.
A Life Member of both the Go Kart Club of Victoria and Karting Victoria, Sylvia’s impact stretched across generations. She was a fierce advocate for maintaining high officiating standards and ensuring karting remained a safe and fair sport. Even in the final years of her life, she continued to mentor and guide others.
Her passing in 2024 was a profound loss to the karting community, but her legacy remains strong. As her friend and colleague Pam Arnett said, Sylvia was more than an official—she was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to all who knew her.
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