The Communications Council brings together the AFA, AWARD, the Account Planning Group (APG) and the Australasian Promotional Marketing Association (APMA).

The Council creates a footprint across the increasingly integrated world of creative, digital, healthcare, design, direct marketing, promotion, PR, plus creative production companies and strategic planning consultancies.

The new body combines the strengths, expertise and knowledge of the three organisations. Based on the concept of ‘together stronger’ it champions a proactive and united industry approach that faces up to the increasingly restrictive regulatory creep.

A three race program took advantage of some great Australia Day weather on the Riverside Drive hotdog circuit, with plenty of spectators lining the course providing encouragement to the riders.

Stormbox Elite Men’s Race
With the southerly well and truly blowing and the crowd building, a class field hit the course for the Stormbox Elite Men’s race. A significant prize pool, including prize money for the Most Aggressive Rider in the race meant that there was plenty of motivation for the men to put it all on the line for the 50 minute race.

After a couple of laps to get a feel for the conditions, Brett Gillespie moved off the front of the field, and started what would become a commanding run, eventually racking up 14 laps off the front and locking away a well deserved Most Aggressive Rider win.

Back in the field, Brad Hall kept himself largely out of the wind, before deciding that it was time to make his move and bridging across to Gillespie at the front. The two riders ensured that they maintained their advantage to the line, with Brad Hall eventually getting a gap on Gillespie to take a great win, with Brett crossing the line in 2nd in addition to his Most Aggressive prize. Adam Semple did plenty of work back in the bunch, making numerous attempts to get across to the leaders. Showing plenty of class, Semple managed to get away from the main field, and came in a clear 3rd.

As the main field made it’s way to the line, AJ Giacoppo rode his way into 4th, with Russell Brooks pushing all the way to the line to just nudge Carlo Barendilla right on the line for 5th.