Please have auction donations in by 5:00 pm so the coordinator has time to sort, tag and prepare the items before the auction.
A Pathfinders Tradition Since 1976
Memorial Trial & Charity History
One event brings together three things that matter deeply to Pathfinders: motorcycle trials, remembering the people who helped build the club, and giving something back to the wider community.
2026 Memorial Trial Charity
Hero Hunter Foundation
Pathfinders has chosen Hero Hunter Foundation as the charity supported by the 2026 Memorial Trial on 27–28 September.
Hero Hunter Foundation provides practical support to Australian families with a child undergoing oncology treatment or treatment for certain blood disorders. Its work includes support for carers in hospital and practical help that can make it easier for families to keep a household functioning during treatment.
2026 Charity Auction
A Better Auction Night
The Memorial Trial auction is one of the social highlights of the weekend. A little more structure will help keep it fun, fast moving and focused on raising money for charity.
The main charity auction begins at 6:30 pm, with a target finish of 9:00 pm. We will keep the auction moving while still giving feature items and the social side of the night room to breathe.
Please donate with the auction in mind.
Bring something you genuinely think another member or supporter would be happy to bid on. Items better suited to disposal do not need to come to the event.
Stay and Be Part of It
If you leave an item for the auction, please plan to stay for the auction and be part of the fundraising. The auction works best when donors are also there bidding, laughing and supporting the night.
Exception: generous, premium or pre-arranged donations can still be accepted when the donor cannot stay.
Gold Coin Table
Smaller useful items may be moved to a gold coin donation table instead of taking up auction time. It gives those items a chance to raise money without slowing the main auction.
Reserve Prices
If you are donating an item of value and do not want it sold below a certain amount, set a reserve price. Please leave a clear note on the item for the coordinator and auctioneer.
If bidding does not reach the reserve, the item is passed in and the owner takes it home.
Feature Items
Handmade, sentimental, unusual and premium donations are especially welcome. These may be highlighted as feature lots and spaced through the auction so they get the attention they deserve.
Sorting and Auction Flow
The auction coordinator may bundle similar items, move smaller items to the gold coin table, identify feature lots or decline items that are not suitable for the auction. The auctioneers may also pass an item quickly if there is no interest.
Everything Goes Home
Successful bidders are responsible for taking their purchases home. Unsold items and items that do not meet reserve go home with the donor. Please do not leave items behind for the club or property owner to dispose of.
The Evening
Simple, organised and still relaxed
- 5:00 pmDonations close. Coordinator sorts, tags, bundles and identifies feature items.
- Before 6:30Browse the auction items and gold coin table. A short kids auction may be run before the main auction where practical.
- 6:30 pmBrief charity introduction, then straight into the main auction.
- 9:00 pmTarget finish. Buyers and donors make sure all items leave the property with them.
How It Evolved
From the Telethon Trial to the Memorial Trial
The Telethon Trial
The fundraising tradition begins with a club trial supporting Telethon. The first recorded donation was $52.30.
A Broader Charity Trial
The event becomes the Charity Trial so Pathfinders can support a wider range of Western Australian causes.
Remembering Nobby Clarke
After the passing of Nobby Clarke, a driving force behind the event, the trial becomes the Nobby Clarke Memorial Charity Trial.
Remembering All Past Members
At the request of Nobby’s family, the name changes to the Memorial Charity Trial so the event can honour all Pathfinders members who have passed.
A Significant Legacy
The club history records more than $76,000 donated across more than 23 charities over the life of the event.
The Tradition Continues
Hero Hunter Foundation becomes the next organisation supported by the Pathfinders trials community.
What the Event Represents
Ride, Remember and Give Back
The Memorial Trial is not simply another round on the calendar. It is a chance to remember the characters, workers, riders and families who shaped Pathfinders, while turning a weekend of trials into something useful for people outside the sport.
Historically, competitor entry proceeds and the club’s charity auction have both contributed to the donation. Members, supporters and local businesses have helped through entry, bidding, donated items and direct support.
A Wide Reach
Some of the Causes Pathfinders Has Supported
The club’s recorded charity history includes support for organisations large and small. This is a representative selection rather than the complete ledger.
TelethonCystic Fibrosis WARoyal Flying Doctor ServiceRadio LollipopCanteen WASt John Ambulance ToodyayAngel Flight WAThe Smith FamilyBlack Dog RideStarlight Children’s FoundationCancer Council WAOperation SunshineHannah’s HouseMyeloma AustraliaAliyah Mae Foundation
The Club Community Makes It Work
A Weekend Powered by Generosity
The fundraising result is built from many small contributions: riders entering, volunteers giving their time, businesses and members donating items, people bidding at the auction and the event team doing the work to make the weekend happen.
Ask About the Memorial Trial