In early 1986, Ian Lockhart, the owner of a 1985 long wheel base Pajero placed an advertisement in the Sunday Times requesting Pajero owner’s interested in forming a Pajero Owner’s Club to contact him

Response to the advertisement was very positive so Ian, who had made prior contact with Mitsubishi Australia State management, called a meeting of interested owners.

The inaugural meeting was held around May 1986 at the Mitsubishi State office in Kewdale. Approximately 30 people were in attendance.

Ian explained his ideas enthusiastically and was supported by Mr Bill Waterer who was then Service Adviser, plus other staff members of Mitsubishi Australia. In those days Mitsubishi was very supportive and donated some very good prizes to Club members.

The meeting decide to continue with the formation of a Club exclusively for Pajero Owner’s. A Steering Committee was formed, headed by Ian Lockhart as Interim Chairman and Caroline Stanley as secretary. A further meeting was held a few weeks later when Ian was elected Foundation President, Ray Edwards, Vice President and Warren Gosney as Treasurer.

Untiring efforts by Ian guided the Club through the formative period and the necessary requirements such as Constitution, insurance, Code of Ethics, Convoy procedure as well as the difficulties of organising trips and the Newsletter.

The first trip was a 2WD trip through the hills, the day being one to remember, not only because it was the inaugural run, but also because it never stopped raining all day. The first 4WD run to the sands of Canning Vale to be followed at a later date by a run through Lancelin to Ledge Point. For most of us it was our first 4WD experience.

Ian held office for two years during which time the Club progressed through his infectious enthusiasm. His cheery and happy disposition welded Club together into a very happy club.

It was a truly family club with a huge contribution from Ian, his wife Shirley and son Malcolm, (a real character). It was a sad time for the Club when Ian passed away after a comparatively short illness, leaving a void which will never and can never be filled.

Such was the esteem that was held for Ian by Club members that with Shirley’s agreement, the Ian Lockhart Memorial Award was perpetuated. It is to be presented annually in the form of a framed certificate to the Person deemed to be the Club Person of the Year for services rendered to the Club.  Members receiving this Award should be justifiably proud that they have been recognised for their efforts in upholding the fine example set by Ian Lockhart.