The Beginning    In the 1970’s the coach touring industry was well and truly on the move. The coach crews were on the road, working full-time. They made lots of friends amongst themselves and with other people associated within the industry. It was a great time but there was one problem! They could only see each other for a short time, now and again. They really didn’t have time to spend with each other without being called away to attend to passengers.  In 1978 it was decided to have a Christmas party. By the end of November, most crew members were back at home base. The Dandenong Club in Melbourne was to be used as the venue and the invitations were sent by word of mouth.  The number of people expected was 63, but 105 turned up.   At this party it was suggested that a ‘weekend trip’ be organised for the following year, about the same time. This was arranged and was held at Harrietville with 36 people participating. During the weekend it was decided to form a committee who would organise a weekend away each year. The plan was the committee would change every two years, so that everybody got a chance to be on the committee.  So this was when Australian Long Distance Experienced Coach Crew and Associated Industries was born.  It was also decided to change the date of the reunion to the first weekend in February, which was before the start of the major coach touring season and after the school holidays. In the beginning most ALDECC members were working ‘on the road’ or active in associated industries. The ALDECC reunion was the main contact point to catch up and spend time with one another. It was, and still is,  a time to chat, have a few drinks together and simply just have fun. Through the years most members have retired from touring. Some have continued their membership of ALDECC, others have drifted away. In 2009, there are not many new members any more.  The tourist industry has changed and coach tours are not as prevalent as they once were.   The idea behind ALDECC has always been to keep contact with old and new friends and enjoy a weekend away. The committee and members are able to stay in touch with each other between reunions through newsletters.  The comradeship born out of our common interest – “life on the road” – be it past or present, is our common bond.