Motorcycling Australia is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Phil Whittle, whose passion and commitment to trials competition over the last six decades has left an indelible impact on the local scene.
In December 2025, Phil became the latest recipient of the annual Graham ‘Checkers’ Stewart Official of the Year Award as recognition for his dedication to the discipline as a seasoned volunteer official of the highest order. His portfolio included Motorcycling Australia accreditation as a starter, timekeeper, steward, measurer, scrutineer, race secretary, clerk of course and coach.
In addition to his role as an official, Phil was also ardent about the growth of trials and future-proofing the sport for junior riders. And it wasn’t just lip service: he’s been a long-time member of the MA Trials Commission as well as being president of the Trials Club of Victoria since 2010 – roles that he took on with a huge amount of unwavering commitment, intellectual vigour and a sense of humour and humility.
And what was even sweeter: his family also developed the same unbridled love for trials, which brought him immense joy.
Amazingly, in between full-time work, championing the trials cause and being a volunteer official, Phil continued to compete at national, state and club events as well as being the manager of Australia’s Trials des Nations (TdN) team since 2011.
The TdN role was huge, not only terms of travel, but also logistics, fundraising and simply bringing all the elements together. It was an all-encompassing and often exhausting job, but he enjoyed every minute of it.
Australia’s victory in the men’s International Trophy division at the 2017 TdN in Spain was a personal highlight, and in 2023 Phil was formally recognised by the FIM for his enormous contribution to the TdN cause with the presentation of a special plaque during that year’s event in France.
When Australia hosted two world rounds of the TrialsGP world title in 2012 and 2014, Phil was also heavily involved in the delivery of the event.
Trials has been a wonderful and fulfilling constant for Phil, and that passion never wavered. In fact, he’s been the ultimate trials ambassador: spreading positive vibes about a highly technical and wonderfully entertaining motorcycle sport that simply became a part of his DNA.
Trials is a tight-knit community: Phil knew everyone and everyone knew him. And when a prickly question had to be answered, inevitably the standard refrain was “ring Phil”. He was at the heart of the ecosystem.
He loved his sport, loved his family and friends, and was the personification of selfless. The Australian trials community has lost a titan.
Phil was 64. He is survived by his wife, Glenda, and children Chloe and Jacob.