Vaughn is known throughout Australia as a great cycling mentor and coach. 

He trained last year’s Senior Sportsperson Simone Grounds who won nine Australian Gold medals and managed to train son Kurt Eather, last year’s Junior Sportsperson of the year, to a dual gold and a silver at the Oceania Titles held in Perth.

Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said Eather had shown real dedication to every rider in developing a training schedule and following each rider through motor-paced training sessions that last for more than four hours at a time, four times a week.

“In 2018 Vaughn was busy preparing cyclists to contest the 2018 State and Australian titles as well as keeping to the demanding schedule for motor pacing riders at the Dubbo track and travelling to all the events,” he said.  “The team won 40 Gold, 27 Silver and 17 Bronze at the State titles and 11 Gold, 6 Silver and 8 Bronze at the Australian Titles. 

“With a jovial disposition and a can-do attitude the riders under Vaughn’s charge have risen higher and higher in ranks and achieved much more than anticipated, Vaughn seems to encourage them to improve their performance with the completion of each session.

“Vaughn has developed a culture from within the club of overcoming adversity with composure, winning in tough circumstances with grace and respect of fellow riders through politeness and sportsmanship.”