The Man wants to start a group for 4wding, and has left it up to me to research, start, maintain, etc, etc.... (Yeah, thanks! )

I am trying to figure out what the difference is between a club, and an association, and which would be the better avenue for us to go down. The Man says he only knows we have to be a club to become a member of 4wd Victoria (which I think is an association that 4wd clubs can join). Now, if we were an association, would we be able to join?

The only thing that I could find about the difference is from an American motorcycle site:

What is the difference between a motorcycle club and a motorcycle association?

There are three types of organizations. First, there are motorcycle clubs, or MCs.. Motorcycle clubs are a fraternity-style groups in which there is an extended probationary period in which you get to know the members and the members get to know you. Probationary members can't wear the full patch on the back of their vest or coat but are expected to attend various club events, help out with club business and learn the traditions and history of the club before the members vote to accept them into full membership in the club..

More informal groups are called riding clubs, or RCs, such as the American Legion Riders. Such organizations don't require a probationary period, and a person can join relatively easily. It's more of a group of people getting together to ride for a common cause. Many of these clubs require interested individuals to have a common background or quality, such as prior military service or own a specific type of motorcycle, in order to join.

The final type, an association, involves larger organizations such as the Old Guard Riders, Patriot Guard Riders or Rolling Thunder. Such groups are not clubs per se and membership is open to anyone. These groups do not require the prospective member to own or ride a motorcycle at all in order to join. A willingness to become involved in the association's cause is all that is generally required.
I know its for motorcycles, but I wouldn't think that for 4wds it would be much different.

Any information or directions to go in would be much appreciated. I have looked on Consumer Affairs website (Vic) and their links for WA government pages no longer hold any information, so I really don't know where to look. Thanks in advance!