interestingly each state seem to have different scheme for club plates. In WA you can even have custom club plates. Same as you, I have not heard anything past the initial rumour couple of years back. If you think about it, joining a club with busy calendar let's you use your car more often. If the said club had a calendar that included associated events that would give you even greater choice of opportunities.
ad 3) I'm sure that as a returning member you will qualify for a sign-up fee waiver.

ad 4) All volunteers are gratefully welcome

ad 5) Permit is singed by our membership secretary or by his approval as he has access to current membership roll.
and finally, does this mean that the love is back and the berlina is back in ?