THE wheels are in motion for the Swan Hill Vintage Car Club’s upcoming rally which will coincide with the club’s 50th anniversary.
Set to take place in May, the event is open to all members with a vintage club car permit, and is expected to attract motoring enthusiasts from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
Swan Hill Vintage Car Club president David Daly said the event would showcase the diversity and history of the region with Moulamein museum and woolshed, Sea Lake silo art, Nullawil historical village and Nyah tractor museum included in the route.
Mr Daly said the event would also include a fundraising element, with proceeds to go towards purchasing a treatment chair for Swan Hill District Health’s dialysis department.
“These chairs cost around $5000, so that’s our fundraising target,” Mr Daly said.
“A few of our members have been involved with the dialysis unit and the chair is something that is used during treatment with patients spending between four and five hours sitting in it.”
Mr Daly said the club was happy to be supporting such a worthwhile cause which would provide some comfort for those undergoing dialysis.
While many local businesses have thrown their support behind the initiative, Mr Daly said the group would welcome more sponsors or donations for their auction which would help them achieve their fundraising goal.
The Swan Hill Vintage Car Club is steeped in history, and has continued to evolve since it was first formed in 1973.
“Whilst founded as the Mid Murray Vintage Car Club, the club changed its name in 1993 to the Swan Hill Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club to more accurately reflect its geographical location,” Mr Daly said.
“Around the same time it recognised considerable increased interest in motorcycles and established a new nominated day for motorcycle events.”
Today, the club boasts 193 members with more than 200 cars and 100 motorbikes.
The club’s Mallee Gold Rally to mark the club’s 50th anniversary will take place from May 5-8.
