The Mackay Vintage Motor Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special pizza lunch on Sunday, July 13, at the Walkerston residence of two long-time members. Thirty-eight members attended the event, ranging from new faces who joined just weeks ago to those with over 50 years of club involvement.
All attendees received a commemorative 60-year badge, pen, and a certificate featuring a copy of their original membership application. A highlight of the celebration was the return of a signboard first used at the 1992 Hub Rally. The anniversary cake was cut by Glen and Cheryl Gibson, both members for half a century.
The club began with a newspaper article published on March 31, 1965, titled “Veteran Car Club May Be Formed”. That first meeting at the Ambassador Hotel led to the creation of the Mackay Vintage Car Club, renamed in 1967 to Mackay Vintage Motor Club to include utilities and motorcycles.
The first membership fees were paid on May 18, 1965. Founding members included Wally Albrecht, Ken Tandridge, Frank Ohl, John Jewell, Les Loney and John Granzella. Early outings featured classic cars such as a 1934 Lagonda, a 1926 Chrysler, and a 1929 Dodge.
Over the years, meetings were held in various locations before settling at the CWA Hall on Gordon Street. The club’s first magazine was produced in 1973 by Philip Pace and Brenda Murray.
Membership rules changed over time. In 1975, a decision was made not to badge vehicles manufactured after 1934. By 1983, the club began accepting cars up to 1942 to encourage growth. Early fundraising included 50-cent outing fees, $1 casket tickets, car washes, and parade participation.
In 1984, members restored the Model T Ford at Greenmount, which debuted at the 1990 Heritage Day Fair. That same year, a club shed was built in Balnagowan. In 1985, a trophy for most events attended was introduced and is still awarded annually.
Hub Rallies between Mackay, Townsville and Cairns clubs were introduced over the May Day weekend and later held at Easter. The 50th rally was held in Cairns in 2024.
In 1989, the “Cyclone Run” was created to honour the late Willie Morris. Still held every February, it commemorates members who have passed. The club’s first banner was purchased in 1994 and replaced in 2024, still proudly displayed today.
Monthly Friday lunch drives were introduced to include members who couldn’t attend weekend runs. A “Short Run” on the last Sunday of each month allows older vehicles to participate in local outings.
Club patrons have included Dr Ian Chenoweth, Eric Gibson, Dale Murray, and current patron Paul Scriha. Life Members include Wally and Marion Albrecht, Peter and Hazel Hansen, Harvey and Pat Morris, Eric and Alice Gibson, Dale and Brenda Murray, and current Life Member Tony Ciantar.
Now with 35 family memberships, the club continues to grow, and welcomes vehicles of any age or make.
For enthusiasts keen to join, the club offers camaraderie, nostalgia, and a shared passion for keeping motoring history alive.
Contributed by Jenny Boswood
The Mackay Vintage Motor Club marked its 60th anniversary with a celebratory lunch in Walkerston, uniting members past and present to honour decades of motoring history, camaraderie, and community. Photos supplied