MOTORHEADS across the Myall Coast are gearing up for the 21st birthday of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motorfest, and some have shared their stories with News Of The Area.
The event will, for its big birthday bash, feature an even stronger focus on community support, highlighting more than two decades of raising funds for the likes of Hawks Nest Meals on Wheels, the local Free Clinic Bus, the Myall River Hawks Junior Football Club, and the Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS brigade.
While selling raffle tickets outside Tea Gardens Coles, a few of their beloved automobiles were put on display, including Bob’s green 1960 Wolseley, Jock’s red 1973 Camaro, and Keith’s blue 1970 XW Falcon.
Each one is a time machine taking beholders back to the grander industrial days of the UK, USA and Australia, respectively.
“This XW Falcon came off the production line on 27th July 1970, and has been a part of the family ever since,” Keith explained.
“I’ve [had] a few offers for it, but this one will stay in the family, my grandson will look after it one day.
“It has no power steering, requiring 16 turns to get all the way to one lock, and 32 to get back to the other.”
The XW, still with an odometer in miles, has racked up 106,000 miles (170,590km) in its 56-years, and has lasted better than many of the much-later models seen in the carpark that morning.
“Car clubs will come in from across the state, with significant contingents from up and down the coast, including Port Macquarie, Taree and Port Stephens,” Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club President Dave Jones told NOTA.
“For the 21st, we want to put more effort into food and kids’ things to do.
“[Such as] Mema’s Bakery and their cupcake decorations, face-painting and footy target tossing with the MR Hawks, who will also run the barbecue and canteen at Myall Park.”
Expect a big cake for the 21st and a celebration including returning guest speaker Will Hagon, “the voice of Australian cars and racing”.
River Realty and Novatech have also given substantial donations and the RFS will bring their newly refurbished mascot, the 1960s Thames Trader.
The various vintage cars on display, a hint at what will come on 14 March, are evidence that there was once a period when auto-manufacturers designed their vehicles to be distinctive – nigh on unthinkable now based on the sea of sameness in parking lots and on highways.
“The beauty of our club is it covers so many different brands and types, including cars and even motorcycles – everyone feels inclusive,” Motor Club member Ron explained.
While some other motor clubs have accepted modified vehicles that no longer fit the bill for historic or vintage, the TGHN Motor Club claims to have done it the right way for all 21 years, which will work in their favour as tighter audits loom on the horizon.
They even picked up a few more members at the raffle table on Saturday, perhaps attracted by the monthly drive-out lunches, and regular local coffee runs.
Motorfest returns to Myall Park, Hawks Nest, on Saturday 14 March from 8am.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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