The Rusty Iron Rally roared back into Macksville Showground over the Father’s Day weekend, with organisers reporting the event drew a bigger crowd than the Macksville Show.
In its 29th year, the Rally saw visitor numbers greater than 3000 across the two days.
Run by the Mid North Coast Machinery Restoration Club, the Rally traces its roots to a small group of enthusiasts near Wauchope.
What started as a modest annual rally at Wauchope Showground soon outgrew the site, prompting a move to Macksville.
The Showground committee later allowed the club to build its own clubhouse on site, the “Rusty Iron Shed”, where members now hold monthly meetings.
“We’ve got a good working relationship with the Show committee — we sort of bounce off each other.
“They do all the food stalls, so it’s a good money-maker for them as well,” Club president Brian Pade said.
The Club now counts around 500 members, stretching from Port Macquarie up the coast, along with clubs from as far afield as Maitland, Central Coast and Sydney.
Mr Pade said the Rally was the biggest event of its kind on the North Coast.
This year’s theme celebrated “Anything British-made”, alongside the 80th anniversary of the Ferguson tractor, the 70th anniversary of the Ferguson 35, and the centenary of Stihl chainsaws.
A Buick Car Club show-and-shine drew members from Brisbane, Bundaberg, Sydney and Tasmania.
A stand-out display featured four 1920s Velocette motorcycles brought together from the Isle of Man, Birmingham (UK) and South Australia — including a rare Model U believed to be one of only 10 surviving worldwide.
Visitors also took in chainsaw demonstrations, woodchopping, fire rescue crews and even the powerful rumble of a restored aircraft engine.
Beyond the larger machinery, the pavilion drew its own crowds.
“We had a lady come with a whole heap of sewing machines, very early ones — one was from the 1860s. Another lady had rolling pins, old linen and lace,” Mr Pade said.
“The Garden Club had a display for butter making.”
A vintage radio club and a working telephone exchange display also proved popular.
Awards were presented across multiple categories — cars, trucks, motorbikes, tractors and vintage engines.
There was also a daily grand parade with running commentary.
Special-interest clubs also organised their own displays and prizes.
This year’s proceeds go toward the Macksville-Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club.
Past beneficiaries have included the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Little Wings.
Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary, Mr Pade said the club was already in the early planning stages.
“We work hard for it and get it ready. If we get a bit of rain, it doesn’t stop us — we just keep ploughing on,” he said.
By Jessica MILLER
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