Brendan’s Brilliant Bonnet surf

The end of the Holden era took place last Friday – the darkest day in Australian history, according to Torquay local Brendan Edgerton.

After 69 years Holden has shut its doors, another blow to Australian manufacturing. To commemorate this significant event, Brendan drove along Route 69 from Torquay to Trafalgar over the weekend in his Holden, with his bonnet dubbed the Bullet.

“Before the trip on Saturday morning we had a World Record Bonnet Surfing attempt at Bomboras, ending in 17 people and one dog. The current record stands at 23 people in Perth, prior to that it was 21 in London,” he said.

Brendan is also raising money for the Moira Kelly Foundation, a charity created after the time Moira spent caring for conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna in 2006 after they survived a groundbreaking 38-hour surgery that saved their lives.

Due to unforseen circumstances, Brendan was not able to promote the fundraiser, which was also advertised on the bonnet of his car, but will pursue his work for Moira in other avenues.

“I met Moira about 35 years ago when I was working in Calcutta India in one of Mother Theresa’s hospitals for the sick and dying,” Brendan said.

“Moira and I became friends, and I have supported her and her charity ever since.”

Brendan was accompanied by his partner Kerry Humby who assisted with photography throughout the trip.

“Losing our manufacturing industries is devastating on a number of accounts, not only the direct loss of jobs but the loss of business to all the satellite industries supplying parts to Holden and even down to the local cafes surrounding the plant.

“But I think the most devastating thing is the loss of identity that Holden gives Australian people.”