Early registrations a good sign as Rotary Motor Show returns

REGISTRATIONS have begun trickling in from classic car owners eager to be a part of the 13th annual Torquay Rotary Motor Show next month.

The annual car show, scheduled to take place on February 12 at Elephant Walk, has had more than 20 registrations sign up for the day according to event organiser and Rotary Club of Torquay member Bruce Turner.

The early registrations are an encouraging sign for Mr Turner and his team as sign-ups begin to ramp up for one of the club’s staple fundraising events.

“We were lucky to get last year’s event off the ground and running again after the pandemic, although we had minimal preparation,” he said.

“This year, though, we are back to normal in a preparation sense and getting everything in place from the permit side of things.”

The club will cap car and motorcycle registrations at 350 this year, a similar number of vehicles compared to last year’s show.

Last year’s fundraising totalled more than $20,000, all of which was invested back into the community and throughout Rotary Australia’s national and international programs.

Mr Turner said the organising committee will aim to raise $15,000 at this year’s event.

“It is one of our largest fundraising events,” he added.

“We’re really grateful to host this event and we take great pride in the impact it has on the community and Australia, so it’s been fantastic to resume our support for a whole range of causes through the show.

“It also provides a wonderful atmosphere for the community to be out and about around the Surf Coast area.”

The biggest difference at the 2023 Torquay Rotary Motor Show will be the absence of club member Greg Plumridge, who sadly passed away on Boxing Day.

Mr Plumridge was a well-respected club member among his fellow Rotarians and took great pride in being an integral part of the motor show, and will be missed in the first event without his presence.

“Greg has been part of the show’s original team right from the start,” Mr Turner said.

“He may not have been the person to come up with the idea, but he has certainly been a part of that core group that has pushed this event all the way along.

“His absence will definitely be at the forefront of everyone’s mind on February 12.”

This year’s show theme will be ‘Corvette’ to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first Corvette model, and owners of the American make are encouraged to attend.

Car enthusiasts can also freely join the lead-in event Great Ocean Road Cruise on February 11, beginning in Lorne and concluding in Torquay.

Registrations can be made at torquaymotorshow.com.au.