Ballan fires up for annual vintage rally

ANYONE interested in seeing and experiencing the vehicles and machinery their forefathers used will want to head to the Old Ballan Racecourse in the middle of next month.

On Sunday 15 February, the Ballan District Vintage Machinery and Vehicle Club will host its annual Great Vintage Rally, with as many as 200 classic and vintage cars, trucks, motorbikes, tractors, working vintage machinery, and much more on display.

The rally, held in February each year for more than 30 years, attracts hundreds of enthusiasts and those simply keen on looking back through mechanical history.

This year’s event will run from 9am to 4pm and admission will be adults $10, families $20 (cash preferred) and children under 12 free.

Event coordinator Jason Palmer said several hundred people – and as many as 400 – habitually took in the sights and sounds of the event.

He said exhibit items are sourced from club members, as well as from other clubs throughout Victoria.

Mr Palmer said some could possibly be making the trip from interstate, as vintage machinery clubs are spread throughout Australia.

He said the rally and others like it are popular because they give people a glimpse into the past.

“They’re looking at their history, back to their fathers or grandfathers or great-grandfathers,” he said. “What life was like years ago.”

Apart from the machinery, highlights will include a vintage tractor pull, a shearing demonstration, the club’s Ronaldson Tippett Museum – thought to hold the world’s biggest collection of items from the former Ballarat steam engine and agricultural machinery manufacturer – a variety of old-time wares, working demonstrations, and Devonshire teas with scones.

An old cottage will be open and will feature wool spinning and weaving, and food vans will also be operating on the site.

The racecourse reserve is at 105 Racecourse Road in Ballan.