Hitting the road

MORTLAKE roared to life over the weekend when dozens of rare vehicles from across the region gathered at Tea Tree Lake.

Making a day of it: Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Car Clubs committee member John Kennett was among the car club members who brought dozens of immaculate vehicles to Mortlake over the weekend.

Members from car clubs across the south west descended on the town for the annual Federation Picnic, which the Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Car Clubs (FVVCVCC) hosts every year.

The occasion includes vehicles spanning from the earliest vehicle manufactured around the 1920s through to classics of the 1980s and beyond.

The cars lined the idyllic setting of Tea Tree Lake while the Lakes and Craters Band provided the entertainment, the Mortlake Lions Club manned the barbecue, the Mortlake Country Women’s Association day branch sold baked goods and Coffee with the Girls served fresh beverages.

FVVCVCC committee member John Kennett said this year’s event had been slightly smaller than previous years due to the soaring costs of fuel.

“It’s been a good showing but the numbers are down slightly – I think the fuel prices reflect that,” he said.

“People are going to be scared to travel and I did have a few phone calls from members wanting to know if there was fuel in the town.

“Overall, we were very pleased with the roll-up.”

Mr Kennett said the ongoing fuel crisis, stemming from the United States of America and Israel launching military action against Iran in February, had been a cause for concern for some members.

“It’s surprising when you’re travelling on the road the amount of people pulling boats and caravans,” he said.

“A lot of people are still running around out there, but a lot of people are also naturally concerned.”

Despite the costs associated with members filling up their pride and joy for the occasion, Mr Kennett said the annual picnic at Tea Tree Lake remained a highlight for members.

“This is such a beautiful setting,” he said.

“It’s a tradition we want to continue.

“The Moyne Shire Council have excelled themselves this year – they’ve trimmed everything up nicely and the grounds are presented so beautifully.

“It’s a real credit to the parks and gardens team at the shire.”

The annual Federation Picnic Days are held multiple times across the year, with the Mortlake Picnic drawing in members from across the region – including Warrnambool, Ballarat and Colac.

“The FVVCVCC was formed back in the 1960s to represent and support the clubs and their members,” Mr Kennett said.

“We’ve got about 110-member clubs throughout Victoria so we put on a picnic.

“One of them is held in Mortlake, which we’ve done for 24 years now.”