About
Background
The National Historic Machinery Association Rally held at Fairbridge in 2010 attracted 13,000 visitors. The rally included exhibits of working farm machinery, trucks, tractors, stationary engines, cars and motorcycles, tools and other vintage equipment which has a growing interest base within the broader community. With such an interest and no local WA event the Old Vintage Machinery Club WA and the Shire of Waroona with support from the community established The Waroona Vintage Machinery Rally, a similar show to be an annual event and tourist attraction in the South West.
Event
The inaugural Waroona Vintage Machinery Rally was held in September 2012 at the Waroona Show Grounds and will continue annually at this time.
The event is a partnership between the Old Vintage Machinery Club WA, the Shire of Waroona, Lions Club of Waroona and local sponsors. The event attracted up to 3,000 exhibitors and visitors with projections of 5,000 - 8,000 in following years.
This one-day event attracts exhibitors and enthusiasts from across WA to showcase working vintage stationary engines, vintage tractors, motor bikes, cars, old tools, arts, crafts, quilting, weaving, spinning and old sewing machines. There are also antiques, broad axe demonstrations, food stalls and children’s entertainment.
Benefits
As a minor partner in the Peel Region, Waroona must compete with a wide range of attractions and events hosted by its neighbouring Shires and are often at a disadvantage in attracting visitors and their spending due to its proximity to larger population centres and competing attractions. Waroona’s premier visitor event is the Agricultural Show held in October each year which attracts up to 10,000 people. The Waroona Vintage Machinery Rally will provide another event to increase visitor numbers to the Shire to add a significant revenue source for businesses in the town and for community groups to use the event as a fundraising opportunity.
