ABOUT
CARS OF THE WORLD
Cars
of the World is much more then any other social car enthusiast event
held in Victoria.
The
event is co-ordinated by a small, but dedicated volunteer team by
the charity it raises funds for - Retina Australia Victoria. The volunteer
organising committee comprises of both car enthusiasts and vision-impaired
people - a truly special combination.
Conceptualised
in late 2003 by historic motor sport commentator and car enthusiast
Charles Rogers to solely raise the scope and profile of Retina Australia
Victoria, and benefit the wider blindness community. Charles was then
residing at Point Lonsdale where he has had a lifelong association
with the area.
Thus,
when researching prospective venues he came across the Queenscliff
Fort. The Fort has since helped establish the event's name among the
wider car enthusiast community throughout Victoria as a show not to
be missed. The surrounds at the very historic military Fort directly
overlooking the Port Phillip Heads, and its Parade Ground provided
a memorable venue for all who attended.
After
reviewing the event over the 2006-2007 summer season discussions were
had about the event's future development after the outstanding success
of the 2006 event at the Queenscliff Fort. The Fort was overflowing
with cars, club, community group and trade stalls. The organisers
were then advised that the event's venue has come across hard times
during the present drought and that vehicles would not be allowed
on the grounds of the Fort.
We
have also been the organisers of the car component for the 75th anniversary
of the opening of the Great Ocean Road in 2007. The event was held
over four days, taking in the entire Ocean Road & included nationwide
exposure for Retina Australia Victoria.
Pictured
here is Mike Brady performing his tribute song on the official opening
day 75 years on - the pre-1933 vehicles participating in the tour
can be seen in the background. Full list of photo galleries can be
found at our gallery page.
Discussions
had already centred around the long-term viability of the venue as
the number of cars and other exhibits continues to expand.
Again,
an immense amount of research took place to find a new venue, and
then begin negotiations to secure it. In the early part of 2007 negotiations
commenced with the Point Nepean Community Trust over staging the event
at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station. These negotiations subsequently
broke down five weeks before the 2007 event. The drawing board was
again dusted off and through some more research and negotiations the
Morning Star Estate has become the new venue for 2007 and continues
into 2008.
The
2009 event has taken on an altered format due to difficulties in securing
enough sponsorship due to the economic crisis. The 2009 event will
be known as the No Frill's Car Cruise & Car Show, with the day
being held at the Hastings Foreshore Reserve after a long windy drive
through the Peninsula.
The
2010 event will return to the Concours d'Elegance & Show n Shine
on Sunday 21 November. Further details will be posted shortly.
We
are pleased that over the past 5 events we have now raised in excess
of $18,000.00 for Retina Australia Victoria.
