Up to 5000 people are expected to flock to Goulburn next Easter, spending an estimated $1.4 million as a major street rod event returns to the city.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Australian Street Rod Federation is staging its regional nationals here from April 10 to 13. The event was last held in Goulburn in 2007 and 2009 but organisers were always keen to come back.
The ASRF's ACT regional divisional director Alan Cooper and Canberra Hot Rod Association director Vicki Munday addressed the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce's meeting on Wednesday.
"We did the '07 and '09 regional nationals here and the street party on the Saturday night was amazing," Mrs Munday said.
"People were standing four deep and the atmosphere was tremendous. We're hoping to repeat that."
Mr Cooper said accommodation was already filling up for the four-day event. The fixture is largely based at the Recreation Area on Braidwood Road but includes outside activities such as the 'Street Crooze' along Auburn Street on the Saturday from 6pm to 10pm. People will be encouraged to dress in 1950s garb, in keeping with the theme, and can enjoy a band playing rock 'n roll music in Belmore Park. There are other drawcards, such as trade stalls at the Recreation Area, the 'best dressed' shop competition, charity rides, a cruise around the district for 'rodders,' a ladies high tea at the Astor and a dinner at the Veolia Arena.
Mrs Munday said the regional nationals were held every second year, and the nationals annually. Goulburn was a natural fit due to its location near the capital cities and country atmosphere.
"We wanted somewhere with accommodation capacity, that was welcoming and would embrace the event," she said.
"...Our focus is on educating people about our cars, our hobby and passion. In coming to small towns we also help them financially with tourism dollars."
A street rod is defined as a pre-1949 vehicle modified for street use.
Organisers estimate up to 600 entrants from Sydney, Canberra and further afield. One man and his family were even making a special trip from Germany.
Each bring family members but overall visitation is expected to be up to 5000.The council's economic modelling forecasts a total $2,476,000 spend, for a direct economic impact of $1,465,667. Mr Cooper said the council had been very helpful with a traffic management plan and overall organisation.
Last December, councillors endorsed $9,383,000 in in-kind assistance, including fee waiver for the Recreation Area's hire. While some 140 participants will camp there, Mrs Munday said both entrants and visitors were already experiencing difficulty in securing motel and other accommodation. The South Goulburn caravan park has reserved a large number of spaces and a Melbourne Street Rod club had booked numerous spots at Governors Hill caravan park.
Part of Auburn Street will be closed off to allow for the street cruise on the Saturday night.
Mr Cooper predicted a significant economic injection. He said people not only stayed for several days but spent up in restaurants and cafes, on car parts and other supplies. Organisers intend to source local suppliers for printing, food for campers at the Rec Area and other aspects.
He and Mrs Munday are both keen rodders themselves. Mr Cooper owns a 1931 Ford Victoria and Mrs Munday a 'custom class' 1956 Ford Crown Victoria.
"I've always had a love of cars. I grew up in a neighbourhood full of cars and had three brothers. I met my husband and when he turned up one day in a hot rod, that was it," she said.
They restored the Ford over seven years. Mrs Munday says all ages are embracing the street rod genre.
"A lot of females also own cars in their own right so it's not just for the boys," she said.
The Australian Street Rod Regional Nationals started in 1973 and have been held every second year.
We care about what you think. Have your say in the form below and if you love local news don't forget to subscribe.