Iconic vehicles make a return to Mortlake

MORE than 100 iconic vintage, veteran and classic cars descended on Tea Tree Lake in Mortlake over the weekend as part of an annual picnic.

By Support Team

Start your engines: Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith was among many locals to check out over 100 iconic vehicles visiting Mortlake last weekend.

MORE than 100 iconic vintage, veteran and classic cars descended on Tea Tree Lake in Mortlake over the weekend as part of an annual picnic.

Members of the Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs (FVVCVC) made their annual pilgrimage to Mortlake for the first time since 2019 after years of COVID-19 disruptions.

Vehicles dating back more than a century, to almost all decades in between, lined the track around Tea Tree Lake, intertwining the trees for a joyous crowd to peruse.

The Lakes and Craters Band played all the hits and Mortlake College representatives manned the barbecue.

FVVCVC treasurer Brett Holloway said the motoring enthusiasts were “rapt” to be back in Mortlake.

“Happy to be back, happy to be out and about,” he said.

“The numbers are better than what I would have expected.

“We have just on 100 vehicles, which is fantastic given it has been nearly three years since we last held the picnic.

“To have 100 cars turning up and the number of people turning up I think is just terrific.”

FVVCVC vice president John Kennett said he was pleased to be back in Mortlake.

“It’s great considering we’ve had a two-year break. The roll-up of vehicles was very encouraging,” he said.

“Everybody seems really pleased to be back and out and about.

“We are very thankful to the Mortlake community for having us.

“A lot of the locals walk through and get enjoyment from the cars, so it’s great to

be able to support the community and in-turn have the support of the community.”

Mr Holloway said the annul picnic at Mortlake was a highlight for the club, in a location perfect for drawing members to town.

“We come to Mortlake because it is a hub for us, a great central location for clubs in the Western District,” he said.

“It picks up clubs from Geelong, Colac, Camperdown, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland and Ballarat.

“Having been here for the first couple of years, we had great support from the shire so we kept coming back because we’ve received such great support.”

Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith was among those in attendance on the day,

He said it was great to see the event roll in to town, providing locals with an up-close look at some of the most beloved vehicles in history while providing an economic boost for the town.

Mr Holloway thanked Mortlake P-12 College and Mortlake caravan park caretakers Rick Stockdale and Kate Woodward for their support in ensuring the day was a success.

“In the past we have normally had the Mortlake Kindergarten take care of catering, but they were short on numbers this year and naturally some of the families from the kindergarten have progressed

through to the P-12, so a shout out to them for their support,” he said.

“Also, thanks to Rick and Kate from the Mortlake caravan park, who were very supportive in making the area available.”