On behalf of the Committee and every Member of the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, we extend to you and your loved ones our warmest wishes for a truly Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year as we welcome 2026.
As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the friendships formed, the memories created, and the shared passion that brings us together. Our club is more than a gathering of remarkable historic automobiles—it is a community built on mutual respect, generosity, and a love for preserving motoring heritage. Each event, conversation, and journey we share adds to the spirit that makes our club so special.
Looking ahead to the new year, we are excited for the opportunities it will bring: more miles on the road, more stories to tell, and more moments of camaraderie to enjoy. We sincerely look forward to seeing you all again in the year ahead, renewing old friendships and welcoming new ones, as we continue another wonderful year of fellowship, laughter, and, of course, the joy of enjoying our cars together.
May the festive season bring you peace, warmth, and happiness, and may 2026 be filled with good health, safe travels, and many memorable drives.
Remember to check out all the Christmas photos in the club photo galleries, both here on the website, and on our Facebook page.
Step into the glamour of the 1920s and join us for an evening where elegance meets purpose at the The Great Gatsby Gala Ball, supporting the incredible work of the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter.
📅 Date: Saturday, 22nd November 2025
📍 Location: Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club
🎟️ Tickets: $125 per person or book a table of 10
🎫 Secure your place: glws.org.au/events
Why this night matters
Great Lakes Women’s Shelter is more than just a roof—it’s a lifeline. Founded in 2016, they provide vital short-term crisis accommodation and wrap-around support to women and children escaping homelessness or domestic and family violence.
Your attendance at this gala directly fuels their mission: helping families rebuild safety, dignity and independence in our local community.
What’s on offer for you
Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with:
🎶 Pulled-straight-from-the-Roaring-Twenties entertainment – think jazz, sparkle, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you truly feel you’ve stepped into the era of flappers and Gatsby glamour.
🎟️ Exciting raffles – including that major prize valued at $31,200. A chance to win big while giving back.
🖼️ Spectacular silent auction – bid on luxury items, unique experiences and stunning pieces, curated with the elegance of the era in mind.
🎁 Feather prizes & fabulous surprises – secret delights throughout the evening to keep you engaged, excited and immersed in the experience.
👗 Dress code: Gatsby chic. Think feathers, pearls, artdeco sparkle, tuxedos and bow ties.
Dress it up. Show up. Make a difference.
Bring your style, your generosity and your spirit—because this gala is more than celebration: it’s a moment of community coming together for something greater.
Book your ticket or table today and get ready to dance, dine and delight—for a cause that truly matters.
See you under the chandeliers, on the dance floor, making change happen. 🥂
👥 Looking to expand your social circle? Are you interested in cars? 🚗
Would you like to meet some like minded people in your community to share your automotive passion? Consider joining Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club! We’re looking to expand our membership in the Great Lakes and Mid North Coast area. All ages are welcome and you don’t even need to own a car! Visit our website to read more about our club!
As a 19-year-old living in Redfern in 1967, Rodney happened to be walking past the Mounted Unit along Bourke Street when he was struck by the aroma of horses.
Having grown up around horses he walked into the Unit for a closer look.
Despite having no interest in policing, shortly thereafter Rodney decided to join the NSWPF – and he never looked back.
Shortly after joining, Rodney transferred to the Mounted Unit. Later he would work around the Sydney metropolitan area and regional NSW in both general duties and as a detective.
Whilst still a serving police officer Rodney volunteered for National Service in the early 1970’s spending two years in the army. Twelve months of which he served in Vietnam.
In 1988 Rodney and two colleagues responded to reports of a man armed with a rifle walking the streets of Morisset.
On challenging the man, he opened fire on the police vehicle and the officers themselves.
The incident ended with Rodney’s two colleagues and the offender being shot. All three would later make a full recovery. The offender was sentenced to 14 years jail.
For his actions Rodney was awarded the Commissioner’s Valour Award.
Holding the rank of senior sergeant at Gundagai Police Station, Rodney was medically discharged from the NSWPF in 1990.
“I loved every bit of my time in the police and I didn’t want to go,” says Rodney. “But I was pretty crook with a respiratory problem which I have long since recovered from ironically enough.”
Because of his work with Australian Defence Force veterans and their families he was presented with the Order of Australia Medal in 2014.
Although long since retired Rodney is still associated with the Mounted Unit and often wears period police uniform at ceremonial functions.
Thank you for your service Rodney.
On Wednesday 2nd July, Corinne Stephenson from Forster Neighbourhood Centre (FNC) attended the Great Lakes Historic Auto Club (GLHAC) to accept a $5,000 donation. The donation is most welcome as every dollar will go towards getting the Neighbourhood Centre’s central community hub opening again on Mondays.
“It is contributions like this that show the strength of the Great Lakes community to rally together to support those in need” said Corinne Stephenson. President of the Auto Club, Ron Pulling approached Forster Neighbourhood Centre earlier in the year and offered for Forster Neighbourhood Centre to be the nominated charity for their upcoming MotorFest event held each year on the June long weekend. Members of the Historic Auto Club and staff and volunteers from Forster Neighbourhood Centre worked together to sell raffle tickets and collect gold coin donations to raise these much needed funds. On presentation of the cheque, Ron Pulling said “when we heard about the great work the Neighbourhood Centre does, the members were all agreed to help in any way they could”.
Through support from our local community, businesses and philanthropy trusts, the Forster Neighbourhood Centre has now raised $40,000 towards their $110,000 goal to fund a Crisis Counsellor at the centre and re-open on Mondays.
Any individual, community group or business can help out by heading to the donation page on FNC’s website www.fnc.org.au/donate
Corinne Stephenson (FNC) receiving a $5,000 donation from Ron Pulling (GLHAC). Photo supplied.
