Illawarra Chapter News : MX-5 Club of NSW

Big Budderoo Loop

24 August 2024 / Story by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Ann Hicks, Rob Wilko, Bryan Shedden

The temptation of sampling the Illawarra's best chicken schnitty at Albion Park Pub was enough to draw a crowd for a fantastic drive, looping around Budderoo National Park and ending up back where we started.

Eling Forest Winery

21 August 2024 / Story: Chrissie Zaremba Photos: Senia Gaunson

A mid-week run to a winery awaits! Eling Forest Winery, Sutton Forest. Fabulous drive and a beautiful destination.

Women Behind the Wheel

17 August 2024 / Story: Zan Dimovski and Senia Gaunson Photos: Ann Hicks, Zan Dimovski and Senia Gaunson

The Women Behind the Wheel concept was Honie Boyd’s brainchild, with the first one organised by Brigid McCarthy, High Tea in Kiama in 2023. This was the second event, with Illawarra, South Coast and RPM joining in at Peppers, Sutton Forest and Hunter with a run to the Chocolate Factory at Pokolbin on the same day.

Brass Monkey 2024

14 July 2024 / Words: Zan Dimovski Photos: Zan Dimovski and Phil Betts

Did you chase the Brass Monkey? Zan and Phil did for the first time and this is what they thought.

A Carwash Story

25 June 2024 / Words: Jeff Rowe

Sick of a dirty car? Try this!

Planting Bee with Chrissie and John

25 May 2024

Chrissie and John Zaremba moved into their home in Thirroul a few months ago and were struck by the April 6 floods. Their cars and garden were decimated!

Pedro's Run to the Border

23 May 2024 / Words: Jeff Rowe and Jan Gibson Photos: Senia Gaunson and Ann Hicks

Did Pedro take us across the border into Mexico? ‘Not Quite’.

CareFlight Charity Donation

04 May 2024 / Story and Photos by Joe Kovacic and Bryan Shedden

A small group of Committee members were invited to the CareFlight base at Westmead Hospital to meet the crew and inspect the new Airbus H145 helicopter. We presented CareFlight with our Club's donation from fundraising over the last six months.

Cars and Coffee in the Southern Highlands

30 April 2024 / Senia Gaunson

An early start, but definitely worth it for the Cars and the Coffee!

Natmeet 2024 Report

25 April 2024 / Ian Combes

Summary of 2024 Toowoomba Natmeet

One thing we can’t control – ‘The Weather’

08 April 2024 / Words: Jeff Rowe

A case of 'Not The Nine O'clock News!' OR "How the 'End of Daylight Saving Run' ended.

Bundeena Mystery Run

04 April 2024 / Words: Senia Gaunson Photos: Brigid McCarthy and Senia Gaunson

Did you know there were MX-5 roads, devoid of traffic in Thirroul? No? Neither did I, but yes, there are and worth checking out.

Temora Boats, Planes and Automobiles

06 March 2024 / Words: Ann Hicks Photos: Ann and Bryan Hicks and Senia Gaunson

V8 Boats, War Planes and MX-5 cars, what a great combination, but are they in 38 degree heat?

Mazdas in the Mist 10 Years on!

29 February 2024 / Senia Gaunson, Bryan Shedden and Phil Reid

Saturday 13th April 2024 will mark 10 years of Mazdas in the Mist! This run was started by Sandra and Phil Reid on 12th April 2014 and still running strong and organised by Phil in 2024.

Ranger's Twisters 2024 - with a Hicks Twist

22 February 2024 / Words: Senia Gaunson Photos: Ann Hicks

We didn't bring a packet of ‘Twisties’ to help us navigate Bryan's version of Kim’s winding roads through the beautiful scenery of Macquarie Pass and Kangaroo Valley, but we did have Ann's delicious banana bread.

Australia Day at Cataract Dam 2024

27 January 2024 / Story: Maree Eccleston and Senia Gaunson. Photos: Maree, Senia, Ann Hicks and Andrew Edgar

The Sydney convoy headed south along the Old Princes Highway, while Canberra made the long trek along a boring highway and Illawarra climbed over the mountain and along Appin Road, all headed to Cataract Dam to celebrate mates and Australia Day.

High Country Hijinx

21 January 2024 / Story by Anda Clayton & Bryan Shedden, Photos by Anda Clayton, Bryan Shedden, Fiona Shedden,

Fancy something a bit different? How about staying at Bright for four nights as a base, then venturing out to sample superb roads, local produce, fabulous alpine sights, and epicurean delights. And for an extra challenge ... catch your own dinner! All this and more was enjoyed by 21 members on the High Country Hijinx trip.

Crossing Hampden Bridge
photo by Senia Gaunson

Illawarra Chapter News