Illawarra Chapter News : MX-5 Club of NSW

MX-5 ND Australian Sales Hit Seven-Year High

08 January 2026 / Story by Bryan Shedden

Australian MX-5 sales hit a seven-year high in 2025, with the ND generation defying history. Special editions like the GT RS and 35th Anniversary helped spark sales spikes, pushing the ND past 9,000 local sales and cementing its status as Australia’s best-selling MX-5 ever.

Illawarra Christmas at The Sands

08 January 2026 / Words by Zan Dimovski, Photos by Senia Gaunson, Ann Hicks, Zan Dimovski, Jemma Belsito, Bryan Shedden

The Illawarra Chapter Christmas Party at The Sands Shellharbour brought 56 members together for a night of great food, laughter, and celebration. From recognising dedicated volunteers to honouring Members of the Year, it was the perfect way to wrap up a fantastic year.

Kangaroo Valley Twilight Run 2026

04 January 2026 / Story by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Andrew Edgar

The Kangaroo Valley Twilight Run returned for its 8th year, delivering perfect summer conditions, a spectacular mountain drive and a classic pub dinner. With 30 MX-5s, great company and roof-down motoring, it was the ideal way to kick off the year.

Fundraising for CareFlight

01 January 2026 / Words by Jeffrey Rowe

Driven by generosity, the Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW continues its 14+ year support of CareFlight. Since June 2025 alone, members raised $2,132.36 across club events — pushing our lifetime donations to an incredible $31,696.23.

2025 MX-5 Club AGM Report

18 November 2025 / Words by Ian Combes & Bryan Shedden, Photos by Rob Wilko

A lively 2025 MX-5 Club AGM at Ryde-Eastwood brought big attendance, key elections, and standout awards. From packed NatMeet plans to surprise Life Memberships and a rare Gold Service Award, the night celebrated dedication, milestones, and the passion driving the club forward.

MX-5 ND Recalls

12 November 2025 / Story by Bryan Shedden

Mazda Australia have issued three recall notices for Mazda MX-5 ND models in 2025. The most recent one from a month ago is the most serious and likely to affect numerous members. A brief summary is provided below using information extracted from the Australian Government Vehicle Recalls website.

Sip n Paint for Careflight

29 October 2025 / Words: Senia Gaunson Photos: Ann Hicks and Senia Gaunson

The budding artists gathered ready to create a masterpiece. Did they?

Yet another year draws to a close come join your MX-5 friend to share a Christmas Lunch.

Book now for your Chapter Christmas Party

22 October 2025 / Words by Bryan Shedden

The silly season is almost upon us, which means it's time to get your booking in for your Chapter Christmas Party and Awards Presentation.

Mudgee-Gulgong Weekend

21 October 2025 / Story by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Bryan Shedden, Fiona Shedden, Ann Hicks

Illawarra Chapter enjoyed a brilliant trip to the "nest in the hills" with plenty of great driving roads, historic goldrush towns, and delicious local produce.

10 Year 200,000km Road Test Report

03 October 2025 / Words & Photos by Bryan Shedden

10 years ago in Club Torque, I wrote a story about the ordering process and delivery of my 1.5L ND. It turned out to be the first ND delivered to an Australian customer. I took delivery on 5 Aug 2015, the same day as the national dealer launch in Noosa. Read on for my 200,000km road test report!

Illawarra Convenors BBQ

30 September 2025 / Words by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Ann Hicks, Senia Gaunson & Zan Dimovski

Who's up for gourmet BBQ hamburgers and a drink at the foreshore of Lake Illawarra on a gorgeous Spring day? 27 members joined Convenors Zan & Phil for a drive through the hills to our mystery destination.

photo by Andrew Edgar
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew_edgar/54603851418/sizes/h/

MX-5 Club of NSW 35th Anniversary

27 September 2025 / Words by Jeff & Pam Rowe, Steve Eccleston & Senia Gaunson, Photos by Rob Wilkins, Peter Hilkmann, Andrew Edgar, Senia Gaunson

The 35th Anniversary of the MX-5 Club of NSW was celebrated in grand style with the biggest event we've ever held, on Saturday 21 June 2025 at Gledswood Homestead & Winery. The event was heavily subsidised for members, with 260 members and 7 guests joining us for a huge Show & Shine and three-course lunch with a special guest speaker - Bob Hall!

photo by Andrew Edgar
7 Apr 2024
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew_edgar/53635956127/in/album-72177720316041642

Officials wanted for CSCA Supersprint

28 August 2025 / Words by Gaynor Lawler

We need your help as a volunteer official for the CSCA Supersprint at Sydney Motorsport Park Amaroo Circuit on Sunday 21st September. This is your chance to give back to the Club by helping out for the day. Plus its a fun day watching the action from up close. Give it a go!