Volunteers help rev up Motorfest

In 2007, former Busselton Football Club president Ray Dowell saw the opportunity to create a dynamic fundraiser that would also get the club involved in the community.

After Mr Dowell’s death, Tradehire Motorfest has contributed to local charities and people in need, which included payment of pool fees for rehabilitation treatments for patients in need, the purchase of various items for WA Disabled Surfing, purchase of a blanket-warming unit for Busselton Renal Dialysis Centre, a Stabfast stabilisation unit for Busselton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and much more.

Mr Dowell’s wife Audrey and son Brad said the whole family were still involved and Ray’s heart lived on through the good work of the Motorfest.

Many of the show’s committee members and volunteers have dedicated their time over the past 10 years for various reasons, and after speaking with the volunteers, it is evident they will continue to do so for many more.

Phil and Alison Ashton are motor enthusiasts who were more than willing to deliver a long-time commitment to the event.

Ms Ashton said she and all the volunteers were spurred on each year by the promise of an array of engines of all eras, enthusiasm of exhibitors and the public alike and the delight that something the volunteers were passionate about was transformed to a vehicle of financial support to aid the community.

Trade Hire Busselton director Chris Reynolds said the business happily supplied the equipment needed to help make the event a success and now held naming rights to the show.

“My family and friends are all car and bike enthusiasts and we had wanted to help get something going in the area for years,” he said.

Committee member Anthony Pursell said Motorfest was a great way for local people to show off their own vehicles and to check out others.

“The time put in is nothing when you can see the good that can be done and the real changes that can be made to people's lives,” he said.

Ken Hayden and Simon Bird have been long-time entrants to the Motorfest with Mr Hayden displaying his 900 Ducati Superlight in 2007.

Mr Hayden said the event provided an outlet for people so show their prides and joy.

Mr Bird, a firefighter for 16 years, said it was great to see the fundraising put towards the local brigade and the community.

Organiser Travis Sturk-Ralls extended his thanks to Arthur and Eddie Hutchins, Dave Roberts, Paul Farmer and family, Michael Wallace, Phil and Val Moore, Paul Davis and Rod and Jason Retzlaff for their continued dedication to the cause.

“It’s amazing how one man’s generosity has been held for the last 10 years and reflected by it’s volunteers and community,” he said. “It’s been a really good feeling this year — locals are supporting locals and each year brings different elements to the Motorfest family.”

Crowds can expect all the usual suspects at this year’s Motorfest, which will be held at Sir Stewart Bovell Oval on Sunday, with more than 300 exhibitors taking part, sideshow alley for children and food and entertainment.

Tickets are $10 at the door, with gates open from 9.30am to 2.30pm and children under 16 enter free when accompanied by an adult.

A free bus service will run from the Busselton town centre to the venue on an hourly basis.