A part of automotive history has been set in stone near the Alexandra Fountain as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce marks a centenary of service to the state’s car industry.
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The VACC has geared up for three days of celebration coincide with its founding by Bendigo businessmen at what is now the Cahills Barristers & Solicitors headquarters overlooking the Fountain.
The VACC’s Geoff Gwilym said 100 years ago half a dozen people came together because they knew the collective voice was more powerful than those of the individual’s.
“It was at the same time that the motor car was booming. It would have been like being at the beginning of the IT era. That is where the automotive industry was in 1918,” he said.
“In Bendigo, on this street there would have been cars and horses. Even those in the room starting the association would not have known then where the motor car would be in 100 years time.”
Commemorations began with the unveiling of a plaque at Cahills on Thursday and will build up to Saturday’s public Show ’n Shine where car lovers will be invited to celebrate historic cars in Bendigo’s town hall precinct.
Innes Motors is a long-standing member of the VACC and in several years will celebrate its own 100 year anniversary as part of the group.
Stewart Innes said it was possible his grandfather would have done business with the VACC in the building.
His grandfather would have relocated to Bendigo from the Mallee in the late 1920s, where he started the car business at what is now a Rivers outlet.
Innes Motors’ Scott Innes said the VACC had always been there for the company whenever it needed advice on industry changes and its rights and responsibilities.
“We are very lucky in that we have had a lot of good support from both customers and the VACC,” he said.
You can see the VACC Centennial Cavalcade and Show ’n Shine from 12pm-4pm on Saturday 22 September in the Bendigo Town Hall precinct. For details visit vacc.com.au
Read about some of the car lovers taking part in this weekend’s cavalcade:
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Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
