Donnybrook Classic Auto Club

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

A short but scenic run - not far from Donnybrook - attracted a large number of members to our May meeting on Sunday 17 May 2026.
Around 35 members attended the monthly meeting held at the Donnybrook Library, which was chaired by vice president Peter Redman.
A new feature of the club’s meetings is to have some items of merchandise being sold at a discounted prices as a one-off, in-person special. For the May meeting it was the red beanies with the club logo at the red-hot price of $5, instead of the usual $10.
You have to attend the meeting to get the bargain!
A range of merchandise is available for purchase, including club polo shirts, caps, beanies, bucket hats, and number plate surrounds.
The club now has 210 financial members, with a core group of 30-40 members who regularly attend meetings and events. It was great to see several new members at the May meeting along with a visitor.
Our next meeting is on Sunday 21June and will be followed by a cruise into Bunbury for a picnic lunch at Rocky Point, followed by ten-pin bowling. The cost of the ten-pin bowling will be fully-subsidised by the club for financial members and there are many prizes up for grabs.
After the May meeting, 18 cars and 28 members took part in the cruise along Upper Capel Road to Kirup, enjoying the lush, rolling landscapes and gentle curves of the route.
First stop was at Radmila’s Golden Pastries in Kirup, where some members enjoyed coffee and cake, or a pie. Lining up some of the cars in front of the pastry shop took a bit of traffic management, but it was eventually achieved.
Kirup local and club member Gary Smitherman invited member to visit his ‘House of DaDa’ and his imaginative world of landscape art and sculpture. Those members who had not visited previously were amazed by Gary’s creativity, while those on a return visit enjoyed seeing Gary’s latest artworks.
The club’s convoy then headed back to Donnybrook, via Brookhampton Road and Sandhills Road, for a late lunch at the S**g Brewing Co.
Congratulations to Peter and Simone Redman, whose yellow 1965 Mustang coupe was selected as ‘best club car’ by the staff at the S**g.
For more information, email [email protected] or send us a message.
Shendelle Mullane, Publicity Officer

21/04/2026

Members of the Donnybrook Classic Auto Club are looking forward to a busy few months ahead, despite concerns about current fuel prices and the possibility of winter storms seeing some of our 'fair weather' wheels staying under cover!
Our monthly meeting held on Sunday 19 April, saw a good number of members in attendance. Afterwards, seven cars travelled to Harvey on what was a beautiful day for a picnic.
We arrived at the Harvey Dam around midday and congregated in the gazebo for a bite to eat.
Tales circulated from memories of the old drive-ins to the Pat's Hamburger Bar, re-created in Bunbury recently, which brought back so many memories of our misspent youth.
We wished Kathy a happy 60th birthday at Harvey and sent birthday wishes to Shendelle (who was absent due to another friend's 60th birthday). No one was prepared to guess what birthday it might have been celebrated by Shen!
Plans for our next club run on Sunday 17 May have changed, due mainly to fuel prices.
We will have a scenic drive around the local area, visit the new cafe in Kirup for coffee (and cake) and then return to Donnybrook for lunch at the S**g Brewery at 1pm.
Originally, we planned to have a leisurely 220km round trip to Darkan to have lunch at the historic pub which closed in 2022 but reopened in 2024 when 43 local investors raised funds as the Darkan Hotel Community Project, buying and renovating the hotel.
Our visit to Darkan will have to wait for another time unfortunately.
Other popular annual events coming up later in the year include ten-pin bowling on 21 June, our Pot Luck lunch and mini-olympics at the Donnybrook Soldiers Memorial Hall on 19 July and the Clueless Rally on 16 August.
The theme for this year's Clueless Rally is 'Manji Monster Mash' and yes, the destination is Manjimup!
Knowing the destination does not ensure success with the Clueless Rally, as each car is given a list of objects to locate and photograph (as proof) on their way to the destination.
While not a race, there are time penalties as everyone vies for the honour of winning the amazing perpetual trophy, crafted by Laurie.
The Clueless Rally offers prizes and lots of fun, with extra points for the best-dressed team. It is a great event to which to bring friends and family along, so start organising a suitable monster-themed outfit.
Thanks to Angelo for his help with this month's report.
For more information on the club or any events, email [email protected]

15/03/2026

The Donnybrook Classic Auto Club had a great turn out for today’s meeting followed by a cruise to Busselton’s Par 3 mini golf course.
A warm welcome was made to Michael Fitzgerald and his 2018 gun metal grey GT Mustang.
Our illustrious President Dave Barnes shared the good news of the updated rules of association had been approved with only very minor amendments made in the grammar.
Dave spoke about the April run to Harvey Dam, where members were reminded that it will be a BYO lunch.
He also spoke about the Hotham Valley Railway event on Saturday 29 August. The club has 32 seats reserved and 20 have already been sold, so if you're keen to come along, get in quick and book your spot by paying for your seat.
The fuel issues were discussed and it has been resolved by committee that the club runs and meetings will continue as planned at the moment and attendance is entirely up to the individual member.
Cheryle was thanked for her efforts in the kitchen and organising the morning tea roster. Thank you to those who have put their hand up to fill the roster.
Dave also recognised the efforts of the committee - both old and new.
As far as events go, it's going to be another great year with repeat events that have been well-received previously and new events to change things up a bit.
The club has 209 members currently and Frank reminded those 40 members who have still not paid that their membership fees need to be paid to remain a financial member.
The Yarloop Car Show is on 22 March 2026 between 11am and 2pm.
Marty shared that he is selling his 1971 VIP Valiant, while Geoff told us about the P76 that he went up to Belmont to purchase. He was impressed that it was in perfect condition (unheard of in a P76) in the “Bold as Brass" yellow. Geoff decided to show us how good it was and went into his bag, producing a 1-18 scale model P76! A lot of members were expecting a photo of it 🙄
After the meeting, 27 members in 13 club cars, and a few non club cars, as we headed out on Goodwood Road to Capel and then along the bypass into Busselton for the Par 3 Mini Golf course.
Many laughs and teasing occurred as we went off into teams of six, with 3 members showing off their skills by each getting a hole-in-one: Cheryle, Simone and Shane.
The day was highly competitive with Lloyd getting around the course with 59 points, Cheryle close on his heels with 58 points and the days winner wasn't Frank! It was Jan Conti with a stunning score of 57. When interviewed, Jan said she was going pro next year! Ha ha - not really 😜
The NAGA award (Not A Golfer’s A #%hole) went to Tim for taking 10 shots to get one hole after refusing to drop the ball out of the water trap, and paying the price.
Unfortunately, the service at Par 3 wasn't up to par on the day and let us down a little, but still a great day was had by all.
Thanks to Tim Jones for the write-up and photos.

16/02/2026

What a fabulous turn up of more than 50 members and plenty of classic cars at our club’s AGM held on Sunday 15 February at the historic Brookhampton Hall.
After a scrumptious breakfast- thanks to those who volunteered to set up, cook, clean, and pack up - the AGM got started under the shade of the huge oak.
President Dave Barnes gave a short(ish) speech on the club’s achievements in 2025 and thanked last year’s committee and members, before handing over to Vice President Peter Redman to chair the election of new office bearers. With only one nomination for each position, everyone was elected quickly, and as soon as Dave was re-elected president, Peter speedily vacated the hot seat!
Other office bearers for 2026 are VP Peter Redman, secretary Frank Doyle, treasurer Simone Redman, events coordinator Michele Barnes, publicity officer Shendelle Mullane, plus ordinary committee members Tracy Doyle, Tim Jones, Allan Whitfield, Chris Dawe, and Charles Smalley.
All club members are encouraged to share their suggestions for future events or activities or anything else club-related with the committee.
After the AGM, about 20 members enjoyed a cruise to Treendale Farm Hotel for an excellent lunch and the usual friendly banter.

19/01/2026

A terrific turnout of members at our first meeting of the year got off to a great start. We also welcomed four new members on the day. The new venue (Donnybrook Library) was very pleasant with excellent acoustics, and a delightful morning tea was once again provided by member Jan Conti. We thank Jan for her delicious offerings during the last year.
Our convoy then set off to the Bush Shack Brewery. With such a large group of vehicles it took some time to exit on to the highway, but then we enjoyed the drive through the countryside. Bush Shack Brewery provided plenty of parking for our vehicles, and soon drinks and meals were appearing on the tables. A very pleasant social time was had by all.

07/12/2025

On a glorious Sunday morning 28 friends gathered under the pecan tree at Charles's place for our annual December breakfast. As in the past how many years (there was some discussion but no agreement on just how many years!) the breakfast was hosted by club stalwarts, Charles, John and Cheryl.

The BBQ's were fired up, cuppa's made and chit chat started. Pretty soon we were all gathered around the big pecan tree for a great breaky of bacon, eggs, sausages, tomato and toast. As always many stories and laughs to be had.

Thanks again to the hosts for another magnificent morning and to our fellow members for sharing with us.

07/12/2025

Big T's Pick and Auto One Busselton recipient is
Dave Perry in his very clean 1977 P6 LTD.
It was great to hear your story Dave, loving the passion you have and you look the part in that car cursing down the road,
well done pal.
looking forward to 2026 Busselton cars and coffee and all it has to offer.
Remember to keep the Wheels turning and see you on the street.

18/11/2025

Cruise video

Thanks Tim

Donnnybrook Classsic Auto Club Christmas Party 2025 wind up and presentations.

17/11/2025

DCAC Awards 2025 and Christmas Function
It was a beautiful late spring day for our last meeting of 2025. The cars were gleaming in the car park and no one wanted to go inside for a meeting. However, forty-five members attended our last meeting forever at the Donnybrook Memorial Hall. As of next year, we will be moving to the Donnybrook Library for our meetings. This building promises better acoustics and personal comfort.
The formal part of this meeting took a bit of time to go through as the club is updating its Rules of Association, and it has to be done carefully.
Other items discussed were mainly around encouraging members to join the executive committee next year and that the club has reached the milestone of 200 financial members and 204 vehicles on concessional licenses as of this date. Our 2026 fees will remain the same as this year at $45 per person and the club looks forward to some new and interesting outings. One such innovation is an evening event at the Bunbury Trotting Club.
The convoy of twenty cars then headed north to Brunswick Bowling Club where festive decorated tables awaited sixty cheerful members. The bar was open and soon the meals were appearing. A typical delicious Christmas plate of turkey, ham and a variety of vegies, followed by a selection of desserts. There was the usual Christmas crackers and fruit mince pies for afters.
The annual club awards were handed out with some humorous stories and some sad stories in the Hard Luck category. This a great way for the club to recognise members that have put in the extra work to make the club what it is today. Charles was given a special award for being on the committee for twelve years straight, missing only two meetings in that time. Chris and Laurie shared the President’s award for their enthusiasm toward all things and being the first to assist. John got the Grimwade Driving trophy again. He’s just too good at driving his Mustang backwards. Jan was the Bright Spark for her taking on the morning tea coordinating. Marty’s car won the best presented. Laurie’s car got the Yellow Sticker. Glenn won the Hard Luck for issues with his Hot Rod. Anne attended the most, in fact all, meetings last year so was given the Most Meetings Attended trophy. Charles was awarded the Dipstick trophy for missing a meeting this year, how dare he get a life.
A raffle followed with lots of car related prizes and cheering the winners.
Then it was off to the bowling green for some barefoot fun. The day was a bit warm by now so only ten members took part. The Brunswick Bowling Club members assisted the newcomers, but the end result was scored mostly by how much laughter the players got.