AMPHIBIOUS vehicles, military machines and visitors from across NSW and Victoria, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Clarence Town Military Muster and Swim In on Saturday 1 November.
Their enthusiasm wasn’t dampened by the weather, which one vehicle owner described as four seasons in one day.
Appropriately, the theme for 2025 was “Year of the Amphibian”.
The annual Swim In, held at the Williams River Holiday Park, is a moving display of amphibious military vehicles.
Owners and enthusiasts camp there from 29 October to 1 November, with free activities, including amphibious vehicle rides on the river, popular with the public.
Drivers and their families could be seen taking their vintage vehicles on trips around Dungog Shire, culminating in a family friendly Open Day.
Over 50 jeeps, trucks, weapons carriers and motorcycles were shown off by their proud owners.
The vehicles ranged in age from a 1942 Jeep to modern Army Reserve vehicles currently in service.
Clarence Town resounded with the growl of engines as the vehicles paraded around the streets.
The vehicles were mostly olive-drab but the drivers’ bright Hawaiian shirts added splashes of colour.
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe band from Sydney added to the excitement while flyovers by a tiger moth and warbird were another highlight.
Proceeds from the 2025 Swim In will go to the charity Taskforce Veteran, which is an Australian organisation that supports veterans and their families.
While numbers of vehicles were down slightly this year, more organisations were represented and there were plenty of spectators.
The Australian Armed Forces Heritage Unit, the 5th Combat Service Support Battalion Army Reserve, and Taskforce Veteran, all mounted displays.
Swim In organiser and Dungog local Michael Redgate worked closely with Dungog Shire Council and Mayor Digby Rayward in planning the event.
He said that the Council was “super supportive”.
The Lions Club also assisted with planning and ran a sausage sizzle.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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