CINDY Fisher admits that she’s ‘not really a car person’.
For her, a car is for getting from ‘A’ to ‘B’ across Dungog Shire in her role as a community nurse.
But, as secretary of Dungog Rumble Inc, she loves the people who bring their much-loved vintage and classic cars, hot rods, trucks, motorbikes and other meticulously maintained machines to the town every October.
For the past 14 years, the Rumble has drawn tens of thousands of people to Dungog.
On 17 October, hundreds more will descend on Hooke Street.
For Ms Fisher, there’s a higher purpose to what’s become an annual labour of love.
“We run the Rumble to raise money for groups needing financial support,” she said.
“Since we were incorporated in 2021, we’ve raised $109,500 for deserving causes.
“Last year, the money went to Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers Inc to help buy a new vehicle.
“Palliative Care will benefit again this year, along with two local organisations that approached us for support.”
Attracting vehicles of all shapes and sizes competing in 15 categories, each hopes to win the Bruce Clark Memorial Trophy for best in show, as chosen by his wife Eileen.
The family-friendly event will feature raffles, auctions, wood chopping, food tents, and displays by emergency services.
The Rumble has grown so much that the street has had to be closed to traffic for safety reasons and to accommodate exhibitor numbers.
The event also accelerates business across the shire.
Many visitors stay over two nights, and when they tire of buffed duco and blinding chrome, they drift into nearby stores to fuel the local economy.
How many exhibitors will be there? No one knows until they roll into town.
But, one thing’s for sure: the Rumble runs on high-octane community spirit.
“We couldn’t run the event without our very generous sponsors and volunteers,” she said.
“We’d love more committee members to help with planning and to bring new ideas.”
Like to get involved? Call Ms Fisher on 0439 956 163.
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