15th Dungog Rumble fuelled by shire’s generous community spirit

MORE than 500 car-loving locals and visitors descended on Dungog’s Hooke Street over the weekend for the 2026 Dungog Rumble.

A range of cars, motorbikes, hot rods, trucks, kids’ buggies – even a V8 Ferguson tractor – rolled into town and lined either side of the road and around the old bus shed and grassed area.

“Once the fog lifted, we had a mild sunny spring day,” organiser Cindy Fisher said.

“The Serendipity coffees and the BBQ manned by the Dungog RFS started early for breakfast before waves of people began to roll in to view the huge array of vehicles on show for our 15th event.”

There was something for everyone. Dungog High School students past and present, along with other musicians, entertained the crowd as they strolled among the vehicles.

Post-splitting demonstrations took place throughout the day, with billets made by Lachlan Hudson Rural Contracting with timber from Wilson Logging auctioned.

Volunteers from the four not-for-profit organisations who’ll share the day’s proceeds did a great job selling raffle and food tickets, Rumble merchandise, collecting donations and helping with vehicle entries.

While the judges made their difficult decisions to find the winners of the 16 trophies, a special presentation was made to long-time sponsor and committee member Martin Throsby.

He received a framed Dungog Rumble 2026 poster for his support, which began with the first Rumble and continued until his retirement a few years ago. Once retired, he joined the committee to continue his involvement.

Overwhelmed and appreciative,Throsby gave a heartfelt speech about how his involvement started and evolved over 15 years.

Following a rainy interlude, a sunny break allowed the auction to continue, with some friendly rivalries generating $5000 in funds.

The most popular item was a watercolour depicting the children’s characters, Noddy and Big Ears, driving past the Bank Hotel and around the monument past PD Plod with a carload of beer. Local artist Gareth Hipwell donated his painting, raising another $1150.

“After expenses are taken out, the $17,000 raised will be combined with our generous sponsors’ contributions,” Fisher said.

“The committee will then disperse the money to this year’s four recipients.”

Finally, it was time to relax, have a drink, enjoy the band (The Smoking J’s), and reflect on another successful year.

2026 RUMBLE WINNERS

Bruce Clark Memorial Award – Best in Show (Publican’s Choice) – T408 Kenworth Truck – Nick Lean.

Best Holden – 1977 Holden Torana – Travis Sullivan.

Best Ford – 1974 Ford Falcon Coupe.

Best American – 1968 Dodge Charger – Matt Stubs.

Best Valiant – 1975 Charger – Murray Salan.

Best Plastic Bumper – VK Holden Calais – John Grierson.

Best Show Truck – 1994 Kenworth – Ben Monford.

Best Working Truck – C509 Kenworth – Aaron Jackson.

Best Bike – 2019 Harley Davidson FXDR – David Mifsud.

Best Hot Rod – 1932 Ford – Chris Lea.

Best Rat Rod – Morris Minor (Toad) – Ben Lawrence.

Best Historic Vehicle – Citroën CV Van – Pieter Zeeman.

Best Historic Bike – Honda CB 750 – Rob Taylor

Best Tractor – V8 Ferguson – Geoff Parsons.

People’s Choice – 1993 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage – Ian Clements.

Special Mention – Purple & White kids buggy – Ben Lawrence.                .