MOTORING enthusiasts, vintage car buffs, curious onlookers and families looking for a great day out will once again be heading to the Tilligerry RSL on Sunday 21 May.

With over 500 cars, utes and trucks on display vying for prizes in 18 different sections, it is arguably the biggest community day of the year on the peninsula.

On top of this, there are stalls, markets and amusements for the children and all you need is a gold coin donation to get in.

Local car club president Ian Jones said that all proceeds from entry fees and raffles will once again be donated to the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

“The Tilligerry Motorama started out as a local event with around thirty car buffs exhibiting their vehicles at the NRMA centre in Tanilba.”

“Since then it has grown to be one of the most popular venues in the Hunter, if not NSW,” he said.

“Local businesses and motoring suppliers make the day possible and we have been able to donate around $100,000 to our chosen charity over the years.

Last year at a special fundraising dinner we handed over a cheque for $16,800 to the hospital administrators,” he said. “They, in turn, invited us to visit the children’s ward to see how the money was being spent. It really was quite a moving experience.”

It costs just $10 per vehicle to be part of the action and owners are given access to the display areas between 7am and 9am.

The judging team will circulate amongst the vehicles and decide which category and what prizes will be awarded to individual entries.

The highlight of the day will be the presentation of the Don Barrett Trophy for the best exhibit on the day.

It is a perpetual prize awarded in memory of  Don Barrett who was a driving force behind the development of the Motorama.

By Geoff WALKER