History of GEELONG STREET RODDERS
At the first Australian Street Rod Nationals held in Narrandera N.S.W. in 1973, it was apparent by the attendance of 20 or more Geelong based rodders that there was the potential for the formation of a Geelong based street rod club. It was decided at Narrandera, to arrange an inaugural meeting at Dave Griffin’s panel beating shop in Station Street, Norlane on the second Tuesday following the Street Rod Nationals.
Thus, on Tuesday May 8th 1973, the first meeting was held, with the majority of the Geelong rodders at Narrandera attending and it was decided that a club be formed and named “GEELONG ROD & CUSTOM CLUB”.
Geelong Rod & Custom Club Founding Members 1973 were:
Bob Astall – 1923 Ford Bucket , Garry Baum – 1934 Ford Coupe, Tom Bartlett – V8 Falcon Coupe, Rod Bartlett, Wes Bennett – 1935 Ford Coupe Ute, Steve Cartwright, Rod Chapman – 1934 Dodge Coupe, Terry Dargue – 1964 Compact Fairlane, John Davis – 1964 Falcon Ute (V8), John Ferguson, Gary Gray – 1932 Ford Roadster, Dave Griffin – V8 Rover, Brian Griffin, lan Harris – 1936 Ford Coupe, Robert Harvey – 1928 Ford Tourer, Geoff Mathews – 1934 Ford Coupe, Ken Mitting – V8 Zephyr Ute, Syd McKay – V8 Zodiac Sedan, Peter Smith, Greg Wilson – 1967 Cougar, Reg Wilson – 1965 Mustang, Peter Raines – 1949 Ford Freighter, Frank Fiscalini – FB Holden.
The first official office bearers elected were:
- President: Dave Griffin
- Secretary: Wes Bennett
- Treasurer: Ian Harris
- Scrutineer: John Davis
- Promotions Officer: Wes Bennett
Since the formation of the club and the subsequent name change to GEELONG STREET RODDERS, the club has been involved in many charitable and rodding events. Throughout the years some of these events have included Geelong Gala Parades, Charity Car Shows, Rock & Roll Dances, Bus Trips and attendances at many statewide & interstate Rod Runs, Hot Rod Shows & Swap Meets. The club has donated funds to many charitable organisations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Shannon Park Centre, Kardinia Homes, and the Portarlington Primary School to name a few. Most recently we have been involved with the Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale Lions Club, with donations going to Cottage by the Sea and many other local charities.
Throughout our 50 year history we have held club meetings at various venues including the North Geelong Hall, the ex-Ford Club in Ryrie Street Geelong, the Newtown Club, the Commun Na Feine Hotel, the Bayview Hotel, the Geelong Showgrounds and currently at our own clubrooms at the Moolap Reserve, Moolap Station Road, Moolap.
Over the last 35 years or so, the club has hosted its bi-annual, then becoming annual, ‘SURF-OUT’ Rod Run which has been held in the coastal towns of Barwon Heads & Ocean Grove. The annual Rod Run now known as the Queenscliff Rod Run has been held in Queenscliff since 1998, & has been a very successful club organised event for fellow Rodders from Victoria & interstate.
Over the years, the Queenscliff Rod Run has steadily grown into one of the premier events on the Victorian & Australian Rodding calendars.
Geelong Street Rodders is an affiliated Australian Street Rod Federation (ASRF) charter club.