First Rocky Gully show and shine a ‘roaring success’ as progress association looks forward to what is next

Despite spots of rain keeping some cars and motorcycles away, the Rocky Gully Progress Association has hailed its first show and shine a “roaring success”.

Saturday’s event, dubbed the Rocky Gully Revival Show and Shine, saw about 70 vehicles park up on the small town’s former school oval Higgins Park.

Progress association chair Rod Hovell said about 500 people came through the gates during a “massive day”.

He said 30 to 40 car owners chose not to come because of the rain, along with “about 50” vintage motorcycle owners.

“I was more than happy with what we did, and everything went off just wonderfully,” he said.

“We were able to make some good money for the association, the Frankland River Caravan Park and shop were full and flat out, our new shop in town was absolutely flat out as well.

“It was just a roaring success across the board, everyone was talking about how this can be really huge in a couple more years — and it will be because I’m determined for things to work out.”

Bill Blee’s 1969 HT Holden won best car in show by popular vote.

The event was the first of its kind organised by Mr Hovell and the RGPA in an effort to change attitudes towards the small community, which is home to fewer than 100 people.

He said a lot had been learnt from the event to help make future events run smoother.

“There was a few people that came up to give us some advice, I’m just a newbie at doing this so I’ll keep learning along the way,” he said.

“We’ve got to think about things going forward, we might have to try to have something twice a year with different themes to them.”

A number of Plantagenet Shire councillors attended the event to see first hand how far the RGPA had progressed its efforts to improve the community.

Mr Hovell said now the show and shine was done, he would shift his attention back to applying for funding to upgrade amenities in Rocky Gully.

“I’ve got a few submissions to write before the budget time ends and I’ll be in there at council on March 28 to update everyone on our progress,” he said.