The idea for an historic motoring display in Flinders was conceived in a community consultation process facilitated by Flinders Community Association (FCA) in 2014. 

The consultation process considered what events or functions could the FCA support which would achieve the following:

•  Raise awareness of the Flinders Village as a tourism destination and of the

• natural beauty and amenity of that part of the Mornington Peninsula.

•  Attract visitors to the Flinders Village to help boost local business.

•  Devise a means of raising money for the benefit of worthy causes, and

• charitable organizations serving the needs of the local community.

The Lions Club of Flinders District Inc. (Flinders Lions) resolved to conduct and manage such an event, the first of which was held on Easter Sunday 2016 at the front of the original community hall.

It was a small event with only some 30 cars on display, a sausage sizzle, and a gold coin donation. It was quickly recognized that the event was popular and that it could be scaled up to attract interesting veteran, vintage, and heritage motor vehicles and a greater number of visitors. Many local volunteers embraced the concept too.

The keys to the success of the event are:

•  Specialist and qualified judges and awards for various car categories.

•  Clearly identified projects for fundraising.

•  Significant sponsorship from local business and industry bodies.

•  Support from car clubs, motoring-related businesses, car manufacturers,

• and individual motoring enthusiasts.

•  Provide sponsors with comprehensive social media and website exposure.

The Easter Sunday event became recognized as a successful annual event during holiday time, and visitations to Flinders were at a peak.

The event has grown such that over 150 cars have entered for display in recent years, visitor numbers based on ticket sales have exceeded 1500 (children under 15 are free), and net proceeds have funded significant projects (as seen on this website).

In more recent years, net proceeds of between $40,000 and $65,000 have been raised, with those funds being directed by Flinders Lions to the supported projects. Grants from Lions Clubs International Foundation, Australian Lions Foundation, and Mornington Peninsula Shire have enabled funding of many projects.

Major sponsorships from Bendigo Community Bank Balnarring and Buxton Mornington Peninsula, amongst others, have contributed to this success.

Past Events