Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the weekend I was lucky enough to open the annual two-day Rusty Iron Rally in Macksville, in my electorate of Cowper. This great event celebrated its silver jubilee milestone this year. Whilst on the first day we saw torrential rain, it certainly didn't dampen the community spirit. It was fantastic to see machines, from factors to steam engines, bikes, cars and even classic radios—hello, John Simon—reconditioned to their former glory, putting Australian mechanical history on full display.

Events like this are not just about a fun day out; they're also about recognising and respecting our past and celebrating an era when things were built to last, when you could recondition something by hand and elbow grease and not be worried about incompatible software. Add to that fact that all proceeds are donated to charities, like the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Make-A-Wish Australia, and to regional oncology units and it takes the feel-good factor to a whole new level.

A huge thanks and congratulations to President John South, Vice President Ross Scott, Secretary Anne Pade and all 280 members of the Mid North Coast Machinery Restoration Club for creating this great weekend for families and for fostering amazing community spirit.