A sea of khaki-clad ex-military vehicle enthusiasts descended on Corowa last week for the 43rd annual Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts (KVE) Corowa Swim-In
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“It was a very successful week,” chief organiser Jan Thompson told the Free Press on Monday.
“We had 230 vehicles and around 1000 people attend this year’s event with the theme being Year of the Heavy Metal and Military Kit.”
The ex-military vehicle enthusiasts gathered from across the country and even overseas from March 13 to 19 showcasing a wide variety of ex-military vehicles, from jeeps and trucks to tanks and amphibious vehicles.
But it wasn't just about the vehicles, as the event also provided an opportunity for participants to bond over their shared love for relics of the past.
Beyond the impressive display of machinery, the event included a week-long schedule of outings and activities, including trips to Hume Dam, Bonegilla, and the Bandiana Army Museum, providing a platform for participants to share their knowledge and passion for ex-military vehicles.
“The outings from Wednesday to Friday were very well organised by our KVE Committee,” Jan said.
“We had a visit by the children from St Mary’s Primary School and we also visited the Karinya Aged Care facility.
“In the past we have attended the schools and this year the decision was made for the children to come and visit the vehicles in Ball Park.
“The students were divided into two groups. One group came down to the lagoon were shown two of the amphibious vehicles. One was a GPA (amphibious Jeep) and the other was a DUKW which is a larger amphibious vehicle.
“Deborah Birrell organised for the children to observe both vehicles in the water and out of the water. She asked the children to identify differences and similarities and they quickly put up their hands and gave the answers.
“The students went away with plenty of knowledge about these vehicles and others they were shown in Ball Park Caravan Park.”
This year’s event included a special addition to the program- ‘Veterans and Vehicles Reunited’ held at the Corowa RSL Club carpark on Thursday which saw a mix of old and new army vehicles on display as well as the Australian Army Band- Kapooka who performed for the crowd.
“Liaison between our president Richard Farrant, Tony Dunne OAM and the Corowa RSL Club CEO Peter Norris had occurred for a few months prior to the event with the aim of involving veterans in the event,” Jan said.
“Many of our vehicles were part of the day with a great display of current army vehicles. There were many positive comments, so we are going to consider something similar next year.”
KVE president Richard Farrant also praised the event.
“We are also looking for new ideas,” he said.
“When I was put in touch with Tony (Dunne) and I knew it would be a great event and another way to share our knowledge and passion of vehicles with the locals.
“We were very fortunate to have modern defence vehicles brought up from Kapooka including the mobility vehicles which the Australian Army has sent over to Ukraine.”
Friday's trip took attendees to ClubMulwala and included a lunch cruise on the PS Cumberoona. The evening included a guest speaker at the Corowa Golf Club Russell Kelly who spoke about the missing Beaufort bomber.
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Many smaller vehicle enthusiast groups exist all over the country such as the Military Vehicle Group of NSW which includes KVE secretary Jan Thompson, Richard den Brinker and Trent Keith.Image 2 of 9
The Australian Army Band- Kapooka performing a medley of songs at the Corowa RSL Club.Image 3 of 9
KVE President Richard Farrant and Tony Dunne OAM organisers of the ‘Vehicles and Veterans Reunited’.Image 4 of 9
David Furness of Sunbury pictured with his restored 1938 Vauxhall. When David bought the vehicle seven years ago it had been painted black and silver and wasn’t running. The holden bodied vehicle would have been used by the US Army’s Psychological Warfare Division in France.Image 5 of 9
View more photos from the 43rd annual Corowa Swim-In & Military Vehicle GatheringImage 6 of 9
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View more photos from the 43rd annual Corowa Swim-In & Military Vehicle GatheringImage 8 of 9
View more photos from the 43rd annual Corowa Swim-In & Military Vehicle GatheringImage 9 of 9
View more photos from the 43rd annual Corowa Swim-In & Military Vehicle GatheringThe event culminated in Saturday's parade and Swap Meet day, which attracted several Corowa residents who enjoyed the procession of approximately 150 vehicles.
“Jan McKenna had assisted us with organising the Swap Meet. Many thanks to Jan and Julia Begelhole who organised for some of the pop-up market stall holders to attend,” Jan said.
“I would also like to thank the Corowa Free Press, Federation Council, Corowa RSL Club, Waldrons IGA, management of Karinya Aged Care facility, Tony Dunne, the Australian Army Band from Kapooka, the Army for bringing along two of their current vehicles, Corowa Golf Club and of course Sonia, Andrew and Travis from Ball Park Caravan Park.
Jan said that there were a considerable number of new participants this year, with lots of money being spent in Corowa. She thanked the businesses and residents for making everyone feel welcome, as well as local videographer Leo Anic for visiting and doing a series of videos on his Facebook page.
Jan expressed her gratitude to the event's sponsors- Corowa RSL Club, Federation Council, and Waldrons IGA.
With the theme for the 2024 event announced as the Year of the Blitz Truck, ex-military vehicle enthusiasts are already gearing up for what promises to be another exciting event in Corowa.