About the Birregurra Motor Enthusiasts Club
The Birregurra Motor Enthusiasts Club Inc is based in the small town of Birregurra situated in south-west VIctoria about 130km south west of Melbourne in the Colac-Otway Shire and about 25 minutes from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road. It was first settled in about 1839. Birregurra is an Aboriginal word thought to mean ‘kangaroo camp'.
The Birregurra Motor Enthusiasts Club was officially formed in 2013. Around 2011, a group of local Birregurra enthusiasts with interests in all types of vehicles and machines decided that they would try to form a club. The Club is unique in that it caters for enthusiasts with a wide range of interests. Although motor cars are the most numerous single category, members also own, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, farm machinery, stationary engines and powered toys. The Club has approval to register eligible vehicles under the Vicroads Club Permit Scheme. This scheme is designed to allow Historic, Vintage and Veteran vehicles to be used on Victorian roads at a reduced fee for a limited number of days per year.
The Club currently has about 200 members, a number we believe makes it the largest Club in the Birregurra district. The membership is split approximately between those members actively using the Club Permit Scheme, and those with either current projects or who are social members. The Club actively encourages social members who have an interest in vehicles, the Club and its activities. Most members reside within a 30 km radius of Birregurra and include representation from the towns of Winchelsea, Deans Marsh, Barwon Downs, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Colac. Membership of the Club is open to males and females.
Many varied and well supported activities are undertaken by the Club every year. Wherever possible, these activities are centred around family oriented interests. Most recently the Club has made significant donations to the building of the 'Birregurra Mens Shed' shed. Events and fundraisers are also held which raise money for other local community projects. Donations are made to charities and individuals in the community who may be undergoing hardship, or faced with health issues.
In 2015, the Club had the opportunity to purchase a 1927 Federal Knight bus. The bus is not only important to the Club, but holds a historical connection to Birregurra, as it was used in the 1930’s for the commercial bus run between Lorne and Birregurra. The trip to Lorne must have been eventful at times, as cable operated brakes on the rear wheels were the only means of slowing the bus on the journey. The engine is interesting in that it is a sleeve valve design, a type that was popular on a few of the more exclusive vehicles of the time including Daimler, Minerva and Packard, as well as on Bristol aircraft engines of the 1940’s. The bus currently has Club Permit registration. *
In February 2024 we staged the highly successful 'Birregurra Show n Shine'. This was our inaugural motor show with a huge turn out of various motors. Click on the page above to find out more.
You can join as a Full Member if you have a vehicle on a Club Permit, or as a Social Member if you dont. We also offer a Family Membership. Check out the 'Membership' page for all the details and fees.
If you wish to know more about our town please click the following link:
* (Otway Journal October 15 2017)
Club Meetings
The Birregurra Motor Enthusiasts Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month (except January) at:
Birregurra Recreation Reserve (Cricket Club Rooms)
cnr Strachan and Barry Streets, Birregurra.
We welcome inquiries from individuals of all identities and cultures and actively encourages them to join our Club. Visitors from other Clubs also welcome.
Also see our 'Events' page for confirmation of date and times or Club meetings and other Club activities.
