The 2019 KVE line-up at Corowa Showgrounds for all to see. Photo courtesy of Annette Brooksmith.
Ex-military vehicles are arriving in Corowa for the 45th annual Corowa Swim-In & Military Gathering Organised by the Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts (KVE).
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This year’s theme is the Year of the Mack and Unimog will be on full display.
Based at Ball Park Caravan Park and to officially run from Monday, March 10 to Sunday March 16, it’s the largest Military Vehicle Gathering in the Southern Hemisphere.
Between 1982 and 1988, a total of 925 Mack MC3 RM6866RS were built by Mack Trucks Australia in their Brisbane plant, strictly for the Australian Army.
A number of variants were produced including open and enclosed cargo, water tanker, fuel tanker, tipper, concrete mixer, ammunition carrier, gun tractor, floating bridge transporter and wrecker.
Many of these variants were produced with or without a centre chassis mounted winch or a HIAB crane and you will see plenty next week.
For such a young military vehicle enthusiast Beau Bruce has a large collection of ex-military vehicles on his property. Pictured here is Alpha Gun Tractor of 53 BTY set up in firing position sometime during service. Photo courtesy of Darryle 'Bobby' Menzies.
KVE’s program of events include:
•Wednesday: Trip to Precision Airmotive Wangaratta and a local Corowa school visit.
•Thursday: Club Corowa at 11am until 2pm for an event titled ‘Veterans and Vehicles Reunited’. (The Corowa Historic Vehicle and Machinery Club and the Corowa and District Car Club have been invited). Some of the vehicles will visit Southern cross care Karinya Residential Aged Care.
•Friday: Trip to the Jindera Pioneer Village in the morning and lunch at the Gerogery Hotel. In the evening guest speaker, Kristian Kemper from Everyman’s Welfare Service will speak at Club Corowa who will talk about Everyman Welfare Service.
•Saturday commences with a parade at 9am up Reisling Street then down Sanger Street to Edward Street and out to the Corowa Showgrounds where the vehicles are on display and there is a Swap Meet in progress. In the afternoon the vehicles will be at the lagoon behind Ball Park Caravan Park.
“In the evening we have presentations and a discussion of an event taking place in Townsville for the Victory of the Pacific (VP Day). The aim is to get 80 vehicles in Townsville,” KVE chief organiser Jan Thompson told The Free Press.
“One of our regular participants is Beau Bruce from Young and along with many Blitz trucks he owns an ex-military Mack truck which he brings to Corowa and transports other vehicles he owns.
“Local people are welcome to view the vehicles while we are in town and if anyone would like to assist us at our Site Office which is at Ball Park Caravan Park please let us know.”
For enquiries, contact Jan Thompson on 0412078096. For further information about this big event and future events see website: corowaswim-in.org
“We have received financial support from Club Corowa and the IGA. The Federation Council provides other support. We are very grateful,” Jan said.
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