The numbers of vehicles were down on the past few years due to the floods and Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and northern NSW.
There were eight Mack trucks and 18 Unimogs in this year’s theme vehicles.
Other vehicles included Studebakers, Jeeps, Land Rovers, Amphibious Jeeps, DUKWs Kubelwagons, Dodge trucks, various motorbikes, Blitz trucks and Clarktor Tugs.
A love for Corowa and district, and for ex-military vehicles was evident when The Free Press spoke to some Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts during last Thursday’s KVE BBQ breakfast at Ball Park Caravan Park.
Harvey Black loves making the 950km trip from Narrabri to Corowa.
“Corowa’s a great place with all the things we need to do,” the 82-year-old, 1942 Ford GPW Jeep owner said.
“There are lots of nearby places of interest, including the vintage aircraft at Wangaratta and the Jindera Museum.”
KVE vice president Harvey first came to Corowa 20 years ago and said his jeep could reach a top speed of 55kph on a smooth road.
Ray Mobbs from Sydney said he liked the history of the vehicles, “intercepting between social military and industrial history”.
The 74-year-old retired nuclear reactor operator is the KVE treasurer and has been coming to the birthplace of Federation for 30 years.
“I love Corowa. I enjoy the history of the town and enjoy being in the country, particularly on the Murray River – this is Australia!” he said.
Two very young aspiring Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts Emily, 3 and 2-year-old brother Clive had every head turning at the barbecue ‘driving’ in their children’s electric jeep, slowly and under supervision.
Their dad Stuart McDonald has been attending the annual Swim-In event at Corowa for more than 30 years.
About 10 years ago he contracted golden staph which resulted in a double leg amputation, but that didn’t dampen Stuart’s spirits.
“Love it,” Stuart said about the big event.
“My dad had his first jeep here. It’s in the blood.”
KVE past president, Rick Cove from Bairnsdale way had his 41st annual visit to Corowa last week.
He has acquired a collection of ex-military vehicles over the decades, including a white scout car, a chev staffer and chev blitz.
The museum operator is particularly proud of owing the only World War 1 truck, which operated in France and Belgium, a 1916 model built in Scotland.
He and wife Jill arrived in Corowa in Jill’s civic jeep car following the breakdown of one of Rick’s golden oldies on the way to Corowa.
But they were always going to be there.
Locals loved street parade
The hot weather didn’t stop ex-military fans from around the district lining the streets last Saturday to admire the mobile historical vehicles on their way to the Corowa Showgrounds for a display and swap meet.
KVE owners and family members assembled at Corowa Civic Centre carpark, which temporarily became the KVE vehicle park, ready for the street parade.
Steven Dietmann from Sydney brought his big Mack and loves Corowa enough he has decided to find a job here, with full agreement from his wife Krissi.
“I’ve got an interview on Monday,” he said just before the street parade.
Arriving in Australia last July on an 11-month holiday, Jackie and Dennis McAvoy from the UK were on their way to Bright and took a wrong turn.
But where they ended up they decided to spend several days - in Corowa – in their 1990 Scotland-built, six-wheel Landrover Perentie Ambulance designed specifically for military use.
“It’s an old army ambulance converted to make it into a motorised home,” Dennis said.
Every year, Corowa’s Mary MacQueen looks forward to the KVE event.
Ms MacQueen served on the local council for 12 years, including three as deputy mayor, and retired as one of Corowa’s health leaders after 52 years of service.
“I absolutely love it,” she said.
“Everyone is willing to have a chat.
“You meet them in business houses; they bring a lot to our economy.
“I hope the council and the community support it for many years to come.”
KVE secretary Jan Thompson expressed thanks to Federation Council, Club Corowa, IGA, Corowa Rotary Club, Corowa Chamber of Commerce – John Crothers, Leo Anic, Roy Monte, GAME Traffic Control, Jan McKenna, Corowa Show Society, Corowa Ambulance Station, Corowa Police, Australian Defence Forces, Team Army, Sonia and Andrew Palmer from Ball Park Caravan Park, Kristian Kemper from Everyman’s Welfare Service, Corowa Free Press, Channel 7 Albury, ABC Goulburn Murray, all the businesses in Corowa and Wahgunyah including the pubs, restaurants and cafes for helping to make the event such as a success.
“Our theme for 2026 is Year of the 6X6 and the event goes from March 9-15.
“Many thanks to Club Corowa and IGA for your financial support,” Jan said.
For more information on the event and past events go to www.corowaswim-in.org
