MX5 Club QLD RTR The Year 2023

THE 

RAG-TOP REVIEW 

The MX-5 Clubs of Australia gather for a national meet - NatMeet - every second year, bringing together MX-5 

owners from all around Australia to have fun and show off their pride-and-joy. NatMeets combine motor 

sport with events like motorkhanas, social runs, concours d’elegance/show & shine and a good deal of social 

activity over four or five days. These gatherings were born at a meeting of all State THE MX-5 YEAR Club presidents 2023at 

Daylesford, Victoria in 1993 and continue to be held biennially, normally in April. 

Unfortunately, NatMeets have not been able to be held since 2018 (due to Covid lockdowns) in the Barossa 

Valley, so this will be the first for six years and it is shaping up as possibly one of the largest Meets held by 

the MX-5 Clubs. 

NatMeet XV will be hosted by the MX-5 Club of Qld from 11th to 15th April 2024. Based in Toowoomba, we 

will be driving some of the many enjoyable roads throughout the Darling Downs and Scenic Rim regions. Life 

member and perennial Natmeeter, Henri van Roden has kindly agreed to be the Chair of the NatMeet XV 

Organising Committee and planning is well underway. A number of members have also happily offered 

their assistance to the Committee by taking on responsibilities for specific aspects of this major event. All 

members are encouraged to support the State Clubs by becoming actively involved in attending this event 

and assisting when requested. 

NatMeet XV will include: 

· A Track Day at Morgan Park, Warwick for road registered cars. The day will include sprints, separate 

classes for novices, track tuition and cater for ladies. Happy Laps and a Motorkhana will be held 

around midday. This will be a great opportunity for all members to enjoy a day on the track with other 

MX-5s and meet up with friends old and new. 

Morgan Park Warwick 

· Social Runs, both long and short, around Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and Scenic Rim encompassing 

many of the enjoyable and challenging roads in the region. 

MAZDA MX-5 CLUB OF QUEENSLAND, INC 

The Year 2023 1

Scotty’s Garage Lockyer Valley 

· Social functions, including a theme dinner night (fancy dress), where you will be able to enjoy yourselves 

with your friends and meet other MX-5ers from across Australia. 

· A Concours D’Elegance and a Show ‘n Shine where you can compete for the best of the best or just be 

happy to show off your baby in public. 

Cobb & Co Museum 

· A Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation at the amazing heritage listed Empire Theatre, Toowoomba 

Empire Theatre Toowoomba 

2 The Year 2023

CONTENTS 

8-9 Natmeet - XV Toowoomba 2024 

11 Awards 2023 

Cover Shot - Denise Peck 

11 Happy Laps - Lakeside 

12 - 13 Big Bang 2023 Kick Off Run 

14 - 15 February Sun in Tamborine 

COPYRIGHT: No part of this 

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the publisher. 

CONTRIBUTIONS: The views 

expressed in The Rag Top 

Review by contributors and 

advertisers are not necessarily 

those of the MX-5 Club of Qld. 

ADVERTISING: All 

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MX-5 Club of Qld for statements 

made or failure of any product 

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Inclusion of an advertisement 

should not be construed as an 

endorsement of The Rag Top 

Review or the MX-5 Club of 

Qld. 

16 Mid Week Pop Up Run 

17 Twilight Run 

18 - 19 MX ing to The Bay 

20- 21 Meet and Eat 

22 - 23 Goodna to The gap 

24 - 25 To the Valley and Fields of Joy 

26 Lets go to Beechmere for Lunch 

27 Mudgee Shores Run 

28 - 29 Winter Wanderings #16 

30 - 31 Nimble Imble Amble 

32 - 35 Not Meet 2023 

36 The Great Buderim Run-around 

37 South of the Border 

38 Brisbane Loop de Loop 

39 Darra to the Gap 

40 - 43 Gold Coast 20 Years Anniversary 

44 - 47 Yabba Dabba Doo 

48 Mt Warning Buggy Run 

56 - 57 From the Archives 


Committee for 2024 

President 

General Secretary 

Treasurer 

Membership Secretary 

Business Manager 

Motorsports Chapter Leader 

Regalia Officer 

Magazine Editor 

Lisa Price 

Peter Franklin 

Maureen Van Roden 

Pat Wilkinson 

John Martin 

Henry Van Roden 

Kelvin & Mandy Slade 

Eric (Scoop) McColough 

Chapter Leaders 

Brisbane 

Darling Downs 

Gold Coast 

Sunshine Coast 

Ura Auckland 

Allan & Rachel Baskerville 

Helen & Trevor Dixon 

Jamie Thornburn 

Life Members 

Loch and Cleone Stewart 

Eleanor Lydon 

Henri and Maureen van Roden 

Ruth Simpson 

Bob Duguid 

John Tait 

Denise Peck 

Brenda and Peter Phillips 

Lisa and David Price 

Robyn Fairley 


Hi all, 

Presidents Report 

What a year it’s been! 

I haven’t been on as many runs as I would like to this year, my family, work commitments along 

with my involvement with the Natmeet organizing committee has left me feeling depleted of energy 

when Sunday comes around. 

This is the final printed edition of the Ragtop Review and is Kevin & Suzanne Barnes swan song. 

I would like to thank them and all of the previous editors the club has had; they can all be proud 

of the “Ragtop Review” it has come a long way from an old school xerox printed edition on A5 to 

the glossy magazine you see today. The Ragtop Review will continue, but the expense of printing 

and distribution has forced us to the digital age, but there is nothing stopping you from printing the 

magazine if you like to flick through the pages. 

Bill Dunk our IT/Web Manager worked hard to get the new website functional, and that took longer 

than anticipated, but I’m sure you will agree it was worth the wait. I cannot thank Bill enough for 

donating his time and expertise to our club. Now it’s up to us to fill it with content, and as it ages it 

will grow. 

After 10 years in the club and 7 years on the committee, I am saddened by the circumstances that 

Gordon Cunningham has had to resign his position. Gordon & Jenny sold their MX-5 in June, and 

as our club rules stand at this time, Gordon and Jenny have had to resign from the club. I want 

to thank Gordon for his involvement in the Club over the last ten years and the support he has 

provided to us all. Gordon & Jenny have both been very active members and their participation and 

commitment has enriched the Club and helped us all to move forward and prepare for the future. 

Gordon’s commitment to positioning the Club for the future and the efforts he has put into the 

strategic planning has been greatly appreciated by myself and the Committee. Gordon’s legacy to the 

Club include Club Express, review of the committee, lifting the public profile of the Club by getting 

the Club involved in events like the EKKA, David Hack and Maclean Bridge. I wish Gordon and 

Jenny all the very best for your future plans. Hurry up and get yourself another MX5 please. 

With Gordon’s fast and unexpected departure, I reached out and asked John Martin to fill the 

vacancy. John was wonderful and accepted the invitation to lend the club his expertise, for which I 

am very grateful. 

Natmeet-XV is fast approaching and needs us all to support it. Henri & Maureen van Roden, John 

Martin & Peter Franklin have put a wonderful 5 day event together. It is jam-packed full of events 

and destinations you wouldn’t find on your own. If you are attending and haven’t registered yet, 

please do, this will help the organising committee with the fill costing of the event. 

If you haven’t joined in a club event recently - do yourself a favour and come out to play, ‘cause in 

this edition you’ll see how much fun our members are having as they venture to the track or attend 

a day trip or be ever so adventurous and partake in a 3 day event. With an organised run for you to 

attend every week-end - if you dare. 

So sit back, turn the page and see what your club was up to for the past year. 

Merry Christmas to you all and I hope to see you on the road soon. 

Topless is Fun!! 

Lisa Price 

President 


From the Desk of the Editors 

RAG TO REVIEW - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN 

For those who have loved the coffee table printed edition of the Rag Top Review, we are 

saddened that this will be the last hard printed copy. The digital age has now caught up and 

future issues will be in digital format only. 

With the social media platform now being at the forefront, CLUB EXPRESS members will be 

invited to post photos and articles directly to this media. We hope that all of those who have 

contributed in the past will continue to do so. 

It was once said that a picture is worth a thousand words, however, without the written words 

alongside a picture they could be interpreted in many differing ways, therefore don’t just send 

pictures, tell of your experiences too. 

We hope that as editors we have managed to capture your feelings, thoughts and aspirations 

with every article you submitted, whilst we ourselves have endeavoured to add some humour of 

our own in our little way. 

As joint editors, Suzanne and I are stepping down from this role at the completion of this 

edition. It has been our sincere pleasure to bring you the magazine, even managing to learn a 

few new skills in the process. 

Our biggest thankyou to everyone for their past contributions, hoping now the Rag Top Review 

remains a source of enjoyment, with you all bringing it into the future of digital. 

Your new editor Eric (SCOOP) McColough is no stranger, having written many articles in the 

past for the Rag Top Review. Join us on wishing him all the best with future publications. 

We will see you all on the club runs, social gatherings, so keep Zooming. 

Lastly, welcome to all our new members mentioned on the following page, we hope to catch up 

with you all in the future. 

Don’t forget to join the members Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pg/MX5ClubQLD/posts/ 

Please send all pictures and stories to magazine@mx5clubqld.com.au 

Zooming is fun, so let’s get together and enjoy............ 

Kevin & Suzanne Barnes 

Editors Zooming Together 


New Members 

Tim Peterson (Soul Red RF) 

Hayden Watson (Green NB) 

Bela Somogyi (Black RF) 

Stuart Tesidder (Red NC) 

Danny & Anna Oxford (Black NC) 

Kai & Tom Foran (Silver NC) 

Stephen Carter (Marble White NC) 

Gary Thompson (Machine Metalic Grey ND) 

David Muspratt & Beth Cookson (Black ND) 

Tony & Lilana Unsworth (Crystal White Pearl) 

Syd & Janet Bruce (Black NC) 

Simon Thomas & Beryl Pitson (Black XX) 

Richard & Judith Andrews (Silver NC) 

Rhyll Cronin (Green NA) 

Oliver Dalzeil (White NA) 

Peter Dumek(Red RF GT) 

Ron Fenner (Red ND GT) 

John Hammett (Black NC) 

Stan Joyce (Black RF GT) 

Ian Mayberry (Black NB) 

Bruce Scarborough (Grey NC) 

Nick Willis (Soul Red RF GT) 

Hazel Hendry (British Racing Green NB) 

Yass Benjamin (Burgandy NB 10th Anniversary) 

Mark Sergeant (Silver NC) 

Ainsley Campbell (Machine Gray RF GT) 

Frances Eden (Blaxk ND) 

Rob Booth (Black NC) 

Andrew McDermont (Red NC) 

Michael Brown (Olive ND) 

Rachel Clark (Soul Red RF GT) 

Steve Fisher (Silver NB) 

Nick Porter (Machine Gray RS GT) 

William Beverley (Black NC) 

Stephen Robertson (Soul Red RF GT) 

Jackie Hermans (Soul Red RF GT) 

Andrew Bryant (Red NC) 

Paul Lucas (Blue NA) 

Tony Walker (Black NC) 

Troy Harper (Soul Red RF) 

Graheme Cover (Copper Red NC) 

Igor Kokoev (Blue ND) 

David Barlow (Red NC) 

Adrian Sao (Red NA) 


The MX-5 Clubs of Australia gather for a national meeting every second year, bringing together members 

from all around Australia to catch up with fellow enthusiasts, drive new roads, have fun and show off their 

pride-and-joy. NatMeets include motor sport events, social runs, a show ‘n shine day and a good deal of social 

activity. NatMeets were born at a meeting of all MX-5 Club presidents at Daylesford, Victoria in 1993 and 

continue to be held biennially, normally in April. Unfortunately, NatMeet has not been held since 2018, 

which was hosted by the SA Club in the Barossa Valley. So, this will be the first meet for six years. 

NatMeet XV will be hosted by our club from 11th to 15th April 2024. Based in Toowoomba, we will be driving 

some of the many enjoyable roads throughout the Darling Downs, Brisbane Valley and Lockyer Valley. Life 

member, and perennial Natmeeter, Henri van Roden is th Chair of the Organising Committee and planning 

is proceeding very well. The meet has attracted attendees from all MX-5 Clubs. Five ‘cars’ will be making the 

trek over from Western Australia and four are coming up from Tasmania. Over 90 ‘cars’ and 160 members will 

be attending. 

Our Club’s conduct of this event will be on display to members from across Australia. All members are 

encouraged to support the Organising Committee by becoming actively involved by attending the event and 

assisting when requested. 

NatMeet XV will include: 

A Track Day at Morgan Park on Thu 11 Apr with sprints, happy Laps and motorkhana. This will be a great 

opportunity for everyone to enjoy a day on the track with other MX-5s and meet up with friends old and new. 

‘Day entry’ is also available to all members not attending NatMeet XV itself. 

Morgan Park Warwick 

· 


Social Runs, both long and short, around Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, Brisbane Vally and Lockyer 

Valley encompassing many of the enjoyable and challenging roads in the region. 

Just cruising around 

Social functions, including a theme dinner night (fancy dress), where you will be able to enjoy yourselves 

with your friends and socialise with all the MX5ers from across Australia. 

A Show ‘n Shine on Sun, 14 Apr, where you can compete for the best of the best or just 

be happy to show off your baby in public. The day also includes visits to the Cobb & Co 

Museum and presentations on topics of interest to all MX 5 enthusiasts. There will be a 

‘Pride of Ownership’ category for those who would normally enter ‘concours de’elegance’ 

classes. A ‘day entry’ is also offered to members who are unable to attend NatMeet XV itself. 

Cobb & Co Museum 

A Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation at the amazing heritage listed Empire Theatre, Toowoomba. 

Empire Theatre Toowoomba 

NatMeets are great events when you can meet up with other MX-5 enthusiasts from all over Australia 

and enjoy some outstanding driving experiences and make new friends. We know 2024 NatMeet XV 

will be a great experience for all who attend. 

Looking forward to seeing you there! 

Henri van Roden and Organising Committee 


Mazda MX5 Club of 

Qld 

Club Champion 2023 

Awarded in recognition of 

your outstanding involvement 

and contribution to the MX5 

Club of Qld i 

President’s Award 

Contribution to Club 2023 

In recognition of your outstanding 

contribution to the 

MX5 Club of 

AWARDS 2023 

Robert Howlett 

Bill Dunk 

Motorsport Champion 

2023 

Lauchlan Thackwell-James 

Most participation by a 

New Member 2023 

Syd Bruce 

Encouragement Award 


Karly Williams 

Attendance on Runs 


Carl Eksteen 

Contribution to the 

Brisbane Chapter 2023 

Steve & Julie Hodgson 


Happy Laps - Lakeside 

Photo’s Courtisey Zac Nicol Photography 


Big Bang 2023 Kick-off Run 

Sunshine Coast Chapter 

Sunday 5th February, 2023 

Organised by: Jamie Thornburn 

Story by: 

Marg & Ivan Schindler 

Photography by: Marg & Ivan Schindler 

The Sunshine Coast Chapter’s first run for 2023 kicked off at Cooroy (from the Aboriginal word Kurui 

meaning possum) and headed to Coolum Beach (gulum or kulum meaning blunt or headless, the shape 

of Mount Coolum). 

Planned by our esteemed Chapter Leader Jamie Thorburn, the run was a little over 145 km with a stop 

at the Black Ant at Kin Kin for morning tea. We have stopped there before and what a great little venue 

it is. 

11 cars headed off at 9:00am following Jamie’s 

welcome for the New Year. Group 1 was led 

by Jamie and his son Cameron with Russell 

& Lynn Birrell as Tail-end Charlie and then 

Group 2 headed off ten minutes later led by 

Jerry Griffiths and Sue Clapham with Ivan and 

Marg Schindler bringing up the rear. 

Chapter Leader Jamie Thornburn (right) with son 

Cameron, driver for stage 1 

Ivan & Marg with an impressive line up of cars at 

Cooroy 

Jamie’s run sheet was spot on and we were led through some beautiful Sunny Coast scenery. Even so, 

two “adjustments” were made by our lead cars – planned of course, i.e. necessitating a turn-around. 

Group 1 rewrote the directions during Stage 1 at the Noosa Rd/Okeeffe Rd intersection. In Jamie’s 

words “Cameron was driving and, foolishly, he took me literally when I advised him that Okeeffe Rd 

was ‘well signposted’. Whilst there was, in fact, a signpost for Okeeffe Rd, it came immediately after 

the crest of a fast, sweeping left-hand bend…and was accompanied by my cry of ‘There it is, there it 


is…. back there!” Definitely the co-pilot’s error that one!! 

Group 2 was only 4km into Stage 2 when they sped past Dr Page’s Rd. How could we possibly have 

missed a major turn like that! Still had our heads back at the Black Ant Café I suspect. I’m sure 

everyone agrees that U-turns are always a great conversation piece at lunch afterwards. Ours certainly 

were at the Coolum Beach Hotel. 

The group had a great day out and everyone agreed that it was an ideal start to 2023. The weather was 

perfect, the scenery was typically spectacular and the cars performed as MX5s always do – by providing 

excitement and fun for those who drive them. 

Great Listeners at the start of the run 

Jamie welcomes everyone 

Annie and Rod at the Black Ant Cafe’ 

Over the bonnet 


February Sun in Tamborine 

Gold Coast Chapter 

26th February, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Trevor and Helen 

Dixon 

Helen Dixon 

Photography by: Trevor Dixon 

Ok, we were going to the Bearded Dragon 

Tavern and I had the song “April Sun in 

Cuba” by Dragon stuck in my head, so I 

hope you now understand the run name! 

After a week of heavy rain, the first Gold 

Coast run for 2023 was held in perfect 

conditions, with 27 well presented MX5’s 

turning up at the Mudgeeraba meeting 

point and we were all eager to get started. 

We had one new member Kai Foran and 

his father Tom participate for the first 

time, in their shiny Silver NC and Syd 

and Janet Bruce in their nice Black NC (is 

there any other colour really?) were along 

trying us out for size and were along as our 

guests for the day. 

There was no morning tea stop on this run 

as we were arriving in time for Brunch and 

would leave before the day became too hot. 

14 The Year 2023 

All 3 groups left 5 minutes apart and there 

were no incidents to report but we did get 

lots of comments on the route and the lovely 

tree canopy that made for a shaded drive. The 

74km drive took 1 hour and 30 minutes and 

wound its way through the back of Tallai, up

through the Panorama with spectacular views 

of the Gold Coast, around Mt Nathan, before 

twisting its way through Beechmont and then 

up the Goat Track to Tambourine Mountain. 

As John and Bec Barrett lead the first group 

through Tambourine, they caught the eye of 

a small group on MX5 owners parked at the 

parasailing lookout. As they arrived at the 

Bearded Dragon, they were soon joined by the 

enthusiasts that were interested in the cars. 

When the second group arrived they were all 

over Alan Hitchcock’s rocket ship and were 

asking lots of questions about his engine 

upgrade and other modifications. They were 

keen to learn about the club and as it turns 

out they are Track Day enthusiasts and spent 

time chatting with Alan about upcoming track 

events and joining the club - let’s hope they 

do. Karly Williams was quick to pass on one 

of the club cards and we hope to see them 

again at some stage. 

Kai and Tom were not able to stay for brunch 

but said they had a wonderful time and the 

comments from drivers behind Kai were that 

he was a very good driver, (he is still on his P 

plates but he drives really well). 

The meals at the Dragon were slow coming 

out if you were in the last group but that 

happens when you have over 50 people. 

Syd and Janet Bruce said they would seriously 

consider joining the club as the day was well 

organised and lots of fun. 

Thank you to everyone who 

came. 


Mid-Week 

Pop up Run 

to Brunswick Heads 


March, 2023 

Organised by: ) 

Story by: )Trevor and Helen Dixon 

Photography by: ) 

March saw the first of the Gold Coast Chapters mid-week popup runs, held under beautiful clear blue 

skies. The mid-week runs are designed to miss the usually commuter and school traffic by starting 

mid-morning with a nice 90 odd minute drive to a lunch stop, without stopping for morning tea stop. 

Following 2 last minute cancellations, 9 cars gathered at Woollies in Reedy Creek for the run to our 

lunch destination at Brunswick Heads. 

With open roads ahead of us, we merged the two groups into one with group 2 leaders Suzanne and 

Kevin Barnes in the middle to keep the group together. 

After the usually preamble, off we set on our 90km South run to the Brunswick Hotel. The weather 

was perfect for roof down driving through some really great driving roads. The route took us through 

the back of Tallebudgera and Currumbin Valley before heading over the top of Tomewin and crossing 

the border into New South Wales. From there we skirted around Murwillumbah and just before 

Uki, took a left turn to Stockers Siding. We continued to wind our way down Tweed Valley Way, past 

the fixed Speed Camera and onto and straight through Mooball, before taking the last leg along 

Brunswick Valley Way to the Brunswick Hotel. 

As we arrived just before 12 noon NSW time , we were greeted by Maggie Myers and we all settled in 

for a nice lunch, the food and company was great with excellent views overlooking the Simpson Creek 

Inlet. 

After lunch, a few members took the opportunity to stroll 

around town to take in the sights of Brunswick Heads, a busy 

coastal tourist town at any time. 

A small group, Dixon’s included, headed back to the Tweed 

Valley Cheese Factory at Burringbar for an ice cream. The 

Cheese Factory also has a café and caters for morning team 

and lunch, a good place to keep in mind, if you are ever down 

that way. Steve and Annie McKell, seasoned cruisers came 

well prepared with an esky and ice and were able to purchase 

cheese and chocolates, that won’t spoil on the trip home. 


Twilight Run 

West End to the BOO 

Brisbane Chapter 

Sunday 12th February, 2023 

Organised by: Ura Auckland 

Story by: Ura Auckland 

Photography by: Unknown 

Sunday 12 th February was the hottest day in February 

with a maximum temperature of 35.7c in 

Brisbane, and was therefore a VERY good day 

to be having our run later in the day coming 

into the Twilight. 

As a newly minted Chapter Leader I arrived 

nice and early to find the lawn known as ‘The 

Common’ where we were to meet at the West 

Village Shopping Precinct in West End, was in 

the sun still. 

The air was like a hair dryer, and I found refuge 

in an Air-Conditioned Hungarian Bakery called 

Kurtosh where 1 seat at the coffee bar opened 

up just as I walked in. I have to admit to having 

an extremely nice pastry with my coffee while I 

waited for those who had registered to arrive. 

After an hour or so the sun started to retreat 

behind the Marketplace buildings, and I was 

able to head out of the beautiful airconditioning, 

onto the Common which was beginning to fall 

into shade, to meet the first familiar faces on 

the lawn. 

My first omission as a Chapter Leader was to 

call for a volunteer for the run report, which 

is why this run report is being authored by me 

(belatedly on the 4 th June). This is not a mistake 

I will make a second time, not accidentally 

anyway, though I do love to write when I am 

less busy. 

Despite the still stinking hot late afternoon air 

probably not being much below the 35.7c maximum, 

we had a good turnout with 17 cars and 

24 people, for what is likely to be the shortest 

run of the year at just 23.5 kilometres if you 

followed the directions, which a number of the 

cars failed at dismally. We elected not to have 

groups, just to follow the Google Maps Directions 

or if you had a navigator the Run Sheet. 

I managed to tuck in behind run organisers Lisa 

and David, and followed them, but had to laugh 

in Yeronga when we had a few cars appear 

coming out of a street at our left, including a 

conspicuously yellow NC. 

It was actually a beautiful drive around the 

bends in the Brisbane River, with our movement 

through the air taking a few degrees off 

the experience of a very warm late afternoon. 

Our destination, “The Boo” or “Booroodabin 

Community & Recreation Club” is the oldest 

bowls club in Queensland, established in 

1888. We parked our gaggle of 17 MX-5s on the 

grassed car park, and headed in to the outdoor 

verandah, protected from the western sun. We 

paid for our Chicken or Beef Burgers, with oddly 

not a single vego among us that day to take 

up the Vego Burger Option, and ordered and 

consumed cold beverages responsibly, but taking 

in way more cool liquid than on the average 

day. For me a jug of Lemon Lime & Bitters. 

It was a truly lovely social afternoon, and we 

sat and mingled, and ate and cooled down in 

the shade for a good two and a half hours till 

the management had to turf the last of us out 

to close their doors on a beautiful and rather 

memorable Sunday Afternoon. 

The Twilight Run was a wonderful success, and 

formed the inspiration in this Chapter Leader’s 

mind for the Glorious Twilight Run from Goodna 

to the Gap. 


MXing to the Bay 


Sunday 26th March, 2023 

Organised by: Ash Duff and John 

Buxton 

Story by: Ash Duff 


Kevin Barnes 

On a mild morning, twenty four MX5s 

lined up in two rows under the sails in the 

Pimpama shopping centre car park. With 

coffee in hand we soon received our run 

sheets, debriefing the three large groups. We 

all zeroed our odometers and in an orderly 

procession, filed out of the car park towards 

Ormeau. We proceeded through many 

roundabouts along Peachy Rd and Stanmore Rd, across the Albert River Bridge along 

Cedar Creek to Tamborine Village and towards the mountain. A right turn 4km up the 

track took us through some narrow one lane back roads returning to Tamborine Village 

and on to faster open stretches to Logan Village, winding our way through Logan 

reserve, Waterford to Shailer Park where we stopped for morning tea and a catch-up 

chat. 


After regrouping and several pieces of cake later we headed off to California Creek Rd 

on to the twisty West Mt Cotton Rd with a steep a climb past the Quarry into Double 

Jump Rd through tucked away rural roads and adjoining farms trying their best to hide 

from the suburban sprawl. 

Only a five km drive to the recently renovated Redland Bay Hotel, a nice lunch under 

the umbrella clad tables overlooking the water to views of Stradbroke Island. 

Thanks to everyone who took part in the run & Group leaders, Trevor & Helen Dixon, 

Kevin & Suzanne Barnes and John Buxton, my trusty Navigator for the day. 


Meet and Eat 

Gold Coast Social Events 

THE YEAR 2023 

Organised by: 

Peter & Ali Cook 

Richard & Pat Varley 


Kevin Barnes 



Goodna to the Gap 


Saturday 8th April, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Ura Auckland 

John & Robyn Martin 


Let’s do it in the dark!! 

It was a dark and stormy night … no wait that 

was Friday night…………… 

It was a windy Saturday afternoon as we met at 

the McDonalds Car Park, Goodna. The wind 

had whipped into a frenzy as about 20 gorgeous 

MX-5s and their even more fabulous owners and 

co-pilots turned out for the twilight run from 

Goodna, up Mt Glorious and then on to the 

Gap Tavern. 

As usual, Ura had put together a cracking run 

for us all. We kicked off in three groups with 

about 10 minutes between us. Soon after we 

were passing the historic Royal Mail Hotel 

which used to be an old Cobb & Co. stop. 

Onwards we pushed with a scenic tour through 

the Wolstan Park Golf Course where there were 

many, many kangaroos as well as the odd golfer 

(they’re all odd aren’t they), the occasional speed 

bump which some thought were launching 

ramps. At the end of the road we were met with 

the delightful sight of the historic Woogaroo 

Insane Asylum (1865) – thankfully none in 

our party were dropped off, nor did we pick up 

anyone else. 

Some good travel along the Logan Motorway, 

though some of our crew were caught in 

traffic and got left behind out of radio range. 

Thankfully most caught up as we headed to the 

turn to Esk & Toowoomba. 

Had a bit of an issue as we made the turn Pine 


Mountain Road as we were still missing some 

of our group. After a stop by those in front 

and then many phone calls, arm waving and 

directions given, received, etc. we were all on 

our way again. It was a bit of a challenge for 

those driving with the sun setting, however it 

was a nice section with all the greenery after the 

recent rain. Great driving road as we passed the 

twin cab tray cemetery. 

Drive through Fernvale was very quiet for a 

Saturday evening – no one around, except a few 

cows in the fields. Terrific views on the way to 

Mt Glorious of the Wivenhoe Dam. As we took 

the turn to Mt. Glorious we were amazed to see 

a large number of burnout donuts – more on

that later. 

As we went up Mt Glorious the sun was setting and the mountain lived up to its name as it truly was 

a glorious sunset with all the different colours from red to orange, to purple and then finally to inky 

black. We all made it to the break area for a quick comfort stop before pressing on. The storm the 

previous night had certainly done some damage as there was a lot of debris with leaves and small 

branches across the road which made for interesting driving as the night deepened. 

We headed out of the break stop and drove through the Mt Glorious Village which was again rather 

quiet for a Saturday evening. Was a lovely drive with the crickets and frogs chirping in the night and 

with the tree canopy overhead and the glow of the tail lights of cars in front was rather magical. 

With even more debris on the road as we headed down the mountain we finally made our way 

carefully into The Gap. As we were driving through we saw a couple of law enforcement officers 

having a chat with a group of youths with, shall we say, less than roadworthy vehicles, tyres, etc., 

etc. Could these be the burnout boys who were responsible for the rubber donuts at the turn to Mt 

Glorious – we could only wonder. 

Just as we thought we were almost to our dinner and some refreshments, our fearless leader and 

President Lisa, directed us into a neighbour’s driveway, mistaking that for the Dan Murphy’s car park! 

Having realised her mistake and most of us laughing as we passed, we all managed to get to the 

Tavern where a great meal and a glass of ‘lemonade’ was had. 

Thanks to everyone who came along for the run and again to Ura for organizing another great trip for 

us all. 


To the Valley and Fields of 


Sunday 30th April, 2023 

Organised by: Andrew & Karly 

Story by: 

Williams 

Andrew and Karly 

Williams 

Photography by: Andrew Williams 

Joy 

Starting at Mudgeeraba and having a down 

pouring of rain at 6am, we thought we’d be in 

for a miserable day. Leading up to the run date, 

we had 29 MX5’s registered. On the Saturday 

before the run, this jumped to 32 registrations. 

With the weather starting off pretty ordinary, 

we thought we’d lose a few cars but with only 

2 cars cancelling, a total of 30 cars attended 

overall. This was a new record for the Gold 

We left Mudgeeraba on schedule with the 

weather clearing even further whilst traveling 

via Worongary, Advancetown and up to Mount 

Tamborine. As we reached Mount Tamborine, 

and just after sighting the beautiful views of the 

whole Gold Coast to the left, we hit heavy fog 

that reduced visibility to only 100metres or so. 

Due to the Traffic Lights on Tamborine 

Mountain Road, group 2 caught up with group 

1, and group 4 caught up with group 3, luckily 

due to the next few sections of roads on the way 

to Beaudesert, some distance between the groups 

was restored. 

Travelling from Mount Tamborine to Canungra, 

saw the fog lift and revealed clear blue skies, 

Coast chapter, the previous record was 28. 

As the morning progressed, so did the weather. 


which everyone enjoyed for the remainder of the 

day. 

Morning Tea at Beaudesert saw the club

meet up with our 30 th vehicle, and quite lucky they met us there, as they had secured one of the few 

remaining Gazebos for us. Jubilee Park was busier than usual and some club members even had to 

park across the road. 

We left morning tea and headed for Jimboomba via Kerry, Hillview, Christmas Creek, Josephville, 

Bromelton, and Flagstone Crossing along several roads we hadn’t travelled before. There were lots of 

single lane roads and single lane bridges through the valleys. 

Unfortunately, group 1 got stuck behind a very slow Ford Falcon traveling 20k’s under the speed limit 

for a few sections of road, so to say the least we were very pleased when they turned off at Boonah- 

Beaudesert Road. 

We finished at Jimboomba Tavern for lunch, the good run and good meals served were deemed a hit 

by all. The MX5 gods smiled upon us all once again. 

There was however, one slight issue. Greg Stone left his clutch out there somewhere and is still 

waiting on the replacement. 

This was the first run that we had organized, this has made us 

realize the efforts everyone puts in and we now appreciate even further every run we attend. 

Regards 

Andrew & Karly Williams 


Lets go to Beechmere for 


Sunday 13th May, 2023 

Lunch 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

John and Marion Tait 

Dianne Kelly 

Photography by: Not Supplied 

On a sunny Saturday morning, 16 enthusiastic MX5 drivers and their navigators assembled at Old 

Petrie Town for the May run. A collection of Classic Cars and Utes were there, which the group 

inspected and showed their appreciation of the quality of restoration. Some browsed through the 

shops and eateries beforehand to purchase food, coffee, sweets or gifts before we set off. 

Brisbane Chapter Leader, Ura Auckland welcomed everyone including a return member Hayden 

Watson. John Tait conducted the briefing with an explanation of the intricacies and quirks of the run 

with 2 groups leaving 10 minutes apart. 

Everything was going well for Group 1 with 8 cars until a left hand turn at the Vet Hospital at 

Williamson Road, where 4 cars missed the turn and continued straight on. Than the rain came, 

which resulted in one driver (who shall remain nameless) stopped to put his roof up, then missed 

a turn, because he couldn’t hear his navigator wife’s instruction due to the heavy rain. This meant 

there were only 3 cars left in Group 1. The lost car, whose driver (not the navigator), knew the area 

well, took a short cut and re-joined the group at the D’Aguilar Highway intersection resulting in 4 

cars being back in Group 1. The previously lost 4 cars continued on to the lunch destination. There 

were many twists and turns until we crossed the Bruce Highway, where the leader of Group 1 directed 

us to the Beachmere Tavern for lunch. A short time later, Group 2 arrived, seemingly having no 

trouble at all following the run sheet directions. 

Everyone enjoyed their choice of lunch, some sharing a pizza or sandwich and chips, due to the large 

serving sizes. Some chose a cold beverage with their meal and everyone had chats with their fellow 

members over lunch. 

Our thanks go to Run Organisers, John and Marion Tait, for their leadership for the May Run, and 

Chapter Leader Ura Auckland who met us at the beginning and end of the run as his car was in a 

workshop being modified. 


Mudgee Shores Run 



Organised by: 

Story by: 

Rick and Billee Olive 

Rick and Billee Olive 


On a very chilly Sunday morning, we gathered at Mudgeeraba shops car park, to head off on 

our monthly run. 19 cars headed off towards the South in three groups. A short run through the 

‘burbs of Reedy Creek and off towards Currumbin Creek onto the Tomewin Mountain Road. We 

enjoyed the twists and turns of this route before heading into the cane fields and some nice open 

corners with good surfaces. Skirting the edge of Murwillumbah, Uki was out next target. Into Smith’s 

Creek road for a some more fine country scenery and curves before Stoker’s Siding. After having a 

really good run, with little traffic, all three groups made it safely into Burringbar for morning tea. We 

all met up and enjoyed the sunshine and good company. 

Thirst and hunger sated, we turned towards Billinudgel where we turned to the West and 

headed inland. Many single lane fords were crossed without incident and then into thick rainforest, 

where the road became very tight and twisting. Open roads from there back to the East and into 

Mullumbimby before heading onto the Myocum road. 

Apparently, Group two, led by our illustrious chapter leader (who shall remain nameless), 

missed a few turns and some confusion ensued! Something about the mileage difference between his 

odometer and the route notes! Yeah right, any excuse Trevor! Oops… 

The Myocum road had some lovely open sweepers and quickish corners that were a lot of fun…at 

legal speeds,of course. Up the escarpment where some lovely views towards Byron Bay were off to the 

right. Back to Mullumbimby and once again into thick rainforest with its winding roads. There were a 

few potholes and decent sizes bumps thrown in to keep us all alert. Once out of the jungle, we headed 

for lunch at the Ocean Shores Golf Club, where we had a great meal and some refreshments, before 

heading home. Unfortunately, one car picked up a bad puncture on the way home. Many offered 

assistance but the car made the trip home on the back of a tow truck. 

All in all, I’m pretty sure everyone enjoyed the variety of roads and scenery that we’d tried to 

include and the bonus was the fantastic Autumn weather that we’d asked Huey to provide. And what 

great little cars they are... Zoom, Zoom. 


WINTER WANDERINGS 

#16 


Sunday 11th June, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Denise & Neville 

Steve Hodgson 

Photography by: Steve Hodgson 

The mercury was low, but spirits were 

definitely high, as we assembled at Logan 

River Parklands in Beenleigh for the start 

of Winter Wanderings #16 brought to us by 

Denise Peck and Neville Fair. 

Predictably, a large turnout of cars assembled 

in the carpark – (around 30), the dominant 

model being the NC which accounted for 

roughly half the field, closely followed by 

the ND, however all models were there, and 

standards of presentation were as always, 

suitably high! 

With the briefing over, it was soon time to get 

underway and deal with some of the “relaxed” 

Sunday morning drivers that seemed to 

feature on the outskirts of Beenleigh. 

Soon enough, the roads cleared, the limits 

were raised and the run began in earnest. Group 2 were treated to a running commentary from No2 

son, who was riding shotgun in my car. Interestingly I didn’t realise that Mount Lindesay had been 

named after Lyndsay Lohan however it came over the intercom so it must be true. Every day is indeed 

a school day as they say! 

In no time at all, or so it seemed, we arrived at the morning tea stop in Rathdowney, with a few of the 

cars finding it “challenging” to negotiate the speed humps on the way in (and out again). 

The conversations were many and varied, with the opportunity to check out the cars of some newer 

members and compare notes on what works and what really doesn’t when it comes to modifications. 

And so, it was “back in the saddle” again and off on the 2nd leg, which generally consisted of 

reasonably fast and open roads with plenty of varied corners and generally good road surfaces. In total 

we covered the best part of 200km on the run itself. 


Surprisingly, Group 2 caught up with Group 1, because of a mishap involving a substantial item of 

wooden furniture and the well-presented NC of Denise and Neville, both of which were moving at 

the time! Fortunately, nobody was hurt, appropriate representations were made and onward they 

travelled with the rest of the group. Suffice to say it’s that old chestnut again – people carting things 

around on the back of a Ute without the appropriate tie downs! 

The carpark of the Railway Hotel beckoned 

shortly after 12:00 for lunch & we were treated 

to a meet and greet from none other than Peter 

and Brenda Phillips who joined us. As usual the 

conversation flowed freely while we enjoyed some 

top tucker and the odd cold beer, which hit the 

spot perfectly. 

Thanks again to Denise and Neville for their 

organization – another “Ripper Run” and a date 

for your diary next year 


Nimble Imble Amble 


Sunday 30th April, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Mark & Meredith Spits 

Lyn & Russell Birrell 


This run really lived up to its name; ambling 

around some truly magnificent hinterland 

scenery that provided great driving experiences 

with ample zoom-zoom moments around tight 

corners, punctuated by stretches of open roads 

to race the horses and ruffle the hair. 

An earlier than usual 8.30am start saw our 

super organized Leader, ‘herding the cats (and 

cars)’ out the gate of Ewing Maddock Park 

on the dot! There were two groups of eight 

including two new members and two potential 

members checking out’ the ‘SC Chapter’. Some 

of the usual SC reprobates, as expected, played 

up a bit, but our newbies seemed to fit right in, 

causing some confusion as to whether they had 

lifted or lowered the SC Chapter standards! 

Suffice to say they are very welcome, and 

as usual we had support from other chapter 

members travelling some distance to join us, 

always appreciated, thank you, I think your 

early support for the SC Chapter now sees it 


alive, even beginning to thrive. 

The ‘mob of MX5’s departed, with all the tops down, a wonderful fine, warm but overcast day, 

smells of the forests, what could possibly go wrong? Group 1 headed off enthusiastically, but quite 

remarkably, our second navigation point just got up & disappeared, went walkabout!!! We lost Tunnel 

Ridge Rd – bugger! Actually, we didn’t go far enough to find it, at its new location, according to 

Group 1 leader! So, Group 1 became Group 3 as Group 2 cruised past – if that makes any sense! 

Anyhow, the run gave us many differing road conditions, all great to drive, along delightful winding 

picturesque roads that was so much fun for me as I was driving. Some congestion on Mountain 

View Rd, provided the opportunity to leisurely view the Glasshouse Mountains on a crystal-clear 

day, on roads lined by jacarandas in full flower. We shared this part of our run with bikes and their 

entourage, some other car enthusiasts and tourists. After this we were pretty much able to do what 

MX-5’s do best – zoom-zoom, especially on Burnett Rd - check it out! 

Morning tea was at Conondale, time for a quick chat, some finger pointing, and a cuppa, then away to 

Imbil over flatter country, one-way bridges and some roadworks. Group 1, having assumed its rightful 

place up front, had some added help from a strange ‘lolly pop’ man standing beside some portable 

automatic ‘red lights ‘at roadworks – explaining in detail that you had to stop when the light was red – 

strange!!!! 

Arriving at the Railway Hotel at Imbil, we relaxed with good food and refreshments while regaling 

our fellow zoomers with past, present and planned exploits. A bonus for the shopaholics was a Sunday 

Market across the road – good deals on cacti grown from seeds apparently, for those wanting to make 

their own Tequila! 

This event was the brain child of Mark & Meredith Spits who did all the hard work, but couldn’t 

attend through other commitments. It was such a pity to miss such a great run with the consensus 

being ‘keep up the good work’, - apparently there is some obscure sub-section of a section in club rules 

that says if you don’t attend, it doesn’t count!!!!!! 

Zoom Zoom, - Lyn & Russell Birrell 


Not - Meet 2023 

7th to 10th April, 2023 

Story by: 

Trevor Dixon 

Photography by: Trevor & Helen Dixon 

For those new to the club, Not Meet is a bi-annual event held 

between the NSW and Queensland MX5 Clubs. Historically 

organised by Steven Carter of NSW and held in Northern 

NSW over the Easter long weekend. In its thirteenth year or 

thereabouts, Not Meet is held on the year when the National 

MX5 Clubs Meet (NAT MEET) is not held, hence the name 

Not Meet. Not Meet is very well organised with runs and 

events scheduled for each day. 

Organised this year by John Purcell of the Hunter Valley 

Chapter, Not Meet was held in Armidale with 11 cars from 

Queensland and 19 cars from NSW in attendance. 

The Queensland contingent travelled to Armidale in 2 Groups, with Dennis and Dianna Kelly and 

Ross & Heather Cali meeting us there. 

Ivan and Margaret Schindler lead a trio of cars down from the Sunshine Coast, including Jerry 

Griffiths & Sue Clapman and Ron and Teddy Grove. 

Helen and I lead a 6 car group to Armidale, comprising Richard and Pat Varley, Henry and Maureen 

van Roden, Brian and Kathy Riches, Ray and Monika Rickwood and Jamie and Louise Thorburn. 

With Double Demerit points active in NSW over the Easter Long weekend, we were on our best 

behaviour, well……. most of the time (that will be the day Trevor!!!) (from editor). 

Day 1 – Easter Friday 

The main group met at Jubilee Park in Beaudesert and following a quick chat and sign in, we were on 

our way to Armidale. 

Our planned route was a tick over 400km that would take us via Boonah, Queen Mary Falls, 

Killarney, Tenterfield for lunch, then onto Armidale. 

Well you know that old saying, the best laid plans of mice and men. Contrary to several road checks 

on the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website and Google Maps on the status 

and condition of the roads, we found that Head Road between Boonah and Queensland Mary Falls (a 

fantastic driving road) was closed, only open to local traffic and according to a local, is only accessible 

by 4WD “you won’t get through there in those cars” she said as the roads are still being repaired from 

the March 2022 floods would you believe? So a quick U turn followed that cost about 40 minutes to 

return to Boonah, where we regrouped over morning tea. 


The new plan of attack was straight down the Cunningham Highway, through Cunningham’s Gap 

to Tenterfield. We were fortunate that a storm had passed through ahead of us, the roads were wet 

but we didn’t encounter any rain. As we approached the Stanthorpe bypass, we noticed the Sunny 

Coast trio just ahead of us and as we were closing in on them they peeled off to Stanthorpe for 

lunch. We pushed on for our lunch stop at the Tenterfield Tavern. The service was quick and the 

food was good, more on Helen’s meal of choice of Creamy Garlic Prawns in Mango Risotto a bit 

later (if you can’t pick the danger words, they are underlined). 

While we enjoying our lunch and conversation, the Sunny Coast trio snuck quietly past us. 

Walking back to our cars after lunch and under darkening and threating sky’s, debate pursued 

around tops up or tops down? Jamie and Louise put down the challenge to keep their top down 

and Helen and I followed suit. The wiser heads left their tops up. Not far into the journey the 

rain set in, Jamie waved the white flag and stopped to put his top up and we followed very quickly 

thereafter. It was fortunate that we did because the rain become heavier and heavier as we pushed 

further South into NSW, so much so it was getting a little hard to 

see with rivers of water laying across and on the side of the road. 

Once safely through the rain and approaching Armidale there were 

piles of hailstones lining either side of the road with Rainbows on 

the horizon showing us the way. 

Some 500km and 9 hours later (U turn included) we pulled into to 

the Country Comfort Motel in Armidale and surprisingly we beat 

the NSW group in and were also just ahead of the Sunny Coast trio 

who had stopped for fuel along the way. 

The car park filled quickly as the stream of MX5’s arrived one 

after another. In typical MX5 style, happy hour was held in 

front of the hotel rooms which allowed everyone to say hello to 

past acquaintances and to make new friends. A beautiful two course meal followed in the main 

restaurant and a great night was had by all……. except Helen, remember those danger words 

mentioned earlier.…. well from around 11pm to 3am the next morning Helen suffered a severe bout 

of food poisoning and spent the night hugging her new best friend, Bob the toilet bowl. Creamy 

Prawns from a remote country pub, seemed like a good idea at the time. 

Day 2 – Saturday 

Winds had picked up overnight and the sky was a little overcast initially but the rain held off. 

There was a choice of two runs available on 

the day, with both groups stopping at the 

spectacular Dangar Falls just north of Dorrigo 

for morning tea and lunch at the Bellingen 

Butter Factory, but at different times. The 

Butter Factory is famous for its selection of 

quality ice creams as well as being a great little 

cafe with good food, it’s certainly worth a visit 

if you are ever out that way. 


Option 1: Run to Bellingen and back via Tyringham a 

distance of 327km. 

Option 2: Was the longer 450km Corkscrew run to 

Bellingen, via Coffs Harbour and Coutts Crossing. 

The entire Queensland contingent opted for the shorter 

run except Helen and I who opted for the longer 

Corkscrew run. Helen was resting comfortably by now 

and decided she would stay in the hotel and catch up on 

lost sleep and continue her recovery versus being thrown 

around through the Corkscrew and said I would be a pain 

in the neck hanging around and that I should go on the 

run, which I did. What a great run it was. Both groups 

crossed during the day with Group 1 arriving at Dangar 

Falls and the Butter factory just as Group 2 was departing. 

By all reports the shorter run, which was still 327km was equally good and thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

Another fine group dinner was held in the restaurant again that night following happy hour. 

Day 3 – Easter Sunday 

We woke to another perfect day, the morning was cool but with clear blue skies. 

Sundays run offered both an 8.30am and 1.00pm start time for those who wished a sleep in, with a 

group lunch planned at Great Hops Brewery. The vast majority attended the 8.30am run with many 

also attending the afternoon run as well. 

Helen and I had opted for the afternoon run following lunch, which gave us some time to look around 

town, drop into a farmer’s market, grab a coffee and visit a small local vintage & rare car display next 

to the market grounds. There we met an Armidale local by the name of Kev who was displaying his 

pristine, multi concourse award winning Green NA, which he has owned for some 30 years and has 

only travelled 13,000km in that time. Kev also owns a rare orange 30th Anniversary MX5 amongst 

other rare cars we understand and is a member of the NSW MX5 Club. 


There was a bit of delay with the Brewery opening on time, which in turned delayed lunch and 

necessitated a shortening of the afternoon run which took us to Gostwyck for a photo opportunity 

of the All Saints Anglian Church and then the backway back to Armidale, a very enjoyable and 

picturesque run. 

The final Group dinner was held in the restaurant again the food was first class. Henry stood up to 

promote Nat Meet in Toowoomba with many saying they had already registered and were very much 

looking forward to it. 

Day 4 - Easter Monday 

Following a hearty breakfast and debate with Maureen over a departure time, we set off on the 500 km 

return trip at 8.30a.m. Jamie and Louise were off to visit family in Coffs Harbour, an elaborate excuse 

really to have another drive of the Corkscrew? 

The trip took us back on the main highways as mentioned earlier, some of the more interesting and 

picturesque roads were closed. 

First stop was morning tea at Glenn Innes and then onto O’Mara’s Hotel at Stanthorpe for a fabulous 

lunch. Alan and Dale Hitchcock who were caravanning in the area joined us for lunch which was 

nice. 

We then pushed onto Aratula for our last comfort stop and to say our goodbyes. 

The weather was perfect and the roads were mainly clear except for a small hold up outside Aratula 

due to an earlier accident. 

What a great weekend enjoyed by all and congratulations to John Purcell and his organising team for 

putting on a first class weekend. 

All up we covered around 1,600 km over the 4 days, travelling some great MX5 driving roads in good 

company. The Country Comfort Hotel was a great choice of venue and we were well looked after all 

weekend. If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend a Not Meet, do yourself a favour and pencil it in 

as a must do in 2025. 

Finally, congratulations and thankyou once more to John Purcell and his team for putting together a 

very enjoyable Easter long weekend. 

Happy Driving… and on good advice when travelling through the countryside remember to skip those 

Creamy Garlic Prawns in Mango Risotto, no matter how tempting it sounds. 




The Great Buderim 

Run-around 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Jamie Thornburn 

Bruce Richardson 

Photography by: Scott Quaill 

A brisk morning greeted the 18 cars and crews, who gathered at the Syd Lingard carpark lower Buderim. With 

the group split into two, Jamie gave a briefing of upcoming events, and introduced visiting members and would 

be new younger members. 

Margaret and myself were in group two, ably led by young Ben Cook who is about to turn seventeen and pilot 

Kerry Cook with Susie and Pete Rogers being tail end Charlie. We departed after a ten minute interval and 

headed up the hill then down passing through Sippy Downs and also the iconic Banana bender pub and shady 

Glenview. Eudlo was next then Palmwoods and up towards the beautiful Hinterland. 

We continued on with glorious views and passed a huge new horticultural development, no idea what they are 

going to produce at this point, however on to our morning tea destination at Kondalilla Falls. With parking 

at a premium, we all parked on the uphill side of the road, with instructions coming from the property owner 

opposite. A few set off downhill with flasks and full bladders to the tables and toilets, while the wise ones 

decided to use the grassy knoll next to our cars. The climb up the hill tested the fitness and stamina of some 

members. Ron and Teddy Gove thought the climb back up too steep for Ron, so they woke up their friends 

who lived nearby and pleaded to use their toilet, (great initiative), Those who went downhill arrived back 

panting and sweaty - lol. Once back in our cars we set off to Montville and down Razorback Road through 

Hunchy, Palmwoods came into view again, then whoops, a wrong turn. A conversation was then held with a 

lady walking her dog who tried to help our convoy out, however ignoring her instructions which included a dirt 

road, Ben wisely did a U turn and got us back on track. 

I think we passed through Palmwoods three times following our instructions, and the locals must have been 

bemused with it all. Some of the roads were completely new to me, which was a good thing seeing we have 

been on numerous runs around this area. We travelled along the Sunshine Motorway exiting onto Kawana Way 

to our lunch stop at the Brightwater hotel. A lovely lunch and refreshment 

was had, with a few meals slow in arriving but overall a great run and 

thanks to Jamie, Ben and Kerry for the excellent event. 


South of the 

Border 

Gold Coast Coast Chapter 

Sunday 7th June, 2023 

Organised by: 

Anne Bremmner 

Story by: 

Bruce Richardson 

Photography by: Helen Dixon 

Andrew Williams 

Hola and Buenos dias fellow MX5-ers! 

GC Chapter Run for June 2023 was originally designed 

for February 2022, during the height of summer and 

shortly after the borders between NSW and QLD opened 

again. The name “South of the Border” held excitement 

and anticipation to venture South freely in early 2022, Helen Dixon and I had a wonderful time 

traversing the country side in and out of NSW exploring the roads that would become part of this 

original run. Unfortunately, due to the devastating floods this month the run was rescheduled for 

April 2022, sadly for the Northern NSW community these roads were still under the power of Mother 

Nature, quite literally. 

Fast forward to June 2023, with a modestly adjusted run design, 

the GC Chapter members and guests gathered in a chilly 

10-degree morning at Nerang Fair Shopping Centre to begin. 

It was a great turn out of “first timers” and a lifetime member. 

It was wonderful to see so many moustaches, sombreros and 

ponchos, there was even an adapted plastic rain poncho - top 

marks for invention to the Varleys! 

The run meandered along familiar stunning tree lined roads 

behind the Gold Coast, taking in lush green countryside and 

cows! There is no escaping “Sunday drivers” on the roads 

however, this gave time to drink in the splendour atop the ridges, 

sleepy villages and farm lets, you could almost hear the banjos 

playing! Crossing into NSW the road wound down passing through the quaint town of Chillingham 

(worth a visit) and opening out into the cane fields surrounding Murwillumbah. Our first stop and 

morning tea was in Knox Park, where an abundance of delicious snacks such as Ali’s raspberry slice 

and Annie’s guacamole were generously shared among the group. 

After more than adequate refreshment the groups headed off into the picturesque Northern NSW 

farmland of rolling hills and cane fields, crossing over the expansive Tweed River 

and past “The God Fathers” horse stud with Horse Heads atop the entrance 

gateposts. A hidden right hand turn on the bend gave some drivers their first taste 

of Hogans Road, undeniably a road made for MX5’s and enjoyed by all. 

The final stage had lovely MX5 corners up and down Bilambil Hills with views 

across Terranora Lakes and beyond to the Ocean. A relaxing drive parallel with the 

Tweed River brought us to our final destination, Coolangatta Tweed Golf Course 

and a free beer! The Golf Club were fabulous hosts, the food was fresh, inexpensive 

and the café views enviable across the Golf Course. 

Special mention to Steve for most moustache-y moustache and Annie for sharing a 

themed morning tea. You two take the most enthusiastic Mexicans award! 

Thanks to Alison Cook for once again being my favourite co-pilot. This time we did 

not miss the first turn talking too much! 

Adios, amigos, until next time! 


Brisbane Loop de Loop 


Sunday 9th July, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Shane and Lori Davis 

Steve Hodgson 

Photography by: Steve Hodgson 

The hills were alive (sic) with the sound of music

Darra to the Gap 


Sunday 13th August, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Ura Auckland 

Ura Auckland 

Photography by: Not Supplied 

And so we gathered on an auspicious August day in Darra, to commence another MX-5 road run 

and acknowledge Indonesian Independence Day with representative clothing with us all decked out 

in something red and white, colours of that nation’s national flag. Good turnout with 24 cars on the 

start line, including some newbies. The morning was warm and welcoming as we set off across the 

Centenary Highway before heading towards Wacol prison and the sight of wild wallabies. Later one of 

the group mentioned seeing ‘a man in a wallaby suit’ which on the face of it was a bit…odd, however 

we did see some more real wallabies some distance further on! 

The trip was very well planned, navigation straightforward and almost avoiding motorways altogether 

as we drove through the picturesque roads around Mt Crosby before reaching one of the great 

highlights of the trip. Something that’s not been experienced many times before on an MX-5 road 

run. The MOGGILL FERRY. The queue of vehicles MX-5s interspersed with some utes and SUVs 

due to a modest delay in the ferry returning to our side of the river only added to the excitement. Not 

one of the longest crossings in the world, yet one that has saved the taxpayer many, many millions 

of dollars to build a bridge, and we were all soon aboard. We were now Boatsters, sailing across the 

mighty Brisbane River. And all too soon, the magic was over (3 minutes and ya done) and we were 

disembarking with rubber to the road and pedal to the metal again. Roadsters and RFs once more. 

Temperatures were lifting nicely into the mid-twenties centigrade as we fired engines towards 

Fernvale and the famous bakery for our morning tea pit stop. Great day for a top-down drive and 

good representation of other road users, particularly motorbikes and some incredibly keen and 

capable speed cyclists. 

Snaking up towards Mt Glorious where the road is clearly marked with burnout tyre rubber from 

less enlightened drivers doing their thing. One roadster was disabled due to a fuel issue and the rest 

of the group was waved on. Terrific cornering climbs with careful speed management required here 

before reaching the highest elevations before crossing to Mt Nebo and the magnificent vistas to the 

north of Brisbane and beyond. Double-set of maintenance traffic lights on route to build our patience 

levels or maybe a quick game of ‘I-Spy’ before twisting our way back down the mountain with the 

Bell birds singing their distinctive chiming song. Just as we reached the bottom of Mt Nebo, a white 

sedan was sighted in the undergrowth that had lost control some time ago. 

Onward for some peaceful suburban driving for a few kilometres before we all met again as a group 

at The Gap Tavern for food, drink and general chats about the day. 


GOLD COAST 


Sunday 9th July, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Trevor & Helen Dixon 

Eric (SCOOP) McColough 

Photography by: Kevin Barnes 

It began like most days. 

A delicious, peaceful warmth being interrupted 

by an alarm which was followed by a grunt. 

As one foot chased the other to the coffee 

machine, my internal sun began to shine. 

A few minutes later the bitter beauty was doing 

its job and my nticipation of the day drew a 

smile. 

Today’s run has been 20 years in the making. 

Each kilometre would say thanks to the hundreds 

of driven Queenslanders that held a reverence 

for their MX5 above trivialities like sleep, rain & 

cold. 

Hundreds of Queenslanders had built our club 

for fun and as I backed out of the garage, I said a 

silent thanks. 


My navigator Greg Stone and I met the crew at Mariners 

Cove and what a site we saw. 

Cars with palm trees in passenger seats, meter tall golden 

GC letters floating above a windscreen, colourful hats, 

pineapples and more Hawaiian shirts than at a Jimmy 

Buffet concert. 

After one more coffee, Trevor addressed folk from 

Brisbane to NSW. He covered the essentials while the 

threat of grey skies refused to bugger off. 

Clouds followed us to the Seaworld carpark where Kevin 

took some pics. Only the bravest dropped their tops and 

with one eye skyward, our 4 intrepid groups departed. 

Greg and I were leading Group 4 so I made sure they 

were well aware that there would be surprises. 

The first run south took us past all things Gold Coast 

including a gentle rolling surf with white caps on an aqua 

sea. 

There were families young and not so, lots of high rise 

apartments, speed humps, coffee shops, a beach buggy, 

surf board signs, surf shops, surf clubs, bikinis and 

tourists with a collective belief that todays grey skies 

would soon disappear. 

Morning tea drew laughter about early U turns and a 

friendly warmth with delicious cakes & biscuits offered by 

their caring makers. 

I couldn’t decide if another coffee would have benefited 

me but I knew for certain the roof was staying up. I 


couldn’t trust those grey clouds to turn 

away. 

The first section of the 2nd half was a 

little less glitter strip and a little more 

suburban trip. 

Greg and I were feeling pretty good about 

leading our group when it all fell apart. 

One U turn turned into two and before 

we knew it we were taking our 7 loyal 

followers on a scenic tour of Reedy Creek. 

Thankfully maps from the Oracle got us 

back on track, but now the extra 2.8ks 

added a mathematical challenge to our 

drive....hmmm..... 

Suburbia became semi rural as curbs turned into gum trees and neatly mowed acreage rolled 

by. 

The roof was up but things could have been worse and very nearly were for the wallaby that 

hopped in front of the Ford F150 in front of us. 

Happily we all passed our brake test. 

By now we were heading up to Mt Tamborine and that voice inside suggested I got a bit more 

feral. 

Ducks and drakes ignored us as we zoomed by. 

White centre lines became more suggestion than requirement as soft rain fell, then stopped to 

start again. 

Would this make the roads a little slippery I wondered? 

Over lunch I was told that thought hadn’t crossed Carl’s mind. 

Maybe he wanted to test his tyres or his reflexes or was he just having fun? 

Whichever it was, he was 

catching Kevin on a tight right 

hander when he found himself 

in a 180° spin. 

Thankfully only his ego and 

nothing metallic took a hit - but 

he did leave a “get out of jail 

free” card on that corner. 


Lunch was a BBQ at the Mt Tamborine Cauldron. 

As well as a vineyard and gin distillery there was music, a

chess board with meter high pieces and great food under a heated outdoor roof. 

The plate had a lovely steak, a tasty kebab, a snag, chicken fillet, onion, coleslaw and bun. 

after lunch Trevor spoke briefly about the 20 brilliant years and awards were won for these 

categories: 

Best Dressed Car 

- Lisa Price chose Anne Bremner which was a big call 

because a lot of imagination was used to secure inflatable 

objects to most cars. 

The swimming toys on the NC of Henri & Maureen Van 

Roden stoodout. 

Best Couples Costume 

- Anne Bremner chose Ashley & Sheila Duff. They did look 

great together but to be honest, I was quite relieved Ashley 

left his MAMIL outfit at home...or maybe Sheila doesn’t do 

Lycra? 

Best Overall Costume 

- Suzanne Barnes chose Ainsley Campbell. Another tough 

category but her palm tree passenger, her use of colour in 

her hair and pedestrian crossing striped shirt made us all 

look twice or thrice. 

Most Gold Coast 

- Your humble scribe was impressed by everybody’s efforts. 

In particular the straw fedora, gold tie, white business shirt, 

suit coat, shorts and boat shoes of Carl Eksteen took me back 

to a time when Russ Hinze weighed 85kg. 

But I chose Nicky Clarke. Staying in character with her 

mirrored aviator sunnies, fur trimmed coat, black boots & 

dark wig were a nod to Jackie Kennedy glitz & Mia in Pulp 

Fiction glam that had to be rewarded. 

After drinks and laughs, last chats and goodbyes our 20th Anniversary run was over. 

Walking to my car I realised ghosts of drivers past had smiled just enough to turn the grey 

clouds away. 

Greg was so excited he put on his hat as the roof came off. 

Now the world was as it should be and that silly smirk of satisfaction crept across my face for 

the drive home. 

Oh yeah, simply the best car & car club ever. 


Yabba Dabba 

DOOO 


Friday 1st to Monday 4th September, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Trevor & Helen Dixon 

Eric McColough 


Kevin Barnes 

It’s no exaggeration to say the morning was perfect, the 

members excited and our cars clean, fresh and sharp. 

Trevor & Helen gave us the run-down and as our empty 

coffee cups found the bins, Group 1 saddled up. 

(Warning: there could be the odd reference from my fantasy 

inner cowboy after seeing my first rodeo last week...) 

Group 2 was led by Kevin & Suzanne and Group 3 by 

Ashleigh & Sheila. 

A simple YIPPEEE KI-YAY and Group 1 moved off. 

In no time thoughts of sway bars came with the fabulous roads, hills & luscious views across 

northern NSW. 

The Murwillumbah Park was perfect for morning 

tea and the Commercial Hotel at Casino scored well 

for organising our tasty & generous lunches. 

The afternoon leg included some deep breathing 

through Nimbin as well as flatter cattle country, 

cane farms and a ferry ride across the mighty 

Clarence River. 

45 minutes later we were in Yamba which feels fun 

& relaxed. Same as your MX5: when the sunnies go 

on, the world turns off. 

We moseyed up to our Hotel room and 

I smiled at the large flatscreen. 

Our first Happy Hour was well 

attended. Suzanne commented on 

having sore shoulders and after a 

generous dude spent a few minutes 

kneading, she said “thanks, you 

last longer than Kevin” to hoots of 

laughter. 


That night dinner was at the Yamba Bowls Club. Very generous serves, cold beer, great 

conversation and a woddle home closed off day 1. 

Day 2 began a little later. More Yamba than Yahoo as we cruised off for lunch at the 

Lawrence Tavern. 

During a left hander just past the Maclean Motel, Steph commented on the aroma and 

spotted a huge bat colony in several trees in back yards...hmmm.... 

On we zoomed. 

15 minutes and a ferry ride later we were looking at 100+ hats above the Lawrence Tavern 

bar. 

The chef wasn’t as happy as the barman to see us but it turned out the chef was very capable 

and quite generous. Again I wondered about eating from the kids menu... 

It was too late for plan A (to eat less) so we went for plan B, to walk it off. That didn’t work 

out too well either but I found plan C perfect, my ever dependable elastic wasteband. 


Some members had gone 

off for jaunts when Stephen 

threw his local knowledge 

of the Ulmarra Hotel on the 

table and in no time, we were 

off on an unofficial excursion 

and another ferry ride! 

That afternoon some drank, 

some drove and most returned 

for the Yamba Sun Happy 

Hour gargle to sing happy 

18th birthday to Val Horton in 

Brisbane. 

Dinner was random (coz thats 

how cowboys & girls roll) and 

Day 2 of the Yabba Dabba 

Doo run was done. 

Day 3 found us at the Marina Cafe for an 

8am group photo by Kevin. 

After out tasty but sooooo loooooong to 

arrive breakfast we were off to the Iluka 

Market. 

Im told Trevor had the hit by Things of Stone & 

Wood, “Happy Birthday Helen” on repeat as he 

drove over. 

The drive there produced some mighty fine U 

turns too, it seems the Group 2 leader is shooting 

for the record.... 

At the market we were tempted with plants, tea 

cosies, aprons, organic produce and the eternal 

question, “how much more can I fit in the boot?” 

Lunch was random (yeehah) like the optional drive 

around the beautiful Iluka bayside and there’s a 

delightful pic of the boatramp attached. 


Dinner was at the Pacific 

Hotel in Yamba and the shuttle 

bus service (plus my elastic 

wasteband) topped off another 

great day. 

Day 4 was oddly wet....but did a 

bit of rain & grey skies dampen 

our spirits? 

Well yes so the roof stayed up. 

Dennis & Diane Kelly were 

first to leave the dodgy skies of 

Yamba and found the ferry out 

of action. 

They called it through and after 

a route rejig, our 18 cars were 

flying up the freeway. 

At the Lennox Head Hotel, the last Yabba 

Dabba lunch awaited as a lazy surf rolled in 

under grey skies. 

Keen kids in wetsuits waited for waves as we 

ate and sipped and they were still out there 

when we tipped our 10 gallon hats to say 

our goodbyes. 

The run was done, but plenty of great 

memories remain. 

I know the posse would like to say thanks 

to Trevor, Helen, Kevin & Suzanne for 

organising it all and to Ashley & Sheila for 

leading Group 3. 

As the beach disappeared in the rear view 

mirror I smiled. MX5’ers 

are way more Yamba than 

Yahoo. 


Mt Warning Buggy Run 


Sunday 26th November, 2023 

Organised by: 

Story by: 

Mark McConville 

Mark and Sophie 


The final Gold Coast Chapter club run for 2023 

was in fact the first run my wife and I had 

ever organised. Under theguidance of our everhelpful 

chapter leaders Trevor and Helen Dixon 

our maiden run was everything we could have 

hoped for and much much more. 

It was great to have so many members turn 

out on the day. In the end I think we had 28 

cars all up which included a few dedicated 

Brisbanites who made the trip down the M1 to 

join us. So, the stage was set, the sun was out, 

the cars were gleaming, and everyone was on 

time as we met at Nerang Fair Shopping Centre 

at 7.30am for an 8.00am start. I’ll admit to being 

a bit nervous while giving the briefing, so many 

people had put together amazing runs previously 

and now it was my turn. 

In 3 big groups we headed off on our first leg 

which took us up and around Beechmont then 

down to our BYO morning tea at the Guinea 

Family Memorial Park / Western Boat Ramp of 

Hinze Dam. After a short break we then headed 

south along the beautiful Numinbah Valley 

and down into northern NSW. The roads were 

old favs that most MX5 ers would be familiar 

with. I really wanted to make this run all about 

enjoying winding open roads and wonderful 

views of the Gold Coast and the Northern 

Rivers of NSW. We skirted past Murwillumbah 


to finish with lunch at the Mt Warning Hotel in Uki. From all reports, everyone really 

enjoyed the run, phhhewwwwww…. (thanks for the very kind feedback) 

To the club members that came down from Brisbane, I hope it was worth the trip. To our 

new members, welcome, and we look forward to seeing you again. To our chapter leaders, 

Helen and Trevor, thanks again for your guidance. What a way to round out another 

magnificent year for the MX5 Club of Qld Gold Coast Chapter. To everyone who has 

organised a run throughout the year, in whichever chapter, thank you for your service to our 

club. 

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Mark & Sophie McConville 








From the Archives 



Just For Laughs

MX5 Club QLD RTR The Year 2023

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