Illawarra Chapter News

One thing we can’t control – ‘The Weather’

08 April 2024 / Words: Jeff Rowe

A case of 'Not The Nine O'clock News!' OR "How the 'End of Daylight Saving Run' ended.

Bundeena Mystery Run

04 April 2024 / Words: Senia Gaunson Photos: Brigid McCarthy and Senia Gaunson

Did you know there were MX-5 roads, devoid of traffic in Thirroul? No? Neither did I, but yes, there are and worth checking out.

Temora Boats, Planes and Automobiles

06 March 2024 / Words: Ann Hicks Photos: Ann and Bryan Hicks and Senia Gaunson

V8 Boats, War Planes and MX-5 cars, what a great combination, but are they in 38 degree heat?

Mazdas in the Mist 10 Years on!

29 February 2024 / Senia Gaunson, Bryan Shedden and Phil Reid

Saturday 13th April 2024 will mark 10 years of Mazdas in the Mist! This run was started by Sandra and Phil Reid on 12th April 2014 and still running strong and organised by Phil in 2024.

Ranger's Twisters 2024 - with a Hicks Twist

22 February 2024 / Words: Senia Gaunson Photos: Ann Hicks

We didn't bring a packet of ‘Twisties’ to help us navigate Bryan's version of Kim’s winding roads through the beautiful scenery of Macquarie Pass and Kangaroo Valley, but we did have Ann's delicious banana bread.

Australia Day at Cataract Dam 2024

27 January 2024 / Story: Maree Eccleston and Senia Gaunson. Photos: Maree, Senia, Ann Hicks and Andrew Edgar

The Sydney convoy headed south along the Old Princes Highway, while Canberra made the long trek along a boring highway and Illawarra climbed over the mountain and along Appin Road, all headed to Cataract Dam to celebrate mates and Australia Day.

High Country Hijinx

21 January 2024 / Story by Anda Clayton & Bryan Shedden, Photos by Anda Clayton, Bryan Shedden, Fiona Shedden,

Fancy something a bit different? How about staying at Bright for four nights as a base, then venturing out to sample superb roads, local produce, fabulous alpine sights, and epicurean delights. And for an extra challenge ... catch your own dinner! All this and more was enjoyed by 21 members on the High Country Hijinx trip.

Crossing Hampden Bridge
photo by Senia Gaunson

Kangaroo Valley Twilight Run

07 January 2024 / Story by Bryan Shedden, Photos by Senia Gaunson, Ann Hicks, Robyn Blood & Bryan Shedden

44 members kicked off the new year with a fabulous twilight run from Haywards Bay to Kangaroo Valley via a collection of the best driving roads in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands. Our meals at The Friendly Inn were equally amazing too.

Replacing ND front wheel hub/bearing

26 December 2023 / Story & photos by Bryan Shedden

How to quickly and easily replace the front wheel hub/bearing on an ND MX-5. No swearing involved, honest!

Women Behind the Wheel High Tea Event

13 December 2023 / Story: Honie Boyd. Photos: Ian Fenn, Honie Boyd, Senia Gaunson, Brigid McCarthy

It started as a whisper at the President's Picnic........ Let's have a ladies event.

Illawarra Christmas 2023

12 December 2023 / Words: Senia Gaunson Photos: Bryan Shedden and Senia Gaunson

Christmas 2023 in the Illawarra, from the Bush to the Lake, sometimes you just have to be flexible and have faith and all will work out well.

Go-Karting with Kerry - Picton 2023

29 November 2023 / Story and photos : Brigid McCarthy

Kerry’s go-karting events are well known for their competition, camaraderie, coveted awards and prize money! The speed and fierce competition of Go-karting at Picton last month did not disappoint.

Tassie in the Spring - October 2023

21 November 2023 / Senia & Bob, Brendan & Anna, Marina & John, Ann & Bryan, Lena & Wes, Franchesca & Ian, Stephen & Tania, Barry & Robyn, John & Chrissie, Lesley & Peter

Twenty members, ten cars off on an adventure to Tassie in the Spring. Lots of surprises in store, and the beauty of Tasmania will stay with us for years to come.

Yet another year draws to a close come join your MX-5 friend to share a Christmas Lunch.

Book now for your Chapter Christmas Party

12 November 2023 / Words by Bryan Shedden

The silly season is almost upon us, which means it's time to get your booking in for your Chapter Christmas Party and Awards Presentation.

Annual General Meeting 2023

03 November 2023 / Word by Ian Combes, Photos by Bryan Shedden

The 2023 MX-5 Club AGM is done and dusted!

Photo by Rob Wilko

2023 President's Picnic

25 October 2023 / Words by Ian Combes, Photos by Rob Wilko

The Presidents report of the 2023 Presidents Picnic.

Illawarra Annual Meeting - October 2023

12 October 2023 / Senia Gaunson Photos: Phil Belcher and others

There's no electric MX-5, or is there?

The logo of the Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW, approved by members on 27th August 2003

Website Upgrade

07 October 2023 / Bryan Shedden and Fiona Shedden

Our journey of continual improvement in service to members has taken another step with the launch of a significant upgrade for our website. Read on for further information.

Presidents Picnic

18 September 2023 / Ian Combes

Lost and Found at the Presidents Picnic

Bendooley Winery Berrima, a Bookworm's Delight!

19 August 2023 / Marina Farmer

Bendooley Winery Berrima, a Bookworm's Delight!