JEEP 80TH JUBILEE

The Event, one of the biggest Jeep Events in Australia, drew over 110 Jeeps to the park over the weekend, as attendees took on a range of tracks from easy to extreme and bonded over great food and music. “We wanted to create an event that welcomed all Jeep owners, no matter where they were from, or what club they belonged. We wanted to really showcase the real Jeep Spirit: the comradery, the mateship” says JeepFreakz QLD’s Event Manager Amanda Kozera.

And comradery was definitely on display in the lead up and throughout the event. JeepFreakz QLD teamed up with Brisbane Jeep Club, who came on board to assist with leading the 19 trips held over the weekend. “It is a credit to the skill and commitment of the Trip Leaders who volunteered their time over the weekend, that everyone had such a great time, and there was very little damage to Jeeps, or recoveries required.” Says JeepFreakz QLD president Ben Kay.

The event also drew in a variety of Jeeps from Nick Howarth’s restored military Willy MB and Dave Parkinson’s Black and Yellow MB to brand new Wranglers and Gladiators, including Michael Cook’s beast running 41’s.

Originally set to be held on the 16-18 July, in accordance with the date of which that first contract was signed in 1941. Due to brewing COVID concerns and lockdowns in Queensland, the event organisers made the difficult decision to postpone the event until the October dates. “The safety of our attendees was paramount. It was the right thing to do,” said Amanda. With the shift to the warmer months, ticket sales increased, and the team worked frantically behind the scenes to put together a fantastic weekend for all.

Hosting an event of this nature, in a location where there is no power, water supply, shelter and very patchy phone reception proved a challenge, however not even the forecast rain and storms was going to put off the JeepFreakz team from ensuring the event went ahead smoothly. Help was called in from the team at JC Hire, who generously donated lighting and a main generator, while Seven Slot provided a stage, and Lone Star Rib house put on a mouthwatering dinner on the Saturday Night.

Over 20 sponsors including Jeep Australia, Sunco Jeep, Carbon Offroad, Hammond 4WD, Hoglights, Jeeeparts and Jeep spares also supported the event, most donating goods for the raffle prize draw which had over $11,000 worth of prizes to be won. “We were fortunate to have a number of fantastic sponsors get behind us and support us to host the event, and without their support, we would simply not of been able to pull it off” says Ben.

There is no rest of the wicked however and the JeepFreakz team are working on some more great events in 2022, to find out more head over to: www.jeepfreakzqld.org.au Image Credit:

• @outside.luke • @chromensilverphotography • John Duckworth • Krystal Patterson • Darren Thompson JEEPACTION │ 33