Lago DI Mac 2024

On the weekend of 23 & 24 November, "Lago Di Mac" was held at  Thomas Holt Park, on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie.

 Our members arrived in 3 waves! Saturday saw Charlie, Maria Losinno and Christian Cipri, make their way up the M1 in their historic 500's (a special mention is in order!). A further contingent of 6 IMSMC cars meeting at Thornleigh and arriving later in the same morning. Another 8 IMSMC cars arriving on Sunday morning! In all, our club had a presence of 22 members, a fine contribution showing support to our friends at C.I.A.O. Combined Italian Automobile Organisation!

 

The two day event allowed for some private time as members explored the local eateries and retail stores. Our Saturday night was spent in the park in the company of visiting members... Pizza, pasta and porchetta rolls on offer.

 

Sunday was THE DAY! With an estimated 3000+ visitors to the park. More food, glorious food was on offer with more pop up stalls , focaccia, pasta, cakes, gelato and beverage setting up to cater for the large crowd. George Vumbaca, pumping out Italian classic songs on stage!

 

The driving experience for the weekend, allowed our classics (and modern cars) to enjoy over 350km of driving!

 

A special mention and cheer goes to "Captain Christian Cipri" who was our lead navigator as we moved from one location to another, completing a visiting experience. Christian also creating a perfect video summary of our weekend.

 

A great experience, we'll do that again!

125 Years of Fiat at Forster

From Thursday the 7th of November to Monday the 11th of November, Forty members of IMSMC participated in a celebration of FIAT, a 125th Anniversary. The celebration was held in Forster NSW, organised by Roger Beattie, the President of the Fiat Club of Victoria. 

Our small first small contingent arrived on Thursday, gathering at the Forster Bowling Club, conveniently located next-door to our hotel... Food & beverage was ample and we as always, in great company. Friday, the remainder of our contingent arrived; a total of 25 Sydney based cars, graced the streets of Forster. Friday Night was special as we all had a pizza & pasta meal at Pezzella's Pizzeria e Bar... we made some noise... a great night!

Our first gathering of cars with other enthusiasts was arranged on Saturday morning, where we met up with 

approximately another 50 FIATS that had arrived from Victoria and Queensland. What a sight! We meandered our way to our lunch stop at Villa D'Este winery, where a BBQ lunch & wine tasting was provided.. another contingent of FIATS met us there, with close to 100 Fiats , historic & modern assembled  with the grapevine in the background. 

Saturday Night, was our display under the stars in John Wright Park... our cars where arranged in the park under lights!! Amazing colours of the historic and modern era of FIATS!! Sunday we assembled again with a cavalcade of cars, a great drive,  making their way to the Pacific Palms Recreation Club for an Alfresco lunch, for many, while some enjoyed the indoor benefits! After lunch, some free time was spent shopping, resting or beaching.  

Our final meal and presentations was  held at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, again the car park and surrounding streets filled with FIATS! A great weekend. WE  ARE TO BE COMMENDED, as IMSMC had the greatest presence & participation of the invited car clubs. Thankyou members!

Also, our two enthusiastic brothers Daniel & Christian Cipri, participating in all and "by default" became official photographers, sharing the "captured moments" with all the invited clubs! Some of our cars required a tiny bit of attention along the way, but happy to report that  everyone made  it home safe & sound....approximately an 800km round trip! 

Happy 125th anniversary FIAT !!!!

Western Sydney Airport

Sunday November 3rd, a group of 30x IMSMC members met up with car clubs from the area and gathered at the Western Sydney International ( WSI) Airport.

 

On a morning that was extremely foggy, our cars assembled among American, Aussie and international muscle cars... one by one we arrived  and created a display of  our Italian designs! As the sun broke through the fog, our cars shone in and around the "other" beautiful designs! Must be an Italian design thing!

 

A coffee van provided fine stimulus, which was required for each participant, as we shared the drive experience to get to the venue.

 

At 9:30, we entered the information centre for a brief presentation on the history, present situation and future of The WSI. Very interesting to see how well the bulilders have met all deadlines, in some cases construction is ahead of schedule.

 

At the conclusion of the presentation, we assembled in a courtyard, for a group photo, with the construction site in the background. We hope to get closer as construction proceeds. Onwards, then, to the Luddenham Village Cafe. Owner & member Daniel Berardinelli, ensuring our hungry Italians were well catered For.  Thankyou Daniel.

 

Our thanks to the staff of the experience centre and colleagues, in ass

isting in the fruition of this event. Thankyou to all involved. We look forward to the next visit and see/hear of all the progress!