IMSMC AGM 2026

A total of 61 members and partners attended the 2025/26 Annual General Meeting. All is well at IMSMC.

The financial statement was distributed to members, and all formalities were conducted efficiently. The floor was then opened to members, with everyone expressing their thanks for the committee's fine efforts, stating:

"We are one of the most active car clubs in the state. All our events are well organised and fulfil the diverse interests of our members!"

The last item on the AGM agenda was the draw for a lucky door prize: a two-night stay at Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort, valued at $500. The lucky winner was Vincenzo Fragomeli.

At the conclusion of the meeting, all members were invited to enjoy a complimentary pizza lunch, courtesy of IMSMC.

We thank our members for their support throughout the year.

Committee for 2026/27

Our committee remains unchanged for the 2026/27 year:

• Gianni (John) Di Rocco – President
• Elissa Losinno – Secretary
• Leo Di Rocco – Treasurer & Historic/Conditional Plates Registrar
• Corey Hoskin – Committee Member 1 (Webmaster)
• Robert Losinno – Committee Member 2
• Michael Stivala – Committee Member 3
• Cate Stivala – Committee Member 4

We look forward to working together and continuing to meet the needs of the club and its members.

IMSMC Mittagong Mushroom Run

 41 members and family presented 18 Italian machines on our visit to the Mushroom Tunnel. The weather turned it on for us — a beautiful winter’s day in the Southern Highlands. A beautiful drive heading down to Mittagong, meeting at the Partridge VC Rest Area before heading off to the Mittagong Information Centre.

Here we met the lovely Leonie, who directed us to the Mushroom Tunnel.

We assembled at the Mushroom Tunnel, parking Italian style, our cars creating a beautiful array of Italian machinery.

The tunnel stretches 600 metres, connecting Mittagong and Bowral. It was once a railway tunnel, then during the war a bunker that stored weapons and ammunition, and later became a mushroom farm — a purpose it still serves today.

They are the only farm left in Australia that grows mushrooms in a tunnel. They grow out of logs of damp, compressed sawdust and take around two weeks to grow.

We were given a small punnet of fresh shiitake mushrooms to take home, and we had the option to buy a log to grow our own mushrooms at home.

All this talk of mushrooms sent everyone into hunger mode, so it was off to the Public House and Kitchen in Robertson. Food was exceptional and company even better!

All in all, a fabulous day with great company, full tummies, and happy hearts.

ELISSA LOSINNO.

The Orchard

On Sunday, 5 July, 35 IMSMC cars gathered at The Orchard along the banks of the Nepean River in Jamisontown, near Penrith.

The event was hosted by the Enthusiast Insurance Group, which specialises in providing insurance for classic cars. The day coincided with celebrations taking place on the other side of the world in Garlenda, Italy, marking the 69th anniversary of the classic Fiat 500. In recognition of this milestone, 16 IMSMC Fiat 500s joined the gathering to share in the anniversary celebrations.

On a brisk winter’s morning, approximately 200 cars of every make and model assembled at The Orchard. The sweet sound of Italian motor vehicles resonated as they entered the car park.

A separate display area was reserved for our IMSMC cars. Naturally, the Fiat 500s attracted immediate attention from the public and fellow motoring enthusiasts, with our club presenting cars from 1960 through to 1969, including Sedans, Giardiniera, and Abarth variations.

It was wonderful to see so many members and partners attend the event. Our club created a vibrant display of all things Italian-made, including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari — both historic and modern.