As we mark International Women's Day, Rare Spares Rockynats is proud to be an event that has become known for its inclusivity for all car enthusiasts, regardless of their age or gender, to showcase their passion and connect with like-minded individuals.
Each year, Rockynats has seen an increase in the number of female entrants and spectators, with females now making up almost 49% of participants. This proves that cars are a universal hobby, becoming more and more popular among women.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams praised the event's role in fostering inclusivity and encouraging more women to participate in motorsport.
"Rare Spares Rockynats has become a signature event in our region, bringing together car lovers from all walks of life. It's fantastic to see more and more women stepping into the car scene, whether as competitors, spectators, or passionate enthusiasts," Mayor Williams states.
"It's an event that showcases not just incredible vehicles, but the welcoming and supportive community behind them."
One such entrant who embodies this spirit is four-time Rockynats participant, Kirrily McKie. Having grown up adoring movies like Cars and Herbie, Kirrily developed a love for vehicles, and specifically, Volkswagen Beetles at an early age. This interest turned into a long-lasting passion when she joined her local car club and attended her first local car show seven years ago, where she officially became hooked.
"I thought the event and the whole experience was really cool, and I've been actively involved in my local car club ever since," Kirrily reflects.
Not long afterward she discovered 'Bertie,' her beloved Beetle, in a Facebook ad and instinctively knew — "That's my car." Without hesitation, she made the trip to Brisbane with her father to look at it, before purchasing it and driving it back home to Blackwater. She has since dedicated time and effort to restoring 'Bertie', finishing the interior, rebuilding the gearbox, and fixing up the engine.
When the inaugural Rare Spares Rockynats event was announced in 2021, Kirrily saw it as the perfect opportunity to showcase her car at a high-calibre car festival without having to travel thousands of kilometres to do so.
"Living in a town like Blackwater, this was the first 'big' car show to ever come to the region, and I just knew I had to attend," she explains.
Entering 'Bertie' into the Show N Shine competition, she initially felt out of place among the big muscle cars, but to her surprise, she took home the event's inaugural 'Top European' award and was the only Volkswagen in the event. Since then, Rockynats has become a highlight of her year, allowing her to connect with fellow Volkswagen lovers and female car enthusiasts who share her passion. Beyond the Show N Shine, Kirrily has also been an avid participant in the RockabillyNats Pin-Up Competition, where she channels her passion for 50s clothing and styling into outfits that match her prized VW Beetle.
Reflecting on her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated hobby, Kirrily has seen a positive shift in recent years.
"There are more and more women getting into the car scene and attending events like Rockynats, which is great to see. I've met so many fellow female car lovers through the event and made some amazing friends who I now look forward to reconnecting with at Rockynats each year."
For Kirrily, Rockynats is about so much more than just the cars. It's about the community and the joy of celebrating a shared passion. Her advice to other women who are thinking about getting involved?
"If you've got a car – any car, or are passionate about cars, just go along and get involved. Rockynats has such a welcoming community where everyone is supportive of each other, no matter your age, gender or what car you own," Kirrily affirms.
"Yes, cars and motorsport have historically been male dominated, but that's not a barrier at all. Everyone's there for the same reason, to enjoy and celebrate the cars."
For those who have yet to add Rockynats to their events calendar, tickets are still available and start from just $39.30 for a single day adult pass. Visit https://www.rockynats.com.au/Tickets
