The Mount Gambier Veteran and Vintage Car Club Inc (VVCCI) has been successful in securing a grant from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s (DIT) SA Car Club program.

The program was a commitment by the current government to allocate $2m over the next four years to assist car clubs in SA.

VVCCI President John Hill was ecstatic with the news of the $34,000 grant success.

“The grant was to allow us to expand the clubrooms and it is great news for the club and the members,” he said.

“It will allow us to provide better, safer facilities and undertake more social functions at the club.

“Our membership has been growing over the past three years and we needed to upgrade our facilities.

“The club has owned the property since the mid 1960’s and since that time club members have donated time and materials to carry out several building improvements.

“I would like to thank all the committee and members for their efforts in securing the funding.”

Mr Hill said the club had also received assistance from a number of external bodies including the Mount Gambier City Council.

“I wish to thank all for their support and assistance,” he said.

“A review of the DIT website indicates the VVCCI is the only rural based club to be awarded a grant.

“The remaining grant winners are based in Adelaide.

This is great result for us.

“The money is in the bank and we will now engage with our local builder and start the process with preliminary work and start construction as soon as it is practicable possibly as early as September this year.”