With over 1600 sites and 39 years in experience, there’s no denying that the Bendigo National Swap Meet know what they’re doing. Always one for a good meet, we had a chat to Mark Godwill about the long running event and the goodies on offer.
Hi Mark, Thanks for taking the time to chat to Forte! How long now has the Bendigo National Swap Meet been operating and how was it started?
It was started in Melbourne originally and ran there for two years, then in Gisborne for one. The Federation was looking for a more central area and the show grounds in Bendigo were chosen and the Bendigo club then became involved. That was 39 years ago this year.
The event appears to attract more and more people each year, how has the event grown over the years?
The Swap has grown from humble beginnings some 39 years ago with just a few cars and trailers to over 1600 sites.
What is the secret behind keeping it going for such a time?
A tireless team of about 20 volunteers from the Bendigo Veteran Vintage Classic Car Club run the swap on behalf of the Federation. The atmosphere and being an annual meeting place for friends from all over the country has helped a lot. Keeping our opening time from 6:00am Saturday as a rule means that everyone has equal chance to find that part then.
How many stall-holders will you have this year, where have they come from?
Over 1600 sites from small back yarders to the full on commercial sites. They come from all over the nation and some international visitors as well.
Who would you recommend coming to the event, is it for all ages?
There is something for everyone! All ages can come to the event with children under 16 years old free.
How many will you be expecting throughout the weekend this year and what can visitors look forward to seeing?
The swap usually attracts a crowd in excess of 25,000 and you just never know what may turn up at the swap for sale. On Saturday there is a Show N Shine for 100 vehicles. Sunday there is a display of around 50 vehicles, and in two of the sheds there is the third largest in Australia Models display and sales area. That the ideal place to buy Christmas presents for boys young and old.
What does the future hold for the meet?
The Swap cannot grow any larger in actual site numbers as we have every square inch of the grounds covered now. We have to concentrate now on those sites being used all weekend and for their stocks to be kept up to a reasonable standard. That then provides to the public items of quality and plenty to see and in some cases even choices. The original parts for the much older vehicles are getting scarce now and some firms have started reproductions which is a new market to follow.
When&Where: Bendigo Showgrounds – November 14-15