Old machines rally

The 13th National Historic Machinery Association Rally held at Fairbridge Village near Pinjarra this month was a great success, attracting more than 13,000 visitors to the region.

The event, the biggest historic machinery event ever held in WA, lured more than 1000 exhibitors, at least half of whom came from the eastern states, transporting machinery across the Nullarbor on semitrailers for the event. One exhibitor even brought over a tractor from the US.

Fairbridge chief executive Mark Anderson said the rally was a great event that revealed some very interesting stories.

"One couple drove their tractor from Ballarat via Darwin to Fairbridge Village," he said. "They departed in May towing their caravan and arrived at the end of August."

Janice Watkins, of Pinjarra's Visitor Centre, said the event was a great boost for tourism. Many of the caravan parks and other accommodation in the region were fully booked.

"Accommodation has been filled with tourists attending the event, including visitors from as far as England, Wales, Ireland, America and New Zealand," she said.