Shannons Adelaide Rally to pay tribute to fire-ravished Hills towns
Australasia’s largest tarmac rally will hit Hills streets later this year, bringing a much-needed boost to local towns — but the far-reaching pandemic effects will also bring some changes.
Adelaide Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from Adelaide Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Welfare groups report spike in homelessness in the Adelaide Hills
- ForestrySA to sanction Mount Bike trails in Kersbrook
Engines will be revving when Australasia’s largest car rally returns to the streets this year in support of fire-ravished Hills communities.
The 2020 Shannons Adelaide Rally will be held between November 25 and 28 after Adelaide Hills Council last night approved a long list of road-closures.
That marked the final stamp of approval for the 24th edition of the event, which also includes the 2020 Gorge Rally sprint on Sunday, September 13.
While some aspects of the rally were still uncertain due to COVID-19, event organiser Tim Possingham said plans were well underway to attract more than 300 entries.
The event would be staged across 10 different council districts, with the majority of activity in the Adelaide Hills region.
“There will be a couple of changes this year. For once, we have moved the event forward to November and we have plans to move it forward again in future years,” Mr Possingham said.
“The Bridgewater Mill will also serve nearly 2000 meals to participants during the duration of the event and will also stage a big community event on the Saturday.
“We’ll also train 326 people for volunteer positions.”
This year’s event also aimed to support fire-affected residents and communities.
“First they had the bushfires and now this covid pandemic – it’s been tough on the region, especially the local businesses which have been hit hard and we want to support them where we can,” Mr Possingham said.
“We’re also open to the idea, if there are any residents who have been hit hard by the fires and are interested in cars, that we could put them into a car with a notable driver for one of the events. They would just have to get in touch with us so we could try to work something out.”
Adelaide Hills Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom was pleased to support the event.
“An important part of our community’s recovery process from recent bushfires and the coronavirus is to encourage visitors to come and rediscover our unique landscape, villages, and food and wine offerings,” Dr Wisdom said.
“Events like the Shannons Adelaide Rally help promote the Adelaide Hills district and the experiences on offer.
“Council understands that some businesses and residents may be disadvantaged by the road closures the rally requires and we have tried to strike a balance by considering the wider economic and other benefits for businesses, spectators and volunteers.”