The club’s premier annual event attracts collectors and restorers from as far afield as Victoria, Queensland and other States, as well as many local enthusiasts and keen amateurs.

Featuring ‘all things old, mechanical and engine-related’, past events have seen everything from a 52-tonne Centurion tank to a tug-of-war between a tractor and a Mack truck, and this year’s rally is lining up to be among the best ever.

“Every year we feature something different, and this year it’s going to be steel wheel tractors and crawlers, open crank engines, and International (brand) trucks,” MNCMRC president, Jim Cameron, said.

The event is as well known for its diversity as it is for its eclecticism, and Mr Cameron says 2012 will be no different.

“Some of the club members own steel wheel tractors and will be bringing a few of the old ones out of the shed,” he said. “We have people coming from all over with every kind of machine imaginable. We have members from Dubbo, Tasmania, Coffs Harbour, southern Queensland and the Taree-to-Lismore area.

* Full report in today's Guardian