The sport of street machining has lost an important champion with the passing of Garry Warnes on Monday, 24 August.

Any NSW enthusiast with a classic vehicle wearing a ‘D’ or ‘E’ plate owes Garry a great debt of gratitude. He spent more than two decades carrying on the work initially undertaken by the late Graham Stubbs in the early 80s. Their mutual goal was recognition and a better deal for street machiners from Australia’s various registration authorities.

As the long-serving president of the Australian National Street Machine Association (ANSMA), Garry was a key founding member of the Australian Confederation of Motor Clubs (ACMC). This small group of determined enthusiasts has had a big impact on our sport in NSW.

It was the ACMC who successfully lobbied the then-NSW transport minister, Duncan Gay, to introduce a concessional registration scheme (CVS) for modified vehicles over 30 years of age. The ACMC also successfully lobbied Mr Gay and the RMS to introduce and secure a number of positions on the Vehicle Standards Working Group (VSWG). Encompassing representatives from the various stakeholders, the VSWG was devised to review, consult and negotiate on any new directive, modification rule, compliance policies and general legislation affecting NSW motorists. Trust me, for enthusiasts to have a seat at the decision-making table was a massive win for the ACMC – in which Garry played a significant role.

While guaranteed to be sorely missed by his family and his many, many close friends, Garry’s passing has left a big pair of shoes fill for our sport.

Below, we reproduce a tribute from the Australian National Street Machine Association, published on its Facebook page.

It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to Garry Warnes, President of the Australian National Street Machine Association.

Garry was much more than a President. He was a passionate supporter of the Australian street machine community, a mate to many, and someone who gave his time, energy and heart to keeping our culture alive.

For those of us fortunate enough to have known Garry, his presence, humour and passion will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a huge hole in ANSMA and in the wider street machine family.

Our deepest condolences go to Garry’s wife Ann, his sons Aaron and Chris, and their families during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.

Garry gave so much of himself to ANSMA and to the street machine community. His dedication, friendship and the memories he created will live on through the people and community he was so passionate about.

Thank you, Garry, for everything you gave to us. Rest easy, mate. You will never be forgotten.