Written by Shaun Ryan
ARRIVING at your school formal in an eye-catching set of wheels is the highlight of the year for many school leavers, but knowing you’re helping a great cause at the same time makes the whole night even better.
It’s the time of year when Year 12 students put on all their finery and celebrate the fast-approaching end of their school careers.
Shiny shoes, fancy suits and ball gowns are the order of the day. With family, friends and even the media lining the streets to watch and photograph couples arriving at their venue, the fairytale is a night fit for Hollywood.
Knowing that all eyes and lenses will be on them when stepping out onto the red carpet, having a standout car is the perfect accessory.
Enter Sue Dodd. Sue is the go-to person on the Fraser Coast for students wanting to hire hot rods and other custom vehicles for school formals. And the best part is that all money paid to hire the vehicles goes straight to the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life.
“The owners hire them out and offer the chauffer service out of their own pocket,” Sue explained.
Sue has always been interested in hot rods and custom cars and identified school formals as a way to raise funds for cancer research.
“The disease has affected my family and I love getting involved in Relay for Life,” she said. Through a network of eager hot rod and custom vehicle owners, Sue acts as the go between, so to speak, and helps arrange the vehicles for the students. The service is linked to the local hot rod club.
“Through Conrodders Hot Rod and Customs Hervey Bay Inc we have a network of owners who also want to get involved,” Sue said. A variety of different vehicles are available for hire, giving students a choice of ride that matches their personality or style.
Sue also organises a car show every year but had to pump the brakes on the 2020 event due to COVID-19 restrictions. According to the Cancer Council’s website, Relay for Life is a global movement that celebrates cancer survivors, remembers loved ones and fights back against the disease.
It also raises funds for important research, prevention and support services. People who are interested in hiring vehicles for formals or other special events can contact Sue on 0412-753-773 or find the hot rod club on Facebook – @ConroddersHerveyBay.