Vulcan Riders Association World Rally raises funds for rural mental health charity with Albany show and shine

The Vulcan Riders Association World Rally reached the Great Southern over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with more than 60 riders gathering in Albany to connect and fundraise for suicide prevention.

The rally, which raised money for rural suicide prevention charity, toured around Albany from September 26 to 29, hosting events including a show and shine and the association’s annual awards night at Motel Le Grande.

Albany Motorcycles hosted the show and shine event, with riders attending from across the country, as well as some from overseas.

Those attending included Vulcan Riders’ Association world vice-president Helmuth Honisperger who travelled from Austria for the rally, to celebrate the much-loved Kawasaki series of motorcycles.

The Albany community was invited down for the show and all proceeds from the weekend’s activities were donated to Bringing Mental Recover Closer, a charity founded by Storn Peterson that aims to raise awareness about rural suicide and mental health struggles in regional WA.

“Events like this demonstrate what the motorcycle community is really about,” Vulcan Riders Association Australia president Rob Fitzpatrick said.

“Albany Motorcycles didn’t just provide a venue — they created an experience that honoured our bikes, welcomed the public, and supported an important cause.”

Vintage and modern models were put on show, both by passionate owners and event host Albany Motorcycles, with bikes on show ranging from the original 250cc Eliminator to the VN2000.

Judges awarded best in class and runner-up honours across multiple categories, evaluating bikes on presentation, originality, and the stories behind each machine, with many motorcycles having travelled thousands of kilometres across Australia to reach Albany for the event.

Members and attendees could get a close look at Albany Motorcycles’ current Vulcan engines on sale, with demonstrations and test rides throughout the day.

“Kawasaki’s Vulcan series represents one of motorcycling’s most enduring success stories, and we’re honoured to host riders who’ve travelled from around the world to celebrate these remarkable machines,” Albany Motorcycles owner and operator Gary Dibble said.

“Kawasaki has always understood that motorcycles create communities, not just customers.

“The Vulcan Riders Association proves that — these riders have formed lifelong friendships around their Kawasaki motorcycles.

“Every year, we commit to showcasing the Kawasaki brand through open days that bring riders together, educate the public, and celebrate what makes Kawasaki special.

“The world rally gave us an international platform to do exactly that.”