Motor mechanic by trade, I’ve loved cars and anything mechanical from an early age. After finishing Year 10, I began my apprenticeship in 1971 at Regent Motors in South Melbourne, working on Rover and Land Rover vehicles. In 1975, I joined Bowen Motors in Oakleigh, progressing from mechanic to service manager before the business was sold in 1978. I then worked with BTS Towing as a tilt tray operator until 1980, when I decided to pursue a long-term career. In 1981, I joined William Adams, the Caterpillar dealer for Victoria and Tasmania. Starting in field service, I spent 23 years there, finishing as Product Support Manager. In 2004, I moved to Indonesia with Trakindo, supporting Caterpillar equipment at the Freeport mine in West Papua, first as Service Admin Manager and later as Parts Manager. I joined Caterpillar Melbourne in 2006, managing global contracts and parts sales for four of the largest mining customers before retiring in 2022 after 18 fulfilling years. I joined the VHRA as a director in 2022 to help get the organisation back on track and restore honesty and transparency to the board. With the support of the new board, we resurrected the Victorian Hot Rod and Street Machine Show at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, bigger and better than ever, and are excited to move to Caribbean Gardens and transform the show into a true festival experience.

Hot rods, American cars, classics, customs, and Aussie built cars have been a significant part of my life from a very young age. What began as early exposure through attending car shows and automotive events with my family soon developed into a deep and enduring passion. Over time, this enthusiasm for all things automotive has evolved from a casual interest into a full-time hobby. My interest in joining the VHRA stemmed from a desire to be more actively involved in the hot rod and street machine community, and to contribute to shaping the scope and direction of the hobby’s future. As the world of hot rodding continues to evolve, I believe there is an exciting opportunity to help guide that change in a way that respects tradition while embracing progress. My hot rod pride and joy is a 1932 Highboy, which I share with my father, John. Purchasing the car sight unseen was a calculated risk, one that has proven well worthwhile and has led to many enjoyable Sunday drives along the coast, as well as regular outings to local car shows. My passion also extends beyond full-sized vehicles to include Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, memorabilia, and related collectibles. Importantly, this love of cars is something shared throughout my family with my wife, son and daughter enjoying and engaging in the automotive scene.

My name is Don Borg, and I am a long-standing member of the Thunderbirds Rod and Custom Club, having been involved with the club for approximately 25 years. I began my working life in the banking sector but soon discovered a preference for hands-on work. This led me to a career as a plasterer, after which I expanded into home building while continuing to operate my plastering business. I also served on the board of the Victorian Plasterers’ Association for five years. In addition, I was a Rotarian for 33 years, an experience that I found deeply rewarding through opportunities to contribute to both my local community and international initiatives. Currently, I own three vehicles of interest: a 1933 Ford Tudor, which is nearing registration; a 1957 Ford Thunderbird; and a 1992 Toyota Coaster converted for mobile home use. I plan to undertake some touring in the Coaster while transporting the Tudor to interstate rod shows.

Beginning at age 8 sketching and making Revell's Ed Roth model kits, reading Australian Hot Rodding Review and the raw spectacle of nitro dragsters captured my imagination. That was 1968. Starting as a motor mechanic, then a Sales/Marketting career, next business creator/ entrepreneur alongside a lifelong involvement in car modification, restoration, collecting and extensive racing: circuit (inc. at Bathurst, salt lakes, still do licensed hillclimbing and historic racing, and of course did my share of "traffic light derby's back in the old days". Currently, I founded and run, for two decades, JUST HOLDENS MAGAZINE and wrote for AUST. STREET RODDING MAGAZINE for 15 years. Plus: I'm an FM radio broadcaster as Producer & Presenter of my own weekly show "CARS & GUITARS". Music is also a massive part of my life. Memberships: DLRA, Chevrolet Club of Vic for 40 years and several Automotive Historian organisations. I joined the VHRA to support the preservation of Victoria’s rich car building and modifying culture and its history, an environment where individual expression, creativity, and craftsmanship continue to hold a unique and enduring appeal. My current collection comprises 14 vehicles: predominantly (some very desirable) Holdens and HSV's, plus a Corvette, XR8 Falcon, Valiant, Mercedes S Class, BMW twin-turbo, MG, and Rover + three motorcycles. I undertook two hot rod builds though, while not completed, remain part of my ongoing automotive journey - and ambition (there's still time, fingers crossed!) If its got wheels...I'm interested, and the faster the better.