From the sidelines to the spotlight
Published on 05 March 2026
How Rockynats is inspiring more women to find their place in the car community
Every April the streets of Rockhampton are transformed by the rumble of engines, the blinding reflection of polished chrome and the unmistakable energy of a community brought together by a shared love of cars when Queensland’s biggest car and bike festival takes over town. But beyond the burnouts, Show N Shine and street parades, Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats has become known for something more enduring; its ability to welcome people from all walks of life into the automotive scene.
As the region prepares for Rockynats 06, running from 17–19 April, that sense of inclusion continues to define the event and is reflected not just in the cars on display, but in the stories of the people behind them.
Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams, says Rockynats has proudly grown into an event that celebrates passion and participation just as much as performance.
“Rockynats has always been about more than cars. At its core, it’s about people, passion and community,” Mayor Williams said.
“We’re incredibly proud to host an event that brings significant economic and cultural benefits to our region, while also creating a space where everyone feels welcome to get involved, whether they’re long-time attendees or entering a car for the very first time.”
One such first-time entrant is Melissa Laan, a Biloela local who will be showcasing her beloved 1937 Ford Tudor Slantback for the first time after years of attending Rockynats as a spectator.
For Melissa, cars have been part of her story for as long as she can remember.
“I think I was about two when I first became obsessed with a little mustard coloured vintage matchbox car,” she laughs, recalling a childhood surrounded by cars and motorbikes thanks to her car-mad father, a driving school instructor. “I grew up keeping Dad company in the shed, helping where I could as I had small hands that could reach things he couldn’t.”
That early exposure grew into a lifelong passion, eventually leading Melissa to her show-stopping Slantback, finished in a striking metallic purple that shifts pink in the right light. Sleek, immaculate and impossible to miss, the car had already turned heads in Victoria, having been previously featured in Killer Cars Melbourne and entered into Summernats, before it caught Melissa’s attention when it came up for sale.
“I’d owned my Mini Cooper for years but when I saw it, I just knew I was ready for another car,” she says of her recent purchase, “I figured, life is just too short not to enjoy something that looks and sounds so nice.”
Melissa’s dad was thrilled when he saw it.
“He used to have a uni graduation photo of me as his phone profile picture,” she laughs. “Now it’s the hot rod, that’s taken over.”
With the car now calling Central Queensland home, Melissa is eagerly awaiting its Rockynats debut.
“I’ve been to Rockynats a couple of times as a spectator and just love the energy and the way it takes over the whole town,” Melissa said. “To now be able to be part of it with my own car is really exciting.”
The car is entered in the Show N Shine, with the potential to feature in the Elite Pavilion pending scrutineering, an impressive milestone for a first-time entrant. Beyond the car itself, Melissa is looking forward to embracing everything Rockynats has to offer, from the street parade to the tattoo competition, as well as having a host of family and friends in town to support her.
“All my kids are coming, my best friend is flying up from the Gold Coast to be there and my friends from work are coming too, one of which is a mechanic, so we’re really looking forward to it and have been working hard to put all the finishing touches together.”
“[Owning this car] has opened up this whole new world of learning and experiences for me,” she adds. “I never thought I’d be in the position where I had a car of this quality to showcase at an event like Rockynats or be looking to do a small motors course at TAFE so I can learn to do my own services, but here we are.”
Reflecting on her experience as a female owner and driver, she says that while women have always been part of car culture, events like Rockynats have helped the scene continue to evolve and highlight just how inclusive the automotive community is.
“It’s less stereotypical now. You don’t have to look or be a certain way to be into cars. If you’re interested, you belong, it’s a simple as that. And Rockynats is an incredibly inclusive event, which is what really sets it apart. From my experience, it’s never been a case of ‘you shouldn’t be here’. It’s more like, ‘come on, let’s get you involved’.”
Her advice to anyone, especially women, considering getting involved or attending Rockynats 06?
“If Rockynats is on your doorstep, you’ve already got the perfect place to start. There’s so much variety, old cars, new cars, JDMs, there’s something for everyone,” she affirms.
Tickets for Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats 06 are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.rockynats.com.au/Tickets