International Kawasaki Vulcan Riders Rally Supporting Mental Health in Albany
When the Vulcan Riders Association World Rally reached Albany’s Great Southern region over the King’s Birthday long weekend, Albany Motorcycles seized the opportunity to showcase the legendary Kawasaki brand while supporting an important community cause.
Celebrating Kawasaki’s Vulcan Legacy
More than 60 riders gathered in Albany from September 26-29, with Albany Motorcycles hosting the rally’s signature show and shine event. The gathering brought together passionate Kawasaki enthusiasts from across Australia and overseas, including Vulcan Riders’ Association world vice-president Helmuth Honigsperger, who travelled from Austria specifically to celebrate these remarkable machines.
“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,” said Gary Dibble, owner and operator of Albany Motorcycles.
Showcasing the Kawasaki Brand Through Community
The event featured an impressive display of vintage and modern Kawasaki Vulcan models, ranging from the original 250cc Eliminator to the powerful VN2000. Albany Motorcycles complemented these classic machines with their current range of Kawasaki motorcycles, offering demonstrations and test rides throughout the day.
Judges awarded best in class and runner-up honours across multiple categories, evaluating motorcycles on presentation, originality, and the compelling stories behind each machine. Many bikes had travelled thousands of kilometres across Australia to reach Albany, testament to both the dedication of their owners and the reliability of the Kawasaki brand.
Community Spirit Supporting Mental Health
True to Albany Motorcycles’ commitment to community engagement, the dealership didn’t simply provide a venue — they created an experience that welcomed the public and supported a vital cause. All proceeds from the weekend’s activities were donated to Bringing Mental Recovery Closer, a charity founded by Storn Peterson that raises awareness of rural suicide and mental health struggles in regional Western Australia.
“Events like this demonstrate what the motorcycle community is really about,” said Rob Fitzpatrick, Vulcan Riders Association Australia president. “Albany Motorcycles didn’t just provide a venue — they created an experience that honoured our bikes, welcomed the public, and supported an important cause.”
Building Lifelong Connections
For Albany Motorcycles, events like the Vulcan Riders World Rally exemplify what makes the Kawasaki brand special. “Kawasaki has always understood that motorcycles create communities, not just customers,” Gary Dibble explained. “The Vulcan Riders Association proves that — these riders have formed lifelong friendships around their Kawasaki motorcycles.”
The dealership commits annually to showcasing the Kawasaki brand through open days that bring riders together, educate the public, and celebrate motorcycling culture. The world rally provided an international platform to demonstrate Albany’s position as the gateway to great riding adventures in Western Australia.
Discover Kawasaki’s legendary Vulcan series and current model range at Albany Motorcycles, your trusted Kawasaki dealer in the Great Southern region.
