Over fifty people in around thirty Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 utes met at Horseshoe Bend for a three-day camping and four-wheel-driving weekend earlier this month.

The idea for the weekend came about on an online forum dedicated to the utes, newranger.net.

Forum member Lincoln set about organising the weekend, which he hopes will become an annual event.

"This was the first in what we hope will become a major national event, with planning for the 2018 event already commenced. Each annual Ranger meetup event will raise money for charity."

It was not all about camping and driving though - as plans developed, organisers decided to use the event to fundraise for a charity. Forum members decided upon the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

Forum members spoke to businesses in Melbourne and Horsham to seek donations for an auction, which was held on the Saturday night of the event. A long list of automotive businesses contributed to the cause.

Event organiser come auctioneer, Lincoln, was ecstatic at the turnout and generosity of members. To date over $3000 dollars has been raised as a direct result of the event with every dollar going direct to the RFDS. The anticipated final figure to be donated is around $3500.

Organisers wish to thank their long list of sponsors, Dimboola Police, and Parks Victoria.

Information about their plans for the 2018 event can be found on the forum at newranger.net.

Photo contributed.