As Chair he has helped steer the beloved motoring event into a new era, celebrating not just vehicles, but the stories and spirit behind them. Now, Michael takes on a new challenge as Chair of the History Trust of South Australia, bringing his passion for the past to a broader stage.
Now in its 45th year, the Bay to Birdwood is no ordinary vehicle run. Each year, it brings together thousands of enthusiasts, owners, and onlookers for a moving parade of history. From Adelaide’s coastline to the leafy hills of Birdwood, everything from vintage motorcycles to classic Aussie Holdens and rare European imports make their way through Adelaide, cheered on by tens of thousands. It’s a rolling museum, a living timeline, and a community celebration all at once. For Michael Neale, the event has always been about more than chrome and carburettors.
“As a South Australian, I have always seen the Bay to Birdwood as a celebration of who we are; a place that values its heritage, its creativity, and its sense of fun,” Michael says.
It’s the stories behind the vehicles that make this event so special. Every car, every bike, every person in costume, they’re all part of our shared narrative.
Michael’s leadership has helped modernise and grow the event while keeping its essence intact. Under his guidance, the Bay to Birdwood embraced broader community engagement, introduced new categories of vehicles, such as EVs and elevated the experience for participants and spectators alike. He’s also been a key figure in promoting the event on the national and international stage, ensuring it continues to thrive and influenced the recent three-year major partnership with the RAA.
“Both the RAA and the Bay to Birdwood celebrate a deep respect for motoring heritage, innovation and community. With RAA on board, we can take this much-loved event to new heights while preserving the stories, vehicles and spirit that define it.”
With a background spanning education, marketing, public administration and cultural heritage, Michael brings a unique perspective to leadership roles. He has worked in senior positions across government and not-for-profit sectors, with a career underpinned by a deep commitment to learning, inclusion, and the preservation of cultural identity.
His appointment as Chair of the History Trust of South Australia in 2025 is a natural progression, one that aligns perfectly with his lifelong passion for storytelling and community connection.
“In such a vast landscape, the Bay to Birdwood is a celebration of our ability to overcome isolation: physical and economic isolation in years past but increasingly overcoming social isolation. That was most evident when we held the 2020 event – overcoming the isolation of COVID as a united community. That year’s event was so important.”
When asked what he personally loves most about the Bay to Birdwood, his answer is immediate and heartfelt.
It’s the people and their stories. The joy on their faces. Whether it’s a young kid waving at a passing Kombi or a grandparent reminiscing about a car they once owned – that intergenerational magic is what makes the event so powerful. You don’t have to be a motoring expert to feel something. You just have to show up and listen.” And showing up is exactly what he encourages all South Australians – and visitors – to do.
“If you’ve never been to the Bay to Birdwood, you’re missing something truly special. It’s not just about cars, it’s about memory, identity, and community. There’s music, food, fashion, and this incredible sense of belonging. Whether you’re an entrant in a vehicle or simply watching from the roadside, you are participating in one of the most uplifting days on the calendar.”
As he takes on his new role with the History Trust, Michael remains a champion for preserving and celebrating South Australia’s unique heritage. He believes strongly that understanding our past is essential for shaping our future.
“Our history gives us identity. It teaches us resilience. And it reminds us that the things we create today, be they vehicles, ideas, or traditions, will be tomorrow’s stories. That’s why the work of the History Trust, and events like the Bay to Birdwood, matter so deeply. They keep us connected as people.” In many ways, Michael Neale’s journey mirrors that of the Bay to Birdwood itself; driven by passion, powered by community, and always looking to the road ahead.
The Bay to Birdwood takes place on Sunday, 19 October 2025. Registrations for historic vehicles are close to complete and general public tickets for the finish at Birdwood will go on sale in September.
