Canberra heritage supporter and Crace Holdings director Ian Oliver is steering his love of all-things vintage straight at the heart of the Gungahlin Homestead development.
Ian's personal museum-like car display in Fyshwick, known as Ollies’ Garage, attracts heritage car enthusiasts locally, from around Australia and even overseas. Ian's rare 1924 Bentley was a key attraction at one of the first Gungahlin Homestead open days, in October 2024. The early model mirrors the very Bentley that won at Le Mans that year, just one season before Canberra's first dirt-track races on what is now Northbourne Avenue.
"I've long been drawn to objects built to last," Ian explains. "Rolls-Royce fans will tell you that 75 per cent of the old Rolls and Bentleys are still on the road. That's because they're made to endure and valued enough for people to care for them."
Ollies’ Garage regularly showcases up to 20 cars on a rotational basis, along with motoring memorabilia and many items that have a local heritage interest. Beyond the engines and polished paintwork lies Ian's deeper mission – to ensure Gungahlin Homestead remains a living asset.
"This place reminds me of an old Rolls-Royce," he said. "We need to preserve its incredible heritage, open it to the community, and explore its potential as a centre for aged care and local events."
A supporter, life member and former ACT Councillor for the National Trust, Ian is a passionate heritage advocate in Canberra.
