Rod is widely regarded as one of the fathers of hot-rodding in Australia, a title earned through decades of passion, persistence, and belief in the power of community. From the earliest days of the movement, Rod helped shape not just a style of cars, but a culture, one built on creativity, craftsmanship, and mateship. His influence helped bring hot-rodding into the mainstream, giving it legitimacy and a lasting place in Australia’s automotive story.
Looking back, Rod doesn’t just see cars, he sees people. He sees the friendships formed in sheds and workshops, the pride in building something with your own hands, and the sense of belonging that hot-rodding has always offered. “It was never just about the vehicles,” he says. “It was about giving people something to be passionate about, something that brought them together.”
In recent years, Rod’s journey has taken a deeply personal turn following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Living with Parkinson’s has changed many aspects of daily life, but it hasn’t changed who he is or what he stands for. “Parkinson’s challenges you in ways you don’t expect,” Rod reflects, “but it also makes you think hard about what really matters. Parkinson’s can strike anyone, at any age, at any time. It is really important to raise awareness of this debilitating and challenging condition.”
For Rod, raising awareness of Parkinson’s is important because he knows how misunderstood the condition can be. He understands firsthand the impact it has on movement, confidence, and independence. He also knows the emotional toll it takes on families and carers. By speaking openly, Rod hopes to shine a light on the realities of Parkinson’s, encourage earlier understanding and support, and remind others that a diagnosis does not define the end of a meaningful, active life.
Rod’s advocacy comes from the same place as his life’s work: a desire to help others and to leave things better than he found them. “If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, or pushes research and support forward, then it’s worth it,” he says.
Through his involvement with Fight Parkinson’s, Rod is proud to support an organisation that champions awareness, research, and care for people living with the condition. Standing alongside Fight Parkinson’s allows him to combine his personal experience with his lifelong commitment to community, continuing to make a difference, just in a new way.
Rod Hadfield’s legacy is one of passion, resilience, and purpose, proof that even when the road changes, the drive to help others never does.