Bad weather didn’t stop the community from joining in the fun at the Mount Gambier Family Truck Show in South Australia, as mighty machines gleamed under the darkened sky.
A strong crowd gathered for the event, raising $11,500 for local charities and less fortunate families in the Limestone Coast region.
Chairman of the show committee, Aaron Mattner, says the day wasn’t about the weather, but rather making sure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, felt the joy of a day out.
“We had 110 trucks entered in the truck show, which is the biggest number we’ve ever had,” he says.
“There were a few different people that showed up this year, some that have never attended and others who haven’t come for a few years.
“It was just good to see a lot of support from the local trucking companies.”
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australia’s transport industry.
- Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly Deals on Wheels magazine.
- Sell your truck with Australia’s #1 truck classifieds
Each rig, whether a polished fleet machine or a hard-working log truck, grabbed enthusiasts’ and little kids’ attention.
Aaron says that as a family fun day, the show isn’t just about shiny rigs. There are a heap of unique activities to get excited about — like laser tag, a colour run, a giant sandpit, a bouncy castle, outdoor games, the Whacky Mac Magician and a spooky visit with some snakes!
Mum and dad could have a browse around the market stalls, timber sport demonstrations, live entertainment and food trucks and then wrap the day up with a family photo with Santa!
As families strolled through the grounds, every entry and gold coin dropped in the donation box wasn’t just going toward a fun day, but to something meaningful, to families in need.
“It’s great to see that we can do something that gives back to the community,” he says.
“We’re all volunteers and donate our time to do this, so it was amazing to see so many people able to come along and have a good day, but to also support kids.
“We do extra activities throughout the year as well.
“For example last year, we sent some disadvantaged kids from the community bowling for a day where they had a lunch together, we did a movie day for 40 kids as well.
“It’s the fact that we can give back to the kids that might miss out, and families that can’t come to the Mount Gambier show because of cost, it’s nice to give something back to the kids of the community.”
But winning wasn’t what the fun day was about. The community came together to make sure every kid got a taste of happiness, and that’s something far more valuable than any trophy or cash prize.