The population of the small, New South Wales town of Denman almost tripled on Saturday April 26, as a machine loving crowd of just under 4,000 came to visit for the Diesel, Rust, Dust, Truck and Machinery Show.
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Roughly 90 trucks cruised their way through the Denman show gates, with Bowers Heavy Haulage’s contribution making event secretary Wayne Turnball look twice.
“They had four of their prime movers there and took home a prize, they were just so detailed!” he says.
However, there were plenty of eye catching big rigs, so it was hard staying focused on only one at a time.
“The organisers don’t want to be the only judges, so there were about 10 different categories that were judged by People’s Choice,” he says.
“Each vehicle got a number and the public walks around and ticks off which one they like. It’s the public’s decision.”
Although the weather looked terrible, that didn’t stop the crowds from swarming on in.
“People came far and wide, from Toowoomba to Sydney, just from all over the shop!”
There was a total whopping figure of 260 vehicles that wowed crowds, not only including trucks, but cars, motorbikes, tractors, bulldozers and stationary engines.
“Our aim of the show is to cater for everybody. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle’s new, old, or being restored, they’re all welcome,” Wayne says.
“We like to keep the whole family in mind also. We had a massive entertainment area for the children and ran about 20 market stores at our event.”
But it didn’t stop there.
Along with sky scraping trucks and roaring engines, there was face painting, a jumping castle and even a chain-saw carving demonstration.
A family fun-filled day, what’s not to love?
Although, the day wasn’t all just fun and games.
“Westpac Rescue Helicopter was our charity of choice. It’s a charity that will really benefit anyone at any time. We ended up raising $3,500 for them,” he says.
“People can use it in any sort of accident or if ridden with an illness. It’s there to save lives. A long time ago I even used it myself.
“The local economy thrives off the money raised also which is really important. We made the day affordable for all walks of life to come to Denman and enjoy.”
Though organising this show is a massive job for Wayne, it’s also extremely rewarding.
“The highlight for me every year is seeing a smile on people’s faces. That’s what it’s all about,” he says.
This was the fourth ever Diesel, Rust, Dust, Truck and Machinery Show which came about after COVID. The president wanted a big show, and so a big show is what Denman got.
Along with the truck display, the streets were packed with truck lovers and big rigs, as trucks paraded the streets of the small town throughout the morning.
That weekend, Denman reminded us that even the smallest towns, can throw the mightiest events filled with grease, diesel and a whole lot of family fun.
Award Winners
Best Truck Overall: Bowers Transport
Best Restored Truck: Derek
Best Car Overall: Gold Chevrolet, Lindsay Wilkinson
Best Restored Car: Blue Land Cruiser
Best Car Modified: Blue Ford Landau, David Clerke
Best Original: Car MG, Brian Davis
Best Defence Vehicle: Alvis Saracen Armoured Personal Carrier, Toby Newton
Best Tractor: The Yellow Caterpillar, Mark Mepham
Best Machinery: Hit & Miss Engine, Ralph Hetherington
Best Overall Display: Bowers Heavy Transport
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