It started with three mates sharing a beer in a small country pub 25 years ago.
Having a yarn over a couple of bevs, they discussed a local family who needed some help after a child had become unwell.
From this, an idea emerged — the Goulburn Convoy for Kids, which has grown and grown to become one of the highlights of the annual trucking calendar.
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Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the show was an overwhelming success, attracting 316 trucks — 60 more than last year — and raising over $90,000 to support local children with cancer, terminal illnesses and permanent disabilities.
“We’re a small town of around 30,000 people,” says convoy president Peter Caldow.
“If there’s a situation where a child needs immediate care and you can’t just reach out and get help, it’s worrying.
“We have about 15 to 20 clients and they’re all under the age of 18. They may need to have treatment twice a week in Sydney, for example, so we cover their fuel and chemist bills, assist with accommodation, little things like that.”
Peter tells Deals on Wheels about the event’s lead truck, a beautifully restored 1970s Mack Flintstone, which has a very special story behind it.
“Our first event president Brian Webb drove the first lead truck 25 years ago, and now his son Matt, along with his old Flintstone, has won Lead Truck 25 years later,” he chuckles.
“Hopefully his grandson gets one in 25 years’ time!”
While the trucks are undoubtedly the stars of the show, with the crowd of 8,000 marvelling at the custom rigs and vintage vehicles, there were plenty of other things to see and do as well.
The weekend saw a truck and excavator simulator making its way to the grounds, and even an old-school tarp tying competition.
“It was a competition to see who could tie the 15 tarp ropes the quickest,” he says.
“It was amongst very competitive blokes.
“Whether they were very successful or not, I won’t go there, but at least they had a go.”
Also amongst the entertainment was a free carnival for kids, and about 400 cupcakes were handed out to celebrate the convoy’s 25th birthday.
But behind every successful truck, every smiling face and every dollar raised is a community of local sponsors and volunteers who make it all happen.
From local transport companies and tyre manufacturers to a local boat builder, the community support was unbelievable.
A specially made truck-inspired bar raised over $9,000 in the fundraising auction, and other donations, like fire buckets and various truck parts, brought in thousands more.
Then there are the volunteers, a committee of 22 individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create an unforgettable weekend.
Peter expresses his thanks to the community, but his highlight was seeing the look on the little kids’ faces as they peered up at the great shiny trucks that towered over them.
“They love to jump in, take a photo and blow the horn. That’s my reward,” says Peter.
Though the event remains dedicated to helping children with special needs, Peter sees it evolving into something bigger –— a current trend in the trucking world currently being raising awareness of truck safety, blind spots and driver education.
The focus on safety, however, doesn’t overshadow the event’s core mission.
“We’re a fundraiser for children, that will never change, but the convoy is forming into something else also, a place where we can highlight common sense on our roads,” Peter adds.
Looking ahead, the event’s growth shows no signs of slowing down and as it expands, so too does its impact.
With a few tweaks here and there to make next year even better, the heart of Goulburn’s Convoy for Kids will always stay the same.
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