There was a tangible buzz in the air during the recent Tassie Convoy 4 Kids, with a record 107 trucks revving up to raise money for the children’s ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
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Organiser Emma Bygrave tells Deals on Wheels that she was delighted with the turnout, which was almost double last year’s numbers.
“We’re really proud of how far we’ve come,” she says. “It’s only our seventh event, and to have such a massive increase, it is really an emotional thing.
“It’s amazing to see that many trucks roll in and just know that it’s not only making a difference for the hospital in the money that we give them, but for the drivers as well — to all be in one place and be able to catch up for something that’s a little bit more casual than a truck show.
“So yeah, I think it’s just really important that we can help both those things happen in the one event.”
The event raised an amazing $17,160.12 in donations, bringing the total amount raised by the event since its inception to over $100,000.
The top fundraiser, who was given the honour of lead truck, was Rob Sutton, who drives for logging contractor AG & N Barker.
Sutton, who pulled up in a shiny Kenworth T909, raised an impressive $2,750 for the cause, with Toby Rolle from All Pumping Solutions right behind him with a donation
of $2,610.
“We have a Top 10 for the trucks, and they raise the bulk of the money,” explains Emma.
“So, there’s an assortment of trucks — like there’s some really nice, good-looking ones, but then there are your average Joe trucks in there too.
“I think that’s the beauty of the event — it doesn’t matter what your truck looks like, everyone’s just there for a good cause.”
Emma shared her gratitude to the local transport community for their generosity and support of the event.
“There are some controversial things when it comes to truck driving and the different industries they operate in, but events like this give the public a different look at the people who drive trucks every day.
“They can appreciate that these guys are just trying to give back and make a difference where they can.
“Keep the second weekend in December free and we’ll see if we can do this even bigger and better in 2025!”
The Convoy’s Top 10:
10. Tony Large from Rayner Transport $190
9. Brad Johns $425
8. David Oakley from Willie Oakley Longhaul Solutions $700
7. Jake Wickert from DDM Civil $785
6. Darrin Morgan from Tasmulch $1020
5. Mick Townsend from Batchelor Civil Contracting $1150
4. Kyle Scott from Quinn Transport & Spreading $1300
3. Dean Weedon from Topform Excavation $2170
2. Toby Rolle from All Pumping Solutions $2610
1. Rob Sutton from AG & N Barker $2750
Read more:
- Looking back at the 2024 Truck of the Show Winners
- Team Transport rolls in fleet of rigs to Brisbane Convoy
- Freightmore Transport expands its footprint
- Goulburn Convoy for Kids raises over $90,000 for kids in need
- A look back at the Mount Gambier Truck Show
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