MORE than $25,000 was raised for Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania at the 40th annual Truck Run held by the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association at Longford Showgrounds on March 5.
TTOOA president Rob Bayles said that a record crowd of more than 3000 turned out to see 150 trucks convoy from Launceston out to the site where plenty of family activities, food and a mega raffle and silent auction kept everyone entertained and the donations rolling in.
He was also humbled to receive the prestigious Daniel
(Porky) Saunders Award in ap- preciation for his services to the TTOOA.
“It’s the way that everyone works together, from the Long- ford Show Society and police to the local businesses, volunteers and the wider trucking community, that makes this the best truck run on the calendar,” Mr Bayles said.
“To have the RFDS here doing health checks on truck drivers and the charity being able to use the money we raise for aeromedical support, dental, mental and physical health services that are provided free and benefit rural communities in particular, is the best possible outcome,” he said.
Other award recipients on the day were: Zane (Mick) Wooley Trophy for Truck of the Day Gradco K200 operated by Kyle Scott and Coastal Auto Transport Kenworth T908 driven by Dan Youd. Best Fleet on the Day Tas Mulch; runner-up, Platinum. Best Vintage Truck of the Day Peter Allen; runnerup Jason Bester. Dedication to the Community (collecting the majority of prizes for the raffle): Roslyn Bonner and Russell Parsell.