THE Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association has held its most successful Truck Run in its 40-year fundraising history, recently handing $28,000 to its charity of choice – the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The cheque was gratefully received by RFDS Tasmania board members Tony Gray and Kim Rooney who assured TTOOA president Rob Bayles and hardworking association volunteers present that the money would go towards its core business of delivering primary health care to rural and remote areas.
“This is the kind of boost that will help us deliver more programs to those who need the RFDS to come to them, when they can’t get to city-based services,” Mr Gray said.
Peter Allen, of Perth, who has driven his superbly restored ’83 Mack Cruiseliner on several truck runs to Myrtle Park and the past three years to Longford, took out this year’s Best Vintage Truck of the Day award.
It was on display at the RFDS Tasmania Western Junction base for the cheque presentation, and like all the trucks in the truck run, was superbly presented.
“It was amazing to see so many people watching the trucks roll by and coming out to support a charity that has been helping Tasmanians for more than 60 years,” he said.
Mr Allen, who had a career in transport, said that the Cruiseliner was a rare model, with only 250 ever built in Australia, and every element was Mack-made. While it’s been lovingly restored and kept in pristine condition, it does get a few outings when Mr Allen uses it to cart his collection of 1970s International muscle tractors to shows.
TOOA has now raised more than $60,000 for RFDS Tasmania.