Cressy farmer and Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association president Rob Bayles has been the driving force behind the annual charity Truck Run for a good chunk of its more than 40-year history.
Since it’s move from Myrtle Park to Longford Showground four years ago coinciding with a decision to support Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania – it has never been more successful.
The past three Truck Runs have raised more than $70,000 and provided a family fun day renowned for its variety of entertainment, mega raffle supported by hundreds of local businesses with prizes and of course, a spectacular truck show with prizes in various categories.
Rob always cleans up his Kenworth, which is usually laden with hay or grain, and then joins an army of TTOOA and RFDS volunteers to bring together the huge event which includes vintage trucks, fire trucks and trucks of every imaginable make and model.
“We wanted to raise money that helped all Tasmanians, and that’s what the RFDS does,” Rob said.
“Everyone knows someone who has been air-lifted to hospital, everyone knows someone who has had trouble accessing or affording mental health support, dental treatment, or physical rehabilitation – that’s what the RFDS is there for and they don’t charge a cent for any of it.”
Up to 200 trucks are expected to travel from all over the state to take part in the huge convoy from Launceston to Longford on Sunday, March 3, and it’s hard to believe that the big rigs, which are so beautifully presented they look like they’ve lived a life in the showroom, are actually carting food products, logs, livestock, grain, machinery and working hard every other day of the week.
On site at Longford, where entry is just a gold coin donation, there is live music, food vans and refreshments, barbecue lunch, auction, face painting and more.
A separate raffle of a load of logs ready for winter firewood is particularly popular.
The RFDS will have its aeromedical plane simulator, dental van and mobile health clinic bus on site to show people through and free health checks will be available.
“As an organisation that relies upon the generosity of donors and supporters to deliver vital healthcare services to people living in rural and remote communities throughout Tasmania, we are fortunate to have the Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators fundraising on our behalf,” RFDS Tasmania CEO Nicole Henty said.
“We’ve watched the event grow to become a standout, crowd pleaser raising significant funds for RFDS Tasmania and we are extremely grateful for the generous donations made by the Tasmanian community.”
For anyone wanting to join in or watch the Truck Run convoy, it leaves from Joe Pintarich’s Glebe yard at 9am, turns left into Boland St, right into Dowling, left onto Elphin, Penquite Rd, right into Quarantine, left onto Midland Hwy, sliplane left into Perth, through the Perth main street to roundabout, left onto Midland Hwy, sliplane left towards Longford, at Longford Roundabout left into Tannery Rd, Wellington St, Bulwer St to showground by 10am.