They would come from Queensland to Tasmania and all parts in between. Some would come ‘just over the hill there’ from a place called Perth. And as anticipated, in they came for the 35th Truck Show held last weekend at the Campbells Creek Sports Ground.
It was last Saturday afternoon when the Times caught up with the crowds, the truck community, the stall holders, musicians, volunteers… and the line-up of beauties and beasts that were parked around the grounds, tall and proud. “This is my fourth year as Truck Show director, and the crowds have been fantastic. Last year, we had more than 300 trucks and more than 3,000 in crowd numbers.” said Kerry Anderson.
Even the inclement weather was welcomed as the shower on the ground settled the dust and kept the mighty-looking beasts looking shiny and beautiful. “Look at them, they’re poking away under the hood and they’re sharing knowledge. They’re getting together. For some of them, it’s a celebration of working hard all year, an early Christmas break,” said Kerry.
The Truck Show raises funds for the community and for the local Rotary Club. It’s a lot of work, but they partner with the community. There are usually at least 120 community volunteers on this ground. “Scouts, CFA, schools, kinders… what we do is pay them an hourly fee for their volunteer work and then make a grant back to their club. So, they’re working for their club and their community.”
How would Kerry best describe who’s in the trucking community now?
“There are a lot of young people coming into the truck industry. There are young women and men who have invested a lot of money, and perhaps they have family support and backing. It’s a really big thing. It’s a big industry. You’ve got to put a lot of skin in the game to get into this job. But they love it. It’s a way of life.”
Don’t miss next year’s.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 1 December 2023.
