Over the weekend, emotions flowed as drivers who have lost their lives were honoured and remembered during the Lights on The Hill Memorial Convoy and Service.
Held each year, the weekend features a convoy that travels through Toowoomba and Brisbane, making its way to the Gatton Showgrounds.
Though Covid restrictions meant the convoy couldn’t take place in 2020, this year the event was back in full swing.
The convoy was held on Saturday October 2, with 409 trucks taking part.
After missing out on the convoy last year, Juanita Johnston from the Lights On The Hill Trucking Memorial said, “Everybody really wanted it to go ahead, especially the drivers. Our crew was a bit worried about the Covid restrictions and everything. I think a lot of people thought it wouldn’t go ahead. All week, we were listening to what was happening with restrictions and, thankfully, it was still able to go ahead.”
Upon arriving at the Gatton Showgrounds, visitors were greeted to a fun-filled day with live music, kids’ rides, a truck show, a charity auction and food and trade stalls.
The charity auction included various items, from tyres to a mountain bike, and managed to raise around $7500 that will go towards the Memorial Wall – with a portion of that to be used for landscaping upgrades over the next 12 months.
The Memorial Service took place on Sunday October 3, with 55 names added to the wall. For those unable to attend in person, the service was also live streamed online.
“Border closures meant people from NSW and Victoria weren’t able to come, which was a shame, especially for those having someone’s name put on the wall – so we live streamed the service. Our girls who were in the convoy also did live streams from inside their trucks too for those who couldn’t make it,” Johnston.
“I think it’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen for the service. There were 55 trucks at the there, which is the most we’ve ever had.”
Johnston added that as the event is run entirely for volunteers, the team is always on the lookout for more people to get involved. To express your interest in being a sponsor of volunteer for Lights on the Hill, please email lightsonthehill@live.com.au.