Electric atmosphere at Brisbane Convoy for Kids

There was a huge buzz and plenty of excitement in the air as over 600 trucks came together for the 12th annual Brisbane Convoy for Kids.

Trucks of all makes, models, shapes and sizes were washed and shined up to ensure they looked their best; and cheered on as thousands gathered for a very special event, which this year supports Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice, which provides short stay breaks, family support, and care for children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

With invoices still coming in and final calculations being made, Brisbane Convoy for Kids treasurer Leanne Prince estimates that around $60,000 will be donated to the charity.

Around $15,000 came from the auction were over 50 items went under the hammer, with items ranging from teddy bears, to truck seats embroidered with the Convoy for Kids logo.

An Argosy honours the late Convoy for Kids co-founder, John ‘The Ferret’ Moran OAM, who passed away last year.

After Covid restrictions forced last year’s event to be cancelled, the industry and the public turned out in force.

“The number of trucks that took part blew us away. The official count was 619 trucks and five motorbikes. In 2019, the tally was 624, but that included utes and bikes too,” said Prince.

“We had 20 bids for lead truck this year too, which was quite exciting.”

And it was Jason O’Hearn from Karreman Quarries who received the Lead Truck honour, with a Mack Trident together with tippers that were wrapped as the event’s Trailer of Hope for 2020.

Karreman Quarries’ Mack Trident was Lead Truck for the 2021 event.

The 619 trucks created quite a spectacle as they entered the Logan Motorway from Paradise Road, Larapinta, travelling through the Gateway Motorway and Deagon Deviation before crossing into Redcliffe where the trucks travelled along the waterfront, up Oxley Avenue and into the Redcliffe Showgrounds, where they parked up and created a magnificent display.

“It was really electric. The stands were full and kids were excited and waving as the trucks came in. Because of the one year hiatus we had, I personally thought that interest could wane, but it didn’t at all – if anything, it increased it, and now drivers and the committee are already making plans for 2022,” Prince added.