Here’s a look at some of the upcoming trucking events to mark in your diary.
August 5
Casino, NSW
Show sponsored by North Coast Petroleum. The Highway Lights Parade will roll through Johnston and Centre Streets from 10am on Saturday. Truck registrations ($30 each) from 6am at the Casino Industrial Area on the town’s east side. Includes live music, amusements and markets. Over $12,000 in cash and prizes. Presentation at 2pm. Plus plenty of blinged up trucks parked in the CBD. Bobtail and rigid trucks only.
Trangie Truck and Tractor Show
August 19
Trangie Showground, NSW
Combining a tractor pull, show and shine, shearing competition, demolition derby, barrel race, market stalls, live music and plenty of kids’ activities, this is an event for the whole family. Organisers are hoping to see plenty of car, truck and vintage machinery clubs on the day, for a glimpse from across the years. Gates open 8am ($25pp, under 12 free). Camping is also available.
2023 Australian Festival of Transport
August 24-27
National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs
The four-day festival will include welcoming new inductees onto the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame and the Legends Gala Dinner incorporating the first ‘Transport Women Unite Red Ball’, with the inaugural Transport Women Dream Maker Award, recognising women in the industry working behind the scenes, and helping those who front the organisation to achieve their dreams, whether it be an owner/operator, a family business or a large company.
August 26
National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs
Held as part of the Festival of Transport, the Razorback Blockade Reunion celebrates six courageous truckies who in 1979 blocked the then-Hume Highway near the Razorback Ridge in the name of protesting road maintenance taxes introduced as early as the 1950s.
SEPTEMBER
QTA Road Freight Industry Awards
September 9
Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane
The awards recognise those who have displayed excellence, dedication and commitment.
September 15-17
Clarendon, NSW
Kenworths new and old, working and retired, restored and original, will come together at the 2023 Kenworth Klassic, which this year celebrates 100 years of the iconic brand.
September 27-29
Gold Coast, Queensland
NatRoad invites members to its 2023 conference, which includes the ‘NatRoad Parliament’ and the NatRoad Awards presented at the Gala Dinner.
Lights On The Hill Memorial Convoy
September 30 & October 1
Gatton, Queensland
The Memorial Convoy will be held on September 30, with the Memorial Service held on October 1 at the Lake Apex Memorial wall. There will be live music at the showgrounds.
OCTOBER
Technology & Maintenance Conference
October 16-18
Melbourne, Victoria
The in-person event is back after four years. It aims to bring new ideas, expert advice, and strategies to help transport operators save thousands of dollars through improved maintenance and purchasing strategies.
October 29
Clarendon, NSW
Starting at the Sydney Dragway, the convoy will make its way to the Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon for a day filled with fun and festivities. It will raise funds for the NETS Ambulance Service.
NOVEMBER
November 4
Brisbane, Queensland
Planning is underway to make the 2023 Brisbane Convoy for Kids even bigger and better. Along with the main convoy, there will be a truck show, family fun and entertainment, and an evening fireworks display.
White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial Service and Convoy
November 4
Murray Bridge, SA
Honouring truck drivers who have lost their lives, the White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial now has over 100 names. This special day begins with a convoy, with trucks meeting at White Hill and heading towards the monument, where they will line up and toot their air horn ahead of the service that will take place at 11am.
Goulburn Convoy for Kids & Carnival Day
November, 11
Goulburn Showgrounds, NSW
A jam-packed day of fun for the whole family, the day will include a huge array of trucks on display, free carnival rides, entertainment galore including the return of Bluey and Bingo, activities and interactive games for the kids.
A variety of food and refreshment stations will be available. Entry for kids is free. The Convoy for Kids Goulburn charity provides financial assistance to local families who have a child living with a permanent disability, special need, cancer or terminal illness.
November 19
Illawarra, NSW
Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals. Last year’s event raised over $2 million.
Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to editor@bigrigs.com.au.