Trucking events are back with a bang after the Christmas break, with the Geelong Classic Truck and Machinery Show kicking things off in Victoria over the weekend.
Show organiser Steven Moore told Big Rigs that over 2,500 people came through the gates of the Geelong Showgrounds on January 13 and 14.
“We had excellent attendance over the weekend, with a very strong family crowd,” Moore said.
“Children loved the variety, with all the different things going on.
“People said they thought they would be there for an hour, maybe two, and they couldn’t drag the kids away all day.”
Attractions at the event included a large display of classic trucks, tractors, cars and machinery, as well as a huge variety of model clubs and hobby displays.
Moore estimates that over 100 trucks were on show at the event, with truckies coming from all over Victoria as well as from NSW, SA and Tasmania.
“Bringing a truck over from Tasmania – that would have had to be planned far in advance,” he said.
“People made a big effort to be there.”
He avoids presenting awards as he doesn’t want to pit vehicle owners against each other.
“It’s not a competition, it’s a catch up and a day out. The standard of trucks on display was excellent.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s an original, or it’s been through a workshop and detailed, made better than new. They’re all worthy of recognition.”
Moore has chaired the organising committee for the Geelong Classic Truck and Machinery Show for the past 12 years.
“At first it was just engines and trailers, and then we thought about how we could grow it,” he said.
“Thats when we introduced the trucks, and brought in hobby groups to fill the place up and add variety.
“I think the public really enjoyed themselves this year and we got some really positive feedback.
“I’m looking forward to doing it all again next year – there would be some very long faces if we didn’t!”