Sydney’s “truck show drought” has been washed away, with spectators and truckies from across NSW pouring into the inaugural Sydney TruckFest at the weekend to show their support.
While the rain pelted down, it wasn’t enough to keep avid truckies and families away with 4700 fans filing through the gates of the Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon from May 3-5.
Organiser Brendon Ryan says locals showed up in full force over the three days, despite the inclement weather.
“For its first ever run, we were completely surprised,” he said.
Despite the initial nerves, they were pleased with how everything turned out, with 70 trucks lining up at the gate.
“Everything was pretty nerve-wrecking honestly, but the weather was the only downfall. We didn’t really have any major issues or problems.
“Yet that didn’t stop us from running around like headless chooks.”
Created by Brendon and Bruce Gunter, the duo say the show was created amidst a “truck show drought” plaguing NSW.
“There’s no truck show in Sydney anymore, nothing even truck related,” Brendon said.
“Everybody always has to travel around if they want to go to one, so we found the little hole in the market and tried to fix it.”
Sydney hasn’t seen a truck show of this size since The Working Truck Show in Penrith over 20 years ago, which sadly ended when the organiser passed away.
Sydney TruckFest combined the best of the industry, with a special focus on new vehicles, trailing equipment and services dedicated to the road transport industry.
“Whether you’re a large fleet owner, single owner operator or just a driver even, there would be something here that you can get involved with.”
One of the drawcards of the Hawkesbury Showgrounds was the Yennora Woolsheds, famously used to play host to the industry for years.
The woolsheds were transformed into a time capsule with period specific vehicles, hay bales, plastic sheep and more.
“The display was just amazing. I have never seen, and don’t think there has ever been a collection of trucks like this all put together,” Brendon said.
Another amazing display was seen in the truck entries, with the rigs battling it out for the top three trophies.
Initially not bothering with a Show ‘n’ Shine, organisers were overwhelmed with messages and calls asking for it to be included.
“We were getting pressured,” Brendon said. “The public spoke so of course we had to act on it.”
The Show ‘n’ Shine was open to all trucks of every size, shape, year and model, with a first, second and third place awarded.
Judging was solely up to the public, with QR codes scattered around the grounds to cast votes.
The Silverback Armour ‘Beast of the Show’ was ultimately taken by Pace Drilling and their Kenworth T909.
Closing in on second was Matty Bowler and his Kenworth 409 SAR, with the third place trophy going home with Mark Galea and his Peterbilt.
“We received great feedback overall. The camaraderie was felt everywhere, and everything was so fantastic,” Brendon said.
With the success of the event evident, Sydney residents can breathe easier knowing this truck show is here to stay.
“We are looking at doing it every second year, opposite to the Brisbane Show,” he said.
“We’ve already pencilled in dates with the venue, aiming for March 2026.”