The Lowood Truck Show is back on August 17 and promises to be even bigger and better than ever.
Located around 60km west of Brisbane, the small regional town comes to life as trucks make their way to the grand event.
Show organiser and veteran truckie Rob Liston, who’s been behind the wheel for about 40 years, started Lowood Truck Show 13 years ago, together with his wife Kassie.
That first rendition was put together in just three weeks, with 20 trucks gathering at the local RSL Club.
“It was all organised through word of mouth. And then things went from there,” said Rob. “People kept saying you should do this every year, so here we are.”
It had received so much interest that by the following year, the decision was made to move the event to the Lowood Showgrounds, where 65 trucks took part.
The Lowood Truck Show has called the Showgrounds home ever since, with the last event – held in 2022 – involving 256 trucks, along with a selection of cars and bikes too.
Rob made the decision not to hold the event in 2023, as he and his wife had moved out of the town and relocated to Chinchilla, some 230 kilometres away.
Due to popular demand, it’s back!
“There was a big call asking us to get the Lowood Truck Show back up and running, so here it is,” Rob said. “This time around, we’re expecting in excess of 300 trucks.
“We’ve been doing the event for so long that everything falls into place nicely now. A lot more sponsors have come on board this year – even sponsors from interstate, including Victoria and New South Wales. It’s really taken off!
“Jon from Heavy Haulage Assets (HHA) has remained as one of our great sponsors.”
Each year, Rob chooses a charity for the event to partner with. This year all proceeds from the Lowood Truck Show will be donated to Dementia Australia.
“General entry and truck registration is free, however donations are welcome,” added Rob. “There is also no fee for stall holders, instead we just ask for a donation. Most stall holders will donate something for our auction, which will also be raising money for Dementia Australia.”
The day will begin with a parade at 11am. Vehicles will do a loop through Lowood, departing from the Showgrounds, heading through Main Street, before making their way back for a host of activities and awards.
“We create a bit of a traffic jam through Lowood for about an hour or so. In the past we have had road trains in the parade, so we’re hoping to get a permit to get road trains in there again this year,” explained Rob.
Image: Kevin Rogers
The parade will follow behind the ‘Lead Truck’, with those hoping to score the hotly contested spot invited to place a bid by messaging Rob through The Lowood Truck Show Facebook page. “The highest bidder will be taking prime position,” he said.
There will also be around 30 trophies presented on the day, with a trophy presentation kicking off at around 3.30pm.
“Truck of the Show and the Charity’s Choice are our two big awards for the day. We like to involve the charity we partner with each year, so someone from Dementia Australia will be there to present the Charity’s Choice award,” explained Rob.
Attracting up to 5000 people, the Lowood Truck Show really is an event for the whole family.
The Bullet Burnout Truck, owned by Laurie Williams, has become a popular attraction – and will be there again in August. The impressive and heavily modified Western Star has become known as “the world’s fastest diesel truck”. It’s become a regular sight on the truck show circuit and always draws in crowds.
Adding to that there will be plenty of stalls, food and a bar. While entertainment will include live music, a rock and roll dance group from Brisbane, a jumping castle for the kids and a mechanical bull.
To find out more, visit The Lowood Truck Show Facebook page.