News, Truck events

Truckies band together for fun-filled day in support of mental health

Next month, in the Queensland town of Nobby, the local trucking community will come together for a special event, raising money for mental health charity Our House Our Haven.

Organised by the West Brook Truck Drivers Association, together with Rudds Pub, there will great food, raffles, auctions, live entertainment and more.

Nobby is a small historic town located about halfway between Toowoomba and Warwick.

Evan Jones took over the pub after retiring from the highways. Image: Darren Eyers

Its historic pub was built in 1893 and is now owned by Evan Jones and his wife Gayle Jones. After spending his entire working life as a truck driver, he took over the pub after retiring from the highways.

An active member of the West Brook Truck Drivers Association, he came up with the idea of using the pub for an event supporting the mental health of all who are involved in the transport industry.

Together with fellow members Darren Eyers, Shirley King, Evan Jones, Mick Williams, Neville Eyers, they’ve organised the fundraiser to take place at Rudds Pub on November 16, from 9am until late.

“We have a meeting every couple of months. We have experienced drivers, new drivers, everyone can come along,” said Darren.

[L-R] Mick Williams, Shirley King and Neville Eyers. Images: Darren Eyers
“Evan was the one who floated the idea of a function at his venue in support of mental health in the transport industry – it’s not just for the drivers, but the mechanics, tyre fitters, freight forwarders, the partners at home and everyone in the industry who is impacted.

“Our president and his partner, Craig and Colleen Butler, have also come together to get some great sponsors involved.”

Craig and Colleen Butler head up the West Brook Truck Drivers Association. Image: Darren Eyers

Based in Toowoomba, Darren, 56, is also a truck driver, who’s been on the roads for almost 40 years. He currently does the Brisbane to Darwin run, carting general freight. “My family had a large transport company in Toowoomba, so I started out there, then I had my own transport company for over 20 years. Now I work as a company driver at Reinke’s Transport,” he explained.

According to Darren, next month’s event will be a fun event for all involved. “As everyone knows, mental health is rife in the community, it’s the world we’re living in today. A lot of people, especially truck drivers, are very reluctant to put their hand up and ask for help if they’re struggling. It’s not an easy industry to be a part of.”

Our House Our Haven is a mental health not-for-profit, led by nurses. It specialises in the treatment of severe and complex mental health issues, including PTSD and depression.

Charity co-founder Bethany Porter will be at the event. “Bethany will come and talk about what Our House Our Haven does and how they help the community. She’s very passionate about the service they provide, which is why we’ve decided to support them,” said Darren.

Darren Eyers has also been driving trucks for 40 years. Image: Darren Eyers

“Dr Tim Driscoll from the Royal Flying Doctor Service will also do a talk. He specialises in rural mental health.”

There is a $10 entry fee to the event, which includes a steak burger or sausage, and entry for the “lucky door prize” draw, with the prize being a $500 debit card.

Among the highlights of the day will be a beard shave-off. “We’ve got people getting their lifelong beards shaved off to help raise money,” added Darren.

The event will take place in Rudds Pub’s barn, with plenty of bobtail truck parking available on the day. Rudds Pub is located at 45 Tooth Street, Nobby.

Tickets are available at the door, with lucky draw prize entry reserved for the first 300 people to arrive.

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