With the lead truck slot secured last week through a $305,000 charity donation, the team at Ross Transport left no stone unturned to make Sunday’s i98FM Illawarra Convoy one they’ll be talking about for years to come.
Ross Transport also celebrated 50 years in business this year and to mark this memorable milestone, the whole family came together on the big day in the most meaningful way, the company said on its Facebook page.
Three generations were in the convoy with matriarch Fran as a passenger in the leading convoy ute, her son Alan leading the fleet of trucks, his daughter True driving the rainbow truck with her daughter Charlie as well as son Chris with his father Jason driving behind True in his SAR legend.
“This year also carried deep personal meaning,” Ross Transport said.
“True was proudly flying the banner of Poppy Phil, and Jason flew a banner for his beautiful mum, who have both passed from cancer.
“And our dear friend Carolyn and long-term employee, rode with us in one of our trucks with Craig driving – a woman who has shown unbelievable strength while dealing with her own cancer battle throughout 2025.
“Having them represented with us made the day even more emotional and powerful.”
Ross Transport said it was surreal and incredibly moving to lead this iconic community event.
“Looking out and seeing thousands of people cheering, waving, and supporting the cause is something we will carry with us forever.
“Seeing families who have benefited from the Illawarra Convoy smiling and expressing their gratitude reminded us exactly why we show up every year – and why we always will.
The crowds were energetic, fresh, and full of love, and the spirit of the Illawarra was alive on every corner – 2025 will forever be a year etched in our hearts.”
Ross Transport also paid tribute to its “incredible team”, staff who have donated countless hours of their time, their own money, and in many cases time away from home and their families.
“Your dedication means the world to us.
“This year’s convoy was truly something special for us. Our goal from the very beginning was simple but deeply meaningful: to raise enough money to win the Lead Truck for beautiful seven-year-old Amarli and her incredible Amarli Army of family and friends — and WE DID IT!”
Event founder and Community Ambassador Marty Haynes announced on i98FM’s Christian and Bella show today that the event had now officially raised $30,006,878 over its 21-year history.
This year’s i98FM Illawarra Convoy alone raised $2,313,243 with 803 bikes and 817 trucks taking part. The Family Fun Day also saw over 12,000 people walk through the gates of Shellharbour Airport.
“Every year the generosity of the Illawarra, trucking and motorbike community, volunteer and staff bypass any expectations to make this special event come to life,” Haynes said.
“We live in the best place in the world, and we will continue to come back each year to help even more deserving families and organisations in the Illawarra.”
All proceeds from the i98FM Illawarra Convoy go directly to the Illawarra Community Foundation. The Foundation provides critical assistance to families battling life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses.
To date, the foundation has supported over 1000 families with 100 per cent of the funds remaining in the Illawarra and South Coast community.