Organisers of the annual Lights on the Hill Convoy at Gatton have announced that the October event will not go ahead this year, citing ongoing economic pressures across the transport industry.
The decision was revealed in a live video message recorded at the Lights on the Hill Memorial at the weekend, with organisers describing the move as a difficult but necessary choice after extensive discussions with members of the trucking community.
“As much as it’s going to hurt us saying this, we just want to let the trucking community and the local community that supports us know that this year we will not be running our Saturday convoy event,” organisers said.
They explained that current economic conditions facing transport operators played a major role in the decision.
“After talking to a lot of the trucking community and the current economic times that we’re living in, we think that running an event like this is just going to put too much pressure on the transport industry,” they said.
While disappointed by the decision, organisers stressed the long-term future of the memorial event held this year on October 4 at Lake Apex Park in Gatton remained their priority.
Organisers confirmed that merchandise sales and commemorative activities will continue. A merchandise container will be set up at the memorial site, while pre-orders for this year’s shirts are now open online and close on July 7.
A commemorative book is also being produced, featuring those remembered on the memorial wall.
Organisers of the popular Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo have also decided on a revamp to its annual event this year.
While it will proceed with the Deniliquin and District Wall Of Fame inductee dinner and memorial service as normal on September 19-20, the Saturday truck show and expo will be rested.
The committee said the format would be reviewed, with a return planned for 2027.
Other events to mark in your calendar this year include:
JULY
July 31-August 1
Casino, NSW
Held over two days, the Casino Truck Show is a community event that showcases the transport industry, held in the heart of Casino’s CBD. The 2025 event attracted an estimated 40,000 people on the Saturday, who got to see 550 trucks.
August
Lowood Truck Show
August 15
Lowood Showgrounds, Queensland
Held in the small town of Lowood, the annual Lowood Truck Show promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family, with an epic display of trucks, entertainment, stalls and food vendors.
SEPTEMBER
Megatrans
September 16-17
Melbourne, Victoria
Returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, MegaTrans is Australia’s largest integrated conference and exhibition dedicated to the logistics and supply chain industry. MegaTrans provides a unique platform to explore the innovations, equipment, and services that will shape the future of logistics.
OCTOBER
Camp Quality Convoy Perth
October 4
Perth Motorplex, WA
Camp Quality Convoy Perth moves to a new venue for 2026. Supporters can cheer on the convoy, as they travel a 50km route through the streets of Perth, followed by a free Family Festival packed with entertainment and experiences catering for the entire family.
There will be food vans, kids’ rides, face painting, roving entertainment, live music, fundraising awards ceremonies, and of course a Show ‘n’ Shine.
Heritage Truck Show
October 17-18
Beaudesert Showgrounds, QLD
The Heritage Truck Association of Australia will host this event, featuring a wide display of heritage trucks, tractors and cars, as well as trade stalls. On-site camping is available for exhibitors and stall holders.
Ulvertsone Truck Show
October 31
Ulvertsone Showgrounds, TAS
Held as part of the Thank You Day Show, the Ulvertsone Truck Show runs from 9am until 3pm, raising money for Beyond Blue and New Mornings. Entry is by donation, and there will be prizes and giveaways throughout the day.
NOVEMBER
NatRoad Connect
November 5-6
The Star, Gold Coast Queensland
NatRoad Connect 26 brings the industry together at The Star to send a clear message: “Success isn’t luck. It’s built on high standards, shared responsibility, and leadership that lifts everyone.” The event incorporates a two-day conference and the NatRoad Industry Gala Dinner, where the NatRoad Awards will be presented.
Camp Quality Convoy Newcastle
November 8
Maitland Showground, NSW
Raising money for Camp Quality, the convoy starts and finishes at Maitland Showground, where a free family festival will be held, packed with entertainment and experiences for the whole family. There will be food vans, rides, face painting, roving entertainment, live music, fundraising awards ceremonies, and of course the opportunity to cheer on the returning convoy and check out all the trucks at the show ‘n’ shine once the convoy returns.
Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
November 14
Bathurst Showgrounds, NSW
Returning once again in November, this event brings together truck enthusiasts, families, and the local community to remember Dane Ballinger and celebrate the trucking industry he loved. Come and see the huge range of trucks on display, from old classics to custom rigs. There will be truck show awards, live music, kids’ activities and more.
Illawarra Convoy
November 15
Illawarra, NSW
Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals.
Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? For a free listing, email all the details to editor@primecreative.com.au.