Truck run raises funds for Royal Flying Doctor Service

A triple treat was recorded at this year’s Launceston to Longford truck run.

The event, organised by the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association (TTOA) in support of Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania, attracted the most trucks, the biggest crowd, and the most money raised, ever.

The event saw 220 participating trucks, a crowd of more than 2200 people and an amazing $48,000 raised for Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania.

“It was the biggest event we have had in the run’s 43-year history,” TTOA president Rob Bayles said. 

“It brings the total to $145,372 raised for the RFDS since our first Longford truck run in 2021.

“All the truck drivers can be extremely proud of what they have done to help their fellow drivers and all Tasmanians.”

RFDS Tasmania CEO Nicole Henty said the money raised helped the Flying Doctors’ teams provide on-the-spot, accessible health services.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Truck Owners and Operators Association for generously donating their time and vehicles, and of course all those people who donated”, she said.

“As a charity we rely on the support of our community and this support means so much to us.”

Money raised supports RFDS Tasmania Truckie Check-Ins, a program that provides mobile physical and mental health screenings for truck drivers at stops around the State.

Ms Henty said the innovative program took lifesaving health services directly to the trucking community.

“By taking the service to the truckies, it is an opportunity for them to stop and have a chat to a health professional and remind them to take care of themselves,” Ms Henty said.

The check-in dates for this year will be locked in soon with Epping Forest and Kempton and possibly the new truck rest area at Westbury among the locations. 

The Truck Run event is a fixture of the TTOOA calendar with vintage trucks, fire trucks, tippers, Army trucks, log trucks, carting contractors and even the RFDS dental van and aircraft simulator joining the convoy.

Supporters took up vantage points along the route from Joe Pentridge’s yard at Glebe, Launceston to the showgrounds at Longford, waving and cheering as the truckies honked their horns on the way past.

Lined up around the showground the gleaming rigs made a spectacular sight, while patrons enjoyed the popular auction, mega raffle, music and food.

Mr Bayles said the service not only provided preventative health care but also raised awareness of the importance of regular health checks, keeping healthy drivers on the road.

“There’s a saying that if the trucks stop, Australia stops, and it is true. Truckies are a vital link in the supply chain, and we need to keep them moving. 

“Looking after their physical and mental health is a very practical way we can help.”

Mr Bayles was particularly grateful for the support of the Longford community, with the town welcoming the huge event every year, the local Police and Council plus the Show committee offering support and the town’s residents showing up in droves.