A
PUBLICATION
F EN RE TR E Y
Official program Queen’s Birthday weekend
Sunday, June 9 10 am to 4 pm — held on the bitumen in Alexandra’s main street
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• The Bullet, the world’s fastest conventionally powered truck, on display • Music by Jake Sinclair, finalist in last year’s Golden Guitar Awards
• $3000 main raffle prize • Brayden Meyer from the Chopperoos competing in the woodchopping events • Mini-truck display and competition
For more information, phone Gordon Simpson on 0409 577 212 or Andrew Embling on 0418 266 038 www.alexandratruckshow.com.au
PAGE 2—Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019
Sunday, June 9
Welcome to the show People visit the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show for so many reasons. Some people want to cheer on the woodchop titles, others come to admire the rods and utes, and many more enjoy a day out admiring the pride and joy of the truck and transport industry on display. Regardless of the reason, all visitors walk away surprised at how Alexandra comes to life — a quiet regional town transformed into Australia’s premier regional trucking event. The passion of the local community groups, the dedication of local traders and the welcoming atmosphere of the residents are a perfect backdrop to our ongoing show. I’d like to recognise the continued support of our generous sponsors and industry partners. Their assistance allows us to maintain the Alexandra
Truck, Ute and Rod Show as a free annual event and helps us to make further contributions to the Alexandra community. I invite you to join me in thanking each of them by visiting their trade stands or displays throughout the day. Most importantly let us celebrate the many owner drivers who bring their pride and joy to the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show. Whether it’s a logging truck, an Aussie ute, a polished tipper, a chromed-up rod or a meticulous miniature, these owners are the reason we all attend. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a die-hard truck show supporter, it’s my pleasure on behalf of the committee
to welcome you to Alexandra and help us celebrate our 23rd annual Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show. Caolan O’Connor chair Alexandra Events
Photography: Tim Shaw.
TRUCK SHOW
SAVINGS
Chance to win great prizes Local businesses are again offering some terrific prizes for the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show annual raffle.
Large range of Ladies, men’s and kids boots
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OPEN 10AM – 4PM, Sunday June 9
EMBLING RURAL – ALEXANDRA 54 GRANT ST ALEXANDRA. Ph 5772 3110 emblingrural.com.au
This year’s fabulous first prize is a tandem trailer full of $3000 worth of goodies, including a $1000 voucher to spend at Maroondah Outdoor and a $1000 voucher from Chookies Furniture Warehouse. For second prize there is a $750 fuel voucher, always a great prize for anyone to win. Two nights’ accommodation
at Alexandra Farmstay, valued at $500, is the third prize, and the fourth prize is a family pass and shirts for the Alexandra Rodeo. Tickets will be on sale at different sites throughout the show and the draw will take place at 3.45 pm on Sunday, June 9. “All proceeds from the raffle go to help fund the show and any remaining money will be donated to local community projects,” Andrew Embling from the show committee said.
Be sure to get a ticket for some great raffle prizes. Drawing the winning ticket for a previous raffle.
Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019 — PAGE 3
Sunday, June 9
Another great show
ready to roll The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show is returning to the streets of Alexandra for its 23rd year, with thousands expected to descend on the town for the two-day event. Alexandra Events chair Caolan O’Connor is anticipating another strong year for the event, with crowds expected to turn out in droves on the Queen’s Birthday weekend. “It’s getting bigger and better each year. Even after 23 years we’re still growing and maturing the event,” Mr O’Connor said. “And the 12 000 visitors who enjoy the show seem to think so too.” Since the first small show 23 years ago, the event has evolved from showcasing trucks to include hot rods, utes, emergency management and specialised heavy vehicles and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone across the long weekend. In 2019 The Bullet will be on display, a Kenworth T400 that holds the record as the world’s fastest conventionally powered truck. But with more than 150 trucks on display, and almost as many
Fun for all the family.
Utes attract plenty of attention.
Crowds enjoy the parade.
rods and utes, visitors are sure to find something to enjoy. The annual Saturday service will again be held at the Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial to commemorate those across the trucking industry who have lost their lives. With local community groups, sponsors and organisations to support the food and drink, raffle and auction elements, Mr O’Connor said the roots of the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show continued to be in the local community. “All the proceeds of this event go back into supporting the local community through direct donations, community projects or supporting more community events,” he said. As with previous years, the woodchop is a key attraction at the show with displays of athleticism, strength and skill as competitors take part in a range of events, including the Victorian Standing Pole and Victorian Hot Chainsaw championships. With more than 50 competitors expected, it’s something not to be missed on the Sunday afternoon.
There will be great entertainment on the main stage.
Fabulous artwork. Photography: Tim Shaw.
PAGE 4—Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019
Sunday, June 9 Photography: Tim Shaw.
Entertainers on the main stage.
Get those toes tapping with great music The main stage will again be the place to enjoy music from talented musicians at the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show. Andrew Embling from the organising committee said there would be some terrific acts this year. “Darren Colston will be returning to the show this year and we also have Jake Sinclair, who was a finalist in last year’s Golden Guitar Awards at Tamworth,” Mr Embling said. “Travis Sinclair, who has won many country music awards, will also be performing. Being a truck driver during the week, Travis is really at home here among the trucks. “With such a great line-up of acts we are sure that people will enjoy this year’s entertainment. “All of the artists have strong links to the transport industry so lots of their songs will resonate with the visitors.”
Jake Sinclair
From Springhurst in north-east Victoria, Jake Sinclair has been playing country music since he first picked up a guitar when he was six years old. He gained experience as a performer, supporting artists such as Travis Collins, Jayne Denham and Luke Austen. He is also a songwriter and singer, releasing his debut EP The Vibetone Sessions in 2017. Jake has been a finalist in the Toyota Star Maker at Tamworth Country Music Festival twice and will be performing two slots on the main stage with his band on Sunday, June 9.
Darren Colston
Darren Colston lives on the Murray River near Albury and will be returning to the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show after a break of about eight years.
Sponsors thanked for their support Many people support the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, with sponsorship or hard work, and the annual sponsors’ evening is a chance for the committee to thank everyone for their input and have a chance to chat with sponsors and supporters in a relaxed environment. Organiser Gordon Simpson said the committee expected about 150 people would attend the dinner. “This is a chance for the committee to personally thank all our sponsors and the other people who help to make the truck show happen,” Mr Simpson said. “Without them there would be no show. “We are holding a cocktail eveningtype function again this year as it gives
everyone a chance to circulate and talk with many different people. “The golf club has been a great venue, so we are holding the event there again and local caterers Harvesting the Feast will be providing a delicious array of food. “It will be a great opportunity for everyone to network with other people in the industry who are coming to Alex for the show.” The dinner will begin at 5.30 pm on Saturday, June 8 and the musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Darren Colston, a well-known country music singer from near Albury. With his clear voice and variety of original songs, a great night of entertainment will be assured.
Darren Colston will entertain at the sponsors’ dinner.
Often described as a troubadour, Darren has won many awards, including Tamworth Independent Artist Male Vocalist of the year. Darren’s songs have also been finalists in Bush Ballad of the Year and Heritage Track of the Year. From poignant ballads to larrikin verses, Darren is sure to have something to please everyone.
Travis Sinclair
Born into a trucking family from Springhurst in north-east Victoria, Travis Sinclair still likes to drive a truck during the week but is enjoying having his children involved in the musical part of his career.
Winner of many awards over the years, Travis has toured with The Man from Snowy River Arena Spectacular, understudying for Lee Kernaghan, and a duet with Kernaghan I’m From The Country topped the country music charts for three weeks. Travis is currently working on a new album when he has some spare time. Lots of his songs will be familiar to country music fans as seven of his singles have reached the top 10 in the country music charts.
Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019 — PAGE 5
Sunday, June 9
TRUCK WASH CLEANS UP AS NEW SPONSOR The committee of this year’s Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show is delighted to have Laverton Truck Wash as a new major sponsor.
After 30 years behind the wheel of a truck, Ray Pepper is happy to let his son, Jimmy, slowly take over the transport side of the business, with his support and guidance, and concentrate on washing trucks. Ray has owned the Laverton Truck Wash on Little Boundary Rd, Laverton North for eight years. He said having talked to and visited other truck washes in Spain and the United States, he believed his was probably the busiest truck wash
in the world. On a busy day, the truck wash can service 70 to 80 trucks over its 17 hours of operation. From his experience in the trucking industry, Ray understands what is important to anyone operating a truck business, from owner-drivers to fleets. That is why he is excited by the latest innovation at the Laverton site, which is an express wash tunnel. As a wash only takes about five minutes, there is rarely a more than 15-minute wait at the express wash, so trucks are soon back out on the road. The express wash uses 8000 litres of recycled water per minute to give a great result.
Another innovation the truck wash has introduced is a lift, which allows the undersides of trucks to be steam-cleaned. “We looked for somewhere to steamclean the motors and gearboxes of our own trucks when the mechanics needed to work on them but nowhere seemed to be doing it, so about a year ago we introduced the new service,” Ray said. “The cleaning takes between one and two hours and it makes it much easier for roadworthy inspections or mechanics to work on the undersides.” All detergents used are bio-degradable and non-toxic and all water is recycled. Ray believes doing a job well is the best way to build a successful business. All trucks are checked after they are
washed and any places that have been missed are done by hand, to ensure the trucks look as good as the owners or drivers would like. Ray said he was excited to be sponsoring the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show. He has been a visitor to the show for several years, having a fascination with most forms of transport and, being a fly fisherman and dirt bike rider, knows and loves the area well. When he heard the show was looking for a new sponsor it just seemed a good fit. Other sponsors of this year’s show include Hallam Truck Centre and North East Isuzu from Shepparton.
Emergency services on display Local emergency services will be on display at the Alexandra Truck, Rod and Ute Show.
A chance to get up close to a fire truck. Picture: Tim Shaw
An event celebrating all kinds of vehicles wouldn’t be complete without the emergency services. From early firefighting vehicles to the latest technology, visitors can learn about how the Country Fire Authority and Forest Fire Management Victoria go about tackling bushfires. “Firefighting vehicles have changed enormously over the years, with advances in technology and engineering,” truck show committee member and CFA volunteer Gordon Simpson said.
Everyone loves a fire truck. Picture: Tim Shaw
“There is now a heavy emphasis on the safety of the firefighters, who give their time to protect our communities.” Alexandra Forest Fire Management branch uses Mercedes Benz G300 four-wheel drive ultralight tankers, which can manoeuvre easily through forest areas to get to the site of a fire quickly.
These tankers are fitted with falling object protection structures to protect firefighters from falling trees and limbs. Victoria Police will also be joining in, and expect to have one of their latest vehicles on display in front of the police station. The chance to sit in the front of a police car is always a great favourite with children of all ages.
PAGE 6—Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019
Sunday, June 9
WOODCHIPS WILL BE FLYING The always popular woodchopping events will again be a part of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show. From 10 am the woodchips will be flying and the sound of axes on wood will be ringing across Alexandra Rotary Park. As one of the state’s largest woodchopping events, the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show woodchop competition attracts axemen from across the state. “Although most entries come in at the last minute, we are expecting around 50
competitors, and hopefully several women entrants this year,” woodchop organiser Brad Meyer said. “Brayden Meyer from Broadford, who was part of the Australian Chopperoos team that took out the 2018 Stihl Timbersports World Championship, will be competing. “Juniors can enter from the age of 12 and it’s always good to see some promising youngsters coming through.” There will be 12 competition classes, including standing block, underhand,
two-man combination, tree felling, two-man crosscut saw and the hot chainsaw race. Victorian titles will be up for grabs in both the 300 mm tree felling and the hot chainsaw race and two of the events, the 300 mm standing block and under-18 junior underhand, will be championship events. The hot chainsaw race, where competitors cut slices off the ends of logs against the clock, is always a favourite with the crowds and will begin at noon sharp. VicForests will again be a major
sponsor of the truck show and will be sponsoring the woodchopping event, supplying the wood and the $7300 prize money. “We have been a major sponsor of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod show for over 10 years and are very proud to be part of this community event,” Liz Langford from VicForests said. VicForests will have a display next to the woodchopping event, and there will be logging trucks with the various grades of timber that are harvested from the forest.
Axemen will showcase their skills in the woodchopping events.
FeEding hungry visitors With thousands of people visiting Alexandra on the Queen’s Birthday weekend, local organisations will be on hand offering a range of food options to the hungry patrons. “All the local community groups are invited to attend,” committee member Andrew Embling said. “They all get together to plan who will do what on the day so that there is a great choice for the visitors.
“The show is all about supporting the community, and for many of the local groups this is their major fundraiser for the year.” Andrew Embling “The Alexandra Football Netball Club traditionally runs the barbecue and their fundraising efforts over the
years have contributed to major upgrades at the reserve. “For something different, this year the kindergarten will be making pancakes.” Other community groups who will be selling food and drinks on the day include the Scouts, the CWA and St Mary’s Primary School. “The show is all about supporting the community, and for many of the local groups this is their major fundraiser for the year,” Mr Embling said. Community groups ensure visitors have a great choice of food and drink. Picture: Tim Shaw
Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019 — PAGE 7
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PAGE 8—Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019
Sunday, June 9 Models are meticulously detailed, even under the bonnet.
Small but
The miniature trucks, always a popular part of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, will be back again this year. Now in its sixth year, the miniature truck display and competitions draw people from across the region. The models are accurate representations of trucks, with modellers going to enormous lengths to make them correct in every detail. Anyone can enter the competitions, with the four classes usually attracting about 90 entries. Winners in each category are chosen by popular vote and trophies are awarded for best bob tail, best open goods, best closed goods and best logger. Renee Lowe, from Auslowe Model Accessories which runs the competitions, said
she and her husband Nigel really enjoyed coming to the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show. “We like the fun, free, family atmosphere,” Mrs Lowe said. “There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, that’s what we love about it.” Auslowe Truck Accessories sells kits for model trucks and also hand-makes resin, aluminium and plastic parts. “The kits produce American or European-style trucks, so we have parts to convert them into Australian trucks, like you see on the roads,” she said. Auslowe Truck Accessories will have a range of kits and parts for sale at the show for anyone keen to get into model-making or just looking for that elusive part to add the last detail to their current modelling project.
All kinds of truck models will be on show.
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Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019 — PAGE 9
Sunday, June 9
Grab a bargain at the auction Many visitors to the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show look forward to the chance to bag a bargain in the auction when lots of items — including truck tyres, truck company jackets and car accessories — will be on offer. “The auction is always a popular part of the proceedings with people coming along to see if they can pick up something they want at a good price,” committee member Andrew Embling said. “As all the money raised goes back into the community, it’s a win-win situation.” “Lots of auction items come in at the last minute as local businesses chip in to make the event more successful. “In previous years we have had holiday and restaurant vouchers, handmade chopping boards and Blundstone boots.” Whatever is in the auction this year, some people will go home with a bargain and the Alexandra community will benefit from the monies raised. The auction will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, June 9 on the main stage. There are always lots of great goods on offer at the auction. Picture: Tim Shaw.
SWENRICK
Community benefits from show The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod show celebrates all things transport while benefiting the local community. For more than 20 years, thousands of visitors have come to Alexandra on the Queen’s Birthday weekend to honour the truck-driving community and the transport industry. The event is organised and run by a dedicated committee of local volunteers and gives local groups the chance to be involved and raise funds. “As a free event we don’t aim or expect to make a large profit,” committee member Andrew Embling said. “The local groups who run the food and drink stalls all raise funds which are used for their own projects. “Any surplus funds which the committee has are directed to local projects and services, such as the Truck Drivers’ Memorial, the visitor information centre and the skate park.” Previously funds have gone to the local district hospital and aged care facility and to aid recovery in Marysville in the wake of the Black Saturday fires.
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PAGE 10—Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019
Saturday, June 8 The Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial honours lost friends.
TIME TO
REMEMBER LOST FRIENDS As members of the trucking community plan a visit to Alexandra for the annual Truck, Ute and Rod Show, many like to come a day early and take time out to remember friends and colleagues who have lost their lives on the roads. The Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial Service was introduced in 2013 by GriefWork Uniting. This prompted the committee of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show to create a lasting monument, where those who have lost a family member or friend in the trucking industry can come to remember them. The monument, unveiled in 2014, was designed and constructed by volunteers and is a popular place for people to come for some quiet time, thinking about the loved ones they have lost. This year there are 15 new plaques to be added to the wall — some with the names of drivers who have died in the past year, and some from earlier years. There will be a simple, non-
denominational service. Speakers will include two family members, a representative from Murrindindi Shire Council and Millin Curtis, chaplain at Toll Group. Music will be provided by Ian Castles, a well-known country music artist who is also on the board of the Australian Truck Drivers’ Memorial. A new addition to the service this year will be the reading of a poem. “We have been running a competition for a truck driver to write a poem suitable for the occasion,” GriefWork Uniting manager Bette Phillips-Campbell said. “The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to read their poem at the service.” The service will begin at 2 pm on Saturday, June 8 at the Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial in Rotary Park, Alexandra. Prior to the service there will be a truck convoy from Yarck. All trucks joining the convoy will gather at Yarck for a noon departure.
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Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019 — PAGE 11
Major sponsors
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Royans truck Repairs Trucktools Metcher Tyres Corner Hotel Hedger Constructions Neil Beer Seymour Alexandra Tyrepower Mt Pleasant Hotel Keaths Excvations Ernie Hadfield Contracting Alexandra Hotel & Cafe
In-kind sponsors
Cleanaway Coates Hire U G F M Radio Country News Custom Trucks North Central Constructions
PAGE 12—Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show, 2019
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