Archive, Events News

New date for i98FM Illawarra Convoy

COVID forces organisers to move event to December 5 and cut family fun day

 

The 2021 i98FM Illawarra Convoy, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 21, has been rescheduled. The event will now take place on Sunday, December 5, minus the free family fun day which was due to be held at Shellharbour Airport.

Convoy founder and i98FM breakfast co-host Marty Haynes said it’s the first time in the event’s history that it has been moved from a November date.

“We have been monitoring COVID-19 restrictions and vaccination rates carefully and are excited to announce that Convoy will be going ahead this year.

“This will be a fantastic way to bring the community together after being in lockdown for months, to help support those families in the Illawarra and South Coast affected by potentially life-threatening medical conditions,” Haynes says.

The truck and motorbike Convoy will run without the Free Family Fun Day that is usually planned at Shellharbour Airport. Instead of the event finishing at the airport, the Convoy will finish at the Convoy Shop, corner of Airport Rd and Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail where vehicles will continue to the Yallah roundabout and head home.

“Restrictions on crowd numbers mean unfortunately running the free fun day is not a possibility this year, but we encourage people pack their picnics, find their spot along the 80km route from Appin to Albion Park Rail, and sit back and enjoy the free event that is the motorbike and truck convoy,” says Convoy manager Mark Rigby.

Registrations for motorbikes and trucks are now open and can be completed online on the Convoy website www.illawarraconvoy.com.au or in person at the Convoy Shop. Registrations cost $30 and include a complimentary 2021 royal blue Convoy event t-shirt.


For more Convoy info, see OwnerDriver’s Upcoming Events listing


Donations to the i98FM Illawarra Convoy can still be made on the website through fundraising activities such as silent auctions, merchandise sales, raffles and more for the benefitting charity ­ Illawarra Community Foundation.

With the truck and motorbike Convoy proceeding in December, the traditional lead bike and lead truck bidding will also take place this year, with lead bike bidding on air with the i98FM Breakfast team on December 1 and lead truck bidding on December 2.

“COVID-19 has affected everyone in the last few years, and really minimised the amount of fundraising events that were planned throughout the year by our amazing supporters,” Rigby continues.

“We aren’t anticipating any record breaking lead truck or bike bids this year because of this and will be happy with whatever funds people can donate after such a difficult year.

“Unfortunately those patients affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions that Convoy supports don’t get a year (or two) off because of COVID-19. Their treatment still goes on, and for this reason we are pushing on with our fundraising and the truck and bike Convoy this year and look forward to the community coming together for this special event.”

For more information see the website www.illawarraconvoy.com.au

Photography: Greg Bush

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