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Tasmanian Truck Run returns for 2022

The annual run took off from Glebe before reaching the Longford Showgrounds

The 39th annual Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association Truck Run hit the road in the southern state over the weekend.

The journey, which raises crucial funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – one of Australia’s largest non-profit organisations – took off from Glebe in Launceston on Sunday before reaching the Longford Showgrounds at roughly 11am.

Travelling along the Southern Outlet, a large and shiny truck convoy lit up the roads, with about 2500 people attending an event filled with live music, food and kids activities.

The event was held for the recently-launched RFDS Tasmania’s Truckie Checkups health initiative, with gold coin donations, raffles and auctions from the day all supporting the program.

Truckie Checkups was trialled on more than 50 truck drivers throughout the run.

The initiative uses mobile health hub buses and physical and mental health workers set up at truck stops around the state to conduct regular health and wellness checks on drivers.

These quick checks can be lifesaving, with the RFDS initiative intent on identifying health problems before they can exacerbate for truck drivers who often spend between five to seven weeks on the road at a time.

“If truck drivers are able to stop in somewhere and have a break on their run, where they’re not only able to grab a coffee and a bite to eat, but also to speak to a medical professional about something that’s been worrying them, then that will give them immense relief,” Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association secretary-treasurer Julie Wise says.

“It will no doubt improve their mental health too, which in turn will make the roads a much safer place for everyone in general.”

By Sunday night, figures showed $20,000 had been raised at the 2022 event, exceeding the $17,000 raised in 2021.

Participation had also increased from 99 to 110 trucks from last year according to the association.

 

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