The Goulburn Convoy For Kids was back with a full format last November, registering well over 200 trucks while the crowds were treated to live music, entertainment and a worthy charity fund-raising auction
The Goulburn Convoy for Kids was one of the few events that continued during COVID, albeit in a diminished form. For the last two years the event included a mystery drive, the first with an informal meeting and dinner arranged more by the entrants than the organisers at the end.
In 2021 there was an informal barbeque at the event’s end at Divall’s Museum. The biggest convoy had been 220 entrants and they wanted to beat the record in 2022, ending up with around 240.
The November 19 event also saw a return of the Carnival Day.
 |
Convoy for Kids Goulburn is a charity organisation that had its beginnings in 1999. The driving force behind the convoy’s objective is to provide support for local children with cancer, terminal illness and permanent disabilities, by providing financial assistance to the families of such children with special needs.
The Goulburn Convoy for Kids is a registered charity run by local volunteers. All funds raised are distributed within the local community.
I spoke with a fellow who had been on the committee from the start in 1999 and he said the younger crew had come in and made it their own and done a terrific job in carrying on the work. It is all volunteers, a committee of 20 or 30 to organise and run the event and of course extra helpers on the day.
Around $70,000 was raised with all money going back into the community. As the auctioneer said a number of times, “It is only money” and “It is all for the kids”.
 |
|
The trucks are parked, ready to roll for the 2022 Goulburn Convoy for Kids
|
Divall Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage seemed to have much of its fleet there. It also put in a big effort for the auction. Due to Divall’s line of work, the company offered up 200 tonnes of road base. Other items up for auction included another 100 tonnes of road base, 500 litres of diesel and even a pallet full of cement. There was another pallet full of horse feed as well as tyres, tools and a myriad of gear.
The representative of the committee I spoke with said, “We had some fantastic support from large companies like TransGrid and Essential Energy who both sponsored the event.
“Local businesses Tyre Team and Southern Truck Centre were also great sponsors, among many more businesses who gave donations in support of our day.
“We also received over $5000 in anonymous donations.”
Hidrive Group was another supporter bringing its event support trailer and food stall.
 |
|
The trucks were mostly parked front first against the fence, making photography a difficult process
|
The auction was split into two parts with music and kids’ entertainments in between. The kids’ rides were all free and the Bluey and Bingo Show went over extremely well. It seems to be the latest craze for the kids who have perhaps outgrown The Wiggles.
Country rock band Hurricane Fall, soon to be Lee Kernaghan’s touring buddies, provided the music for the enthusiastic crowd which carried on into the evening, despite a shower of rain threatening to dampen the event.
RELATED ARTICLE: One of Goulburn transport’s legend passed away in 2017
There was a variety food on offer during the day, a market and along with the kids’ rides, the RC Trucking stage was well watched and viewed by young and old.
Troy Crook was the MC and did a terrific job of keeping the audience interested and involved. Troy is the transport manager for 60-odd Kenworths in Divall’s fleet.
The only issue was the shortage of room for the trucks to queue for the start of the convoy. We were lined up all the way to the top of Governor’s Hill and others were queuing in the backstreets.
 |
|
Hidrive Group towed the Rapid Relief Team trailer for the Goulburn event
|
Community support was evident with the auction donations, the crowds lining the streets, the banners in local shops and the local council did their bit with the grounds. Even the local Visitors Centre, who promote a community event each month, chose to support the convoy.
Due to work commitments, many drivers left early following a couple of long days preparing their trucks for the event. Many were keen to give up the time and effort.
Overall, it was a good day and well worth the effort attending. While it is a good reason for owners and drivers to clean their rigs, the event also presents the industry in a positive light.
Well done to all involved. With the locals out in force on the road and the attendance at the showgrounds, it must be rated a success and a welcome return to the regular convoy format.
For more on the 2022 Goulburn Convoy for Kids, grab a copy of OwnerDriver’s January 2023 edition at the usual outlets.