Christine Barkla, President, Castlemaine Rotary
On November 28-29, 2020 the Castlemaine Rotary’s 32nd consecutive Truck Show was scheduled to be conducted. Each year this national event brings around 250 trucks and lots of spectators to the shire. It also raises around $40,000 for our community.
2020 was different.
With COVID restricting our program we introduced new activities including a photographic competition and calendar designed by local artist Geoff Hocking.
We had a go at Facebook Live simultaneously streaming speakers and activities through Zoom. It was far from perfect but attracted thousands of viewers from all over Australia and beyond.
The generosity of businesses in donating prizes to our raffle and the community in buying tickets was phenomenal.
Our primary purpose was to pay tribute to the trucking industry that kept the wheels turning during an extraordinary year, but we also raised close to $9,000 to benefit our community.
Imagine our joy at being able to conduct a Truckie’s Breakfast and Convoy on Sunday November 29 albeit in reduced numbers. Thank you Maxi IGA and Don KR for your support.
A big thank you to the 38 trucks that rolled out, to the community that cheered them on, and to Elliott Midland Newspapers and MAINfm for your ongoing support.
Together we have kept the spirit alive.