Altona Truck & Trade Show 2018 — the inaugural event

The first Altona show brought more than 70 trucks, 41 stall holders, industry personalities and community groups to Melbourne Ballpark.

Original ACT archive report, Issue 15 (2018). No individual writer or photographer is identified in the retained report.

Trucks, music, food, drinks and a host of big personalities kicked off a Friday night industry function for the inaugural Altona Truck & Trade Show held from March 16th. Eating and drinking was encouraged because this year the proceeds from the food and beverage sales have gone to the local Laverton Cricket Club and the Altona Football Club.

With 41 stall holders, over 70 trucks, and the support from the Hobsons Bay City Council, the Altona Truck & Trade Show knocked it out of the ballpark for its first show.

Special guest, and legendary Outback Trucker, Steve Grahame came all the way from Western Australia and gave the audience a rare glimpse of his life as a driver over the weekend.

The Saturday evening was rocked by a live band that went on into the night keeping the party alive.

There was even some baseball played under the lights, all in the name of fun.

Show director Chris Smith said the aim was to create a relaxed atmosphere for drivers and praised the team and the volunteers that worked tirelessly over the weekend to make that happen.

“Bernie Metcher from the local Altona branch of Samios Tyres, Stephen Proglio from popular transport brand Haulin’ Apparel and Glenn “Yogi” Kendall and wife Amanda from reality television series Outback Truckers and I managed to pull off a very special inaugural event,” he said.

“It couldn’t have happened without the help of our families, friends and our sponsors, to all I offer a sincere thank you.

“The list of sponsors to thank include the Hobsons Bay City Council, Klos Custom Trucks, Spider GT LongMarch Tyres, Samios Tyres, Haulin’ Apparel, ANDA Trailers, SCTEG (Southern Cross Trailer Equipment Group), Kendall Trucking & Co, Truckers Toy Store, Razor International, Tool Trucks Australia, Coffield The Wrecker and Australian Custom Trucks Magazine.”

He added the inaugural event drew in a respectable crowd, estimated to be between 4000 and 6000 by the Melbourne Ballpark management with great attractions including a V8 Supercar transporter, vintage firetrucks, a massive CNH agricultural tractor along with a great line-up of spectacular trucks.

“I believe we got what we wanted out of the show attracting great suppliers from some of Australia’s most prominent companies including Australia Post, PACCAR and Scania as well as the grass roots operators, smaller family owned companies and the top associations in the industry.”

He said groups including NatRoad, the Australian Trucking Association and Transport Women as well as government bodies the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and VicRoads were able to connect with grass roots operators.

The show also had a community edge with organisers inviting key community groups including Blue Ribbon, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and OzHelp.

He said with so much enthusiasm for the show stall holders and sponsors have already asked to reserve their respective sites for next year’s event.

“Our team has been overwhelmed with the support from the attendees and we’ve already been asked to re-sign sponsors and stall holders for next year, and we haven’t even set a date yet,” he said.

“With this type of support this show has the potential to grow bigger and better, you better watch this space,” he concludes.

Rear Vision: where are they now?

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