The annual Illawarra Convoy for Kids is preparing to roll out once again in support of children living with cancer and other illnesses.
Each year, hundreds of trucks and bikes descend Mount Ousley in a spectacle that captures the spirit of the Australian road transport industry: mateship, generosity and pride in community.
Since its inception, the convoy has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Camp Quality and local families, thanks to a combination of auctioned donations, corporate support, and the goodwill of drivers who give up their time to take part.
The convoy’s signature moment is the auction for lead truck, a tradition that has become a friendly but fiercely contested show of commitment among local operators.
Over the past seven years, the bidding has grown from just over $5,000 to a record $71,000, set by Ross Transport in 2010 which is still the event’s largest single donation.
Ross Transport’s Alan Ross, a two-time lead truck winner, said the generosity of his team continues to inspire him.
“We’ve now got drivers taking money out of their wages every week,” said Ross. “They give up their time and they clean their trucks, but more than that, they care about the families we’re helping.”
Companies including MJ Rolls, Craig Duran Transport, Illawarra Truck Repairs & Spares and Murrell’s Freightlines have also led the procession in past years, while many who miss out on the auction still contribute through donations or support work on the day.
For some, the event carries deep personal meaning.
Driver Craig Duran formed a lasting friendship through the convoy with Keeley Payne, a local schoolgirl who has endured long-term treatment for a brain tumour. “She was too sick to ride last year,” Duran said, recalling an emotional roadside reunion. “We both jumped out at the lights and gave her a hug. That’s what convoy’s about.”
Another standout initiative is The People’s Truck, created by Derek McMahon to give community members a way to participate even without a vehicle. The custom-painted rig carries the names of donors, families, and local businesses as it travels the country which raised $43,000 for Camp Quality on its debut run.
“Thousands of people line the streets to watch,” said McMahon. “We wanted to make sure they could be part of it, not just spectators.”
Each year, more than 700 motorbikes join the trucks, creating a festival atmosphere that transforms the Illawarra’s roads into a moving sea of colour, chrome and sound. For long-time participant Margaret Crump, the experience was unforgettable.
“The sound is incredible,” she said. “Everyone’s waving and cheering. It’s a real carnival atmosphere. You can feel the emotion.”
This year’s Illawarra Convoy is being held Sunday 16 November 2025.
