Ms BYRNES (Cunningham) (11:02): This year marks a truly remarkable milestone for the i98FM Illawarra Convoy as it celebrates 20 years of supporting local charities and families in need. Hosted by Marty, Christian and Bella from i98FM, the Illawarra convoy is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the southern hemisphere and one of the biggest single-day regional fundraisers in Australia.
This year, convoy raised an incredible $2.5 million, taking the overall total to just over $27.5 million dollars over the past two decades. The money raised directly supports the Illawarra Community Foundation, which assists families across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands facing life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. This year's convoy was truly historic, with a record-breaking 672 motorbikes and 715 trucks, travelling the route from Appin Colliery to Shellharbour Airport.
For the fourth consecutive year, Coles Illawarra had the winning bid of $220,220 for the lead bike. However, Peter Anderson, regional manager for Coles, offered the lead bike position to Kris from second-placed Throttle Jockies, who has been facing his own cancer battle. The lead truck position for the Illawarra convoy is one of the event's most prestigious and fiercely sought-after positions. This year, Karlie and Adrian from Tiny Tins, together with Orlane from Wollongong Crane Trucks, demonstrated incredible dedication and teamwork to claim the coveted title. Their extraordinary bid of $300,020 secured the lead truck position, which they had narrowly missed out on last year. Karlie, Adrian and Orlane didn't achieve this alone. With the support of James and Aimee from Grechys Boxing and Fitness, they worked tirelessly throughout the year, hosting events such as the Battle of the Businesses boxing night. Their collaborative effort shows the incredible power of community and how local businesses and individuals can come together to achieve something truly remarkable.
Tiny Tins also made the record books as they were the smallest truck to ever lead the convoy. This tiny truck was driven by six-year-old Ase who lives with Hirschsprung's disease, which affects the colon and causes bowel issues. Ase and his family have been the recipients of the incredible support that the Illawarra Convoy provides. It has been a dream of his to be the lead truck of the convoy, and, thanks to the incredible efforts of Tiny Tins and Wollongong Crane Trucks, they were able to make this a reality. Ase drove the tiny truck out of the colliery to initially lead the convoy, but then jumped into the passenger seat as the tiny truck was put on the back of another truck to head down the mountain.
Congratulations to Marty, Christian and Bella from i98FM for another successful convoy, and congratulations to Ase for being the youngest to lead the convoy in the smallest truck.