‘Something for everyone’: Casino Truck Show rakes in millions with record crowds
A little northern NSW town has yet again hosted one of the southern hemisphere’s most beloved truck shows - and the number of attendees is astounding.
Lismore
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Bumper crowds brought with them a solid injection of cash for a rural town in northern NSW, which hosts a massive truck show each year.
The 2024 Casino Truck Show – celebrated as one of the greatest events of its kind in the southern hemisphere – highlights the community and wider trucking industry’s passion for the heavy vehicles and the way they are built and customised.
The truck show was held in the Casino CBD, about 30 kilometres southwest of regional hub Lismore, on Saturday, August 3.
Organisers have now confirmed the show was “the biggest ever” with 600 trucks and and about 30,000 people estimated to have been involved.
Residents joined tens of thousands of visitors from across the nation and globe. A Richmond Valley Council spokesman said the event also generated an estimated $3.9 million for the area, giving a much-needed boost to businesses.
Show organisers have cheered that the show “broke records everywhere” and was “huge”.
“Congratulations everyone. What a day!” they said in a statement.
“Thank you to all our entrants, our sponsors and everyone who came along to make the day a huge success.”
Taking out the Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show award for 2024 was Andrew Salter of A & J Salter Oversize Transport & Pilot Service with the business’ Kenworth K200.
Truckie Andy Salter, who works across Australia, said he could not believe he had won the top rig title.
“I was heading up from Victoria on my way to Casino and wasn’t sure I’d make it,” he said.
“We try to get there you know, organise jobs so we can spend time with family, mates and have a good time at Casino.”
Mr Salter said it was “a good feeling” to take home the top gong and he confirmed he would be back next year.
Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said the show was so popular because it “offers something for everyone”.
“This year’s event featured a diverse range of trucks, from vintage classics to hi-tech models, live music performances, food stalls, industry exhibitors and activities for children – the family-friendly environment ensured residents and visitors of all ages had a memorable experience,” he said.
Organising committee co-ordinator Darren Goodwin said the 2024 NCP Casino Truck Show has been cemented as one of the most important events for truckies in the country.
“The enthusiasm and support from the community and the trucking industry have been incredible, and we are already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better,” he said.
“Planning is already underway for next year’s event, and we thank everyone who attended and supported this amazing event.”
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