‘It was good to see people already lined up and eager to go just like we were’: Territorians celebrate Australia Day with annual Ute Run

TERRITORIANS got creative at this year’s Australia Day Ute Run, with vehicles featuring kangaroos holding stubbies, Hills hoists and more. SEE the PHOTOS HERE.

Lucas, Daemon and Chloe Crawley at the 20th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA Newswire

KANGAROOS clutching beers, Hills hoists and hundreds of national flags flew down the Stuart Highway today for the 20th annual Australia Day Ute Run.

More than 250 utes drove from Hidden Valley to Noonamah Tavern in celebration of Australia Day and to raise money for Variety NT’s Freedom Camp at Goanna Park.

It was John Standing’s first time participating in the ute run.

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He and partner Bee put their heads together to create a “nothing over the top, nothing underneath either” masterpiece with a kangaroo holding a Great Northern and a crocodile clutching a Bundy on the back.

Mr Standing also decked himself out in an Australian flag onesie, Bundy apron and Ashes cricket hat.

John Standing at the 20th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run in 2021. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA Newswire

“Australia Day is whatever floats your imagination of who you are, and how you look at your ute and your country,” he said.

“It was good to see people already lined up and eager to go just like we were.

“We met a lot of good people there and got a few good numbers.

“We both quite enjoyed seeing all the utes out there and all the different imaginations.”

Steve Bayley at the 20th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA Newswire

Alanna Oppermann’s ute was dedicated to the Territory, featuring an homage to legendary crocodile Sweetheart, fishing gear and a canoe her dad found at Groote Eylandt 30 years ago.

“Everything NT I could possibly think of I fit on,” she said.

Alanna Oppermann and friends at the 20th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA Newswire

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She said it was heartwarming to see so many decked out utes. “I loved it, it was such a great day,” she said.

“I noticed there were so many more people out. Every turn you took there were people cheering us on.”

Ms Oppermann encouraged Territorians to get involved next year.

“It’s about being creative and getting everyone involved,” she said.