On behalf of Murrindindi Shire Council, I would like to acknowledge that the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show is held on Taungurung Country.
We pay our respects to Taungurung people who are the Traditional Owners of the land we call Murrindindi Shire, and to their leaders and Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold forever the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of all Taungurung people.
The trucking industry is a backbone to the Australian economy, moving goods for manufacturing and distribution, supporting and enabling communities to prosper across Australia.
The COVID-19 lockdowns demonstrated the importance to communities to gather, socialise and celebrate together and what better opportunity than celebrating with the signature event of the Truck, Ute and Rod Show proudly hosted once again Alexandra. The science and research demonstrates the importance of connecting with nature, gathering and socialising, all contribute
to positive mental health and feeling connected.
The long weekend in June has long been associated with the sight of trucks, utes and rods lining the streets of Alexandra for this big event.
The time and passion the owners invest in their trucks, utes and rods is quickly evident when exploring the festival.
It’s important that we come together as a community to celebrate the critical role these essential workers play in our lives. This event is also a great opportunity to showcase the beautiful town of Alexandra and the wonderful Murrindindi Shire as a whole.
This event attracts a significant number of visitors to our shire and will provide a much-needed boost to businesses, tourism operators and the community.
The economic benefit to the region is significant and enhanced further when visitors stop the night and explore the surrounding towns, wineries, distilleries, restaurants, fishing and many other experiences.
Council is a very proud supporter of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.
The continued popularity of the event is a huge credit to the event organisers, community groups and businesses involved in the planning, set up, promotion and running of the event.
The event committee year-on-year presents the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show to an exceptional standard and we are sure this year will once again be amazing.
If you’re visiting the area for the weekend, make sure you check out our Discover Dindi channels, including Facebook and Instagram, or visit discoverdindi.com.au for inspiration on how you can make the most of your stay.
There are a variety of attractions and activities on offer for the whole family.
I hope locals and visitors to our fabulous region, have a wonderful long weekend.
John Walsh Murrindindi Shire Mayor
The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show attracts a diverse range of visitors, each with their own reasons for attending.
Some come to cheer on the woodchop titles, others to marvel at the impressive display of rods and utes, while many simply enjoy a day out, appreciating the pride and excellence of the truck and transport industry.
What strikes all visitors is the vibrant transformation of Alexandra, a quiet regional town that has become the heart of Australia’s premier regional trucking event. The passion of local community groups, the commitment of local traders, and the warm hospitality of the residents create the perfect backdrop for our ongoing show.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors and industry partners, whose unwavering support enables us to maintain the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show as a free annual event. Their contributions also make a positive impact on the Alexandra community.
We encourage you to express your thanks by visiting their trade stands or displays throughout the day.
Notably, this event significantly bolsters the local economy, injecting more than $3.5 million, while various community groups raise tens of thousands of dollars for their respective causes.
Above all, let us celebrate the dedicated owner-drivers who proudly showcase their
vehicles at the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.
Whether it’s a sturdy logging truck, an iconic Aussie ute, a gleaming tipper, or a brilliantly chromed-up rod, these owners are the true stars of the event and the reason why we all gather here.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a devoted truck show supporter, it is our pleasure, on behalf of Alexandra Events, to extend a warm welcome to Alexandra.
And just as importantly, we invite you to join us again in Alexandra for some of our other signature events, such as the Alexandra Pro Rodeo in January.
A trucking industry forum will be held in the Alexandra Shire Hall from 10 am until 2 pm on Sunday, June 11.
Convenor Sarah Simpson said the free event would canvas a range of speakers and focus on innovation, safety and mental health in the trucking industry.
“We’re excited to be adding this new section to the show that further supports the drivers and broader trucking industry,” Sarah said. “We’ve got a fantastic range of speakers from a range of associations.”
Coralie Chapman will speak at the forum on women in the transport industry on behalf of Transport Women Australia Limited.
We are almost at that time of year again when the Alexandra streets come alive with the sound of trucks, utes and rods.
After a two-year break, last year was our biggest show yet, with almost 350 trucks, 120 utes, 30 rods and about 14,000 people, it was a very successful event.
Coming into 2023 for the 26th year, the King’s Birthday long weekend in Alexandra will be the place to be.
If you haven’t been to the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show before, come and view over 250 of Australia’s best show and shine trucks, many fabulous show utes and custom rods.
The efforts of the community groups and traders provide ample opportunity for all locals and visitors to have a fabulous weekend in a beautiful part of the country.
I would like to recognise and thank the generous sponsors and industry partners of the 2023 Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show who have provided us with ongoing support over the years.
It is their dedication which has allowed the show to continue as a free annual event for locals and visitors.
This year the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show along with Alexandra Events are developing a foundation for mental health.
Donations towards the foundation will be able to be accepted during and after the 2023 Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.
Women Australia Limited and Lachlan
Guest speakers include Paul Fellows from TruckSafe and the Australian Transport Association, Coralie Chapman from Transport Women Australia Limited and Lachlan Spencer from Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.
TWA vice-chair Coralie Chapman has been working in most aspects of the transport industry for more than 20 years as well as having her own trucks.
Coralie said TWA was active in supporting women in the industry. “Our job is to see that women establish themselves and do well in a job that is predominantly done by men,” she said.
For the regular attendees we are excited to welcome new trucks, utes and rods, never before seen at the show.
In addition to the wonderful display of vehicles, you will find one of the best wood chop competitions in Victoria.
Visitors to Alexandra will be able to experience the region while walking through the trade sites and local shops, with fabulous retail shopping opportunities and food available.
The atmosphere in Alexandra for the weekend is exhilarating and will be one to remember.
Please enjoy the long weekend at the show and show your support to the passionate entrants who present their immaculate vehicles.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a diehard truck show go-er, it is my pleasure on behalf on the committee to welcome you, your friends and family to help celebrate 26 years of the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show.
Ayden Embling
Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show chair
Kudos for the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show could not have been timed any better than the show being awarded the Murrindindi Shire Community Group of the Year for 2022–23.
The award was presented by the shire council on Saturday, May 13 at a ceremony which recognised other local events.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor John Walsh said the award was a new category for this year to honour group events.
“Our shire awards recognise the significant voluntary contributions that community members make,” Cr Walsh said.
“Our local volunteers and volunteer groups are an essential ingredient in the prosperity of our rural communities.”
The show’s committee chairperson Ayden Embling said the award recognised the success of the show for the past 26 years and that he looked forward to this year’s event.
“The numbers are looking great. The atmosphere is already out there,” Mr Embling said.
“Last year we had about 14,000 to 15,000 people visit the show and that was our biggest one to date.
“We had over 300 trucks, a 120 utes and about 40 rods.
“It was the longest stretched-out event, going along two kilometres of the main street.”
The award will be on display at the show.
Visitors to this year’s show on Sunday, June 11 will once again be entertained throughout the day by two top acts.
Hailing from the northern Victorian town of Yackandandah, Pete Denahy describes himself as a comedian and a bluegrass musician, a songwriter and a singer who also runs his own travel company specialising in music tours around the globe.
When Pete talks about his own show, he says, “It’s not rocket science; I’m not the best singer, fiddle player or guitar picker in the world, but as far as I know, no-one else is doing my show.”
Pete takes his audience on a journey that travels from the gold rush days of the mid19th century to buying toilet paper at the local supermarket.
It’s perhaps not a show formula many managers would suggest their acts follow, but it seems to work for Pete.
He blends fiddle tunes, bluegrass style original songs and madcap comedy to provide the audience with an escape from reality most of them feel is worth their while.
Pete cut his teeth with the Ploughboys in Melbourne in the mid ‘90s and went on to tour as fiddle player and comic with Slim Dusty, Sara Storer and Troy Cassar Daley in the early 2000s before focusing on his solo career.
And a successful solo career it has been to-date, with five Golden Guitars, Australian Country Music’s highest award and being
in constant demand for appearances the length and breadth of the country. Also providing entertainment on the day will be vibrant, up-and-coming singer/ songwriter Angela Easson. Blitzing Australia’s modern country scene with her hard-earned reputation for mixing infectious melodies with her intensely personal lyrics, Angela is rightly regarded as a rising star.
Now based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Angela started her career in South Australia where she grew up in Mount Gambier before moving to Adelaide in her early teens.
Since releasing her debut album Wanted in 2015, Angela has had four singles from her album in the National Country Tracks Chart top 30 with her first single Once Upon A Time reaching number 13.
Her video clips have been played on the Country Music Channel and her songs can be heard nationally on Australian radio.
She has toured nationally twice and played at some of Australia’s major country music festivals including Deni Ute Muster, Mildura Country Music Festival, Norfolk Island Country Music Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Hot Rod Show has always been a financial ‘shot in the arm’ for the town’s businesses.
This year’s event is expected to draw a large crowd and the local shops are as prepared as they always are.
Dindi Country Clothing sits in a prime place on Alexandra’s Grant St, having moved there in December last year.
“It’ll be the biggest day of the year with people coming in and out all day and trucks lining the street as far as the eye can see,”
Vic Gallagher said, in anticipation of the day.
The store has stocked up on more winter merchandise and will have more staff onhand for the yearly bumper sales.
“There’s a lot of foot traffic on the day and last year was great for business, even though we were located elsewhere.
“It’s usually a pretty chilly day so people come in to rug up.
“We expect to have people in here all day.”
Not far down the road, it is quality staff which drives Goulburn Valley Nurseries’ preparation for the show.
Manager Jacky Gilbee moved the 23-yearold business from Yea two years ago and looks forward to the event every year.
She also promises to have knowledgeable staff on-hand.
“We concentrate on what we’re good at and all our staff know what they’re talking about,” Jacky said.
“We will be quite busy, no, we are very busy here.
“We’re right at the very beginning of the walk that people go on through the town.
“The carpark gets very full with visitors, but
that’s fine because they always come back and purchase plants on their way home.
“We will have specials on the day, and we will have plenty to sell.”
Alexandra’s Corner Hotel is also preparing for the event.
Manager Chris Pitt said more staff and stock was the usual fare each year.
“We sure stock up and do a double order of food for meals and the bottle shop as well,” Chris said.
“It’s an insane time because the impact on local business is massive.
Chris said that after two years of lockdowns, many people now wanted to make the most of enjoying Victoria’s regional areas.
“COVID definitely had an effect, but now lots of people want to get out of Melbourne and the show is one thing they like to come to.”
Chris is telling everyone that visitors are guaranteed a good time at the pub.
“That’s if you manage to get in the front door.”
The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show is still seeking more industry support, despite forecasting that this year’s event will be the biggest one to date.
Organiser Gus Simpson said that last year’s show was the biggest one in its 26year history.
“Last year was the biggest, coming off from COVID when we didn’t hold it for two years,” Gus said.
“We are just hoping for more support from the transport industry to pull it off again, to try to get a bigger crowd there.”
Gus said potential sponsors had an opportunity to display their new vehicles and drive their trucks up for the event.
“They come from Echuca and interstate with some trucks from as far away as Sydney,” he said.
“And we get a lot of support from trucks out Shepparton way.”
Gus runs a fuel distribution business with his family, and drives B-doubles every day.
He has been part of the show since its inception.
“I’ve been on the committee since day one 26 years ago and I’m still a foundation member,” he said.
“I remember when it was a small show in the middle of the street in 1997 and it was only along one block of Grant St.
“Now we go for five blocks in Alexandra.
“The town gets behind us and there’s a lot of community groups that sell a lot of sausages on the day and have other fundraising going on.
“For the sporting clubs, this is their major fundraising event for the year.”
Alexandra Football and Netball Club secretary Kylie Cairns said this year the club would be hosting its traditional barbecue at Rotary Park with players from both sports on-hand to meet visitors.
“This year it will be a pretty big weekend for us because we have the juniors playing at home so our volunteers will be spread pretty thin,” Kylie said.
“But we have a great group of canteen ladies who put on the best of everything for us.
“They do a great job.”
Gus said most of the vehicles in the show arrived the day before and were then prepared overnight.
“A lot of the drivers are here cleaning their trucks at midnight, and in fact, they will spend most of the night to get them ready,” Gus said.
The Monday morning is also not without spectacle.
“At the end of the show they all toot their horn on exiting the town.
“But the main thing is about putting some dollars back into Alexandra and that’s what it’s all about.
“We have a free event so come and spend your money on the community, buy a couple of raffle tickets and come and support the show.”
A lack of timber supply has not dampened enthusiasm for a large woodchopping event at this year’s Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.
The event has been a key feature at past shows, but recent limited log supplies have proven a challenge.
This year’s woodchopping event will go ahead at the show.
Victorian Axemen’s Council president Brad Meyer said there were still supply issues for other Victorian country shows with many events being cancelled.
Mr Meyer said some logs had been sourced from eucalyptus plantations.
Gales from a 2021 storm have provided the rest.
“We will be using a mixture of messmate from fallen trees in windblown areas around Trentham,” Brad said.
“It will be interesting to see how the day goes but we should have a good show.
“We’ll have great numbers of axemen on the day.”
Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) is also known as Tasmanian oak, but is native to Victoria, NSW and Queensland as well.
The preferred timber prized by axemen is alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis), but supply has stopped due to the Victorian Government ceasing logging.
Brad praised the efforts of organisers of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show for
Mental health will be a new focus at this year’s Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show with the launch of a foundation aimed to support the town’s community which has been affected by recent tragic events.
Committee chairperson Ayden Embling said the show had been a great success for many years and was now in a position to reinvest into the community.
“We have heard of issues with mental health, particularly among the elderly and local youth, and what we’ve decided to do as a corporation is to give a bit more back,” Mr Embling said.
“What we are doing is starting a foundation to help with either running programs or facilitating sessions for parents and youth as well.”
Recent mental health-related tragedies in the Alexandra community have seen the Truck, Ute and Rod Show Committee establish a foundation to address shortfalls in mental health support. Contributions from show sponsors and an initial start-up fund of $15,000 from the show itself will see the foundation continue “for however long it takes,” committee chairperson Ayden Embling said. Photo: Andy Wilson
Despite a severe shortage of wood due to the halting of logging, the famous woodchopping event at this year's Alexander Truck, Ute and Rod Show will go ahead.
making the woodchopping event possible.
“They were prepared to do whatever it takes to make the woodchopping go ahead,” he said.
“They need a pat on the back.”
Registration for woodchopping at this year’s show is open until May 26 and can be found at: http://www.alexandratruckshow. com.au/category/woodchop/
The show has contributed $15,000 as a starting point for donations to the foundation and has secured in-principal support from larger businesses.
“A lot of our big sponsors have already said they will help out,” Mr Embling said.
“They have supported our show for 26 years and they want to contribute in other ways as well.”
Mr Embling said the town’s population size was the main reason mental health support has needed a boost.
“There’s not much help out there because the town’s population is so small, even
though people do have the support of the community.”
Mr Embling said the Murrindindi Shire Council was starting to “get onboard” but said the show committee would be the main driver.
“That’s so we know where every dollar goes,” he said.
Mr Embling said the foundation would be a long-term enterprise due to the importance of community mental health issues.
“This will go for however long it takes,” he said.
“This is not a one-year thing.”
Hot rod enthusiast Steve Heard thrives within his hobby of building hot rods and has an added advantage to produce about one vehicle every year.
“Most hot rodders take a few years to build a car; some guys can take up to 10 years to make one car,” Steve said, as he takes up a spanner to tinker between customers.
“I’m lucky where I can be here working my windscreen business then if it gets quiet, I might get an hour or two to work on a hot rod.”
Steve is currently building a 1958 Chevrolet Apache while outside his blue 1957 Chevrolet pickup awaits its entry into this year’s Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.
Steve prides himself on building the majority of each car.
“I can do 95 per cent of it; I’ll panel beat, weld and paint,” he said.
“I do it all except for wiring which is critical because you’ve got to get it right.
“And, of course, I don’t do the upholstery.
“I leave that to the professionals because I just can’t get it good enough.”
Steve has seen the Alexandra show evolve over time, and accepts the hot rods have
become a niche part of the event with trucks becoming more prominent over the years.
“It’s more of a truck show nowadays and the trucks come from all over Australia,” he said.
“The owners spend a lot of money on them, so whenever there’s a show, then naturally, they want to show them off.”
Steve has built more than 30 cars in all sorts of shapes and colours and has done it purely from his passion.
“Hot rods are more of a private individual thing, so we don’t make money off them,” Steve said.
“I’ll sell them after a few years and might make a bit of money, but I just like building them.
“Some people play golf or cricket or go to the pub.
“I’d rather be here playing hot rods.
“That’s what I call it: ‘playing hot rods’.”
Deluxe Rod Shop will be showing some of their cars at this year’s Truck, Ute and Rod Show.
Owner Steven Alldrick has been running the business outside of Yea for 10 years, having moved it from Lilydale.
On display this year will be their flagship vehicle, a 1934 Chevrolet that has been shown in most capital cities and won several awards in a variety of categories in the past two years.
The car is valued at $600,000.
Despite the company finishing in the top six cars at Melbourne’s MotorEx Show for three years, surpassing any other
hot rod builders, few locals know that the team behind such success is nestled nearby.
“People are blown away that cars like this are built in the shire,” Steven said.
“They ask: ‘where are you from?’ and when we say we’re local, they can’t believe it,” he said.
Deluxe Rod Shop will be showcasing three cars at Alexandra this year, including the 1934 Chevrolet.
Also on display will be a burgundy 1934 Ford Tudor and an orange 1928 Ford A-model pickup.
The key to success for the company has
been the time and money that Steven invests in his five staff.
“We are a small army of dedicated people,” he said.
“The important thing is to invest in them, so you’re not churning through staff.
“My first apprentice was with me for seven years and they all win apprentice of the year and ten thousand-dollar toolboxes, and it’s all because of the commitment you put into them.”
And despite entering in Australia’s three biggest shows each year, Steve remains coy about the journey.
“We are small, and we fly under the radar.”
