On the 2nd of March, the picturesque town of Longford buzzed with the sound of truck horns and engines as the 42nd Longford Truck Run took centre stage.
Organised by the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association (TTOOA), this annual event brought together a record-breaking number of trucks and attendees, showcasing the unwavering support of Tasmania's trucking community.
As a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania, this year’s Truck Run raised an outstanding $45,000, contributing to the $132,000 donated by TTOOA since 2022. These funds are vital for delivering lifesaving health services to Tasmania’s truck drivers—some of the state’s hardest-working individuals who often face long hours and demanding conditions.
“We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of Tasmania’s trucking community."
Nicole Henty, RFDS Tasmania CEONicole Henty, CEO of RFDS Tasmania, shared her gratitude for the continued partnership with TTOOA, stating: “We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of Tasmania’s trucking community. The funds raised enable us to provide accessible, lifesaving health services and promote wellbeing for our truckies, who are vital to keeping Tasmania moving.”
A Day of Community and Care
For RFDS Tasmania, the Longford Truck Run was so much more than just a spectacle of shining trucks; it was a true celebration of community spirit. Highlights included:
- Mobile Dental Van: Giving the public a glimpse of its state-of-the-art facilities for providing critical dental care to remote communities.
- RFDS Educational Simulator: A cut-down aeromedical aircraft that captivated onlookers and sparked dreams among aspiring aviators.
- RFDS Health Hub Bus: Truckies and their families accessed free health checks, including blood pressure monitoring, health consultations, and smoking cessation support—reinforcing the importance of regular health monitoring.
- Slushie Bike: A crowd favorite among young attendees, this pedal-powered refreshment station delivered both fun and a message of wellbeing through physical activity and nutrition.
Truckie Check-Ins: Supporting Health on the Open Road
Funds raised through the Truck Run help power RFDS Tasmania’s Truckie Check-Ins, a dedicated program that offers free physical and mental health checks tailored to truck drivers’ unique needs.
In 2024, over 100 truck drivers participated in the check-ins, benefiting from vital services including blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation support, and mental health discussions.
RFDS Tasmania’s targeted approach has proven transformative—for example, out of 98 drivers screened for smoking cessation, 18 identified as smokers, with 11 expressing interest in quitting.
You can find out more about our Truckie Check-ins in our article.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 Truck Run is a testament to the strength of the collaboration between RFDS Tasmania and TTOOA, as well as the shared commitment to prioritising health and wellbeing across rural and remote Tasmania.
Excitingly, the 43rd Longford Truck Run is already on the horizon—mark your calendars for the 1st of March 2026.
With the continued support of Tasmania’s trucking community, the event promises to be another incredible opportunity to drive health and wellness for those who keep Tasmania moving.
Help us support Tasmania's truckies with more check-ins.
