Fallen truckies remembered during epic Lights on the Hill weekend

Each year, the Lights on the Hill memorial convoy and ceremony brings the trucking community together to remember and celebrate truckies who have lost their lives, and their contribution to the industry.

Over the weekend, truckies and truck fans gathered to honour the 54 people who were added to the Lights on the Hill Memorial Wall at Lake Apex Park in Gatton.

Thousands made their way to the town as the event kicked off with two convoy routes on Saturday October 5.

There were 732 trucks taking part in the convoys, departing from Mica Street, Carole Park in Brisbane and Brown and Hurley Toowoomba at 9.30am. Many of the rigs proudly displayed banners in honour of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Jarratt Transport driver Greg Shying and Tracey pose with the lead truck for the Brisbane leg of the convoy. Image: Shutter Shock Photography

Leading the convoy from Brisbane was Jarratt Transport Solutions’ Kenworth T610, while lead truck on the Toowoomba route was Darcy Transport’s Kenworth T909 – with both trucks receiving the honour after being picked out of a draw featuring all the trucks who had pre-registered.

The mammoth convoys made their way through the streets, eventually arriving and parking up at the Gatton Showgrounds for a fun-filled day of comradery and reminiscing, along with entertainment, truck awards and more.

Lead truck for the Toowoomba leg of the convoy was this Darcy Transport T909. Image: Shutter Shock Photography

Entertainment this year was provided by Kerry Kennedy, Peter Smokie Dawson, Josie, The Viper Creek Band, Lane Pittman, Jase Lansky, Jeremy Turner, Liam Brew, Jeff Brown, Steve Sparrow and Mackenzie May.

“We had a lot of trucks participating in the convoy this year and a lot of foot traffic too,” said Lights on the Hill secretary Juanita Johnston. “Last year there were over 500 trucks, so this year it was a huge convoy.”

She says the atmosphere was amazing. “It’s hard to describe really, but everyone is always so happy to be there. It’s difficult to put it into words.

Over 700 trucks lined the Gatton Showgrounds. Image: Shutter Shock Photography

“There was an amazing bunch of people who came along and lots of trucks. As soon as the drivers pull up from the convoy, they get out and get the trucks polished up again. The drivers really do such a great job in paying tribute to their mates and family members.

“For me, my highlight each year is seeing all the people who line the sides of the road, and all those kids who pull their arms as the trucks come past, and the smiles it puts on the faces of the truckies as well as the kids.

Nolan’s Transport had a large presence at the event, with this special purple truck honouring patriarch Terry Nolan. Image: Shutter Shock Photography

“It was nice to see a lot more women drivers this year too. There seemed to be a lot more than what we usually see.”

An auction was also held at the Showgrounds, raising around $19,000, which goes towards maintaining the wall, holding the next event, along with donations to community organisations.

The convoy day culminated in a spectacular fireworks display, followed by more live music.

The event at Gatton Showgrounds featured a fireworks display. Image: Shutter Shock Photography

As the sun set on the first day of festivities, it made way for the main event, a touching memorial ceremony at the Lights on the Hill Memorial Wall, held at 10am on Sunday October 6.

Around 60 trucks and up to 2000 people gathered at the wall.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Lights on the Hill Memorial Service. “We released four doves during the service. We always release three but this time we had an extra dove to commemorate the 20th anniversary,” explained Juanita.

“A bottle tree was also planted beside the wall to commemorate the anniversary, with Tanya Milligan, Mayor of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and local member for parliament Jim McDonald both involved in that.”

To mark the milestone year, Juanita revealed that a special commemorative book is also in the pipeline. “There was a book published in 2008, so we’ll do a reprint of that one and release a second volume as well. We’re hoping to have it available at the 2025 Lights on the Hill event.”

Juanita also revealed that she will be stepping aside from her role as secretary, leaving big shoes to fill. Having been in the role for the past 16 years, she’s lived and breathed the event each day and has been a key part in bringing it to fruition year after year.

This year, 54 names were added to the memorial wall. Image: Shutter Shock Photography

Though she won’t be going too far. “I’ll remain secretary until our next annual general meeting and will then become a regular volunteer just like everyone else involved. Once I step aside from that role, I’ll be able to focus on putting the book together too.”

Juanita also took the opportunity to thank all of the event’s sponsors. “This doesn’t happen without them, whether they’re big or small, we appreciate every single one of them,” she said.

This year, the Truck Show Trophy winners are:

Rig of the day: S&J MacMahon

Best Custom Rig: Tobin Transport

Best European truck: Nolan’s Transport

Best Heavy Recovery: Knight’s Towing

Best Light Recovery: All Coast Towing

Best Rigid: Heavy Machine Transport

Best Cabover: JKA Haulage

Best Bonneted Truck: The Tribute

Best Custom Paint/Graphics: S&J MacMahon

Best Fleet: Nolan’s Transport

Best Small Fleet: VE Group

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