The 7th Combat Service Support Battalion (CSSB) helped turn this year’s annual Brisbane Convoy for Kids a shade of olive green.
Soldiers from the 5th Transport Support Squadron happily gave up their Saturday on November 6 to support a fundraiser for Hummingbird House.
Lieutenant Michael Newman said 15 trucks from 7 CSSB took part, representing a cross-section of the vehicles that support the Army.
“We have our Mack Super Liners, Kenworth T 909s, HX 81s, HX77s and the Hawkei, which is probably our crowd favourite,” Lieutenant Newman said.
“It’s a big day. We were down at the battalion at 5 am and we won’t get back there until later on tonight, but everyone is really keen to be here and doing this event.”
The Army trucks weren’t the only ones vying for space on Redcliffe Oval. Civilian trucks of all makes and models traversed Brisbane for the charity fundraiser.
“It took probably an hour and a half to get from the start point down near Forest Lake to here at Redcliffe Showgrounds,” Lieutenant Newman said.
“There were a lot of slow points, and there were a lot of smiling kids along the way, so there was plenty of time on the horn, which was good. So that was probably the best bit; a lot of smiles.”
Sergeant Jason Sutherland had previously supported a convoy for kids in Sydney and was keen to get involved.
“Everything goes to Hummingbird house. A lot of the guys have got kids, a lot of people have experienced cancer,” Sergeant Sutherland said.
“My father has cancer as well, so it’s just good to do this and give back to the community.
“You also get to look at some awesome trucks, and it’s great to have any excuse to toot our horn driving down the road.”
Hummingbird House is Queensland’s only children’s hospice, providing care at the end of life for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Sergeant Sutherland is hopeful the support to the Brisbane convoy becomes an annual tradition.
“The convoy was excellent. It was amazing the amount of people who turned up. Hopefully 7 CSSB can continue supporting this event,” he said.
