Camp Quality’s Inaugural Convoy Newcastle Hits the Road to Support Kids Facing Cancer

Camp Quality is thrilled to be hosting the inaugural Convoy Newcastle on Sunday, 9th March, bringing together over 100 trucks for a 38-kilometre journey through the Newcastle and Maitland areas. The convoy will start and finish at Maitland Showground, raising vital funds to support kids facing cancer.  

Communities are invited to be part of the excitement by lining the convoy route (details below) and cheering on the impressive procession of trucks. There is nothing quite like the sight of 100 Big Rigs driving in a continuous formation together, tooting their horns and creating a unique sight for onlookers along the route to enjoy.

Following the return of the trucks, local families can join us to enjoy a free Family Festival at Maitland Showground, featuring entertainment and activities for all ages.

Camp Quality CEO Deborah Thomas expressed her gratitude for the wonderful community in The Hunter region, many of whom have supported the organisation for decades.
“Camp Quality relies on fundraising to provide our programs and services to families of young children aged 0-15 years, facing a cancer diagnosis. With over 100 trucks already registered, we are once again overwhelmed by the generosity and heart of the Newcastle community,” says Deborah.

“Every dollar raised by these dedicated truckers helps Camp Quality deliver much-needed support for kids and their families at every stage of their cancer journey through our well-known Camps, Family Retreats, Cancer Education Program with the puppets and in-hospital support programs at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.”

Funds raised through Convoy Newcastle will help Camp Quality support families like Connar’s. A courageous boy from Newcastle, Connar was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2012 and sadly passed away in 2016. Connar’s family shares a deep connection with the Camp Quality family having benefited from various programs and support during their challenging times.

Annmarie, Connar’s mum, recalls the profound impact of their son attending a Camp Quality Kids Camp in 2015. Connar was in a wheelchair and had been unable to attend his school camps due to a lack of accessibility. At the Kids’ Camp, Camp Quality volunteer Clinton helped Connar participate in fun activities.

“He got to go away on his own little adventure, which he would never have been able to do without Camp Quality. He rock-climbed and he went canoeing with Clinton. To be able to go to that overnight camp for Connar was like…  he was floating on air for weeks.”

Leonnie Carter, Co-Founder & Company Secretary at Carter Heavy Haulage and Transport, shares her excitement about taking part in the inaugural Convoy Newcastle.

“Supporting the Camp Quality team in bringing this event to life is something I take great pride in. This event provides a fantastic platform for the transport industry to showcase our professionalism, educate the public about road safety and make a real difference in the lives of children facing serious health challenges,” says Leonnie.

“Watching the convoy roll through Newcastle and Maitland will be very exciting, there’s something truly inspiring about seeing people unite for such a meaningful cause.”
Convoy Newcastle starts at 9.30am on Sunday, 9 March at Maitland Showground, with the trucks travelling through Cliftleigh, Buchanan, Buttai and Metford before returning around 10.45am.

Find out more about Convoy Newcastle here.