Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The 22nd Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show was held on the Queen's Birthday long weekend and it was bigger than ever. Over 200 trucks, 40 utes and 25 hot rods were on display and there was a major quilt exhibition. The show attracted over 13,000 people. I want to sing out to volunteer community members, including founders Andrew Embling and Gordon Simpson and chairman Ayden Embling—it really is a family business. They made it all possible. Originally established to offer something to the local community on the long weekend, this show has grown into a major tourism drawcard creating an economic benefit of more than $1.7 million for the greater Alexandra area. And the show continues to give back to community organisations, with the raffle of a truck that is hoping to raise over a million dollars for the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Service Teen Challenge. So, warm congratulations and a huge call out to all the people of Alex. You do a fantastic job. The Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show is a great example of how dedicated volunteers extend their effort, make our community a wonderful place to live in, create economic and social capital but, most of all, provide a really good activity for our community. I am so proud to represent you here. Well done to all the Alex community.