Record-Breaking Casino Truck Show Sets New Benchmark For Australian Trucking Industry Success
Record 550 trucks, thousands of visitors and another major charitable contribution highlight Casino’s biggest trucking celebration yet.
By Jeff Gibbs
The 2026 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show has once again exceeded expectations, reinforcing its reputation as one of Australia’s premier trucking events and a show widely recognised as the greatest truck show in the Southern Hemisphere.
A record 550 trucks rolled into Casino for the annual celebration of Australia’s road transport industry, filling Casino’s central business district with an extraordinary display of prime movers, vintage trucks, custom-built rigs and heavy transport equipment. Combined with industry exhibitors, live entertainment, family activities and thousands of enthusiastic visitors, the event transformed the Richmond Valley township into a showcase of Australia’s trucking industry.
The celebrations began on Friday evening with the now-iconic Friday Night Lights, where illuminated trucks lined the streets of Casino, creating a spectacular display of colour and chrome that attracted tens of thousands of spectators. Live music, entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere provided the perfect lead-in to Saturday’s main event.
Throughout Saturday, visitors explored hundreds of immaculately presented trucks representing transport companies, owner-drivers and enthusiasts from across Australia. More than 70 trophies were presented, recognising excellence in presentation, restoration, innovation and workmanship.
The event culminated with the presentation of the prestigious Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show trophy to Matt Haylock of Emerald Carrying Co for his Kenworth T900, recognising it as the standout truck of the 2026 Casino Truck Show.
Casino Truck Show Volunteer Committee Lead Darren Goodwin said the 2026 event had exceeded expectations and reflected the dedication of everyone involved in making the Truck Show possible.
“Every year we challenge ourselves to make the Truck Show even bigger and better, and this year has surpassed anything we’ve achieved before,” Mr Goodwin said.
“The Casino Truck Show has once again cemented its reputation as the greatest truck show in the Southern Hemisphere. That reputation belongs to everyone who brings their trucks here, our loyal sponsors and exhibitors, and most importantly, our volunteers.
“These volunteers have given up countless hours throughout the year and over the weekend to make this event happen. Without them, there simply wouldn’t be a Truck Show.
“To see these trucks filling the streets of Casino from across the country and thousands of people enjoying the event is something our entire community can be proud of.”
The Casino Truck Show has experienced remarkable growth since its revitalisation in 2022, with truck numbers, visitor attendance and industry participation increasing each year. The event has become a major celebration of Australia’s road transport industry, attracting transport operators, manufacturers, exhibitors and trucking enthusiasts from across the country while delivering lasting benefits for the Richmond Valley.
Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the Casino Truck Show injects millions of dollars into the local economy each year, benefiting accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers, service stations and businesses throughout the region.
“The Casino Truck Show injects millions of dollars into our local economy each year, supporting accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers, service stations and businesses right across the Richmond Valley,” Mr Macdonald said.
“It also continues to put Casino on the map as a vibrant and growing regional community capable of delivering one of Australia’s most successful trucking events.”
The Truck Show’s success extends well beyond tourism and economic activity. Since the event’s revitalisation in 2022, organisers have donated almost $100,000 to charities and community organisations, ensuring the benefits of the event continue long after the final truck leaves town.
This year’s Truck Show contributed a further $59,000, continuing a commitment to giving back that has become one of the defining legacies of the event.
Mr Macdonald said the Truck Show had become an outstanding example of what could be achieved through the partnership between Richmond Valley Council, the volunteer committee, sponsors and the trucking industry.
“Richmond Valley Council is proud to deliver this event in partnership with our outstanding volunteer committee, whose passion and commitment have helped grow the Truck Show into an event that is recognised across the country,” he said.
“The Truck Show is about much more than trucks. It’s about creating lasting benefits for our community through tourism, local business and charitable giving. Every year it showcases the very best of Casino while delivering real outcomes for the Richmond Valley.”
Following its record-breaking success in 2026, planning is already underway for next year’s event, with organisers looking forward to welcoming the trucking industry back to Casino in 2027.
With record truck numbers, exceptional community support and another significant charitable contribution, the 2026 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show has delivered its biggest event to date, reinforcing its standing as one of Australia’s premier trucking events and demonstrating the important role it continues to play in supporting tourism, local business and community organisations across the Richmond Valley.
