 One of the most prestigious awards in the transport industry, the Shell Rimula Rig of the Year award is the culmination of a year-long, nation-wide search for Australia’s best looking rig. Albury Wodonga was chosen as the event destination for the 2005 transport industry celebrations by Shell Australia following an assessment of suitable Australian regional centres, which have a strong transport community. Tony Firman, Shell Consumer Lubricants Communications Manager, said: “The Shell Rimula Rig of the Year is a fantastic initiative that recognises the pride truckies have in both their vehicles and their professions, and rewards the families that are the driving force behind the industry. “We are thrilled that Albury Wodonga has agreed to host the Shell Rimula Rig of the Year and we look forward to providing the community with a first-class event.” The Mayor of Albury City, Arthur Frauenfelder, said: “The Albury Wodonga region is home to more than 1,000 owner drivers as well as numerous fleet operations, so it is fitting that our city has been chosen to host the 2005 Shell Rimula Rig of the Year celebrations. “This is a fantastic result for the local community and we look forward to showcasing the many benefits Albury Wodonga has to offer the transport industry.” An expected convoy of 100 trucks will make its way through the streets of Albury and Wodonga before Australia’s best rigs are displayed at Noreuil Park, Albury. Truckies are encouraged to sign up to take part in this year’s rig parade, which will make them automatically eligible for the $1,000 Rig of the Day prize. Noreuil Park will then host a ‘family day’ including live music, local food stands and children’s activities, prior to the presentation of the $10,000 Shell Rimula Rig of the Year award. Following the day’s festivities, a trucking dinner will be held at the SS&A Club, with money raised being donated to the Mercy Hospital and Noreuil Park children’s playground fundraising appeal. “We are delighted that the charity dinner has been incorporated into this year’s Shell Rimula Rig of the Year event as it allows us to not only recognise the involvement of this active trucking community but also make a direct contribution to the local community,” Mr Firman said.
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