New fundraising record set for NTI’s truck restoration

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt recently visited a major iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The Pilbara is the world’s most significant iron ore region. With world prices currently at record levels our exports are forecast to reach a new high of A$136 billion this financial year, up from the previous record of A$103 billion last year.

Iron ore is Australia’s single largest commodity export and is forecast to earn Australia around A$700 billion over the six years to 2025-26. Iron ore supports 45,600 direct Australian jobs and is a major employer of Indigenous Australians.

In Western Australia, iron ore royalties alone topped $5 billion in the six months to 31 December 2020.

Anew fundraising record has been set for a classic 1946 Jailbar truck, restored by Australia’s leading transport and logistics specialist insurer, NTI, to help raise much-needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.

The classic truck, dubbed “Jolene”, raised $235,000 from more than 27,000 raffle ticket sales. NTI has committed an additional sum to take the total funds raised from the initiative to $335,000. Every dollar raised will go directly to MND research to help find a cure or effective treatment for the debilitating disease.

NTI’s CEO Tony Clark said the company was thrilled with the new record set by “Jolene”, the third Jailbar and fourth truck to be restored by NTI.

“Elizabeth Fritsch from Aldavilla, New South Wales, was announced as the lucky winner and new owner of “Jolene”. She was shocked and excited when I rang her from the Brisbane Truck Show with the news of her win,” Mr Clark said.

“It’s a wonderful result. She’d bought two tickets via Facebook, which goes to prove if you’re in it, you’ve a chance of winning.

“We had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth and her family to congratulate her and hand over the keys in person. Seeing the sheer joy on their faces was priceless.”

The funds from “Jolene” is on top of $534,000 already donated by NTI in the past five years to MND and Me and MND Research Australia to fund NTI’s official research grant.

NTI supports research into MND as a legacy to late CEO Wayne Patterson, who was diagnosed in 2015 and later lost his battle.

His widow Lisa drew the winning ticket at an official ceremony at the Brisbane Truck Show, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“It’s vital we find a cure, as every day in Australia two people die from MND,” Mr Clark said.

Two people a day are also diagnosed with the disease, while more than 2,100 Australians live with MND, which can affect adults of any age.

““Jolene” is a work of art. She’s not just a truck and the result is a team effort. The commitment NTI’s people have shown to fundraising for MND research is humbling.

“And, of course, none of this would be possible without our sensational industry partners – especially Isuzu Trucks and Royan Truck & Trailer Repairs Brisbane - who jump on board each and every time with the same level of support and enthusiasm.”