More than 2km of Alexandra’s streets will be filled to the brim with vehicles of all shapes and sizes, a wide range of entertainment and much, much more for the town’s annual truck show.
The Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show is back for its 28th show on Sunday, June 8, with everything from show ‘n’ shine to vintage trucks on show.
“There are vehicles from all parts of Australia, trucks coming out of Brisbane, South Australia and a fleet coming out of NSW,” organiser Andrew Embling said.
If trucks aren’t your thing, Andrew promised something for everyone.
“There’s the wood chopping championship will be happening once again in Rotary Park ... there’s music throughout the whole day, all the shops will be open, heaps of trade displays and a major raffle,” he said.
First prize in the raffle is a $1000 fuel voucher as well as $1000 FoodWorks voucher, second is a $1000 local business voucher and third is a $500 Thornton Butcher & Deli voucher.
Several local organisations and clubs are responsible for food, with profits staying within the community.
The 2024 event was the best yet, but this year’s is set to be even better.
“Last year we exceeded our truck numbers, we had over 300 trucks on display and quite a number of utes and rods which took up the whole street,” Andrew said.
“It’s a free event with people coming in and out, we don’t know the exact attendance, but you know we could have 12,000 to 14,000 people.”
When the event started in 1997, it wasn’t the traffic-stopper it is today.
“The reason we did it was [Alexandra’s] a little town, very quiet in winter,” Andrew said.
“So a few of us decided to do a truck show, and then it’s just grown from there.
“Now it brings in thousands of people and thousands and thousands of dollars every year comes back into our community.”
A favourite of the event is the ‘Unbreakable Farmer’, Warren Davies, who is now an ambassador of the truck show.
“The work he does for mental
Welcome to the 2025
Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show — a truly iconic celebration of horsepower, heritage and community.
Now in its 28th year, this much-loved event continues to unite enthusiasts, families, locals and visitors from all walks of life.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here since
Traffic-stopping show returns
health right across Australia, it’s just unbelievable, so we got him to support us,” Andrew said.
“He comes along to talk at our dinner.”
In mid-May, trucks from the 2024 truck show were invited to the Brisbane Truck Show
“It’s just a great truck show up there, and we’re lucky enough to have three of our trucks representing Alexandra truck show,” he said.
The event will fill up 2.4km of
Alexandra streets on Sunday, June 8, and Andrew encouraged people of all ages to attend the day.
“It’s a great atmosphere, kids can come along, mum and dad can come along, there’s something here for everybody.”
The Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.
For more information, or to apply for the wood chopping championship, head to alexandratruckshow.com.au
the beginning, you’re part of something special — a tradition built on passion, resilience and good oldfashioned country spirit. This weekend is a chance to honour the transport and timber industries that are part of the fabric of Murrindindi Shire — and to acknowledge both the challenges they face and the vital role they continue
to play in our region and across Australia. We also take time to remember those who are no longer with us, their names etched in the Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial here in Alexandra.
The vehicles on display may take centre stage, but it’s the people behind them — the drivers, restorers, families and organisers — who bring
Alexandra Timber Tramway Museum will be displaying some of its historical machinery in Rotary Park during the show, including a 2 hp Marshall portable steam engine built in 1906 and a 1909 6 hp kerosene-powered engine that operated a local sawmill. The museum team will be happy to explain the machinery on display. The tramway on Station St will also be operating.
Horsepower and heritage unite
this event to life. Their stories, effort and enthusiasm are what make this show such a highlight on the regional calendar.
Murrindindi Shire Council is proud to support this incredible event and the dedicated committee who make it happen.
With thousands of visitors descending on Alexandra from across Victoria and from
around Australia for what is arguably the biggest one-day event in regional Victoria, the truck show delivers a huge boost to our local economy and shines a light on the best of our shire.
While you’re here, I encourage you to explore everything Murrindindi has to offer — from our local shops and cafes to our scenic trails and villages.
Better still, visit discoverdindi.com.au and plan you next Murrindindi escape, or follow us on social media for ideas and inspiration. On behalf of council, thank you for being part of this incredible celebration. Enjoy the show! Damien Gallagher Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor
Trucks will be everywhere you turn in Alexandra on June 8.
Big and small on display side by side in Alexandra last year.
Entertaining the crowds this year are Andrew Swift and Billie-Jo Porter.
Andrew Swift
With three ARIA #1 albums and three CMAA Golden Guitar Awards to his name
TRUCK UTE & ROD TRUCK UTE & ROD
— most recently Male Artist of the Year 2023 — Andrew Swift is one of Australia’s most discerning storytellers.
His debut album, Call Out For The Cavalry, earned him a whopping four Golden Guitar nominations in 2019,
Music takes centre stage
Almost upstaging the trucks, utes and hot rods at Alexandra are the musical performers ready to shine under the spotlight.
from which he took home gongs for Alt Country Album of the Year and New Talent of the Year.
His sophomore effort, The Art of Letting Go, came three years later, after a signing with ABC and a whirlwind of touring alongside some of the genre’s biggest names — The Wolfe Brothers, Catherine Britt and Shannon Noll, to name a few.
The new record became the fifth highest selling Australian Country Music album in 2021.
Hits like Head Full of Honey and Say The Word spun lighthearted stories of courtship and calamity through a sonic lens that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Swift’s latest album, Lightning Strikes and Neon Nights, is his most daring yet.
Produced by Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden), it mixes Swift’s signature grit with retro soundscapes and contemporary rhythms.
Despite his meteoric ascent he’s immensely passionate about helping those following in his footsteps. It’s this same compassion that earned him the mantle of official ambassador for Gundagai’s Dog on the Tuckerbox.
Billie-Jo Porter
Singer-songwriter Billie-Jo Porter’s rootsy sound flirts with Country, Americana and Indie Folk to create music that heals.
Chasing thrills around North America on a shoestring budget, Porter spotted a poster for a Canadian yoga festival and the wheels of change began to turn.
“Attending one of the talks I finally got quiet enough to listen to the voice inside me that reminded me music was
my true calling, where I could do the most good.”
She returned to Australia to begin work on her debut album, Billie-Jo Porter, enlisting Alt-Country heavyweight Shane Nicholson in the producer’s seat.
“As I geared up to record my album, I couldn’t help but wonder — what if this was my only shot at leaving a musical mark on the world? I quickly realised that I wanted to have fun, spread happiness and infuse some pure joy into people’s lives.”
Her freshman release led to numerous accolades — semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, finalist in Unsigned Only and finalist in the prestigious Toyota Star Maker Competition. The album scaled the ARIA Country Albums chart to #4 and was featured as ABC Country’s Album of the Week. A near-constant touring schedule emerged, including support slots for Thirty Merc, Tim Freedman and The Sunny Cowgirls, as well as festivals: Groundwater Country Music Festival, Boots & Beach, Tamworth Country Music Festival and Bello Winter Music Festival.
winter snow play, local history, fine food and wine, cosy getaways or a relaxing camping holiday, the spectacular Murrindindi region has it all.
This is Melbourne’s closest natural playground, rich with national parks, state forests, Lake Eildon, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort and the magnificent Goulburn River. So many incredible, awe-inspiring locations right on the city’s doorstep.
Andrew Swift.
Billie-Jo Porter.
Renowned resilience advocate and ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’, Warren Davies, is the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show’s newest ambassador.
The appointment underscores the event’s commitment to championing regional resilience, particularly in mental health, as it gears up for another record-breaking year in Alexandra on Sunday, June 8.
Warren’s story mirrors the grit of the communities the show supports.
A Melbourne-born small business kid turned farmer, he faced relentless challenges — bullying, financial strain, droughts and floods that tested his spirit.
“Resilience, persistence, determination — these three words define me,” Kyabram-based Warren says. His 16-year farming journey, although ending in heartbreak, became a catalyst for advocacy.
Today, he shares his hard-won insights nationwide, inspiring audiences from corporate leaders to rural families.
“Warren’s lived experience aligns perfectly with our ethos,” says Ayden Embling, Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show president.
Warren embodies show’s heart
“The show isn’t just about trucks; it’s about bringing people together, supporting each other through the good times as well as the tough times.” Warren’s ambassadorship will spotlight the event’s Foundation and community support, including mental health programs vital to regional Victoria.
Attendees can expect to see Warren mingling with the crowd at the 2025 show, among hundreds of
gleaming trucks, custom utes and vintage rods.
Like everyone he’ll be enjoying family-friendly festivities, which include live music, market stalls and community fundraisers.
For Warren, the ambassador role is personal.
“Farming taught me that community is everything,” he says.
“This event celebrates that spirit — the backbone of regional Australia. I’m honoured to help drive its message forward.”
The Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show — a beloved 28-year institution celebrating Australia’s trucking heritage — is on Sunday, June 8.
For registration and program details, visit: alexandratruckshow.com.au
Learn more about Warren Davies at: theunbreakablefarmer.com.au
‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ Warren Davies.
The Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show’s iconic WoodChop event — a crowd favourite rooted in the region’s timber heritage — is sharpening its axes for another thrilling chapter.
On Sunday, June 8, Rotary Park will host Victoria’s top axemen as they compete in two fiercely contested state titles: the 300mm Standing Block Victoria State Title and the 275mm Tree Felling Victoria State Title.
Now a cornerstone of the 28-year-old show, the WoodChop draws thousands to witness precision, power and tradition.
“The Alexandra event is one of the highlights of the axemen’s calendar,” says Brad Meyers from the Central Victorian Axeman’s Association.
“Competitors return year after year for the camaraderie and the challenge — it’s a real test of skill.”
This year’s 12-event schedule blends novice and elite categories, from the Novice Underhand 300mm to the nail-biting Hot Chainsaw Race at noon.
The Three Man Relay and nostalgic Two-Man Crosscut Sawing will pay homage to logging’s teamwork-driven past, while junior choppers showcase the next generation of talent. Alexandra’s rich timber history adds resonance to the spectacle.
Once the lifeblood of the town, the industry’s legacy is celebrated through displays and demonstrations.
“Active Tree Services’ sponsorship this year underscores that connection,” says Ayden Embling, Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod
TRUCK UTE & ROD TRUCK UTE & ROD
State titles and sharp action
Show president.
“Their support helps us honour these traditions while delivering a world-class competition.”
Attendees can expect roaring crowds as seasoned axemen slice through hardwood with split-second timing.
The state title events — the 300mm Standing Block and 275mm Tree Felling — promise edge-of-your-seat drama, while the Golden Years Underhand category highlights veteran skill.
“Woodchopping isn’t just sport; it’s storytelling,” Andrew says.
“These competitions keep our history alive and remind us what communities can achieve together.”
The Alexandra WoodChop event is conducted in association with the Central Victorian Axemen’s Association and action starts at 10am.
The full schedule is:
Novice Standing Block 250mm.
Novice Underhand 300mm.
Open Standing Block 275mm.
Open Underhand 300mm.
Three Man Relay.
300mm Standing Block Victoria State Title.
275mm Tree Felling Victoria State Title.
Golden Years Underhand 275mm.
Two-Man Crosscut Sawing.
Junior Chop.
Second Division 275mm Tree Felling.
Hot Chainsaw Race.
TRUCK SHOW WEEKEND SPECIALS
DIRECTOR AYDEN EMBLING P 0427 924 944 E ayden.e@emblings.com.au
SALES ANDREW EMBLING P 0418 266 038 E andrew.e@emblings.com.au
NICOLE MARSHALL P 0455 625 225 E nicole.m@emblings.com.au
| CLEARING SALES
A previous WoodChop event at Alexandra. It’s back again for 2025.
A staple of the Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show is the 2pm auction, with all proceeds going to mental health.
“Last year we had around 70 auction items and just over $18,000 came in from the auction,” organiser Andrew Embling said.
“We’ve got Dave Larsen as one of our major sponsors, he goes out and buys auction items so that we can sell.
“On the day there will be fridges, jackets, whatever they may be.”
Other items include tools, boots, Akubras, vouchers and a crowd favourite is back.
“For about the last 15 years, a couple, Eileen and Graham Gordon, he makes chopping boards for us,” Andrew said.
“Last year he had 25 and none of those ever make under $100, and they can make up to $400.
“He’s just been an incredible, great person, and you just never know how many he’s going to come with.
“Last year, he rocked up at 9.50am with a big smile on his face and gave them to us.”
He also included a box of Dobson’s Potatoes, a local supplier.
“It’s just a great way of putting money coming back into mental health in the area,” Andrew said.
This year, the money will go to
UTE & ROD TRUCK UTE & ROD
the local hospital to have a mobile office to make healthcare more accessible.
“They do a great job at the local hospital,” he said.
“Some of their staff come out and they do free flu checks, they do blood testing, blood checks and all that, but we would like to be able to get them in a mobile little caravan.”
The van would set the hospital back up to $50,000, but with the support of the event, it could be a lot less.
“This year we want to put our money back into that and to try and get that to them,” Andrew said.
Auction to support healthcare
Healthy Heads hits the road
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds is proud to be heading to the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show this June long weekend, bringing along their brand-new Kenworth T410SAR for its first public appearance since its reveal at the Brisbane Truck Show.
Now in its 28th year, the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show is a much-loved event held in the heart of Alexandra.
Taking over the town’s main streets from 10am on Sunday, June 8, this free familyfriendly festival will showcase more than 200 working and show trucks, along with a wide range of amusements, food and trade stalls, industry displays, a woodchop competition, and more.
Healthy Heads is excited to be part of
the celebrations, using the opportunity to connect with drivers, families and industry members from across the region. Their Kenworth T410SAR, a key feature of their community outreach and engagement work, will be on display and presents a chance to learn more about how Healthy Heads supports mental health and wellbeing across the road transport, warehousing and logistics sectors. Events like the Alexandra show are a great way to start conversations, share resources and promote the importance of taking care of your mental health — whether you’re behind the wheel, on the tools or in the sheds.
So, if you’re in the area this long weekend, make sure to stop by and say hello.
Andrew Embling going once, going twice at the mic with his son Ayden Embling running the auction in 2024.
A big crowd was eager to bid at the auction last year.
The Healthy Heads’ Kenworth T410SAR will be at Alexandra.
