Mannum shines through the rain at SA Truck and Ute Show 2025
Cold temperatures have not made a dent in one of the town's biggest annual events.
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Despite a wet and chilly start, with temperatures hovering between six and nine degrees, the 2025 SA Truck and Ute Show has come alive at Mannum.
Several thousand visitors from across South Australia flocked to Sunday’s event, bringing vibrant community spirit that matched the impressive lineup of vehicles.
Seventy-five trucks – from Kenworth, International, Mack and Dodge to Mercedes-Benz – and 17 utes, including Holden and Ford models, plus several panel vans and four-wheel drives, transformed Randell Street and Mary Ann Reserve into a mechanical wonderland.
The event featured market stalls, live music and family-friendly entertainment.
Among the crowd was 13-year-old Thomas Hogben, attending with his uncle Peter and grandmother Julie in their Holden ute.
Thomas, a student at Mannum Community College, was raising funds for AEDs – defibrillators – in memory of his late father.
Backed by the Mannum Lions Club and supported through local garage sales, he is already making a meaningful impact in the community.
Donations to Thomas’s defibrillator fundraiser can be made via the Mannum Lions Club under his name.
A touching highlight of the show was a large portrait of long-time volunteer Irene Lovell, proudly displayed at the truck factory in her honour.
Ms Lovell, who passed away in September 2020, has been remembered at the show every year since – a heartfelt tribute to her enduring dedication.
“This is the 15th year of the show,” said Carol Carini, event coordinator from the Mannum Progress Association.
“We’re all volunteers, pooling our skills to support the community through the colder months.”
Over the past 15 years, the event has raised more than $160,000 to fund projects such as a lunchbox fridge for Mannum Kindy, the hospital helipad, solar lighting at Mary Ann Reserve, and accessible picnic tables for people with disabilities.
Carol added a hopeful note for the future: “It’s a big job to pull this together, and we definitely need more young people to get involved.”
“But it’s great to see new faces moving into town and starting to help.”
Regular attendee Graham Hunt travelled from Port Augusta for his eighth year at the show.
“I’ve been around trucks all my life,” he said.
“My dad had a 1944 Ford truck, and I’ve worked on both rail and highway rigs.”
Meanwhile, four-year-old Remi from Adelaide summed up the day’s fun in one word: “lollipop”.
Her brother?
He was all about the trucks.
The vehicles weren’t just showpieces – they carried stories.
Nick McCue, from Murray Bridge, proudly exhibited his International D-1810 truck, complete with a working steam engine on the tray.
“I got it from the Tailem Bend Museum 10 years ago,” he said.
“I love sharing machinery history and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.”
Behind the scenes, Amanda McCornick and her husband Toby led 32 dedicated local volunteers.
“I love meeting people and organising events,” Mrs McCormick said.
“Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces, that’s the best part.
Zhen Pu
“Despite the rain, Mannum’s hotels and pubs were buzzing.
“It’s great for business and even better for community spirit.”
Rod, a volunteer from Mannum Golf Club, has been giving back to the town for over a decade after moving from Adelaide.
“The Truck and Ute Show helped us, so we’re glad to return the favour,” he said.
“My favourite part (was) definitely the big trucks.”
Local photographer Paul “Jubba” Smith, known for capturing everything from the Mannum floods to local footy and netball games, was once again behind the lens.
Local enterprise adds to the flavour of the event
The event wasn’t just about horsepower – it was also about heart and local talent.
Roylancer Distillery, a proud Mannum business, offered tastings of their locally crafted spirits, adding a splash of flavour to the day.
“The best part is meeting people and sharing my proud products, history, and stories,” said Robert Roylance, the distillery’s owner.
At Mary Ann Reserve, a cafe van run by local schoolteacher Correta Odera kept the crowd warm and caffeinated with freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats, earning smiles from locals and visitors alike.
“I love meeting people who come here, chatting with them, and seeing my coffee put a big smile on their faces,” she said with a grin.
Among the proud award winners were:
- Best ute of the show and best original ute: Rob Fleming, of Mount Pleasant, with his recently acquired 2009 Holden Maloo. “I only bought it a few months ago – didn’t expect to win,” he laughed. “I’ve been coming as a visitor for years, but this is the first time I brought a ute, and I won.”
- Runner-up, vintage truck pre-1980: George Tryfopoulos, originally from Greece and now living in Two Wells, showcased his 1977 white Kenworth truck, which he’s owned for 25 years. “I heard about the event from my nephew, who drives for me. This is my first time here, and I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Business owner raises communication issue
While many local businesses enjoyed benefiting from the event, one cafe raised concerns about a truck blocking their storefront and mistakenly believed that payment or membership in the Truck and Ute Show was required to avoid this.
Ms Carini clarified that this was simply a misunderstanding.
“There is no cost for local businesses to be included or supported during the event,” she said.
“A quick conversation with the organisers beforehand can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone feels welcome and part of the celebration.”
This year’s SA Truck and Ute Show once again proved that Mannum is not just a scenic river town; it’s a community with heart, horsepower, and the power to bring people together, rain or shine.
- More photos: Social photos: SA Truck and Ute Show
- More information: www.satruckanduteshow.com.au.
- Donate to Thomas Hogben’s defibrillator fundraiser: Contact Mannum Lions Club at mannumlions@gmail.com, on 0434 470 227 or via Facebook.
