The keys to the unique Working Class Mack truck, featuring Jimmy Barnes‘ legendary album cover, was handed over to Scott and Cathy Goode of Sarina Crane Hire in Brisbane this week.

The high-spec Super Liner Mack Truck was auctioned last month, with the $80,000 profit donated to Rotary‘s drought relief programme.

The truck was handed over by Mack Trucks Australia vice president Dean Bestwick to the winning bidders, Mackay locals Scott and Cathy Goode.

Goode said he was drawn to bid and get involved not only because he was a fan of Jimmy Barnes, but also due to seeing the impact of the crippling drought first hand.

“In Mackay we do get rain, but not too far out they are really suffering,” he said.

“This truck being Australian made is really important – an Australian truck helping Australian people. We‘ve seen how bad this drought is, so to help out any way we can felt like the right thing to do.”

The Goodes admitted to being surprised, excited, and relieved when they discovered they were the proud owners of the unique Mack, having made the first bid on the truck and eventually the final and decisive bid.

“Every dollar counts,” said Bestwick. “Drought still affects most of Queensland and New South Wales, so we were determined to help farmers in any way we could and every dollar makes a difference.”

The $80,000 donated to the Rotary Drought Appeal will be put to use offering support to farmers and their families. Rotary Australia Northern Region coordinator George Grant was present at the handover, offering his sincerest thanks to Mack Trucks Australia and Sarina Crane Hire for the generous donation.

“There are people struggling every day with this drought and unfortunately its impact will last generations,” said Grant. “Mack and Jimmy Barnes have been able to raise awareness with the Working Class Mack, which has got more people to look at the drought and get involved. It‘s not a quick-fix problem but every bit helps and I am grateful to Mack and Sarina Crane Hire for their donation.”

The Goodes drove the Jimmy Barnes-emblazoned Super Liner back to Mackay, where the company‘s drivers are reportedly lining up to be the first in the truck, but not to scratch it.

The Australian-made Mack Super Liner pays homage to Jimmy‘s legendary Working Class Man – an iconic album from 1985 that still resonates with farming communities across the country.

About the Working Class Mack

• Model: Gold Bulldog Super Liner

• Engine: Mack MP10, 16 litre

• Transmission: MACK mDRIVE 12-speed, automated manual

• Front axle: Mack FXL 16.5

• Rear axle and suspension: Mack 2370B & RADD – GR

• Sleeper: 58” High-Rise

• Weight: 11.5 tonnes

DONATIONS:

• Bullbar: Special King 4-post bar with front underrun protection donated by King Bars

• Sleeper cab air conditioner: Icepack ES donated by Haultech Engineering

• Turntable: Jost Turntable donated by Jost Australia

• Driving lights: Hella Driving Lights donated by Hella Australia.