Supporting Toy Runs nation wide.

Now Listing 45 Toy Runs !!!!

INTRODUCTION

Cathy Freeman and Kerry Walton (National 3 Wheelers Association (03) 9717-3884)
as Santa during a recent Toy Run promotional shoot at HART in Melbourne. Cathy will be riding with the 27th Melbourne Toy Run.
Photo by Derek Clarkson

This site hosts an accurate, comprehensive register of Toy Runs regardless of organising body, location or charity. The list will help generate pre-publicity. If you have information on a Toy Run not listed, wish to make corrections or additions or have photos of your local Toy Run, please email me at nmcins@rabbit.com.au or post to :-

Damien Codognotto OAM
Toy Run Organiser
PO Box 3091
The Pines SC
East Doncaster
Melbourne
Vic 3109
Web: www.nmcins.com.au

The information below is general, so check with each Toy Run's organisers for local rules and conditions. Some organisers may have websites listed so you can visit them for further information.

This web site (toyrun.org.au) has been setup by the MRA in Melbourne as a service to all Toy Run organisers around Australia. A Toy Run hotline has also been setup on (0415) 459-684. The MRA aims to keep a current Toy Run list by the phone to give local contacts to riders who can't access the internet. So please pass this number around.

FIRST TIMERS

If 2004 is your first Toy Run, help organisers by being at the assembly area early with a full tank of petrol. All welcome. Your organisers are unpaid volunteers. They need your co-operation. There is no sign-in or fee, just turn up with a gift. A can of soup is a good present but don't let me dampen your enthusiasm.

Marshals have no authority in traffic as a rule but it really helps if you comply with their requests. You will be on public roads so road laws apply. To ensure a smooth, safe run do not overtake other bikes in the column. Let the lead vehicle set the pace. If you need to leave the column, indicate left, pull over when safe and wait for the run to pass before moving again.

HISTORY

Melbourne film star Eric Bana
was a Celebrity Marshal on the MRA Toy Run in 1995.

The Toy Run has been a festive season tradition in the Australian motorcycle community since the 1970s. In the 60s and 70s riders were portrayed as dirty & dangerous, malignant & crimminal too often. Our casualty rate, mostly caused by car driver error, was way too high. The motorcycle community, like most communities under stress, came together. One of the manifestations of this was the Toy Run.

The Charity Ride began in Perth in 1976. Then, unknown to each other, Melbourne (MRA) and Newcastle riders initiated Toy Runs in 1978. By 1980 Toy Runs were spreading across the nation. There are now at least 40 Toy Runs. The big ones attract more than 15,000 motorcycles & scooters. Some have been run for 25 years. In 2004 an estimated 100,000 Australians will ride for needy kids, and for bike safety. Toy Runs generally have anexcellent record for safety and behaviour. This is a record few groups can match. Ride with pride.

WHY BOTHER?

Toy Runs help the less fortunate in our society. Road trauma, domestic violence, industrial accidents, serious illness, bushfire, drought, lots of things smash families and devastate lives. Kids are helpless victims. Through Toy Runs, we help.

Toy Runs also promote bike safety by increasing respect for, and awareness of, motorbike & scooter riders on our roads. Toy Runs are colourful and exciting parades of bikes that are tourist attractions in their own right. Everyone is invited. Most municipalities love them. They provide a carnival atmosphere for riders, their families and friends. Non-riding members of the public line Toy Run routes to cheer the spectacular, well-organised processions and join the festivities at the end of the ride.

WHAT TO BRING & HOW

Different charities have different needs. Most can't use stuffed and or fluffy toys. Most want new, or good quality second-hand hard toys, kids books & games, clothes and tinned food. Please do not wrap your present.

Unless told otherwise by organisers, cars, vans, utes etc. bearing gifts should go straight to the run's destination or follow the columns of bikes. Such present-carrying contrivances should be heavily decorated to distract from the unsightly extra wheels. Vehicles with more than 3 wheels are not allowed in the column for safety and image reasons.Road registered 4 wheeled bikes excepted.

THE TV AD.

In the 1980s we made radio and TV community service announcements to promote Toy Runs and bike safety. We had a national list too. Not as big as this one but the idea was the same. You can download the CSA in Hi-Res (5mb mpg) or Lo-Res (1Mb wmv) for viewing on your PC or showing to others. You can also find them in our Downloads area.

The CSA is designed to advertise Toy Runs across OZ at no production cost to local organisers. The ad is generic. It does not list a location, charity or organising group. TV stations can add an area contact. Broadcast quality dubs for your local TV station are $80 each including postage. Contact me on 03 9846 8621 or nmcins@rabbit.com.au to organise broadcast quality copies.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TOY RUN ORGANISERS

100% of Toy Run donations go to the charities involved but these events are expensive. The money comes from clubs and volunteers. You can help by buying a badge or tee shirt and by joining your local organiser. You wont have to attend meetings and so on, if you don't want to but your membership fee really helps. You can usually find membership forms on websites. Check the links page. Limited resources mean organisers have limited stocks which almost always run out on the day. Please order early.

The "Helping hand" design was by MRA Secretary Derek Clarkson in Melbourne. They can be ordered with or without the MRA logo. Badges are usually $10 each but there may be discounts for orders over 10 units. Contact MRA Treasurer Gavin Stilgoe to order the badge pictured.

THANKS

The Toy Run LIST, TV CSA and web pages were put together by a great team.

I want to thank the Ulysses Melbourne Branch President Peter McMullen, MRA Treasurer Gavin Stilgoe and Secreary Derek Clarkson in Melbourne. Also Toy Run Chief Marshal Alan Riley and Events Committee chairman, Dale Maggs. All have contributed greatly to getting us this far. Thanks to MRA Membership Secretary Mick Doedee for searching out interstate Toy Run details for me. Special thanks to Michael Czajka, the MRA Research & Safety Officer who has kept my computer staggering along for years and for all his encouragement and support.

Thanks to members of the MRA, Ulysses Club and National 3 Wheelers Association for turning up on a cold Sunday morning to film the CSA. Thanks to Kevin Poulter Studios for organising the right camera and getting the footage. And to Apocalypse Films (03-9489-7799) for the editing supers and voice over.

More thanks to Major Stuart Hamilton of the Salvation Army for finding the music I wanted and thanks to the Brunswick Carolers for giving us the ooompah version of Here Comes Santa Claus free of charge. (Born To Be Wild was never an option as far as I was concerned.)

Finally, thanks to all you Toy Run organisers who put in so much to make the Australian motorcycle community's Toy Runs the wonderful Christmas tradition they are.

Damien Codognotto OAM.
MRA Life Member.
Ulysses Club 21208.

Victoria

BALLARAT. ULYSSES CLUB TOY RUN. Saturday, December 4. Assemble at .... from ... am. Departs ... am. Contact ulysses@netconnect.com.au . Charity ... .

BENDIGO COMBINED MOTORCYCLE CLUBS TOY RUN. Saturday, December 4. Assemble from 9 am at Centro Lansell car park. Departs 10 am. Finishes at Crook Street Park about 12.30 pm. Contact John Crimmins bensocialriders@netscape or Wizza Wybar, Allies MC 0407 065 346 or Rob Walder CVUG 03 5447 9882 for details. Charity St Vincent de Paul.

The Box Hill run is proudly sponsored by www.bikesales.com.au

BOX HILL. Bikesales.com.au will be hosting the Box Hill arm of the 27th annual MRA Toy Run. We will be meeting in Prospect Street outside the carsales / bikesales office from 7.30 to 8.00 am Sunday 12th December 2004 Our Address is: 810 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, Victoria. A BBQ breakfast will be supplied from 7.30 am. Departure will be approximately 8.45 am. The Shire of Yarra Ranges ride will be joining us in Whitehorse Road and from there we will be meeting the Eastern Suburbs ride at the on ramp to the Eastern freeway for the run in to Latrobe street City to join the main Toy Run. If you would like to be part of our Box Hill Toy Run Ride please register your interest by emailing Greig Ruthven (gwr@bikesales.com.au). This will help with planning and catering. Charity the Salvos.

CRANBOURNE TOY RUN 20. Sunday December 12. Assemble from 8 am at the K Mart car park on the High Street. Departs at 10 am (TBC) for Bikes By The Bay in Williamstown via the Monash Freeway. Supports MRA Toy Run 27. Police escort. Have a look at the Williamstown entry. Contact Barbara Maggs 03 5998 2424 for more. Charity the Salvos.

Awards are presented at the start of the Cranbourne Toy Run by Barbara & Tony so plan ahead and get to the assembly area early. The awards include: LONGEST DISTANCE RIDER; LONGEST DISTANCE PILLION; BEST DECORATED BIKE, BEST CLUB ATTENDANCE and more.

This is a very special anniversary for the organisers of the Cranbourne Toy Run. Ulyssians Barbara Maggs and Tony Jenner have organised this event for 20 years. Done through their own initiative and out of their own pockets. Barbara & Tony were made Honourary Life Members of the MRA in recognition of this achievement. Congratulations for 2 decades of community service and being 2 of motorcyclings top organisers.

DEER PARK. MRA TOY RUN 27. Sunday December 12. Assemble at the McDonalds/KFC on the Western Highway. Melway map 25 A6. Departs wirth riders from Melton & points west at 9 am. In the City we join other runs then all head to Bikes By The Bay in Williamstown. Contact Brad at Redwing Honda 03 9459 5553 or brad@redwinghonda.com.au. Charity the Salvos.

ESSENDON. MRA TOY RUN 27. Assemble in the car park where Bulla Road meets the Tullamarine Freeway. Access from Bulla Road and the inbound lanes of the Tulla Freeway. Melway 30, map 16 D10. Departs 9.30 am for Melbourne then on to Bikes By The Bay. Contact, see listing for Woodend. Charity the Salvos.

FERNTREE GULLY. EASTERN SUBURBS MOTORCYCLE RIDERS Inc. MRA TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 12. Assemble at the Royal Hotel, Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully from 8.30 am. Departs 9 am for the MRA Toy Run in Melbourne then on to Williamstown. Contact Lloyd om 0439 338 131 or lramseyer@hotmail.com. Charity the Salvos.

This run is organised by the Eastern Suburbs Motorcycle Riders Inc. (ESMRI). ESMRI dates back to the earliest MRA Toy Runs in Melbourne. The club began as the MRA Eastern Suburbs Register (sub-branch in NSW). This is the only remaining "Register Toy Run" in Victoria. In the 1980s there were 14 Victorian MRA Registers and 52 across OZ.

FRANKSTON. PENINSULA TOY RUN. Saturday, December 4. Assemble in the Frankstion Pier car park from 8.30 am. Departs for the ride to the Rosebud Secondary College at 9.30 am. Police Escort. Travels via Mornington and the coast road. Free sausage sizzle afterwards at the Dromana Reserve. Contact Ulyssian John Smollen 03 5978 6280 or morzie63@hotmail.com . Charity: donations go to Peninsula organisations.

GEELONG MRA TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 12. Assemble at Pratt & Osbourne Motorcycles in Myers Street near Moorabool Street. Departs at 9.30 am for Melbourne via Latrobe Terrace and the Princes Freeway. Riders from Werribee and surrounds should gather at the service station Melway 30, map 408 C3. Riders from Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Altona and surrounds should assemble in Aviation Road, Laverton. Melway 30 map B11. As the Geelong column passes these assembly areas riders should join in for the run to the City via the Ring Road, the Tullamarine Freeway, Citilink to Flinders Street, left in Russell and left in Latrobe. Then to Bikes By The Bay with the main column. Contact Peter at Pratt & Osborne on 03 5223 2822 or admin@prattosborne.com.au. Charity the Salvos.

GEELONG BELLARINE PENINSULA TOY RUN. Sunday, December 12. Assemble at Geelong Harley in Mercer Street from. Depart at ... am for the run to ... . Contact Andrea at Geelong Harley 03 5223 2102 or info@geelongharley-davidson.com.au . Charity ... .

GIPPSLAND MOTORCYCLISTS TOY RUN. Saturday, December 4. Assemble from 9.30 am at the Latrobe City Offices in Kay Street, Traralgon. Departs 11 am for the Moe Racing Club on Waterloo Road. Route via Morwell. Refreshments will be available at the start, so be early, and there is a subsidised lunch at the end. Donations of toys and non-perishable food requested. Contacts Alf 03 5167 1794 or avella@netspace.net.au and Alby 03 5134 3039 or 0411 039 052. Charity ... .

LILYDALE. YARRA RANGES SHIRE TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 12. Assemble in the car park behind the Yarra Ranges Shire Offices in Anderson Street from 7.15 am. Contributions of unwrapped hard toys (under 15 age group), books and canned food will be most welcome on the day or drop donations into any Shire of Yarra Ranges Service Centres prior to December 12. Departs at 8.15 for Melbourne then Williamstown travelling on the Maroondah Highway to Box Hill then on Elgar Road to the Eastern Freeway to join the main TOY RUN in the City. Contact 9294 6112. Charity the Salvos.

This run is also heading to the MRA's Melbourne assembly area before continuing on to Bikes By The Bay.

MAFFRA TO SALE TOY RUN 7. Saturday, December 11. Assemble in Maffra. Departs 11am. Police eascort. The ride to Sale takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Bikes on Display plus vintage cars & hot rods. All welcome. Contact Maurie Harken 0428 541 938. Charity St Vincent De Paul Society.

MARYBOROUGH SOCIAL TOURING GROUP TOY RUN. Satrurday, December 11. Assemble at the Golf Club from 10 am for registration. The run travels through the town to the Phillips Gardens to present our gifts and enjoy a sausage sizzle and rolling raffles. Contacts Sherree 0427 612 269 or sherree_2003@iprimus.com.au and Neil Solomano 0427 339 658. Charity the Salvos.

The MRAA Melbourne Toy Run is proudly sponsored by the TAC and www.spokes.com.au

The Melbourne Toy Run is in support of the Salvation Army's work with needy children and families over the Christmas period.

The MRAA Melbourne Toy Run is proudly supported by APEX.

TOY RUN 21 departs Swanston Street, Melbourne via Princes Bridge. In 1998 the RACV was the sponsor which explains the blue & gold balloons.

MELBOURNE. MRA TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 12. CBD main assembly area is Latrobe Street near the Flagstaff Gardens. Also check other Victorian runs which assemble at listed points in the suburbs and Geelong and then come into Latrobe st. We plan that the lead vehicle, a Blue Circle truck, will be near Spencer Street facing Telstra Dome. The Salvos will supply free hot drinks from a mobile canteen near King Street. We will depart as a single group at 11 am for Bikes By The Bay (see Williamstown listing). The route will be via the Bolte and West Gate Bridges. Contact Damien Codognotto OAM (nmcins@rabbit.com.au) 03 9846 8621 or the TOY RUN 27 HOTLINE 0415 459 684.

Badges $10 each. Tee shirts $25 each. Charity the Salvos.

Click Here to download a copy of the event management plan for this event.

MILDURA. ULYSSES CLUB TOY RUN. Saturday December 4. Assemble at Centre Plaza corner Deakin Avenue & 15th Street. Depart at 11 am for the Mildura Mall. Contact John Dyason 03 5023 1862 BH or 0419 323 457. Charity ... .

SOMERTON. MRA TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 12. Assemble from 8.30 am at the BP servo on the Hume Highway in Somerton. Melway 30, map 180 E9. Departs for Melbourne at 9.30 am. Contact Jan & Tony 03 9459 7243. Charity the Salvos.

WOODEND. MRA TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 12. Melway 30, map 627 E2. Departs 8.30 am for Essendon, Melbourne then Bikes By The Bay. Riders from Kyneton, Gisborne, Bendigo and points north west invited. The group will stop at the Bulla Road overpass in Essendon to meet more riders. Departs Bulla Road for Melbourne at 9.30 am. Contact Geoff & Caroline 0422 119 550 or cbr1100xx@optusnet.com.au . Charity the Salvos.

A DVD of BBTB 2003 is available from Murray 0414 911 026 or murraythomas@iinet.net.au . The disc has more than 30 minutes of video and still shots including Dirty Deeds, the bike show and Turtle's extraordinary Triumph.

WILLIAMSTOWN. BIKES BY THE BAY 10 is the destination for Toy Runs from all around Melbourne on Sunday, December 12, 2004. It's organised by one of Victoria's oldest and most respected bike organisations, the Williamstown Motorcycle Club (WMC) which was established in 1930. BBTB is a family carnival with food, music and show machines old & new, road and competition, stock and modified. The event raises money for charities. Contact Dean 0403 184 175 or wiliamstownmotorcycleclub@bigpond.com.au.

BBTB is held on the foreshore in Commonwealth Reserve on historic Nelson Place. Melway edition 30. Map 56. Reference D9. All welcome. If you're not a bike rider you can get to Williamstown by train www.victrip.com.au, by ferry www.williamstownferries.com.au 03 9506 4144 or even by car! There's lots to attract visitors, including Bay cruises and sea plane joy flights. A range of accomodation is available. Contact the Williamstown Information Centre 03 9397 3791 or info@williamstowninfo.com.au or visit www.williamstowninfo.com.au .

New South Wales

BALLINA - LISMORE. NORTH COAST CHILDRENS MOTORCYCLE TOY RUN Inc. Saturday, December 4. Assemble. Depart. Contact Barry at Lismore motorcycles sales@liscycles.com.au or Ulyssian George Richey at george@richey.id.au. Charity.

The North Coast Toy Run has been going for some years. It travels between the towns changing direction each year. Three years ago it was re-vamped and more than 600 bikes attended, a record.

CAMPBELLTOWN. ULYSSES MACARTHUR BRANCH TOY RUN 3. Sunday, December 5. Assemble at MacDonald's in Narellan at 10.30 am. Departs at 11 am for a short ride round to Koshigaya Park. Contact Stuart 02 9605 6512 or Stuart B. 0427 955 042 or goode@bocnet.com.au . Charity the Salvos.

This Toy Run has grown since the first one 3 years ago. The ride goes from Narellan to Camden via the scenic roads through Menangle and back to Koshigaya Park in Campbellfield for lunch. There will be an official handover of gifts to the Salvos.

COOMA. ALPINE TOURERS TOY RUN 15. Saturday, December 11. Assemble in Tumut Street. Departs 11.30 am for a ride ending at Centennial Park. Contact Kathy 02 6452 3982 or mantheyk@acr.net.au. Charity the Salvos.

Cooma is in magic motorcycle country. Riders touring the mountains should join the Alpine Tourers Toy Run. For area info www.coomatown.com.au .

DUBBO. ULYSSES CLUB TOY RUN 4. Saturday, December 4. Assemble from 9 am at the Visitors Information Centre at the northern end of Macquarie Street. Departs 10 am with Police escort, through the CBD to the Macquarie Inn. Contact Geoff 0418 844 589 or geoff@dubsec.com.au. Charity: the Salvos.

The Ulysses charity Poker Run departs the Macquarie Inn at 11 am. It visits nearby pubs and finishes at a bike show. The Rebels Bike Show runs from 1 pm till Sunday. It is held at the Rebels Bar in Bunglegumbie Road, Dubbo. As featured in OZ Bike. It just gets bigger every year!

KINGS CROSS BIKERS SOCIAL & WELFARE CLUB TOY RUN. Sunday, December 19. Assemble at the home of Animal OAM (see the OAM story on the NEWS page) in Cope Street (Marton Building carpark), Waterloo. Depart for St Vincents Hospital at 12.30 pm then back to Kings Cross. Contact Chips 0401 855 721 or prmedia@kingscrossbikers.com . Charity: St Vincents Hospital and hospice. Gifts direct to patients.

NEWCASTLE TOY RUN 27. Sunday, December 5. Assemble at the Regional Fruit Markets in Rural Drive, Sandgate. Police Escort. Departs 10 am for Newcastle Harbour Foreshore. Contact Big John 0415 490 710. Charity the Salvos.

This event shares the title of oldest Toy Run in OZ with the Melbourne run. In 1978, unknown to each other, Newcastle riders and the MRA in Victoria organised their first Toy Runs. Neither city has missed a year since.

NOWRA ULYSSES TOY RUN 15. Sunday, December 5. Assemble at the Nowra Council Chambers car park. Departs at 11.30 am for the Berry Bowling Club. Sausage sizzle. Badges on sale. All welcome. New toys only please. Contact mitchel.john@bigpond.com . Local charities.

ORANGE . TOY RUN. Saturday, December 4. Assemble in the car park of the Robin Hood Hotel in Burrendong Way from 1.30 pm. Departs 2 pm sharp. Destination, the council area behind the Orange City Library in March Street. Contact Mick at debick@smartchat.net.au . Charity.

QUEANBEYAN STRUGGLETOWN TOURERS TOY RUN. Saturday, December 4. Assemble at the Kangaroos Club car park in Stuart Street at 10 am. Sausage Sizzle at APEX Park after the ride. Contacts: Joe 0414 735 786 or Ian ianvtr@optusnet.com.au . Charity the Salvos.

SYDNEY. BIKERS AUSTRALIA TOY RUN. Sunday, December 12. NB New location! Assemble in Hickson Road, Millers Point. Police escort. Departs 10.30 am for Parramatta City Raceway via Victoria Road. Entertainment, monster raffle and food at the venue. Contact Linda 0417 259 177 or info@bikersaustralia.com.au

WINGHAM to FORSTER - TUNCURRY. TOYRUN18. Sunday, December 5. Assemble in Wingham Plaza. Departs at 11 am for John Wright Park in Tuncurry, about 30 kms. Donations of toys and non-perishable food appreciated. Contact Nigel nigelj@austarnet.com.au . Charity the Salvos.

WOOLONGONG TOY RUN 15. Illawarra Bike Riders & Tourers. Saturday, December 4. Assemble at the Shell Harbour Workers Club. Police escort. Departs 10 am for the Woolongong Mall. Contact Ivan 0414 752 738. Charity the Lord Mayor's Giving Tree.

The Woolongong Toy Run was started by the Illawarra sub-branch (called Registers in other states) of MRA NSW. The event might have folded but for the efforts of Ivan and his mates. In 2004 the event is part of the Illawarra District's holiday festivities. The Mayor of Woolongong rides pillion on the bike leading the procession 25 kilometres into town. Riders from as far as Wangaratta in Victoria are annual participants.

Queensland

BOWEN. To be confirmed.

BRISBANE. MRAQ TOY RUN. Sunday, December 5. Assemble in front of the main gates of the Botanical Gardens in the City from 9 am. Enter via Edward Street. Departs 10 am for Rocks Riverside Park in Jindalee about 15 kms from the CBD. The park has great facilities and radio station FM 97.3 will put on a sausage sizzle. Contact Kaylene Campbell secretary@mraqld.org or kaylene_campbell@bigpond.com. Charities. The Royal Children's Hospital. The Smith Family. Prison Support Group supporting families of prisoners.

CAIRNS. To be confirmed.

CALOUNDRA. Sunday, December 5. Assemble. Departs. Contact Helen hmturton@ozemail.com.au . Charity.

INGHAM. Saturday, November 27. Assemble in Rotary Park from 9.30 am. Contact Gail or Frank at Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers 07 4776 2973 or inghammcycles@ozemail.com.au .

IPSWICH. ULYSSES LOCKYER TOY RUN. Sunday, December 12. Assemble at the cornert of Limestone & Nicholas Streets. Breakfast available. Departs at 9 am. Contact John 0403 350 936 or kremastos@optushome.com.au. Charity: no info.

MARYBOROUGH. ULYSSES CLUB TOY RUN 15. Sunday, December 12. Assemble at the Brolga Theatre in Lennox Street. Departs at 10 am for Hervey Bay. Entertainment, charity auction, trade stalls, food & beer tents at the finish. People's choice - Best Christmas Decorated Bike and Bike/trailer combination. Contact Rob 07 4125 3443 or rowenic@bigpond.com or robertw@herveybay.qld.gov.au. Charity the Salvos.

TOOWOOMBA. Sunday, December 12. Assembly is at Picnic Point 11.30am for Departure at Noon. Contact: Sue Andrews 0409 328020 or A/H 46328026 Charity: ?

TOWNSVILLE MRA TOY RUN. Saturday, December 11. Assemble at the Civic Centre from 1 pm. Sausage Sizzle, Salvo Band and displays from local bike shops. Departs 3 pm for the Thuringa RSL. Live entertainment. Badges & tee shirts on sale. Awards for *BEST DECORATED BIKE * BEST DRESSED MALE & FEMALE RIDERS * BEST DRESSED BOY & GIRL. Camping facilities available. Contact Ross 0428 188 308 or ross.contarino@industry.gov.au . Charity the Salvos.