In Kimberley, a vintage Bedford truck transformed into a dazzling Christmas spectacle is drawing crowds from near and far. The festive creation belongs to Jude Kilby and her family, who have lived in Kimberley for just two years but are already making their mark on the community.
“We thought maybe a couple of people might stop to have a little look, but it’s been non stop,” Kilby shared, recounting the overwhelming response. Positioned at the busy Weegena Road, Railton Road intersection, the truck has become a magnet for locals and tourists alike, especially during weekends.
The journey of the Bedford truck, now affectionately named “Andy,” began earlier this year when Kilby’s husband travelled to the Gold Coast for a training course. During his absence, Kilby spotted the truck for sale online. Though it wasn’t drivable, she was immediately struck by its potential.
“As soon as I saw it, I had visions in my head of Christmas,” she said. Enlisting the help of a neighbour, she transported the truck to their property. “When my husband got home, it was a surprise! “Look what I’ve got!” she laughed.
The truck, which had been used as a chicken coop for years in Castra, just south of Ulverstone, has a rich history. Before its time on the farm, it served as a milk delivery vehicle in the Ulverstone country area, making its rounds through local communities. Now, after decades of work and neglect, it has found a new lease on life as a beacon of festive cheer in Kimberley.
Getting the truck into position proved to be a community effort, with Kilby, her husband, and their neighbour collaborating to manoeuvre it to its current spot. In honour of the neighbour’s support, they christened the truck “Andy.”
For Kilby, Christmas has always been a cherished time of year. This year, the holiday holds even more significance, as she strives to create a festive atmosphere despite being far from her two grown sons. One serving in the army and the other working as a baker.
“I’ve always been a massive fan of Christmas,” she explained. “More than anything, I try to make it a big deal so that I’m happy for this time of year.”
The truck’s placement in Kimberley has amplified the town’s festive spirit, becoming a symbol of community and celebration. “We get a lot of traffic through here from Sheffield and surrounding areas,” Kilby said, noting the constant stream of visitors stopping to admire and photograph the display.
The Kilbys’ move to Kimberley marked a significant life change. Originally from Melbourne, Kilby and her husband spent decades on the Gold Coast before deciding to relocate. “When the boys got to their 20s and were doing their own thing, we said, ‘let’s move to Tassie,’” she said.
Although the first year was challenging, the couple quickly fell in love with Kimberley. “We’d never even heard of it before,” Kilby admitted. They purchased their property sight unseen, relying on friends’ recommendations.
“The first time we saw it was when we moved here, and we fell in love straight away,” she said. With its breathtaking views and tight-knit community, Kimberley has become the perfect home for the Kilbys. “It ticked every single box,” Kilby said.
The festive Bedford truck is now a beloved fixture in Kimberley, embodying the Kilbys’ holiday spirit and commitment to their new community. Its transformation is not just a personal project but a gift to the town, bringing joy and connection to everyone who stops by.
As Christmas approaches, the Kilbys are content to share their joy with others. For Kilby, it’s all about embracing the magic of the season: “This is a time of year to make people happy, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
