The crane industry has come together to raise about $24,000 for children who are sick, living with disability or experiencing disadvantage through the Yamaha Variety Jet Trek 2026.
The Cranes Team, made up of businesses and individuals from across the lifting sector, joined the fundraising trek from Townsville to Mackay via the Whitsundays between May 1 and 10.
The event overall raised $276,578 for Variety – the Children’s Charity.
The Cranes Team included support from companies such as Boom Logistics, Tadano, General Cranes, Qwest Cranes, Qube, Surelift Crane Hire, Century Cranes, Superior Cranes, Camilleri Lifting, Franna and MACS.
Boom Logistics Project Manager (Finance) Darren Woodley took part in the event for the first time after years of donating to the cause. Boom Logistics provided Darren with a company ute, fuel support and assistance with accommodation and registration costs so he could transport jet skis during the trek.
Darren drove the ute throughout the event, helping move the jet skis at the start and finish of each day during the 2,600km round trip between Brisbane and Townsville.
“They asked me if I’d be kind enough to help drive the ute with the two jet skis,” said Darren. “Tadano COO James Greenwood is a former colleague and the one who put the team together; has a daughter who has life challenges and disabilities, so he has been fundraising now for years.
“The crane industry is a small one, but despite our team and contributors being comprised of companies that may be staunch competitors there’s always a friendly chat or a social hello. General Cranes, Qwest Cranes, Qube, Surelift and MACS are just a few of the names that donated to our team. The generosity of the people and businesses who supported us, particularly given the economic challenges at the moment, was truly appreciated.”
During the trip, Darren also visited the NRL Cowboys House in Townsville, where he donated promotional gear to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students living at the boarding facility while attending partner schools in the region.
Darren said one of the most memorable parts of the event was meeting families supported by Variety.
“There was a particularly humbling experience one evening where I was able to see for the first time a small window into the challenges the kids with disabilities and their families face,” said Darren. “Each night the variety held a function and kids/adults who received Variety grants came along and thanked all for their fund raising and contributions. I think that is life changing for some for sure.”
He said he would gladly take part in the event again.
Tadano COO James Greenwood said his involvement with Variety Jet Trek began because of his daughter Chloe, who was born with special needs.
“I’ve been involved with the Variety Jet Trek on and off since 2015. My motivation for getting involved came from my daughter, Chloe who was born with special needs. Through our experiences as a family, we met so many other families facing similar challenges, and it opened our eyes to how much more support is needed for children with disabilities and additional needs.
“We wanted to find a way to give back and help make life a little easier for these kids and their families, and Variety quickly became the charity that really stood out to us. The work they do has a genuine impact, and it’s something very close to our hearts.
“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to bring people from the crane and construction industry together to support the cause. One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing how generous and supportive the industry has been. So many people have stepped up to help because they genuinely care about giving kids like my daughter, and more importantly her friends, better opportunities and experiences.
“The fundraising support has helped Variety continue providing equipment, programs, and assistance to children and schools that otherwise struggle with limited funding. Next year’s trek from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane is especially meaningful for us, as we’re hoping some of the support raised can go toward my daughter’s special needs school, where additional resources can make a huge difference for the students and families there.
“Being part of the Variety Jet Trek has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and it’s amazing to see an entire community come together to support such an important cause.”
This article originally appeared on Cranes and Lifting’s webpage on the 26th of May, 2026. It is republished here with permission. You can view the original article here.