We’re delighted to introduce you to the lucky winning bidder of Drake Collectibles for a Cause’s Charity Auction, Rob Starcic.
About Our Collectibles for A Cause Auction
For those that missed it, last month The Drake Group and Mactrans Heavy Haulage partnered up for a charity auction with 100% proceeds going to White Ribbon Australia.
We offered a serial number 1 special edition Drake Collectibles Mactrans “Stop Domestic Violence” Kenworth K200 and Drake 5×8 Swingwing set up to the highest bidder.
With the help of hundreds of bids, Rob’s winning bid ended up taking our donation total to over $5K, all in support of White Ribbon’s mission to end domestic violence.
Meet Our Winning Bidder: Rob Starcic
Rob’s winning bid for this special edition Collectible was fuelled by several passions: his love of trucks and collecting, his appreciation for Mactrans Heavy Haulage as a business, and most of all, his desire to give back to the community.
Lifelong Truck Fan
Although not directly involved in the trucking industry, Rob has been a truck fan all his life. He fondly remembers spending days as a young kid playing in trucks and going to truck shows with his family.
After establishing a successful Wollongong business, Coastal Windows and Doors, in partnership with his brother Anthony, Rob reached a stage in life where he could afford some trucks of his very own. Over the years, he’s purchased six historic Kenworth models.
“My pride and joy is an old W model. It’s bright yellow with a big mural dedicated to Aussie culture – there’s an emu and a koala hugging each other, with a can of beer and a redback spider.”
You might have seen Rob’s trademark W on display at last year’s Civil Construction Field Day alongside his bright yellow O’Phee Trailers Drop Deck Flat Top purchased in 2020.
Diecast Replica Collector
Later, Rob caught the collecting bug after purchasing a 1/50 scale model crane. Over the years he’s amassed a diecast miniatures collection worth anywhere from $50-100,000. He proudly keeps his collection on display in a glass cabinet in his man cave – and what a sight to behold.
“I’ve got a vast Membrey’s collection. All of the Legend series. The three Macks that were brought out. I love the passion that Drake bring to all of their models. And what they’ve done this time between Mactrans and Drake Collectibles is amazing.”
This model is not my first serial number one. I’ve also got a chrome Drake, an orange and blue Drake, a Membrey’s Rowan edition. I’ve also got another couple of Mactrans already in the collection.”
Advocate for Giving Back
However, when it comes to this serial #1 Mactrans Collectible, Rob says it’s not really about the model itself. More about what it stands for.
“People might turn around and say – ‘you paid $5,000 for a model.’ But that is not the point. I know I could go and buy a model for say $500, but knowing that the money went into the right hands, and what they can do with that money is what it’s all about.”
I am a big fan of the Mactrans business and love their passion. The way they dress up their trucks is amazing. What they’ve done on this truck – with the beautiful image of the woman and the message to end violence against women – is sensational. Violence is a big issue. For women, kids, men, for families. And I wanted to support the cause.
One thing I’d love to do one day soon is to come up and meet the owners of Mactrans, shake their hands and say what a wonderful job they’re doing.”
Giving back is one of Rob’s greatest joys and he is no stranger to charity work. As part of a convoy down in Wollongong, Rob’s group has raised close to $3 million for kids’ health and helping terminally ill children.
One of the big issues Rob hopes to target next is supporting men’s health. In part, he was inspired by meeting Craig Membrey who does a lot of work with Beyond Blue after his son Rowan tragically took his own life at the age of just 17.
“I do love donating and I love helping out. I say, when you be a success in business, you have also got be a success in contributing to the community that made you.
I was born and bred in Wollongong. I’ve always felt Wollongong has been good to me and made my business the success that it is. I always want to give something back to the community.”
Drake Collectibles and White Ribbon Australia
Thanks for your generous bid, Rob! Hats off to you. And thank you to all who contributed. What a fantastic result for such a great cause.
You can read more about this model and our “Collectibles for a Cause” fundraiser on our blog.
If you or someone you know is concerned about domestic violence:
Call: 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 (24/7 support available)
Visit: whiteribbon.org.au/find-help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.
