NTI, Australia’s specialist transport and logistics insurer, launched its latest raffle for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show – and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
For the first time, the annual fundraiser features not one, but two prizes: a brand-new Toyota Tundra – nicknamed “Dusty” – and a luxurious New Age Manta Ray 19ft expedition caravan. The 2025 raffle continues NTI’s proud legacy of supporting medical research in honour of former CEO Wayne Patterson, who lost his life to MND in 2018.
“This is the seventh vehicle we’ve raffled since 2017,” said NTI CEO Tony Clark. “When deciding what vehicle to make the 2025 MND raffle prize, we thought ‘why not mix it up again?’ offering a turnkey for off-road holidays and adventuring.”
The 2025 prize is an eye-catching combo. “The Toyota Tundra is the most powerful Toyota ever sold in Australia,” said Clark, describing it as “extremely safe” and loaded with features like Toyota Safety Sense, a 14-inch multimedia display, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control.
Towing behind Dusty is the equally impressive Manta Ray caravan, designed for adventurous couples. “Its features and design ensure it’s a stylish home on wheels,” said Clark. “An ensuite with toilet and internal shower, reverse cycle air conditioning, upgraded leatherette upholstery, and a Queen size bed help to make it a dream holiday van.”
NTI has raised over $2.5 million through its raffles since the program began, with proceeds funding ground-breaking research at institutions including the University of Queensland and the Queensland Brain Institute. The initiative is delivered in partnership with the MND and Me Foundation, with grants administered under the official NTI Research Grant.
Janelle Greene, NTI’s Chief Customer Officer, said the initiative grew from a very personal connection. “The original cause came about because our former CEO, Wayne Patterson, lost his life to MND,” Greene explained. “We were looking for a cause that we could get behind as a company – something our people could rally behind.”
Greene said the project is about more than fundraising. “It’s partly for honouring Wayne, partly for honouring the modern NTI, and partly for our people,” she said. “We’ve used it as a way to engage the organisation – we do fun runs, bake sales, and our employees love selling tickets at the truck show.”
This year’s raffle reflects the evolving lifestyle interests of NTI’s community. “You’ve got to mix it up a bit,” said Greene. “We did a four-wheel drive Isuzu truck with a caravan on the back a while back. This time, we’ve gone with the Toyota Tundra and the New Age Manta Ray – it’s adventurous, it’s exciting, and it’s about offering something that aligns with the leisure activities of the industry.”
The raffle also brings together partners like Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Toyota, who supported NTI in securing the sought-after vehicles. Greene acknowledged their contribution, saying: “Walkinshaw Automotive Group did help us in getting the two vehicles, so we’ve got a partnership with Walkinshaw. I just thought I should probably mention that.” Clark added, “Thanks to Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Toyota for their support in assisting us in securing these two fantastic, and in-demand vehicles.”
The raffle officially launched at the Brisbane Truck Show, where NTI staff were out in force selling tickets and engaging with the industry. “We have a big stand there, and we also have the raffle ticket stand,” said Greene. “We try and get as many people as possible from the NTI head office to go. It’s a great way for our employees – even those in IT, marketing, or finance – to connect with the industry and talk to the people who are keeping Australia moving.”
NTI’s commitment to road transport safety and sustainability aligns with its community-focused approach. “Our purpose is to help the industry be safer and more sustainable,” said Greene. “That includes our accident report and education campaigns for light vehicle drivers on how to drive safely around trucks.”
Greene, who holds a truck licence herself, is passionate about the need for road user education. “We provide tools to the transport industry to help them be safer and more sustainable. We also focus on educating light vehicle drivers, because so many incidents happen when they don’t understand how to share the road with trucks.”
The winner of the 2025 MND raffle will be drawn on Sunday 13 July at the NTI Townsville 500 Supercars event. Tickets can be purchased online at raffletix.com.au/ntimndresearchraffle2025, with all proceeds going directly to MND research.
Greene summed it up best: “Over 2,000 people live with MND in Australia, and two are diagnosed every day. It’s a horrible disease – and it’s time to put an end to it.”
Whether you’re driven by the cause, the chance to win Dusty and the Manta Ray, or simply love to support a good cause within the transport community, the NTI MND Raffle offers something for everyone – adventure, purpose, and hope.
