Happy Holidays from JR

It’s been our pleasure 2026. Happy holidays!

People ask why I support Manly Rugby League. Given my allegiances south of the Harbour Bridge, it seems an unusual dedication, and yet I’m rusted on to the Sea Eagles. Here’s why. In 1972, my family was living in the Villawood Migrant Hostel, now known as the Detention Centre. We’d just arrived from Spain, spoke no English, and for me, aged six, it was scary. But two young guys came out to give us kids a taste of Aussie Sport, and they gifted me a Sea Eagles jersey - my size. Until I grew out of it, it never left my back. That act of kindness took away the fear. It bonded me not just to Manly, but to Australia, and to the ethos of giving. For me, it’s the Aussie way.

That’s why Sydney City Toyota and Lexus spend what some would call an inordinate amount of time and energy supporting causes – especially those in our own community. I don’t regard it as excessive at all. I’d do more if we could. It’s all personal. We’re all touched by a need, maybe even an obligation, to help out. We support the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Girls and Boys Brigade, Vinnies Vans, the Mark Hughes Foundation, Souths Junior Foundation and the Good Blokes Society.

We give of our time as well as money. Across our two dealerships, we employ more than 250 people and, I’m proud to say, better than a quarter freely volunteer to assist on projects like staffing Vinnies food vans, sometimes in the pre-dawn. One way or another, everyone is aware of our commitment, and everyone participates. Some businesses allocate a certain quota of funds to charitable activity. I’ve never been able to view community support that way. To me, if a cause is worthy, and we can do something to help, then it warrants consideration. I guess we’re approached at least once a week.

Next year we’re going to embark on our own not-for-profit organisation. My dad is a survivor of Stage 4 Melanoma. Groundbreaking work by the Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) saved his life. That’s when I learned that Australia has the highest melanoma rate in the world – 16,000 people a year. I make no bones of it. Because of Dad, it seems only right that we should give back. Along with a partner, we’re working on a unique plan which will help beachgoers and raise funds for the MIA. More of that in 2026.

Right now, it remains simply to thank everyone in our network: our customers, our team members, our business associates and our friends for your support in 2025. We wish you and your families well for the holiday season and look forward, collectively, to next year with optimism.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

John Roca Dealer Principal