Big Rigs 14 February 2025

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THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released the results of its Christmas holiday period safety campaign, Operation Omega.

Working in partnership with police across Australia, the NHVR on-road o cers conducted 4524 inspections during a two-week period across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, with the aim of keeping the roads safe during the busiest time of year.

Of the total intercepts conducted by NHVR o cers, 182 resulted in fatigue-related compliance action, with fatigue o ences occurring at a higher rate during nighttime hours despite there being less vehicles on the road, said NHVR’s Chief Operations O cer Paul Salvati.

“Ninety-seven o ences were detected during these intercepts for drivers exceeding their allowable work hours, or not taking adequate periods of rest, some recording false or misleading work diary entries,” Salvati said.

“Seventeen of these o ences were classi ed as critical fatigue breaches, the most severe fatigue-related violation, each presenting the highest risk of a driver causing a deadly crash, risking their life, or someone else’s.”

Salvati said NHVR ocers undertook their usual

inform, educate and enforce approach to compliance, providing education to drivers in more than 1000 of the intercepts conducted, accounting for almost 300 hours of roadside education during the two weeks.

“At the NHVR, we do not undertake ‘blitzes’, but rather focus our operations as an opportunity to inform and educate drivers ensuring they understand how to meet their safety obligations with enforcement only used as a secondary action where required,” Salvati stressed.

“Work diary and fatigue-related education was provided in 623 of the intercepts conducted during Operation Omega, with the aim of creating a lasting impact on

compliance and preventing potential fatigue-related incidents from occurring in the future.”

However, Salvati added that while the NHVR prioritises education, o cers don’t hesitate to enforce the Heavy Vehicle National Law for those intentionally doing the wrong thing.

“Unfortunately, we did detect 12 recidivist operators, with those companies receiving multiple fatigue-related o ences during the two weeks,” he said.

“Companies must ensure their drivers are t for work and aren’t driving tired –those that don’t, are putting other people’s lives at risk.

In addition to the fatigue-related compliance,

there were 742 intercepts with one or more mechanical defects identi ed throughout Operation Omega, with 1477 defect components across all states – 185 of them major.

“With Australia tragically recording its highest road toll in over 10 years in 2024, operations like this one are critical to improving road safety,” Salvati said.

“Last year, there were 1300 lives lost on our roads, with 179 of these lives lost in crashes involving a heavy vehicle – this is devastating and entirely preventable.

“I would like to remind drivers and operators to remain vigilant when it comes to adhering to work and rest requirements – this is crit-

AT THE NHVR, WE DO NOT UNDERTAKE ‘BLITZES’, BUT RATHER FOCUS OUR OPERATIONS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM AND EDUCATE DRIVERS ENSURING THEY UNDERSTAND HOW TO MEET THEIR SAFETY OBLIGATIONS WITH ENFORCEMENT ONLY USED AS A SECONDARY ACTION WHERE REQUIRED.”

NHVR COO PAUL SALVATI

ical to reducing road trauma, with every life lost on our roads also representing a family and a group of loved ones that have been forced to go through unimaginable grief.”

Salvati said the NHVR is also urging drivers to complete daily safety checks of their vehicle, to ensure it is safe and ready for the journey.

“No one should be killed or injured on our roads – we all need to focus on safety and reduce this preventable road trauma in 2025.”

To nd out more about the safety steps you can take, visit nhvr.com.au and search ‘daily safety checks’.

NORTH QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Floods highlight freight route frailties

THE devastating oods that crippled key freight routes earlier this month has underscored the need to bring forward the promised $9 billion spend on the Bruce Highway, says the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA).

QTA Gary Mahon, who also has a seat on the newly formed Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC), told Big Rigs that he wants to see all that money promised by the federal and state governments spent within the next three to ve years.

“Particularly on bridges and oodways so that we can bring some level of reliability on our number one highway,” Mahon said.

“Floods and cyclones are not new to Queensland, we basically get them every year –they’re just more severe some years than others.

“ ese communities should not be living with being cut o on an annual basis.”

Mahon said the washedout Ollera Creek Bridge just north of Townsville is a prime example.

e loss of the Bruce Highway bridge is likely to create headaches for operators for many weeks to come, he said.

At issue deadline, it was revealed that a temporary bridge would be built but it wouldn’t accommodate trucks. Mahon said operators will need to take a lengthy detour into the tablelands.

“It’s more than likely we’ll have to travel up what you might call the extended Inland Freight Route [IFR].

“So, you go north from Charters Towers and come in through Mareebra and work our way back down south.

But it’s a bit like a chessboard really. We’ll just have to wait and see which waters recede rst and where roads remain relatively undamaged. en we’ll work out which combinations are going to be able to get through.”

Mahon noted that it was at least pleasing to see that the 1185km Inland Freight Route (IFR) from Mungindi to Charters Towers, had remained open to freight tra c throughout the latest major weather event in the state.

“If we continue to invest in that IFR, we’re going to have a very reliable second northsouth option in this state in these [weather] events.”

e recent ooding did, however, highlight another ood weakness just past the northern tip of the IRF at the Macrossan Bridge over the Burdekin River, between Charters Towers and Townsville.

Water rose over the top in the rst week of February stopping dozens of truckies in their tracks on the Flinders Highway and cutting o the major freight route into Townsville.

As we were going to print with this issue, Mahon was

con dent that the ooding would soon recede enough to allow some trucks to carry on up into the Far North through Greenvale and Mareeba.

“It’s probably an additional 400km of travel but we’ll get in there without whatever combinations we can to replenish those communities in the Far North.”

Mahon said the latest weather event adds more weight to his call to fund upgrades to the Macrossan Bridge, along with the much-needed xes on the Bruce.

“It’s a matter of weighing up the remedies that need to be undertaken on the Bruce and that’s a mix of a variety of things that we’ve listed plenty of times: pavement widths, overtaking lanes, bridges, oodways, etc.

“But when you look at the strategic position of the state, and major water events occurring every year, you’d have to seriously weigh up what we’re going to do with the Macrossan Bridge.

“ at’s the hold-up to using the IRF to run big quantities of freight up into North Queensland.”

Far North trucking boss Les

Blennerhassett of Blenners Transport told the Cairns Post that his eet had been grounded with the highway closed in multiple locations.

“I would say to the Crisafulli government, as soon as the oods are over, start prioritising the inland routes and all the bridges because this time of the year we’re extremely reliant,” Blennerhassett said.

Sunshine Coast truckie Niell Graham, who also joined Mahon on the BHAC, echoed the call for action sooner than later on Bruce Highway xes.

Graham feared that the Bruce Highway being cut at Ollera Creek Bridge was going to create major issues for

way around that is going all the way up the Hervey Range up to Innisfail and come back down,” Graham said.

“Unless there’s some other way I don’t know about, you’re looking at three to three-and-half hours from Townsville to Innisfail, depending on tra c.” Graham said the work on the Bruce needs to start now.

“When they x this bridge, they need to put the foundations in to duplicate it down the track. Start that groundwork while they’re doing this job. e Bruce Highway should not be an election promise. It’s a federal highway so the federal government should be dealing with it and

The washed out Ollera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway. Image: Higgins Storm Chasing

NORTH QUEENSLAND FLOODS

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

A veteran driver himself, Charters Towers-based Deano Hutch did what he could to help his fellow truckie mates who’d been caught out by heavy rains and ash ooding.

“Water at the Macrossan Bridge at the Burdekin River is about 5 metres over and still rising,” he told Big Rigs in the midst of the ooding.

“Reports are saying it’s at the sixth highest of all time and it’s still going.

“We’re all worried because

there’s a lot more rain that’s going to funnel through.

“I’ve seen a lot of trucks

parked up around town as is what normally happens when we get this sort of rain.

BY ALF WILSON

HUNGRY truck drivers stranded after the heaviest rain for years were parked at roadhouses such as Andy’s just south of Ingham and the Gold City Puma on the outskirts of Charters Towers.

e heavy vehicles, which have stopped at Gold City Charters Towers which is 130km west of Townsville along the Flinders Highway,

were loaded and either heading to the coast or inland to Mount Isa.

Big Rigs was sent a picture by a driver at Charters Towers which showed the extent of the disruptions.

“We go in and get some food, have a shower, use the toilet and sit down there before coming back to our trucks for a sleep,” one said.

Andy Barra, aged 81, built his roadhouse in 1984 and

“It’s raining here now at Charters, but not heavily.

“ e big system is north of Townsville now. I spoke to someone there and it’s drizzling at the moment, the rain is still north of us.”

Hutch, 51, drives for Legacy Haulage, delivering new furniture between Brisbane and North Queensland each week in road trains and B-triples –though that was all on hold as ash- ooding wreaked havoc on the road network, cutting the Bruce in multiple spots.

In the game for almost 35

Big-hearted truckie comes to the rescue Roadhouses keep truckies fuelled

is regarded as a legend in the road transport industry.

I spoke to Barra by phone at 8pm on February 3 and when he picked up, the noise from truck drivers there was deafening.

“I have about 30 of them here at the moment and they have just nished eating my special recipe of spaghetti they were served. ere wasn’t any left for the two girls who work here,” he said.

years, prior to that Hutch was an interstate truckie, pulling triple road trains for Exodas –so he knows all too well how challenging it can be when you’re caught out far away from home.

“I sung out to Nathan Ben nett who is eet controller at Exodas and said I’m up here if any drivers need to stop by and wash some clothes or need a lift for a meal.”

As he spoke to Big Rigs, he was about to get in the car and visit local roadhouses including the Puma and IOR at

ey were there because of the washout of the bridge at Ollera Creek, about 45km south.

“I have had heaps of truckies here today and they will stay tonight and were also here yesterday - some have come and gone and I don’t know when the highway will open,” he said.

e Herbert River on the northern outskirts of Ingham was at its highest water level since 1967.

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Seymour Creek

I asked Barra if he thought the governments would oodproof the Bruce Highway, as they had promised.

“No, if we were in south east Queensland it would be done quickly. I have heard that as part of the funding of the Bruce Highway narrow bridges south of Townsville will have priority,” he said.

Charters Towers to see if any truckies needed any help. “I’m happy to o er a truck driver friendly service for driv-

Nearby

along the Bruce Highway had been closed as well.

Truckies stranded at Charters Towers.

Deano Hutch, left, and boss Brian Cassidy with the truck he drives for Legacy Haulage. Images: Deano Hutch

Andy Barra, aged 81, built his roadhouse in 1984 and is regarded as a legend in the road transport industry. Image: Alf Wilson

NORTH

QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Operator calls for urgent xes on Bruce

BY ALF WILSON

CLOSURES of highways in North Queensland due to torrential rain had a devastating e ect on trucking companies and supplies they carry being delivered to consumers.

One such company was Morgan Transport Group which is based at the Bohle and has 85 trucks and 128 workers.

Sta at Morgan Transport had manned their o ce 24/7 to monitor the weather conditions during the duration of the disastrous weather event.

Morgan Transport is owned

by Dave Morgan and its general manager for the past eight years, Cameron Wright provided Big Rigs with an insight into the impact the widespread road closures were having.

“ e Bruce Highway is closed at Ollera Creek between Townsville and Ingham we don’t know how long that will be the case. It could be a week or a month but the Bruce Highway is a major route and will be closed long after the rain stops,” Cameron said.

Cameron said that Morgan Transport had six trucks stuck at Innisfail which is 250km

north of Townsville.

“ ey have supermarket supplies to be delivered,” Cameron said.

He said that two Morgan Transport trucks were stuck at Brandon which is 80km south.

“We have four loaded trucks ready to head o west with groceries and milk along the Flinders Highway to Charters Towers, Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mount Isa. But they can’t get through as the Burdekin Bridge at Macrossan is over,” he said.

e depot has many trucks stranded which won’t move until highways are opened.

“Some sta are on standby but being paid and we have own home any of our drivers stuck by oods,” Cameron said.

e previous day Cameron said some trucks had managed to get to destinations along alternative routes after careful planning.

“I monitored the very high tide times and they went when it was low. Some got to Mackay by using the Collinsville to Bowen road and miss-

was closed,” he said.

Cameron said that representatives of another big company adversely a ected, Blenners Transport, had contacted him wanting to know

Bruce Highway closures an ‘absolute travesty’

KATTER’S Australian Party Deputy Leader Nick Dametto slammed the former Labor state government for dragging its feet on xing the Bruce and called on the new Crisafulli administration to “get the job done”.

Dametto said it was an “absolute travesty” that in 2025 our national freight artery grinds to a half after a day of standard wet-season rain.

“ is is not a one-o . It’s a

predictable, recurring problem that’s constantly ignored by governments based in Brisbane,” said the member for Hinchinbrook.

“ e fact that, 10 years later, we’re still waiting for meaningful progress is an insult to every North Queenslander who relies on the highway.

“ e LNP now has the opportunity to prove they are serious about supporting

regional Queensland by prioritising the urgent construction of this project. e money is sitting there, it’s time to see concrete and steel coming out of the ground.”

Dametto said the rst priority should be xing the Ollera Creek Bridge.

Dametto said the loss of the key bridge on the Bruce Highway would “hamper the recovery” of ood-a ected areas.

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BRISBANE

“ is turns what is a logistical problem during a ood clean-up, into a logistical nightmare,” he said.

“ at part of the Bruce Highway is not just the access to Ingham, it’s the access to all of north and Far North Queensland into that Gulf Country.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the recent disaster was an example of how “ridiculous” the state of the

Bruce Highway is.

“You’ve got so many thousands of people at the mercy of one road. It’s one road that hasn’t had the investment in for generations,” he said.

“ e last thing you want to do is replace that bridge [Ollera Creek] to the same standard in the location and expect a di erent result.

Cameron said the only long-eral and state governments to use funds allocated for the oodproo ng of the Bruce Highway to start work as early as possible.

“It is a disgrace and has to be xed or this will happen again,” he said.

“Let’s build some resilience into that, use it as an example of what Queenslanders and Australians can do after a disaster.”

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paralysed after the Bruce was cut in multiple places. Image: Ergon Energy Network

IN BRIEF

Posthumous honour

Former TEACHO Ltd Executive

Chair, the late Dr Daryll Hull, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for his “significant service to the transport industry, and to tertiary education”.

Dr Hull was Executive Chair of TEACHO Ltd. from 2010 to 2021.

In his time at TEACHO Ltd, Dr Hull is remembered for his energy and vision in pursuing research, capability development and skills building to improve health and safety for workers across the transport industry and beyond.

Simon Earle, CEO at TEACHO said: “We all wish Daryll was here to receive this award. We are incredibly proud of him, proud of his achievements, and this award inspires us further to build upon his contributions.”

Sadly, Dr Daryll Hull passed away suddenly on September 30, 2021.

New Penske posts

Penske Australia & New Zealand has announced two new appointments to its executive leadership team.

Gary Bone has joined the business as the general manager of eastern operations. Based in Brisbane, he oversees Penske’s retail branch operations in Wacol, Lytton, and Yatala in South East Queensland and Sydney.

Derek Smits has taken on the role of general manager of truck supply chain. Also based in Brisbane, he leads the engineering, technical and sales operations teams as well as the vehicle processing centre.

First Volvo FH16 780 XXL

The first Australian built Volvo FH16 780 XXL has been purchased by SRH Milk Haulage and will soon be put to work pulling an A-double tanker combination between NSW’s central and northern Coasts.

This 120-ton rated prime mover is the first Volvo FH16 780 XXL to be manufactured at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol headquarters in Queensland.

Scott Harvey at SRH Milk Haulage said, “Our company has had a long history with Volvo Trucks. Knowing these trucks have been engineered and built locally for Australian conditions really makes a difference to us.

“We operate across three states 24 hours a day 7 days a week, so uptime and productivity are vital for us, milk isn’t something you can leave sitting on the side of the road!”

Proposed truck ban

Hume City Council in Melbourne is proposing a ban on trucks using sections of Bardwell Drive, Konagaderra, Gellies and Wildwood roads (north and south) following a spike in recorded heavy vehicle traffic.

According to council surveys, heavy vehicle traffic has continued to use local roads, despite Craigieburn Road upgrades now being completed.

If there is enough support for the proposed ban, council said it will table the proposal for review by VicRoads which has the final say.

Public submissions close at 5pm, February 28.

Truckie denied shower at servo

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

AN MC licenced interstate truckie, all Katie Watson wanted was a shower after nishing a long day on the road.

She pulled into the BP service station in Scoresby, Victoria, located on EastLink and asked the attendant for a shower key – and couldn’t believe what followed.

Katie, 37, got into truck driving professionally about four years ago, but was already learning the ropes from her father and grandfather from as young as 15, driving trucks around the family farm.

From behind the wheel of a Kenworth T610 she pulls B-doubles and road trains from Melbourne and into Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Along with working for a refrigerated transport company, she has also just started her own transport company called Haunted Haulage, where she transports concrete from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Katie says she’s experienced a number of sexist incidents since she got into truck driving but nothing quite like this.

“My depot is only about 25 minutes from the service sta-

I’VE NEVER BEEN BELITTLED AND TREATED THAT WAY – EVER.”

KATIE WATSON

tion, so I parked the truck at the depot, jumped in my car and headed to BP for a shower – which I’ve done plenty of times and never had an issue,” she said.

“ ey’ll usually say the showers are just for truck drivers, but once I show my truck licence, it’s never a problem. en I can go back to the depot and go to bed in the truck.”

But about a week ago, it was a very di erent story.

“I came in behind another truckie, he was handed a shower key without any issue – the attendant didn’t ask him for a licence or anything. I walked in about 30 seconds later and was told the showers are only for truck drivers,” explained Katie.

“I thought I might have that problem because I pulled up in a car, so I showed him my open MC licence. He just kept saying, ‘You’re not a truck driver, I’m not giving you a key’.”

After explaining that she was on a seven-hour break

and just wanted a shower so she could head back to the depot and get to sleep, before a trip to Adelaide in the morning, Katie thought she was getting somewhere.

“He took my car keys and looked like he was about to hook the keys up… then he held them up in my face and threw them down on the bench in front of me. He was talking down to me the entire time and said again, ‘Well I’m not giving you the shower key – you’re not a truck driver!’

Katie regularly stops at the Scoresby BP for meals and to fuel up but says she hasn’t been there since.

“I really needed a shower, I didn’t want to go back to the truck all dirty. e attendant literally argued with me in front of two other truck drivers for 10 minutes. One of them actually said you can see her truck licence, just give her the key.

“I’ve never been belittled and treated that way – ever.”

So instead, Katie gave up and went to BCF, where she spent $380 on a drop-down caravan shower. “I ended up having a shower on the side of the road on my way to Adelaide.”

She continued, “Being a female truck driver, I do get this sometimes, but when I’ve

shown them my ID, it hasn’t been a problem. It’s a double standard and it’s sexist.

“It made me so nervous about walking into the next BP to have a shower. It’s actually a ected my con dence. e next time I stopped was at the BP in Wallan and they’ve always been nice there. I’ve never had an issue.”

Following the incident at BP Scoresby, Katie called to speak to the manager and says she nally got through to her after four attempts.

“I told her I needed to speak to her about what happened last night,” recalled Katie. “She asked if I was that car driver who came in wanting a shower. I said, ‘no, I’m the truck driver who came in on my break’.”

“She defended the sta member and when she saw I wasn’t having it, she said she’ll make sure he knows he needs to make an exception for me.

“I said I’ll just stop somewhere else where people don’t think I’m ‘an exception’.

“Like other women driving trucks, we just have a passion for it and want to be able to do our job and then have a shower at the end of the day!” BP was contacted about the incident but declined to

Sisters praise truckie for this act of kindness

STUCK on the side of the road on a balmy 40-degree day, Joy Stoeckel told of how a kind-hearted truckie helped to ensure she and her sister Mary Talent could be back on their way.

On Monday, January 20, Joy and her sister were travelling in their Volkswagon Tiguan on the Goyder Highway in South Australia, but were forced to pull over around 120km from her home at Monash.

“I had just turned o the gravel Powerline Road and onto Goyder Highway when I heard a clunking noise. It

was a puncture in 40-degree heat,” Joy said.

“I only had a skinny tyre as our spare. My sister and I were okay to replace it until we found that the spanner to remove the nuts would not t.”

ankfully they had phone service so Joy was able to call RAA, which said they could have someone out there in 90 minutes.

“It was open plains and no tree coverage but we were okay with cold water, etc. so we were prepared to wait.”

But within minutes of the phone call, a four-wheel drive and caravan pulled up

behind them.

As it turned out, a truck driver had seen them by the side of the road. Unable to stop along the narrow stretch in their truck, they radioed the caravanner to ask if they could stop and assist.

“ e truckie called the caravanner to say, ‘Could you please check out the VW on the side of the road?’ Such kindness as another fourwheel drive also stopped to assist.”

Joy said she contacted Big Rigs after picking up a copy from the tyre shop when she had her wheel replaced.

Mobile museum one step closer for fundraiser

SAM Hughes – better known as e Travelling Jackaroo –has revealed his plans of creating a mobile museum are now one step closer, with the purchase of a trailer.

For those who haven’t followed Sam’s story, he completed a three and half year

charity run last August, travelling 27,250 kilometres across Australia in a 1957 model Chamberlain tractor. And in doing so, raised over $260,000 for his three chosen charities.

Along with being behind the wheel of a truck these

days, while working for Queensland towing company Clayton’s Towing, Sam is in the early stages of creating his mobile museum.

It’s a project that’s been bubbling away for a while, with Sam rst revealing the plans to Big Rigs about a year ago. “ e museum will focus on the Aussie battlers – on the people who built the country including our truckies and the transport industry,” he said. Since returning to his home in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast, Sam’s been on the hunt for the right truck and trailer to bring his plans to fruition. is week he revealed that he had purchased a 10.5 metre trailer.

“I’m planning on getting the sides wrapped with the outback/show theme as sections of stickers with some quintessential aspects of Auss-

ie bush and ag show history, a small living quarters up the front with bed/shower, etc, and the other 20ft dedicated to the museum aspects including a few digital displays and various exhibits/displays including ones that’ll be taken outside,” he shared on his Travelling Jackaroo Facebook page, which now has over

276,000 followers. “Now that I’ve got the trailer I just need to make up my bloody mind and buy a prime mover to pull it,” he said. “I don’t mind spending a bit as long as it’s good and reliable. Just needs to look the part and do the job well, trouble is pulling the trigger and getting one!”

Katie Watson says she was refused a key to the truckie showers at this busy truck stop. Image: Katie Watson

The trailer he’s purchased for his mobile museum.

Sam Hughes with his 1957 tractor. Images: Travelling Jackaroo

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EDITOR

JAMES GRAHAM

month. By the time this issue is in your hands, we can only hope and pray that the cleanup is progressing as it should, and freight routes are back up and running.

Once again, it’s the freight industry that comes to the rescue in so many ways.

We saw it during Covid and again through the recent catastrophic cyclones and flooding down the eastern seaboard. Truckies step up and get the job done. Every single time.

Why doesn’t Canberra give this industry the recognition it deserves and just get out of the way? I don’t know what else we need to do to prove how invaluable trucking is to Australia and what an amazing group of people the men and women who work in the industry really are.

Sisters Joy Stoeckel and Mary Talent don’t need convincingsee story on page 6 that inspired this issue’s ripper of a cartoon.

Letters to the Editor

Servo’s treatment of drivers is ‘an outright disgrace’

DEAR BP Nambucca Management,

Your treatment of truck drivers, as described in Scott Cook’s recent experience, is not just disappointing – it is an outright disgrace. e blatant disregard shown to the very people who ensure your business continues to operate is both insulting and short-sighted.

Truck drivers, like Mr Cook, spend their days and nights tirelessly moving the goods that keep your shelves stocked and your pumps running. Without them, your business would grind

to a halt. Yet, you prioritise caravanners – individuals who have a myriad of other options for showers – over the truck drivers who spend thousands of dollars at your establishment, not just for themselves but for the industry that keeps Australia moving.

e fact that Mr Cook, after spending $1400 on fuel at your location, was told he and his colleagues would have to wait because caravanners “paid for showers” is appalling. is decision to prioritise a paltry $5 or $10 over the loyalty and well-be-

ing of your most critical customers shows an alarming lack of judgment and respect. Your general manager’s dismissive response of “tough titties” is even more shocking. is level of unprofessionalism not only highlights your sta ’s lack of customer service skills but also re ects a deeper culture of indi erence toward those who rely on your facilities as a necessity, not a luxury.

Truck drivers are not looking for handouts – they are asking for the most basic level of respect and accommodation to do their jobs

safely and e ciently. e suggestion that a caravanner’s leisurely $5 contribution is more valuable than a truck driver’s thousands spent in fuel and food is absurd and insulting. is disgraceful incident has not only alienated Mr Cook but also countless other truck drivers who now see BP Nambucca as a place where they are unwelcome and undervalued. e social media backlash you’re experiencing is just the beginning. Word spreads fast in the trucking community, and the consequences of your choices will undoubtedly hurt your bottom line.

ing failure – by implementing a truck-driver- rst policy, increasing facilities, and training your sta on how to treat essential workers with respect – you will continue to lose the trust and business of the people who keep your doors open. is isn’t just about showers – it’s about valuing the people who make your existence possible. Shame on you for failing to do so.

Sincerely,

Shane Boese

If your management doesn’t immediately address this glar-

A Furious Advocate for Truck Drivers

Time for truckies to band together A day in the life of an owner-driver

UNTIL this industry sticks up for itself as done years ago, nothing will happen. What this country needs is no trucks on the road for a month… until the big wigs pushing pencils making up BS nes and rules pull their ngers out, chase the big people running businesses and ne them instead of drivers, up the load rates, lower costs and give us parking bays, decent facilities to shower and get proper meals again, no trucks move. Watch how fast the public’s anger towards the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

(NHVR), etc, gets a reaction. No longer will the local shops get their food and goods, drive out to the country every weekend to get your food or help x a broken industry with the thugs at NHVR who don’t care about safety, don’t care about drivers, only care about revenue raising for politicians.

Our roads are crap, our facilities are crap.

Let the NHVR have a long drop at their departments, no running water and no shade for their lunch break.

We need to go back in time to the 80s and early 90s when

drivers actually stuck together. I no longer drive, I had a gut full of the BS throughout the industry.

We won’t survive these thugs getting away with creating massive nes for drivers following orders from big wigs if drivers have their hands under their bums doing nothing about it.

Either band together or stop your whining about massive nes that don’t match the crime of spelling towns wrong.

Allan Retired truck driver

I was constantly being mucked around loading three trips a week to Gladstone Rockhampton and Yepoon delivering polypipe. Tuesday and ursday was 9am load time and Saturday morning was 5am if possible to comply with my 24-hour break. To get the job done most trips I dropped o a lot of the load in Rockhampton to deliver even though I was on a 14-hour diary.

Many times I didn’t leave the yard till mid-afternoon.

My wife was concerned about my fatigue management as was my boss. She rang the

operations manager and he said she was an ‘insigni cant other’ and hung up. I gave her the national transport managers number. He had no idea how she got his number. She said who do you want on your doorstep rst? Transport Department? Work Health and Safety? Fair Work Australia? He said he would rectify the bullshit immediately. Next load was all picked, packed and processed and I was loaded immediately at 9am! at lasted about 2 months before I was banned from every one of their sites for being within 3m of a moving

forklift! Guess who the signicant other was behind that? I continued delivering their polypipe until 2019 when my boss closed his business. He would load a trailer and I would deliver it. Everyone in the yard and the o ce knew I was still delivering their products! ose doing that run now take two days or more to do it. e drivers are put up in a motel every night. I slept in my bunk every night except Saturday.

Ron

Scott Cook spent $1400 on fuel at BP Nambucca before being told he had to wait to shower until after several groups of caravanners.

Image: Scott Cook

Williams Former owner-driver

Keeping the wheels turning

OUTBACK trucking legend Steve Grahame has been behind the wheel of his beloved C501 for over 25 years. Now with a new engine under the hood, he revealed how it’s been tracking nearly 18 months on.

Steve, who became a familiar face on the trucking scene through popular television series Outback Truckers, originally purchased his 1994 Kenworth C501 Brute back in 1999.

He’s also been honing his trucking skills for well over 50 years.

Travelling to some of the most remote locations in the country, Steve’s well and truly put the truck through its paces.

e C501 had clocked up 1.7 million kilometres when Steve bought it, most of those being hard kilometres hauling cattle for Alice Springs-based Tanami Transport.

Steve’s work extends from the Pitjantjatjara land in northern South Australia, up through the Northern Territory and across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

He carts a lot of building supplies and equipment for

YOU COULD SAY I WAS DRAGGED KICKING AND SCREAMING INTO THE CURRENT GENERATION.”

STEVE GRAHAME

indigenous communities and refers to his work as “old-fashioned, old-school trucking” which takes him into the remote parts of the outback.

Since the days he left school to become a eld hand for mine exploration and drilling crews – jobs that required a truck licence – to then carting livestock as he forged a place in the transport industry, Steve has been on an incredible journey.

With so many years of trucking and millions of kilometres now under his belt, he shows no signs of slowing down. “I think I’ve got another few years left. I’ve got no desire to retire,” he said. Today, the Perth-based truckie estimates his 30-yearold Kenworth has done close to 4 million kilometres and he talks with a de nite tone of pride about the condition

of the truck – testimony to the rugged strength of the C501 and the way he looks after it.

In this era of electronic engines, the big banger Cummins Inc. K19 he had relied on for many years is hardly a masterpiece of technology. Yet this was the reason some of Australia’s best known road train operators preached the value of

the 18.9-litre Cummins were considered its greatest assets. Steve says he had the greatest respect for the KTA600 in his 1994 Kenworth C501 Brute, a road train prime mover he has owned for over 25 years and recently repowered with a new Cummins X15 Euro 3 engine.

was slotted into the C501 chassis in a repower project in 2023.

“ e KTA600 needed a rebuild due to a dropped valve and it was going to be costly, so when I looked at the economics I decided the X15 was the way to go,” he said.

“You could say I was

dragged kicking and screaming into the current generation with the X15 Cummins.”

Steve put the repowered C501 into service in September 2023, with the X15 Euro 3 engine initially rated at 550 hp and peak torque of 1850 lb ft.

“Pulling three trailers, the X15 wasn’t quite there compared with the KTA600,” Steve revealed. “ e KTA had less torque than the X15 (1650 versus 1850 lb ft) but its big lungs and long stroke gave it a better feel.

“However, with the X15 now uprated to 600 horsepower and 2050 lb ft of torque, it’s very impressive. “I like the improvement in fuel consumption too. I’m consistently saving between 100 and 150 litres per 1500 kilometres.”

e X15 Euro 3 engine is becoming a popular repower option. It shares the same base engine hardware as the X15 Euro 6 powerhouse but without SCR aftertreatment; it can only be installed in pre-2008 registered on-highway trucks.

Steve estimates his

Kenworth

Special trucks are a touching tribute

After losing both parents just three months apart, this transport operator has dedicated his two newest trucks in their honour.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

DESPITE sporting the company’s signature vibrant blue hue, a new Kenworth T659 named ‘Till We Meet Again’ and a Kenworth Legend SAR called ‘ e Matriarch’ stand out among the other trucks in M.Camilleri Haulage’s eet.

Based in the Sydney suburb of Maroota, M.Camilleri Haulage was started in 2015 by Michael ‘Mick’ Camilleri.

As he explained the two special trucks are dedicated to his mother Carmen Camilleri, who passed away on June 6, 2023, at just 71 years of age; and his father Charlie Camilleri, who passed away on September 29 the same year, aged 78.

“Dad was still working on the farm for 10 hours a day, but then he became unwell and passed away suddenly only three months after mum. Being such a great father and role model I thought it was tting to pay tribute to him with this truck,” said Mick.

He already had the Legend SAR on order and before the truck was delivered, his mother sadly passed away from cancer. So he made the decision to dedicate that truck in her honour, naming it ‘ e Matriarch’.

“After everything that had happened, I thought it was a nice way to pay tribute to my mum. I wanted something more subtle for her, so I had some fuchsias put on there, as she used to love growing fuchsias,” Mick revealed.

It features intricate scroll and linework, along with Carmen’s name and the words: “Life isn’t measured by the years you live, but by the love you gave and the things you did.” is was all completed by Grant Fowler Signs in Victoria.

“ rough all of it, Grant Fowler was amazing. rough all the phone calls – there were some emotional times on the phone with him. With that rst truck he did, I told him I just wanted some nice scrolls, soft colours and that sort of thing, and he absolutely nailed it,” Mick added.

at Legend SAR is being driven with pride by longtime company driver Russell Hitchcock. “He’s one of our great drivers. I’ve got a great team and wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it wasn’t for the team I have helping me along the way.”

More recently in mid-November, the new T659 named ‘Till We Meet Again’ hit the road, with Mick behind the wheel.

“I ordered this truck about two years ago and it came o -line around the middle of June. It took ve months to get from how it came out of the factory to where it is now,” he said.

e T659 underwent a great deal of customisation to get it looking its best. Mick explained that this truck was also sent to Grant Fowler Signs, which completed all the sign-writing and scroll-work, to match with the Legend SAR. It also went to Trafalgar Panels which removed the ve tanks and painted them in the company’s signature blue. e truck then headed to Custom Air in Melbourne for a full tout, including fridges and microwaves. And was sent to Armoury Group to be specced up with a new set of wheels, additional lighting, chrome work and painted deck plates.

But perhaps the most striking feature of the T659 is the airbrushed mural feature of Charlie. It was completed by artist Tony Vowles using metallic silver and black paint to capture an incredible amount of detail.

e mural is based on two photos of Charlie. “ e main photo of dad was taken about six years ago and was just a beautiful photo of him. And then there’s a photo of him on the farm with his dog Mandy.”

Trucking in the blood Mick, who is pretty much on the road full time while at the same time running his business, has been around trucks for as long as he can remember.

ese latest trucks are part of a eet of nine – all Kenworths except for one Isuzu rigid – that are used for at top work, predominantly carting timber, sandstone, turf and steel o the wharf.

M.Camilleri Haulage’s trucks travel across New South Wales, as well as into Melbourne and Brisbane.

“My family has always been in transport, through my father and my uncles, who always had trucks. But they were more of a tool of the trade for them,” he said.

“Dad and his brothers had a rendering plant where they’d process animal by-products

I ALWAYS LOVED TRUCKS – I GREW UP IN THEM, GOING FOR RIDES WITH MY UNCLES AND DAD’S DRIVERS WHEN I WAS A KID.”

MICK CAMILLERI

from abattoirs and processing plants. ey had about six or seven trucks to service that business.

“My dad also had a farm, growing cabbages, cauli ower, lettuce, and in the later years tomatoes and peaches, so they’d use the trucks to take the produce to markets too.”

While his father Charlie never drove trucks, Mick’s uncles did, and he says that they, along with many of the other drivers there, took him under their wing.

“ ey had some old Accos, S-Lines and a 4200 International Transtar. I was about 15 when I started learning how to drive the trucks. e other drivers all taught me a few things,” Mick recalled.

“I always loved trucks – I grew up in them, going for rides with my uncles and dad’s drivers when I was a kid. I remember the little window on the door of those old trucks, that I’d be able to see out of while I’d sit on the oor.

“I was always driving around the yard. But once I got my truck licence, the rst truck I drove on the road legally was a single axle Leyland Masti with a 2-speed di .” Mick also started his career working by his father’s side. “I worked in all aspects of dad’s business – farming, in the processing plant, and then I went into the workshop working on the trucks and learning the basics. I’m not a mechanic and I don’t work on any of my trucks now, but it’s good to have that knowledge,” he added.

admitted he thought he’d be happy with a truck or two –“but it never really happened like that”, he laughed.

Although he loves being out on the road, it of course does come with its sacri ces.

“I have two kids – a sevenyear-old son and ve-yearold daughter. So while I run the business, my wife Hannah looks after the kids and brings them up.

“ e nights I’m away though, it’s very hard.”

Mick Camilleri stands proudly with the two trucks he’s dedicated to his late mum and dad. Image: M.Camilleri Haulage

The M.Camilleri Haulage fleet.

time company driver is behind the wheel of the Legend SAR dedicated to his mother.

additional lighting and scrolling.

Hef’s historic hauler on show

This regional NSW operator goes back to where his trucking career started with the purchase of an

BY DAVID VILE

THE purchase of an International ACCO 3070 a few years back as a project truck saw the wheel turn full circle for Terry He er from West Wyalong in New South Wales.

Having started out on the road a tick over 40 years ago behind the wheel of a 3070, he now has one in his possession at the end of his time running up and down the highway.

Better known to all and sundry as ‘Hef’, he has been in the process of overhauling and maintaining the second-generation1979 3070/B, which has spent all of its years in the Riverina region of NSW.

“I was looking for a 3070, and I found this one in Marrar, a little place not far from here. I went to look at a 3070 Eagle which had a bit of history behind it, but it was knackered, then this one caught my eye, it was sitting in the corner a bit sad looking with a sump full of water. I had a yarn to the bloke and made a deal with him and that was that,” he explained. With its last working phase around the Wagga Wagga area, the truck had been parked up with the previous owner not having the time to do it up, and purchasing a replacement vehicle. Hef soon had the Cummins VT903 humming again once he got it home. “We put a rebuild kit in it and away we went – all we really have done externally is polish it up a bit – it’s still in its working clothes,” he said.

As is often the case with trucks of the era, the 3070 has been modi ed over the years and today presents quite di erently as to when it left the International Harvester plant in Dandenong in the late 1970s. Having been somewhat of a ‘local’ area truck, Hef has been able to track down the ACCO’s history back to its original owner. “It’s always been a Riverina truck. I found the original owner in Deniliquin. It was a single drive but he carted grain and stretched it to put a bogie drive on it. ey

International ACCO 3070.

have also put S-Cams all right through it and a 15-overdrive in it also. When they rebuilt the motor they put a turbo on it and now she goes real well. e speedo starts with a ‘nine’ but how many times it has been around I wouldn’t know,” he said.

Having run the truck bobtail to a few local shows, Hef soon sorted out the rough ride somewhat with the addition of a fridge van trailer with the aim of converting it into sleeping quarters for weekends away. “After getting out of everything in recent years with a smoother ride with airbags and so forth you get in this and think, ‘I don’t really miss this!’ So we found the old van and got that sorted for a bit of a camp for when we go away,” he said.

To those familiar with transport companies, particularly livestock transporters of the past, the ‘Bond Brothers Cobram’ nomenclature on the trailer’s nosecone would be

familiar to some, with Hef doing a bit of re-purposing when working on the trailer. “We have recycled the nosecone. It came o one of their stock crates. A mate of mine bought a few of their crates when they nished up and took the nosecones o . We took the motor o the front of the van and plugged it up.

“I was talking to him one day and he said what are you going to do with the front of the trailer?’ I said I need a nosecone. He said, ‘Go out and take your pick’.”

Externally the ACCO is still in pretty good nick and Hef is looking at keeping the truck authentic to the period without putting too much stainless or chrome on it or loading the truck up with LED lights and so forth. “It’s starting to get a few rust spots in all the places ACCOs get them so we will get it doctored up before it gets too bad – we will keep that paint scheme but just get it tidied up a bit. You can throw

a lot of money at them but I wanted to keep the old-school look about this one. Our local auto-electrician in town found a heap of the old lights and lenses which replaced the ones we had which had faded. ey all help keep the look genuine as to how they were back in the day,” he said.

Having put the highway days behind him and now working locally around West Wyalong, Hef will have more time to fettle the International and get the Cummins red up more often to take to heritage shows and events, and he reckoned the trip to Wagga a few years back and the nancial outlay on the 3070 was well worth it.

“Good ones are getting few and far between. ere are probably a lot of them on farms either buggered or rusted out. I kept my eyes out for around 10 years and got one. My rst drive was in one of these, so this is a bit of a hobby and all in all just good fun.”

Crane trucks help this Sydney business to lift its game

STARTED as a retail hardware shop in 1983 by Sam Papadakis, Sydney-based Maroubra Building Supplies (MBS) began changing direction during the late 1990s, to focus on material supply.

Under the guidance of current Managing Director, Louie Papadakis, the family business rebranded to MBS Building & Landscape, with a purpose-built facility constructed in Matraville in 2019. As a point of di erence from other building suppliers, MBS is going down the route of delivering their bulk materials using a variety of crane trucks rather than.

eir unique eet includes a range of Isuzu twin-steer

FYJ 300-350s Autos in 8x4 and 10x4 model con gurations and varying wheelbase lengths to ensure the right vehicle for the job.

“Being centrally based next

to Port Botany, we deliver everywhere from brand new developments in Sydney’s west, the northern beaches, eastern suburbs, southern suburbs and areas established

200 years ago in the city,” explained Louie.

“It’s a necessity for us to have the crane trucks come in with the material in one-tonne bags and o -load these directly to the site.

“In the established city areas, we face some tricky locations, like loading up to the fourth oor of buildings or over the top of structures and tall trees into narrow spaces.

“In the newer areas, we are parking roadside and delivering materials to the exact spot needed.”

MBS uses a mixture of HMF Cranes by West Trans and Pal nger cranes with a reach of eight metres through to 31 metres. is allows

them to place one-tonne bags of soil, mulch, pebbles and building products where they’re needed.

Truck models are chosen carefully to counterbalance the crane’s weight, which sits at the rear back of the tray, plus the considerable weight of the building supplies on board.

MBS struck up a relationship with Isuzu dealer Suttons Trucks Arncli e, which recommended the twin-steer FYJ 300-350 for their heavyweight application.

Isuzu’s FYJ 300-350 features a GVM of 30,000 kilograms (28,000kg on-road legal limit), a GCM of 45,000kg, and a second Meritor steer axle to

support stable load sharing. For heavy loads and oroad, the FYJ’s driveline and gear ratios have been optimised for maximum stability and gradeability. Paired with the option of Hendrickson airbag rear suspension and heavy-duty 6-speed Allison 4430 auto transmission – it delivers across all bases for MBS.

“ e FYJ is a solid, durable, and reliable vehicle,” said Louie. “As we retire some of our older tipper eet, we will be looking to replace those with small and medium models from Isuzu, making the operational and maintenance side a whole lot more straightforward.”

The International 3070/Cummins VT903 was a proven performer for many operators in the past.

Images: David Vile

Terry ‘Hef’ Heffer with his International in Temora.

Livin’ in the seventies: The 3070 is still running strong after 47 years.

Maroubra Building Supplies Managing Director, Louie Papadakis. Image: Isuzu

‘It’s a game changer’

This second-generation logging operator tackles the rugged and breathtaking terrain of Tasmania’s snow-capped Great Lakes.

BRENDAN Rowe – or ‘Jock’ as he prefers – could have chosen to stick to what he knows and keep life simple. However, by embracing the power of a brand new 770hp Scania V8 agship, this traditional logger has proven he’s not afraid of change, and he has a lot to talk about.

With its unparalleled fuel economy, reduced trip times, and substantial operating savings, Jock says, “ e Scania R 770 V8 is not just a truck –it’s a game-changer.”

e second-generation logger worked closely with Scania’s Tasmanian dealership, C & I Transport Repairs’ owner Leigh Curran, and Scania Account Manager Neil Wesley. eir collective e ort ensured the speci cations of the new R 770 were well suited to the gruelling challenges of Tasmanian log haulage, delivering new e ciencies to increase pro tability. According to Jock, his decision to wait for a factory-built truck was indeed worthwhile because it hasn’t put a foot out of place since it arrived.

“Leigh and Neil were fastidious when it came to setting this truck up, particularly because it is the rst Scania to enter Tasmanian logging in more than a decade.

“ eir e orts and meticulous attention to detail are paying o because what’s initially impressed me is the exceptional fuel economy,” explained Jock.

“We’re getting 2.9 km/l (34.48-L/100 km), and it can only improve as the truck loosens up.”

e power output and incredible downhill retarding capability of the Scania R 770 have cut trip times by more than an hour compared to Jock’s older trucks.

“On a good day, the best fuel economy I could get out of my older trucks was 1.9 km/l (52.63-L/100 km), and they’d take 40 to 50 minutes longer to descend the moun-

tain than the new Scania,” Jock revealed.

ting more than cover the monthly truck payment,” he added. “Equally impressive is the three-year/800,000-kilometre extended warranty and the half-a-million kilometre service package that Scania provides.”

e DC16 770 V8 integrates advanced engine management systems that optimise performance and economy. Features like precise fuel injection and turbocharging ensure the engine runs smoothly and e ciently, providing the necessary power when needed, while maintaining control over fuel consumption.

It’s an engine that’s well-suited to logging applications.

e combination of high horsepower and torque means

low-speed, high-power and torque demands of o -road logging. is versatility makes it an ideal choice for the varied conditions faced in the logging industry.

Jock has nothing but praise for high torque delivered at lower rpm, as it allows the vehicle to start smoothly and move heavy loads with ease.

“I like the low revving high torque performance of the 770 hp V8. It reminds me of my old V8 Superliner. e Scania motor likes working in the 1000-1400 rpm range; that’s the sweet spot. Anything over that, and you’re wasting fuel and time,” Jock explained. “ is is particularly bene cial for my logging job where I must navigate rough, uneven, and some-

GRSO926R

Opticruise transmission seamlessly changes gear ratios, which makes it highly bene cial for forestry applications. It features a more e cient gear-shifting system that enhances fuel economy and provides smoother transitions, which are crucial for maintaining momentum on challenging terrain often encountered in logging.

e transmission’s durabilit y and increased torque capacity are ideal for handling the heavy loads typical in logging operations. Additionally, the Opticruise system includes automated clutch control and intelligent driving modes that adapt to varying conditions, improving overall vehicle performance and driver comfort.

vehicle, and lower operational costs in logging applications.

For added safety, especially when navigating challenging terrain and steep downhill slopes, like descending the mountain from Tasmania’s Great Lakes region, the Scania R4100D retarder provides consistent and controlled braking power by utilising an auxiliary braking system that operates on hydraulic principles.

It is integrated into the vehicle’s transmission and functions by converting kinetic energy into heat, dissipating it through the truck’s cooling system. is process reduces the reliance on service brakes during prolonged or intense braking scenarios, such as descending steep inclines. By

alleviating the load on theer extends the service brake lifespan and reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

One of the key advantages of the Scania retarder is its ability to deliver continuous braking force without the risk of overheating. Traditional service brakes can overheat and lose e ectiveness (a condition known as brake fade) during extended use, such as long downhill stretches. e retarder, however, can maintain a steady braking force, preventing brake fade and ensuring consistent performance. is capability allows drivers like Jock to maintain a safer, more controlled descent, reducing the risk of accidents caused by runaway vehicles. Moreover, the retarder’s braking power is ad-

Jock has been impressed by his new Scania R 770 V8. Images: Scania Australia

Scania’s R4100D retarder provides consistent and controlled braking power even on the steepest descents.

Logging operator Brendan ‘Jock’ Rowe.

justable, which allows Jock to tailor the level of braking force to match the speci c demands of the descent. But unlike a Jake-Brake, you can still change gear when the retarder is engaged.

“If you want to know how well a truck performs, then take it on a test run up here,”

Jock said. “In my other trucks, when you’re coming down the mountain, with the engine brake crackling, they struggle to hold the truck, even in lower gears, and we’re constantly forced to stand on the brake pedal to prevent engine overruns. Furthermore, the road speed is much slower than the new Scania; sometimes, it can take 40 minutes longer to come down the mountain.”

e hub reduction design distributes the torque more evenly across the axle components. is reduces the strain on the central di erential and other drivetrain parts, leading to longer service life and reduced maintenance needs.

e main advantage is that the input torque gets reduced twice, rst in the di erential centre and then through the planetary drive wheel ends. Another advantage, especially for logging trucks that operate in deeply rutted bush tracks, like Jock’s Scania, is the high ground clearance. In the case of the Scania, it has 322mm ground clearance at the di centre. e double reduction process means a smaller diameter crown wheel is required compared to a single reduction di typically found on a highway truck.

Reduction gears in the hubs also increase the torque delivered to the wheels, providing superior traction on slippery, muddy or uneven surfaces.

THE SCANIA MOTOR LIKES WORKING IN THE 1000-1400 RPM RANGE; THAT’S THE SWEET SPOT.”

JOCK

ROWE

is is crucial in logging operations where vehicles frequently operate o -road and need reliable traction to avoid getting bogged down.

Scania’s Neil Wesley added that Jock had some very rm operating parameters for his new truck.

“He was adamant the new truck delivers high productivity in terms of trip times, but critically tare weight, reliability, durability, safety, and ground-clearance were important factors. e way the logging industry is structured here in Tasmania, you must keep your trucks on the road as long as possible, hauling as much as possible from the forest,” Neil said.

“We have a unique logging speci cation that includes essential safety features such as roll stability, ESP, EBS and built-in load scales, all of which help the drivers to do their jobs better and in greater safety. Scania’s logging spec truck is the ideal solution for forestry hauliers, like Jock, because of our Scandinavian logging expertise, plus our complete in-house engineering, our safety and, of course, V8 power, which means there is nothing better to do the job. Jock’s experience with the new V8 proves that.”

Impressed by his latest Scania R 770 V8, Jock revealed he’s now contemplating setting up another Scania log truck.

Jock’s Scania R 770 specs

Engine: DC16 770 16.4-litre 90-degree V8 (Euro-6 SCR)

Horsepower: 770hp (566kW) at 1900rpm

Torque: 3700Nm (2730 lb-ft) at 1000 to 1450rpm

Transmission: Scania G33-CM Opticruise 12-speed automated manual

Retarder: Scania R4100

Front axle: Scania AM640S

Front suspension: Air front springs with anti-roll bar

Rear axles: Scania RB662/R660 diffs 3.07:1 with DCDL

Rear suspension: Scania four-bag air suspension

Brakes: Discs all round with EBS, ABS and traction control

Park brake: Electronic

Fuel: 1030-litres (710/L 320/R)

AdBlue: 73L

Tare front: 6100kg

Tare rear: 3880kg

Tare total: 9980kg

Safety: EBS with integrated ABS and traction control

Interior: Black leather trim

Seats: Premium driver’s seat with armrests

Bumper: King Bar Alloy

Battery Box: 2x12V, 180-amp rear chassis mount

This truck is the first new Scania to enter Tasmanian logging in over a decade.

The Scania R 770 is well suited to the logging application.

Standing the test of time

A lot has changed over the past 100 years, however, Russell Transport’s commitment to getting the job done has never wavered.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

IT’S not often that you hear of an Australian family owned and operated business that’s still going strong after 100 years.

Now in its third generation, Russell Transport has truly stood the test of time.

Based in Brisbane, the company was started in 1925 by Roy Bayley Russell, when he began transporting motor spirit for Dalgety & Co Ltd, agents for the Commonwealth Oil Re nery (COR) in Brisbane.

From behind the wheel of a 1925 model Dodge, he laid the foundations for the company as we know it today, with his wife Beryl by his side. ough it wasn’t easy in those early days.

As Roy’s son Phil Russell, 78, told Big Rigs, “ e company experienced a staggered growth. e economy wasn’t doing well in the 1930s when we had the depression, so the company had to struggle through that. en when we came into the 1940s, there was World War II. By the 1950s, our eet consisted of many wartime trucks that we were able to buy second-hand. Brisbane was just a big country town back then in the 1950s.”

Phil says that by the time his father started taking photos in 1929, he had built his business up to three trucks. ey were based at a warehouse at New Farm Wharf, all doing the same work for the Dalgety & Co contract: adding a 1926 model Chevrolet and a 1929 model Dodge into the mix.

By the 1950s, Russell Transport was running a eet of 12 trucks. Along with the motor oil contract, they had also picked up a wool cartage contract, carting wool that came by rail from Central Queensland.

With growth came the opportunity to purchase land in Macquarie Street, New Farm, where Russell Transport constructed a specialised workshop to service its eet. In 1965, Russell Transport added an o ce and a new yard as its eet grew to around 20 trucks. en by 1971, the com

pany had relocated to a new site at Eagle Farm, where it continues to operate to this day.

Phil was 16 years old when he joined his father’s side at Russell Transport and as he recalled, there was never any question in his mind of where his career would lead.

“I was told that’s where I was going to work when I nished school – and I’ve been here ever since,” Phil said.

“When I rst started with Dad, the rst task I was given was to start an apprenticeship. My father took me to automo

completed that I was running the workshop.

“ en one day, he said to me, ‘I want you to step up.’ I asked why he wanted me to do that. He said, ‘Son, once you get to my age, you’ll understand.’

At that point, he was 70 and I was 24. He’d been running the business for 44 years.”

Phil took over the daily running of Russell Transport in 1971 and under his leadership, the business continued to grow, expanding to include the ownership of Metro-Lift Cranes, Caloundra General Transport, Bayley Industrial

ough Roy had passed the baton onto his son when he retired at the age of 70, he continued to provide advice and assistance well into his 80s.

His wife Beryl also played a crucial role in the company’s operations even after Roy’s retirement.

Like Phil, his kids grew up in the family business too, with Julie, Ken and Michael Russell joining his side in the 1990s and 2000s.

“I think I started operating the forklift when I was nine years old,” laughed Ken.

“It’s quite disappointing that there were a lot of things that

happened back then that you couldn’t let happen now, like having your kids go out with you in the truck.

“Dad did plenty of driving, whether piloting a load, or taking one of our oldest trucks with no air conditioning and no proper bed all the way to WA.”

As Ken continued, “I did a few trips with Dad as a kid, when he did fuel deliveries to cotton farms. We were doing a lot of petroleum back then, so I’d get to go on a weekend run with Dad.”

Ken was also lucky enough

ONE DAY, HE SAID TO ME, ‘I WANT YOU TO STEP UP.’ I ASKED WHY HE WANTED ME TO DO THAT. HE SAID, ‘SON, ONCE YOU GET TO MY AGE, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND’.”

PHIL RUSSELL

the company’s most experienced truck drivers, including Phil ompson, who has driven for the business for 55 years (and continues to do so to this day) and Waldo Lagosho who came to Australia after World War II and got his rst job with Russell Transport, where he stayed until the early 1990s. “I was sent out with both of these guys. I went out on fuel runs, went to the RAAF base. Back then you had the opportunity to go out with these experienced operators. You couldn’t do any of that today,” he said.

“You got to experience all of those di erent little nuances of people who were in the industry for all that time.”

And Phil agreed, “I think that’s one of the reasons we’re falling short with newcomers to the industry. at opportunity to see the industry as a child has been taken away.”

Re ecting on his earliest memories of the family business, Ken continued, “For me growing up, Dad thought he was an electrician, a plumber, an o ce man, an auto electrician. He was always doing things like xing lights or gates around the yard.”

As Phil chimed in, “We had to look after all our own gear.”

Julie, Ken, Phil and Michael Russell are proud to carry on the family legacy. Image: Chris Smith

A flashback to the early days with the original Russell Transport crew. Historic and truck images: Russell Transport

The transport task at Russell Transport is wide and diverse.

Trucks have certainly come a long way since Russell Transport was first started.

Roy Bayley Russell started the company in 1925, alongside his wi e er l Russell.

True to its 100-year heritage

From page 20

JULIE fondly recalled, “Some of my best childhood memories were when you had a birthday party and Dad would bring home a prime mover. e kids would take it in turns to jump in and go for a ride and honk the horn.

at’s another thing you’d never get away with today.

“But it was also a lot of late nights for Dad. I don’t remember many nights you’d see him come home early. People working in the business worked long hours.”

She continued, “I remember the classic Sunday drives Dad would take us on. He’d bribe us with McDonalds, and instead we’d be looking at trucks and truck yards.”

According to Ken, “Dad has a passion for trucks, whether he wants to admit it or not!

When he goes on holidays, he’ll send me pictures of road trains from remote places in Western Australia.”

Julie laughed, adding, “or he’ll send a message saying it looks like someone hasn’t closed the gate properly because he’s checking the cameras!”

Russell Transport today is a very diverse operation that has remained true to its heritage. e current eet includes over 200 heavy vehicles – with approximately 140 of those being prime movers, and the remainder rigids – along with around 350 trailers.

e business operates out of ve of its own Queensland sites, along with 15 customer operated sites, all of which are in Queensland apart from two located in Adelaide.

“I still say we’re a small business, but we’re a very diverse business, specialising in contract distribution,” said Ken.

Among its key contracts are major steel suppliers, liquor distribution for Woolworths, container transport, general freight, refrigerated freight, and an industrial resources division which includes heavy haulage and specialised transport operations.

“We transport everything from food and steel, to servicing the construction, mining and resources sectors. We

don’t do petroleum anymore. We also do forklifts and handling. Russell Transport is a true logistics provider not just a transport operator. We have a lot of specialised equipment and services that we o er, along with our crane business, Metro-Lift Cranes,” explained Ken. Phil revealed that about 90 per cent of Russell Transport’s work is within a 150-kilometre radius of Brisbane, however there are also some vehicles located in Bundaberg, Gladstone and Mt Isa too.

In terms of its preferred truck and trailer brands, Ken says, “For us, it’s about matching the speci cation to the application. Speccing the equipment for the task enables us to secure the work. And we can modify the equipment where needed.”

For example, Kenworths are the preferred truck brand for the more arduous work, Macks are used for contract work and it’s Isuzus for the rigids. However more recently, the company has been adding some DAFs into the mix too.

On the trailer front, Haulmark Trailers supplies prairie wagons and specialised

while curtainsiders come from Vawdrey, Krueger and Freighter.

“Our oldest trailer is from Haulmark and was bought in 1975 – and it still goes out and makes the same money as our new trailers,” revealed Phil. “It’s testimony to the design of Haulmark’s trailers. About 100 of our trailers currently in service are from Haulmark.”

As the eet has grown so too has the number of sta , with Russell Transport now employing close to 270 people.

Re ecting on 100 years in business, Ken admits it hasn’t always been an easy ride, “It’s taken lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to 100 years. It’s not all fun and games. But to have survived this long, we’re very proud. We’ve survived in a tough environment. You can sugar coat things but there have been some brutal experiences – and we’ve always come out the other side. And each time we come through the other side, we’re even stronger.

“We’ve always been open to change, and that’s how we’ve gotten this far. My father brought a lot of innovation to this business, and now we’ve continued that in terms of

our equipment and the services we o er.”

Having made it to 100 years is undoubtedly a reason to celebrate. With that success though also comes pressure.

“And that pressure is real,” added Ken. “Coming in as the next generation, you hear people say, you’ve got a silver spoon in your mouth. But all we’ve been given is an opportunity. We’re in a service industry and we’re essentially

still doing the same thing we were 100 years ago, putting something on a vehicle and bringing it to where it needs to go. e way we do that has all changed, but we’re essentially still doing the same thing.”

Asked about how it feels for Russell Transport to achieve its centenary, Julie responded, “We want to celebrate but we’ve been taught to be modest too. How does it feel

when you’re in the thick of it, because it’s just another day and another wheel turning.”

To mark its 100th anniversary, Russell Transport has planned a number of events through the year and also plans to unveil a special 100year K220, with a mural on the back that tells the company’s story. e family are hoping to have this ready to unveil at

the Brisbane Truck

(OAM) in 2023.

A night-time heavy machinery move.

Ken, Julie, Phil and Michael Russell. Image: Chris Smith

Retro rigs roll up in Allora

BY KAYLA WALSH

THOUSANDS of people and over 100 trucks rolled up to celebrate the Allora Heritage Weekend’s 30th anniversary, with show president Graeme McMillan declaring the event a big hit.

“ e weather was perfect –it stayed dry and it wasn’t too hot!” he said.

“We were really happy with the crowd and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.”

A fantastic array of vintage trucks, from R Model Macks to Ford Louisvilles to Kenworth Aerodynes were on display, taking part in four grand parades on Saturday and two on Sunday.

“It’s a great chance to show o the trucks – they get out and have a sway around in the ring,” said McMillan.

“A couple of them even put their trucks in the tractor pull.”

Other highlights from the weekend, which was held at the Allora Showgrounds on the New England Highway in Queensland, included a lineup of vintage cars, motorbikes, tractors and historical machinery.

“Our featured cars were ‘60s Holdens, Falcons and Valiants and we had a good roll-up of them,” he said.

“We also had a swap meet going, as we always do, and I think it was a lot bigger than usual.”

e event was a great chance for the community to come together, with state schools and charities getting involved.

“Year 10s and the Cancer

Council were running the canteens,” he said.

“We’ll be giving some donations back to the local community once we work

president of the Allora Heritage Weekend for the past four years, and was one of the show’s original founders. “ e stationery engine boys

them o ,” he said.

“ e rst year of the event we had eight stationery engines and three or four trucks, half a dozen cars, three tractors and that was it. “ en it went ballistic in

the late 90s and early 2000s, with over 200 trucks one year.

coming back next year and doing it all again.

“It’s calmed down a bit since then – it’s a good manageable size, but still popular.”

He’s looking forward to

“Whether I’ll be president again, I haven’t made up my mind – but it will be happening and I will be there, God willing.”

Aussie mateship at its best on Australia Day long weekend

BY ANN-MARIE HICKS

THE Aussie Hay Runners (AHR) made another run into South Australia over the Australia Day long weekend.

Our mates from the east delivered over 60 truckloads of hay to our battling farmers around Orroroo, Carrieton, Peterborough and areas in between.

e convoy arrived at the Peterborough Rodeo Ground to be met with strong support from the local community.

e drivers were greeted by the Rotary Club of Peterborough, who had prepared a magni cent BBQ dinner for all of those involved and music entertainment was also supplied.

e convoy then disbanded early the next morning after breakfast prepared by the Rotary Club of Peterborough. ey went o in di erent directions to deliver the precious cargo. is did not just include hay, but dog food, and goodies for our farmers and their families, these goods were all donated.

e farmers were so thankful for their load of hay. It was like a well-oiled machine in operation: drivers, farmers and supporters, all coming together to get the job done.

It was a hot and dusty day

and highlighted the need for these deliveries. It is fair to say they were a very welcome sight. Over 40 of these trucks headed back east to reload and do it all again. In total 106 loads of hay delivered. is was Aussie mateship at its best and a great way to celebrate Australia Day long weekend.

ese very same trucks were back on the road on January 28 heading to NSW to reload again before the nal 26 of the 106 loads made their way over to the Ceduna LGA, to complete the second SA run.

“Sadly, there are still so many who need help, so if you can, please see the pinned post at the top of our page on how

you can help us help them,” said AHR on its Facebook page. “And know, 100 per cent of

your donation will be used to buy premium hay, our “hay experts” reckon it’s good enough for them to eat.”

SA farmers were thrilled to see the trucks. Images: Down the White Lines Truck Photography

The hay runners had strong support from the local community. It was a well-oiled machine over the busy weekend.

A 1980 Ford F350 stood out from the crowd. Images: Rusty Truck Photos

This Mack H-67 and “Flintstone” R Model were immaculate.

This 100 anniversary Mack was a beaut.

The convoy headed off to deliver the precious cargo.

A Kenworth W924 stood proudly on display.

Congratulations to our Pic of the Month winner BJ Jackson. A $500 Shell Coles Express voucher is on its way to you!

Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

SHELL

with Big Rigs in a big way – so there are even more reasons to send in your best truck shots.

team will choose a #PicOfT

heMonth, with the lucky winner receiving a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.

Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper Facebook page, calling

where the photo was taken. We’ll feature some of the best photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month.

Keep those amazing truck pics coming!

Zac Anthony took this ripper shot of his 1997 model 6900 Heritage bound for the Philippines at Darwin Wharf.

Sam Dix took this sunny snap while heading to a farm in rural  i toria.

Cheers to Graeme Morell for this photo, taken in Werribee in the early hours of the morning by his enthusiastic driver Paul.

Thanks to Cassie Jackson for this snap of the 904 making a fertiliser delivery to Moula ein   S .

Phil Sizer took this fantastic pic on his way to Perth.

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

Adam Whitney took this ripper pic of Ore Transport in the  ilbara.

oel arren showed o his hotogra h skills while arting a load o a oniu nitrate ro Collie A to Carra ateena Mine in SA.

adia ade Ta lor shared this sna o her tru kie dad Mark who sadl assed awa 0 ears ago this onth.

Ste en hite grabbed this shot at M Kinla while heading down ro arwin to risbane on his weekl run.

lake Keller eier sna ed this at ush Tu ker in arringun   S .

Thanks Mi hael Roels or this stunning sunrise at beron S .

Russell S iller shot this while heading o er the border to A with a load o ard anels.

Advanced fth wheels and repair kits

AT the heart of every robust truck, SAMPA’s advanced fth wheel ensures the stron gest connection between the truck and the trailer, prom ising a smooth ride on any road. It guarantees safe and balanced handling, with per fect weight distribution and exible articulation, making it indispensable for long-dis tance transportation in the logistics industry.

e SAMPA fth wheel boasts a heavy-duty build, with an extra-strong casting body and wear-resistant ma terials for long-term durabili ty. For corrosion protection, a special coating prevents rust, thus extending service life.

Improved lubrication grooves ensure enhanced lubricant distribution and long-lasting retention.

Other features of the SAMPA fth wheel include an adjustable locking mechanism that adapts to dimensional changes, improving safety and compatibility; and a reinforced steel locking collar to increase impact resistance and reduce wear.

Rigorously tested and type-approved, SAMPA fth wheels o er industry-leading quality assurance – guaranteed.

Why fifth wheel repair kits matter

Over time, continuous coupling and uncoupling, heavy loads, and road conditions

cause wear and tear in the fth wheel coupling system. is can lead to loose connections, uneven load distribution, and premature component failure. Instead of replacing an entire fth wheel assembly, SAMPA’s fth wheel repair kits provide a cost-e ective, e cient solution to restore maximum performance and extend component life.

Key components in SAMPA’s fifth wheel repair kits

For enhanced stability and reduced wear, the kits feature superior upper and lower mounting pads. e bushings and pins minimise friction and extend the life of moving parts. Robust bearing strength is designed to withstand heavy loads e ortlessly.

Its reinforced rubber compo nents are manufactured from a unique blend for optimal resilience and durability. are precision-engineered for a tight, secure t to prevent accidental disengagement.

RIGOROUSLY TESTED AND TYPEAPPROVED, SAMPA FIFTH WHEELS OFFER INDUSTRY-LEADING QUALITY ASSURANCE –GUARANTEED.”

Retaining clips and springs maintain proper tension within the locking system for consistent performance. While grease and lubrication components are designed totion, preventing premature

wear and ensuring smooth operation.

Rust-free assembly hardware includes high-quality washers, lock nuts, and bolts for secure, long-lasting connections.

SAMPA’s comprehensive repair kits include all necessary components to renew the locking mechanism and pivot points, ensuring smooth and secure trailer coupling.

With a SAMPA repair kit, truck owners can prolong the lifespan of their fth wheel coupling, enhance safety, and save on replacement costs – keeping your heavy-duty vehicle longer on the road, and shorter in the maintenance bay.

SAMPA recently opened its new logistics centre in Truganina, Victoria.

SAMPA’s fifth wheel repair kits include all the components to renew the locking mechanism and pivot points.

SAMPA Managing Director – Oceania, Serhan Memik.

The technology transforming broadacre farming

AN innovative Victorian company is helping farmers save time and greatly increase productivity.

Based in Bendigo, Victoria, Autonomous AG has developed cutting-edge technology that converts traditional tractors into fully autonomous machinery with self-steering and self-navigating capabilities.

Sold in the form of kits, farmers can retro t this technology onto their existing tractors, making them completely driverless. Integrated with WHG’s FleetCAM camera solution

and the TruckCAM product, operators have complete visibility from anywhere.

Autonomous AG was launched in late 2023. It was the brainchild of four entrepreneurs: Levent Gulec, Yasin Gulec, Nicholas To ul, and veteran farmer Brendan Williams, a leading expert in agricultural technology with over 40 years of experience driving innovation in farming and agribusiness.

As Levent explained, “Farmers already have the machinery so we’ve come up with a

way they can use that existing equipment and make it drive autonomously.”

ese kits are an Australian rst – and they’re now being used with great success – with a number of systems now in use across Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

“Some of our customers have 20,000-hectare properties.

ere’s no need for farmers to be spending 15 hours a day in a tractor, spraying or cultivating, when they could be doing other things,” said Levent, who serves as the company’s CEO.

“Our system works via GPS. Farmers can plot a route via GPS or they can drive the tractor rst to plot their own route, which is then saved. All they have to do is press play.”

More recently, Autonomous AG has teamed up with technology provider WHG to further enhance their o ering to farmers.

Using WHG’s TruckCAM Max system, farmers are given a full view of their tractor’s surrounds while it works autonomously, through the use of four cameras – two at the front and two at the rear.

“ is means farmers can remotely check the status of

their tractor and watch a live stream,” said Levent.

“Autonomous AG chose WHG for our camera technology because they have such a good reputation and their products are great. ey’ve also provided great support in adapting and integrating the technology with our systems – and they’re locally based in Victoria too.”

He continued, “WHG’s TruckCAM system has been tried and tested in the trucking industry – and now it’s working really well for the farming industry too.

“It means farmers can check the various cameras through an app on their phone. ere are radars on our kits, so if the system detects an obstacle in front of it, the tractor stops and the farmer gets an alert. Now farmers can check what it is, and if for example it was a kangaroo that has since moved on, they can restart the tractor remotely.

“With the cameras on the back, it allows farmers to check the implement they’re using with the tractor is working correctly. For example if they’re using a sprayer, they can check on it to make sure there are no blockages.”

With autonomous tractor technology for the agricultural industry still a relatively new concept, Autonomous AG is excited about what the future holds and the endless possibilities.

“We’ve now got our systems out in the eld operating and the farmers using them have been really happy with the technology,” said Levent.

“With anything new, people want to see how they work out in the eld before deciding to purchase. Now we’ve got a massive list of orders because

Looking to the future, Au tonomous AG is hoping to expand the variety of uses for its autonomous tractor kits.

“We’re looking to integrate our system with as many use cases as possible. At the moment, the technology is being used for spraying and cultivating, next we want to get into seeding. We’ll look to continuously upgrade and adapt our systems, investing heavily in research and development to make farmers’ lives easier.”

WHG is proud to support

Autonomous AG and to see technology products o ered further in agriculture. Dylan Hartley, Director of Operations, WHG stated, “WHG Telematics has been widely used by farmers for asset tracking, and it’s exciting to see this partnership drive innovation in video telematics in agriculture.”

To nd out more about Autonomous AG, please visit autonomousag.com.au. To nd out about WHG’s range of technology solutions, call 1800 474 387 or visit whg-telematics.com.

LEARN FIRST AID

PT Blueboys expands range of hydraulic coupling covers

MARKET

leading coupling

cover manufacturer PT Blueboys has launched a new series of ½” and ¾” hydraulic coupling covers, further expanding on its existing range of air and 1” hydraulic covers.

e new covers have been speci cally designed to t a wide range of hydraulic ttings including at face couplings, ISO poppet couplings, 5675-4000 series, 7241-1 series A, commonly used on machinery in the transportation, agriculture, construction and mining industry.

Director Darren Dillon said their products provide machine owners with a robust and durable solution that signi cantly reduces machinery downtime and tting replacement costs.

“Unlike dust caps, that only cover up the coupling cavity, a sleeve will seal out all dust, dirt and moisture, reducing wear and tear of the entire tting and minimising the time spent on cleaning and repairing them,” he explained.

“ e covers can be tted in under one minute and are made in high-grade silicone to ensure durability and resistance to harsh environments,”

Darren added. e coupling covers are sold with matching plugs to further provide the ttings with full coverage while disconnected. Since their launch in 2017, PT Blueboys has established a growing network of over 120 distributors across Australia, mainly serving the transportation industry.

Darren said the new coupling covers will enable PT Blueboys to expand into industries they have not tapped

into before, and further grow in international markets.

“We’ve primarily targeted trucks and trailers over the past years, so we’re very excited to o er a sleeve that is compatible with ttings frequently used on ag, mining and construction machinery as well.

“We have also seen an increase in sales and demand from multiple countries outside Australia. With this new launch we will be able to meet

those requests as well,” he said.

PT Blueboys provides market leading coupling covers for air hose and hydraulic connectors in the transportation, construction, agriculture and mining industry.

ey are a family-owned business founded in 2017 by Goondiwindi locals Darren and Anna Dillon.

All their products are designed and manufactured in Australia.

UNLIKE DUST CAPS, THAT ONLY COVER UP THE COUPLING CAVITY, A SLEEVE WILL SEAL OUT ALL DUST, DIRT AND MOISTURE.”

DARREN DILLON

For more information about these new products, and others, visit the website, ptblueboys.com.au, or call 0408 148 307.

PT Blueboys coupling covers are made of high-grade silicone.

The Dillon family [L-R]: Tyler, Darren, Anna and Parker. Images: PT Blueboys

Classic rigs dazzle in Koroit

Our Victorian reporter packed up the caravan for the weekend to meet a passionate crew of trucking enthusiasts showing off their pride and joys.

BY GRAHAM HARSANT

ONE of the rst truck shows of the year, in Victoria at least, is held at Koroit in the state’s western district.

As always, the show didn’t disappoint, albeit with a couple of local companies who usually display an array of their trucks called away for business. Many of their spots were taken by newcomers or others who brought along more than one truck.

One newcomer to the show was Richard Wilken who arrived with his recent acquisition which attracted more attention than bees to a honeypot – the classic and famous Mack Bicentennial Edition Super-Liner, Captain Cook, resplendent in its 14-year-old paintwork [Ed’s note: Watch out for a follow-up feature on Captain Cook in the next issue].

Better known as TJ, John Cousins is a proud owner of a Kenworth. Not just any Kenworth though. is is one of a number that sports a very particular paint livery and two words which would be sure to raise the ire of Richard Wilken. ose two words? ‘Mack Muncher’.

John and his crew all sported T-shirts (of Warwick Talbot’s LT38 Muncher), proclaiming the fact, along with the subtitle, ‘Get the Dogs!’ It’s little wonder that he was not parked up next to Richard at Koroit.

“I’ve loved these Cleveland trucks since I was a young fella. My wife and I used to run Perth and we always saw the Mack Munchers. I had to have one.

“I heard Frank (Cleveland) was shutting up shop so I rang him up and I said I want one of the old yard trucks – the cab overs. He said, ‘I could have sold another 25 of them. You won’t get one.’ I asked what he had left. A 600 and 601s, he replied.

“I wasn’t really interested but I went home thought about it and rang the next morning to grab the 600 and it’d gone. en a mate in Perth got onto one and contacted me.

“I rang the Mrs, told her to contact the owner and lay down a deposit. A young bloke

at Barnawartha had it so I went and had a look. It’d been a bit knocked around and had been in the yard for probably 10 years but I grabbed it anyway, even though it had been rolled twice, the last time in the late 90s. It’s a 1980 model but has the late-model cab on it with the wraparound dash. ey reckon it’s done about 4 million kilometres but she still goes pretty well.

“When I rst bought it home I excitedly took it for a run up the road and back, then I got more excited and took it up and back again and parked up.

e fam said you better get out here because the exhausts are on re. Sure enough, there were ames pouring out of the stacks. When I pulled them apart there was carbon everywhere, no doubt from years of

idling around the yard.

“So that’s the story. It’s a special truck and is part of Australian folklore. ey were pretty fast in the day too. I was lucky enough to get it and she’s come to a good home. We are just fortunate enough to be able to carry on with Frankie’s legacy.”

Enjoying camaraderie

Not everyone comes to Koroit to win an award. John Sheppard from Geelong was quite happy to just turn up in his truck, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the camaraderie.

‘His’ truck was the rst one he ever bought back in 1985 – a 1980 International S-line which had belonged to Morgan’s sawmills in Tasmania.

“I had this truck for nine

years until I sold it 31 years ago….and I bought it back last year.

“When I retired I had two Aerodynes and the guy that had this bought them. Part of the deal was that I got this back. I haven’t done anything to it other than repaint the fading black stripe.

“It was a prime mover when I sold it and the buyer stretched it, put the tray on and towed a Dolly behind it with a 45 footer trailer be hind that, which was legal in New South Wales back in 1994.

“For a 45-year-old truck it’s in bloody good nick.” [And it absolutely is, with the interior looking as good as new].

“I’m now debating whether to leave it as a tray but I’m tempted to take that o , cut

the back out of the sleeper and stretch it out to maybe 80 inches, put a turntable back on and turn it back into a prime mover.

“ e truck had a Cummins 300 when I bought it, but I upped it to 500hp driving through a 15-speed on 44,000lb di s. Mechanically it’s still perfect. I believe the motor hasn’t been touched since I sold it.

“I did 3 million kilometres on it up until 31 years ago. What it’s done since then I have no idea, but I won’t be selling it again.

“ ey say you’re not supposed to get sentimental about trucks but, hey.”

Continued on page 34

TJ (R) and mate Ray in front of the Mack Muncher.

Richard Wilken and his stunning Mack Bicentennial Edition

John Sheppard is reunited with his S-line International that he bought back 31 years after selling it.

Whitehead of Mt Gambier brought multiple trucks, including this mint KW T909. Show Committeeman, Graeme Morris’s Leyland Buffalo.

Dave Derham’s 1984 K100, a past show winner.

Head-turning Diamond-T

From page 32

MURRAY Langford is a resto-

ration perfectionist and owns a number of brands that would make your mouth water. None more so than the 1950 Diamond-T he brought to Koroit.

“I’d been looking for one of these for many years. ey are so rare that they are simply not available. ere are only 21 or 22 left worldwide. I’d mentioned my desire to Dan omas, a good mate of mine in the US and the next moment he’s on the phone saying he’d found one in Wyoming.

“If you don’t buy it, I will”.

“He ew there, had a look at it and said, yes this is the one you want. So, I bought it sight unseen.

“We still don’t know where it did most of its work. It was in a museum in Nebraska for quite a few years. eir museums are not what ours are, so it needed quite a bit of work when we got it back. It took us two years to restore it – that’s two of us working on it nonstop. But now it’s nished, it’s beautiful and it is just lovely to drive with its original engine, which is an NHRS Cummins with 300hp which was a lot of power in its day when many people were messing around with 100hp Perkins.

“ ere are two others in Australia – one in central New South Wales at Parkes and I don’t know when they’ll restore that. ere is another in Perth which I looked at rst to buy, but it had a Budda in it and the Budda was seized up so I left it alone and went with this one.

“Why yellow, before you ask?” said Murray. “I saw a 500 Kenworth in the United States that was done in exactly this colour and it looked beautiful. It’s as simple as that!”

e truck is indeed spectacular and dressed o with black guards both front and back it really pops. Murray walked away with two show awards –well he would’ve if he hadn’t already departed for Mount Gambier. We’re sure they’ll be sent to him.

A popular winner

Brad Walker arrived at Koroit with a couple of trucks, both tippers and one of which was never a popular truck and was consequently short lived – that being a CAT. When I rst met Brad some years back, he had a superb Mack Super-Liner which he sold. e rst question I put to him was why?

“I had a brand-new 9oh turning up. e Super-Liner wasn’t owned totally, and I didn’t want another payment and friend, John was there, he had the money and was a good bloke to deal with, so I stupidly let it go.”

Brad does a lot of road construction work, hence the tippers.

“Dad drove trucks on and o when he was young and my grandfather was a truck driver all his life. From the minute I could walk I was going to be a truck driver. On school holidays I went with dad’s mate, Barney McFadyen, who would pick me up on his way to work

in a ute. He’d stop and get a newspaper and it used to annoy me because I just wanted to get to the truck. I was 10 or 11 and I said, ‘Can’t you do that the day before?’ I wanted him to get today’s paper yesterday. at’s how keen I was.

“ e CAT’s done just over 1 million kilometres – all tipper work – and had one turbo in that time. Otherwise, the motor’s not been touched. It is on its second gear box and did a clutch. Inside the upholstery and the dash is immaculate –like it came out of the factory. I can’t fault it.”

Along with the CAT, Brad also bought along – as it turns out, very fortuitously for him – his other truck, a Kenworth T659.

“It took two-and-a-half years to get it looking as you see it here today. I went with a T659 because I wanted something di erent. Klos did all the stainless, omas Quigley did the bar, Heath from Boort did the signwriting and Chris’s Tipper Body’s supplied the tray – people I have always dealt with. I went black on black inside which the sales rep I deal with, Ron, said is only the third black one he’s done in 23 years.” (It looks great)

It is fair to say that Brad is a master of black and white on a truck.

“It started because all the trucks I bought were white and it was just easy to paint the guards black. And then everywhere you go, into the quarries and all, they know who you are straight away.”

ese days of course it is not just the guards, but the little touches like the scrolling on the bonnet which is understated but very classy. Even down to the D&K Walker signage named after sons, Dylan and Kane, which is done in a twotone grey.

Going back to that Super-Liner that Brad ‘stupidly’ sold, he has never been able to get it out of his system so consequently he has bought another, this time a 2007 Super-Liner, currently in the paint shop.

“ at model was the last of the good stu as far as I’m concerned.

“I do get a bit disheartened and wonder why I bother coming here and entering a truck in the competition when I see the Cornwills’ trucks –they are just that good. No, they are way better than that.

Troy Cornwill paid me a great complement earlier when he said, for what we do this T659 is too good.”

Whilst he didn’t know it at the time, Troy’s words to Brad were prophetic because the T659 won Rig of the Show, no mean feat when looking at the class that was on display at Koroit.

e win means Brad will be invited to take the truck to the Brisbane Truck Show in May, joining the Cornwills with their Legend SAR and some 25 other trucks that have won various shows around the country and where the best truck in the land will be chosen.

KOROIT WINNERS

There can be only one winner, and this year the honour went to Brad Walker and his KW T659.

O ering full driveway service

COMPLETE Steering Australia (CSA) o ers the largest range of heavy vehicle power steering products in Australia, covering a wide array of makes and models. We stock leading global brands such as R.H. Sheppard, ZF/TRW Aftermarket, Bosch, Hema, Vickers, and high-quality aftermarket options, providing both premium and cost-effective solutions.

As a proud Tier 1 supplier and remanufacturer, CSA works closely with numerous OEMs in the manufacturing sector. With locations in Melbourne and Brisbane, we provide full driveway service for both on-truck and bench work. CSA has long been a leader in the truck and bus power steering industry, known for decades of innovation and patented designs, including our Australian designed mitre boxes and I-shaft manufacturing.

Our commitment to excellence has made a signi cant impact on the industry. At CSA we ensure every product meets strict original equipment quality standards, backed by our ISO9001-certi ed development and manufacturing processes for both remanufactured and new products.

We are especially proud of our Australian made products, with the o cial green

and gold triangle seal of approval. Our patented range of Australian made mitre boxes (available in 90-degree, 120-degree, and 3-way) offers unrivalled reliability, ensuring your vehicles perform at their best. Our mitre box is a direct replacement for the TRW Mitre box and features smoother operation, nil backlash, and minimal rotating drag in a smaller package that is lighter in weight.

Our I-Shaft design has revolutionised the industry, gaining support from eets and owner operators who bene t from improved steer-

ing feel and dynamics. e I-Shaft, is a smaller overall size than others for easier tment, has reduced operational sliding spline drag and a low slip load that attributes to smoother steering feel with quieter operation. It also features replaceable and greaseable universal joints and can be retro t into current applications. We also have a new revolutionary product currently in development! Come along to the Brisbane Truck Show (Stand 197) to check it out. CSA also provides comprehensive driveway services, in-

cluding repair for all makes of trucks and buses, with quick turnaround options using remanufactured steering gears and power steering pumps. Our full-service diagnostics include mechanical inspections, as well as pressure and ow testing. Additionally, we o er in-house remanufacturing of steering columns – true to our name, Complete Steering Australia.

For more information, call Complete Steering Australia on 1300 270 370 or drop in to our Melbourne or Brisbane locations.

The Complete Steering Australia Brisbane workshop. Images: CSA

CSA offers a variety of steering wheels.

New brake tester for Gilbert & Roach

NEPEAN Transport has recently completed the installation of a locally manufactured, custom inground roller brake tester at Gilbert & Roach’s agship site at

Huntingwood, NSW. is advanced equipment upgrade is a testament to their commitment to excellence in heavy vehicle service and maintenance.

A game-changing upgrade is custom inground roller brake tester signi cantly enhances Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood’s ability to provide a wide range of services, including new truck builds, truck servicing and repairs. By investing in this cutting-edge technology, the dealership ensures improved safety and eciency for their customers and operations alike.

Proudly supporting Australian businesses

At NEPEAN Transport, we’re dedicated to delivering custom-built solutions that empower businesses to excel in heavy vehicle maintenance.

Our locally manufactured equipment re ects our commitment to quality and supporting the Australian transport industry. Collaborations like this drive our mission to elevate safety standards and operational e ciency across the sector.

Congratulations on this milestone

NEPEAN Transport extends its heartfelt congratulations to the team at Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood on this significant upgrade. It’s an honour to contribute to their vision of providing world-class service and maintenance capabilities for heavy vehicles. Discover how NEPEAN

Transport’s Roller Brake Tester can enhance your eet’s safety and performance.

For more information, contact Stephen directly at +61

491 780 434 or email us at nte.team@nepeantransport. com. To explore our solutions, visit nepeantransport.com.au/vis-check-roller-brake-tester.

A more balanced approach to apprenticeship funding

HEAVY Vehicle Industry

Australia (HVIA) has called for a more balanced and strategic approach to apprenticeship funding across all sectors to address Australia’s critical skills shortage.

Speaking after the federal government announced a $10,000 cash bonus incentive for apprentices in the residential construction industry, HVIA CEO Todd Hacking said isolated bonus schemes are not the answer.

“Supporting apprentices is essential for the success of all industries,” Hacking said.

“We must not forget that the

construction industry relies on our members’ trucks and trailers to deliver their goods. It’s vital that government schemes recognise the interconnected nature of our economy.”

Hacking urged the government to pay closer attention to what industries such as the heavy vehicle sector were saying. “Our industry requires a new generation of highly skilled apprentices, supported by training packages that evolve to meet industry needs.”

While HVIA supports the success of all sectors, it stresses the importance of a cohesive strategy that raises the

standard and appeal of trades across the board.

“We want trades in Australia to be a high-level, attractive career choice for everyone,” Hacking added. “But this re-

quires thoughtful engagement from the government, not quick- x solutions.”

As a vital part of the economy, the heavy vehicle industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the nation’s supply chains continue to operate smoothly, Hacking said. “And without equal opportunities for our apprentices, the sustainability of our industry is at risk.”

e Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) also raised concerns about the residential construction apprenticeship bonus scheme, warning that it risks creating an uneven playing

eld among Australia’s critical trade industries.

“While we fully support initiatives to bolster apprenticeships, which are vital to building Australia’s future workforce, we need a comprehensive approach that strengthens the entire skills base,” said Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland.

“By o ering nancial incentives solely to the construction sector, the government risks unintentionally diverting apprentices away from the automotive industry, making their decision based on nancial gain rather than genuine inter-

est or the needs of the industry,” Camm explained. e construction apprenticeship scheme would pay apprentices in ve $2000 instalments over the duration of their apprenticeship, additional to any pay from their employers. e cost to the budget would be $626.9 million, with funding already set aside in the mid-year budget update. at would be enough to fund just over 60,000 apprentices.

A similar Albanese government initiative for “green jobs” struggled to attract many, with only 2200 apprentices signing on for their $10,000 payment.

HEAVY DUTY SOLUTIONS

WE’RE TAKING YOUR BUSINESS FURTHER

As Australia’s largest vehicle aftermarket parts provider, we’ve built our heritage on keeping you moving - whether it’s one truck or an entire fleet.

From heavy duty air conditioning and alternators to LED lighting, brakes, oils, and tools, our comprehensive range is designed to meet the demands of every workshop and fleet manager.

With over 60 locations on the National Land Transport Network, 24/7 online ordering, and expert customer service, we’re more than just a supplier - we’re your partner in heavy duty brands, range and solutions.

HVIA has expressed concern over the federal government’s $10,000 residential construction apprenticeship bonus scheme. Image: HVIA

The new brake tester will enhance Gilbert & Roach’s ability to provide a wide range of services.

Huntingwood. Images: NEPEAN Transport

Airbags are only the beginning

DESPITE what the name suggests, Brisbane-based Airbag Man supplies far more than just airbags when it comes to heavy vehicle suspension.

As an approved Firestone distributor for truck, trailer, cab, and seat airbags, Airbag Man has been supplying air suspension systems and components to the heavy vehicle market since 1995.

Beyond supplying high quality replacement airbags, the company also designs and manufactures a range of suspension assist kits for the heavy vehicle industry. Where a multi-leaf or parabolic leaf spring cannot cater for the large varying loads alone, Airbag Man’s helper kits are designed speci cally to mount between the leaf spring and the chassis providing additional support.

An Airbag Man helper system achieves a safer vehicle for both the driver and their cargo, supporting the load to prevent bottoming out and suspension sag, while also improving vehicle stability, handling and braking.

From their state-of-the-art facility in Brendale, the team also supplies a wide range of air control components for heavy vehicles, including height control valves; raise/

WE’VE BUILT LONGLASTING RELATIONSHIPS BY PROVIDING SOLUTIONS THAT TRULY ADD VALUE.”

RICHARD CLAMP

lower valves; brake protection valves; lift axle valves; as well as pressure control regulators and gauges.

System-speci c enclosures are designed and assembled in-house to meet customer and legislation requirements, following ISO9001 Quality Assurance Operating Standards.

e proudly Australian owned and operated family business, which started o in a suburban garage 30 years ago, is now one of the largest airbag suspension companies in the world.

To meet growing demand, Airbag Man has expanded its product range to an impressive 7000 line items (and growing).

Airbag Man founder and managing director Richard Clamp said their products were made to stand up to the demands of heavy vehicles in the harsh Australian conditions.

“Over the last 30 years, Airbag Man has been synonymous with air suspension in Australia, in partnership with world-leading brands like Firestone and Dunlop,” Richard said.

“Our suspension products are well proven in Australia’s harsh conditions, with thou-

three decades.”

Airbag Man’s commitment to excellence extends beyond just its products. e company prides itself on its customer service, o ering expert advice and comprehensive support to ensure customers get the most out of their air suspension systems.

“Our customers are the heart of our business,” Richard said. “We’ve built long-lasting relationships by providing solutions that truly add value, and that’s something we’ll always continue to do.

“Backed by a team of spe-

cialists and supported by a vast dealer network, Airbag Man is a one-stop-shop for all your heavy vehicle air suspension needs,” he said.

For more information, visit airbagman.com.au or speak to an Airbag Man specialist by calling 1800 247 224.

 Solutions for light, medium & heavy vehicles

 Range of air control components

 ISO 9001 Certified since 2007 MORE THAN JUST AIRBAGS

SUSPENSION HELPER TRUCK AIRBAGS

sands of satis ed users over the past

Airbag Man leaf helper suspension. Images: Airbag Man

Airbag Man is an authorised distributor of Firestone airbags for heavy vehicles.

Airbag Man’s head office and warehouse in Brendale, Queensland.

Hydrosteer, Australia’s largest heavy vehicle power steering specialists, carrying Australia’s largest range of heavy vehicle power steering and commercial vehicle power steering products. The range includes the following:

• New and re-manufactured power steering gears, R.H. Sheppard, TRW/ Ross, ZF Steering Systems, Bosch, JKC, Aisin Seiki and Koyo

• Steering pumps to suit all makes and models. (ZF, TRW, Vickers and more)

• IMMI (Formerly VIP) steering wheels

• Steering slip shafts

• Australian Made Mitre boxes and R.H. Sheppard.

• Oil reservoirs, filters and parts

STEERING SYSTEM SERVICE

• Drag link assemblies that are made to OEM`s stringent quality specifications.

Hydrosteer have 4 fully equipped workshops in Bayswater Victoria, Laverton Victoria, Maddington W.A., and Wetherill Park New South Wales*. Workshop services include steering system diagnosis, steering system optimisation, full driveway service*, steering gear remanufacturing, pump refurbishment, Dual Control Conversions, LHD to RHD conversions, Road-Rail Vehicles. All completed by qualified technicians with years of experience in heavy vehicle power steering systems. Whatever your heavy vehicle steering system needs are Hydrosteer has you covered, and all our products and services come with a 12 month “No Argument” warranty

PROUD AUTHORISED SUPPLIERS

Fuel water separator lters use world leading technology

RYCO’S Multi Flow fuel water separator lters for Davco/Fuel Pro systems are designed to eliminate the need for multiple lters, streamlining inventory for owners, drivers, and repairers, with this cost-e ective range that doesn’t compro-

mise on performance. e R2943P and R2955P fuel water separator lters remove water and contaminants from diesel fuel before reaching the engine. Utilising Ryco’s world leading synthetic lter media technology, it provides control and

accuracy of life, e ciency and ow. is multi ow technology takes the guess work out of selecting the correct lter for your engine when servicing the system, replacing OEM 7, 10, 25 and 50 micron lters all into one.

For ease of use and peace of mind, both the R2943P and R2955P lters only require replacement when fuel reaches the black band or are part of a manufacturer’s service schedule, saving money on unnecessary lter maintenance. is range has superior fuel water separation using the latest in technology lter media, ltering contaminants down to 7 micron at 98.67 per cent e ciency, and water separation at 98.4 per cent e ciency.

Designed to withstand the harsh Australian operating conditions of diesel engines, this new range can improve fuel economy, as cleaner fuel injectors atomise fuel more e ciently than dirty fuel

injectors, leading to overall lower operating costs and reduced emissions. ese lters are available for a wide range of diesel engine applications where the Davco/ Fuel Pro 380/382 are tted, including on-road vehicles, o -road equipment, and marine engines. Filters are available in R2943P ‘standard size’ 97mm diameter and R2955P ‘plus size’ 107mm diameter con gurations to meet the speci c needs of each application. e R2943P and R2955P Multi Flow ‘all in one’ fuel water separator lters are a fantastic addition to the Ryco range that sees the company continuing to deliver on e ciency and innovation while providing a cost-e ective option for truck owners and eet managers that will not void manufacturer warranties.

THE R2943P AND R2955P FUEL WATER SEPARATOR FILTERS REMOVE WATER AND CONTAMINANTS FROM DIESEL FUEL BEFORE REACHING THE ENGINE.” •Truck and Trailer service and repair. •We service and repair American, European and Japanese makes and models

For more information, head to ryco lters.com.au.

The R2955P ‘plus size’ 107mm diameter fuel water se arator  ilter.

The bullbar specialists

AUSTRALIAN owned,

ACM Bullbars has been producing its products from its Melbourne location for over 10 years.

In recent times, the company has experienced phenomenal growth, doubling the size of its facilities. As a result, its workforce has grown as has its output.

Since coming onto the bullbar scene, ACM Bullbars has built a reputation for quality and durability.

Sales Manager Robert Scott, 67, has lived and breathed bullbars for over 30 years. His introduction to the industry came in the early 1990s. He began his career on the tools at Repco Engine Rebuilding, starting as an apprentice and working his way up to workshop manager.

“When they closed that workshop, I was approached by the owner of a Wollon gong based bullbar compa history. Working with Herd Bullbars, the Tamworth local went from looking after sales for northern NSW and Southern Queensland, to becoming national sales manager. When Herd Bullbars was sold to Southport Engineering, he continued on in the same role. “ at business was then sold to Abcor –Advanced Herd Bullbars and they stopped making after-market bullbars. en I was approached by Peter Smith at ACM Bullbars to join them and that’s where

I’ve stayed up to this day,”

He’s since been with the business almost four years, -

“ACM Bullbars has substantially grown in that time. It’s grown substantially in terms of the number of employees and the number of sales. From predominately making bullbars for just one brand of truck, to producing them for all brands of trucks.”

Robert says despite his three decades in the bullbar industry, the product hasn’t changed a great deal. “ e only real change is in going from standard bullbars to front under-run bullbars,” he said.

However what has changed is the way they are produced. “ e machinery has modernised over time. Welders have gone from hand-cutting all the parts to being able to machine-cut them,” Robert added.

ACM Bullbars predominantly supplies its bullbars to dealers and repairers, with its products found on some of the biggest eets.

e company can also customise its bullbars where required, to suit customer requirements.

According to Robert, “ACM Bullbars makes one of the strongest bullbars on the market. I still deal with many customers that I dealt with in the very beginning. But times have changed and those busi-

nesses have grown.”

Why do customers choose ACM Bullbars? “Once they have our bullbars, they realise the strength of our product and the quality of it and they keep coming back,” Robert said. “A lot of people also rely on the fact that we can supply on time.

“With the much bigger facility, our output is much bigger than before and we’ve expanded on our product brands and range of products too.”

To nd the ACM Bullbar that’s right for your truck, visit acmbullbars.com.au. For sales enquiries, call Robert on 0459 963 244, or email the sales team at sales@acmbullbars.com.au.

ACM produces bullbars for all makes and models of trucks.

This Kenworth T404 SAR looks the goods with an ACM bullbar.

NT roadhouse looking after truckies

WHEN Jayd and Mitchell Ryall took over as managers of the Heartbreak Hotel in the Northern Territory last April, they vowed to look after truck drivers.

And it looks like it’s working, as in the past month several drivers have contacted Spy singing the praises of the pub which doubles as a roadhouse.

It is located along the Carpentaria Highway.

Spy spoke to Jayd to get an insight on how many truckies stop there on average weekly.

“During the busy and dry season it would be at least 10 a day and when rain is around during the wet season that drops to about four daily,” Jayd said. She added that she couldn’t nominate a favourite food for drivers as what they ordered varied. “Some like steaks or chicken schnitzel and lots of other stu .”

A lot of drivers also take advantage of the clean showers especially considering it is very hot most times in the area.

“ ey can park out front and there is a pull o place nearby,” Jayd said.

e establishment has three employees at the current time and is the only business there.

“We have lots of cattle stations in the vicinity,” she added.

Heartbreak Hotel is open between 6am and 11pm during busy times and from 8am until 8pm at other periods.

Driver Paul Williams told Spy it was a welcome stop for tired and hungry truckies.

“I was there the other day and loved it. e sta were friendly and the food tasty,” he said.

It also has motel style accommodation, a restaurant, a rustic outback bar, its own pool and a caravan park and camping area.

Fine just a revenue raiser

His ne of $65 is not a great amount of money but for a truckie who drives a light rig it made him angry. e vehicle had been in for

repairs and when it was re turned by a worker, it was parked on the wrong side of the sleepy street he lives in.

home from work that day and promptly moved the truck onto his footpath.

However he was told by a sharp eyed neighbour that in the hours before, two young police o cers doing a routine patrol at a nearby area had seen it.

“I was told one of the o cers had stopped and taken pics of my truck parked on the wrong side. But I never expected to receive a breach,” he said.

Not long after a ne for $65 arrived in the mail. e gent was going to contest it in court, but feared he would incur more costs if his bid failed. So he paid the ne but felt he was hard done by.

Disabled driver’s tyre change

Spy heard of an incident at a pull o area near Gilgandra in NSW during which a veteran and disabled truckie had to change a tyre.

He could be seen struggling on his walking stick as he done his best to change it.

I am told trucks drove past and not one driver stopped to assist the man.

A van load of young tourists did see his dilemma and pulled over to change the tyre under his instructions.

Other older drivers who heard about this have told Spy the camaraderie which existed in previous eras is hard to nd now.

agricultural area where wheat is grown extensively together with other cereal crops, and sheep and beef cattle are raised. Located at the junction of the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, Gilgandra is on a wide bend of the Castlereagh River, downstream from its source near Coonabarabran, directly downstream from Mendooran, and upstream from Gulargambone and Coonamble.

It is 432km north-west of Sydney and is located approximately halfway along the inland route from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Truck pics from train window

Keen photographer David Pease snapped some excellent pics of trucks which were travelling between Broken Hill and Adelaide and sent them to Spy.

because it takes passengers on a long journey with the Indian and Paci c oceans at an end.

I asked David where he took the pics and he answered, “ ey were at di erent places between Broken Hill and Adelaide.”

His pics show the shrubs on the side of the road and were snapped through a train window.

Remote Tassie rest area

For drivers travelling the Murchison Highway on the West Coast region of Tasmania, the Fossey River Rest Area is a good place to stop for a rest. e 150km highway runs from near Burnie on the north coast to Zeehan.

It has a public toilet, an undercover picnic table, parking for trucks on the asphalt sur

susceptible to ice and snow in winter and has several notorious sections is at the edge of Mount Black where numerous accidents have occurred in the area.

e Rosebery to Zeehan section has hazardous sections which can be a ected by cold and wet weather.

I stopped there when down in Tassie and found it a welcome place for a call of nature even though it was raining and snow was falling.

Just up the highway heading towards Zeehan there was an accident involving a 4WD.

Not cool in Cook

When the air conditioning broke down as a Victorian driver was travelling through the remote Cook hamlet in South Australia, he faced severe discomfort.

in excess of 40 degrees and was probably higher inside his truck cabin.

its railway station and a stop for the Indian Union Paci c train.

“It was so hot my mobile phone would not work for a while because of the heat,” he said.

Often referred to as a ghost town because few people live there, the driver had no local place to go to have his air conditioner xed.

Spy also spoke to another road transport identity who was on holiday and stopped at Cook, “It was 42 degrees and hot as hell,” he said.

Cook is 826km by rail from Port Augusta as is also accessible along the Eyre highway through an unsealed road around 100km long.

Memories of Marla When former NSW driver

Despite this, the highway is

cated in the middle of the Nul

The Fossey River rest area in Tasmania.

One of the pics on the Broken Hill to Adelaide road snapped by David Pease from a train window.

The rest area at the remote Cook hamlet in SA.

at Marla and snapped pics of a truckie carrying wild camels from WA to an abattoir in Pe terborough, SA,” Graham told me – and he forwarded on the pic.

Since that article appeared about Marla Spy has received many contacts from drivers who have pulled up there over the years.

A small world

e old adage “it’s a small world” has come to fruition for most of us often in unusual circumstances.

at was the case for Spy when he attended the funeral of a near neighbour recently. Afterwards Spy came across

en he told me that he was a long haul truck driver who lived more than 1000km away but was a regular reader of this paper.

“I pick up a copy whenever I see one at a roadhouse and discovered that we are relatives,” he said.

at sparked my curiosity and as we yarned further he said he was a family tree addict and had discovered that we were cousins.

Albeit distant ones, but nevertheless blood connected, even though it was from about

from the coast and this wasn’t during a cyclone but it was very scary,” he said.

Tree fell on truck in wind storm

In Charters Towers during January, a severe wind storm created havoc and one veteran owner-operator fell victim.

“ e winds reached 150km/h and a giant tree branch landed on the bonnet and rear of my truck and caused damage. But it was just fortunate that nobody was injured,” he told Spy. is gent has driven trucks for more than 50 years and said he had never witnessed such fury from wind before.

Cloncurry rest area

“If grey nomads pull up at this rest area they are shown the exit”, was a classic quote from one of the truckies I spoke to in late January.

He was referring to a rest area at Cloncurry deep in the Queensland outback which is for “truckies only”.

Another driver who was standing with him agreed, “It has all the facilities for us and it is great to have such a rest area,” he said.

Cloncurry is located 770km

MOBILE CAMERAS IN USE

ANPR cameras are improving heavy vehicle safety in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. Operating in New South Wales in 2025.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is boosting heavy vehicle safety across Australia’s freight network with the use of mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Roadside trailers and vehicle mounted cameras automatically detect the number plates of passing heavy vehicles, allowing Safety and Compliance Officers to better detect and interrupt potentially high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices.

For more information visit nhvr.gov.au/anpr

On the rst occasion, a women stopped and took her dogs, which had been in cages in the back seat of their vehicle, out for a walk.

e dogs were given a drink of water and then were walked around the bitumen on the rest area.

However the dogs urinated and defecated which isn’t a pleasure for others who stop there.

A truck driver who pulled up there wasn’t too happy.

A few hours later at another rest area I saw a similar incident with di erent dogs.

Wrong name

west of Townsville via the Flinders Highway with entry from the east and the Barkly

It is a very busy hub for trucks and is 120km from Mount Isa.

According to most drivers I spoke to during 2024, the highway between Townsville and Mount Isa has few quality truckie friendly rest areas.

Dogs leave their waste at rest areas

On the same day in late January at di erent rest areas, Spy saw pet dogs which had been travelling with their grey nomad owners in vans, leaving their waste.

On the odd occasion, a driver interviewed by Spy will o er a name which is not his own. at occurred in late January when one driver aged in his early thirties told me his was “Ron Jeremy”.

To me that spelt a rat and I queried was that indeed his correct title to which he replied it was.

However to be sure, I asked another nearby driver who knew him and supplied me with the correct name.

When I challenged the gent he did come clean and said he liked giving the name of a famous person as a joke.

But then he refused to have his pic snapped with his real name.

The tree branch which fell on a truck during a wind storm in Charters Towers.

LIVESTOCK truckie

Stanley Remfrey had stopped at a rest area beside the Flinders Highway at Mingela and was checking on his load when he stopped for a brief chat with Big Rigs.

“I have 54 cattle and picked them up at Mena Creek near Innisfail and they are going to a feedlot at Clermont,” he said.

Owner operator Stanley, who runs Remfrey Livestock Transport, was driving a Kenworth C509.

He’s been a truckie for the past 25 years.

I asked him about his fa-

Busy times for livestock owner-operator

I HAVE 54 CATTLE AND PICKED THEM UP AT MENA CREEK NEAR INNISFAIL AND THEY ARE GOING TO A FEEDLOT AT CLERMONT .”

STANLEY REMFREY

vourite roadhouse, as he travels long distances.

“It would have to be the one at Chillagoe in the far north,” he said.

Chillagoe is located 205km west of Cairns and 140km from Mareeba.

When asked about the worst roads he gets to travel on, Stanley soon answered. “It would have to be the roads up on Cape York.”

Stanley was on a very busy schedule when I saw him on January 17 and had to continue driving on.

But he did nd the Mingela rest area which is 47km from Charters Towers as a good place to stop.

It has plenty of parking for trucks, two toilets and several shaded areas with concrete seats. Lots of caravans and other motorists use it which can restrict truck parking at times.

Brown snake causes a rest area fright

KEN Keegan was parked up at the Puma Gold City Roadhouse in Charters Towers when Big Rigs saw him recently.

Ken was driving a Kenworth T610 SAR for Law Transport out of Townsville – and the heat was extreme, being around 35 degrees.

“I have taken some electronic equipment out to Cape River for Ergon Energy and am on the way home empty,” Ken said.

A driver since 2007, Ken is

a member of a well-known road transport company and his brother owns another business based at Roma.

His favourite roadhouse is the Ampol at Bowen which is 200km south of Townsville.

“ ey serve good food and I like stopping there,” he said.

As for rest areas, Ken said more are needed overall with facilities for truckies, but he nominated one which ticks all the boxes.

“It is at Cloncurry and has showers and toilets,” he said.

Although when he was at Cloncurry, Ken had a very scary experience involving a venomous snake.

“I looked up and saw a brown snake,” he said.

Ken rates the Richmond to Julia Creek section of the Flinders Highway in Queensland as needing a big upgrade.

“It is treacherous,” he said.

When he’s not at work, Ken enjoys four-wheel driving.

Townsville truckie enjoys life on the road

HAPPY driver Peter Cheesman was travelling back to his home base of Townsville after delivering equipment to an electrical sub station when Big Rigs yarned to him.

Peter, 47, works for Law Transport and was travelling in tandem with another company driver as they parked at the Gold City Roadhouse on the outskirts of Charters Towers.

Peter drives a Kenworth T610 and had dropped o equipment to a location at

Cape River along the Gregory Development Highway between Charters Towers and Clermont.

He likes stopping at the Calcium Roadhouse which is 50km past Townsville along the Flinders Highway.

“It is good there, especially the food,” he said.

While Peter said the rest areas in the vicinity are “pretty average” he signalled out one near Cloncurry which is good.

“It has all the facilities we

need,” he added.

Peter’s hobby is landscape gardening which is one not many drivers I have interviewed have nominated.

He added that he likes the job and said Law Transport is a good company to work for.

“I have been doing this for two years,” he said.

A connoisseur of ne food, his favourite is seafood, especially of the shelled variety.

“I do enjoy prawns and bugs,” he said.

Ken Keegan was pulled up in the Kenworth T610 SAR when he stopped to chat.

Owner-operator Stanley Remfrey and his Kenworth C509. Images: Alf Wilson

Great trucking events coming up

WITH so much to look forward to on the trucking calendar, here are some dates to add to your diaries.

FEBRUARY

Angaston Truck Show & Shine

February 22

Angaston, SA

Facebook: Angaston Truck Show & Shine

e Angaston Show Truck Show & Shine will return this year, in conjunction with the Angaston Show. ey welcome all trucks of all ages, conditions and uses from all areas, locally and from far a eld. Trucks must be on the grounds by 9:00am, with entry points at the Grand Gate (corner of Washington Street and Park Roads) and Show Hall Gates (o Washington Street). Awards will be handed out across 10 categories, from Best Interior to Best Workhorse.

Camp

Quality Convoy

Geelong

February 23

Beckley Park, VIC fundraise.campquality.org.au/ convoy

e Camp Quality Convoy

Geelong is back, and this year it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary. e convoy starts and nishes at Beckley Park, where an awards ceremony, free Family Fun Festival and show ‘n’ shine complete a fantastic day.

MARCH

Lockhart Truck Show

March 1

Lockhart, NSW

Facebook: Lockhart Truck Show - A Vintage Festival

Celebrate road transport history, past and present, at the

annual Lockhart Truck Show.

e event features historic and modern trucks and other ve hicles such as motorbikes, and classic and vintage cars, on dis play in the pavilion.

ere will also be food and prizes for winners in a wide range of categories. Camping is available overnight for a do nation and includes a Sunday morning breakfast.

White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial and Truck Show

March 1

White Hill and Murray Bridge, SA

Facebook: White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial S.A Inc.

ose wanting to take part in the convoy can meet at the White Hill parking bay at 10am or at the Memorial at 10.30am. A memorial service will run from 10.30-11-30am, concluding with the opportunity to lay owers. A convoy will follow to Sturt Reserve’s back oval, where the truck show will be held.

e truck show will run from around 12pm-3pm. Entry is $25 per truck and $10 each for additional categories.

e event will feature food, a silent auction and entertainment for the kids.

Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association Truck Run

March 2

Glebe to Longford, TAS

Facebook: Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association

is annual truck run sets o from Launceston, winding up at Longford Showgrounds. Trucks will arrive at 9am at Joe Pintarich Glebe Yards on Boland St for a 9am departure, to arrive in Longford for 10am.

Attendees can look forward to a great display of trucks, food and co ee vans and face painting for the kids. Adding to the fun will be a monster ra e, auction, trophy ceremony and live music from Scott Lewis! Gold coin entry, with all proceeds going towards the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Big Rig Rumble

March 7-8

Toowoomba Showgrounds, QLD

March 14-15

Bendigo Showgrounds, VIC

e Big Rig Rumble is for any unique or custom truck. Supported by the Lowood Truck Show in Toowoomba and Let’s Get Rural in Bendigo, the event is taking place as part of Meatstock Festival. Space is limited and pre-registration is essential. No trailers unless by prior arrangement.

Clunes Historic Vehicle

Show

March 9

Clunes, VIC

Facebook: Clunes Historic Vehicle Show 2025

e annual Clunes Historic Vehicle Show is brought to you by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia’s Ballarat branch. e event has something for everyone, with a vast array of vintage and classic vehicles and motoring memorabilia. Expect food vans, photos and working displays of vehicles, engines and collections.

Camp Quality Newcastle Convoy

March 9

Maitland Showground, Newcastle, NSW

Exciting times for Newcastle as the city gets its rst ever

Camp Quality Convoy. e event will bring the transport community together to support kids facing cancer, providing them with moments of joy and fun. Expression of interest forms are now available online.

Australian White Truck Muster

March 15-16

Kyabram Showgrounds, VIC Facebook: White Truck Muster

e 10th Australian White Truck Muster is a truck, bus, car, tractor and memorabilia display featuring White and associated brands, as well as an all-scale model muster (plastic, resin and diecast). ere will be a Saturday night dinner featuring a guest speaker, visual presentations, ra es and an auction.

Colac Truck and Ute Show

March 22

Colac Showgrounds, VIC

e Colac Truck and Ute Show is back, with something for everyone – from a show ‘n’ shine to live music, kids entertainment and more. Entry: adults $10, concession/pension $5, 12-18 years $5, under 12 years FREE. Families (two adults and two children) $20.

APRIL

Haulin’ the Hume

April 12-13

Luddenham Showgrounds, NSW

Join the Haulin’ the Hume crew once again for their historic road run, following the Old Hume Highway out of Sydney to Yass. Relive some of the sounds, sights and smells of the pre-emissions era, when trucking was making its mark

building Australia. From the new starting point at the Luddenham Showgrounds, the convoy will head up over the famous Razorback, through the Hole in the Wall at Picton, covering the beautiful drive through Mittagong, Berrima and into Goulburn for lunch and a short display.

e convoy will then continue with a drive through the spectacular Cullerin Range into Gunning, passing through the iconic Gasoline Alley in Yass and then on to Gundagai, where the group will have dinner, sharing some photos and laughs as they relive the good old days. Sunday morning will serve up breakfast and farewells.

MAY

Brisbane Truck Show

May 15-18

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, QLD brisbanetruckshow.com.au

Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated 2025 Brisbane Truck Show. Building on the success of past shows, all exhibition space is already sold out, guaranteeing attendees over 30,000 square metres of exhibitions of the latest trucks, trailers, technologies, and parts

Australian market. e 2025 show will be a critical component of Truck Week, a week-long festival incorporating an array of activations in nearby South Bank Parklands, including the Premier Boxing Series, Australia’s Best Show N Shine, and e Depot careers and entertainment hub – plus the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.

Scenic Rim Truck Show

May 31

Jimboomba State School, QLD scenicrimtruckshow.com

Held from 10am to 6pm, the show will feature plenty of trucks along with market stalls, rides, entertainment, ra es and a live auction. All pro ts will be donated to the KIDS Foundation.

JUNE

Alexandra Truck Show June 7-8 Alexandra, VIC alexandratruckshow.com.au

e Alexandra Truck Show is back on the King’s Birthday weekend in June this year, with a Sunday Show ‘n’ Shine on the town’s main street, as well as live music, a Victorian woodchop tournament, exhibitions, trade displays, kids’ amusements and a ra e. Come down on Saturday for the local markets, a convoy and truck drivers’ memorial. For more details email trucks@alexandratruckshow.com.au.

Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to danielle.gullaci@

WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SUPPLYING TO THE HEAVY TRUCK AND BUS BULLBAR AND BUMPER BAR INDUSTRIES.

ACM can recommend a bumper or bullbar to suit your specific requirements. With a huge range on offer, we can match a product to your vehicle that will not only perform to the highest level but is backed by quality materials and manufacturing processes in the industry.

The Camp Quality Convoy Geelong celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. Image: Camp Quality Convoy Geelong

The White Truck Muster will take place in Kyabram in March. Image: White Truck Muster

46 COLUMNS

Why are owner-divers, the backbone of our industry, now treated with disdain?

BY BORED NEUROTIC HOUSEWIVES

WHEN the roadway keeps going around like you’re driving in a circle, they were called a ‘Will he no’ come back again’ in Scotland.

Do you get the feeling that 2025 will be another industry ‘Will he no’ come back again’?

Same initiatives, same people receiving grants, same round table discussions, same junkets, same exorbitant amount of money spent on design, impact statements and research? For what?

More drivers dying than last year, more red tape and higher nes for drivers?

Nothing is truly bipartisan where the associations and National Transport Commission and other “interested parties” are concerned?

How can it truly be when they each have their own agendas. ere is so much compromising that the basic goals of increased safety and fair and equitable trading conditions are overlooked for even more compliance obligations.

Some might even suggest that its individuals’ egos that get in the way in many instances. ere is a lot of

pimping and preening from some who crow to all those that will listen that they are sole contributor that made the di erence.

e reality is that there were thousands of individuals and hours of consultation to make submissions in the hope that just some of the requested changes to legislative requirements are made.

You would be excused for thinking that many have no personal relationship because if they carried on personally like they do in a business relationship in the transport industry, it wouldn’t last for long – unless you were made of millions of course… lots can be gotten away with if you have enough money.

Owner-drivers (OD) were the backbone of the transport industry for years and now they are treated with disdain. Blind Freddy can see at every turn on the road, they are making it harder for an OD to sustain a business. is phenomenon is not just in Australia, it’s worldwide.

We teach our children to stand up and ght for what they want and their rights, passively or aggressively, if necessary. What’s happened to the industry?

We have had a few individu-

HOW DO WE GET ALL THE BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE, EVERINCREASING FINES, OVER-THE-TOP SAFETY INITIATIVES, INSURANCE COMPANY REQUIREMENTS, WALKING EGOS AND DOGMATIC APPROACHES TO STOP?”

als that have joined or created organisations over the last 20 years, but for whatever reason they’ve been turned and spurned by many. Is that an ego thing too? If it is, is it on behalf of the individual or the organisation that doesn’t want to upset the proverbial apple cart.

Grass roots are grass roots and that’s where the ght needs to start and nish. ere are plenty of legends on social media – just ask them – who seem to have all the answers, but often those answers don’t take into account the challenges faced by others in the industry – individuals and businesses, large and small. It doesn’t take into account

uctuating business needs, drivers or business owners who don’t care about the equipment but expect to be paid top dollar despite putting in the bare minimum.

A wish list for 2025 by Jodie Broadbent and published in a recent Big Rigs column outlines the stupidity of ‘national not being national’ when it comes to lifting defects. e lunacy of that alone makes

you want to spin right round and no’ come back.

How do we get all the bureaucratic red tape, ever-increasing nes, over-the-top safety initiatives, insurance company requirements, walking egos and dogmatic approaches to stop?

How do we get o the “will he no’ come back again” in 2025?

One thing about we BNHs

– we support our driving partner and will never have them spinning in circles. ey will come back but there will be ‘no’ come back again’ on our watch.

• Bored Neurotic Housewives are a passionate group of truckies’ wives and partners doing their bit to lobby for positive changes in the industry.

Addressing the productivity challenges

necks, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate freight corridors slow down deliveries, increase fuel consumption, and drive up costs.

AUSTRALIA’S transport industry is the lynchpin of our national economy, moving goods e ciently across the country and keeping supply chains intact.

However, we face increasing productivity challenges that threaten sustainability, pro tability, and our ability to meet the demands of a growing economy.

While safety must always remain paramount, it is critical that industry leaders and policymakers strike the right balance between regulation and e ciency.

e ability of transport operators to meet delivery schedules, manage costs, and remain competitive depends on ensuring productivity is a national priority.

Transport operators are contending with growing regulatory burdens, compliance costs, and workforce shortages, all of which add pressure to their bottom line.

While safety regulations are essential to protecting workers and the public, they must be implemented in a way that does not unduly sti e operational e ciency.

A streamlined, out-

comes-focused regulatory framework is needed – one that allows businesses to operate safely while also fostering innovation and improved productivity.

Overly prescriptive compliance requirements can result in ine ciencies that increase costs, delay freight movements, and hinder competitiveness.

e right policy mix must consider both safety and the practicalities of running an e cient freight operation, ensuring transport businesses can continue to deliver essential services without unnecessary impediments.

To truly support the transport industry, Victorian and Commonwealth policymakers must put productivity at the forefront of their transport strategies. is means investing in road infrastructure, reducing red tape, and supporting technology adoption to optimise logistics operations.

Road congestion remains a signi cant productivity barrier, particularly in major metropolitan areas. Bottle-

Governments must prioritise investment in road upgrades, better tra c management systems, and new freight routes that allow goods to move e ciently. Increased funding for road maintenance, particularly in regional areas, is also essential to ensuring the reliability and safety of transport networks.

Furthermore, governments should recognise that transport businesses operate on tight margins. Policy settings must ensure that operators remain viable by addressing cost pressures such as fuel, insurance, and wages.

Sustainable businesses are crucial for a resilient supply chain that bene ts all Australians. e rising cost of doing business in the transport sector cannot simply be absorbed inde nitely—there must be an ongoing commitment to policies that promote fair competition, provide certainty, and allow operators to invest in new technology and eet modernisation.

One of the greatest opportunities to improve productivity in the transport sector lies in the adoption of new technologies. Telematics, automation, and arti cial intelligence-driven logistics systems have the potential to increase e ciency, optimise route planning, and

enhance safety outcomes.

Governments should play a proactive role in incentivising the uptake of these innovations through grants, subsidies, and regulatory frameworks that encourage technological advancement rather than hinder it.

e transport industry itself must also take proactive steps to drive e ciency. is includes embracing new technologies, streamlining operations, and advocating for reforms that promote both safety and productivity.

Collaboration between industry and government will

be key to achieving these objectives. Training and upskilling initiatives are also vital, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to handle emerging challenges and make the most of new systems and processes.

Transport productivity is not just an industry issue, it is a national economic imperative. Ensuring that freight and logistics businesses can operate e ciently is critical to keeping supply chains moving, businesses successful, and consumers supplied with essential goods.

Without a well-functioning transport sector, the broader

economy su ers through increased costs, supply shortages, and lost competitiveness. We call on policymakers to make increasing productivity a key policy goal. A strong, competitive transport industry is in the national interest, and urgent action is needed to ensure its long-term viability.

Now is the time for government and industry to work together to deliver the reforms, investments, and innovations needed to secure a more productive future for transport and logistics in Australia.

National e ort to ensure bus safety

OVER the past ve years, we have tragically lost 84 lives in bus crashes across the country, leaving families shattered and communities in shock.

ese devastating events have highlighted the urgent need for a renewed focus on bus safety.

is month, the NHVR launched Operation Solstice, a comprehensive bus safety operation which is currently taking place across the country, aimed at addressing these concerns.

ere are two main focuses of Operation Solstice: the condition of the buses, and the tness of the drivers behind the wheel.

NHVR safety and compliance o cers (SCOs) will work collaboratively with police in most states, conducting thorough inspections of buses,

focusing on their mechanical safety, and ensuring drivers aren’t fatigued.

O cers will focus their compliance and enforcement e orts on speci c locations across the country that we have identi ed as high risk, with the aim of preventing any potential bus-related incidents.

Buses carry precious cargo, with up to 50 people on board, so it is crucial we make sure everyone who gets on a bus –whether it’s for work, school or leisure – makes it home safely. is operation isn’t just about enforcing the law, it’s about educating industry on their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), ensuring they are doing everything they can to protect their passengers.

One issue that we are seeing is split shift drivers remaining at the yard, rather than travelling home to have a proper rest break, particularly in urban areas. I would like to remind drivers that they are required to have adequate rest between shifts by law.

Failing to do so can disrupt their ability to recharge, and ensure they are well-rested and

ready to drive. Drivers should be vigilant in adhering to their work and rest requirements, including scheduling rest breaks, keeping an accurate work diary and taking proactive steps to manage fatigue.

Operation Solstice will also ensure that buses are in optimal condition – free from any safety risks like faulty brakes or defective lights.

Drivers should also be inspecting inside and outside of their vehicle before they commence their journey, and at the conclusion of every shift.

Cabin and occupant safety is also crucial – this includes making sure seat belts are functioning, seat bases are secured correctly, and loose items are secured while the vehicle is moving.

is national operation is a crucial step towards holding both operators and their drivers accountable, ensuring they are meeting critical safety obligations that are designed to keep all road users safe. While we know most bus operators do the right thing and follow these safety protocols, the stakes are far too high for complacency.

On the other hand, it’s also

crucial for general motorists to ensure they drive safely around buses. By law, a motorist must not overtake or pass a bus with ashing lights at more than 40km/h.

e NHVR launched the bus iteration of the We All Need Space road safety campaign in April 2024, to remind

all road users of the importance of giving buses the space they need on Australian roads. Finally, I would like to remind all drivers that if you see something related to heavy vehicle safety that endangers the welfare of yourself or other road users, please contact the Heavy Vehicle Con dential

Line on

By undertaking Operation Solstice, we hope to reduce the risk of further tragedies, o ering greater peace of mind to every person who gets on a bus – and every family or friend who expects them to return home safely.

Big anniversary party planned in Shepparton next month

WE are only two weeks out from our Transport Women Australia Limited 25th anniversary party at MOVE Museum at Shepparton on March 1, so that is all systems go with the tickets on sale and various accommodation types are available in the Shepparton area.

View some of the options available at sheppandgv.com. au/stay. e Greater Shepparton Council and the MOVE Executive have been super helpful.

Wodonga TAFE have a campus and a test track at Shepparton, and we might

have a surprise there for the attendees so look for that on our social media in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing all of you there.

e 2025 Dream Maker Awards are open for nominations, and we are looking forward to lots of applications on this anniversary year. Coralie Chapman and I will be there again this year to co-host with Nick Prus and the Road Transport Museum Team and present at the Transport Women Unite Red Ball.

We will also host the TWAL breakfast which has been happening for over 20 years. All this is happening in August at the Festival of Transport in Alice Springs.

Our 2025 Young Gunnette Award is open for nominations with our wonderful sponsor Cummins and applications will close on April 17, 2025, and the winner will be announced on June 2, 2025.

is will be its second year, and we are looking forward to some amazing young woman being nominated. Our Goulburn event has been celebrated as our year opener. We have held this joint event with Divall’s Bulk Haulage for three years now and it is getting bigger every year. Many thanks to the Divall team for their venue and organisation. Also, to Kylie Johnson, our incredible speaker.

I have just returned from Amritsar, India where I travelled to see my friend and colleague get married. It was such an honour to attend his wedding with his family and be an honoured guest. I was able to visit the Golden Temple, one of the wonders of the world, go shopping and eat some genuine Punjabi cuisine.

I have been working alongside my friend now for two

years and his family for much longer and I live in a vey multicultural city, so it was amazing to see the country and area where so many of my friends, neighbours, co workers and colleagues lived before making Australia their home.

I am looking forward to an even closer relationship and better understanding after my trip and I will be working with the Australian Trucking Association on their driv ers’ roundtable and diversity initiatives.

I also took a side trip to Delhi to meet with Dr Vanee ta Aggarwal from Bizemag India and Admyted, she gave me a wonderful tour of some sites and made sure that I had an exciting day rather than a solo tourist day which includ ed lunch with colleagues.

I am sure that though this was my rst trip to India, it will not be my last.

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT

JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport Women Australia Limited

Operation Solstice is a comprehensive bus safety operation which is currently taking place across the country. Image: iofoto/stock.adobe.com

Lora Miller (Cummins) with 2024 Young Gunnette Winner

Ainsleigh Thomas and runner-up Ashley Belteky. Image: Westend Photography

ON-ROAD EXPERT

PAUL SALVATI NHVR Chief Operations Officer

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Busy mum nds dream job in trucking

BY KAYLA WALSH

KIMBERLEY Milczarek

never really knew what she wanted to do for a living.

At 16, she left school to train to become a chef, and eventually got a job working in a hospital kitchen.

But she wasn’t the biggest fan of that, so decided to pivot into nursing.

Sadly, a workplace injury in 2018 left her unable to continue with her healthcare career.

With six kids to look after, the Albury, NSW woman wasn’t short of ways to spend her time – but she still wanted to get back into the workforce.

e perfect opportunity to do this turned out to be right under her nose.

“My husband Mirek is a truck driver for a small family company in Oaklands, and he could see I had an interest in the tippers and tankers,” she told Big Rigs.

“He said ‘Why don’t you try it and see how you go?’”

Kim admitted she was pretty intimidated by the idea of getting behind the wheel of a truck, but her husband was persistent.

“My husband kept pushing me, and one day he asked me if I wanted to try driving around the area where he loads,” she said.

“I said no – I was worried I

would damage the gearbox, or the truck, or not be able to stop.

“But he promised me it would be ne.

“So I drove around for a few minutes and I was like ‘Okay, this is fun! I can see myself doing this!’”

e 33-year-old has turned out to be a natural truckie, and aced her heavy rigid driving test last year.

Now she’s champing at the bit to upgrade to HC and MC, and gets out in the truck with Mirek whenever she can.

“Given Mirek’s lack of patience with other things in life, he’s been a very solid and gentle teacher,” she laughed.

“We’re driving tippers and tankers – I’m getting single and double experience with

the tankers and road train experience with the tippers.”

She said there has been a learning curve as she moves from driving heavy rigids to bigger rigs.

“Going from a heavy rigid to a single was pretty easy for me,” she said.

“Stepping up to a double was more di cult, because you need more room to turn and the back trailer sways a bit.

“ en you go to a road train set-up where you’ve got a dolly and the back trailer just decides to do what it likes!

“ at’s de nitely been an eye-opener.”

Kim said she would love to be working at the moment but has struggled to nd a job as a HR driver.

“Because of where we are

I LOVE THE WAY THAT TRUCKING IS DIFFERENT NEARLY EVERY DAY, FROM THE PLACES YOU GO TO THE PEOPLE YOU MEET.”

KIMBERLEY MILCZAREK

based, being female and my prior injury, I’ve been somewhat limited in the jobs I can do,” she said.

“I’ve had some interviews and nothing has come of them because what they were expecting of me just wasn’t going to be physically possible.”

However, all is not lost as she already has a job lined up at her husband’s company

as soon as she upgrades her licence.

ber so I’m just biding my time until then,” she said.

“I’ve tried to get an exemp tion to move up sooner but it’s not looking likely.”

As annoying as the wait is, Kim’s delighted to have nally found a career she’s truly passionate about.

“I’ve never looked forward to anything as much as I look forward to getting my HC and MC. I love the way that

ABOUT THE ROLE

trucking is di erent nearlyes you go to the people you meet. I really enjoy being able to expand my horizons and get out there and see things I’d never see sitting at home.” Kim encourages anyone in a similar situation to her to give trucking a go.

“It’s not a job for the faint-hearted, but you don’t know what you’re capable of until you try,” she said.

“Don’t think twice, just go for it.”

• Compile lists of prospective clients.

• Face-to-face visits, or online using suitable technology, telephone prospecting, with existing and prospective clients to present opportunities.

• Reviewing customer needs, educating customers on the connections between their products and our solutions.

• Monitoring customer needs, competitor activity and market dynamics.

• Working with customers over time to deliver increasingly e ective solutions.

• Full training, induction, support and ongoing growth provided.

• Professional Development held every Wednesday to ensure constant up-skilling and learnings.

If you are excited by the prospect of learning new skills to develop a career in a high-performance sales environment, and you share a resonance with our values, then we invite you to apply and look forward to speaking with you.

Kim has a job lined up for a small family company when she upgrades to her HC.

‘Every day is di erent’

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

SARAH Picken, 30, had spent seven years working as a disability support worker and then 12 months as a tra c controller before nally taking the plunge and pursuing a career as a truck driver.

She joined waste management business Veolia in November 2021, taking part in a six-week training program called Women on Wheels, before securing her medium rigid (MR) licence and taking to the road.

Based at Veolia’s Cambridge depot, Sarah’s rst role there was centred around Covid waste collection throughout Hobart. She then moved into side loader work about 12 months ago.

“I’m in an Iveco. is role is still quite new to me – but I love it, it’s been awesome,” she said.

“Every day is di erent. Working in residential waste collection is one aspect I really enjoy because you get to go out to people’s homes – and you see the kids come out and wave to you and get really excited when they see the truck!

“Being on the road is awe-

some. e truck is like your own little o ce. We spend a lot of time in them too, so it’s really like your second home.”

Sarah’s current role sees her working predominantly in the Kingston area. She’s part of a team of six drivers who collect

general household waste, recycling and green waste.

When Sarah spoke about her family’s background in trucking, it was no surprise that Veolia was a perfect t.

“My dad and his family used to run a company called Eastside Recycling. So growing up I used to go out in the truck with dad. It was kerbside collections when they used to have the recycling in crates on the side of the road,” she explained.

“As a kid growing up, I developed a love for trucks. I always wanted to drive a truck of my own and make it something I did for myself.

“What stopped me initially was the cost to go for my truck licence, as well as being a female in a male dominated industry – I was worried about putting myself out there.”

Sarah came across the Women on Wheels program

after a friend saw an ad for it, so she decided to apply – and was one of the successful applicants.

Veolia launched Women on Wheels to help address driver shortages and bring more women into the industry.

e pilot program started in Tasmania in 2021 with six drivers, and Veolia has since added another three. Recently, the program was extended to South Australia, where another ve women were hired.

Following its success, in 2025 the Women on Wheels program will be held in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and regional Victoria, along with another intake for Tasmania.

Veolia says this will add at least another 14 female drivers to its ranks.

For Sarah, Women on Wheels provided the nudge she needed to give trucking a crack.

“I don’t think I would have done anything like this if it hadn’t have been for this program,” she said. “We learnt a lot over six weeks and built relationships with each other, as well as getting to know other people in the company before

going out in the trucks,” she explained.

“We learnt about safety and how the industry operates, in a comfortable atmosphere. Everyone was really supportive and encouraging.”

With three years of experience now under her belt driving the medium rigid, Sarah’s hoping to soon upgrade to her heavy rigid licence.

“I’ve been speaking with the driver trainer who is con dent in me going for my HR,” said Sarah. “I’m also studying my Certi cate IV in Workplace Health and Safety, and Veolia has been really supportive of that too.”

For Sarah, the knowledge and experience she’s gained through completing the Women on Wheels program has been invaluable. “I’d de nitely encourage more programs like the one I’ve been lucky enough to do,” she added. “For me it was a condence thing, if it wasn’t for this program, I probably still wouldn’t be driving trucks today.”

Her current role involves steering a side loader for residential waste collection.

When asked about her advice to others considering a career change into truck driving, Sarah responded. “If there are any women out there who want to drive trucks, just go for it, it’s the best thing I ever did. Here at Veolia, everyone has been so warm and welcoming. We work together as a team, and all have each other’s back.”

Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available: OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends

Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)

Come and work for us as we are committed to:

• Training and further education • Your safety

• Maintaining an impressive Fleet

On offer arepermanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will:

• Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years)

• Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED

(Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

Sarah Picken joined Veolia in November 2021. Images: Brooke Roberts/Veolia ANZ

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