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BY DANIELLE GULLACI
A Townsville truckie was given the fright of his life when a piece of concrete was hurled at his windscreen as he was travelling along the Bruce Highway.
A truck driver for about 15 years, Kurt Hutton currently does the daily run from Townsville to Cairns, pulling semis and B-doubles and carrying various freight.
At 12.50am on Tuesday January 14, the windscreen of Kurt’s truck was hit by a chunk of concrete, while travelling through an overpass at Saunders Creek.
“I was just cruising along and all of a sudden I was covered in glass,” he said, adding that it gave him quite the fright, as he didn’t see it coming.
As can be seen by photos taken following the incident, the piece of concrete hit the
windscreen on the driver’s side, but thankfully it didn’t go all the way through.
“Luckily the glass was laminated,” said Kurt. “The glass on the inside is what hit me. I just had little cuts over my face and a couple of pieces of glass in my eye that had to get taken out at hospital, but it was nothing serious,” he revealed.
“A lot of it was really fine glass. If it was bigger chunks, it would have been a lot worse. I always drive with the window down too, so it could have got me in the head. I reckon if they hit a car, it probably would have gone right through.
“I was in shock when it hit – I just wasn’t expecting to be sprayed with glass.”
Kurt says he continued on for about 1500 metres and pulled over further up the road, when he came across police lights.
“When the cop checked me over, I had fine glass all over my face, so they called the ambulance, which brought me to Townsville Hospital.
“The cops told me that two other truckies supposedly got hit that same morning, so police were looking for them. The coppers said they believed the culprits were targeting trucks. It’s just such a senseless crime.
“Police had the dog squad with them and were looking for them – but if they’re on push bikes, they can disappear pretty quickly.”
Queensland Police confirmed it had conducted extensive patrols of the surrounding area but had not been able to locate any suspects.
Kurt told Big Rigs that since the incident, he’s being extra cautious along that stretch of road. “It’s an 80km/h zone, but I’ve been
metres as I approach that bridge now,” he said. “I pass through there every day on my way out of town.”
Driver attacked while at Pilbara rest area
NEWMAN Police are seeking public assistance as they continue to investigate the alleged assault of a truck driver on Monday, December 2, 2024.
A man in his 60s was driving a prime mover with a number of trailers from Tom Price to Perth.
He pulled into a parking bay approximately 130km north of Newman (Juna Downs, near South Flank mine) on the Great Northern Highway. At about 2am, the man heard a noise near one of his trailers and told police that as he was investigating the area, he noticed a dark coloured
car also in the parking bay.
As the truckie approached the trailers, he was allegedly hit on the head. e driver sustained multiple injuries and was taken by ambulance to Newman Hospital before being airlifted to Perth.
Newman Police are urging
anyone who saw any persons or vehicles in the above area, or who have any dashcam of the area between 2am and 4am, or any information relating to this incident, to contact o cers on (08) 9175 4000 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperswa.com.au.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
The truckie was allegedly assaulted after parking this truck at a Pilbara rest area in December. Image: WA Police
‘Third world conditions’ for WA truckies
BY KAYLA WALSH
WA truckies have raised concerns over the condition of heavy vehicle rest area toilets across the state, with veteran driver Heather Jones saying they are dealing with “third world conditions”.
Jones, who is a well-known truckie advocate and a member of the Australian government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Steering Committee, said the toilets she passes on her trips up and down the Great Northern Highway are “absolutely disgusting” and something must be done about it.
She claimed the Main Roads facilities at the Newman Headland T, the Marble Bar parking bay and the Chitties are some of the worst, and months can pass without them being attended to.
“Someone has a contract to clean them once a week, and I can guarantee you that they’re not being cleaned for three or four months sometimes,” she said.
“I lobbied for these toilets to be installed back in 2010 and now I won’t use them because they are an abomination.
“The toilet will be full to the lid, because people have to go somewhere.
“All Main Roads needs is to get someone with a pres sure cleaner and a sucker truck to empty it, but they aren’t doing it.”
Truckie Janine Christine, who delivers export hay for FlexiTrans, said she regular ly complains to Main Roads about the state of the toi lets along her run between Wagin and Forrestfield.
She thinks the facilities at the Bedfordale Road Train Assembly Area are the main offender.
“The toilet has no seat, and one time it was apparently cleaned, but I saw some poo marks around the rim.
“I went back five months later, and the marks were still there.”
She said she’s had to squat in a bush rather than use the toilets provided.
“That’s its own hazard –you’re squatting down and trying not to be seen by other drivers, while worrying about snakes at the same time.
“When I started driving in 1993, it was much better than it is now.”
“Thankfully we don’t have to break up road trains there anymore, but the toilets are so bad, I would just hold it so I wouldn’t get a disease,” she said.
Truckies are also reduced to digging a hole in the ground and bringing their own toilet paper to do their business –otherwise known as a “dug and rolly”.
Meanwhile, truck driver Michael Jacobson shared that the toilets at Chichester Range on the Great Northern Highway were at “high tide” from at least November 2024 to January 2025.
He claimed the toilets were “disgusting and a disease risk” and hadn’t been fixed despite him making a complaint to Main Roads two months prior.
A spokesperson for Main Roads said: “Main Roads is aware of concerns raised by members of the heavy vehicle industry regarding the condition of ablution facilities at rest areas across the State.
“Maintenance of rest areas and ablution facilities is
governed by the respective Main Roads region with maintenance programmed as part of Main Roads routine schedule.
“With regards to the facilities at Chichester Range, unfortunately Main Roads did not receive the complaint reportedly sent two months ago.
“Nothwithstanding, the facilities were inspected on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and pumping and cleaning of the ablutions scheduled for Friday 10 January 2025.”
Main Roads said that the ablutions at this location are usually inspected and cleaned on a weekly basis, however, due to “misuse and vandalism” throughout December the toilets were blocked, requiring additional maintenance.
“While this was sched uled for December, cleaning was not completed due to a change in contractors and closure of the contract com pany over the Christmas pe riod,” they added.
Jones said she is currently engaging with Main Roads on this issue and the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee is pushing for a swipe card system to be introduced so that only truck drivers will have access to the toilets.
“Tourists can pull into service stations that we can’tthey can use those toilets, or you could install another set of toilets for tourists and see who is doing the damage,” she said.
“We live on the road as part of our home, so professional truck drivers would definitely look after the facilities.
“The government is getting millions and millions of dollars from truck drivers, from taxes on our wages, from fuel tax – we pay our fair share and we deserve to have clean, working toilets.”
Big Rigs understands that options for a swipe card/fob have previously been considered by Main Roads for the Pilbara region, but it was decided that this would not completely resolve the issues with the toilets.
Truckies urged to take extreme caution on steep descents
THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution when travelling down steep descents.
e warning follows a series of serious incidents occurring on Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley in New South Wales.
NHVR Director of Central Region Brett Patterson said Bulli Pass was the scene of two fatal crashes involving a
heavy vehicle last year, tragically resulting in two lives lost and multiple serious injuries.
“Over the past few years, we have seen many trucks lose control down these steep descents, leading to serious damage to both vehicles and infrastructure, delays and serious road trauma,” Patterson said.
“Just last month, there was a tragic fatal incident on Bulli Pass where a truck travel-
ling down the descent went through the guardrail and down an embankment at the hairpin bend.
“ e NHVR is also aware of several dangerous close calls, where heavy vehicles have had to use safety ramps or arrester beds to avoid an incident.”
Patterson said steep descents can present a signicant safety risk to heavy vehicles, with the spate of recent collisions raising concern
about the safety of drivers travelling down these roads.
e NHVR is reminding drivers to follow the steep descent warning signs and shift to a low gear before beginning a descent, to ensure they maintain a safe, controlled speed and prevent excessive wear on brakes.
In NSW, if the driver of a truck or bus is driving on a road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies, the driver must drive the
vehicle in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed without the use of a primary brake.
“Drivers shouldn’t over-rely on brakes, as they can overheat – by selecting a low enough gear that they can descend without use of the service brake, the service brake can be used in an emergency without having the brake overheat,” Patterson explained.
“Drivers and operators
should also frequently be inspecting and maintaining their brakes, faulty brakes can drastically reduce the ability to stop safely, particularly in emergencies.”
Patterson said operators should also be taking the skill and experience of the driver into consideration, making certain they are sufciently informed about the risks and have the appropriate training to safely undertake the descent.
Heather Jones is passionate about improving rest area facilities for truck drivers in WA. Images: Heather Jones
Parking bays on the North West Coastal Highway are littered with faeces and toilet paper.
Truckies left out in cold for servo shower
BY KAYLA WALSH
A Sydney truckie has shared his outrage after pulling in at Nambucca BP for a shower during his drive from Sydney to Brisbane – only to be told that caravanners “get priority” over truck drivers when it comes to the facilities.
Scott Cook, who delivers cars up and down the east coast, was tired and sweaty and really looking forward
luxuries in his day.
But when he arrived at the service station, he was told he would have to wait.
“ ere were only three showers there,” he said.
“I said no worries, cop it on the chin.”
Half an hour later, Cook was still waiting, and three other truck drivers had also turned up.
Next thing, two caravanning families came in looking for a shower.
to pay $5 or $10 and wait.
“Forty- ve minutes go by and the people that had been in the showers that were busy came out, and they were caravanning families too.
“ e other truck drivers and I said ‘OK sweet, it’s our turn to have a shower now.’
“So, we went to get the keys but we were told no, the caravanners who paid get priority over truck drivers because we get free showers.”
Cook couldn’t believe what he was hearing – especially as he’d just spent $1400 at the bowsers outside.
“ e truck drivers were pushed aside because a caravanner spent $5 on a shower!
“ at’s a tiny fraction what I spent on fuel.
“Caravanners can easily stop for a shower at a caravan park, in towns, anywhere.
“It’s much harder for truck drivers to stop and get a shower, plus we have fatigue laws to manage, time slots and places to be.”
He said and the other truckies tried to complain to the sta at BP but didn’t get anywhere.
“ e general manager basically said ‘Tough titties’,” he added.
“I had planned to stay and have dinner there, but I just walked away.
“ e way we were treated was disgusting.”
Cook, who has been a truck driver for 12 years,
said BP Nambucca has lost his business and the business of the other truck drivers who were there on the day.
“Nambucca is basically a halfway point between Sydney and Brisbane, and a lot of truckies stop there for diesel, showers, food, and their mandatory seven-hour breaks.
“It was convenient for me, but I won’t be going there
ever again.
“I’d rather go to Port Macquarie for diesel and go for a shower at Moorland’s, or go up to Ballina or Kempsey.”
Cook took to TikTok to share what happened to him earlier this month, and the video has already racked up over 14,000 page views at the time this story went to print.
Popular social media star
IT WAS CONVENIENT FOR ME, BUT I WON’T BE GOING THERE EVER AGAIN. I’D RATHER GO TO PORT MACQUARIE FOR DIESEL AND GO FOR A SHOWER AT MOORLAND’S, OR GO UP TO BALLINA OR S .”
SCOTT COOK
Aaron Farquhar, otherwise known as “Aaron, the Typical Trucker”, also shared his frustration at what happened to his friend in a video clip to his followers.
“I think it’s absolutely disgusting and shameful that truck drivers get pushed to the side because someone wants to pay $5 or $10 for a shower,” he said.
“ ey are putting pro t over truckies that are doing all the hard yards, where you’ve got caravanners and people that are just hanging around, they’ve got all the time in the world!
“Truck drivers carry Australia, and we don’t get paid for parking up, we get paid by the kilometre.
“All truck drivers are asking for is a nice hot shower at the end of the day.”
Big Rigs has approached BP for comment.
story with his followers. Image: Aaron Farquhar Scott Cook
servo. Image: Scott Cook
Future-proo ng historic NSW bridge
MAINTENANCE works have just begun on the historic Harwood Bridge in NSW bridge, which rst opened in 1966. is bridge, which crosses over the Clarence River, has carried millions of tonnes of freight and vehicles over nearly 60 years – and has been an important link for the sugar industry. Workers have now begun replacing thousands of bolts, repairing gusset plates that connect di erent elements of the bridge and carrying out repainting of tired sections to make the bridge t for service for generations to come. e original Harwood Bridge opened to tra c on
August 20, 1966, replacing vehicular ferries that once took all Paci c Highway trafc from one side of the Clarence River to the other. ey were the last vehicular ferries on the Paci c Highway. at highway tra c has now moved onto the towering dual lane structure beside it, but the old bridge still provides valuable service to Harwood residents and the Clarence sugar industry.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said that to keep the 58-year-old structure in top condition, some essential maintenance needed to be carried out.
“We’re aware how important this bridge is during the cane harvest season, so we’re aiming to have work com-
plete by the time that gets under way later this year,” Zycki said.
“ e work will take about ve months, weather permitting, and we’ll get this work completed as quickly as possible to minimise disruptions to the industry, road and maritime users.”
Tra c will be reduced to one lane for the duration of the work.
“ ere will also be some disruptions while we work on the lift span and vessel owners need to ensure they can pass under the bridge safely with the span in its closed position,” added Zycki.
Oversize and overmass trucks more than 3.5m wide will need to detour via the Iluka Road overbridge while the work is being done.
$1 billion for new Sydney transit corridor
THE federal and NSW governments have jointly agreed to commit a total of $1 billion to create a critical transit corridor to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
e project will upgrade the congested Fifteenth Avenue in Liverpool, which will connect the new Brad eld city centre, the new Metro, and the airport.
Over 22,000 vehicles a day travel along the two-lane Fif-
teenth Avenue, with around 8 per cent of those being trucks.
e federal and NSW governments’ commitment of $500m each adds to existing major investments in Western Sydney, including the $10.4 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, the $2 billion M12 Motorway, the $1 billion Mamre Road Stage 2 Upgrade and $800 million Elizabeth Drive upgrade.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Labor government wants Western Sydney to be a gateway to the rest of the world.
“We want it to thrive as the engine room for jobs, economic growth and opportunity,” he continued.
“ is half a billion dollars’ worth of new funding from the Australian Government is part of our commitment to delivering more resilient
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infrastructure for all Australians.”
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the announcement is a win for every member of the community who refused to be taken for granted.
“For too long we missed out on the infrastructure commitments we needed for our growing community as we were taken for granted and in some cases completely dismissed,” he said.
“Liverpool Council ran a grassroots campaign with community advocates, and we got a signi cant roads win.”
Truckies’ advocate Shelley Mitchell, however, was dubious about what this would mean for truck drivers.
“Are the local and other government agencies involved in the design and implementation of this infrastructure update going to
ensure that a truck stop with facilities is put in place for all the extra truck activity coming through the area? Mitchell wrote on social media.
e NSW Government announced in 2023 that Western Sydney desperately needed a new rest area.
A 33-page industry engagement report was released in April last year but no o cial progress updates have been released since.
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A look at the bridge when it first opened in 1966. Images: TfNSW
A flashback to when the bridge was being constructed.
Dodgy loading ramps put truckies at risk
TRUCKIES are at risk of serious injury unless farmers and landowners x their second-rate livestock loading ramps, says SA feedlot owner and transporter Alex McGorman.
McGorman is so incensed by what he sees as lax standards among some ramp owners around Australia that he’s launched a Facebook group in the hope it will motivate the o enders into taking action.
In just over six months, McGorman’s ‘Crap Load
I’ve said, but are a bit scared to,” said McGorman who also runs seven trucks of various con gurations around running a feedlot and cropping program at Sanderston, SA.
“I’m a truckie but we cart our own stu – probably cart a quarter of a million sheep a year, in and out, but they’re all ours so if I piss a few people o , it’s no real drama.”
McGorman says he has no beef with the station guys –“they’ve been good for years” – but the southern farmers are
typically testing day behind the wheel while loading livestock in South Australia.
“One farmer wasn’t even there and I had to cut a fence to even get in, and another farmer was holding up his ramp by a tractor and a ratchet strap and that could have ended up in tears real easy.
“I’ve had a few pretty tough days over there.”
up ended up on the Facebook group.
“Sometimes people just need a bit of a kick in the arse to realise what problems they’ve got.
“ ere’s no naming anyone, it’s just all about getting the job easier for truckies and safer for the sheep and cattle.”
“ ey don’t really appreciate
McGorman says the nalbook campaign came after a
He believes the problem has been exacerbated by some operators not speaking up about the safety issues because they’re afraid to lose the work.
McGorman, who has more than his share of bumps and bruises from coming o second best with sketchy ramps, says the issue has got so bad, it’s impacting driver recruitment.
“I’ve got drivers who have given up because it’s too hard. People just need to do the right thing. It doesn’t have to be about money. It’s just about making it easier to get in and out, to x up a ramp, that sort of thing.”
McGorman appreciates that some farmers are only out-loading a couple of times a year so the ramps and loading areas aren’t a priority, but says they need to appreciate that the driver could be doing the same role four or ve times that day.
e message is already getting through, it seems.
McGowan says he knows of at least one farmer who was spurred on to x his ramp before pictures of his old set-
McGorman, a member of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of SA, says there is an Australian Standard publication called Livestock loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens.
But believes it’s overpriced at $144 for a hard copy when most of what is required are just common-sense xes.
“ ere’s no rocket science about ramps. ey just need to be safe. You need to get your truck in and out, you need to not get bogged – it’s all just logic, it doesn’t need a Code of Practice.
“We just need truckies to say no, I won’t work from these facilities.”
Athol Carter, Regional Manager for Frasers Livestock Transport in Central Queensland, and Vice Chair of TruckSafe and Vice President of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA), concedes there are issues with the quality and safety of loading ramps at some properties around Australia.
at’s why the ALRTA rst conceived e Ramp Standard in 2015, along with help from other livestock bodies around Australia, which
Standards Australia convert ed into a national industry standard in 2020.
“A loading ramp is your income, basically. e livestock don’t walk themselves to market,” Carter said.
“ ere are a lot of good ramps out there but there are also a lot of crappy ramps out there that are doing big volumes and are dangerous to the men and women using them, and the livestock.
“People need to be doing their research when they’re replacing and rebuilding ramps and buying a ramp from a reputable manufacturer, or if you’re designing and building your own that it
Graeme Hoare, the Chair of the ALRTA’s Driver and Animal Welfare Committee, says a lot of work was done in developing e Ramp Standard following a fatal ramp incident in Victoria.
“ e ALRTA with quite a number of people right across the country got together to build this and got it switched over to a standard so it’s got a bit of punch with the authorities,” Hoare said.
“As an industry, we’ve done everything we possibly can so it’s back into all other parties in the chain to work to get the loading ramps up to scratch.”
Landmark livestock truck trial underway in Melbourne
LIVESTOCK trucks have now been given access to Melbourne’s Burnley and Domain tunnels, as part of a 12-month trial that commenced on January 1, 2025.
e trial was announced back in September and has since come into e ect, to help remove these trucks from Southbank streets.
e Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) has worked extensively with the Victorian Government, Transurban and the City of Melbourne to help bring this trial to fruition – to cre-
ate a more e cient and safer road network for livestock transportation through Melbourne.
“ is initiative is designed to address key challenges faced by livestock drivers, o ering bene ts in animal welfare, time management, and reducing the stress and hazards associated with navigating inner-city roads,” said LRTAV.
e peak Victorian livestock association says the move will help improve animal welfare by providing a faster, less disruptive journey; will help boost e ciency by
streamlining routes, helping to save time, especially during peak tra c times; and will assist in reducing driver stress, by allowing them to avoid congested city roads.
ere will however be several restrictions in place for livestock truckies using the route – and the LRTAV is calling on drivers to do the right thing to help ensure the trial’s success.
ese restrictions include detouring if your vehicle triggers the over-height warning lights; emptying e uent tanks as thoroughly as possible before entering the
tunnels; trailers will need to abide by catwalk requirements; and there are some restrictions on animals permitted in the trial.
“ is trial marks a significant step forward in modernising livestock transportation in Victoria,” said LRTAV.
“By demonstrating responsibility and adherence to the rules, the industry can work toward broader access to CityLink and other key road networks, bene ting both drivers and livestock alike.
“We are excited to see how this trial unfolds.”
The trial is expected to remove up to 600 heavy vehicles a week from Southbank’s City Road. Image: Jackson Photography/ stock.adobe.com
Truckie Alex McGorman, above, has been overwhelmed by the response to his Facebook campaign. Image: Alex McGorman
Followers upload images such as this one in the hope it will spur on owners to take action. Image: Crap Loading Ramps Australia
Millions committed to various rest areas
NEW amenities and better truck parking facilities are all being promised as part of a raft of rest area upgrades announced so far in 2025.
Funding has been allocated to upgrades at several rest areas across the country, along with three brand new heavy vehicle rest area sites: one of these will be located at Homestead West on the Flinders Highway in Queensland; one at Pimba, SA and another at Menangle, NSW.
e new Homestead West and Pimba rest areas are being funded under the fourth tranche of Labor’s $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program (HVRAP).
ese are part of six projects to share in a $17.4 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments – including $9.7 million provided by the federal government.
While the new Menangle site is being funded by the New South Wales Government.
e HVRAP provides $140 million in federal government funding over 10 years for the construction of new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas.
e latest round of funding will also provide the following rest area upgrades:
• Asphalt surfacing of the existing heavy vehicle truck stop area at the
Roma Truck Stop precinct in Queensland (Maranoa Shire Council).
• Upgrades to the heavy vehicle rest area at Tomingley, NSW (Narromine Shire Council, NSW).
• Upgrades to Ravensworth Eastbound and Westbound rest areas on Sturt Hwy, Maude, NSW.
• Upgrades to nine existing truck parking locations in the Yarriambiack Shire, Victoria (Yarriambiack Shire Council).
e Pimba rest area project will also include upgrades to the Stuart Highway Rest Area at Arcoona.
Chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, Senator Glenn Sterle, commented, “I am very proud that the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative is boosting heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through new and upgraded rest areas.”
He continued, “We are steadfast in our commitment to keeping our freight operators and communities safe. ese new and upgraded rest stops will help truckies manage their fatigue as they work hard keeping our country moving.”
Along with projects funded through HVRAP, other other rest area works have also been announced for New South Wales, all located along the Hume Highway.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) revealed that a new rest area will be constructed along the northbound section of the Hume Highway in Menangle, opposite the Partridge VC Rest Area.
is new oversize, overmass, heavy vehicle rest area replaces the old ‘Dust Bowl’ site – an informal parking bay and rest area – that closed in February 2024, much to the dismay of the many truck drivers who were using it.
“By replacing the informal Dust Bowl rest area, we are delivering a safer area for truckies to stop, park, and stage their long journeys,” said Minister for Roads, John Graham.
“We have committed to hard-working truck drivers
that rest facilities and options in and around Sydney will improve.”
e Menangle rest area is expected to be completed by the end of June this year.
According to TfNSW, the new rest area will feature enhanced safety measures compared to the previous site, including dedicated acceleration and deceleration lanes.
Graham continued, “ is is one of many projects Transport is undertaking to enhance heavy vehicle facilities across Western Sydney, including our commitment to deliver a new western Sydney rest stop.”
Meanwhile, the Kyeamba Gap rest areas, on both directions on the Hume Highway between Tarcutta and Hol-
THESE NEW AND UPGRADED REST STOPS WILL HELP TRUCKIES MANAGE THEIR FATIGUE AS THEY WORK HARD KEEPING OUR COUNTRY MOVING.”
SENATOR GLENN STERLE
brook, will receive $1.8 million in funding for upgrades, from the state and federal governments – with new toilet facilities to be built at the two sites.
Although truckies will have to share the facilities, as these are open to all motorists including cars and caravans.
Part of the upgrades will see the existing composting toilet at the northbound rest stop upgraded to ushing toilets. e southbound rest stop, which doesn’t currently feature any amenities, will receive a new toilet block with disability access.
Both rest area upgrades will also include heavy vehicle parking and the installation of new lighting.
In a statement commenting on the Kyeamba Gap rest area upgrades, Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm, said, “ ese upgrades will vastly improve the amenities available to motorists and truckies who travel along the Hume Highway with toilets now open, new lighting installed and more parking available.” e northbound rest area will be upgraded rst, with work beginning in January 2025 and set to be completed by March, weather permitting.
During construction the northbound rest area will remain open, with additional portable toilets installed to limit impacts on road users. e southbound rest area will be closed to all tra c when construction is expected to start later in 2025.
The new Menangle site will feature enhanced safety measures, including dedicated acceleration and deceleration lanes. Images: Transport for NSW
The site where the new Menangle rest area will be built. Works have begun on the Kyeamba Gap northbound rest area.
Keep up
EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM
window.
More than six years into this role, we still seem to be battling the same old issues, with little in the way of tangible progress.
Just read about the state of WA toilets in our page 3 story and the way truckies are being treated at servos on page 4. There’s just not enough respect for the role you play, plain and simple. What’s the fix?
There are no easy answers to that. But I do know we need to stick together on these issues with a united and professional response in 2025.
We know it may seem like there is nowhere to turn to have your grievances aired, or just for an empathetic ear, but know this: we’re always here to listen and fight for your rights.
And the ‘shiny bums’ are taking note, even if they don’t always act as fast as we’d like.
HOT WEB TOPICS
NHVR’s new Sunshine Coast depot
RIGHT in the heart of some of the Sunshine Coast’s most expensive tourist real estate – just 700m from the popular Maroochydore Beach – the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has opened a new o ce.
Veteran Sunshine Coast truckie Niell Graham had to look twice at the sign out front to make sure he wasn’t seeing things.
“That’s a stupid place to put it,” he said. “They should be over in the Queensland transport office in Kelly Court off of Wises
Road. That’s where you have to take a truck for a roadworthy.”
And numerous Big Rigs readers agreed. “That’s disappointing… surely ocean views would have been preferred?” Trevor Warner joked, before adding, “With a $200 million+ deficit in balancing the NHVR books, one would think there are cheaper options.”
While Ivan Lang com mented, “Why not place them in a location suitable for the industry that they regulate. Can you drive and park a B-double to obtain a
permit/work diary??? Typical example of wasted money.”
Jane Davies agreed, “There should be offices and bases beside major highways with multiple heavy vehicle park
‘When roads were built to last’
AN archival shot of road workers in action released by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) sparked plenty of lively discussion on the state agency’s Facebook page – and also drew plenty of attention when it was shared by Big Rigs.
Jamie Rowe said, “These roads are lasting 30 years and they rip off top layer and put new top layer on, don’t have to touch the base... Look at new roads in other states, they’re in a mess in less than a year with some parts requiring a full base rebuild in 3 years.”
all knowledge of the surrounding ground condition. It might work in THEORY but doesn’t often work in practice.”
wonder why the roads just crumble after a couple of years.”
Roz Nanna Turner added, “That was before uni educated fools designed roads with f**k
Stephen McCool commented, “Now it’s just who can do the job the cheapest and they
While Jarrod Bligh said, “Look at that. Not a hard hat or safety vest in sight, no bs holding back the job. Just get in and get it done.”
Cost for new toilets sparks debate Improved training tops 2025 hopes
build two good sized houses for that much including the price of the block of land!”
While Niell Graham added, “For that price I would expect it to be manned 24 hours a day, getting cleaned after every per son.”
This
But many readers couldn’t look past the hefty price tag of the works, which are now underway.
Mark Button asked, “Why is it that much? For toilet blocks?”
Roz Nanna Turner responded, “Most good builders could
WHEN Kyeamba Gap rest areas were announced, located in both directions of the Hume Highway between Tarcutta and Holbrook,– the cost of the upgrades sparked much debate. Key to the $1.8 million investment at the two sites will be new toilet blocks, along with heavy vehicle parking and new lighting.
Greg Friery agreed, “Another joke. $1.8 million for a couple of dunnies in unsafe parking bays. Who gives these clowns the locations?”
And Rhys Burrows wrote, “That’s the one rest area that actually should be closed.
Anyone who has done changeovers there knows how much of a shitshow and how dangerous place it is.”
I N
Casuarina Smith, a truck driver at Merkanooka Haulage and the face behind popular Instagram page Trucking with CJ. She said she’d like to see improved access to education and training for up-and-coming drivers, as well as ongoing training and education for existing drivers.
On Big Rigs’ Facebook page, numerous readers shared similar
“It is so so important to
train drivers correctly from the start!” said Steven Angel. “There should be a push for ‘gold standards’, that way the drivers and future employers would know exactly what they are getting.”
While Glenn Piper said, “Auto only licences should never be a thing. You want to pilot 100+ tonnes on public roads? You need to know how a manual gearbox works. Even if you only drive auto, it gives you an understanding and feel of how everything is working underneath you, and usually instils at least a little bit of mechanical sympathy.”
The NHVR said the office is ideally located. Image: Prime Creative Media
Works have started on the northbound rest area, which will be upgraded first. Image: TfNSW
Workers show off the PPE gear of the era as they crack on with the Swan Creek deviation. Image: TfNSW
Casuarina Smith says better training for truckies would be a huge step in the right direction. Image: Casuarina Smith
IN BRIEF
SRV’s latest acquisition
Gold Coast-based general freight carrier, SRV Roadfreight Services, has announced the acquisition of beverage and food transporter BEVTRANS.
SRV said it was excited about the takeover and is looking to integrate a new-look organisational structure within the next 90 days.
“SRV recognised the strategic fit between our organisations and the significant value this will create for both parties,” the company said in a social media post.
The agreement will involve new Kenworths and Vawdrey trailers featuring the new BEVTRANS logo.
SRV currently operates over 80 Kenworth prime movers and its major accounts include Coca Cola.
The Yatala-based company anticipates the acquisition will also deliver increased job opportunities within the group.
Weighbridge reopens
The Broadford Weighbridge in Victoria has reopened following maintenance works.
The site had been closed since Monday November 18, as works were carried out, with the site now reopened two months later.
During the closure the rest area behind the weighbridge remained open for light and heavy vehicle use.
With the weighbridge now also open, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is asking operators to follow all signage and directions at the site.
Smarter Highways
trial
A new program of technology trials will be running on highways across regional NSW this year.
The $5m Smarter Highways program will harness emerging and existing technologies to address driver behaviour issues that can lead to crashes.
Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the network, causing systems to be activated to warn drivers about hazards and, if possible, provide alternative options.
Most of the trial technologies are wireless solar-powered systems that the government claims can be installed “relatively cheaply” and are tailored to suit individual sites, taking into account the environment and conditions of the road.
$251.7m bypass opens
The new $251.7 million Walkerston Bypass has now opened to traffic, connecting the Peak Downs Highway west of Walkerston to the Mackay Ring Road near Paget.
The bypass is the designated heavy vehicle route for B-double and other multi-combination vehicles, including A-double road trains, between the Bruce Highway and the Peak Downs Highway in Mackay.
This new two-lane rural highway aims to remove heavy vehicles from Walkerston and ease congestion, while also providing a direct route for heavy vehicles required by Bowen Basin coal producers.
The finished project includes a new bridge with improved flood immunity over Bakers Creek and three new road overpasses above the local cane railway network.
Isuzu maintains top sales spot
ISUZU Australia Limited has celebrated its 36th year at the top of its game, leading the truck sales tally for 2024, with one of its strongest-ever results of 13,402 trucks sold.
is comes o the back of another all-time sales record for the Australian truck market in 2024; where 51,277 heavy vehicles were delivered, which is 3520 more than in the previous year.
ere was strong overall growth in the medium and heavy-duty segments while light-duty fell short of the 2023 results.
Isuzu was able to capture an incredible 26.1 per cent market share of those total heavy vehicle sales.
“Importantly for our industry, it’s heartening to see the Australian truck market in such a strong position, following yet another record annual sales result,” said IAL Chief of Sales and Aftersales, Ben Lasry.
“ is is the rst time the Australian truck market has broken through the 50,000unit mark, which is a noteworthy achievement for the industry at large.”
Ben said the brand is pleased to have nished on
top again in 2024, and to have performed well across all market segments and weight categories.
“Our focus is always to deliver t-for-purpose, reliable road transport solutions, and via our hard-working national dealer network, and as the market results attest, we’re doing a good job in achieving that,” Ben added.
“We have the utmost condence in our product and the systems in place to support our customers.
“We also have some of the best people in the business making it happen. Isuzu’s strong results in 2024 are a credit to each and every one of them.”
For 2024, Isuzu achieved the number one spot in the light-duty segment, with 6805 sales, equating to a market share of 46.7 per cent.
Isuzu also achieved top spot in the medium-duty segment, selling 4116 vehicles for a massive 50.6 per cent market share.
In the heavy-duty segment, Isuzu secured third place, with an improved market share of 14.5 per cent.
Re ecting on both industry and Isuzu sales achievements,
IAL Head of Sales, Craig White, said the brand is thrilled with the results and looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2025.
“From an industry perspective, I think last year’s results certainly exceeded the expectations of many, so it’s fantastic to see genuine and sustained strength in our sector,” he said.
“As we all know though, 2025 is an election year at the federal level, which can bring with it some uncertainty and as an industry, we need to be prepared for that.
“When it comes to Isuzu, we’re buoyed by the fact our extensive product range performed exceedingly well last year.
“We’re continuing to invest
heavily in both our corporate and network resourcing in preparation for the year ahead.
“2025 is going to be massive for the brand and meeting customer demand across a range of industries will be our single-minded focus in the year to come. at is what ultimately drives the results.”
Brisbane operator takes delivery of 100th Actros
BRISBANE-BASED transport company Gri th Corporation has taken delivery of its 100th Mercedes-Benz Actros.
Company Director Mark Gri th marked the milestone with a black 2663 Actros 25 Driver Edition with a GigaSpace cab.
Gri th Corporation operates more than 60 prime movers, with the majority doing overnight express work for a raft of long-term customers including Tamex, DHL, Mainfreight and Northline.
e company also has eight transporters that it sends to racetracks around the country, moving Aussie race cars, targa cars and production cars, in addition to providing exotic vehicle and supercar transportation for individual owners.
e new 2663 Actros milestone truck was delivered by Daimler Trucks Brisbane and immediately put to work pulling the Team Nineteen race transporter that carries the AMG GT of Gri th Corporation raced by Grifth.
e 16-litre 630hp truck replaces a third-generation black Actros prime mover that was part of the transporter combination Gri th bought from Erebus.
“It had come up on the lease deal and Mercedes-Benz had the 25th anniversary Actros, there were only 25 of them,
so we thought ‘let’s have one of those’,” he said.
e Actros 25 Driver Edition comes with a range of special features including an illuminated Mercedes-Benz logo, Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels, dark chrome highlights, a light-bar with driving lights, stainless steel
highlights, leather seats and woodgrain trim.
It also features the optional GigaSpace cab, which has 2.13 metres of interior height, measured from the oor between the seats to the ceiling, providing ample room for the tallest drivers and adding three large cupboards built
into the front of the truck cabin.
e majority of the Gri th Corporation’s eet is made up of Actros trucks, which are switched over every four years to ensure the company is always operating the most modern, safest and fuel-ecient models.
Gri th Corporation takes advantage of Daimler Truck Financial Services and its guaranteed buyback program, which is part of its nance offering.
Customers can take the buyback option, keep their truck or sell it themselves.
“We get a guaranteed future value at four years, so wenance them for four years, then hand them over and get a new one,” Gri th said.
“It’s a good thing to know that at the end of the term they are going to give you X amount and you can plan for it.
“When Covid was on, people were giving you more money than what the payout gure was, so we did, but if it is less than that you can just hand it back and walk away.”
Followmont celebrates 40 years with special rig
WITH 2024 marking 40 years of Followmont Transport, the family owned business capped o the year with the delivery of a special new truck. Followmont’s 40-year K220 was delivered in late 2024. e new rig recently set o on its maiden journey, with driver Nathan Batty behind the wheel.
Based locally in Brisbane, the 40-year K220 will alternate its runs weekly, covering Bris-
bane, Cairns and Melbourne one week; then Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney the next.
CEO of Followmont Transport, Ross Longmire, expressed his con dence in the reliability and performance of the Kenworth brand as the business adds its 53rd Kenworth to the eet.
“Followmont has enjoyed a strong and trusted partnership with Brown & Hurley for many years, and we continue
to have full faith in the Kenworth brand,” Ross said.
“ ese trucks are built tough to handle the demanding environments we operate in while o ering the advanced safety features and driver comfort we prioritise.
“ ey are a premium product that delivers consistent performance, enabling us to transport freight safely and e ciently across Queensland and New South Wales.”
Isuzu achieved a 26.1 per cent market share of heavy vehicle sales in 2024. Image: IAL
Griffith Corporation marked the big milestone with a black 2663 Actros 25 Driver Edition with a GigaSpace cab. Image: Daimler Truck Australia
Image: Followmont
‘Family Provider’ rig lives up to its name
BY KAYLA WALSH
ADRIAN Fenech’s ties to the transport industry go way back, with his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all making a living as owner-drivers.
“Pretty much as soon as I could walk, I was out in the truck with my dad,” he told Big Rigs.
“Every weekend and school holiday, I wouldn’t leave his side.
“I always loved trucks – especially Kenworths.”
All his life, Adrian knew he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps and start his own transport business.
After eight years of driving and maintaining tippers for an excavation company in Sydney, he nally made the leap in 2022.
He bought himself a 2013 Kenworth K200 from Raymond Scott Transport in Mount Gambier, SA and hit the road.
e 30-year-old admitted he was a little anxious about going it alone before he pur-
chased the truck, because it’s getting “harder and harder” for owner-drivers all the time.
happy until I gave it a go,” he said. “ e re inside me over ruled those worries.”
Now after over two years on the road, he has no regrets about taking the risk –though it hasn’t been a walk in the park.
BY KAYLA WALSH
TWO transport boss brothers have banded together to create a special tribute truck – and it certainly stands out on the road.
Norman and Benjamin Yammine, who run NSW transport companies NJ Ashton and ABN Haulage, recently picked up a brand-new SAR Legend from Gilbert & Roach Trucks in Huntingwood.
e truck is all black, which is unusual in itself, but it also bears a special tribute to Norman and Benjamin’s father, Adnan ‘Eddie’ Yammine.
Former transport operator Adnan passed away 11 years ago, and his sons wanted the truck to be a celebration of
ing seven days a week – may be you won’t be driving the truck every day, but you’ll be doing maintenance or even just washing it on Sundays.
“ ere are a lot of hours that you don’t always get paid for, so it has to be a passion for you.
“But it’s been going really well, and I’m loving it.”
Adrian has dubbed his rig “Family Provider” as a tribute to his grandfather, Jimmy, whose rst Kenworth had the same name.
“My dad and my grandad taught me a lot of what I know and gave me the work ethic I have today,” he said. “ ey were both a big in uence on me.”
“Family Provider” is an especially suitable moniker for the driving force behind Adri-
winner for his young family –which includes his wife Aymie,ise and son James, who was only born two months ago.
“It is quite tting!” he said.
“My wife Aymie has been so supportive of me going out on my own – she knew it was always a dream of mine.
“She backed me 100 per cent, the whole way.”
Based in Sydney, Adrian carts pneumatic tankers interstate, anywhere from Canberra to Melbourne to Brisbane.
Although his truck works hard, it’s never caused him any trouble.
“It was really well looked-after and had very low kilometers for its age when I got it,” he said.
“I look after it as well – I’m a strong believer in maintenance.
“I would much rather x something in the yard when I have the chance rather than
-
xing it on the side of the road.”
Presentation is also very important to Adrian – and although is truck is 10 years old, people often think it’s brand new.
“When you get to a job site and your truck is well presented, it looks good for you and for the customer,” he added.
“ at’s always been a priority for me.”
When Adrian got the truck, he gave it a facelift, adding some chrome accessories and getting it resprayed.
His hard work and ensuing upkeep has paid o , with the rig winning Truck of the Show at the Dane Ballinger Memorial Show in both 2024 and 2023.
“I couldn’t believe that,” he said.
“I get a lot of compliments on the truck but to win two years in a row was amazing.”
Sharing his advice for anyone who is thinking about becoming an owner-driver, he said it’s important to be aware of your running costs.
ning a business in the last year, and I’m still learning as I go.
“It might look easy on the outside but in reality, it’s not.
“Work out your costs and be aware that it’s getting more and more expensive to run a truck these days.
“Make sure you’re working with good equipment and you’re on the right track.
“Other than that, I would just
SAR Legend a tribute to father’s legacy
their father’s life and legacy.
e back of the truck reads “Real men never die, they become legends” and “Live life and be happy”, which is from Adnan’s tombstone.
e registration plate, which reads “ADN4N” is also a tribute to the truckies’ beloved dad.
Rebecca Casey, who works for ABN Haulage, told Big Rigs: “’Live life and be happy’ is something that Eddie always said.
“ e other quote is something that reminds Ben and Norman of their father, and they thought it was tting given the truck is a SAR Legend.”
Casey said that Benjamin has
but he needed to do it right.
“He was always looking at American trucks like Peterbilts that were blacked out,” she said.
“Previous to this we released two matching grey 909s that are sisters, like Yin and Yang.
“Last year it was the anniversary of his father’s death and it
was nally time to build the black truck.”
Sloanebuilt Trailers were responsible for the matching tipper trailers, which read “Ashton Haulage – Est. 1983”.
e SAR Legend was blinged up with extra lighting and extra re ective signwriting, which works as a
safety mechanism given the dark colour of the paint.
“We worked with Daniel from Pro Signs to get the ball rolling on the signwrit-
ing,” she said.
“He had a few trial and errors and came up with that idea, and we loved it. It looks awesome.”
Adrian with his wife Aymie and daughter Elouise. Images: Adrian Fenech
The black truck is special in more ways than one. Images: ABN Haulage
The truck when Adrian bought it, before it got a makeover.
A tribute to Benjamin and Norman Yammine’s father can be seen on the back of the rig.
Adrian won Truck of the Show at the Dane Ballinger Memorial Show in both 2023 and 2024.
The matching tipper trailers were made by Sloanebuilt Trailers.
Adrian is fastidious about presentation.
Reflective signwriting looks good and works as a safety mechanism.
Adnan “Eddie” Yammine passed away 11 years ago.
It’s the same trusty workhorse, but not as you know it. Pairing a fresh new design with the features that have made it Australia’s hardest-working light-duty truck. The new look Fuso Canter is now bringing even more to the job site – including brighter LED headlights, a sleek new exterior, and enhanced 8” multimedia touch screen with wireless mobile connectivity. Plus, class-leading payload across most models, active safety systems*, and impressive 30,000km service intervals to take your business further.
*Excludes off-road Canter FG 4x4 models. For further details of operating parameters, please refer to the Fuso Canter
Four decades of timber and toil
This hard-working Bombala-based logging operator looks back on 40 years in the industry, as he and his brother continue the proud family legacy.
BY DAVID VILE
AS Mark Rodwell explained, “I nished school in ‘84 and went into the bush – the only trade I knew was hard work – chainsaws, loaders, bulldozers. Just getting multiskilled in most things that needed to be done. I don’t know that you could call it a trade, but you could put your hand to most things.”
And that’s served Mark admirably, as he re ected on 40 years of work in his family’s timber harvesting, haulage and earthmoving business which is based in Bombala in southern New South Wales.
Mark, along with older brother Peter, have carried on the business started in the 1950s by their late father Merv ‘Bluey’ Rodwell. Today the operation includes a eet of three Kenworths and a variety of earthmoving and forestry machinery – along with a restored Leyland Beaver and an International Transtar parked up in retirement at the Bombala depot.
With the family’s roots at Lower Bendoc just over the border in Victoria, Merv Rodwell started out in the 1950s with livestock and general transport.
As Mark explained, with timber harvesting a mainstay of local industry, the opening of the Harris-Daishowa mill at Eden in the early 1970’s was the catalyst for growth.
“Dad won a job with Harris Daishowa in 1970-71. ey were a good company to work for and we kicked on there until 1998. We did both hardwood harvesting and haulage, working out of south-east NSW, up to the Monaro and Brown Mountain and down to the Victorian border, carting into Jew’s Head at Eden. It was good work, and it put a lot of people on the map.”
Looking back to 50 years ago, the work was a lot harder, and the gear was what would today be called primitive, but the business evolved, with Peter joining the ranks in the mid-1970s and Mark a decade later.
Along the way the Rodwell family has operated a variety of trucks, from the Leyland Beaver, through to a bogie drive UD, a Ford LNT and Mack Superliner and now the Kenworths that are in the eet today.
“A lot of the harvesting was hand work, and there were a lot of tter blokes in the bush back then. But we persevered. As you went along, you upgraded the gear, either a new truck or piece of equipment to make things a bit easier.
“I remember Dad saying back in the early days you could buy a ‘44’ of diesel at the chip mill for $10 and a Michelin drive tyre for the same amount – it certainly has changed, and the gear has got bigger,” Mark said.
After working in the bush
AS YOU WENT ALONG, YOU UPGRADED THE GEAR, EITHER A NEW TRUCK OR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THINGS A BIT EASIER.” MARK
RODWELL
for a few years, Mark rst got behind the wheel of a Ken worth T650 in 1989, and at its peak the Rodwells had ve trucks in their eet along with subcontractors working on log haulage.
Moving out of the hardwood operations around 2008, the family scaled back their eet, focusing on earthmoving and oat work before taking on a softwood loading and haulage contract with Forestry Corpo ration NSW in 2016, which nished up in mid-2024.
Today the company’s T909, driven by Troy Rankin, is hauling pine for a private cus tomer. Mark’s C509, built to his specs, has a rating of 185 tonne and handles all the ma chinery movements with a oat. e third Kenworth, a 1994 T950, spends most of its time hauling a water cart.
“Currently we are running the T909 into Visy at Tumut, it’s a good 12-hour round trip via Canberra and a lot of highway running. At present there’s a hell of a lot of tra c over the mountains with the Snowy 2.0 truck movements up there,” explained Mark.
early days on log haulage.
“In the past we would also run pine to Canberra, and the Dongwha mill here at Bombala but the main part of our work when we had the Forestry contract was sawlong, so that meant a lot of trips down the Imlay Road to the export yard at Eden.”
e Leyland Beaver, complete with Freighter log jinker and the International Transtar at the company’s depot have been meticulously restored, with both trucks having their place in the company’s history – with the Leyland especially having proved its worth in the
“ e Beaver has a 680 Powerplus engine, around 200 horsepower. It would pull 2425 tonne, single drive with a bogie pulp tailer – in the early days of the chip mill it was all billet timber – short lengths of 8-10 feet long.
“Dad reckoned coming up the hill from Eden he could count the shots in it as he changed gear, it would pull with a big load – it would just make it. He always reckoned if it ever stopped he wouldn’t have been able to hold it backwards. It did have air brakes but no maxis or anything like
along with it over four or ve years. We still had this one, it had been sitting down the yard for years, so we rebuilt it and put the jinker on it a few years later.
“Originally it had a wooden pole, I remember when we did it Dad said, ‘It has to have a steel pole in it, not a wooden one. I broke two of them in one day!’ We got it registered, and he drove it to a show in Bega. It was just second nature to him. ey are a lot di erent to today of course, no suspension seat in it, not a lot of room and you would cook yourself on the hot days
star 4200 was ‘Bluey’s’ last truck, with an overhaul nished just prior to his death in 2022.
“Dad got crook and slowed down and stepped away from the core business. He bought the Transtar o Taigs and did a bit of oat work and gravel with a belly dumper tipper. We sent the Transtar down to Terry Whelan to get restored and we got it back in November 2021. He passed away in June 2022, so it was good that he got to see it,” said Mark.
Today the Transtar has a mural painted as a tribute to ‘Bluey’ on the bonnet, with
Rodwell eet colours.
“Dirk Rampling did the paint. We have had those colours since 1989. When we got a truck Dad said we would paint it that colour so we have painted them the same ever since,” added Mark. e Rodwell brothers have also had a role to play in forest re ghting over the years with machinery and oat work and have created a re tanker which can be deployed on a timber forwarder.
“Summer 2019-2020 was quite bad for res here, so we have developed a re tanker for a forwarder – they are a wasted tool in a re, but they are an all-terrain vehicle with capacity for 18,000 litres of
Mark Rodwell proudly shows off the family’s restored Leyland Beaver, ‘Old Timer’. Images: David Vile
The Rodwell name and fleet colours proudly adorn the Leyland Beaver
Mark’s C509 is rated to 185 tonne and handles all the machinery movements.
Rodwell’s T909, ‘Troy’s Pride’, loaded for another trip over the range to Tumut.
Twin Legends hit the road
These bubbly four-year-old twins are proud as punch about their matching new pink and blue Kenworth SAR Legends.
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
THEY may have only turned four years old last month, but the youngest generation of this family business are stoked to see the wheels turning on Ross Transport’s new Kenworth Legend SARs.
True Ross-Sawrey represents the third generation of this family business, based in Port Kembla, NSW. It’s owned and operated by her father Alan Ross – and as well as working closely alongside him, she’s also busy running her own separate transport business too.
Just as she grew up around trucks, so too are her twins Chris and Charlie, with their father also behind the wheel of one of the new Legends. When the limited-edition Kenworth Legend SARs went on sale for just one-day back in July 2021, the twins were still only babies. But as True explained, the plan was always to dedicate the Legends to her kids.
ough the family had planned to get both trucks on the road at the same time, they actually arrived one whole year apart.
While there are other trucks in the Ross Transport eet bearing their names –the eet’s well known rainbow truck for Charlie and a B-double tipper for Chris –these are the rst rigs to be done up especially for them.
“ ey were both very excited,” said True. “When the rst one arrived they were almost three so they were still very little, but we did tell them their names would be on the back of the trucks.
“When the second truck for Charlie went on the road, the driver came past our house to show her the truck. He called when he was driving up the road so she went outside and waited. When she saw the truck, the rst thing she said was, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s my pink truck’.”
e Ross Transport eet has become well known for its stand-out eet of colourful trucks – from truck and trailer combinations sporting various cartoon and comic characters, to others supporting various causes.
“Dad takes the design of our trucks very seriously,”
name on them when I was growing up too. It’s always been an important thing for him to have all these special designs.
“As a family business, this business takes up a lot of our life, so things like this are really important for us. It puts a smile on my face when I see the trucks.”
e rst of the two new Legends to arrive was the white and blue one named ‘Kaos Chris’, which is driven by True’s husband and the twins’ father Jason Sawrey. It hit the road in September 2023, doing local and intrastate tipper work. It also includes Jason’s name on the driver’s side of the cabin and True’s name on the passenger side.
‘Chatty Charlie’, the pink and white Legend complete with purple accents then arrived in September 2024. Behind the wheel is long-time driver Joshua Ulbrich, who was named the 2024 National Professional Driver of the Year at the ATA’s annual conference last April. Adding a personalised touch for the truck’s driver, Joshua’s wife Belinda has her name on the
AS A FAMILY BUSINESS, THIS BUSINESS TAKES UP A LOT OF OUR LIFE, SO THINGS LIKE THIS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US.”
TRUE ROSS-SAWREY
passenger side of the cabin, with their kids’ names, Maddi and Connor, written on the driver’s side.
“Josh has been driving for us for about eight years now but was a driver and driver trainer in the army before coming to Ross Transport. He takes his job very seriously and is very good at it. He’s very happy to help out with driver training too,” added True.
Chatty Charlie is used for B-double at top work. Joshua is based in Melbourne, so he mostly does the Melbourne to Sydney run, regularly stopping by Ross Transport’s Port Kembla base, along with travelling along the eastern seaboard, as required. As this truck is used for long distance work, it features the taller cabin option for extra space.
Making both trucks extra special, Jason actually completed the paintwork. He’s been a truck driver for the past 17 years but prior to that was a truck spray painter.
“ e trucks came out of the factory white. We have our own paint booths here so Jason and a couple of our other workers did all the stripes and paintwork,” explained True.
“ en we had our signwriter Frank, who’s done work for us for years, do all the more detailed stu – the signwriting, stars and the murals.”
A few of the workshop mechanics also painted the at top trailers used behind Chatty Charlie, starting from purple to match the colour of the turntable and gradually going into the Ross Transport signature blue.
“ ey were older trailers, so they were painted, along with the toolboxes and mudguards, to match the new truck,” said True.
On the back of both cabins is an outline of Australia, as is featured on several Ross Transport trucks, with a personalised mural for each of the kids.
For Chris, there’s a drawing of him on a balance bike, along with pictures of a few di erent things he likes including a scooter, toy truck and teddy bear.
And for Charlie, there’s a drawing of her dressed up as a fairy, along with some hearts and owers. “ at fairy on the truck is the same one she has in her room, and she absolutely loves it,” said True.
en inside the cabin, both trucks feature customised steering wheels in a pearl nish from Pearlcraft in Melbourne – a blue one for Kaos Chris and a purple one for Chatty Charlie, along with Pearlcraft
gear-knobs to match.
Despite their young age, it looks like little Chris and Charlie are already starting to learn the ropes of the family business.
“ ey’ve both been for a ride in the trucks. My son regularly goes with my husband but my daughter not as much. She prefers going for rides in the depot rather than the long-distance stu ,” explained True.
“Chris did a trip recently to Eulonga with his dad. at was his rst big 14-hour day in the truck. He did really well and even helped to change the gears – he gets really into it.
“Sometimes when I don’t have a babysitter they come to work with me at the main depot here too. We have a lady whose been in our workshop for the past 17 years who helps me out when they come to work. My kids know her as Aunty Caloryn. Her name is Carolyn but they can’t pronounce it properly, but it’s very cute how they say her name. She’ll often take them down to the workshop – and they love it!
“All our sta are very supportive, being a family company, so they all help out if I have meetings or get busy.”
Though the twin trucks were due to arrive together, they were delivered a year apart.
True and Jason with their kids Charlie and Chris. Images: Ross Transport ‘Kaos Chris’ and ‘Chatty Charlie’ feature personalised murals on the back.
Passing the baton for remote outback run
Kym Mozol spoke to Big Rigs about his epic final run along one of the country’s toughest routes – and his race to make it back for his daughter’s wedding.
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
AFTER nearly seven years taking on one of the country’s most remote and unforgiving transport routes, this legendary outback truckie has shifted his focus to the grain harvest in the west.
Based in Ceduna, South Australia, 64-year-old Kym Mozol has been tackling the notorious fortnightly run into a remote Aboriginal community called Tjuntjuntjara, delivering supplies to its only community store.
Home to about 100 people, the small town is located roughly 650 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie, in the Gold elds-Esperance region of Western Australia.
Tjuntjuntjara is only accessible by two dirt roads and both are in quite a sorry state.
For Kym, getting there requires a gruelling 1800km round trip across rough red dirt tracks, with some sections now in the worst condition he’s ever seen.
ough it’s approximately 14 hours each way – on a good run – Kym has at times been stuck there much longer, the longest of which saw him there for eight weeks.
Kym runs his own transport business, together with his wife Bethney Mozol. ey have six trucks in their eet – four Western Stars, a Kenworth cabover he recently purchased to cart water tankers and a rigid.
For the Tjuntjuntjara run, Kym relied on his trusty 1999 Kenworth T604, which is currently undergoing repairs before being sold to Jordan Lambess, who is taking over the “rough as guts” run.
A quali ed mechanic, Jordan had spent time working in the mines before deciding he was ready for a change –embarking on his rst trip to Tjuntjuntjara on January 8, in another truck he owns.
While Kym has no plans to give up life on the road any time soon, he told Big Rigs the time was right to pass on the baton for this partic-
ular job. For some years, it’s been the only outback run he does, with the rest of his freight work revolving mostly around fertiliser, grain and general freight.
en years, so I thought it was someone else’s turn,” he said. “Being every fortnight, it means you can’t go away and do anything else. My last run to Tjuntjuntjara was in De cember. en I spent seven weeks in Western Australia doing grain work.”
Along with being a truckie, Kym is also a farmer, honing his skills in trucks and machinery from as young as nine-years-old.
He says another reason the time was right to give up the Tjuntjuntjara run was because he was having to juggle the farm and being away while on this outback route.
“I had my son helping me out on the farm but he recently moved to Adelaide with his wife and kids, and my broth-
an AB triple set of tippers.
Following a brief time back at his Ceduna property in January, Kym plans to head back into Western Australia to do another couple of months of grain work, before returning home for seeding.
Speaking about his nal Tjuntjuntjara run, Kym revealed things didn’t quite go as planned. Although it wasn’t anything he hadn’t seen before, as a seasoned outback truckie – what made this time di erent, was that he was trying to get back in
“For that trip, it took me a week because my trailer got bogged – it usually only takes two days. I had enough food and water with me for the week. You always have to take supplies with you just in
“We had to put levy banks around the wheels, bucket the water out and then wait
“My truck got bogged, then another guy with a truck and trailer got bogged, along with a couple of four wheel drives that came out to help and got bogged too.”
ankfully Kym made it back just in the nick of time.
“I got back to Ceduna on the ursday at 3pm, then got in another truck on Friday morning and drove to Clare to be there for my daughter’s wedding on the Saturday,” he explained.
“I could’ve left the trailers there because the truck
wasn’t bogged but then I’d have to go back to get the trailer, and it happened about 730-kilometres away from Ceduna.
“I had a few other things go wrong on that trip too. I broke a 30mm bolt in the airbag spring in the middle axle, so I had to chain that axle to the axles at the front and rear of it to keep it straight for the drive home. Oh, and the centre bearing shit itself too.
“And that was the last run to Tjuntjuntjara I did,” laughed Kym.
“ e wedding was really beautiful and very relaxing. Once the wedding was over, I turned around and drove straight to Esperance.”
Kym said the weather has always been the biggest challenge with that run. “It’s the road condition when it gets too wet,” he said. “And breaking down, because there’s no phone service. I have a satellite phone but if you broke down and needed someone,
you’d have to wait for them to come out from Ceduna.” Until the road receives some much needed upgrades, these sorts of problems are likely to remain, for anyone brave enough to take on the job.
“Every month or so you’d have a bad run where something breaks, it’s just the road conditions. at’ll keep happening until they can get some funding to grade it a bit, to make it easier on the machines,” said Kym.
“Not much gets done to the road once you get over the border through to Tjuntjuntjara. e last time they graded that section was about three years ago. And when it does get graded, they start at the good end all the time!
“ e rst 100km from the SA/WA border heading west is the worst it’s ever been. And probably the last 80km on the South Australia side is also the worst it’s ever been. You’re lucky to get to 20km/h – it’s just that rough!”
Since calling time on the Tjuntjuntjara run, Kym Mozol has been driving his 2007 Western Star in WA. Images: Kym Mozol
Kym spent almost seven years tackling one of the country’s toughest routes in this 1999 Kenworth T604.
Thankfully he made it home to walk his daughter Charise down the aisle.
He says one of the biggest challenges with getting to Tjuntjuntjara is when the road gets too wet.
The trusty old T604 undergoing repairs after Kym’s memorable final run to Tjuntjuntara.
Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula
SHELL Rimula has partnered with Big Rigs in a big way – so there are even more reasons to send in your best truck shots.
Each month, the Big Rigs team will choose a #PicOfTheMonth, 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
for your best truck photos and add yours in the comments, or email them to kayla.walsh@ primecreative.com.au.
Don’t forget to include a brief note about the truck and 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!
Aaron Maher took this epic pic of Wickham Freight Lines’ K220 at Shell Boggabilla.
Brett Maloney snapped this ripper pic of Graham Brown and Daughter Transport’s T909. 908 farm truck.
Grant Daish snapped this shot of the truck he drives for Aus Trans, pulling Hunter Express trailers around Melbourne.
Bracken Mercer took this gorgeous shot in Canberra.
Louise Fuller took this cool pic of her and her partner’s trucks at the Euroa rest area.
Bear Graham took this fantastic pic of the big T909 on a boat unload at Henderson, WA.
When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going
Jake Whiting grabbed this great pic of Whitings Bulk Haulage’s T659 at Greenethorpe, NSW.
Cheers to James Milne for this shot taken during the harvest at Tintinara, SA.
Morgan Beard snapped this off while taking a break in Goondiwindi.
Mark McGahey got this great shot at sunset at Bakers Creek IOR.
Scott Quinn sent this snap of Quinn Transport’s B/A triple transporting 150 bales of wool from Middleback ranges in SA.
Thanks to Darryl Edwards for this ripper pic of Goodwin Roadways’ vintage International.
Matt Langley sent us this cool photo, taken on the Austral Downs Road, Barkly, NT.
Heartfelt tribute for truckies
BY JONATHAN WALLIS
ANOTHER year had passed and here we were again on our way to Epping Forest on Saturday, January 11, for the Tassie Truckies Memorial Wall Service.
We were facing rising tem peratures and a threatening sky. Happily, though it stayed hot, it remained pleasant for the folk who assembled at the Epping Forest Ampol road house for the 10th Memorial Service at the wall there, and for the dedication of 16 new plaques on the rapidly lling Memorial Wall.
is now brings the num ber of plaques on the Me morial Wall to 217, and as committee member Jonathan Price told us, it highlights the need for an extension in the near future.
On the day, 11 beautiful ly detailed rigs turned up, as well as a good crowd of 300 people – bringing a mixture of family and friends of those who were honoured, and oth-
er interested people.
It was a time for re ection, but also a time for a familystyle get together.
ere was great country music from Apache to entertain those who arrived prior to the service, delivered from the trailer / stage towed by Jonathan Price’s immaculate Huon Delivery Services 2019 K200.
ere was also ra e of four limited edition prints of the Memorial Wall, with all the names around the outside, to raise funds, and Tia Hodgetts and Amanda Wilson manned a successful stall selling Memorial Wall merchandise. All proceeds from these fundraising e orts will go towards the upkeep of the Memorial Wall.
For the kids, there was plenty of fun to be had, including face painting provided by Colourful Kids Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos, from 10 am to midday.
Starting punctually at 12 noon, Jonathan Price welcomed the crowd and ac-
knowledged the many people who have worked to make the day a success.
On behalf of the Wall Committee, he introduced guest speaker, the Honourable Eric Abetz, Minister for Transport, and Minister for Business, Industry and Resources. He spoke brie y about the size of and importance of the transport industry, his concern at the hazardous nature of the job, the heavy toll it takes, his government’s commitment to roads and to the establishment of rest areas, and he acknowledged the importance of the Memorial Wall to the entire community.
Following his speech, Rachel Rawlings read the beautiful and emotional “Truckies Poem”. Adam Hodgetts, on behalf of the committee, then thanked all who had contributed to the installation and maintenance of the Memorial Wall since its opening in 2015, including previous committee members, and donors – with a prominent mention of Big
Floral tributes fill the Memorial Wall, as flags are lowered to half-mast. Image: Linda Poulton
Darren Hingston with his W-Model Kenworth and Nick Cambell with the 1993 Kenworth T900. Images: Jonathan Wallis
Grant Scott in front of Green’s Peterbilt, used last year
Grant’s brother Des Scott’s coffin.
Memorial Wall and the Tasmanian transport industry.
Reverend Alan Bulmer then made a sensitive and thoughtful speech relating to the hard and demanding, and sadly often tragic, life of truck drivers, and their families, and then blessed the wall, nishing with a respectful reading of the Lord’s Prayer.
e 16 names were then read out for those to be commemorated this year, with one minute’s silence observed.
Floral tributes were placed against the wall from: e Tasmanian Memorial Wall, e Victorian Truck Drivers Memorial, and the White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial in South Australia, laid by Jonathan Price, Adam Hodgetts and Tia Hodgetts. e ags were respectfully lowered to half-mast by Wayne Pearce and Jonty Price.
And then, whilst Pipe Major John Fardon from the Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums played “Amazing Grace”, the
family and friends of those newly commemorated men led quietly along placing red and white roses in the nich es alongside their respective plaques.
e 2025 memorial was again another moving and emotional day, one thoughtfully organised with their customary e ciency and due reverence by the committee. We once again repeat that the Road Transport Industry in Tasmania is indeed fortunate to have this central, well maintained, and acces-
monument, at Epping tween Hobart and the north of the state, to commemorate ers who have gone on before us. It has become obvious that an extension is now needed to allow for future memorial plaques, but Jonathan Price tells us that he is already in contact with both the Northern Midlands Council and the state government, and that he has reason to be hopeful that funding, and
council permission, will both be forthcoming.
“ e Wall”, as it has now become a ectionately known, is situated adjacent to the Epping Forest Road-
house and Truckstop, and it satis es the need for, and appreciation of, a quiet and pleasant place for people to come and pay their respects to lost family and friends. Passing by this memorial we regularly see people there taking some time out to remember their loved ones, work mates and friends. We were again reassured to see the Memorial Wall remaining secure in the capable hands of those present and past committee members who have proven to be truly dedicated guardians of this perpetual site, ful lling a deep need for somewhere where these hard-working and worthy truck drivers can be respectfully remembered and their lives celebrated.
Names added to the Tassie Truckies Memorial Wall for 2025
A crowd of 300 turned out to pay their respects.
Minister for Transport Eric Abetz and Jonathan Price. Image: Linda Poulton
Tia and Adam Hodgetts with past president Tony Whitehouse.
Pipe Major John Fardon playing Amazing Grace.
Another impressive line-up of trucks were on display at this year’s service.
Geelong draws a big crowd
BY KAYLA WALSH
T HIS year’s Geelong Classic Truck and Machinery Show was a big success, with over 100 trucks and 2000 people turning out to join in the fun.
Young and old alike enjoyed the variety of displays and entertainment on o er at the Geelong Showgrounds, from vintage trucks, tractors, cars and machinery to cannon rings, military re-enactments and much more.
Event organiser Angela Reynolds told Big Rigs that despite some “interesting” weather, the team were happy with how the show went.
“We were blown away by the number of trucks that came through and everyone had a great time,” she said.
“We had a sweltering day on Saturday and rain on Sunday, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of our exhibitors and visitors still making the most of the weekend.
“ e Historical Commercial Vehicle Club and the American Truck Historical Society were there, and ATHS held their meeting during the event, which is the rst time they’ve done that.”
Reynolds said the show is “not about competition”, so there were no awards handed out
However, there were a few special trucks that stood out from the crowd – like Peter Wi en’s “immaculate” nut and bolt resto of an International 9000 and Robbie Rose’s stunning LTL 9000. e popular Skidmore family also brought along two road trains with smaller trucks and tractors. “ at was an impressive
display, not just at the show but even to see on the road on the way to the showgrounds,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds is looking forward to coming back next year for another ripper event.
“We’ve been running every year since 2014, apart from during Covid, and it’s great to see that after 11 years we’re still getting a really
strong turnout and support from the trucking commu nity,” she said.
“ ese events are an im portant opportunity for people to come and catch up with their friends and other exhibitors, whether it’s trucks or tractors or ma chinery.
“We can’t wait to come back in 2026!”
The Skidmore family brought some of their flash fleet along. Image: Highway Photography
This JJ Leich & Sons Freightliner was looking immaculate. Image: Highway Photography
Ted Beamish’s “old faithful” Kenworth SAR has served him since 1976. Image: Hi-Vis Pics
You don’t see too many Foden trucks around these days. Image: Hi-Vis Pics
Trevor Warner displayed his restoration of a 1960 AA 150 International, painted in an eye-catching deep purple. Image: Hi-Vis Pics
Some rain on the Sunday didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Image: Highway Photography
Peter Wiffen showed off his nut and bolt resto of a Ford 9000. Image: Hi-Vis Pics
Langford’s Heritage Trucks Mount Gambier brought this vintage Diamond T along. Image: Hi-Vis Pics
IN depth technical understanding paired with a strong market presence has placed TRAIL-LINK in a wonderful position to develop and create useable, smart and price-conscious products.
TRAIL-LINK’s latest development is another feather in the cap for this growing brand. TRAIL-LINK has softly begun delivering its latest, game-changing EBS Tester: a multi-testing tool developed for the unique Australian conditions that allows a simple plug-in and light sequence to determine if, and where along a combination, a function-failure may exist on the truck’s EBS. Even on a 12v/24v vehicle combination!
So often an EBS dash lamp lights up and it’s really hard to know where around the
EBS the error is received. Is it the suzi coil? e B-trailer? e dolly? Or the socket output from the back of the prime mover? A quick diagnostic is a time and cost saving method to isolate an EBS fault and be in a better position to x it.
TRAIL-LINK’s EBS tester (Part # EBS-TEST) plugs into several outputs to check the functionality of the EBS connections.
Plugged into (1) the output socket on the back of a truck, it tests the functionality of the 7 PIN socket and truck wiring function. Flipped over and plugged into (2) the EBS plug on the end of an EBS suzi coil, the Tester ensures full conductivity within the coiled connection itself and (3) ipped again and inserted into the output at the back of a lead-
New EBS Tester is a game-changer Record-breaking campaign
RITCHIE Bros. is celebrating the success of its 2024 “Finish Strong, Start Stronger” campaign, which achieved record-breaking participation and sales of over 19,000 equipment lots globally.
e world’s largest industrial auctioneer and leading marketplace for used heavy equipment, Ritchie Bros. says it launched this year-end campaign to help equipment owners optimise their strategies and maximise the value of their assets while o ering buyers access to high-quality equipment across a wide range of industries.
e campaign delivered record-breaking participation and signi cant equipment sales through 11 unreserved auctions in key markets worldwide including Australia.
Australia was among the top ve buyer countries, alongside Spain, Italy, France and Germany e 19,000+ equipment lots sold covered a diverse range
ing trailer (used to connect on to the next trailer in a combination), it ensures the pulling trailer has full functionality.
Paired with TRAILLINK’s world- rst fully moulded EBS coil (Part# 100-913LT-MLD) this allows for seamless and com-
of industries, including construction, agriculture, transportation, and mining, marking a 25 per cent year on year growth.
e campaign attracted more than 22,700 registrants across auctions in Europe, the UAE, and APAC region, underscoring Ritchie Bros.’ international appeal.
In Australia and New Zealand, Ritchie Bros. Paci c closed the nal quarter of 2024 with strong performance.
e quarter featured seven auctions (six in Australia and one in New Zealand) with impressive results that underline the trust and engagement of buyers and sellers across the region.
From the six auctions conducted by Ritchie Bros. Australia, more than 4800 lots were sold. ese events attracted more than 8390 registered bidders from over 120 countries, with more than 2140 buyers successfully securing equipment.
Ritchie Bros. says the auctions highlighted the continued strength of the Australian market and its appeal to international buyers.
Dom McGlinchey, Ritchie Bros. Regional Sales Manager, Australia South & New Zealand, noted: “We saw a signi cant increase in bidders and buyers this year, which is a direct result of our strategic marketing e orts across digital, social, radio and more. “ ese campaigns outperformed our competitors, creating real buzz around the auction and driving exceptional tra c. is year’s end-of-year auction has set a new benchmark for us. It’s clear our approach is resonating with the market. We’re already looking forward to building on this momentum in 2025”.
In New Zealand, Ritchie Bros. made a signi cant impact with its rst unreserved auction on the IronPlanet platform, selling 260 lots.
Now, Ritchie Bros. Paci c is
plete testing down the line of the EBS system on trucks and trailers.
So compact and powerful is this new testing device that national heavy vehicle enforcement has already nabbed half of the rst stocking of the tester. For safe EBS management it is criti-
cally important to routinely check the functionality of EBS systems: from trucks, down the line through trailers. And law enforcement is now equipped to do so too.
TRAIL-LINK, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality air, electrical and EBS connections, has listened to our market demands: simple, usable and smart. And they have delivered. e winning aspects of this neat device are that it is a ordable, simple to use without any technical training following the interpretation guide, and small enough to pop into a bag.
set to build on this momentum for 2025, with its next auction scheduled for March 3-4 in Australia and March 20 in New Zealand.
Additionally, Ritchie Bros. continues to o er a wide range of equipment sales through its Marketplace-E platform, ensuring ongoing opportunities for customers worldwide. For more information on Ritchie Bros.’ services, along with upcoming auctions, visit rbauction.com.au.
The multivolt EBS Tester with a 12v/24v switch. Image: TRAIL-LINK
An aerial view of the Ritchie Bros. yard in Brisbane. Image: Ritchie Bros.
New 48-hour turnaround service
INJECTRONICS, Australia’s leading specialist in heavy-duty truck and equipment electronics repair and remanufacturing, has launched a world- rst 48hour turnaround service tailored to meet the unique demands of truck workshops. is groundbreaking service ensures the rapid, reliable, and cost-e ective repair of critical electronic components, helping workshops reduce downtime for trucks and heavy-duty machinery
across Australia and New Zealand.
Established in 1983, Injectronics has proudly helped thousands of mechanics deliver rapid electronic repairs to customers.
As truck repairers face increasing pressure to minimise operational delays and manage costs e ectively, Injectronics’ new o ering addresses a vital industry need for high-quality, fast repairs. e service is designed to minimise idle bay time and
support workshops in getting trucks and heavy equipment back on the road or worksite quickly and reliably, providing an alternative to costly new components.
A key enabler of this 48hour service is Injectronics’ recent relocation to a stateof-the-art facility in Keysborough, Victoria. is facility, four times the size of its previous operations in Hallam, has signi cantly expanded capacity. Injectronics has also implemented advanced
automation and cutting-edge diagnostic technology, en abling rapid, precise, and high-quality repairs tailored to the demands of heavy-du ty components.
Having over 40 years of expertise in electronics re pair and remanufacturing, Injectronics now brings a transformative solution to the heavy-duty industry, covering components such as engine control modules, transmission controllers, ABS units, and hydraulic system electronics.
e 48-hour turnaround is designed to improve work shop e ciency and reduce the operational downtime that can have signi cant nancial impacts on transport and logistics businesses.
Rajbir Singh, general manager of Injectronics, highlighted the importance of this innovation.
“We know the stakes are high when a truck is o the road – it disrupts schedules, impacts freight delivery, and incurs signi cant costs.
Our 48-hour turnaround service is a critical solution for truck workshops, ensuring they can service their customers e ciently and keep businesses moving.”
To complement the new service, Injectronics has also introduced an online book-
ing platform at injectronics. com.au, streamlining the repair process. Workshops can easily book repairs, track progress, and receive updates, all in a user-friendly interface that saves time and e ort for busy repairers. is fast-turnaround service is available across Injectronics’ locations in Australia and New Zealand. Components submitted for repair through the online system undergo rigorous diagnostics and are repaired to ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards,
ensuring high-quality performance. e repaired components are returned to the workshop within 48 hours, meeting the tight deadlines truck workshops require. With this innovative 48hour turnaround service, backed by its advanced facility and streamlined systems, Injectronics is setting a new benchmark in heavy-duty electronics repair, helping workshops reduce downtime and provide faster, more ecient service to the trucking industry.
Specialist equipment electronics repairer and remanufacturer, Injectronics, has launched a world-first 48-hour turnaround service. Images: Injectronics
Injectronics recently moved to its new state-of-the-art facility in Keysborough, Victoria.
Is this one of the country’s worst bitumen roads?
OUTBACK truckie Paul Williams reckons the Barkly Tablelands Highway in the Northern Territory is by far the “worst bitumen road in Australia to travel on”.
Paul, who celebrated his 59th birthday on January 23, drives a Kenworth T909 from his Mount Isa base to a remote Northern Territory mine twice a week.
It is an 800km return journey and the Barkly Tablelands Highway is part of the route.
“It runs for about 400km from Barkly Homestead to the McArthur River mine where I deliver to. I can take more than six hours driving a triple to get to the mine and I have no doubt it is the worst road in the country that has a bitumen surface,” he said e open cut mine has one of the world’s largest deposits of zinc and lead, about 970 kilometres south-east of Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Zinc and lead is mined and processed there and trucked to Bing Bong Loading Facility on the Gulf of Carpentaria. From there it is shipped around the world.
For the past six years Paul has worked for Team Global Express. He gained his MC
licence about three years ago.
“I started at the depot as a forklift driver and have been involved with the road transport industry for more than 20 years. I used to be a removalist in Townsville,” he said.
Paul loves the job which he said “pays well” and enjoys the Kenworth which has a 600hp engine under the bonnet.
“It has an automatic gearbox which is another good thing,” Paul added.
Regarding rest areas, Paul said there were few on his route, especially those required by drivers.
“ ere are some pull o places but none have toilets and these are needed,” he said.
Outside work, Paul does a spot of shing at the Georgina
River near Mount Isa where he has caught some yellow belly species.
“I also go down to a pub in Mount Isa for a few coldies and a modest utter on the horses,” he said.
e only roadhouse he stops at is the Barkly Homestead and Paul often has a meal after he unloads at the mine.
Barkly Homestead is located between Tennant Creek, NT, and Camooweal, Queensland.
“I had a rest there the other night and had a hamburger which was delicious and a good price. It was nice and many truckies go there,” he said.
Paul grew up in Townsville which is 900km from Mount Isa, where he has lived for two decades.
“I like Mount Isa much better as it has less tra c and a laid back lifestyle,” he said.
Paul had some sorry business in Townsville on Christmas eve when he attended the funeral of his younger sister Maureen who died suddenly of illness.
I asked Paul what about his hopes for 2025 were and he answered swiftly. “To have a better year than in 2024,” he said.
Canadian enjoying life in Far North Queensland
OWNER operator Nathan Schwarz was hauling a ma chine to Daintree when I met him in early January.
Aged 39, Nathan has run his business Earthscape Tech nologies, based at Cairns, for ve years and was in an Isuzu with his brother and assistant Mark.
“We picked it up at Cler mont and will be dropping it o at the Daintree in the far north,” he said.
Nathan said it has been a genuine challenge to travel along the Gregory Develop ment Road between Cler mont and Charters Towers on the way up.
“It is a very rough road at places and you have to be careful,” he said.
His favourite roadhouse is at Croydon near Normanton, on the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
area, he was on the top of his load to check it.
“I have been in Australia for 15 years and came from Canada and have been in Cairns since,” he said.
I found Nathan to be a happy driver and when I rst saw him at the BP Cluden parking
VETERAN truckie John Andrews has made more comebacks than Dame Nellie Melba. When I saw him on January 5 he was checking his Mercedes 580 at a roadhouse parking area in the tropics.
e 70-year-old is now a ca sual driver for Gri th Corpo ration based at Narangba in southern Queensland.
I asked Nathan what his hobbies are and his answer surprised me – as it was a rst from any of the thousands I have interviewed.
“I play the piano and my favourite song is Hit the Road Jack,” he said.
Taking into account the challenges faced by small operators, including fuel costs, I asked Nathan his main aim for 2025. “To spend less money,” he said.
“I have been a truckie for 45 years and retired some years ago but have made heaps of comebacks and enjoy driving as a casual,” he said.
John was carrying Bunnings material and also had a backload to pick up.
He said there was not enough rest areas for drivers and has called for more to be built especially those with toi-
lets and shaded areas.
“I like stopping at rest areas that are o the main roads where you can have a decent sleep,” he said.
John added that he likes the BP Cluden, which is where I saw him, and I could tell
he was a member of the old school of drivers because he was assisting another truckie to secure a tarpaulin over a load.
I asked John if there were any challenges he faces in his job considering his decades of experience.
“ e amount of tra c when you drive out of Brisbane is terrible,” he said. e worst highway he gets on is the Bruce Highway and I asked him to nominate the stretches which are at the top of the list.
“Where do I start, take your pick,” he said. John barracks for the Brisbane Broncos during the NRL season and his hobby is checking out old cars.
Nathan Schwarz (right) with his brother Mark.
Paul has worked at Team Global Express for six years.
New owners at popular NT roadhouse
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
NOW under new ownership, there’s been a lot happening at the Stuart Wells Roadhouse in the Northern Territory.
Laura Ragless and her partner Rhino Mazzone took over the popular outback roadhouse in early November.
Situated on the Stuart Highway, it’s about 90km south of Alice Springs, and is a popular stop for truckies.
Laura’s past career includes roadhouses, tourism, farming and working on stations.
Originally from South Australia, she had previously owned a sheep and cattle station in the Flinders Ranges, which included tourism and restaurant facilities, but was looking for a change of pace.
While Rhino has been a truck driver for most of his working life.
“My family and I had also run takeaway shops and roadhouses,” Laura said.
“When I was younger, my mum had two roadhouses.
Half of my family are truck drivers too, so I know that good, wholesome, hearty homemade food is what they need when they’re out on the road.”
Laura had looked at a few other roadhouses before Rhino told her about Stuart Wells being for sale.
“We went to have a look and got talking – and the next minute I bought a roadhouse!”
And she hasn’t looked back.
“I’ve loved the move and every second I’ve been here, it’s just felt right. I love the fact that I’m back where it’s warm weather.”
e roadhouse was previously run by Spud and Judy, who owned the place for about 12 years.
As Laura explained, “ ey’ve left me with some of the most amazing sta and they’re always on call if we need anything.
“ e food here was already awesome and we inherited some really good sta . We’ve just put a slight modern twist on things. I’m a cook too but I haven’t needed to go into the kitchen because my sta are brilliant.”
So far, she and Rhino have gutted out the shop and installed new counters and benchtops. e site’s six cabins have all been renovated, and the 12 budget donga rooms will soon receive a facelift too.
Truckies have their own
shower and toilet block. “And that’s for them only,” said Laura. “ ere’s a hidden key we tell truck drivers about so they can come and use the facilities 24 hours a day. We also have a swimming pool, so they can jump in every now and then if they wish,” explained Laura.
“It’s a laidback and happy environment. We’re upgrading it but we don’t want to change the rustic home-style feel of it.”
Laura says along with the many truck drivers coming through the doors, they see a lot of tourists and travellers too.
“We have a big mixture of customers and we’re getting
tourists. is was supposed to be our down season so we expected it to be slower to get all the renovations done, but we’ve been at-out since we took over. I’ve bought a little gem here!”
On the food front, think old homestyle cooking – with things like lamb shanks, bangers and mash, and osso buco being among the crowd favourites; along with the big breakfast and generous steak sandwiches.
“We also do our own schnitzels now that have become popular and we have a hamburger called the Hump and Jump – it’s a kangaroo and camel burger – that’s quite
popular too,” Laura added.
“We’ve also started doing truckie takeaways like carbonara, beef strogano and curries that they can microwave down the road if they need to. e drivers are loving it. ey say everyone used to do it, but no one really does it anymore.
“Our truckies get a free coffee in a big mug when they call in; and we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We’ve brought in a cake cabinet, that has fresh sandwiches and even sushi too.
“We want them to leave here happy, relaxed – and full!”
Looking ahead, Laura re-
Nephew’s touching tribute to transport legends
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
AFTER retiring from the roads and the rigours of running their own transport business, Barb and Colin Harvey spent 30 years as owners of a popular roadhouse – before they stepped away from work for good in 2018.
e couple were legends on the transport scene.
For many years, they ran CJ and BJ Harvey Transport, carting wool and providing supplies for rural stores.
Barb spent years driving her white Volvo G88, while Colin was behind the wheel of
his Mercedes. ey went on to run the Little Topar Roadhouse for close to 30 years, up until they retired to a quieter
e couple became renowned for their hospitality, forming friendships with the
many truckies who regularly stopped by.
Sadly, Colin died in 2022, aged 84; and Barb passed away in March 2024 at the age of 80.
eir nephew Jerram Wetherell, who now lives in Wagga, says his aunty and uncle were “true legends of the bush.”
Jerram has fond memories of travelling in the passenger seat of their trucks when he was a kid.
And he too has worked around trucks for most of his working life, including now driving part time.
“ ey were such great people and I dearly miss them both. No one ever had a bad thing to say about them. ey were always so helpful,” he said.
Wanting to honour their legacy, Jerram approached current Little Topar Roadhouse owner Jo Lindsay about installing a sign there in his aunt and uncle’s honour – and she very happily obliged.
vealed there are plans to install a pizza oven, so they can start hosting pizza nights with live bands every second Friday. She’s hoping to start that from late April.
Currently the Stuart Wells Roadhouse is open from around 5.30am until after 9pm. “But we’re usually around later than that,” Laura said. “We’re also looking at possibly doing a trial when it gets busier, of staying open 24 hours a day for four to six weeks to see how that goes.”
With so much already underway at the roadhouse, Laura added, “Watch this space because everyday something new is happening.”
Jerram, together with his cousin Dean Grose put the sign together – with Dean, a quali ed welder, fabricating the sign out of steel.
“ is was the last thing I wanted to do for them and I’m extremely happy with how it’s come up.
I sincerely thank Jo for allowing us to do this for my aunt and uncle,” Jerram added.
It was installed just before Christmas on the median strip, near the fuel bowsers at the roadhouse.
Images: Stuart Wells Roadhouse
retaining its rustic charm.
Hard-working Barb and Colin Harvey were very well respected within the industry.
Truckies nabbed on highway after speed limit reduction
HEAVY nes received by numerous truckies for allegedly breaking the speed limit while travelling through Torrens Creek along the Flinders Highway have been an “on the nose subject”.
Since authorities reduced the speed limit for vehicles travelling through the sleepy hamlet, many truck drivers received nes in the mail.
e main street had been an 80km/h zone but a 60km/h speed limit was applied and many of the truckies nabbed drove through at night.
Many copped a hefty $1200 ne with a loss of six demerit points which didn’t go down too well with those who had breached. e rst they knew of the nes was when they received a letter in the mail.
Some drivers considered challenging their nes in court but didn’t go ahead after fearing they may lose and face even more expense.
However Spy reported that a prominent legal eagle who had been breached twice whilst travelling through Torrens Creek on the way to an outback o ce was indeed contesting one of those in court.
Since that was reported by Spy I have had many contacts from truckies wanting to know the outcome.
ey felt that if his challenge was successful their ne may well be overturned.
In early January Spy saw the solicitor and asked him about the challenge.
“It is still to have a day in court but I will let you know when a date has been set,” he told me.
Spy will pass any updates onto readers.
Dangerous highway
It can be dangerous travelling on remote roads around the country and the Barkly Tablelands Highway in the NT is one of them.
A driver sent Spy a graphic picture of a wrecked truck trailer along the highway which had hit a guard rail at the entrance to a bridge and was severely damaged.
“It was the second trailer behind the truck and I had spoken to the driver about 20 minutes before and thankfully he was not injured,” the driver told me.
Victorian roadhouse
popular
A number of truckies including some from interstate have told Spy they love stopping at the Charlton Roadhouse in Victoria.
It is located on the Calder
highway between Melbourne and Mildura and open 24/7.
Here you’ll nd clean toilets, showers and a variety of food.
An owner operator based at Boort said he stopped there regularly and would recommend it.
“ ere is plenty of parking, it has friendly sta , and the toilets and showers are good for drivers,” he said.
I asked the driver what his favourite food was when he pulled over there.
“ e burgers are tasty and value for money,” he said.
Another who was hauling produce said he found it a convenient place to stop at and added that he pops in whenever in the area.
87-year-old celebrates 21st birthday
Long time and now retired truckie Don Holliday never got to have a 21st birthday party back in 1937 because he was busy driving trucks.
town in South Australia for his 87th birthday on December 28.
Some joked that Don had found the fabled fountain of youth.
“ ere was about 30 people there and they had a sign up wishing me a happy 21st,” he said.
Don felt he had the key to the door and saw well wishers around him including his wife Marlene and daughter Erica along with grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
“When Erica was aged just three and four she used to travel with me around the Northern Territory in the sleeper box of my truck. I started driving at age 19 and retired some years ago. But I also then drove coaches and still have a job on a bus,” he said.
I asked Don what he ate during his party and he said that he enjoyed a feed of sh after an entrée of oysters Kilpatrick which is his favourite. He even tucked into a few
day cake made in his honour. Don will soon be heading o to Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory for the 80th birthday of a former colleague.
Covid closes popular truck stop
For a short period in January an establishment which is a popular stop for truckies closed because a key sta member had Covid. is South Australian hotel has been a welcome place for drivers to stop for a meal, shower, clean toilets and the friendly nature of the couple who run it.
But when one of them was diagnosed with Covid they closed it until she recovered.
Several drivers contacted Spy and whilst it was a minor inconvenience they praised the owners for their action.
“It certainly ensured that customers would not get Covid if it had stayed open. It was a good act,” one said. e business has since reopened.
Vale Chad Morgan
Over the past 30 years Spy has spoken to thousands of truckies and found, not surprisingly, that many enjoy listening to music whilst on the road.
How they have done that has changed as the years have come and gone and country music has been and remains a favourite.
While Slim Dusty has often been at the top of the list, another late and great singer Chad Morgan was not far behind him.
Chad who was known affectionately as the “ e Sheik of Scrubby Creek” died aged 91 at Gin Gin hospital on January 1 and will be sadly missed.
He was born at Wondai, north-west of Brisbane in 1933, and worked on stations
around central Queensland and undertook national service when he began writing songs.
His songs will surely be played for many decades after his death.
Service trucks travel far
In my travels around this vast country, Spy is never surprised to come across one of those Services Australia trucks – called mobile service centres.
But when I do it is because there has been a natural weather event such as oods, res or cyclones. I rst encountered one in late 2023, when it was parked at Bicheno in eastern Tasmania. It was an FM Volvo with a 460hp motor and a 12 speed automatic gearbox.
Each truck has a designated driver and also has support sta workers who help locals with any Centrelink or Medicare enquiries.
Services Australia has three other trucks – a Mercedes-Benz Actros with a 350hp motor which operates in WA, and two Isuzu lighter rigs.
“We get to many places after natural disasters such as oods or bush res when people are seeking emergency relief payments. Services Australia used to be called the Department of Human Resources,” one driver said.
Just before Christmas I saw another one parked at the BP Cluden Roadhouse in Townsville soon after rain had cut roads.
Mango theft
Mangoes, when in season, are considered a tasty delicacy and have been transported from north Queensland to various parts of Australia including to markets in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.
ey demand a “juicy” price and many people can’t a ord to purchase too many considering the current cost of living crisis.
Reports nding their way to Spy indicate that mangoes being transported on truck trailers have been the target of thieves wanting a free feed of the fruit.
ese wire trailers are mostly uncovered and when these trucks park up at rest areas or roadhouses, they are an easy mark for such thieves.
“I saw some backpackers climb up on a trailer and grab some mangoes and take o ,” one driver said.
e truckie didn’t bother reporting the matter to police as he considered the culprits would be di cult to apprehend and even if they appeared in court would get o lightly.
Another was asked by some visitors when he parked at a WA rest area if they could be given a few free mangoes but he declined.
Up in North Queensland many mango lovers are stopping o at roadside stalls and purchasing a bucket for as little as $10.
Floods after advisory board meeting
It was ironic that the Bruce Highway was cut near Giru and at other places the day after a new route advisory board held its rst meeting in Townsville.
e Bruce Highway Advisory Council held the meeting on December 18 and the road was cut near Giru about 50km south of the city soon after.
Trucks carting vital supplies could not get through to Townsville and Spy saw that at some supermarkets, pubs and cafés he patronised. is advisory board has the aim of considering regional
Don Holliday at his “21st birthday party” when he turned 87.
Trucks driving along the main street of Torrens Creek where speed cameras are located.
voices to better the state of the tumultuous Bruce Highway. e board consists of stakeholders from Queensland’s transport and industry bodies, senior government ocials, local MPs and everyday Queenslanders with personal experiences who use the highway regularly, with the goal of xing it.
RACQ said in a statement at the time that between 2019 and 2023, an average of 32 people were killed in crashes on the Bruce Highway each year, stating that for 2024, that number had already been surpassed in November. Minister for Transport and
Main Roads Brent Mickelberg spoke and so did board member Kent Battle from Nortrans, a major local heavy freight company.
“Nortrans drivers travel up and down the Bruce Highway every day and I’ve heard issues with the conditions of the road are causing drivers to change their routes. I’ve actually got drivers going the back way, avoiding the Bruce Highway which is a more expensive, longer, more time-consuming way to go just to avoid the Bruce Highway with the amount of accidents that have happened recently,” Kent said. Kicking o the rst meet-
ing of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the government’s aim is to listen to regional voices and ensure investments are given where needed.
Mickelberg said the meetings, which will occur regularly, will be used to form investment in policies.
“ is is a promise we made through the last election, that we simply establish and meet before Christmas. Here we are honouring that commitment, and our commitment to the Bruce Highway Advisory Council is all about listening to re-
gional voices,” he said.
Hell’s Gate Roadhouse
Life at one of Australia’s most remote roadhouses is vastly di erent to those in the city or even the country.
ese isolated stop-o s for truckies face road closures during the wet season which result in supplies being unable to be delivered and a steep customer decline.
One such establishment is the Hell’s Gate Roadhouse which is located 320km from Borroloola in the NT and 80km from Doomadgee in Queensland.
It is 50km east of the Northern Territory / Queensland
border and is the only fuel stop between there and Borroloola.
Road transport identity
Mick Duggan stayed there with some others and was glowing in his praise of the owners.
“ ey were just wonderful. I lost a card and they o ered to help me but I ended up not requiring it. e food was great and sta friendly and we enjoyed staying there whilst nearby roadworks were happening,” Mick told Spy.
I phoned the Hell’s Gate in January and spoke to a caretaker manager Judy who is helping run the roadhouse with her husband Graeme whilst the owners John and Jenny Hayes are away as the wet season looms.
“We were own in to the airstrip near here from Roma in late December and will be here until the wet season passes in April. We will be very quiet when the rain comes and closes the roads. But we will still be open for business. We are expecting the rain soon,” Judy told Spy. e roadhouse has a good menu and also caters for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free guests.
Many truckies stop there during the eight months of the dry season.
Broken resolutions
It is now the start of February and many of the new year’s resolutions made by truckies will have already been broken.
In the lead up to the end of 2024 I asked scores of drivers what theirs were and most o ered the normal ones.
Such as exercise more, give up smoking, cut down booze consumption when o duty, eat healthy, cut spending with the rising cost of living and so on.
I heard an expert the other day say that 80 per cent of resolutions were certain to have been broken in the rst few weeks.
Having said that, Spy knows of two drivers who made resolutions which they have kept – and it’s resulted in positive outcomes. ey both said they would have medical check-ups over the break and kept their words.
One was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure which has been treated with medication and is now under control.
e other lad had a skin check which revealed he had several cancers on his legs which have been removed.
Trucking, Transporting… The work never stops
Trailers loaded with mangoes are a target for thieves. The wrecked trailer beside a Northern Territory highway.
Dealership transformation
CMV Truck & Bus has unveiled its redeveloped Dandenong dealership, designed with the future in mind.
is state-of-the-art transformation aims to bolster efciencies, promote safer working environments and deliver an unparalleled customer experience.
Positioned in a prime industrial location at 77-79 Princes Highway, Dandenong South, the dealership has served Eastern Melbourne since 2006.
CMV Truck & Bus Dandenong specialises in the sales of Mack and UD Trucks, with parts and service of Mack, Volvo and UD trucks.
e redevelopment of CMV Truck & Bus Dandenong was completed after over 18 months of intensive construction.
Strategic planning meant the dealership remained operational throughout the process, ensuring uninterrupted service for customers.
CMV Truck & Bus Dandenong says it wanted to create a future-ready facility designed to support business growth and keep up with demand in the region.
“ is transformation reiterates CMV Truck & Bus’ dedication to investing in its
facilities and delivering industry-leading solutions to our growing customer base,” said CMV Truck & Bus General Manager Eastern Victoria, Anthony Russell.
“Additionally, the expansion includes modern and increased o ce space to support this continued growth.”
With the addition of a new 20,000 square metre Tech Centre at the rear of the facility, the dealership now has 55 truck bays and generous space for trailers, both inside and under the full-weather canopy.
“Our spacious workshops are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and state-ofthe-art equipment, enabling us to reduce turnaround times and enhance e ciency, ensuring drivers can get back on the road quickly to keep their businesses moving,” Anthony added.
e refurbishment involved an upgrade and expansion of the parts warehouse, ensuring rapid availability of genuine components, minimising customer downtime.
e customer centric design also features premium amenities such as a lounge with modern comforts, re freshments and a welcoming atmosphere tailored for cus
tomers and drivers. is year CMV Truck & Bus Dandenong appointed a new Branch Manager, Adam Steenbuck, who has been with the business for over 17 years and started his career as an apprentice.
“I am privileged to take the reins of this innovative dealership, which not only provides the highest level of service but puts the safety of our team and customers rst. Safety is at the heart of everything we do and is a core business value, and this new facility is a true reection of that commitment,” said Adam.
Examples of this commitment include the investment in four 25-tonne inground knuckle lifts, which allow technicians to raise vehicles safely, ensuring they can perform their tasks with ease and precision.
Additionally, industry-leading pit covers have been installed, further enhancing pit safety standards for sta during a service.
Another key addition is the separate Dangerous Goods Workshop, providing a designated area for safe servicing and repairs on customers spe-
the customer will bene t from improved e ciencies and customer experience, plus safety for all involved. I would like to extend my gratitude to the CMV Group for their unwavering partnership and dedication over the past 56 years. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones,” said Martin.
Formalities concluded with CMV Group Joint Managing Director, Miles Crawford expressing a heartfelt thank you to customers, business partners, team members and special guests for joining in the celebrations.
Adam Steenbuck hosted the event and explained, “None of this would have been possible without the fantastic support and partnerships with all our customers. We are extremely grateful for all your support in making this possible.”
Volvo Group Australia’s President and CEO, Martin Merrick, was in attendance and ofcially opened the dealership with CMV Group Executive Director, Paul Crawford.
“ is new facility will provide a safe workplace and help support our customers and business partners long into the future,” said Miles.
CMV Truck & Bus is a division of the wider CMV Group, which this year celebrates 90 years in business.
To celebrate its re-opening,
the dealership recently hosted a showcase event, with almost 200 people in attendance including many valued customers. e event took place underneath the dealership’s new spacious canopy. Guests were greeted with an impressive range of trucks on display, live music and delicious food and drinks. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the newly refurbished facility and learn more about the dealership’s enhanced capabilities.
“ is is a dealership of the future, and it means that you
Commencing operations in 1934, the CMV Group – now a fourth generation family business – operates substantial light automotive and heavy vehicle dealerships, predominately in Victoria and South Australia and also has farming interests. Today it employs nearly 2000 sta .
Western Truck Group’s latest acquisition
WESTERN Truck Group (WTG) has announced the acquisition of Southern Truck Centre (STC), which currently operates two truck dealerships in New South Wales. A heads of agreement has been entered into between WTG and STC, with a view to nal settlement and transfer of ownership in May 2025.
Established in Queanbeyan in 1994 as the local Volvo, UD and Mack trucks dealer for the area, STC was purchased by current owners Steve and Lisa Barlow in 2008. In 2011 the team expanded into Wollongong, and the business now employs 95 sta .
“After starting with Volvo Group in 1996 in the UK, and enjoying an association with Volvo Group Australia
since 2004, I have decided the time is right to hand over my lifetime passion and business to Western Truck Group,” said Steve.
Joe White, Dealer Principal for WTG, said bringing STC into the WTG network is a privilege for the group. “It also further strengthens our ability
to support our growing customer base in regional areas with industry leading services and products for the longer term.”
WTG was established in 2018 after the acquisition of Queensland Truck Centre, which had been operating in Toowoomba, Mount Isa and the Sunshine Coast since 1993 – taking on the existing relationship with Volvo Group Australia.
Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia commented on the acquisition. “I’m delighted to see Southern Truck Centre become a part of the WTG network,” he said. “Our dealers and their workshops are the lifeblood of our customers’ businesses, their success is our success.
“ is evolution of our dealer network will only serve to build on that legacy of success, providing industry leading customer support across some of Australia’s busiest freight
“We’d like to thank the Barlow family and the entire STC team for making the business what it is today, and we look forward to continuing to work with them under the WTG banner.”
DHL begins building new Victorian transport hub
DHL Supply Chain Australia has begun work on its new state-of-the-art transport hub in Derrimut, Victoria.
Due for completion in June 2025, DHL says the new site will help facilitate the ongo ing growth of the compa
ny’s transport sector, with 16,600m² of additional warehouse and o ce space.
e site will feature a substantial double-sided loading area with increased throughput capacity compared to -
ity, to better serve DHL’s customers including those in the retail, technology, automotive, life science and healthcare sectors.
To enable rapid and accurate distribution of large volumes of a variety of package types, DHL is planning to roll out an advanced automated sortation system which is due to be operational by 2026.
e new hub has been designed with sustainability in mind. It will include a rooftop solar array, LED lighting, a solar hot water system and an intelligent building management system to minimise power usage.
Futureproo ng the site technologically, the build will incorporate charging provisions for the company’s growing electric truck and van eet.
DHL Supply Chain CEO Steve ompsett said the new transport hub is a key part of the company’s focus on strengthening its transport service o erings for existing and new customers.
“In a nutshell, DHL is always looking for ways to perform best for customers while making sure we’re growing sustainably for the future of our employees,” Steve said.
“We’re committed to con-
tinued growth in transport so we’re o ering the right blend of transport services combined with the 3PL services for which we’re renowned.
“Importantly, we’re also acting upon the targets of our Global Environmental and Energy Policy through our services and can partner up with our customers to help them ful l their own sustainability goals.
“All of these objectives are linked to our ambition of maximising the opportunities available to our workforce, which is serving our customers in every Austra lian state and territory.”
[L-R] Martin Merrick, President & CEO, Volvo Group Australia; Paul Crawford, CMV Group Executive Director; Adam Steenbuck, CMV Truck & Bus Dandenong Branch Manager; Anthony Russell, CMV Truck & Bus General Manager Eastern Victoria; and Miles Crawford, CMV Group Joint Managing Director. Image: CMV Group
An artist’s impression of the new DHL site. The acquisition is due to be finalised in May.
Thinking outside the box
WITH the help of its very rst truck, newly launched business Envirocrush is fo cused on creating a smarter, more cost-e ective and envi ronmentally friendly way to handle waste.
e Sydney business o ers a mobile service that com pacts waste in open-top skip bins while they’re sitting onsite, maximising the amount of waste inside the skip and consequently, signi cantly re ducing the number of runs to the tip is is done with the use of a unique crushing compac tor arm built onto a support frame – on the back of an Isuzu FRR 110-260 Auto.
“By compacting waste onsite, our clients can reduce their waste collections, which leads to substantial cost savings on disposal fees,” said General Manager at Envriocrush, Elias Elias.
“ is ows through to environmental impacts – reducing the volume of waste means fewer trips to transfer stations, cutting down on vehicle emissions and promoting more sustainable waste management practices.
“It also keeps their work sites tidy and clean, making waste less likely to over ow or build up.” e long-wheelbase Isuzu FRR 110-260 Auto sports a hydraulic hinged arm with a
heavy-duty spiked roller that will do its utmost best to crush almost any type of material put beneath it. is could be light construction waste, wooden pallets, scrap metal and general waste. It can crush a fully loaded skip bin in just ve to ten minutes. e technology has been available in Europe through French manufacturer Packmat System. Recognising a gap in Australia’s current waste management market, Envirocrush travelled to France in 2023 to meet with the Packmat System team.
ey recently secured a partnership to import and adapt this design to local standards, bringing the technology to
Australian shores.
It’s a serious piece of equipment designed to create serious space savings. According to Envirocrush, clients can expect up to a 5:1 reduction in waste collections with their service, equating to a potential 80 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and 65 per cent reduction in associated carbon dioxide emissions.
e best part? Elias says the service not only improves operational e ciency for their clients but also moves things along in the wider world of waste management.
“Even though we are just starting out, we would like to see other players in the waste industry adapt and o er sim-
ilar compaction technology and services for skip bins –competition will be good for opening up the market,” he said.
“Looking ahead to the next couple of years, we would like to expand our customer base and assist our current customers in enhancing their waste management practices.”
With the business still in relative infancy, having opened doors in early November 2024, there’s plenty of time to see how things will pan out.
From a planning perspective, acquiring this system and engineering the truck locally has been key to achieving the start-up goals. Securing the most productive set of wheels and a reliable OEM was essential to support their vision the rst time around.
“ is is our rst heavy vehicle, and it’s the backbone of our mobile waste compaction unit and service,” Elias added.
“E ciency is one of our key focuses; we want our customers to enjoy a more e cient waste management process to free up time and resources for their job at hand.”
Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood Sales Manager Greg Jones provided advice on the Isuzu truck model best suited to supporting the Packmat System.
e medium-duty Isuzu FRR 110-260 Auto was seen
as the best t for the task at hand, powered by a 6HK1TCC turbocharged engine.
e FRR has a GVM of 11,000 kg, o ering the right amount of payload to transport the specialised unit and the necessary counterbalance for the pressure outputted by the hydraulic arm during compaction.
ey chose the long wheelbase model FRR, which has an overall length of 8.605 metres. is provides space for the arm to do its business out the back while still being nimble enough to operate on worksites with size limitations.
is is complemented by an impressively neat turning circle of 16.4 metres (kerb to kerb), allowing the truck to be comfortably reversed and ma-
noeuvred in tight spots.
An Allison LCT2500 fully automatic transmission provides smooth handling and simpli es the driving experience, allowing drivers to focus on operating the compacting unit e ciently.
A specialised control system allows the operator to manage the compaction process from the comfort of the FRR’s cabin with joystick controls that regulate the roller’s movements and a camera and sensor system to ensure safe operation.
e performance of the FRR has been crucial to the launch of Envirocrush, o ering the durability to withstand punishing waste operations and the e ciency needed as a business in its early operating years.
The Envirocrush Isuzu FRR 110-260 Auto. Images: IAL
The Packmat System in crushing action.
We did not come this far to stop now
2024 was a massive year for the road transport industry which saw groundbreaking road transport reform legislation delivered by the Albanese Labor Government.
After a 20-year ght to deliver these much needed reforms, which also uni ed the road transport industry in a way that has never been seen before, 2025 needs to be the year that we build on that unity and success, ensure these wins are protected and continue the ght to deliver more outcomes for the industry with solutions from industry.
Labor’s transport reforms are delivering incredible outcomes for the road transport industry including:
• Regulating and setting standards in the gig economy to stop the race to the bottom in parcel delivery;
• Delivering client accountability to ensure fair rates for all transport companies in the supply chain; and
• Establishing a Road Transport Advisory Group in the Fair Work Commission to specialise in transport industry matters and ensure fairness, safety and sustainability for all transport operators and transport workers.
We know that the Oppo-
sition under Peter Dutton, Bridget McKenzie and Michaelia Cash have already pledged to reverse these important reforms. Unsurprisingly though, they have not committed to putting in any alternative policies or plans to support the road transport industry.
at is why the road transport industry must keep united and steadfast in their asks of all governments. If the road transport industry remains united in these asks and locked in on the solutions they believe will best support the ongoing productivity, safety and viability of the road transport industry, it becomes increasingly di cult for governments, regardless of colour, to ignore them.
So where to from here.
State and territory governments around this great nation must be in lock step with the Commonwealth government on addressing the low hanging fruit that continue to act as a handbrake on safety, productivity and advancement for the road transport industry.
We need political champions for the road transport industry who are prepared to engage with industry on how to address these issues instead of politicians who only listen to government bodies like the National Transport Commission who, with respect, do not have the answers.
We’ve already seen great work in South Australia by Minister Tom Koutsantonis through his groundbreaking changes to the heavy vehicle
WE DON’T NEED ANY MORE REVIEWS, WE DON’T NEED THINK TANKS, WE DON’T NEED MORE STUDIES.”
SENATOR GLENN STERLE
licensing of drivers from over seas.
We don’t need any more reviews, we don’t need think tanks, we don’t need more studies.
We just need industry at the table so that industry voic es and industry solutions are heard by governments who then implement those ideas.
At present, the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meetings (ITMM) provide an opportunity for transport and infrastructure ministers from around the country to get together and collaborate on issues of national importance. My question is, could that be done better? at collaboration could only be strengthened by having people around the table who actually know what they are talking about when we are discussing how to get freight from A to B, who have experience running a transport business and who have experience behind the wheel of a truck.
rough the passage of the groundbreaking road transport reform and the journey it took to get to that point, the road transport industry has shown that when it gets together, it is an extremely formidable, experienced and knowledgeable force.
Recent commentary and articles from across a number of di erent trade and transport magazines has also shown that the industry is united in calling for what items need to be addressed next in order to keep productivity moving and the transport industry safe, viable, e cient and also profitable.
Fit for purpose training, apprenticeships, licencing, recruitment and retention.
ese are the issues that need to be addressed urgently. We’ve been told for decades that the transport task doubles every 15-20 years. So why the hell are we struggling to nd workers? I’ll tell you why – it’s because all major decisions that impact the industry’s ability to address the low hanging fruit which I mentioned above, are being made without clear, concise input
and collaboration from drivers and the transport industry.
One issue that I believe should be advanced as soon as possible is giving 16 year olds practical experience behind the wheel of a forklift. If 16 year olds can learn to drive a car or y a plane, why can’t they learn how to operate a forklift in a safe environment by a quali ed trainer through a structured and accredited program, recognised by government? If there is the will from the transport industry, governments should support and provide the way.
If transport operators see training our young ones on how to operate a forklift as a realistic pathway to a future career in the road transport industry, whether that be in the warehouse, in management or behind the wheel of a truck, then governments need
to support industry to try and make it work instead of nding every reason under the sun as to why it shouldn’t. is to me is a no brainer and there is no safety argument that could convince me why this can’t be done.
I’m pleading with governments, let’s work together, consult and listen with industry. Ignore those who don’t have any practical experience and don’t want this to happen simply because of red tape or because it falls in the too hard basket.
e road transport industry knows what needs to be done. We just need to give industry the chance to do it.
And nally a huge shout out to BP and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds for their free Christmas dinners for truckies initiative introduced over the last festive season!
By working together we can overcome challenges ahead
AS we move toward 2025, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the freight and logistics industry. Our sector faces challenge every day, from soaring operational costs and a declining workforce to the pressures of decarbonisation and evolving customer demands. But with these challenges come opportunities to innovate, adapt, and secure a sustainable future.
At the forefront of our priorities is the implementation of the Greenstart program launched last November, which provides transport operators with the tools, knowledge, and direction needed to embark on decarbonisation con dently. While the transition to alternative energy sources is pressing, the industry currently lacks a credible business case for decarbonisation. Greenstart aims to bridge this gap, helping operators make informed decisions to reduce emissions while maintaining economic sustainability. With global and national goals to curb climate change, the VTA sees this program as a vital rst step in supporting our members through the energy transition.
Equally critical is the pressing need for heavy vehicle driver licensing reform. e current framework, which often emphasises compliance over competency, must evolve to better address the demands of modern transport operations. Our industry is hungry for skilled, capable drivers who can navigate increasingly complex environments. e VTA is advocating for licensing reforms that prioritise thorough training, practical skill development, and a stronger focus on safety. ese changes will ensure new drivers enter the workforce equipped to succeed while elevating the overall professionalism of the industry.
e VTA is also focused on attracting young people to careers in freight and logistics. With the average age of drivers continuing to climb, introducing younger generations to the opportunities within our industry has never been more important. rough programs like the VTA’s Driver Delivery Program, which has already trained and employed over 450 drivers, and the Females in Transport Program, which has brought over 125 women into trucking and warehousing roles in just 18 months, we are making strides toward creating a more diverse, skilled, and vibrant workforce.
Diversity is another pillar of
our vision for 2025. Building on the success of our initiatives to support women in transport, the VTA is now launching a migrant diversity program. is initiative will train migrants in essential industry knowledge, including national heavy vehicle laws, occupational health and safety, and the practical steps to obtain a heavy vehicle licence. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, the program will help address labour shortages while re ecting the diversity of our communities.
Beyond workforce development, the VTA is also championing improved productivity outcomes for our customers and consumers. Freight and logistics operators are under immense pressure to meet rising demand while navigating outdated bureaucratic processes that slow innovation. ese ine ciencies hinder our ability to deliver goods quickly, safely, and cost-e ectively.
e VTA is advocating for reforms that cut red tape, streamline regulatory processes, and enable businesses to adopt new technologies and practices that drive eciency.
For example, while advancements in decarbonisation and autonomous trucks are promising, regulatory hurdles are slowing their in-
tegration. Trials of hydrogen-powered vehicles have demonstrated remarkable potential, yet infrastructure and regulations lag the technology’s capabilities. Similarly, autonomous trucks may soon take on repetitive tasks, but ensuring they integrate seamlessly and safely into operations requires a balance of innovation and oversight. Finally, our industry’s role in delivering transformative infrastructure projects remains pivotal. Initiatives like the North East Link and Melbourne Metro Tunnel, as well as the expansion of freight terminals, will continue to ease congestion and boost productivity. However, these projects must be complemented by policy settings
that allow transport operators to thrive.
e VTA is playing its part, stepping up in areas like industrial relations, training, and advocacy. From contributing to the Closing the Loopholes legislation to advancing programs that create real opportunities for drivers and operators, we remain committed to delivering practical solutions for our members.
Our 2025 priorities are clear: a safer, more productive, and more sustainable future for the transport industry. By working together, we can overcome the challenges ahead and secure the recognition our industry deserves as a vital pillar of
Senator Glenn Sterle wants the age to learn to drive a forklift lowered, providing young people with a pathway into the industry. Image: Alistair/stock.adobe.com
The VTA continues to advocate for heavy vehicle driver licensing reform. Image:
Shaping future-ready NHVR
PAUL DALY Director Strategic Policy, NHVR
IT is no secret that Australia’s heavy vehicle industry is rapidly evolving, as emerging technologies, trends and disruptions continue to change the industry landscape and impact on the sector.
e ability to identify the changes which will have an ongoing imprint on the heavy vehicle industry’s safety, productivity and sustainability is one which is crucial to the success of all of us – including the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
At the NHVR, we have strived to evolve into a modern, forward-thinking regulator which stays abreast and in-tune with the real-world
challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Because of this, we have developed a new project we are excited to share with you – Vision 2035.
Our Vision 2035 project has been created as an op portunity for the NHVR to work closely with indus try stakeholders to “look over the fence” and assist in preparing for the predicted changes which will shape the heavy vehicle industry in a decade’s time.
We are doing this because we want to ensure our fu ture practices remain rele vant, and that through our strategies and approaches we continue to add value to in dustry.
With so many fast-moving technologies and practices affecting the heavy vehicle sector now and into the future, at the NHVR we believe it is more important than ever to ensure we are ready and willing to adapt where we need.
We want our Vision 2035 project to be a key cornerstone in our ability to do just
that – and we cannot do it alone.
Over the coming months
OVER THE COMING MONTHS
WE WILL BE INVITING A DIVERSE RANGE OF STAKEHOLDERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO JOIN US IN PARTICIPATING IN A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS.”
we will be inviting a diverse range of stakeholders from across the country to join us in participating in a series of workshops, to gain real-world insights on exploring and planning for the future heavy vehicle industry.
ese workshops will be inclusive and include a broad range of voices, foster critical thinking and be used to assist the NHVR in developing future strategies and priorities which are truly representative.
We want to look to the next decade with a strong and wide-reaching understanding of industry views on future priorities, risks, and opportunities, to ensure the NHVR continues to evolve into a regulator supportive of innovation, and remains one which acts proactively.
Our Vision 2035 project will also be shaped with extensive input from experts in strategic and future foresight, with the goal of ensuring our approaches are grounded in the latest and most e ective methodologies. And in addition, we will also work closely with jurisdictions, policing agencies and research institutions to ensure we are getting the full picture of the trends, challenges and opportunities.
By making the most of the extensive knowledge of our stakeholders and industry partners, we believe Vision 2035 will help shape a future-ready regulator.
An exciting year of industry celebrations
TRANSPORT Women Australia Limited (TWAL) has been going from strength to strength with new and expanded initiatives and awards. Here’s a look at what’s happening with TWAL in the next few months and what has been happening recently. We had a spectacular 2024 with a new award introduced,
the Young Gunnette Award, we will be opening applications for the 2025 award very soon along with our wonderful sponsor Cummins. We have ve amazing women
about to start their courses after being recipients of the 2024 Driving the Di erence scholarships, sponsored by Daimler Truck Australia Paci c. Our Creating Con-
nections mentoring programme has several pairs of mentors and proteges working towards expanding their knowledge and professional relationships.
We look forward to our Dream Maker Awards applications opening soon to be presented at the Transport Women Unite Red Ball at Alice Springs. But rst we have our rst event of the season at Goulburn shared with Divall’s at the Divall’s Museum. I am speaking at the Women in Rail, Roads & Transport Infrastructure Leadership Summit 2025! in Sydney in February.
Of course, we have our 25th anniversary celebra-
tion at the MOVE museum in Shepparton on March 1. What a spectacular venue! We’re really looking forward to welcoming everybody there. It will be a beer, food, and music (BFM) party, with tickets about to go on sale. We are looking forward to seeing everybody there and kicking up their heels, it will be a very laid-back affair, with everyone invited to come and have a good time. Wodonga TAFE may have a surprise o ering at their Shepparton facility for us and there will be more coming out on our social media very soon. More information to come from Shepparton Council who are assisting
us with accommodation and other details to make the event a success. For our sponsors or members who would like more information, please email chair@transportwomen.com.au.
We have formed a lot of partnerships and memberships in other organisations in the past few years, our partnership with Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds; and memberships in the Australian Gender Equality Council; the National Rural Women’s Coalition and the Australian Trucking Association. We look forward to working very closely with all of these organisations throughout 2025.
INDUSTRY REGULATION
WOMEN IN
JACQUELENE
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Opportunity came knocking
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
Trainor, 38, had spent 17 years working in an admin o ce role before the road came calling.
As she explained, “I got sick of sitting in an o ce, so I thought why not travel the country and get paid to do it at the same time.”
Being raised on a dairy farm, Kayla had already developed a love for trucks early on. She got her MR licence over 15 years ago, but life steered her on a di erent path.
When she decided to take the plunge and get behind the wheel, things progressed very quickly. “At the time – back in 2021 – I was working as a stock controller at a car dealership. I went and got my HC licence and quit my job the
With no work yet lined up, Kayla literally went door knocking at various transport businesses in the hope one would take her on – and her e orts paid o .
Kayla’s rst driving role was with Toowoomba Confectionary Wholesalers, driving medium and heavy rigids. “I got some experience there,
driving the smaller trucks.
en I went to Emerald Refrigerated, who took me on as a HC driver. At rst I was doing local work around Brisbane to Toowoomba, and then I got into the longer distance work.”
It was while at Emerald Refrigerated that Kayla secured her MC licence – giving her the chance to realise her dream of travelling and seeing Australia.
“I started doing the Brisbane to Perth run every week. at was pretty hard work as I was never home – but that was my goal, to get into the long distance work to see the country.”
From there, Kayla began working at Mort & Co, carrying molasses and feedlot supplements. It was all tanker work, travelling all over Queensland and northern New South Wales, which gave her the chance to broaden her skillset even further.
But securing a role at Mt Isa Carriers in September 2023 set the wheels in motion for her next big career move.
Based at the company’s Pittsworth depot, Kayla started there doing triples from Pittsworth to Mt Isa, carrying
general freight. Family owned and operated, Mt Isa Carriers has a eet of 28 trucks – mainly Mack Super-Liners – which operate from its four depots in Pittsworth, Brisbane, Mt Isa and Townsville.
“I started at Mt Isa Carriers in a 909 and then about a month later was in a Mack Super-Liner. I would travel all over Queensland and loved going out west. It was a di erent atmosphere out that way. People are really respectful around there and everyone actually waves to each other,” Kayla said.
ough she was only driving with the company for about four months, when an opportunity came knocking, she was quick to pursue it.
As Kayla revealed, “I knew I wouldn’t be able to work as a driver forever, so the next step for me was to get into the operations side of it. At the time, the operations manager was leaving so I put my hand up and took on the operations manager role in February.
“I learned everything from the owners about what they expect and what to do. Everyday I’d get taught something new.”
Mt Isa Carriers operations manager Kayla Trainor at the Pittsworth yard. Images: Kayla Trainor
Asked about what her typical day with the company involves, Kayla says she’s tasked with organising the drivers and their runs, organising maintenance and NHVR requirements, visiting all four depots, and being heavily involved in all aspects of the day to day running of the company.
“Sometimes I think people get the impression that because I sit behind a desk I haven’t done the work, but I have, so that’s a big advantage,” Kayla added. “My original goal when I got into this industry was to see the country and I’ve been all over – but haven’t been to the
Northern Territory. I don’t think I’ve ruled that out just yet though.”
Mt Isa Carriers is currently owned and operated by husband and wife team Kent and Cassy Baillie. It was originally started in 1965 by family friend Graham Porter.
In chatting with Kent, he had high praise for Kayla and her work ethic.
“Kayla was one of the best drivers we had and now as operations manager, she’s my 2IC (second-in-charge). She looks after everything and is very thorough in everything she does,” he said. ough Kent also admitted, “Part of me didn’t want
to pull her o the road because she was just so good at her work. ere are a lot women out there in this industry who are running rings around some of the blokes. We also have another female driver doing triples from Townsville to Mt Isa. It’s sad that parts of the industry are still lagging behind.
He continued, “Across the industry, we’re losing more drivers than we have coming in, so I’m all for giving more women and more young drivers a go.
“We’re also in touch with several driving schools as we like to give young people a chance. We have one driver
Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd
73 Formation St, Wacol
I KNEW I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO WORK AS A DRIVER FOREVER, SO THE NEXT STEP FOR ME WAS TO GET INTO THE OPERATIONS SIDE OF IT.”
KAYLA TRAINOR
who started out on the rigids and now he’s worked his way up to triples between Mt Isa and Darwin.
“We’ve been very lucky with the calibre of drivers we’ve been attracting.”
And for Kayla, Mt Isa Carriers has been the perfect t.
“I really enjoy the work at Mt Isa Carriers – and I enjoy the people I work with. You gain a lot of respect from drivers too, because they know you’ve been there and done the work too,” she said.
When asked if she ever misses being on the road, Kayla replied, “Yeah I do sometimes, so if we ever purchase a new truck, I’ll happily race down and pick
it up so I can drive it back!”
She also o ered her advice to those considering a career in the industry. “I encourage young drivers, and females
into the industry. Don’t take the knock-backs personally and keep trying. You will get told no – but keep applying.”
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.
DRIVERS WANTED
MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP
(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)
• Training and further education
• Your safety
• Maintaining an impressive Fleet
Come and work for us as we are committed to:
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)
Join the team at Anthony Lagoon Station NT.
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.
To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au
Visit our website to nd out more about our current opportunities, including: • Road Train Driver • Loader Driver
• Grader Driver
Mt Isa Carriers co-owner Cassy Baillie and Kayla.
READY TO UPGRADE?
