Big Rigs 29 October 2021

FRIDAY, October 29, 2021

ONLINE www.bigrigs.com.au

EMAIL info@bigrigs.com.au

STANDARD HOURS REDUCTION DEBATE Page 3

TRUCKIE ORDERED TO PAY $545,000

Cover photo by David Vile.

Pages 6-7

LIVING THE DREAM GAMBLE PAYS OFF FOR HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM: PAGE 12

2 NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au GENERAL MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Truckin in the Topics/Spy on the Road: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 Brent Davison; David Vile; David Meredith; Mike Williams, Jon Wallis Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. It is the largest circulated fortnightly truck publication in Australia with 26,023* copies per fortnight. *12 month average, publisher’s claim November 2018

Drones deployed to monitor truck movements in the south THE NHVR has welcomed a partnership with sensor AI data specialists SenSen to deliver rapid deployable AI solutions using vehicle mounted cameras, drones and solar powered trailers.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the contract was the next step into delivering new and innovative ways to make Australian roads safer for everyone.

“It’s timely and important that we use innovative thinking to make our roads safer,” Petroccitto said.

“We’ve now taken the next step to trial mobile camera technology, across the NHVR’s Southern Operations region –

including South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

“These cameras will assist the NHVR’s officers in a riskbased approach to safety – ensuring our officers are targeting the biggest road safety risks.

“On the flip side, smarter camera technology will also help in identifying operators who are doing the right thing, who can then expect to be less regularly intercepted by the NHVR. “Having the best, most upto-date information, including information gathered through cameras, helps us to make better decisions about law reform, safety and productivity programs that will make our roads

safer for everyone.”

In a statement released to the ASX today, SenSen said the initial contract, commencing this month, was for one year with an option, exercisable by the regulator, to extend the contract for a further two years.

SenSen earns $387,000 in upfront fees and hardware, with a further $165,000 payable each year for software.

“Our ability to deliver highly relevant and accurate information on heavy vehicle movements through a combination of drone, trailer and vehicle-mounted solutions in an integrated fashion is an exciting new frontier,” said Dr Subhash Challa, SenSen CEO.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the contract was the next step into delivering new and innovative ways to make Australian roads safer.

Truckie denied bail after SA border checkpoint incident VICTORIAN truckie Brendan Moore, 57, has been denied bail and remanded in custody after an alleged incident at the Bordertown checkpoint.

Moore faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with assaulting a police officer and another worker, and resisting police, after being asked to show proof of his vaccination status, reports ABC News.

Prosecutors alleged Moore

then became abusive towards police and pushed one in the shoulder, resisted arrest and spat at the arresting officers.

The court also heard that Moore could not produce evidence of his status, but duty solicitor Mary-Anne Goldsworthy told the court that the self-employed truck driver of 17 years denied the allegations and did have proof.

“She told the court police

would not accept his vaccine documentation and would only accept proof through the MyGov website, which Moore could not access.

“He asked the police for assistance … they did attempt but they weren’t able to get into MyGov,” Goldsworthy said.

“He was told to return to Victoria.

“A scuffle then ensued; on

Moore’s version he did not hit police, they proceeded to take him to the ground when he refused to return to his truck.

She said Moore sustained neck and wrist injuries during his arrest and two witnesses at the checkpoint filmed the arrest and told police not to continue.

Goldsworthy said Moore was reluctant to return to Victoria as he had financially strug-

gled during the pandemic.

“He had a driver who had abandoned one of his trucks en route, there was a fuel bill that needed to be paid, that matter then proceeded to bankruptcy,” she said.

Magistrate David McLeod said the safety of the community was paramount and he remanded Moore in custody until his next court appearance in November.

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NEWS 3

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Industry debates fatigue management hours

A REDUCTION in maximum working hours for truckies on the Standard Hours work diary was a hot topic of debate in a recent workshop to discuss potential changes to fatigue management laws.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) tells Big Rigs the online forum held earlier this month will help inform the long-running revamp of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. In conjunction with industry and jurisdiction, the NTC is hoping to develop simpler and easier fatigue management rules that get the right balance between safety and productivity, says Aaron de Rozario, NTC executive leader, regulatory reform.

“As part of this process, we are looking at international best practice and discussing what it would mean for Australia,” said de Rozario.

The NTC discussion was said to centre around points such as: • More frequent breaks and how would this work?

• Short breaks offering more flexibility

• F ewer elements in the Standard Hours schedule • E xploring exceptional/unforeseen circumstances • Reducing the allowed time between long rest breaks • Reducing the allowed hours worked for the week The NTC stressed, however, that the workshop is designed to flesh out ideas from industry stakeholders and the points discussed within, such as reducing Standard Hours, are a long way from becoming law.

“The PowerPoint document was designed to encourage discussion and feedback as part of this consultation,” adds de Rozario.

“It reflects work-in-progress and does not represent a final position.

“Discussions are ongoing.

Talks will continue across the industry, including with drivers, to simplify the process.”

Big Rigs approached operators in the field for feedback about these discussion points. One of the two most contentious discussion topics for Lyndon Watson, CEO of Don Watson Transport, centred around the idea of reducing maximum working hours

The NTC says talks will continue across the industry, including with drivers, to simplify the fatigue management process.

for truckies working on the Standard Hours fatigue system from 72 to 60 hours over a seven-day week.

“They’re effectively mandating that an owner-driver fleet move from a six-day to a five-day fleet because they need 12 hours to get from capital to capital,” said Watson.

“So, every one of those

owner-drivers out there who are trying to make ends meet, I can’t see how they’re suddenly going to be able to reduce the capacity of their vehicles by nearly 20 per cent.

“I can only think in horror at the trouble the industry would see if the owner-driver network were decimated with this.”

Watson believes adopting

‘international best practice’ with fatigue management and shortening a truckie’s working day, isn’t going to work in Australia because of our unique geography and vast distances between the main centres.

In his own operation he says the 17-hour working day opportunity afforded to all drivers is ideal because they

can complete the city-to-city freight task safely.

“It gives the drivers a chance to stop and have a rest if they’re tired.”

Watson believes it’s too dangerous to ask a driver to complete the same route in 14 hours.

“Putting that type of deadline on when the driver needs to start their next long break will simply motivate the drivers to lie about their fatigue and try and push through to get home.

“At the moment, they know they can just pull up for a power nap. They’ll still get in, but they can have a couple of hours of rest, and head into their destination fresh, and still be within the 17-hour ‘work opportunity’.

Watson said if the industry is to find more flexibility in fatigue management, the answer doesn’t lie in restricting the opportunity for the driver to have a break.

“In short, the cities aren’t getting any closer. Australia is stuck with the knowledge that the time it takes to move a truck from city to city is relatively fixed.”

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New parking system a big win for interstate truckies

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

FED up with its facility being treated as a parking depot for local trucks, a Perth truck stop has put a new parking system in place – and according to some, it’s proving to be a winner.

Puma Kewdale’s new parking limits came into effect from September 20, with truck parking permits issued for up to 12 hours and customer car parking bays limited to two hours.

Fines of $65 have been put in place for both cars and trucks that exceed the parking limits.

A new sign advises of the two-hour parking limit in the carpark, stating “automatic number plate recognition in use at all times”.

A month’s notice was given in store via posters and via staff advising customers of the changes.

The issue of local truckies using truck stops as holding yards for their trucks and trailers, and then parking their cars there all day as they set off in their trucks, is nothing new – and as many

I CAME IN LATE ONE NIGHT AND PRETTY MUCH HAD TO BLOCK A QUARTER OF THE DRIVEWAY BECAUSE THERE WAS NOWHERE LEFT TO PARK. I’VE KNOWN A FEW BLOKES THAT HAVE HAD TO LEAVE THERE FOR THAT REASON TOO.” PETER EDWARDS

interstaters will attest, the issue is only getting worse.

A spokesperson for Chevron Australia Downstream, which runs the Puma network of service stations, says its recent parking improvements have received positive feedback from its customers, including interstate and regionally based truck drivers.

“The changes have been well received by customers, with a vast improvement to the flow of the car park,” it said.

Melbourne based interstate truckie Peter Edwards, 52, works for BT Transport & Logistics in SA and regu-

The new parking limits at Puma Kewdale came into effect on September 20.

larly visits Puma Kewdale on his runs into Perth.

“Locals were using it as their own personal depot.

Even though signs said vehicles will be towed away, that wasn’t really enforced.

Most of the time if you get in there during the day, you’re right, because locals weren’t parked up there. But at night it was always filled with local trucks,” Edwards said.

“I came in late one night and pretty much had to block a quarter of the driveway because there was nowhere left to park. I’ve known a few blokes that have had to leave there for

that reason too.”

But since the new parking system was put in place at Puma Kewdale, Edwards says it’s made a big difference.

“There’s a lot more park-

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

B-double ban at popular rest area near Toowoomba AS of late October, all vehicles over 19 metres will no longer be permitted to enter the James Norman Hedges Park rest area in Helidon, near Toowoomba.

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) made the announcement in its heavy vehicle bulletin.

Vehicles accessing the Livestock Inspection Centre at this intersection are exempt from these restrictions, adds TMR. “This change improves

Interstate truckie, Peter Edwards.

ing available – but I think it’ll take time for the interstaters to start coming over there again because they weren’t able to find parking spots there in the past. But now they got Wilson Parking in and have put in parking infringement notices,” he said.

“They have pretty good food there and the service is pretty good too. I could go there three months later and they still recognise me.

I find the service a lot better than most of the servos.

If they provide that sort of service, then I’m willing to pay a bit more too.

“I think more servos need to start enforcing something like this with their parking,” he added.

And it seems many of our readers also agree. When Big Rigs shared the story on its Facebook page, here’s what some of our readers had to say.

“Sounds like a good idea.

All those local trucks using servos as a yard are a pain

safety for all road users. There is insufficient visibility and acceleration or deceleration lanes for heavy vehicles to make safe turns in or out of the rest area,” says the notice.

Signage and line marking will be installed to explain the restrictions and provide advance warning to drivers.

“The signed restrictions will be enforced by the Queensland Police Service.

“Please note, TMR plans to restrict right turn movements

for all vehicles accessing the Warrego Highway at this intersection within the next five years.”

The bulletin reminds drivers that alternate eastbound rest areas are available at the BP service station in Gatton or at the Charlton heavy vehicle rest area.

To decouple, the TMR says drivers can use the Charlton facility or the newly constructed Gatton Heavy Vehicle Decoupling Facility.

A new sign put up at the truck stop. Photo: Facebook

even for local trucks. Trying to pull up for lunch on a Saturday can be nearly impossible. I think part of the problem is many local councils don’t want to give permits to allow vacant land to be turned into a yard, they want warehouses built so they can charge more for the rates,” wrote John Bardsley.

“This is a move in the right direction,” said Michael J Patch.

“It’s about time!! It’s so

difficult for interstate trucks to find anywhere to park up or wait for loads. The locals needed to be moved on,” added Jennifer L Colman.

“Need it in every state , local round town blokes taking up spots for us interstate drivers to sleep over night, getting beyond a joke,” commented Tony Meyers.

“How long is this going to take to catch on everywhere???” asked Mick Perryman.

B-doubles passing through Helidon in Queensland will now need to find somewhere else to stop.

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6 NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Veteran truckie, 70, faces uncertain future after case

BY JAMES GRAHAM

THIS is not how veteran truckie Bill Dowling pictured his golden years playing out, not even in his worst nightmare.

Now 70, Dowling faces an uncertain financial future after a judge ruled that he owes Blenners Tranport and Blenners Truck Hire $545,312 for damages after a 2019 crash.

All because he made a fleeting error of judgment in using his mobile phone while driving.

While trying to answer the call on that fateful evening two years ago, the fruit-laden Kenworth veered off the Bruce Highway just south of Ingham and rolled, causing a total of $508,633.25 in damage to the refrigerated B-double, and another $36,679 to the fruit, according to court documents.

Lucky-to-be-alive Dowling hobbled clear of the wreck with a fracture T12 vertebrae in his back, and heavy bruising where the gear stick had pummelled his leg.

His use of the mobile phone captured on the in-cab video system, he later pleaded guilty to the police charge of dangerous driving, lost his licence for six months, took the $2000 in fines on the chin and eased into retirement, thinking the crash was behind him.

Then, the summons from the Blenners’ legal team came, informing him that he was being sued for the damages.

“I rang the lawyer and told him I haven’t got a brass razoo to pay anything,” a stunned Dowling tells Big Rigs.

“I’m retired and haven’t got those sort of resources in my back pocket to pay him, and all he said was, ‘Well, you’ll

Bill Dowling had been a loyal driver for the family-run North Queensland transport company since 2011. Photo: Facebook

have to come to the court and tell the judge that’.”

Big Rigs approached Les Blennerhassett, the sole director and shareholder of plaintiffs Blenners Transport and Blenners Truck Hire, and his lawyer Ben Meredith of MacDonnells Law, to ask them why they decided to sue Dowling, and not try to recover costs from insurance, and/ or Dowling’s employer at the time, a labour hire company.

That company was listed in the District Court of Queensland judgment documents as Labour Hire QLD

Pty Ltd, but the ABN next to it belongs to Hired Labour Pty Ltd, whose director is Roger Blennerhassett, according to information filed with ASIC. Blenners Transport is fully owned and operated by Les and Judy Blennerhassett along with their two sons Roger and Ben. Both Les Blennerhassett and Meredith told us they had no comment to make on the case.

“That’s done and dusted,” said Blennerhassett.

In his judgement summary delivered in Cairns on Octo-

ber 8, Judge Dean Morzone acknowledged that this was an “unusual” case, involving separate corporate entities with common principals behind them.

“Whilst, ordinarily, an employer is vicariously liable for the negligent, wrongful or criminal acts of its employee, there is no bar to an impacted third party suing the employee directly. The defendant is capable of being sued by the first [Blenners Transport] and second plaintiffs [Blenners Truck Hire],” writes Judge Morzone.

Dowling said he chose to

represent himself at the May 2021 hearing in Cairns because he couldn’t afford a lawyer, but felt comfortable in telling his side of the story and put his faith in what he believed were mitigating circumstances.

In his defence Dowling claimed his judgment was impaired when he took the call due to fatigue, the lack of an integrated hands-free device and his employer’s system of progress calls.

Further he argued he could have avoided the crash if the truck was not overloaded or

unbalanced and had a functioning lane departure warning system.

Court documents say Dowling was “stressed and frustrated” after a series of delays put him about four hours behind schedule on the run from Tully to Townsville.

CCTV inside the truck captures Dowling’s actions in the lead up to the crash and he is seen to pick up his phone and answer the call just before 10pm while his other hand remains on the steering wheel.

“I went to activate the Bluetooth ear-piece but it wouldn’t

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NEWS 7

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Just days before the judgement was released, Dowling found time to celebrate his 70th birthday with family and friends.

work so I did pick it up [the phone] and swipe it and when I looked up again I was in the wrong part of the road to do anything about it.

“It wouldn’t correct, and of course, I crashed.”

In his findings, however, Judge Morzone refuted all of his Dowling’s claims regarding fatigue and technology deficiencies.

He said Dowling’s control of the truck was “severely compromised” when he answered the call and said his actions were the sole cause of the crash.

“The truck was on an unrecoverable collision course and it was impossible to write by the time (Dowling) looked up (from his phone),” Judge Morzone said.

“I do not accept that any fac-

tor other than (Dowling’s) neglect, default or misconduct by using the mobile phone, caused or contributed to the crash. “(His) use of the mobile phone was illegal.”

Dowling, who has since come out of retirement and returned to driving road trains to make ends meet, is not sure of his next move.

A lawyer he recently retained told him he would have grounds for an appeal but at deadline for this issue, he was undecided, mainly because of the expense.

Dowling, who has trouble sleeping and is on pain medication for his back, tells Big Rigs that bankruptcy may be his only other option.

“I’ve had some fairly big bumps all my life,” said Dowling. “I did have a sheep property in Winton in my younger days, but after the wool crisis my son and I shot 4000 sheep in one day because we couldn’t give them away.

“I’ve been expecting a bad result out of it [the court case], but I just had my hopes up that I may have had a ray of hope that the judge favoured my side of the story.

“But he didn’t.”

Legal experts react: drivers should be wary of liability HIGHWAY Advocates, which specialises in legal support for truckies, believes there may be grounds for Bill Dowling to challenge the District Court decision.

As a bailee of the truck and as an employer of the driver, Highway Advocates say the labour hire company may have owed a non-delegable duty to the plaintiffs, in which case it was vicariously liable for Dowling’s conduct and should have been sued in his place.

Highway Advocates CEO Robert Bell tells us that in a High Court decision in 2000, Chief Justice Gleeson said that “the law governing the vicarious responsibility of the owner or bailee of a motor vehicle for the negligence of its driver was established in horse and buggy days”. The High Court has referred in several judgments to a UK decision which says the employer is responsible for the acts of its employee. This case is quoted below: “Once a man has taken charge of goods as a bailee for reward, it is his duty to take reasonable care to keep them safe: and he cannot escape that duty be delegating it to his servant.

“If the master is under a duty to use due care to keep goods safely and protect them from theft and depredation, he cannot get rid of his re-

sponsibility by delegating his duty to another. If he entrusts that duty to his servant, he is answerable for the way in which the servant conducts himself therein. No matter whether the servant be negligent, fraudulent, or dishonest, the master is liable. But not when he is under no such duty.”

Highway Advocates, however, says the Dowling case is an important judgement that should be a warning to all drivers who provide their services through a labour hire company.

“Although we think there may be grounds to challenge this decision, you should be aware that if you work for a labour hire company you may be held personally liable if you have an accident.

“You could end up like Bill facing a massive judgment against you. Bill is 70-yearsold, has worked in the industry for decades and is still driving, but he’s now facing the loss of everything. A truly terrible ending to a long and hard career.”

Paul Murray, an employment lawyer for Queenslandbased Bristow Legal, said the circumstances are quite unusual for a number of reasons.

Firstly, this is not a case where an employer has sued their own employee. Instead, the owner of the damaged ve-

hicle has sued the employee of a labour hire company, but not the labour hire company itself.

The claims were made against the driver in his capacity as a ‘bailee’; someone who has possession but not ownership of the goods (both the freight and the vehicle itself ).

“In a labour hire scenario, there would usually be a written agreement between the labour hire company and the host employer that spelled out each party’s rights and obligations,” said Murray.

“The judgement however makes no reference to such an agreement. Secondly, where major property damage occurs, an insurer is generally involved. Insurers have very limited rights to pursue individual employees because of provisions in the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth).”

Murray said that claims made directly by employers against their employees are uncommon.

“A number of states and territories, but not Queensland, have passed laws preventing employers from suing employees for negligence (subject to some exceptions).

“It is therefore unlikely that the widely expressed fears that this case signals open season for claims against employed drivers for negligence are well founded.”

The Townsville-based truckie argued he could have avoided the crash if the truck was not overloaded or unbalanced and had a functioning lane departure warning system. Photo: Alf Wilson

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8 OPINION

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Who’s got the truckie’s back?

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

I often wonder what impression an outsider would get of the industry if they picked up a copy of this paper for the first time.

An overriding one of disunity in the ranks might be one reaction. I certainly haven’t been able to shake that feeling in more than three years in this role.

You only have to read the story on page 6-7 about driver Bill Dowling to see the enormous divide between those at the top and the battling truckies who keep this country moving.

Unless they join an association, as Rod Hannifey implores on page 10, who’s got the truckie’s back?

No one.

Yes, the NTC tells us they’re working on ways to simplify the fatigue laws (see page 3). But shouldn’t we be sorting out pay rates first?

Until we do, how can stop the rampant under-cutting and the urge to push that little bit more? It’s no wonder we’re still no closer to having a national law that WA and the NT want to sign on to.

HOT WEB TOPICS

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO READER CORNER? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckie survey shock results

No slowing veteran truckie down

ACCORDING to the results of a recent survey, nearly half of truckies know a driver killed on the job and one in two have had wages stolen.

The survey was conducted by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) between April and July, with the results only just released, as the union continues wage negotiations with the major companies.

“I’ve had the wage miss payment for 4 years with my last employer, while they bought new cars and houses, then cried about me asking for a pay rise for the first time in 4 years,” wrote Glenn Burkin.

“13 years I been driving and 2 jobs I had wages stolen,” added Darryl James Belcher.

“We all know people who have been killed, if it was mining, construction etc, would have been a Royal Commission,” continued Steve Oliver on our Facebook page.

“What a very sad situation and working conditions. Who is looking after the well-being and mental health of our truckies,” commented Diana Mislov.

“Worst part about the industry is the two most commonly used phrases. That’s the way it’s always been. It will never change,” said Stephen Fleming.

AT 77 years of age, veteran truckie Ian Bird has been behind the wheel for the past 55 years.

With the treasured 1986 Kenworth W924 he bought brand new, he wants to keep trucking on for as long as he can.

Over the years, his Kenworth W has been put through its paces, with Bird doing regular runs from his Melbourne base to WA and up north into outback Queensland, pulling either doubles or triples.

Big Rigs readers joined us in celebrating his achievements.

“Bloody legend Birdy, glad I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you and traveling with you, keep on keeping on mate,” wrote Dennis Thorburn on the Big Rigs Facebook page.

“Legend. Drove for him for ten years,” said Brett Fisher.

“If you enjoy what you’re doing and you’re healthy, why stop, keep on truckin Ian I say,” commented Ross Ferguson.

“There’s no quit in some of these old schools! It’s in the blood,” said Dylan Mcpeake.

“Can’t stop a good W model, and Birdy just keeps rolling as well,” added Geoff Herbert.

77-year-old Ian Bird plans “Remember you Birdie from back in Truckers Tucker days. to keep driving trucks for as Keep on trucking. Cheers,” wrote Peggy Norton. long as he’s fit and healthy.

The union survey involved 1100 truck drivers.

Truckie apprenticeship debate CALLS for a national truckie apprenticeship program have been a hot topic in recent weeks, with the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) being one of the latest associations to show its support for the idea.

“Not a chance I’d start driving if I had my time again and had to start as an apprentice. People don’t want to do it now. What makes you think they’ll want to do it as an apprenticeship.

It’s driving a truck ffs. Look at the reasons why no one wants to do it as it is,” said Jarrod Bligh, on Facebook.

Scott Fabbian agreed: “Why would a kid want to get a job in transport these days?

Long hours and in general low wages, compared to 9 to 5, no weekends and average $60k plus money... Christ baristas NatRoad says a truckie apprenticeship program would boost the are on a better hourly rate than most drivers!” status of trucking as a career and improve the quality of drivers.

Flood-proofed section of the Bruce

THE $500 million Haughton River Floodplain upgrade project has hit another milestone, with traffic on the Bruce Highway switched to a new bridge and road surface at Giru.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said it was one of the last milestones of the project due to be completed later this year.

“Why only two lanes? QLD needs to upgrade not downgrade. Waste of money every day on the Bruce Highway in the Works Dept.

“Get in decent contractors, don’t take the lowest quote.

Cheap buys get cheap products.

Paradise Dam proved that,” wrote Janno Webb on Facebook.

Anthony Warren echoed this.

“Would of been good if it was dual lanes,” he said.

“Hopefully it’s getting a final layer of bitumen, pretty rough for a brand new road,” added Kris Jacobson.

“Let’s see what happens when The existing low-lying road has been replaced with a bridge, it rains,” said Brian Baxter. which is more resilient to flooding.

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10 NEWS

IN BRIEF Toll strikes averted Toll workers have secured job security protections and an industry-first 15 per cent superannuation offer in an in-principle agreement between management and the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU).

The offer includes enhanced job security protections including the same pay for outside hire as employees, limits on outsourcing, commitment to give employees first preference over all available work, and improvements to consultation and auditing rights to further protect employees from their work being contracted out.

In a statement, the union said the proposed agreement is a significant development following six months of negotiations and national strikes.

Stanwell tragedy Rockhampton Forensic Crash Unit officers investigating a fatal traffic crash at Stanwell in Central Queensland are appealing for witnesses and dashcam vision.

Just after midday on October 11, a rear-end collision occurred at a roadworks site, in the eastbound lane of the Capricornia Highway, involving a stationary ambulance and a white single-tanker truck.

Two male passengers, aged 87 and 65, in the back of the ambulance died at the scene.

Two additional passengers in the ambulance were also transported to hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone travelling on the Capricornia Highway between Gogango and Gracemere between 10am and 12.30pm with relevant dashcam vision of the truck, or ambulance, is urged to contact police.

ACCC investigates Qube The ACCC is investigating potential competition issues arising from Qube’s completed acquisition of the Newcastle Agri Terminal.

Qube notified the ACCC of the planned acquisition on September 8 and completed the transaction on September 30.

The ACCC however claims it had made requests for the transaction to be delayed after competition concerns were raised by market participants.

Qube says it believes the transaction does not raise material competition issues however added it will continue to provide every assistance to the ACCC to allow it to complete its inquiries.

Toole retains transport role Following the recent reshuffles at the top of NSW politics, Deputy Premier Paul Toole will retain his regional transport and roads portfolio.

Unlike some of his parliamentary colleagues, the new leader of the NSW Nationals is more visible than most when it comes to issues facing trucking operators in the regions.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

From tanks to grain trucks

Workers participating in Operation Grain Harvest Assist also have the opportunity to access financial support from the federal government’s AgMove program.

CRAIG Taylor, a farmer in Young, NSW, was one of the first to sign up for a new initiative connecting former Australian Defence Force (ADF) servicemen and women to help harvest bumper crops during the pandemic.

On the dedicated Facebook page for Operation Grain Harvest Assist – Qld, NSW, VIC, which now has more than 1400 members, Young says he “has the truck and dog ready to go when you are”.

A free three-bedroom

house is also part of the package awaiting the right heavy combination truck driver who may well have driven a tank in their former life.

Run by former-ADF volunteers in collaboration with state farming organisations, including NSW Farmers, Operation Grain Harvest Assist aims to help plug the serious shortfall of harvest workers around Australia due to the ongoing border restrictions.

There is also another Operation Grain Harvest Assist Facebook page for WA and SA.

“The availability of seasonal workers has dropped drastically since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, while inconsistent rules around interstate travel have further reduced confidence in our ability to shore up an adequate workforce in time for harvest,” said Matthew Madden, chair of the NSW Farmers’ grains committee.

“We need a timely and successful harvest and the experience of former ADF servicemen and women in areas such as heavy machin-

ery handling will make them ideal candidates for grain harvest roles, many of which are skilled or semi-skilled.”

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) chief executive Colin Bettles said there has been a major positive response to Operation Grains Harvest Assist, with retired Royal Australian Armoured Corps Lieutenant Colonel Garry Spencer leading the charge.

“This initiative is not only taking immediate pressure off farming communities, it’s also giving retired and for-

mer ADF personnel a greater sense of purpose, as well as a valuable source of income by using their transferable skills and experiences to operate heavy machinery or perform other vital tasks during this year’s grains harvest,” Bettles tells aboutregional.com.au.

Lt. Colonel Spencer said he’s excited about the opportunity the program offers former defence force personnel.

“We’ve put our heads together with grains industry leaders and devised a plan of attack that’ll help not only farmers but also benefit our people with the option to get out and work on-farm to gain a sense of satisfaction, and valuable income, at this vital time,” Spencer said.

Workers and employees participating in Operation Grain Harvest Assist also have the opportunity to access financial support from the federal government’s AgMove program when they relocate to take up short-term agricultural work.

Participants looking to work on farms and deliver the grains harvest can contact the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) to see if they qualify for AgMove to help cover their relocation costs.

For Australian workers, this includes relocation costs of up to $2000 which can be reimbursed by the HTIS after employees complete at least 40 hours of work in at least two weeks. Up to a further $4000 can be reimbursed for relocation costs when employees continue to work and complete a total of at least 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.

Rod Hannifey asks drivers to join peak body HIGH-PROFILE truckie Rod Hannifey, president of the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA), is calling on drivers to take up a trucking association membership for a minimum of one year.

It doesn’t even have to be with the NRFA, says Hannifey, a revered interstate driver for Ron Pilon Transport and passionate rest area advocate.

Hannifey says that less than five per cent of all drivers are members of associations, and the peak bodies need their support if they are to effect lasting change.

“We have to do something, and we have to do it structured. I can’t do it alone and you can’t either,” said Hannifey in an impassioned plea for support on his Facebook page.

“Blokes are walking away, and we can’t afford that.”

His only condition is that truckies ask the association they do join to put the NRFA six point plan below on the agenda.

1. We’re happy to do our part and be tested every seven days, nothing less is necessary or fair on us, unless you provide numerous 24/7 testing centres with truck access. Such sites

must include vaccinations.

Trying to keep working, get tested every three days and still have to book and queue weeks in advance and lose more time/pay to get vaccinated is not only unjust, but unworkable for some. To ensure we can comply and get priority for vaccinations, get test results back in time to cross borders, the road transport industry must be recognised as essential.

2. We will apply for and carry a National Freight Permit if required, valid in every state and territory, for a minimum period of 14 days. All states must agree.

There should be no rule or border changes without industry consultation and without less than two weeks’ notice.

3.

Truck stops must be allowed to operate, we must have access to toilets, showers and facilities if you want us to continue carrying your needs and not get sick or tired trying to comply with multitudes of different rules. No facility should refuse us access to a toilet, we will happily wipe down a seat before and after use. If they fail to provide us with such

facilities (as they must do under law for their staff ) they should be fined. We too need toilets.

4. There must be a moratorium on non-road safety related logbook fines. We are not lawless or above the law, but any fines issued by police under the HVNL, must be reviewed

by NHVR before they will be actioned. We do hope the HVNL review will affect some of these concerns, but it will not be resolved for many months.

We cannot continue being fined for clerical and minor time errors. The cost to the community of us fighting such onerous fines for little more than a mistake, is not only a waste of taxpayer’s money, it is not in any way, fair justice.

5.

We require a National Road Standard, the road should be accepted as our workplace, major crashes investigated and not simply the driver charged first and last. Roads and road repairs must meet that standard or be repaired to that standard within an agreed time frame.

6. There must be a National Truck Rest Area Strategy

Rod Hannifey says it’s time for truckies to get behind their local associations.

to provide suitable and sufficient truck rest areas.

This to improve our safety and that of other road users. To improve our ability to get good quality sleep as and when needed. In relation to drivers and sleep, there must be consultation on reasonable size sleeper berths. Not more freight, but better places to live

and sleep in when on the road.

“I’m not asking for lot of money, or effort, but I certainly don’t want you to join and do nothing,” adds Hannifey.

“Join and ask your association to back the six-point plan, if you agree with it. If you’ve got a better solution, by all means let me know.”

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12 COVER STORY

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Rhodes’ runners keeping sheep on the move

Regional livestock operators Nathan Rhodes and wife Jo sunk their first home deposit into a K104 Aerodyne and have never looked back.

BY DAVID VILE “I GREW up around trucks but went straight out of school onto a handpiece in the shearing shed, being a rousie and shearing, until I worked out it was easier throwing sheep onto a truck than blowing the jackets off them!” said Nathan Rhodes with a laugh.

From that point on the wheels have rolled and today, Nathan, in partnership with wife Joanne, have a two-truck livestock transport operation based at Lowesdale, just outside Corowa in southern New South Wales.

Today, the NJR Trucking operation consists of a 2019 Kenworth T659 and a 2002 K104 Aerodyne, with both trucks running B-doubles hauling primarily sheep from saleyards to a number of meat processors in the southern states.

“It was a childhood dream really; I wanted to get my own truck and call my own shots so we ended up buying the 104.

That should have been our first home, but we bought a truck instead,” he said.

Having been exposed to trucks from a young age with his father Les Rhodes running trucks including Ford LNT’s and International S-Lines carting livestock, after his time in

the shearing sheds, Nathan reckoned trucking was the way to go.

“I went over to Western Australia and was carting optic fibre from Dampier to Tom Price, did that for 12 months - that wasn’t a bad gig. I came back over east and started with Don Watson up and down the highway carting hanging meat and met Jo along the way, but I wanted to get working for myself, that was always the dream.”

The couple started out with a tipper set but bad timing with the drought starting to bite saw a change of direction into livestock and a working association with Barry Lewington which started in 2015 and continues through to today.

“We bought the Aerodyne and Dad had a crate set as he was still in trucks with grain. I thought ‘it won’t be that hardto-find work’. I rang Barry and he said, ‘when can you start? You can start Monday at Corowa’ and that was it!

“When I stated with the Aerodyne it was short haul stuff such as from Corowa to Tallangatta to see how I could do the job, then on to the longer runs, Nundroo over in South Australia, and out around Cobar, Louth, Bourke, and Cameron’s Corner. I did a lot of dirt road running back at the start.”

The K104 Aerodyne has been a faithful servant for Nathan and Joanne.

Currently the NJR operation essentially follows the weekly livestock sale schedule through New South Wales, with buyers for a number of the major meat processors needing to fill orders and subsequently needing the transport to get their quotas from the yards to the abattoirs.

While his loading and destination points are regular the schedule can vary considerably from week to week.

The NJR Trucking Team: Nathan, Blair, Kasey, Acacia and Joanne Rhodes.

“The abattoirs get a contract to fill so you turn up at the start of a sale and buyers from the abattoirs are there, one buyer might buy three or four loads, the next one might buy one load or six. It’s usually Dubbo and Forbes, then Yass and Carcoar mid-week and Wagga Thursday which is always a big turnout - they might have 50,000-plus plus there.”

As a result, Nathan is a regular visitor to meat processors in Melbourne, Wodonga, and Tallangatta with occasional runs to Goulburn or Warragul.

“The work is constant but it’s up and down, one week you’re run off your feet the next week its nice and steady but it’s never like that for too long! It’s a variety of work, never a routine,” he said.

In 2019 the NJR fleet doubled with the addition of the T659 which was purchased out of Twin City Kenworth DAF in Wodonga. With a Cummins X15 under the hood the T659 was spec’d to pull big loads and as such is rated to 130 tonne and subsequently the truck has ticked over 540,000 largely trouble-free kilometres.

However, making the shift

out of the K104 into the longer T659 was not without its dramas as Nathan recalled with a smile.

“When we got it Jo and I picked it up out of Kenworth in Bayswater to take it to get painted. I turned left out of the factory into Canterbury Road and had to go up a bit to do a U-turn. I thought it would just turn like the Aerodyne.

“I had to take a few bites to turn it around and the traffic is banked up and Jo’s like ‘what are you doing?’ “I said ‘I don’t know, I don’t think I will be able to drive this once I get two trailers behind it!’ But within a week I could put it anywhere I could put the Aerodyne. It has been a good truck and hasn’t let us down. It’s light enough in the tare but heavy enough to be pulling 130 tonne.”

The working day starts for Nathan once the livestock are sold in the afternoon and as such, he does most of his driving during the night heading to the southern abattoirs, particularly with the Melbourne runs as he aims to avoid the peak traffic times.

“I aim to be out of the city by 7am parked up, and that’s where everyone on the high-

The NJR T659 in the pre-dawn near the Hume Highway in early 2020.

way sees you giving you a toot thinking ‘he doesn’t get much done!’ Of course, when they are in bed, we are starting up but that’s how it goes.”

With the couple and their three children on a small rural holding at Lowesdale, plans are afoot to build a shed and make the access for B-doubles a little easier.

In terms of the next generation one day taking over the reins, Nathan and Joanne reckon 4-year-old Blair is the most likely at this stage to be the third generation Rhodes family member hauling livestock. But for the time being Nathan reckons that decision he made in the shearing shed some years ago was the right one.

“I would rather do stock than anything else, I enjoy doing it, I have three good dogs, you load and unload yourself.

You are not really dealing with anyone like a forklift driver or having someone telling you to put a hard hat on - you do your own thing.

“There’s never a dull moment and you’re not getting into the rut of doing the same run all the time – there’s always something different.”

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14 NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Trucking veteran, 74, calls time on illustrious career

The entire Howe Haulage fleet went to auction on October 20-21.

AFTER 57 years in the industry, founder of Howe Haulage, Tony Howe, is calling it quits as he begins his retirement – leaving behind a lasting legacy in an industry he loves.

Howe says he had no plans of ever stopping, but he’s had to put his health first. “I’m 74 now and feeling every bit of

it. I had a back operation 12 months ago and haven’t been able to get on top of it. I kept going though, so I did myself no favours and that was starting to keep me down. When construction was shut down for two weeks, that’s when we made the final decision to sell the fleet, but it all gets back to

my health and age.”

Howe’s interest in trucks was ignited by his father. “My old man delivered bread, and he taught me to drive his bread truck when I was 11 or 12. I used to go out with him on school holidays and would drive around the side streets – and that was the start of it all.

Howe has been in the industry for almost 60 years.

I got the driving bug,” recalled Howe.

After lying about his age, Howe began driving trucks when he was just 16; and he’s driven them ever since.

“I left school at 15 to become a butcher and then cheated my way through getting a licence at 16. When I did the test, the copper asked for my birth certificate and I told him I forgot to bring it.

He had already done the paperwork, so gave me the licence and said to just bring the birth certificate in tomorrow – I haven’t been back to the police station since,” he laughed.

Howe’s career has been as diverse as it has been interesting. From delivering iron from the wharfs to the foundries (all loaded by hand), diesel and heating oil, to driving car carriers and tippers, and local to interstate, he’s done it all.

But it’s the demolition and construction industries that have been his bread and butter for over 30 years.

He initially launched Howe Interstate Haulage at the age of 25 but sold that in the early 1980s. After spending some time working in Kyabram, he returned to Melbourne.

“When I came back to Melbourne, I had nothing to do so I bought an R model tipper and started working in earthworks,” said Howe.

And with that one tipper, Howe Haulage was born, founded in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton in 1999. At the same time, together with his wife Carole, the couple ran two other businesses – Howe Construction Cartage and Megatip, with 27 prime movers and 46 trailers across the three. The entire fleet went to auction with Ritchie Bros. on October 20-21.

Included in that number were two restored trucks that have been Howe’s pride and joy, a 2006 Mack CL666RS Super-Liner and a 2006 Kenworth T904 truck. He admits that these in particular are difficult to part with.

They were restored by a young mechanic named Aaron, who Howe took on as a driver. “He was working as a mechanic and wanted to be

a driver so I took a chance on him. He was a real young gun, so I put him on. After he started blinging up a Western Star I had, I said maybe he could do another one,” explained Howe. “So I bought the Superliner and he built it up from a wreck. He rebuilt it in the yard, all I did was put money into it. Then he did the 904 too. That was the fun part of it all.

“There’s been a lot of hard work and long hours over the years – my wife looked after the administration side while I did the manual hard yards.

She was collecting money as quick as I was spending it,” he laughed.

Now as the time comes to hang up the boots, Howe plans to knock down his house in Echuca and rebuild, making it the couple’s permanent home.

As for Carole, she couldn’t be more proud of her husband and what he’s achieved.

“Everyone knows him and he is the fairest person. That’s why our business has been so successful because he’s always been so good to his customers. I’m really proud of him.

He’s an amazing man, he really is,” she said.

Tony Howe with his prized 2006 Mack Super-Liner.

MMV Transport closes its doors as c0-founders retire

AFTER 22 years, MMV Transport’s trucks will be hitting the road for the last time as company owners Leckie Milne, and Paul and Di Murphy embark on their next chapter – and the entire fleet has gone under the hammer.

Started in 1999, the Shepparton based company started out in milk transport and expanded into general freight, servicing the eastern seaboard.

Together, its owners have grown their fleet to 18 trucks and 27 trailers.

MMV Transport was actually formed by Leckie Milne, Paul Murphy and Mick Vandermeer (who left the business a few years later). The trio had all been carting milk for Midland Milk in Shepparton when it was purchased by Dairy Farmers.

“They wanted one con-

tract so we got together and formed MMV Transport,” said 65-year-old Murphy.

An industry veteran, he began his career in transport at the age of 22. “I started with a rigid fridge van, carting fresh chooks; then I went into carting fresh milk, then general freight interstate,” he said.

Milne, 75, ventured into transport at just 16 years of age. He too has spent a lifetime in the industry. He began his career in 1962 working as a jockey with his dad, who carted timber and fencing, before becoming a truck driver.

In 1976, he bought his first truck, a Dodge 7 series.

After selling the Dodge, he held various roles carting woodchips, logs and stone. He then purchased another truck in 1986 and moved to Shepparton, where he carted milk

for 16 years.

“Leckie and myself have enjoyed it all,” said Murphy.

“He’s been in the industry from a very young age and it’s been good to both of us. It will be interesting to see what happens once we get out. The business has been good and we’ve enjoyed the time we’ve had.”

When asked what he has enjoyed most about the industry, Murphy said, “It’s the people you meet. We’ve had good drivers and it’s been really enjoyable. You associate with and talk to people all over Australia, every day.

“I have a small farm just out of Shepparton, so once I retire I would like to do a bit of work there, and then travel once Covid is gone,” he added. MMV Transport will officially close in mid-November.

Company owners and co-founders Paul Murphy and Leckie Milne.

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16 TRUCKING AWARDS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

An amazing ride for the QTA Woman of the Year

Annastasia Denigan has well and truly earned her place alongside the women who inspired her to embark on a career in transport.

ANNASTASIA Denigan, 40, didn’t originally seek out a career in transport, but since joining the industry, her professionalism and dedication have been widely recognised – most recently with being named the Trucking Woman of the Year at the Queensland Trucking Association’s (QTA) annual awards.

A career safety and compliance professional, Denigan has held senior roles with companies that include Toll, DGL, Cement Australia and now QUBE, which she joined in September this year as East Coast HSEQ manager for the Bulk division.

Her foray into the transport

sector started with an admin role at a refrigerated transport business in her hometown of Geelong when she was 20. Securing a role as national linehaul compliance manager at Toll Refrigerated brought her to Queensland, which she has called home ever since.

Upon joining the industry, Denigan quickly developed an interest in heavy vehicle accreditation, certification and onroad compliance and has enjoyed a career in that field that spans nearly two decades.

Reflecting back all these years on, did she ever expect her career would take her to where it has? In short, no.

Denigan at the Queensland Trucking Association’s (QTA) annual awards.

“I started off in accounts and when I went along to the interview, I was offered the role with no experience. The industry wasn’t something I had considered but it’s something that’s in my blood now – and I think I’ll always be involved in the heavy vehicle industry in some aspect,” Denigan said.

“I love the variety of the work. No two days are the same. There are always different challenges and different opportunities. Not everyone understands the hard work behind the trucks they see on the road.

“Each and every single role I’ve had has been integral to my development; and every employer I’ve chosen to work for has always been supportive of my industry involvement.

I’ve been extremely lucky in having roles that have exposed me to different areas. When I joined Cement Australia, they involved me across the whole business, not just the transport side, but across the entire manufacturing and supply chain.

I started in health and safety when I joined DGL and that role gave me exposure to dangerous goods transport, which was an awesome opportunity as well,” she added.

“Now at Qube, I’m in an operational safety role. I wanted to get the boots back on the ground a bit more. It’s a really exciting opportunity and a great team to work for. What’s really exciting and challenging about this role is that on a day to day basis I can go from mines to cranes to transport and vessel unloading.”

Not one to slow down, Denigan is also almost halfway through completing her Executive MBA at Queensland University of Technology. “Qube has been absolutely fantastic and really supportive, which has enabled me to continue

I LOVE THE VARIETY OF THE WORK. NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME. THERE ARE ALWAYS DIFFERENT CHALLENGES AND DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES. NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THE HARD WORK BEHIND THE TRUCKS THEY SEE ON THE ROAD.” ANNASTASIA DENIGAN

with my studies. I’ve definitely jumped in the deep end, having never had any university education she added.

To be recognised at the QTA awards was an absolute honour for Denigan. “So many past winners of the Trucking Woman of the Year award are women I’ve worked alongside for many years and who have really inspired me. To be nominated

by Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) in the first place was really exciting. They are women I respect and who support my passion. Jacquelene Brotherton (TWAL Chair) has had such a positive impact on the industry and by supporting women like me she is setting up women like me for success. She has been my unofficial mentor and is someone I’ve been inspired by and reached out to regularly,” Denigan said.

“Winning an award like this is not something a lot of young women would aspire to, but it’s something that I have definitely. A lot of the past winners are the people I look to for inspiration. I’ve been able to transition from looking up to these women to now being able to rub shoulders with them.

“Awards like this celebrate

Annastasia Denigan joined QUBE in September as East Coast HSEQ manager for the Bulk division.

hard work, commitment, passion and drive. In the past, I think the industry itself hasn’t always opened its arms warmly and celebrated successful women, so the fact that that this has been occurring is fantastic.”

Looking ahead, Denigan says she’s really excited about the innovation coming through in the industry, such as the use of AI for injury prediction and prevention, adding that Qube is looking to trial this sort of technology in the near future.

“Something that made Qube really attractive to me is its commitment to using technology to help drive better safety outcomes – such as the use of driver distraction cameras in cabs that detect eye movement and fatigue,” said Denigan.

“I would love to see some form of mandatory use of safety technology across the industry.

It’s a lot harder for the smaller businesses that don’t have the available resources to help drive better safety outcomes through technology, but I think they need that support – especially when you see the results of the technology and see instances where it has actually saved someone’s life.

“I’ve seen the impacts and the ugly sides of road trauma.

I think there are still a lot of people who don’t understand the consequences of how small decisions can be life changing when they get behind the wheel. It’s something as an industry professional I feel strongly about and will continue to promote.”

The other award winners for 2021 are:

Owen Lange.

Jessica Ash.

Glenn Williams.

Followmont Transport.

Stewart Morland.

Daimler Emerging Leaders.

NOT even recent Covid restrictions could keep the industry away from the Queensland Trucking Association’s Road Freight Annual Awards held at the Royal International Convention

Centre.

With over 350 guests in attendance, the night certainly was much anticipated after the cancellation of the 2020 event.

The 2021 winners are:

• I ndustry Excellence Award: Owen Lange, South East Queensland Hauliers.

• Q TA Trucking Woman of the Year: Annastasia Denigan, QUBE Logistics

• Y oung Achiever of the Year: Jessica Ash, The Marschall Group, Goondiwindi • Professional Driver of the Year: Melvin (Glenn) Williams, Willows Bitumen

Haulage • T

raining and Skilling Award: Followmont Transport • I nnovation and Safety Award: Stewart Morland, IOR Petroleum for the in-

stallation of the IOR Roma Livestock Cross Loader Facility • D aimler Emerging Leader of the Year Award: Ben Blennerhassett, Blenners Transport, Tully

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18 NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Eagle-eyed truckie comes to crash victim’s aid in SA

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

WHEN truckie James Rundle, 39, noticed tyre tracks veering off the road, he knew something was amiss – what happened next may well have saved a man’s life.

Rundle, who drives for SA transport operation Musico Refrigerated Transport, was recently travelling down Richardson Road at Lower Light, SA, on his way to deliver a truck load of eggs.

As he went around the bend, he saw the tyre tracks and then the car wreck. “My initial thought was ‘oh shit, someone has gone off’. I quite regularly go down that road and have always thought someone is going to go over the side one day, because there’s no indication of a sharp left turn,” he explained.

“I had a look and saw the car. I thought I’ll go and ask

my mate who lives around the corner if there’s been any callouts. It didn’t look like a fresh accident but my gut instinct was to go back just to make sure.”

And thankfully, that instinct was correct. A Ford Kuga had plunged down a 15-metre embankment and into a dry riverbed and a 32-year-old man from Klemzig, SA, was trapped inside.

The man had been there overnight and was unable to call for help as his phone was damaged in the crash.

“I couldn’t get down the embankment straight away – I thought if there is someone trapped, how am I going to get to them,” Rundle recalled.

“Then I heard the faint callout and had to basically scurry down the embarkment and get to the side of the car, which was half on its side, half on its roof. I slid underneath the car,

while at the same time trying to make sure it wasn’t going to fall on me.

“The car was wedged between two trees. Panelling on the driver’s side was squashed down and basically wedged his feet in the footwell.”

Rundle called 000 and put his first aid skills to use while awaiting help.

“He was agitated and wanted to get out of the car, but having done my first aid course, they said when you come across this sort of situation to wait for the paramedics to arrive.

“He was really dehydrated so I got him some water and was trying to stay above ground height so I could see the police too. When I was on phone to the police, it was hard to give an exact location.

I only had 10 per cent battery on my phone, and as I finished talking to the police, my

James Rundle has driven for Musico Refrigerated Transport for about 18 months.

The car had plunged down a 15-metre embankment.

phone died. I told the guy that the police and ambulance were on their way.”

The man suffered leg injuries and was brought to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Rundle did his first aid training through St John during his 13-year stint working for Woolworths, with refresher courses undertaken every two years during that time.

He made the switch to truck driving about three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“After I left Woolies, I went for my truck licence the next day.

I’m really enjoying it. I love being on the road,” Rundle said.

He joined Musico about 18

months ago and drives a 2014 Freightliner Coronado. Musico runs a fleet of six trucks, transporting meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables throughout SA. Ever so humble in his recent efforts, Rundle doesn’t see himself as a hero. “I just always keep an eye out for anything unusual on the road.

Without the tyre tracks, that crash would’ve been difficult to spot,” he said.

Rundle’s efforts have been widely praised. His boss John Musico described him as “a great person and an excellent employee – a great asset to our company.”

And this isn’t the first time he’s come to the rescue either.

Around five years ago, he was also a first responder. “A bloke had hit a powerline pole, one of the big ones. I was at a wrecking yard nearby and saw the powerlines shaking. At first we thought it was the wind but we went over and saw the crash. He had his missus in the car and two kids. The car was already on fire and there was a gas bottle in the car. So we got them out and got the gas bottle well away. He got airlifted to hospital with similar issues to his feet and legs,” said Rundle.

“When these sorts of things happen, the adrenaline kicks in and I just help out when I can.”

A heartfelt show of support for breast cancer research

AS its vibrant pink fleet grows, Victorian concreting business VicMix continues to fly the flag of support for a charity close to its heart.

Having lost their sister-

in-law to breast cancer many years ago, leaving behind three young sons, brothers Michael and Tony DeLuca chose to paint their fleet pink in her honour; with her eldest son

From l-r: Tony DeLuca, Michael Vincent DeLuca and Michael DeLuca.

now part of the family-run business too.

VicMix was started in 2007 when Michael and Tony teamed up colleague Joe Pietrosanto and purchased land in Dandenong to start their new venture, specialising in the suburban market including house slabs, pavers, exposed concrete and more.

From 10 trucks, the fleet has grown to 75 pink concrete agitators. They’re easy to spot out on Melbourne roads and wear their colours with pride.

“We painted our fleet pink to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). You can see their logo towards the back of the barrel on the truck.

We lost a sister-in-law to breast cancer back in 1990, and she left behind three boys under six, so it’s a cause we take personally,” said Michael.

Kerrianne DeLuca was pregnant with her third child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer – and she chose to delay her treatment to save her unborn son, who is now 31 and in the Navy.

“Doctors told her to abort but she was adamant that she wanted to go through with

The newest truck in the fleet is this UD Quon 8x4 CG 30 360 agitator.

the pregnancy. She had to go through the whole pregnancy before she could start her treatment. She showed so much courage and left a big hole in our lives when she passed away,” explained Michael.

VicMix has remained an avid supporter of BCNA and its important work. Each year, the De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club hosts

a Mother’s Day Ladies Luncheon in conjunction with VicMix to raise funds for the charity.

All money raised through the luncheon is donated to BCNA, with VicMix matching that donation. The company makes various other donations to the organisation throughout the year too.

Kerrianne’s son Michael

Vincent DeLuca has also become an important part of the business, as plant manager at VicMix’s Coburg branch.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, VicMix has marked the occasion with the delivery of a new pink UD Quon 8x4 CG 30 360 agitator, which has been spreading the message of support for BCNA across Melbourne.

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20 READER RIGS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Brendan J. Davidson shared this shot of the Pateras Transport fleet after an afternoon storm.

Jakob Batchelor makes a stop at the opal capital of Australia, Coober Pedy, SA.

Share your truck pics THE trucking game is as diverse as the terrain on which our truckies travel.

If there’s one thing we know many of you love, it’s a good looking rig – and sometimes life on the open road brings some golden photo opportunities.

The Big Rigs #PicOfTheDay competition is a chance

to share your best snaps through our Facebook page (@BigRigs). We’ll choose a weekly winning shot to feature as our Facebook cover photo and a selection of the best pics will be featured in the next edition of Big Rigs Newspaper.

So get snapping and keep those great pics coming!

Nicholas Dolan snapped this awesome photo at Virgin Rock, near Springsure in Queensland.

Cory Bilderbeck sent in this ripper shot of two Kenworth T909 B-triples navigating the Strzelecki Track.

Dan Meaney from Meaney Contractors, based in Two Wells, SA, shared this stunning shot.

Alan Shuttleworth shared a shot of his 1984 K125 at Barellan, NSW, while carrying a load of furniture.

Ashley Boyle snapped this pic just north of Meekatharra, WA, while carrying a load of ammonium nitrate from Perth to the Pilbara.

Mark Nelson captured the glorious skies above in this shot of an SEQ Transport Volvo, taken just out of Brewarrina, NSW.

READER RIGS 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Ashley Townsend shared this great shot, taken at the very colourful Northam silos in WA.

Dan Meaney from Meaney Contractors, based in Two Wells, SA, shared this stunning shot.

Liz Armstrong shared this pic of the Cleanaway Volvo she drives, which she has nicknamed ‘Olive the Ovlov’.

Russell Oppermann makes a quick coffee/photo stop at Mingary on the Barrier Highway in SA, while travelling Brisbane to Perth.

These T909s enjoy the view, 70km east of Border Village along the Great Australian Bight. Thanks for sharing Mathew Kavanagh.

Carlie Remfrey shared a snap of the latest addition to Pratt Cattle Transport, a Kenworth C509, unloading at Cloncurry Saleyards.

Kevin Bemrose waits at the entrance of the King of the Hills Gold Mine in WA.

Wayne Agius and this eye-catching Mack Titan were en route to the Kimberley, when he stopped for a photo.

Matt Cook took a great shot of his Kenworth T909 in front of this colourful artwork in Western Turner, WA.

Matt Langley and this Direct Haul road train navigate the dusty roads of Jasper Gorge in the NT.

22 FEATURE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Horsing around with MAN

For Prestige Racehorse Transport, comfort is at a premium when it comes to transporting such precious cargo.

FORMER racehorse trainer turned racehorse transporter, John Holgate, founded Prestige Racehorse Transport in 2005.

One of six siblings, Holgate grew up on a dairy farm – and it was there that his love of horses began. “All of us kids had a pony at a really early age and we learned to ride them. Some of us kept at it and some of us didn’t,” he said.

“I had a fair bit of success as a trainer. I started off breaking horses in and then a couple of the blokes that owned them said, ‘why don’t you train them?’ – so I started doing just that. I had a bit of success and moved onto the racecourse about 35 years ago. Most of my good luck came in the 80s and 90s. I won the Breeders’ Plate with a horse named Ghost Story. I bought him off a local breeder here in the Hawkesbury.”

Holgate trained horses for about 35 years but before that he also completed a mechanic apprenticeship, so it made sense that his next career move would combine the two.

“When I was growing up, if you didn’t stay at school, you had to get an apprenticeship, so I had that mechanical background and when I got out of training, I bought my first truck,” he said.

One truck has now grown to a fleet of 11, with the six most recent additions being MAN TGL models. These are joined by a mix of Fuso, Hino and UD trucks.

Based in western Sydney, the company provides racehorse transport throughout New South Wales.

It’s very much a family affair, with his wife Linda, son Daniel and daughter-inlaw Helen all involved in the business.

While John still oversees

John Holgate switched from horse training to horse transport in 2005.

aspects of the business including the transport fleet, he’s starting to take a step back as he nears retirement.

Helen now performs many of the everyday managerial tasks, while his son designs and builds the company’s horse trailers, which he has been doing for around 10 years.

“These are highly specialised and custom-built for racehorses. We’ve learned a few tricks over the years to ensure the journey is a comfortable and seamless one for the horses,” said Holgate.

The trailers range in size

and can transport anywhere from six to nine horses at a time.

The newest three MAN TGLs have been delivered over the course of the last 12 months, with the last of these only just put to work.

According to Holgate, the modern MAN fleet has been instrumental in assisting drivers to deliver horses safely and securely.

“My family and I have been involved with horses all our lives, so we have an understanding of what will help the animals during the trip,” he said.

John Holgate’s daughter-in-law Helen leads a horse into one of the company’s custom trailers.

“Our job is to make the horses and their strappers as comfortable as possible. This will ensure the wellbeing of the horses and also ease the anxieties of owners and managers.”

And the MANs have been popular among the drivers too. There are 10 truck drivers at Prestige and each of them is also an experienced horse handler. “They all love the MAN,” Holgate said.

“They’re a beautiful ride.

“Comfort comes first for us and they’re very comfortable, which means if you’re driving long hours, you’re

not completely depleted at the end of the run.

“We define ourselves by the service we provide, which means we aim to supply the best drivers and the best vehicles for every job we do.

“The MANs suit our needs because comfort is everything in our line of work, and that’s what these vehicles provide to both our drivers and to the horses we’re transporting.”

Since turning to the MAN brand, Holgate has developed a great working relationship with dealer Pen-

ske Australia in Chipping Norton, and the local MAN parts and service agent in South Windsor, Seiders Truck Repairs.

“Our relationship with both Penske and Seiders is very good. We’re situated behind the Hawkesbury racecourse, and Sieders is just a convenient 10 minute drive away when we need servicing,” Holgate said.

“If we do experience issues, I drive over and they sort it out for me. Having this support definitely makes a difference to our business.

It suits us very well.”

Holgate has developed a great rapport with local dealer Penske Australia in Chipping Norton.

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24 LOGISTICS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Real-time performance data tracking with Hino

Hino-Connect allows direct communication with the driver through the truck’s multimedia unit.

HINO Australia has announced that all 500 Series customers will benefit from the standard fitment of Hino-Connect on all vehicles plated from January 1, 2022.

Currently available as standard on the all-new Hino 700 Series, Hino-Connect is spruiked by Hino as the next-generation of business intelligence that provides customers with real-time performance data tracking, remote diagnosis of vehicle faults and dedicated Hino-Connect specialist support.

Built and designed in Australia by Directed Electronics, Hino-Connect allows direct communication with the driver through the truck’s multimedia unit, which is an Australian-first.

A unique element of Hino-Connect is the case-management provided by the Sydney-based team of Hino-Connect Specialists that support the customer, driver and dealer and monitor the progress of the repair to get the truck back on the road quickly.

“At Hino, we are committed to placing our customers at the centre of our operations, by providing them with experienced specialists within the walls of our head office in Car-

ingbah and, with Hino-Connect, we provide a complete support solution that minimises their downtime,” said Gus Belanszky, general manager service and customer support for Hino Australia.

Meanwhile, fleet and business managers can use an online portal and mobile app to access business intelligence and real-time insights into their fleet including live vehicle performance data such as fuel usage, the cause and effect of driving performance, and safety alerts.

Other features include live GPS tracking and detailed trip reports plus useful tools such as ‘movement without ignition’ alerts and geo-fencing.

“Another feature Hino-Connect offers our customers is an API (Application Programming Interface) data feed, which is rFMS compatible,” said Belanszky.

“For our multi-brand fleets, this allows them to plug the data from the Hino-Connect module straight into their own third party fleet management system.”

Belanszky said Hino-Connect is a natural evolution of the decade-long partnership between Hino Australia and

Directed Electronics, which has been made possible by the high level of support provided by the team at Hino Motors, Ltd. in Japan.

“Directed Electronics has built the hardware and firmware to suit the current market – their high level of expertise and capability allows us to de-

liver the right ‘plug and play’ solution for the Australian market, and provides flexibility to adapt the system for the future needs of our customers,” he concluded.

Brent Stafford, Directed Electronics executive director, said he is proud of the partnership with Hino and the

opportunity to work together in the development of the Hino-Connect program Built from the ground up in Australia, including the local manufacture of the Hino-Connect telematics hardware, the program is customised around the unique dataset available from the Hino vehicle and the capabilities of the multimedia unit.

“Hino customers care about digital services that keep their trucks operating efficiently while reducing downtime and operating costs,” said Stafford.

“In developing Hino-Connect, we set out to build a system that would achieve this - it is more than technology, it’s about making a difference in the lives of Hino customers.”

500 Series Standard Cab, Wide Cab, and 4x4 customers will join 700 Series customers in receiving five years of complimentary remote diagnostics and Hino-Connect Specialist support including vehicle engine control monitoring; severe fault alerts; and case management of fault rectification.

In addition, they will also

receive 12 months of complimentary business intelligence access, which will provide indepth operational management of their fleet including live tracking and trip analysis; fuel consumption and forecasting; vehicle performance monitoring; and maintenance support.

After 12 months, customers can choose to extend the business intelligence access and API integration for up to an additional 48 months.

A modified version of Hino-Connect featuring the business intelligence elements will also be available as an accessory on 300 Series light-duty trucks from January 2022.

For 500 Series customers, the addition of Hino-Connect enhances the existing suite of business solutions through Hino Advantage.

Hino Advantage is designed to reduce cost over the life of the vehicle and also includes Hino SmartSafe, capped price servicing, standard warranty, Hino Genuine Parts, 24/7 Hino roadside assist, and finance options.

More information is available at www.hino.com.au.

All 500 Series customers will benefit from the standard fitment of Hino-Connect on all vehicles plated from January 1, 2022.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

IVECO renames but says it’s business as usual

IVECO has renamed to Iveco Group and unveiled a new logo that showcases the eight brands under the Group’s ownership.

“The new logo positions Iveco Group as the holding company, employing an understat-

ed design and restrained colour selection to portray a humble yet hard-working ethos, while the blue dot between ‘Iveco’ and ‘Group’ signals a bright future, focus on sustainability and balance,” said the company in a

Earlier this year IVECO strengthened its heavy market product offering with the release of a new Euro 6-rated, B-double model.

Iveco Group’s new logo previews the Group’s future direction.

statement.

“Below this logo is the trickledown of the brands: IVECO CAPITAL, HEULIEZ, IVECO BUS, IVECO, FPT, IVECO Defence Vehicles, ASTRA and Magirus, which stand out with bolder colours giving each an individual identity.

“At the core of the Group’s companies are IVECO and FPT, two beacon brands that lead the way with their vast

range of products and technologies; these are flanked by two IVECO bus brands, IVECO’s defence vehicle arm, specialist construction and firefighting divisions, and the Group’s finance arm.”

Designated CEO – Iveco Group, Gerrit Marx, said that the brands showcase the Iveco Group’s capabilities as a commercial vehicle manufacturer and developer of powertrain

technologies for agricultural, construction, marine, power generation and commercial vehicle applications.

“Together, with their individual strengths and capabilities, I am confident that our brands will all work together to grow our business and reach our high ambitions,” Marx said.

“This Group name, logo and colour scheme will naturally replace the CNH Indus-

trial name, logo, and colours in our perimeter, and we will issue more detailed instructions and a timeline on how this is going to be carried out in the next months and throughout 2022. Contextually, I also want to reassure all of our customers, dealers, suppliers, partners and other stakeholders that there will be no business interruption throughout the spin-off process.”

Bapcor’s digital transformation adds to efficiencies

AUSTRALASIA’S largest automotive aftermarket specialist company, Bapcor Limited, is undergoing a complete digital transformation of its customer facing and back-end business systems.

Bapcor says this highly detailed project was instigated to introduce innovative business technology systems to best

suit the retail, trade, wholesale and inventory management requirements of the country’s best known and respected automotive aftermarket companies.

Modern automotive service and repair businesses survive and grow through improved efficiency and profitability. Bapcor has identified the key areas

for automotive business efficiency improvements through industry dialogue, developing a total automotive parts sourcing, ordering and quoting system for Burson Auto Parts (Australia and Thailand) and BNT (NZ) trade customers.

One of Bapcor’s most significant customer facing technology projects has been the

upgrading of EZYParts – Bapcor’s online parts ordering system for workshop customers.

Bapcor’s trade customers across Australia, New Zealand and Thailand can use their computers, mobile phones or tablet devices to gain immediate access to pricing, stock/inventory levels and the location of the parts they need to ensure

faster and more accurate part identification through the input of a vehicle registration or VIN number.

Bapcor will continue to invest in this trade online customer ordering system to constantly develop, update and improve it for use by its workshop customers.

Bapcor has also introduced

a new business generating digital platform to support Australia’s independent automotive workshops.

The company has developed its own online vehicle service booking platform known as ENJI, which consumers can use to source quotations and bookings for automotive service and repair work.

26 NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New Sydney Scania branch on track to open in 2022

SCANIA’S new company-owned sales and service outlet at Eastern Creek in Sydney’s west is taking shape as it prepares to open for business early next year.

The shell of the building is now complete, with the floor going in, along with many of the fixtures and fittings that couldn’t be installed due to construction industry lockdowns.

“It’s full speed ahead at Eastern Creek now that lockdown has lifted,” said Lionel Saunders, Scania state manag-

Laney Anderson will join the new Eastern Creek team as a parts supervisor.

er for NSW and the ACT. The Eastern Creek branch will open with a team of Scania experts at the helm, many of whom are currently working at Scania Prestons, with decades of experience under their belts.

Eastern Creek will be Scania’s ninth company-owned capital city location.

According to Scania, it is being established to cope with the growth in demand for new vehicle sales and service. The company says that over the past decade, Scania has doubled its footprint in Australia, requiring additional capacity to supply service and parts to its heavy-duty truck, bus and industrial and marine engine customers.

As with all Scania workshops, trailers and trailer equipment can be serviced on site along with prime movers, vocational rigids (such as construction and jetvac trucks and fire appliances).

“We have wanted for some time to open a second company-owned location in western Sydney,” said Sean Corby, regional executive manager for Scania New South Wales and

An artist’s impression of Scania’s new Eastern Creek branch in Sydney.

Victoria.

“We see Eastern Creek as being part of a growth corridor and close to many existing customers and conveniently located to the intersection of the M4 and M7 freeways, so we can service interstate customers as well.”

The new premises will feature seven work bays including two B-double length inspection/service pits, a wash-bay and a separate rebuild area. State-of-the-art equipment such as a load-simulation brake tester will also be installed, well ahead of

the NHVR mandate for such technology, due to come into force in 2023.

Scania has also constructed a standalone Environmental Station, a waste management unit that will secure scrap metal and other waste, to avoid run-off into the storm water system.

“We will be teaming new technology with some wise and experienced Scania heads,” said Saunders.

“Our Eastern Creek branch manager will be Chris Nobbs who has had a lot of experience with Scania and has been

a crucial part of our two victorious Top Team global skills competition winning teams.

He’ll be joined by several other staffers who have similar levels of expertise with Scania systems, as well as strong links with our customers.

“A newcomer to the team will be Laney Anderson who joins us as a parts supervisor.

Laney has already started work at Prestons to familiarise herself with our systems and processes, and we are excited to have her on the team.

While we have most of the positions filled, we’re still look-

ing for a few critical members to join us.”

Anderson says she is delighted to start working for Scania.

She grew up in a trucking family spending her school holidays in her father’s truck travelling the country, and has almost a decade’s experience in automotive and heavy transport parts.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the start of a brand-new Scania dealership in Eastern Creek and am invested in helping to get it up and running,” said Anderson.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Supply chain dashboard aims to improve productivity TRANSPORT operators now have free access to data capturing Australia’s freight and supply chain performance over road and rail that the federal government says will help them, and the businesses they support, to improve their operations, save on costs and grow on the other side of the pandemic.

Developed with the CSIRO, the Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard that officially launched earlier this month covers 130

commodities using data taken from 65 per cent of road and 95 per cent of rail freight trips over the last five years to outline: • Freight task costs and value, including cost per payload tonne or kilometre • Travel distances and durations • S upply chain movements between businesses With Covid-19 significantly disrupting global supply chains, driving up costs and making it harder to keep

goods moving, this initiative is welcome news for freight operators, producers and exporting businesses, said the federal government in a media statement released today.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the dashboard would enable freight operators and the businesses that rely on them to improve the way they move freight, keeping supply chains open and resilient.

“The more informed industries and businesses are,

the better they perform,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why the Government is investing $16.5 million over four years to improve freight data through the National Freight Data Hub and providing freely available resources such as this benchmarking dashboard.

“It provides industry with a comprehensive understanding of Australian supply chain performance that we can benchmark against international comparators

to drive improvements and reduce costs across supply chains.

“From grains and construction materials to apples to zinc, the dashboard shows how we get regional exports to port, goods to market and supplies to communities across the nation.

Joyce said that access to these insights also provides exciting opportunities for research, cost-efficiencies and targeted planning, improving the overall performance

of Australia’s freight system.

“From the remote beef communities in the Top End, to the apple orchards of regional Tasmania, we want to continue to ensure our freight and supply chain industry can meet the growing task of connecting all our businesses and their goods – no matter where they are – to shopping centres and ports across the country.”

For more information and to view the dashboard, visit freightaustralia.gov.au.

Primary Connect appoints Annette Karantoni to top role

Annette Karantoni is the new chief supply chain officer and managing director at Primary Connect.

THE Woolworths Group has announced the appointment of Annette Karantoni as its chief supply chain officer and managing director at Primary Connect.

Primary Connect is the supply chain arm of Woolworths Group, providing end-to-end logistics services to its own retail businesses and external partners.

Currently Woolworths’ director of B2C eCommerce, Karantoni will formally tran-

sition to the new role in February 2022 and also join the Woolworths Group Executive Committee.

“We’re delighted to appoint Annette to what is an important leadership role in our business,” said Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci.

“Annette has done an outstanding job rapidly expanding our eCommerce business to meet the surge in demand we’ve seen for online

shopping over the past 18 months.

“As we continue to expand our retail ecosystem, our supply chain network will be critical to both the foundations and future aspirations of our business.

“Our distribution centres are an essential link in the nation’s food and grocery supply chains and we’re continuing to invest in our network to improve range, service levels and resilience.

“Annette joins a very strong team at Primary Connect, who have demonstrated safety and service leadership throughout the pandemic. I look forward to seeing them build our next generation supply chain in the years ahead.”

Karantoni has worked in a wide range of roles across Woolworths Group over the past 20 years.

Woolworths’ Australian Food eCommerce sales have

more than doubled since the start of the pandemic.

Prior to working in eCommerce, Karantoni led the development and investment roadmap for the Woolworths supply chain network. She has also held senior roles in supermarket buying, marketing and replenishment.

Woolworths Group’s current acting chief supply chain officer, Chris Brooks, will remain in the role until February 2022.

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28 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New pilot aims to drive more women into industry

A new Victorian light vehicle pilot program aims to help get more women into apprenticeships in the automotive industry.

Launched by Women in Automotive (WinA) and the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), Accelerating Women into Automotive (AWIA) is a state-funded program seeking to address seeking the automotive gender imbalance and wider industry skills shortage.

The program is funded by the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, an initiative of the Victorian Department of Education and Training.

AWIA forms part of the Victorian Government’s new Women in Apprenticeships fund, which seeks to support 615 women into apprenticeships and traineeships under a $5 million fund aimed at growing the state’s pool of skilled workers, and reversing a trend of women only accounting for 6.3 per cent of major automotive qualifications.

The VACC describes the program as “an exciting initiative for women who are wondering if automotive is

the industry for them, and for businesses who are looking for new apprentices.”

The program offers a fourweek introduction to the automotive industry, providing experience in a variety of roles.

Participants will receive training at a Registered Training Provider, assistance in getting work placement in an appropriate workplace and help to enter into an apprenticeship.

Though the program covers the automotive sector, there is scope to convert light vehicle mechanics into heavy-duty industry.

In recent times, programs have emerged to upskill light vehicle mechanics to the heavy duty sector, with Scania being a case in point. It recently announced funded upskilling to help fill roles for diesel technicians at its nine company-owned workshops.

Automotive businesses who provide work placement to AWIA participants will receive free diversity training for their employees and, at the end of the work placement, businesses can offer an apprenticeship to their participant. Program

The Accelerating Women into Automotive program aims to get more women into the automotive industry. Photo: Women in Automotive (WinA)

facilitators will provide support throughout the program and as participants transition into their apprenticeship.

“WinA exists to attract, recruit and retain women across all levels and sectors of automotive, so we hope this

will encourage more women to join and change the gender perception that has long been associated with the industry,” said VACC lead strategy and policy and WinA manager Imogen Reid.

“At the completion of the

program, we hope participants will feel excited to join the industry and undertake their full apprenticeship.

“By providing the right training and employment opportunities, we aim to increase the completion rates of female

apprentices in automotive.

“We’re excited by the opportunity this program presents – effectively breaking down barriers to entry for both women, and businesses who would like to employ more women.”

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Getting back to a new normal

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

AIR CTI founder/owner

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT WOMEN IN JACQUELENE BROTHERTON JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport WomenWomen Australia Chair of Transport

Australia

NOW that lockdowns are over, hopefully we can get back to having our borders open and life can get back to as normal as possible.

It is going to take an exceptionally long time for the economy to recover and unTHE OZ TRUCKER born babies will be paying MIKE WILLIAMS off the national debt, but we contributors@bigrigs.com.au must make a start.

Unfortunately, many businesses will never reopen especially in Melbourne where the lockdowns have been long and arduous.

The effect on the whole of the supply chain has been comprehensive and the extra restrictions on interstate trucking companies has taken its toll on management LOBBYIST and drivers.

Some compaSTEVE SHEARER nies beAssociation able to breathe SA Road will Transport Executive Director a little easier depending on the border restrictions of

Queensland and WA. The mandatory vaccination rules for so many workers are another instance of a restriction of our rights and our right to choose, if those EDITOR who elect not to have the JAMES GRAHAM vaccination lose their jobs, james.graham@bigrigs.com.au we are going to face an even bigger economic issue.

As I have said before, I am neither pro, nor anti-vax, but I do think that everyone should have the right to choose. Many people are being forced into getting vaccinated as we want to resume TWU NEWSas normal a life as possible.

RICHARD OLSEN no intention of TWU INSWhad State Secretary having the vaccination until it became apparent that I would not be able to travel, visit my mother, or go to a restaurant unless I did so. So, I became one of the sheep so we could get out of lockdown, and I could leave the house.

It is difficult sometimes to understand how we have accepted that under this regime the government will now know our every move, where we eat, where we get our coffee, our hair cut, and

COLUMN 29

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

Some companies will be able to breathe a little easier depending on the border restrictions of Queensland and WA.

the list goes on, and yet not too many years ago we resoundingly rejected the Australia Card.

Of course, one of the hardest hit industries has been the hospitality industry and Transport Women Australia Limited is going to do its best to help them get back to work with its end of year functions in Brisbane, Syd-

ney, Melbourne, Perth, and Wollongong with a couple of regional venues to be confirmed. Invitations will be out soon, but the dates are on our social media pages.

Our Driving the Difference scholarships are still open, but applications close soon; our Instagram competition is ongoing with the final winner to be awarded a

$100 gift card.

We have renewed interest in our Women Driving Transport Careers now that training can resume, our Creating Connections Mentoring Programme is available to all members, our Learning Initiatives Breakfasts will recommence on 2022 after the long Covid induced break and of course,

we have our long-awaited Driving the Difference Conference to look forward to in June 2022.

If you have any queries about any of the Transport Women Australia Limited initiatives or would like to apply for the scholarships, please email chair@transportwomen.com.au, or phone 0417422319.

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30 COLUMN contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Putting employees and owner-drivers first EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

TWU NEWS RICHARDOLSEN OLSEN RICHARD TWU NSW State Secretary TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary

THE TWU has worked hard with members to build a range of in-principle enterprise agreements across major yards like those at Linfox, Toll, Ceva and Global Express.

Delegates across those yards have endorsed the agreements and they will now be taken back to rank and file members to be put to the vote.

It has been an intense negotiation process with managements crying poor, suggesting they have not been making money for years. Some managements suggested that workers should not be asking for job security, superannuation or pay, they should just be grateful for having jobs.

Company managements used Zoom meetings to try and divide workers, and in some cases tried to avoid negotiations altogether, engaging

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

same pay, there are limits on outsourcing, commitments to give employees first preference over all available work, and improvements to consultation and auditing rights to further protect employees from their work being contracted out.

These in-principle agreements protect existing terms and conditions, and protect the future protects a transport worker’s family. The agreements ensure that companies are properly utilising employee and owner-drivers before resorting to outside hire.

StarTrack and FedEx at time of writing, are playing hardball, refusing to acknowledge workers need secure jobs, refusing to acknowledge superannuation increases are important, and we are investigating claims that StarTrack has come down hard on workers for taking protected strike action.

Negotiating committees are presenting settlement proposals with job security provisions which provide guarantees for workers while allowing flexibility for companies. As Christmas draws nearer and negotiations reach their sixth month, it’s time to end the attack on

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

Negotiating committees have brought home agreements at Toll, Global Express, Ceva and Linfox.

in union busting behaviour.

TWU negotiating committees have had none of that. We have used protected action to send a message, going on the grass at Toll, FedEx

and StarTrack.

With union strength behind them, negotiating committees have brought home agreements at Toll, Global Express, Ceva and Linfox.

Members have secured job security protections and industry-first 15 per cent superannuation offers in the in-principle agreements. If outside hire is used, they have the

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jobs and prevent the need for further industrial action.

TWU actions are not just directed at the attack on job security by companies. TWU Members from StarTrack, Toll and FedEx members have explained the problems in the transport industry to a Federal Government Senate Inquiry.

We are calling for our federal government to stop pretending the problems do not exist, and to come back to the table to talk about establishing an independent body to set minimum binding standards for transport. We must eradicate the ‘Amazon Effect’ of squeezing supply chains from the top and exploiting workers at the bottom.

The transport industry is still feeling the pressure, the threats of insecure work, the financial pressures to get the load there for the cheapest rate, insurance costs, fuel and toll road costs, like those imposed by Transurban Linkt and more.

Workers are going at it harder than ever and doing it tough. This is an industry-wide emergency requiring federal government action.

COLUMN 31

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

VTA advocates for Covid compliance cost recovery 5.

VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

THE onslaught of Covid-19 restrictions has placed financial, economic and social pressures upon our communities that has not been seen in many decades. Persistent lockdowns, closures and hibernation of business and trade sectors has seen many businesses collapse or withdraw and not invest in their futures.

The transport and logistics industry, even though it has remained working as an essential service, has not escaped the many constraints and additional demands of customers and consumers.

The disciplines, systems and diligence we have introduced to maintain a Covid-free environment has been exceptional and exceeded the government recommendations on almost every occasion.

6.

The wharf carrier sector of the port supply chain has carried the capital cost of increased volumes through the port.

This work has not come ‘free of cost’. The costs of maintaining the structure and integrity of these supply chains have risen exponentially based upon the ever-changing directions, orders and encumbrances placed upon this industry sector due to Covid restrictions.

Examples of the practices and structure that have had to be created and implemented into a transport business include: 1. P ersonal protection equipment – ongoing supply of hand sanitiser, face masks, sanitised wipes are avail-

able at a variety of locations in every business.

2. Training and education – all employees have undergone and will continue to have reinforced the basic Covid principles and specific rules and directions.

3. Border crossings – all states have differing processes for the validation of crossing borders. Different permits, letters of employers, time off for regular testing and mandatory vaccinations.

4. Covid plans and marshalls – these plans and actions are specific to every business and include record

7.

8.

keeping, education and auditing to ensure confidence and compliance.

Customer demands – customers are demanding that transport operators always highlight and confirm their adherence to the specific health directions while reducing opening times and available labour.

M andatory vaccination – the transport industry has led the provision of mandatory vaccinations as an integral part of the social licence to operate.

Labour shortages - with

no new migrant workers, at least 10 per cent of the workforce walking away from mandatory vaccination, and the licencing system working against the introduction of young HV drivers, there is a chronic shortage of drivers and logistics workers.

I ncreasing entitlement values – as restrictions continue and the need to work longer hours to keep the systems working, many workers have their leave entitlements growing to record levels, which is a mas-

sive liability for businesses.

There has been an increase in operating costs because of the Covid impacts on transport and logistics operators. It has been a hidden cost increase as maintaining the consistency of supply chains have been respectfully honoured and fulfilled.

Covid compliance comes at a cost. Being able to maintain the structures, disciplines and processes to provide the services that are demanded of customers and consumers cannot be easily absorbed within current cost structures and pricing.

For these reasons, transport and logistics operators must take prudent steps to recover Covid compliance costs by factoring them into their pricing of direct movement of goods within the community.

Whether goods are moved by road, rail, sea or air, all logistics operators now face increasing costs due to the Covid restrictions, further eroding already precarious margins.

Such a surcharge should be based upon the relative quantifiable increase in costs, together with other factors that

impact a costing model or set service price.

It should not be based upon a rise and fall mechanism; rather, it should directly apply to material costs to business created by the application of Covid safe practices. How that may be determined should vary from the current application of the fuel surcharge that is linked to a monthly published fuel price.

Pricing variations should be voluntary and only be in place for as long as jurisdictions remain in a state of emergency and under chief health officer orders.

The VTA recommends that its members and industry consider the requirement to recover costs associated with the Covid conditions and decide whether to implement or not. As with any cost increase or variation, it is important customers are given fair notice and that they understand the demonstrable need for transport businesses to remain sustainable and viable.

We will support members, and the industry, by highlighting that operators must recover Covid business costs to remain sustainable.

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32 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Tropics Jason Tuttle AFTER speaking to owner-operator Jason Tuttle for less than a minute at a hookup pad beside Townsville’s Port Access Road I could tell he was raised in the country.

Tuttle was friendly and courteous and had the persona of somebody who was a country lad.

“Yes, I grew up on Devoncourt Station out at Cloncurry,” said Tuttle, who drives a Western Star 4900.

The 51-year-old has just the one truck and has been an owner-operator for more than a year.

His business name is Tutt’s Transport and he gets to travel far and wide from his base in Townsville these days.

“I am carrying steel for a cattle property out west and should have a back load of containers from Cloncurry,” he said.

As for the subject of

Covid-19, which seems to affect every truckie in some form, I asked Tuttle for his opinion.

“Covid has affected us all financially. The price of diesel and tyres have gone through the roof because of it. Of course, that increases our running costs which we have to pass on to customers who jump up and down about it. But if we don’t then we go broke.

“I have had both my injections and follow the rules,” he added.

Tuttle stands at 164cm and I asked him did he have a nickname, pondering something like “Shorty.”

“Everybody just calls me Tutts and I have a good life,” he said.

Sharing his knowledge of the industry, Tuttle said there were not enough truckie-friendly rest areas.

But he also said they were not the only thing which could do with an increase in numbers.

“I reckon we need more roadhouses which are open 24 hours a day where we can pull anytime and have a meal and a shower,” he said.

However, Tuttle was glowing in his praise for one – the Winton Roadhouse which he

with Alf Wilson

reckons ticks the boxes.

“They serve up the best meals and big ones as well.

The facilities are clean and tidy. Also, the Gold City Roadhouse at Charters Towers provides excellent meals but the building could do with an upgrade,” he said.

As for bad roads, Tuttle echoed the comments of many other truckies.

“Most roads in Queensland could do with

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work,” he said.

Outside the job, Tuttle enjoys rugby league football and used to be a tough hooker in games at Cloncurry and later on in Townsville.

“These days I barrack for the North Queensland in the NRL and watch my boys play in the juniors,” he said.

About 10 minutes later as I drove along the highway, I pulled over to answer a call.

It was Tuttle who passed

on a few extra snippets of info he had forgot to tell me.

We yarned for several minutes and agreed to talk regularly as Tuttle could advise me on any happenings he spotted on the highways and byways.

Ironically, or perhaps coincidentally, just afterwards, the popular song Country Bumpkin was played on the radio station I was listening to.

DRIVER PROFILES 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Truckin’ In The Tropics

with Alf Wilson

Phil Ellevsen

BEING a diesel mechanic certainly comes in handy for north Queensland truckie Phil Ellevsen who drives a Western Star 4900 for Velocity Haulage based at the Bohle.

When I spotted Ellevsen at a roadhouse parking area, he was laying on his back under the Western Star doing some repairs.

“There is an air leak which I had to fix up,” said.

Multi-skilled 53-year-old Ellevsen was hauling general freight and stock food from

Raymond Finn

Brisbane to Julia Creek along the Flinders Highway.

A truckie for much of his working life, Ellevsen had a delivery to pick up for the Bowen Prawn Farm south of Townsville.

Ellevsen said he had received two Covid-19 vaccine jabs but doesn’t get over the borders from Queensland much these days.

His main angst about rest areas in the region surprisingly is not that there is a shortage.

“It is that the ones we do

have are usually packed with parked caravans,” he said with a genuine frustration.

His preferred roadhouses are the Puma Morven and the Dalby Caltex.

The first truck Ellevsen drove was a G86 Volvo and his worst road is between Birdsville and Quilpie.

Football fan Ellevsen barracks for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL and hopes they improve on their 15th place in season 2021.

THE Burdekin-based truckie was driving a late model Volvo towing four trailers and carrying molasses when Big Rigs caught up with him.

The 50-year-old Finn lives at Ayr and works for Griggs Haulage with its home base at Giru which is 40km north heading towards Townsville.

“I have to take this to Mount Surprise and we are doing a lot of molasses haulage at the present time,” Finn said.

His nightmare road to travel on is between Hughenden and Richmond on the Flinders Highway.

“But it is bad at places all the way to Cloncurry,” he said.

A truckie for 20 years, Finn enjoys fishing when he manages to jag time off.

There are plenty of creeks and rivers around where he lives which abound with fish and mud crabs.

“I do okay at the Haughton River and Alligator

Creek and get some grunter and crabs, I have a few secret spots as well,” he said.

Ironically Finn was “hooking” up another trailer and he rates the Volvo highly.

Like many other Burdekinites he barracks for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL. Finn said that Griggs was a great company to work for and he reckons drivers could do with more suitable rest areas.

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34 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Crackdown on motorists using truckies’ rest areas SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Police target truck stop areas There are few things that piddle a driver off more than when van or car drivers who stop in truck only road-side areas.

It does happen regularly round the country and if you doubt it just ask any truckie.

The culprits are often blasé about doing it as they seldom get breached by authorities.

Whilst on the flip side our mates face often over-zealous scrutiny and action for what can be minor clerical areas in log books.

Anyway, reports from some NSW truckies indicate that the cops have been taking a more active approach to enforce the matter.

Non-truckies who park in such a stopping bay are now being breached more regularly.

Covid and couriers Covid-19 has had a profound effect on the lives of so many and Spy is told that is very much the case with courier drivers from Hobart in Tasmania.

Before the pandemic there was plenty of work for those courier lads or lasses who mostly drive light rigs.

But when the pandemic hit the loss of business was devastating according to one who spoke to Spy. “Up to six couriers were then

Non-truckies who park in stopping bays like this are now being breached more regularly.

chasing the work that each one used to have,” he said.

That forced them to seek work from outside Hobart which helped but still didn’t get them back financially to where they had been.

Legal defence savings A lot of truckies who receive traffic breaches including those involving log books just pay a fine.

Even when they consider they are not guilty or have been hardly done by for what many consider is revenue raising.

However, in a minority of cases the truckie will feel so aggrieved that he or she will hire a legal person to defend them in court.

Even though the costs can be prohibitive if they lose.

One driver contacted Spy to advise had had legal representation in a case where he

could have faced a $17,000 fine.

Whilst he didn’t win, the fine legal fees and court costs amounted to a total of around $2500.

“I would urge any other driver who feels they have been shafted to at least seek legal advice as in the end I had a financial win,” he said.

truckie didn’t even know about it.

Diner for trucks Good old-fashioned service and excellent food and coffee have resulted in the Halfway Cafe & Diner at Camp-

belltown in Tasmania being popular with truckies.

Spy has been told just that by quite a few drivers who stop off there as they travel along the Midlands Highway between Hobart and Launceston.

Campbell town is 68km south of Launceston and 134km north of Hobart.

“I stop there often around 3.30am and get a coffee and it is a great place for us. We call it the diner/roadhouse,” one owner-operator told me

Russian roulette As I drove along a busy road in a big country town, I spotted the rider of a pushbike hitch a ride from a truck which had been at traffic lights waiting for them to turn green.

When that occurred the youth held onto the truck trailer and got a ride for several hundred metres.

There was lots of other traffic on the road and his bike rider’s life was at risk because of his dangerous actions.

There is a possibility the

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SPY ON THE ROAD 35

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

The Palmerston Highway in north Queensland is infamous for its fog.

in mid-October.

It also used to be called the Smoking Gun Café.

Spy phoned the diner and spoke to worker Janine McDonald about the number of truckies who stop there.

“We would average about 30 to 40 a weekday and their favourites are toasted ham and cheese sandwiches with a coffee. But they also like hamburgers,” McDonald said.

Janine said it opens between 4am and 5pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

“If I get here earlier than 4am I serve the early-bird truckies,” McDonald said.

A wee problem After a nice meal at a WA roadhouse a driver was delighted to climb into his sleeper box for an expected

good night’s snooze.

After all he had worked hard that day and was looking forward to sweet dreams.

However old mate heard loud voices and a noise coming from near the back of his truck.

Having installed exterior cameras he could see that several drunks were having a call of nature.

But instead of targeting the nearby footpath a couple they were actually urinating on his truck.

Normally a friendly type, he became very angry and even more so when he copped a verbal spray for his protest.

One of the drunks explained they had been at the local pub watching the AFL grand final on television and apologized.

This truckie is a man renowned for being able to handle his fists but didn’t

want any trouble.

So, he threatened to call the police which sent the culprits on their merry way.

Please explain There is a Toowoomba-based truckie who is known by many as ‘One Cool Banana’ and we know he drives a Kenworth 208.

Many of our driver mates have nicknames which they are proud of in most instances.

Some of the titles have stuck like glue since they were young nippers.

Usually, the reason behind the name was obvious but in a small minority of cases not so.

Spy has heard truckies talking kindly about ‘One Cool Banana’, however none seem to know how it came about.

So, to borrow a phrase from Pauline Hansen if anybody is

A northern Queensland banana crop.

privy the origins “Please Explain”.

Banana irony Not long after hearing the talk about ‘One Cool Banana’ at a roadhouse, Spy took off up the highway and turned his radio on to a station which plays old time songs.

Ironically, one of the first I heard was named 30,000 pounds of bananas and performed by Harry Chapin.

Spy had never heard it before, however listened with great interest after quickly gleaning it was about a runaway truck. Doing research mainly courtesy of Mr Google, Spy discovered it is based on a true story about an accident in Scranton, Pennsylvania where a driver lost control of a truck full of bananas he was delivering back in 1965.

He was killed in the crash, and bananas were strewn all

over the place.

I reckon some of our older readers may have heard the song in an industry where that age group represents a fair percentage of drivers.

Cats and rats highway We all know that cats and rats are enemies so it as with great curiosity that Spy wanted to know more when told that a stretch of a well-used highway was named in their honour.

It is a part of the Flinders Highway near Julia Creek in outback Queensland known to many drivers as the ‘Cats and Rats Run’.

One told Spy that from time to time but usually at least once a year there is a plague of rats which can be seen next to the stretch at night.

Perhaps they get a good food source from the roadkill which can be found.

Within a few days and seem-

ingly from nowhere hundreds of feral cats will turn up.

“A few years ago, the local council even paid a $10 bounty per cat to anybody who brought them in,” one driver told me.

Fog fears If you travel along the Palmerston Highway in north Queensland very early in the morning the chances are you will run into fog. It has been so severe recently that visibility has been almost non-existent.

Not only is that a shame from the safety aspect but it also prevents you checking out the beautiful country.

Rolling green hills with dairy cows grazing add atmosphere to the drive – in normal circumstances.

Some of the local drivers wait until the sun starts to rise to miss the fog.

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40 PUZZLES PUZZLES 36

ACROSS 1 If you are a collector of Clarice Cliff, what do you collect?

(7) 4 What Latin American dance is performed by several people in single file? (5) 7 What are lengthwise threads on a loom? (4) 8 What is the capital of Liberia? (8) 10 In 1982, who made the first televised 147 break in snooker?

(5,5) Across Which inventor (Thomas ____) took out more than a 3 12 Name a medieval glove (8) thousand patents in his lifetime? (6) 7 13 Who is is employed to tend a furnace (6) (6) What the last word of “Rule Britannia”?

Misfits 1961awas the of lastAlbuquerque film starring Marilyn 8 15 To The what raceindoes native Monroe and which other actor? (5,5) belong (8) 18 Native to Central and South America, a tamandua is type of animal? (8) 9 what Name a legendary venerable magician and seer (6) What cloth is spread over a coffin? (4) 10 19 What is the rotating part of 20 What is an informal word foran “a electric very longmotor time”?(8) (5) 11 21 Which is used asknown a beast burden Whatass disease is also as of lockjaw?

(7)(6)

6

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 8

9

6 11

13

8

14

15 17

10

18

20

12

16

19

21

13

14

15

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 17 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

16

QUICK 1

2

14 Name some of the species of poplar (6) 17 To beat severely, is to do what (8) 18 What is a place frequented by holiday-makers (6) 19 Which term describes one who is the quickest (8) 20 Which term describes feeling of showing affection or fondness (6) DOUBLECROSS CROSSWORD 21 Which term describes the beginning of existence (8) 3

4

5

6

8 Down

18

11

20 21

14

15

18 20

1

21

22

2

3

23

24

Down 1. Jail (8) 2. Initially (5) 4. Paddle (3) 5. Abstinence (5,7) 6. Dare (7) 7. Informant (colloq) (4) 8. Feeling, atmosphere (12) 12. Happen (5) 13. Leans (8) 15. Free time (7) 19. Punctuation mark (5) 20. Competent (4) 22. Low (3)

Across 1. Uncertain (colloq) (4) 3. Absolved (8) 9. Associate (7) 10. From inside (5) 11. Over time (2,3,4,3) 14. Night bird (3) 16. Succulent plants (5) 17. Immeasurable period of time (3) 18. Arranged by rank (12) 21. Violent person (5) 22. Tearfully sentimental (7) 23. Poll (8) 24. Colony insects (4)

9

HARD

10

12

17

13

18

SOLUTIONS

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS: LEASE, MYRIAD, NEARING, ORGANIST, PATRONESS.

GK CROSSWORD Across; 1 Pottery, 4 Conga, 7 Warp, 8 Monrovia, 10 Steve Davis, 12 Edison, 13 Slaves, 15 Clark Gable, 18 Anteater, 19 Pall, 20 Yonks, 21 Tetanus.

Down: 1 Pawns, 2 Turmeric, 3 Yeoman, 4 Cardiology, 5 Nova, 6 Amadeus, 9 New Orleans, 11 Eva Braun, 12 Estuary, 14 Argent, 16 Ellis, 17 Eton.

24

28

5

6

7

amir amrita aria arum atria atrium attar aura1 auric cart 8 Mope, 9 Trap, 11 Lures, 12 Note, 14 Ant, 15 Regal, Across: Omen,carat 3 Decor, cram curt marc maria mart raita rata rimu tarmac tart tiara Venal, 19 Eta, 21 Elms, 24 Pilot, 26 Size, 27 Idea, 28 Desks, 29 Zero. tract trait tram trauma TRAUMATIC18 trim

O A T H

V A L E S

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 18 Excellent 24

T I D E

M E N L R A P N O T R E E N E O T A K S

D E C M O L U R E A G A L A L L M S S I T Z E

H Z E R R O

O P E N

R E S T S

HARD

25

27

T E P I D

U T

M I

21

Across 1 Augury 3 Colour scheme 8 Be sunk in listless 8 apathy 9 Snare 11 Baits 12 Musical sound 14 Insect ALPHAGRAMS 15 Kingly 14anagrams. Each solution Solve the a one-word 18 isCorruptly mercenary anagram of the letters beside it, 19 and the five solutions Greek letter are sequential. For example, if the five-letter solution 21starts Treeswith K, and so starts with J, the six-letter solution 24 Airman 16 on.

26 Weak glue EASEL 27 Notion DIM RAY 28 Office furniture 29 Nought GRANNIE ROASTING Down 22 23 TRANSPOSE 1 Solemn promise Insert 2 the missing Dash letters to 5x5 make4ten words — five reading

Flightless bird 26 across the grid and five reading A G R down.5 Marine growth 6 more Frank Note: than one solution I G Reposes may 7 be possible.

10 Skin opening S A E 11 Within the law R E 13 Held principle 29 16 Relief the needy Allfor puzzles © T S S The Puzzle Company 17 Lukewarm 18 Valleys (poet) 20 Season 22 Location 23 Brave man 25 Tree

4

Down: 1 Oath, 2 Elan, 4 Emu, 5 Coral, 6 Open, 7 Rests, 10 Pore, 11 Legal, 13 Tenet, 16 Alms, 17 Tepid, 18 Vales, 20 Tide, 22 Site, 23 Hero, 25 Oak.

R

20

DOUBLECROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Iffy 3. Forgiven 9. Partner 10. Inner 11. In the long run 14. Owl 16.

Cacti 17. Eon 18. Hierarchical 21. Brute 22. Maudlin 23. Election 24. Ants.

Down: 1. Imprison 2. First 4. Oar 5. Going without 6. Venture 7. Nark 8.

Undercurrent 12. Occur 13. Inclines 15. Leisure 19. Colon 20. Able 22. Moo.

C A

A T

R E E D S

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

E G R E T

19

SUDOKU G E A R S

WORD GO ROUND

11

15

N I T R E

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

19

A S S E T

SUDOKU

EASY

Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

1 Who was the Moor 10 of Venice (7) 2 To frolic, is to do what (7) 3 What is a repository for the seeds of cereal plants (7) 4 Who invaded England in 1066 (7) 12 5 What is a discourse delivered before an audience (7) 13 6 Name the wagons attached to steam locomotives (7) 16 What is a porpoise-like creature 17 11 (7)

9

19

EASY

7

MOORE

QUICK CROSSWORD

12

SOLUTION

5

T E N D E R S

4

T

3

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 3 Gauntlet, 7 Stoker, 8 American, 9 Merlin, 10 Armature, 11 Donkey, 14 Aspens, 17 Lambaste, 18 Resort, 19 Hastiest, 20 Loving, 21 Nascency.

2

G

10

L E E C A T U R R E N E U O R O I N S

7

6/6 DOWN 1 Which chess pieces are most numerous? (5) 2 What bright yellow powder is used for flavouring in Asian cookery? (7) 3 In early England, what was a small landholder between gentry and labourers? (6) 4 What branch of medicine is concerned with diseases and abnormalities of the heart? (10) 5 12 A star that suddenly brightens then gradually What is an agent of retribution (7) fades is called what? (4) 13

To be evanescent, is to be what (7) 6 Which film, 1984’s Best Picture Oscar winner, was 14 in Which term filmed Prague?

(7)describes something done vigilantly 9 Where was Louis Armstrong and attentively (7) born? (3,7) 11 Which woman was married on 29 April 1945, and died 15following Whichday? term describes being deeply, seriously, or the (3,5) 12 What is thethoughful widening channel of a river where saltwater sadly (7) mixes with freshwater? (7) 16

Which term describes cells with the specialised 14 In heraldry, what is the colour silver? (6) function transmitting nerve (7)entry 16 Millions of records from which US impulses immigration island are accessible on the internet? (5) 17 Which English college was founded by Henry VI in 1440? (4)

N T O R I M A T N S P E N E S I O V E

5

G A U R A M E N A R M R A Y L S T E R E S T L N C Y

4

S K E Y L I A R K E V B A S T I V C E

3

O S T O H M E R L L O N E A M E A S I A S

2

D O L P H I N

1

Down: 1 Othello, 2 Skylark, 3 Granary, 4 Normans, 5 Lecture, 6 Tenders, 11 Dolphin, 12 Nemesis, 13 Evasive, 14 Alertly, 15 Pensive, 16 Neurons.

G E N E R A1 L 7 K N O 9W L E D G 11E

FRIDAY JUNE 12 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

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WHAT’S ON 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Truck events coming soon

WE’RE pleased to report that the events calendar is filling up again, but please double-check these dates on the official site and/or Facebook page as they can often change at short notice due to Covid.

If you have a date change, or an event you’d like to be included in this calendar, email editor@bigrigs.com.au with all the details.

ily Fun Day is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, raising much needed funds for various charities.

Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show November 28 Castlemaine, Vic Visit: truck.rotarycastlemaine. org.au Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club. Note that due to Covid, the 2021 show will be held on one day only and, all going to plan, will include a truck procession, family picnic, and truck judging. For more information, visit the website, facebook.com/ castlemainetrucks, or call Kerry Anderson, 0418 553 719.

NOVEMBER Brisbane Convoy for Kids and Truck Show November 6 Redcliffe Showgrounds, Queensland Visit: brisbaneconvoyforkids. com.au Raising money for Hummingbird House, the truck and bike convoy will run from Forest Lake to Redcliffe Showgrounds, where there will be a truck show with awards that include everything from Best Decorated Truck to Best Dressed Driver.

The evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.

DECEMBER Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show December 11 Bathurst Showground, NSW Visit: bathursttruckshow. com.au Sponsored by Gilbert & Roach, Huntingwood and Vawdrey Trailers. Gates open 9am to 4pm. Featuring over 200 market stalls, food stalls, live enter-

Illawarra Convoy November 21 Illawarra, NSW Visit: illawarraconvoy.com.au The Illawarra Convoy and Fam-

The Rise Above Convoy for Cancer Families in Canberra is an annual event to raise money and awareness for Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief.

tainment and kids’ rides. Registration $40. Public entry $5, children under 12 free. Held in conjunction with the annual Bathurst Swap Meet Car & Bike Show on November 17.

Supporting 2BS Lions Christmas Miracle Appeal. For registration and further details email info@bathursttruckshow.com. au or phone Debbie on 0407

489 634, Haylie on 0438 316 150.

JANUARY Tooradin Truck Show & Tractor Pull January 15 Rutter Reserve, Tooradin, Vic Visit: tooradintractorpull. com.au An annual event since 1998 and

has grown into a fabulous family day. It is a non-profit event run by a committee of local community people putting all proceeds back into local clubs, schools and various charities.

Truck show runs from 10am to 6pm. No BYO. Adults $35, kids $10, family $85. Strictly no dogs.

For Truck Show inquiries phone Ashley Gorton on 0408 191 626 or for general enquiries email Allyn Reeve at allyn@reevetransport.com.au.

Canberra Rise Above Convoy January 30 Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), ACT Visit: convoy.riseabovecbr. org.au The Rise Above Convoy for Cancer Families is an annual event to raise money and awareness for Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief. Convoy starts at 10am, bound for Exhibition Park In Canberra (EPIC).

Live music, kids’ entertainment and more. For further info see the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/riseabovecancerconvoy the website convoy. riseabovecbr.org.au, or phone 02 6297 1261, email convoy@ riseabovecbr.org.au.

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Mack fans from all over WA are expected to flock to Whitby in May.

FEBRUARY Boyup Brook Ute and Truck Muster February 19 Boyup Brook, WA Visit: countrymusicwa.com.

au/ute-truck-muster Held together with the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, this muster aims to celebrate Aussie vehicles with an impressive display.

• Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to editor@bigrigs.com.au MARCH Convoy for Kids Sydney March 20 Sydney, NSW Visit: convoyforkids.com.au Since the first Convoy for Kids Sydney in 1992, truckies have raised nearly $3 million for kids’ charities and hospitals in NSW. The upcoming convoy will start from Huntingwood and arrive at Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon for a fun-filled family day with rides, entertainment, food and stalls.

MAY WA Mack Muster May 22 Whitby, WA Visit: mackmuster.com.au All proceeds and fundraising will be donated to the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research for Cancer. The aim is to encourage all Mack, and other truck make owners, suppliers, sponsors of the WA transport industry to come out and get involved in the day and raise money for a cure to Cancer.

Entry is $10 for adults, and kids under 16 are free.

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38 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Scania opens applications for 2022 apprentice intake

SCANIA will be offering 20 apprenticeships for 2022 that aim to set these new recruits up for long-term employment at its company-owned workshops around the country.

Its four-year apprenticeship to become a qualified heavy truck and bus technician, or dual apprenticeship adding in auto electrics, is undertaken together with TAFE, with students given the option to fasttrack their learning to a shorter time-period if they wish.

Successful applicants receive on-the-job mentoring together with their training.

“Potential candidates with the right attitude and aptitude will find the well-established Scania apprenticeship course structured and stimulating. It will prepare them for a career working on advanced technology vehicles and engines,” said Sean Corby, regional executive manager for Scania in NSW and Victoria.

“Scania is leading the shift towards sustainable transport solutions, so there’s already the opportunity to work on heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles could be on our roads by the

time the class of 2022 qualifies.

The shift toward e-mobility and digitalisation of systems means our apprentices and technicians will be at the cutting edge of heavy-duty transport technology.”

Scania takes on around 20 first-year technician and parts apprentices at its company-owned capital city branches each year. In 2022, the company will also open a new branch at Eastern Creek in Sydney.

“In 2022 we’re also looking for apprentices to join our parts interpreter teams; this is ideal for someone who wants to work in a workshop environment but may not want to be on the tools.

“Apprentices learn and earn while they work. They study at TAFE and also undertake significant in-house learning within the Scania training programme, the costs of which are all met by Scania. The in-house training builds knowledge and confidence of Scania-specific vehicle systems to provide foundation skills for servicing, repairing and diagnosing Scania vehicles’ technological systems,” Corby explained.

Scania’s apprentices are enrolled in TAFE courses to de-

Scania is offering 20 apprenticeships for 2022 across its company-owned workshops around Australia.

liver qualifications in either Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31116), or Certificate III Automotive Sales (AUR31016) or Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technol-

ogy (AUR30316).

Apprentices selecting a dual trade will aim to qualify in Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31116) and Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technol-

ogy (AUR30316). Continuing study to a dual trade generally adds a further 18 months of study, but during the dual trade upskilling apprentices will be paid as a qualified technician and provided with the opportu-

nity to continue to upskill and develop themselves.

For more information on applying for one of the 2022 apprenticeship places, contact careers@scania.com.au or call 03 9217 3300.

Cahill Transport is a proud Australian owned and operated business with a history spanning 70 years.

We’re looking for the right people to take us into the next 70 years and hiring across various divisions.

HIRING

• • • • •

Local & Linehaul Drivers Forklift Operators Warehouse Supervisors Operations Administrators Diesel Mechanics

Come join us!

To discuss our exciting opportunities contact 0459 900 608 or send your details through to sx@cahilltransport.com.au

SPONSORED CONTENT: CAREERS AND TRAINING 39

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 29 2021

Perfect entry to get foot in transport industry door

FOR many trying to get into the industry, it’s the same old story: How do I gain experience if no one will give me a chance?

The transport industry is growing all the time and new entrants are keenly sought after, but how do we connect these people with the companies that need them?

Paul Leabeater is the owner of Baulkham Hills Removals and believes the Australian furniture removal industry is the perfect entry point for young people looking for a start in transport.

Removals offers a unique blend of skills-based training, with many of the skills transferable across a broad range of transport tasks. “The modern removal company is a different creature to what it was when I started 36 years ago,” Leabeater said.

“Many have morphed into transport companies, like our business with linehaul and storage operations. There are countless opportunities starting from the ground up, and someone with a bit of go in them would find a job they love if they looked hard

Owner of Baulkham Hills Removals, Paul Leabeater.

enough.”

Gaining experience in driving is one of the key benefits that removals can offer. No one is going to give you the

keys to a shiny new big rig until you have plenty of experience. Removal companies have small trucks and vans that even P-platers can drive, allow-

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. .

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976.

We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based) Come and work for us as we are committed to: • Training and further education • Your safety • Maintaining an impressive Fleet On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

ing them to progress through bigger trucks as they gain more experience.

Removals can be a rewarding job that teaches you to

think on your feet and makes you resourceful and resilient.

“I’ve often said that if you give us three or four years of reliable employment and leave here with a good reference and a truck or semi licence, you’ll get a job anywhere.

“Employers would know that time spent in a removals company means you are a hard worker and a good driver, because we put trucks into places they probably shouldn’t go, just to get the job done,” added Leabeater.

He says the best part about the removals industry is the variety – every day is different.

Whether it’s working around town or going away on country trips, no two days are the same.

“I still love doing country trips, it’s like getting paid to see the country. Every day on a trip you look around and say, how good is this?”

Leabeater’s business is linked up with many other removalists through a freight network called Safe & CleverTM. They transport goods between each other’s depots and look after each other’s customers, giving the fami-

ly-based businesses interstate reach throughout the east coast of Australia. All the owners of these businesses are looking for new entrants to join them, so there are jobs there for the taking. Paul Leabeater can put prospective employees in touch with owners in many parts of Sydney, as well as Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Brisbane. These are all reputable companies who pay properly and look after their staff.

“I guess what we are looking for is a bit of passion, I think you need to have a bit of diesel in your blood to enter transport, maybe a love of cars and trucks. For me, every day is like coming to work and playing with a big trainset. If you enjoy what you are doing it won’t seem like work at all,” he said.

And finally, Leabeater added with a grin, “I didn’t even know what a removalist was when I left school. I stumbled into this industry and haven’t looked back. Maybe one of the new entrants we’re searching for will stick around and take my job one day.”

FUTURE DRIVERS CAN APPLY HERE We have entry level positions available so you can learn the Transport Industry from the ground up.

Requirements are: • Be physically fit and active • Have a keen desire to learn and progress • Have a love of cars and trucks • Car Licence preferred but not essential (but with ability to obtain one ultimately)

We also have other positions available for the following roles: • LR/MR driver • HC driver

Our company is in Sydney NSW but we can put you in touch with colleagues in other parts of NSW, QLD, VIC, SA if you are keen for an opportunity and are looking for a start.

First enquiries with some brief details about yourself should be by email to:

paul@moveforce.com.au

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