Big Rigs 12 November 2021 by Prime Creative Media

FRIDAY, November 12, 2021

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 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

Court clears Brisbane operator of sham contracting allegations AFTER a demanding threeand-a-half-year battle, Avert Logistics (formerly Boske Road Transport) has had a Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) case dismissed by The Federal Circuit Court (Brisbane). The case brought allegations centring on whether four drivers were engaged as contractors or were actually employees. The FWO alleged that the number of obligations on drivers – relating to work hours, leave, clothes and truck branding and permission to work for third parties – together amounted to an employment

Avert Logistics managing director Rick Boske. Photo: Facebook

relationship rather than one of independent contractors. If accepted, the underpayment would have amounted to $63,803.

But Judge Michael Jarrett disagreed, siding with Avert Logistics, which argued that the contractor relationship was sought and freely entered into and made clear at the start and that the level of company control was far less stringent than alleged and work times were controlled by customers. “The contracting parties were not the individuals themselves in most cases but were entities set up by the drivers for their own purposes,” the judge said. “There is no suggestion that the respondent required the drivers to enter into the con-

tracts in any particular way, although it is clear that the respondent was offering engagement as a contractor. “There is no suggestion that the contracts are a sham.” In a recent media statement, Avert Logistics managing director Rick Boske said he was extremely elated and relieved after the ruling. “Avert has always, and continues to take pride in honest, legal and trustworthy business practices,” he said. In an email to sister publication ATN and social media post, Boske said he can finally breath again.

He said many industry colleagues told him to just pay the drivers want they want because it was cheaper than fighting the allegations in court. “It may have been the easy cheaper alternative but what we were accused of was just wrong, we were not involved in sham contracting, nor had we underpaid our contractors!” Boske noted that colleagues had distanced themselves from him in that time, as did customers “because of court action as they didn’t want to be tarnished”. Boske estimates he’s lost accounts worth $2m a year.

Companies avoid fines with safety education and fixes THE NHVR recently accepted two enforceable undertakings (EU) from J.J. Richards & Sons Pty Ltd (JJR) and Brother Nature Pty Ltd (Brother) valued at over $50,000 to correct activities around vehicle mass and loading requirements. The EU for JJR stems from a skip bin loaded to a heavy vehicle operated by JJR was found to be leaking water onto the vehicle and road surface. The steer axle of a heavy vehicle operated by Brother weighed 1020kg, which is a

severe mass breach over the allowed limit of 750kg. NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said EUs offer an alternative to a court fine. “EUs are a legal agreement designed to correct the risks and behaviours that caused the offence to occur,” Hughes said. “Instead of proceeding with the court matter which may only result in a fine, we have given the companies an opportunity to spend money on

their own safety systems and procedures that will protect them and the broader community in the future.” As part of the EUs, JJR will complete $11,550 of corrective activities, including employing a consultant to review and certify the company’s load restraint requirements and expanding on the company’s existing skip truck operator handbook and training modules. Brother will develop and implement a series of safe-

ty and compliance training courses, systems and processes, which will cost $38,454. In a recent column for Big Rigs, Hughes said the regulator has already entered into more EUs over the last few months than in the previous year. “Because in most cases, a company or person spending money on safety instead of a fine, means a better safety outcome for everyone.” For more information on mass and loading and the risks

and penalties, visit nhvr.gov. au/road-access/mass-dimension-and-loading. In other NHVR news, a driver facing six charges of fatigue breaches and a maximum penalty of $103,440 was instead ordered to obtain an EWD by a South Australian court. This was the third successful application of a Supervisory Intervention Order by the NHVR and the first time a court has ordered an EWD to address fatigue breaches.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

Commission backflips on reducing standard hours

AFTER copping widespread industry criticism for a proposal to reduce truckies’ standard weekly working hours, the government body tasked with heading up the truck law review has announced a backflip. In a media statement, the National Transport Commission said it has listened to industry feedback, and sought the views of jurisdictions, and will not propose a reduction in weekly hours of truck drivers to transport ministers. “A number of fatigue issues were on the table at our workshop this week, and it was important to hear firsthand from industry, in their own words, why the current outer weekly limits for fatigue are fit for purpose for Australia and its particular geography and supply chains,” Dr Gillian Miles, NTC chief executive officer and commissioner said. The NTC heard that reducing the weekly hours of truck drivers from 72 hours to 60 could have perverse safety and productivity outcomes. Some long-haul drivers couldn’t get back home in a 60-hour work week, while

others may need to find a second job to bridge the pay gap – defeating the safety intent. “Since Monday’s workshop, the NTC has considered the useful insights as well as seeking views from all participating jurisdictions. As a result, the NTC’s advice to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting (ITMM) will be that the outer weekly limit for driving hours should remain at 72 hours,” Dr Miles said. The NTC said it continues to work closely with industry and jurisdictions as part of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Safety and Productivity Program to create a better national law. Importantly, jurisdiction representatives were also in attendance to hear directly from industry. “The NTC will continue to work with industry and jurisdictions to ensure a flexible and tiered approach to fatigue management that is suited to Australian conditions,” Dr Miles said. The NTC said it has worked closely with industry since the HVNL review began.

After widespread condemnation of a fatigue management proposal, peak bodies are now calling for the NTC review process to be restarted with an expert panel in charge.

“The NTC will continue with a series of workshops because we need industry to be part of the conversation all the way through,” Dr Miles said. The NTC did not grant Big Rigs’ request for an interview. Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz welcomed the decision to not pursue a reduction of weekly working hours for truck driv-

ers, and thanked all parties for the constructive way in which they worked to resolve the issue. “We understand there are existing workforce shortages issues across the supply chain and such a change to working hours would have impacted drivers’ incomes, the movement of freight and operations of transport businesses right around the country,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“There are arrangements in place to manage fatigue, ensuring safe driving practices are in place and the industry continues to work hard to improve safety.” The National Road Transport Association, however, is calling for the current national law reform process to be scrapped and re-started. NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said the process that started in May 2018 is now directionless and unfocussed.

“Turn off the barbecue. It’s cooked. It’s not progressing the reform agenda in any meaningful way,” Clark said. “The National Transport Commission (NTC) is supposed to simplify the HVNL to improve productivity and safety – instead it’s fiddling with the operational details of fatigue management.” Clark said the latest failure of the process compounded the publication of a seriously flawed Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement last year that contained no genuine Cost Benefit Analysis. “It is time for the Federal Minister and his State and Territory counterparts to step in, call a halt to the process and convene an expert reference panel to recommend changes to HVNL,” he said. “We need harmonised national laws that are based on evidence – not guestimates by bureaucrats and their consultants.” Australian Trucking Association chair David Smith also said the review has proved to be a waste of time and money, and the industry needs to start again (see page 53 for more).

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Industry report highlights the truck driving skills gap

A NEW research report highlights the factors contributing to current skills shortages across the supply chain – with the biggest gaps found to be in truck driving, robotics and data analytics. As the world’s supply chains undergo massive transformation at an unprecedented pace, a variety of factors have created the ‘perfect storm’ that’s only exacerbating the current skills shortage, the study found. Undertaken by Deakin University’s Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics and Wayfinder: Supply Chain Careers for Women, an industry sponsored initiative which aims to create a diverse talent pipeline for the sector, the research explored the issue from the perspective of company executives and senior government officials. Dr Hermione Parsons, director Centre of Supply Chain and Logistics and Dr Roberto Perez-Franco, Senior Research Fellow, interviewed 21 senior executives from Australia’s industry and government about ongoing

in terms of dirty warehouses and hi-vis vests, and most ‘fall into it’ rather than actively pursue a career in supply chain.” Fellow researcher Dr Perez-Franco added that many participants identified a shortage of talent in data analytics. “The issue they identified is more complex than the mere challenge of attracting graduates with data analytics qualifications. “The ability to understand and trust data can be just as important as the decisions about what to do with it. The greatest capacity gap is in the combination of operational supply chain knowledge and data analytics.” The research highlighted the degree to which the modern supply chain workforce must learn new skills and constantly adapt to new ways of doing things. There is an expectation they will be tech-savvy and comfortable operating in a more automated, digitally enabled environment and it’s a challenge that not all are prepared for.

Various factors have created the “perfect storm” that’s further exacerbating the current skills shortage.

challenges and the impact of recent events on the ability to recruit and retain the workforce required for today’s supply chain sector. “Add the disruption to global supply chains because of the Covid-19 pandemic and you have the perfect storm,” said Parsons. “An increase in e-commerce and closed borders may have exacerbated it,

but the problem was already there. Furthermore, supply chain shortages are not just for products or freight transport, but also for people, and the problem is far more complex than a shortage of truck drivers.” The researchers identified four challenges to recruiting in the supply chain: poor industry image, education gaps in the candidates they

interviewed, poaching of staff between industries and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Perceptions may be shifting, but traditionally supply chain has been a ‘Cinderella sector’ and often invisible,” said Parsons, who is also cochair of Wayfinder and lead researcher of the report. “If graduates are aware of the sector at all, they see it

“It will be critical to sell the next generation of supply chain workers on challenges and opportunities of a supply chain career,” Parsons continued. “As well as the salary, millennials are looking for career paths that are both rewarding and flexible. Although flexibility will always be difficult in a sector that operates 24/7, it is increasingly possible in technology-driven areas where there is a capacity shortage. One of the most significant workforce trends during the pandemic has been the move to remote work, and while people will return to their offices, attitudes to working from home have changed. “A number of those we spoke to, acknowledged there were difficulties in attracting women to the sector, but they also acknowledged there were shifts in the right direction. The need to employ more women in operational roles was seen as key to improving levels of diversity,” said Parsons. The full report is available at wayfinder.org.au.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

Truckie apprenticeship idea is step closer to reality

OVERWHELMING industry support for a heavy vehicle driving apprenticeship has convinced the Industry Reference Committee (IRC) overseeing the proposal to give the concept its official tick of approval. The IRC recommended that a 2-4 year national apprenticeship be established utilising the existing Certificate 111 in Driving Operations (TLI 31221), which could be up and running as early as next year. There are a still a series of implementation issues to be addressed while further consultation is underway with the Commonwealth, state training authorities, regulators and insurers. But Australian Industry Standards (AIS) CEO Paul Walsh tells Big Rigs that he’s encouraged by the highest level of support from transport and logistics sector he’s ever seen with “strong” submissions across the board, and over 200 participants to an associated webinar, and a “significant” number of questions to the panellists. “Which just demonstrated

that people were inquisitive about what this might mean, which is very encouraging to see,” said Walsh. “We were pretty pleased with the response rate but also the fact that the issues that were identified were not show-stoppers. It was more about if this happens, what will happen to existing arrangements.” These issues include, but are not limited to the following: • Transition arrangements for the current traineeship • Nominal term for the apprenticeship and flexibility • F inancial and supervisory implications for employers • S uitability of apprenticeship for Bus and Dangerous Goods sectors • Insurance premiums for under 25-year-old drivers • Age-based versus competency-based licensing arrangements • P re-apprenticeship pathways Walsh said the next step is to start conversations with the various state and territory authorities which are responsible for implementing the

apprenticeships. “But the great thing here is that industry stakeholders are keen to be involved in any of those conversations to make sure they identify solutions.” Walsh said the most significant step with the apprenticeship concept is that it builds the pathway from school which doesn’t exist now and opens up more funding opportunities for employers. “The other important thing to state is that it’s not mandated that you have to do an apprenticeship to get into the industry. That’s something that may be considered in the future, if people thinks that’s the right way to go.” David Smith, chair of the Australian Trucking Association said a truck driver apprenticeship would enable apprentices to move around to different types of driving, as well providing supervision, coaching and mentoring to help them through their training. “The apprenticeship should be targeted at current school students (through school based training) and recent school leavers. The

The next step is to start conversations with the various state and territory authorities which are responsible for implementing the apprenticeships.

apprenticeship should be amended to include a forklift licence as a core unit, so apprentices can do meaningful work as soon as possible. Smith said the apprenticeship could also be made relevant to people changing careers by including business skills electives. “The units in the apprenticeship should be subject to regular reviews as technology changes, and the qualification

you get at the end should be renamed as a Certificate III in commercial heavy vehicle operations. “It won’t happen in livestock any time soon, but many of the people starting their driver apprenticeships in the coming years will spend most of their careers managing self-driving vehicles, not driving them.” Smith said AIS should develop a project timeline that

would see the first apprentices start their training within 18 months, from early 2023. “Over the years, we’ve seen so many proposals for improving truck driver training get bogged down without results. AIS needs to have a project plan to get us from here to the first apprentices starting on the job in 2023,” he said. To read more of the ATA’s submission on the apprenticeship proposal, turn to page 16.

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6 NEWS

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Trucking backs North East Link in Melbourne

THE Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has endorsed revisions to the North East Link in Melbourne that will see tunnels lengthened a further 1.9 kilometres. The association says the long overdue connection between the M80 and Eastern Freeways completes the missing link in Melbourne’s inner ring road. In announcing an $11.1 billion Public Private Partnership for the Spark consortium to build, operate and maintain North East Link for 25 years, the Victorian Government confirmed lengthening of the tunnels from the Eastern Freeway through to Watsonia, which

will enable Greensborough Road to be transformed into a boulevard-like thoroughfare. The heavily VTA backed North East Link project will connect the M80 Ring Road to an upgraded Eastern Freeway, providing an efficient connection for up to 135,000 vehicles each day, reducing travel times by up to 35 minutes, skipping 18 traffic lights on a trip to the airport. Most importantly for freight operators, the North East Link will provide a seamless and uninterrupted connection from freight routes in the north of Melbourne through to industrial precincts in the city’s south

east, reducing truck traffic on Rosanna Road and taking pressure off the West Gate Bridge and CityLink. “The VTA advocated forcefully for North East Link so freight and passenger vehicles have a more productive and efficient connection between the M80 and Eastlink and the Eastern Freeway,” said VTA CEO Peter Anderson. “We have been closely involved in consultations with the Victorian Government and local communities during the planning phase for the road’s construction since the government confirmed North East Link would be

built some years ago. “Lengthening the tunnels will add to the already significant amenity improvements the project will deliver communities in Melbourne’s north east by putting road traffic underground, reducing congestion on the existing above ground road network and creating space for new parks and recreational areas.” Anderson said the VTA would continue to work with planners to ensure heavy vehicles that are unable to use the tunnels are provided with safe and efficient alternative connections. “During this early phase of

Designs for the $15.8 billion North East Link project, expected to cut travel times between Melbourne’s north and south-east by more than half an hour.

planning it’s critical that the road and traffic engineers get alternative over dimensional routes right for dangerous goods and livestock vehicles that cannot use the tunnels,” Anderson said. “This includes exit and entrance ramps that can safely car-

ry oversize loads and dangerous goods vehicles, and upgrades to Rosanna Road and other gazetted freight routes that will be needed to carry certain types of freight. “We commend the government for listening to the industry and community.”

Studies look at ways to improve busy SA freight corridors A SERIES of planning studies will be centred around improvements to several major South Australian transport corridors. The SA Government is calling for tenders to develop strategic planning studies and business cases for the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass, Murray Bridge to South East Links,

Eyre Peninsula and Far North Area plans, and Eyre Highway upgrades from Port Augusta to the Western Australia border. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments on a 50:50 basis. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby

Joyce says $17 million will be allocated to the planning work. He adds that the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass will decongest the freeway to allow for faster travel. South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard added that the studies were necessary to meet the freight needs asso-

ciated with a growing population and expanding regional centres. “Planning studies are crucial to our understanding of how the road corridors are used and to identify any current problems and issues, or opportunities for future investment,” Wingard said. “The Greater Adelaide

Freight Bypass will enable some trucks to be diverted from the South Eastern Freeway onto the regional northsouth freight route and the Sturt Highway. “The Murray Bridge to South East Links includes key planning into the costs and benefits for the duplication of the Princes Highway

and Swanport Bridge between Murray Bridge and the Mallee Highway. “The Eyre Highway upgrade planning study will be used to develop a business case into the costs and benefits of providing access for triple road trains from the Western Australia border through to Port Augusta.”

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

Great Western Highway 19km tunnel alternative

A CONGLOMERATE of community groups in the Blue Mountain is calling for an alternative tunnel option to the proposed 11km option being considered by the state government. Consultant Stephen Caswell, who heads up the Medlow Bath Action Group, tells Big Rigs that instead of the tunnel running from Blackheath to Mount Victoria, the better alternative is to extend it a further 8km from Katoomba to Hartley Valley. It would save a raft of congestion and safety issues for freight operators that he says the groups’ independent modelling has uncovered. The cost of the proposed tunnel extension also compares favourably with the proposed above-the-ground changes, and the work can be completed quicker, says Caswell. “Most importantly it will deliver what they’re trying to achieve and that’s a faster, reliable and safer route from the Central West to Sydney,” said Caswell, who has been campaigning for this option for the last two years.

An artist impression of the proposed duplication of the highway looking north in front of the Hydro Majestic Hotel.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to about his have said the same thing – if the numbers stack up it’s a no-brainer, why wouldn’t you do it?” Under the current proposal Caswell said trucks would come out of the tunnel at

Blackheath into one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the Blue Mountains, the 10km to Katoomba. The proposed duplication of the surface highway on that route also compromises the Austroads safety stan-

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dards for road widths because there is no room left to widen this busy freight corridor, says Caswell. Austroads recommends that the minimum width for a lane is 3.5m. It’s currently 4.5m on that

stretch of road, but Caswell said it would shrink to 3.3m under Transport for NSW’s duplication design. “The maximum width of a truck is 2.55m so that leaves very little room between the edge of a truck and the edge of a lane,” said Caswell. “If two trucks are travelling side by side and clip mirrors and one truck has to stop, that lane is blocked because the breakdown lane in that section is also compromised at only 800-900m wide.” The lobby groups are also concerned about what impact lifting the ban on B-doubles longer than 19m on the highway will have. Other issues raised by the proposal in that section according to Caswell include: • The need to build two expensive viaducts, one 800m and the other 700m long with a water treatment plant to collect the stormwater runoff • E nvironmental impacts around Pulpit Hill due to the removal of a significant portion of the hill • Create access issues around

NEWS 7

the Hydro Majestic Hotel, a busy tourist hotspot. “It will not meet the needs of those in the Central West seeking a continuous 100km speed zone but will have ongoing surface disruption with consequential economic, social and environmental costs,” added Caswell. At deadline for this issue, Caswell said another campaign spokesperson Michael Paag, the secretary of the Blackheath Area Community Alliance, and other senior politicians supportive of the tunnel extension idea, were due to meet with Paul Toole, the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, to make their case. Big Rigs has also approached Toole for comment. While designs for Australia’s longest road tunnel continue, construction on the east and west sections is set to commence in late 2022, with the tunnel slated to begin construction in 2024, according to a recent Transport for NSW media release. The $4.5bn duplication is jointly funded by the federal and NSW governments.

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8 OPINION

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Law review process flops

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

IT will be interesting to see how the HVNL review process rolls out from here. The National Transport Commission, the statutory body overseeing the overhaul, caused an uproar by putting forward the idea that we’d all be better off if standard hours were reduced to 60 each week. I’ve never seen such a backlash. They’re clearly out of touch to even suggest such a ludicrous concept. We still haven’t got a straight answer on how this ‘solution’ came to light, other than being told it was aligned with “best practice overseas”. Why are we looking offshore for the answers to the industry’s fatigue management woes? The NTC got hundreds of submissions from our own backyard, many of which came via Big Rigs readers, after we teamed up with the ATA in 2019 to help bring the truckies’ voice to the table. After that, radio silence. Not a peep out of the body who budgeted $500,000 to keep us all informed. NSW Arndell Park 02 9671 3983

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Truck driver jailed

Peculiarly loaded truck

GOLD Coast-based Bradley Kilgour told police he was hoping to fund his truck business by transporting $2.6 million of cannabis from Melbourne, reported The Herald Sun. Authorities uncovered more than 134kg in Kilgour’s truck in January this year when he was stopped after picking up the drugs from an alleged co-offender. The 54-year-old father was sentenced to a minimum of 14 months behind bars after pleading guilty to one charge of trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence. Here’s what Big Rigs readers had to say when we shared the story online. “Prob the same 2 blokes that get around servos asking if u want a TV or sound system but the box is full of drugs not electronics,” joked Ricky Lawson. “Always know what you’re loading. I always check,” wrote Shane Hodges. “Good chance he knew what was in the boxes seeing that it was going to support his business. But it also seems like he was set up to The self-employed truckie travelled south in his truck carrying 18 take the fall,” said Daniel Robards. plastic chemical storage tanks, including four which were empty.

A 70-year-old driver has been charged after being spotted with a load that was over-width, over length and improperly secured. NSW Police officers from the Traffic Operations Group – Heavy Vehicle unit charged the Belfield man “following the detection of a significant load shift during travel and severe dimension breaches”. NSW Police said movement in the rear load caused the length of the vehicle to be 2.8 metres over the maximum allowed length, as well as being over width. On Facebook, Kevin Lloyd said, “He could have used his crane to reposition the load, but looked like he couldn’t give a s—t.” “Should go and hang out at any Bunnings on any given weekend,” joked Greg Naumann. “Can’t see anything wrong with that,” laughed Mark Bourke. While Tony Stephens offered a pointer, “National load restraint guide book has all the relevant information required to safely secure a load. You can get it from the NHVR in book format or for free in PDF download.” The driver is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on November 17, 2021. This load was over-width, over size and improperly secured.

Heart-stopping clip

The standard work hours debate

WA truckie Jai McDougall shared what can happen when you blow a steer tyre at 100km/h – hold on tight but whatever you do, resist the urge to slam on the brakes. That’s about the best advice WA truckie Jai McDougall has for his fellow drivers after walking away from a hair-raising incident on National Highway 1 about 200km south of Kununurra. On Facebook, readers shared some of their similar experiences. “Had the same thing happen to me. The cab drops 20 ins to the ground. I was in my 2238 Benz,” wrote Dass Gordon. “In 35 years had it happen once. Kept it on the black stuff and a new pair of undies was required,” added Duane Steven. While David Maclean commended the driver’s efforts. “Bet it wasn’t a Pirelli FR-01, great driving by the driver you wouldn’t of known he blew a steer tyre looking at the footage.” Others were amused by his song choice during the ordeal, “The scariest part of this clip is knowing there are truckies on our roads listening to the spice McDougall was driving the Kenworth T650 bobtail when the girls,” said Adam Beames. steer tyre blew at 100km/h.

WITH the National Transport Commission holding industry workshops debating the merits of shortening standard work hours, there’s been plenty of chatter online about the issue. On Facebook, Big Rigs readers weighed in. “How can anyone with the slightest intelligence derive a good outcome from that?” commented Kevin Withers. “When will the authorities start listening to the drivers, the people out there day in and day out doing the hours, see what they have to say about the work hours, not the transport companies, not the freight schedulers, not the pen pushers who start at 9 go home at 5, the drivers that are out there living in their trucks 7 days a week,” said Tony Stephens. “How about give the drivers a bit of back up so they can take a fatigue break if needed without the fear of losing their job or their life. The current law gives us all we need, but leaves us open to getting sacked if we take an extra hour to get enough rest on the odd occasion we many need it,” wrote Jake Volz. “The only occupation in the world where you get penalised for working overtime,” said A reduction in maximum working hours for truckies on the Standard Hours work diary has become a hot topic of debate. Richard Robertson.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Shortening standard work hours isn’t good for anyone

LOOKING at the logbook and shortening standard work hours isn’t going to be good for anyone. Forget company productivity, as most companies make enough off drivers as it is. Think about the driver, the person who wakes up and gets in the truck every day to make a living. Drivers in this day and age already have so many hurdles to jump over on a daily basis with fatigue laws and logbook compliance, not to mention every other finer details while on the road; like road weight limits, combination lengths, XY configurations, PBS, nonPBS routes, the list goes on. We are supposed to have a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator but 90 per cent of the time when you need answers on rules and regulations they can’t give you any. They tell you to go to the state department, or to ‘check their website, all the information is on there’, but that’s

why we’re calling, we already have! The people who make these decisions in the transport industry need to stop squeezing the life out of the driver. You may be thinking what you’re doing is good and making the road safer, but the truth is, it’s bullshit. What other job is there where if you don’t sign your name on a daily timesheet, or write down where you documents from a book are kept, you’ll get a fine for? And you wonder why people/young Australians don’t want to have a go! Why would they when there is a good chance you could work all week for nothing? Yes, there needs to be laws around fatigue. Yes, there needs to be laws about compliance to insure people are doing the right thing, but it’s getting beyond a joke. No, it is beyond a joke.

Think about the driver, the person who wakes up and gets in the truck every day to make a living.

You have people making these laws who haven’t been behind the wheel in years who will also say ‘back in my day’. Yes, younger drivers need to listen to the current older generation of driver as there is always something to learn off them. The key word there being

the current driver, someone who has seen the changes through the years, has adapted and moved on. Not people who threw away the keys because it was too hard, or who have never driven before making new rules that make our lives harder.

You want the industry to be safer? Want it to be better? Want it to be more appealing to people? How about before you make a decision speak to the current driver about what they think would make it better, how it can be safer. At the end of the day, it

is them who keep the wheels turning and the country moving. Stop squeezing the life out of the driver. As we all know, without them we have nothing. Adam Craig Truckie

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12 COVER STORY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Hard-working harvester treats himself to pick of crop With the milestone of 50 years in harvesting looming fast, Toowoomba-based John Darby,70, decides to sign off in style.

John Darby proudly shows off his pride and joy at the Mountview Homestead near Toowoomba. Photo: Katrina Bebbington

BY JAMES GRAHAM IT’S the shots of the Kenworth T610SAR posted on the Darby Harvesting and Haulage Facebook page that catch our eye first. Brilliantly photographed by neighbour Katrina Bebbington at her adjoining Mountview Homestead near Toowoomba, a proud owner John Darby cheekily announces his newest, and most striking truck, with the below post: “Darby Harvesting and Haulage would like to announce the arrival of a new baby girl to the Family, her name is T6TEN, parents are doing well.” Darby might well joke, but this is a serious piece of gear for the 70-year-old that caps 47-years of blood, sweat, and tears in the harvesting game. Up until now, he’s relied on mostly Internationals – S-Lines and T-Lines were two favour-

ites – and since 2005, Western Stars have been the mainstay of the Toowoomba-based operation that punches well above its weight up and down the eastern seaboard. “I just thought, ‘I’m 70 now, I’d like a Kenworth before I pull the pin’,” said the grandfather-of-five when we catch up during a rare break from steering a combine harvester in Meandarra, west of Dalby, to find out more. “Everyone respects the Kenworth name.” It’s been a long wait between ordering the rig from Angus Short at Brown and Hurley in Toowoomba in January this year and finally putting it to work for the first time in October, but well worth it, says Darby. You couldn’t wipe the smile from his face as he drove the gleaming SAR back from the Bayswater plant in Melbourne, before handing it over to Brown

All concentration behind the wheel of a Western Star, once the mainstay of Darby’s busy operation.

and Hurley for a four-week fit-out from BigRigBullbars, ROC Hydrolics and RTE Rocklea Truck Electrical. “I just wanted to make it look pretty,” said Darby when asked for specifics on the work done. “All trucks I’ve had in the past have always been white, but I’ve always been a great red lover. “I got a Dodge Ram imported from America about 10 years ago and it was a maroonish colour, so anyway, thought why not give this Venetian Red a try. “I thought it looked pretty nice when I picked it up. I said to Justin [long-time staff driver Justin Cornell] you should be paying me to driver that truck, not me paying you – it’s too pretty.” Inside, Darby has also added the winning polish, installing two fridges, a freezer, microwave and the latest AC unit to keep loyal driver Cornell cool, calm and collected during one of the busiest harvest seasons on record. Rated to 113-tonnes, but only pulling 110-tonnes to comply with the GrainCorp regulations, the T610 is running as an AB-triple, carting grain off different properties around Meandarra when Big Rigs checks in. “It’s just a shame I have to put it on gravel, dirty roads which it’s on at the moment,” said Darby. “With all the dust on it, it doesn’t look quite as pretty, but as soon as it’s back on bitumen I’ll give it a bit of a spruce up and it’ll be a lot cleaner.” The icing on the cake will be the arrival of new trailers from Moore Trailers in January, complete with a 100mm stripe down the side in the same colour as the Kenworth.

“Some of the boys said they like the green, but I just think we’re a bit dark there and need white with the stripe and the main tarp the colour of the State of Origin maroon.” Meanwhile, Darby and his team of Cornell, Western Star driver Dave Gray, and a sub-contractor working three trucks and two headers, should be in the Walgett area of NSW by the time you read this. Shortly after that they move on to a little place called Spring Ridge, just west of Quirindi, NSW, the region where it all began for Darby in 1974. “I will have been harvesting there 47 years this year, so the lady of the land tells me,” said Darby, who drives both headers and does all the equipment maintenance. Darby grew up on the family farm near Quirindi, but after his father died in an accident, the family lost the property due to probate and death duty in the early 70s. For a brief time, Darby then worked as a motor mechanic in Sydney, but the smell of gum leaves soon lured him back to the bush and he took the plunge into the business he still runs today. Back then, Darby said he was only one of a handful of

John Darby, far right, is joined by partner Kerrie Crawford and loyal driver Justin Cornell to toast the new arrival. Photo: Katrina Bebbington

contract harvesters on the east coast – 20 at the most – but today there would be a couple of hundred, at least. Darby has seen off more than his fair share of challenges along the way too, from rising insurance costs and overseas staff locked out by Covid, to crippling droughts. Although now enjoying the second successive year of bumper crops, for four drought-ravaged seasons prior to that, business for Darby plummeted by 90 per cent. Forced to shed one driver and a truck, Darby got back behind the wheel of a Western Star and made ends meet any way he could, including carting hay from Victoria into the parched farms around Glen Innes, NSW, and as far afield as Winton, Queensland. With luck, next year he’s hoping to change down a gear, or two, and coax middle child Evan, 36, who is driving for another transport company at

present, back into the business with the view to taking over the reins completely in 2024. That’s the year Darby hits the milestone of 50 years in harvesting, and with his body starting to show signs of wear and tear, as fitting time as any he reckons to call time on one of the industry’s most enduring careers. So, what does retirement look like for a workaholic like Darby? All going well, hooking up the caravan to his beloved Dodge Ram and camping on the water’s edge somewhere with long-time partner Kerrie Crawford, who also helps with office administration and is a dab hand at piloting the wideload headers when needed. Lake Eyre in SA would do for starters – but only for part of the year, laughs Darby. “I’ll keep working; I’m not going to go home and sit on the couch like other people retire.”

The new T610 was soon put to work running as an AB-triple road train during the busy grain season.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New PBS access notice for more permit-free travel

A NEW notice delivered by the NHVR will give eligible Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles immediate network access when they receive a vehicle approval with a Tier 1 bridge assessment. South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard says all PBS vehicles must pass various safety and infrastructure standards, such as acceleration capability, turning space, pavement wear, and mass and dimension limits. “Previously operators of these approved PBS combi-

nations would have to apply for a permit after receiving their vehicle approval. This National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 eliminates the requirement of a permit application and allows operators automatic access to approved networks,” Wingard explained. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the Notice establishes a platform to provide operators with guaranteed PBS access before they build their vehicle. “Operators have told us that knowing they have

immediate network access would be a big factor in deciding whether to invest in a PBS vehicle or expand their PBS fleet,” Petroccitto said. “It will certainly encourage the take-up of these smarter, safer and more-productive PBS vehicles in the Australian heavy vehicle fleet “We will continue to build on this Notice by starting to roll out a higher productivity PBS notice later this year.” The National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 applies in South Australia, the Australian

Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Each network – as shown in the Notice’s jurisdictional schedules – has a maximum mass cap and a specified length limit for eligible vehicles. Operators must ensure they check their vehicle approvals against the conditions of this Notice. Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia national policy and government relations manager Greg Forbes says the initiative will provide purchasers with greater assuranc-

es around access before their new PBS vehicles are built. “This level of certainty is a key to increasing the uptake of these vehicles,” Forbes said. “We commend the NHVR and the participating states for working on these types of notices, however, we still have a long way to go.” “It is disappointing that Queensland is not participating in this notice; it is very important that we have clarity on access arrangements across all states. “There are also still a large number of PBS vehicles that

The new notice eliminates the requirement of a permit application and allows operators automatic access to approved networks.

THERE ARE ALSO STILL A LARGE NUMBER OF PBS VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT YET COVERED BY THESE TYPES OF NOTICES. THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BENEFITS WHEN PBS VEHICLES ARE GIVEN BETTER ACCESS.” GREG FORBES

are not yet covered by these types of notices. “The whole community benefits when PBS vehicles are given better access. “PBS vehicles reduce the number of vehicle movements for a given freight task resulting in environmental, safety and productivity benefits.” Forbes says operators risk their investment in state-ofthe-art PBS technology being unusable until a comprehensive set of notices is is in place. “If their access permits are delayed or worse, refused – the vehicles are unusable, even though the equipment has been approved for production,” he said. “We look forward to the High Productivity PBS notice that the NHVR has promised to release later this year. “This gazette notice is a promising move in the right direction; we encourage the NHVR and states to keep working on these issues.”

Additional 700km added to Victoria’s HPFV network

THE Victorian Government has added an additional 700 kilometres of High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) routes to the pre-approved network. The new routes include key strategic corridors such as the Maroondah/Melba Highway,

Princes Hwy from Bruthen to the NSW border, and the Ringwood and Yarra Glen bypasses. “A pre-approved network removes the need for route assessments, simplifies the application process and shortens the

timeframe to get a HPFV on the road, making it easier for farmers and rural exporters to move freight around,” said the Department of Transport. “These routes provide more simple, safe and connected journeys by reducing

the regulatory burden and red tape for the movement of key commodities such as milk, grain and livestock in regional Victoria.” Though the routes have already been in use, until now they have been subject to in-

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dividual route assessments on a permit-by-permit basis. This move is set to streamline the permit process for certain Performance Based Standards (PBS) combinations along these routes. Though operators will

still need to apply for access permits, they will no longer require individual route assessments on the published routes provided their combinations comply with the Department of Transport’s suite of reference vehicles.

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16 INDUSTRY SUBMISSION

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Focus on students with driver apprenticeship: ATA

es through a range of hosts so the apprentices receive the full range of on-the-job training they need. Group training organisations must comply with national standards and be registered to be eligible to apply for Australian or state government funding.

THE Australian Industry Standards, the federal government-appointed Skills Service Organisation (SSO), asked industry to answer a series of questions to help argue the case for the first heavy vehicle driving apprenticeship. Below is an edited extract from the Australian Trucking Association’s submission. Do you believe the development of a heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship would assist in the professionalisation of the truck driving and/or the road transport industry? The ATA and its members have long argued for better truck driver training and the development of a truck driving apprenticeship. Our support for the concept and the specific proposals in this submission are based on— • market research into the views of trucking businesses • market research about the views of prospective employees and • q ualitative insights from ATA members. Overall, the evidence supports the view that a truck driver apprenticeship would encourage more prospective employees to join the industry and improve their professionalism. Do the two primary apprenticeship pathways outlined capture the variations in the targeted cohorts or should other pathways be considered? In the ATA’s view, the apprenticeship proposal should not be targeted at people already in the industry. It should be available, however, for people who want to do it. The proposal offers no advantages for drivers who are already licensed and working, compared to other training options such as— • a straightforward Certificate III in Driving Operations through an RTO,

The ATA believes the apprenticeship should include forklift driving as a core unit.

with RPL as an option • a reputable course outside the formal VET system, such as Wodonga TAFE’s ProDriver program10 • a manufacturer’s driver development course or • training days or individual driver training offered by employers. Mid-career entrants may find a structured program of training and mentorship helpful, but some will already have the contacts to find employment or start a business in the industry. For mid-career entrants, a shorter-form credential would be more relevant and consistent with international best practice. These could include— • W odonga TAFE’s Supe rior Heavy Vehicle Licence

program • a skill set such as the Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set offered by TAFE WA with the support of the Western Roads Federation, an ATA member association. In the ATA’s view, the heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship concept should be targeted at current students through school-based training and recent school leavers. Our view is supported by the research evidence, which shows that job seekers would value the structure, incentives and industry experience that can delivered through an apprenticeship. With consideration that apprenticeship funding incentives will not offset all costs,

are there other financial concerns that need to be considered? The cost of supervising an apprentice is highest in the early period of the apprenticeship, so employers who invest in training are reasonably concerned that apprentices may transfer to other businesses toward the end of their apprenticeships. In the ATA’s view, the solution is for state training agencies to adopt the South Australian approach of requiring the apprentice’s new host employer to pay a transfer fee to their former employer. The transfer fees would need to be modified for the driver apprenticeship, because it would involve a two year rather than a four-year contract. Could

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apprenticeship

model impact small to medium enterprises negatively? Are there options for addressing any disadvantage? The consultation paper rightly notes that the apprenticeship model will need to be sufficiently flexible to ensure that apprenticeships are as accessible and practical for small to medium enterprises as for large enterprises. The VET system already has a well-established solution to this problem: group training organisations. Group training organisations are the legal employers of their apprentices and are responsible for paying their wages and entitlements. Group training organisations place their apprentices with host employers and, if necessary, rotate apprentic-

Are there any other major issues associated with this apprenticeship model not yet addressed in this paper? In the ATA’s view, the apprenticeship should be structured to enable a school leaving employee to undertake meaningful work within a trucking business as soon as possible. As a result, the apprenticeship should include, as a core unit, TLILIC0003 Licence to operate a forklift truck. Autonomous trucks are no longer a future technology. With PACCAR and FedEx now piloting autonomous trucks between Dallas and Houston, the future is already here. Many of the school leavers starting their driver apprenticeships in the coming years will spend most of their careers managing self-driving vehicles, not driving them. To be attractive, the apprenticeship must recognise this truth. It must comprise units of competency that will make apprentices job-ready now and units that will equip them for the future. As a result, the units in the apprenticeship should be reviewed regularly in consultation with industry. The name of the qualification should be amended to Certificate III in commercial heavy vehicle operations to reflect the likely future of apprentices who complete this training. One way to make the apprenticeship more relevant to career changers would be to add content about how they could develop their own business. • More at truck.net.au/public/ advocacy/submissions.

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18 FEATURE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Mentoring partnerships pay off

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

THE Transport Women Australia Limited Creating Connections mentoring programme has been operating since March 2020 with numerous pairings of mentors and mentees. the two is like THEMatching OZ TRUCKER any matchmaking MIKE WILLIAMS and some pairings are more successful contributors@bigrigs.com.au than others. Of course, the more information provided by each party of their expectations and what they want to achieve and what they will bring to the relationship helps to make matching them much easier. It also involves commitment from both parties to have the programme and their

mentoring partnership succeed. Covid-19 has meant that most pairs have had to meet online rather than in formal meetings or over coffee so that EDITOR has made it both easier and JAMES GRAHAM more difficult. james.graham@bigrigs.com.au Janelle Greene, Chief Customer Officer at NTI, a Foundation Business Partner of TWAL has some advice to give those entering or considering the programme. Greene was our opening keynote at the 2018 Creating Connections Conference and that was the catalyst for TWU NEWS the establishment RICHARD OLSEN of the programme. TWU NSW State Greene Secretary was on the Mentoring Subcommittee and one of our first mentors in an extraordinarily successful partnership. Some tips include ensuring that you have at least two initial “getting to know you” meetings and then scheduling the next six meetings at fortnightly intervals so that you are fully committed to

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

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

SA Road Transport Association Executive Director

Annastasia Denigan said the friendship formed has enabled both her and Rachel Michaud to empower each other in different circumstances.

Protégé Rachel Michaud is looking forward to a long-lasting working relationship with mentor Annastasia Denigan.

the success of the mentoring partnership. Once you have those six meetings fully committed in your calendar, you are more likely to commit to the longevity of the partnership. It could be this initial lack of commitment that contributes to the failure of the ongoing relationship. After all relationships are built step by step and this is no different. If a match does not work out or a participant leaves the industry or the programme, TWAL can then match the mentor or mentee with another partner. We have had wonderful feedback from several of our mentors and mentees and Janelle and her mentee, Ann have made a video which can be seen on both the NTI website and on the TWAL so-

cial media sites and YouTube channel. Mentors can play such an amazing part in the success of your career whether they be a formal mentor, or a casual mentor that you find yourself within your company or through other aspects of your life. But the mentoring partnership is a two-way street, and you will learn from each other along the way. There will come a time when it is advantageous to review the relationship and know it is time to move on; to find another mentor who can take you further or on another pathway. Do not be afraid to say, “I think we have got as far as we can go, and it is time to move on so we can both grow.” This is a sign of leadership.

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Programme mentor Annastasia Denigan, a compliance and safety expert at Qube, says partnering with Rachel Michaud through the TWAL mentor program has been an extremely enriching process. “Developing a friendship that has enabled us both to empower each other in different circumstances,” she said. “Being a mentor provides a fantastic opportunity to build relationships, support development and learn about challenges that other women face. I would like to think that the relationship developed will continue long after the mentor program is finished.” Michaud agrees. “We really clicked straight away which is lucky and I look forward to a long-lasting professional relationship,”

said the lead applications engineer at Knorr-Bremse Australia. “The informal nature of the program really suits me as life is pretty hectic between work and family life. The timing of the pairing was uncanny as I missed out on a promotion at work just months after connecting. “It was fantastic to be able to talk this through with my mentor who coincidentally was going through her own changes in work life. We both resolved to remain strong, put ourselves first and be willing to find new opportunities when old ones burn out.” If you would like any information on the Creating Connections mentoring programme, please contact chair@transportwomen.com. au or call 0417422319.

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20 FEATURE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Not your average two-up duo

When MC driver Corrina Riley put the call out for a truckie to join her on a 3400km trip, she found a perfect match in Kerri Avern, 64. BY DANIELLE GULLACI AHEAD of a trip from Brisbane to Cairns, Corrina Riley thought it would be a great opportunity to have someone join her to gain some hands-on experience, while learning dog and chain work. Riley, 44, works for Gaffs Heavy Diesel and Haulage, carting general freight throughout Queensland; from behind the wheel of a flashy 2012 Peterbilt 388, which she’s nicknamed ‘Salacious Pete’. “The truck is just beautiful. If I could marry a truck, this would be the one,” she joked. “We have a Cairns run so I rang the boss and said we should take a young sheila and get them a bit of experience, which he thought was a really great idea,” Riley said. So with her boss’s blessing, she contacted Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) Ltd CEO Lyndal Denny, who put a post up on the group’s Facebook page – and

MC drivers Corrina Riley, left, and Kerri Avern may just be trucking’s answer to Thelma and Louise.

it was Kerri Avern, 64, who answered the call. “Kerri contacted Lyndal and said ‘pick me!’ so I told her to come and meet me and off

we went,” said Riley. The duo set off on October 25 and spoke with Big Rigs from inside the cab, while on the home stretch.

Their hilarious antics were shared on WiTA’s social media along the way, including Avern’s failed initial attempts at throwing straps over the load.

‘Salacious Pete’, a 2012 Peterbilt 388, made for a flashy ride.

“It’s definitely been a girl’s trip but she’s learnt a lot too. She can throw a strap now – she’s come a long way,” laughed Riley. “I hope that if one person can have this experience and have it broadcasted on social media, then the younger girls can see that if we can do it, they can do it too. That’s why when I spoke to my boss, he thought it was such a great idea. It means someone can gain experience and get a little more confident.” Proving that age is no barrier, the trip held extra significance for Avern, who has dabbled in and out of trucking as life led her down various paths. Most recently, it was an injury that put her on the sidelines. “I fell off the roof and broke my back and a rib or two around six weeks ago. I’m literally just back on deck, so I was able to sneak this trip in just before I’m officially back at work,” said Avern. Though she wanted to get into trucks from a young age, Avern was encouraged to go down a different path. “I was born and raised on a dairy farm so there was always various farm equipment hanging around. My brothers got to drive the farm trucks and I

CORRINA RILEY

was delegated to the kitchen and laundry. I really wanted to drive too so I would steal the trucks at night. My dad would always find out in the morning though because I never remembered to put the seat back,” she said. “If I hadn’t of done that, I wouldn’t have got the knowledge and experience that led me to go on that tangent. I went and did other things too including studying early childcare and opening my own childcare centre and I really loved that but I was always attracted back to the trucks. The trucks seemed to give me some degree of self-esteem. I felt good about myself when I was driving trucks because that’s what I really wanted to do.” Continued page 22

Kerri Avern was loving life behind the wheel of this impressive rig.

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22 FEATURE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Having the time of her life learning the ropes on road

From page 20 Avern got her truck licence nearly 20 years ago. She started driving school buses, then rigids, then went on to get her HC and then her MC licence. “Being a single mum and being a female, life can take you in your family’s direction. I had kids I had to look out for and then my father became ill and needed care. That meant, with truck driving, I had to stop and start a lot,” Avern said. In putting her hand up for the trip, Avern says she wanted to experience long dis-

tance work and get some load restraint practice in as well. “I’m having a blast, it’s been wonderful. We’re getting really filthy. It’s a bit exhausting but that’s what it’s all about. I also stink because I didn’t get a shower yesterday – it’s not all roses out here! You’ve got to be happy with that and got to be willing to get your hands dirty and do the miles.” While Riley has been a fantastic trainer, Avern has been an amazing student too. “When I initially spoke to Kerri, I knew she had experience driving but she didn’t

During the trip Kerri Avern was able to master throwing straps over the load.

Riley definitely isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

have any experience with the dogs and chains, and the straps, so I thought, let’s do it. It’s been an adventure and she has learnt heaps and she hogs the steering wheel – it’s been really fun. We sleep head to toe in the bunk too,” Riley said. The ladies were able to make a few extra stops along the way including some photos with the Big Mango at Bowen, and a stop at Cardwell (known as Croc Country) to admire the views. Avern hopes that sharing her story might motivate other women with a passion for trucks to have a go too. “There’s been times I’ve gone for a job and told them how old I am and it doesn’t even get past the phone conversation. They just shut the door. But if you just rock up with your boots on and ready to go, then they’re okay. I’m female, I’m 5ft and in my sixties, but I’m still here having a go. I hope that can encourage other women to follow their passion too,” she said.

Of the trip, Avern added, “I did expect Corrina to know her stuff, but I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into. It’s full on being stuck in a truck with someone 24/7 but she’s the real deal. She’s extremely capable and very gifted in what she’s doing. For me, I grew up being told I shouldn’t be in a truck. With the support of other women in the industry and organisations like WiTA, it can help women overcome many of the barriers – because women can do this job and be extremely capable, confident and useful. It’s been an absolute honour to be in this truck with Corrina.” Looking ahead, Riley is planning to do it all over again. “I’m absolutely planning to have someone come on another trip with me. There are lots of people who’ve already put their hands up,” she said. Keep an eye out on the Women in Trucking Australia Ltd Facebook page for upcoming opportunities.

The hilarious duo had a blast on the 3400km trip.

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24 IN MEMORIAM

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Tributes flow for transport icon

PEAK body Road Freight NSW has paid tribute to industry legend Reg Mills who passed away peacefully on October 19, aged 80. In the latest newsletter to members, chief executive Simon O’Hara said he had the honour of meeting Mills, who ran Mills Transport headquartered in Lismore, a number of times and was impressed by his quiet thoughtfulness and decency. “The common refrain when freight operators speak about Reg was that he was a gentleman,” said O’Hara. O’Hara also asked members to share their tributes “so that the freight industry can celebrate a man who has done so much to improve and advocate for it over the decades.” Here are just three:

Reg pictured here in Murwillumbah in 1966.

Eric, AJ, Mick and Reg Mills with drivers and staff at the depot in 1966.

Reg, Kelvin and Eric at the 200th Kenworth presentation from Brown and Hurley.

Kev Hurley, director, The Brown & Hurley Group Pty Ltd “It is with great sadness I sit down to pen these words. With the passing of Reg we extend our deepest sympathies to Judith and the family. Reg was a man of great integrity and vision. The Mills families built a very large empire in a diverse range of different transport fields. Reg was also was a pioneer in his early

involvement setting up associations to develop a better working relationships between the transport industry and Government authorities. His involvement saw dramatic improvements in safety, the introduction of new configurations all aimed at improving the overall efficiencies of our industry. Reg has received many accolades for his great contribution

much more than just business, Reg’s father Eric became close personal friends of Alan Brown and my father Jack Hurley. This close friendship still exists today between Reg, his brother Kelvin and Rob Brown and myself and our families. In the dealings over the 50plus years there has never been a problem that couldn’t be resolved without an angry word. During this time they purchased well over 200 Kenworth trucks from us and countless pieces of other equipment. His continued support of our small regional Kyogle branch in northern NSW was an enormous part of its survival with the huge decline of the timber industry and dairy farming over the years. For this Reg we salute and acknowledge what Mills have done for our business, our loyal staff and all our families. This contribution allow us all to stay living in and raising our families in the little town we like call home. Thankyou Reg, you will be sadly missed but long remembered by us all.”

to the industry and we all reap the rewards on his enormous and undying efforts today. The association between Mills Transport and Brown & Hurley began with the sale of Leyland trucks in the 60’s. This association still goes on today with third generation Mills’ family members purchasing equipment from our company. The relationship between the two companies developed into

Kelvin, Eric and Reg Mills receiving keys to a Kenworth from Jack Hurley in the 80s.

Reg Mills was inducted into the Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs in 2016.

Kelvin, Leonie, Reg, and Tracey take time to visit one of their company’s trucks at the Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2016.

Paul Campbell, Charter Freight “I knew Reg well both in the field and in the office as we both were on the board of the old NSWRTA at the same time and our companies did the occasional job or two together. Reg first and foremost was a very ethical and honest man and led his company accordingly. Reg’s word was his bond. The Mills Family company were industry pioneers and had a long and proud history stretching just over 90 yrs.

Not many would remember and appreciate the largely twolane environment in which the industry worked on the eastern seaboard, in particular the old Hume and Pacific Highways in trucks that weren’t the technology hubs like today’s trucks. The Mills fleet was always a safe fleet, early adopters of speed limiting long before regulation (when many were not) and for example the first to run with the headlights on as daytime driving lights (they were wired into the ignition), years ahead of the manufacturers, but it made his fleet more visible and safer. The Mills company and highway fleet was an example of industry leadership and in his spare time Reg enjoyed his sailing.” Jon Luff, Border Express “Reg was a champion of the road freight industry. He bought passion, knowledge, experience and sense not just to his own business but to the numerous industry bodies he devoted his time to. He was a tireless advocate for safety and conditions for transport workers, the sustainability and viability of operators, and the interests of his customers. NSW has a strong and respected industry representation largely as a result of his vision and commitment. Often, I turned to Reg for advice and guidance, and he was always generous with his time, humble and considered in his perspective, pragmatic and perceptive in his input. In addition, he was a pleasure to be around. A Trucker and a Gentleman.”

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26 FEATURE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Brunswick Show celebrates its 90th anniversary in style

The 1927 Chevrolet that was on show with executive members of the Brunswick Agricultural Society and Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI CENTRED around the theme of ‘Celebrating Rural Transport’, the Brunswick Agricultural Show attracted record crowds last Saturday and raised over $25,000 for Solaris Cancer Care. Organised by the Brunswick Agricultural Society, the historic show is Australia’s largest one-day show. It’s been running since 1931 – though plans were thrown into chaos last year when it had to be cancelled due to Covid. The only other time the event hasn’t run was for a few year during the 1940s due to WWI. And there were fears Moth-

er Nature could put a spanner in the works this time around, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. In the week leading up to the show, the area had 60mm of rain, which flooded the oval which is used to host the event. “We had our challenges but I’m a big believer in karma and by Thursday, the sun came up, Friday was a beautiful day and then Saturday was the most magnificent day we’ve for a show – and the crowd came out and supported us,” said President of the Brunswick Agricultural society, Mark Talbot, who was also behind this year’s rural transport theme. “Everything went even better than planned.”

Talbot, 57, has been part of the Agricultural Society for over 30 years and is currently in his second term as president. “I’ve been to every show – I was in a pram when I went to my first one,” he said. He’s also a beef farmer and a livestock transport operator. This year his company Wedderburn Transport is celebrating 25 years. This year, the Brunswick Show had a Transport Hub that featured video took visitors on a journey through the transport presentations of trucks working in rural WA, the promotion of careers in transport, and a display of transport through the ages. The display started with a working horse and cart,

Sludge, President of the Brunswick Agricultural society Mark Talbot and Yogi.

through to a 1912 Ford Model T, a 1927 Chevrolet truck and up to the present day with the latest pocket road train tippers and the latest C-train livestock combinations. Bunbury-based transport business MGM Group also had a pink 60-metre Ultra Quad Road Train side tipper combination on show, to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. MGM Group was named Best Exhibitor at the show. In support of National Breast Cancer Month, MGM contributed $11,500 to Solaris Cancer Care through a monetary donation and the purchase of a pink plastic life-size cow named Clarabelle. Australia’s smallest and lightest prime mover, Muscle Might, was also on show.

MGM Group displayed its pink 60-metre Ultra Quad road train side tipper to raise awareness for breast cancer. Photo: MGM Group Facebook page

Clarabelle was auctioned on the day and sold to MGM Group for $6500. The company also donated a further $10,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Continuing with the rural transport theme, Yogi and Sludge from Outback Truckers were also at the event; and the group behind Mack Muster were there too. In all, the one-day event attracted over 25,000 people.

“It really did bring everyone out,” said Talbot. “From my perspective as the president, I couldn’t be happier with everyone involved – the sponsors, those that brought equipment, everyone. It shows that we really are getting back to some sort of normality and reality. After having to cancel last year, is was a very heart-warming and humbling experience from my point of view to see it all come together.”

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28 FEATURE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

The Phillips Transport Kenworth bookends a diverse range of trucks from the Goulburn Valley region at MOVE.

A proud Peter Hill with one of MOVE’s highlights - The Ristovichis Mack Super-Liner Magnum from Kyabram.

Classic rigs get a MOVE on in the Goulburn Valley

The doors may only have been open for a few weeks, but the industry has been quick to support our newest trucking museum. BY DAVID VILE THE Macmillan Dictionary defines a museum as a building where many valuable and important objects are kept so that people can go and see them. But in the case of the recently opened MOVE (Museum of Vehicle Evolution) facility in Shepparton, Victoria, this definition only scratches the surface as the ‘important objects’ - the trucks on display which are lined up for all to see - also have their own stories to tell and a history which deserves to be acknowledged. Opened in August this year MOVE, along with the other exhibits and displays is a celebration of all things trucking in the Goulburn Valley and beyond, and with the region having such a high dependency on road freight is ideally situated to showcase the early days of road transport through to today. The MOVE facility itself is a story of evolution, having its origins back in 2012 as the Shepparton Motor Museum which was developed by local businessman Jim Andreadis.

In 2017 the ball started rolling on a truck element to the museum, as Peter Hill, executive officer of MOVE explained. “A group of local trucking identities had been thinking of building a truck museum. John Kreskas from Kreskas Brothers Transport spoke to Jim about the rich history of trucks and transport in the GV and he was very interested,” said Hill. “We gauged the interest from the local trucking fraternity, and it was absolutely incredible that on a concept they were prepared to donate a considerable amount of money, we then went to government where there was a couple of funding streams available.” With the funding secured from the local community and across all levels of government the overhaul and construction began in 2019. The project hit a hurdle in 2020 with Covid, and the subsequent delays only saw the project completed and open for visitors in August this year, only to be shut down again due to a local outbreak. Once the doors opened again the

response from the local area has been overwhelming, and with Melbourne coming out of lockdown in the last few weeks, the future looks promising. The main truck hall is set up as a walk-through of ‘Local Legends,’ with trucks on display and their company history detailed on easy-to-read banners. In keeping with the ‘evolution’ theme, the trucks found here are diverse, from an original unrestored 1927 Chevrolet tip truck which was the foundation of the Mawson’s Contracting operation based at Cohuna, through to a restored International ‘Butterbox’ ACCO, the first new truck purchased by Bill and Chris Rendevski in 1970, through to a current day Kenworth T610 owned by Leocatas Transport of Tatura. A point of difference to other museums is that the vehicles are all privately owned, with many local families having a spot within the museum to display their vehicles and history. “We do not own anything here - everything here on display is loaned, which gives us

This 1970 International C1600 ‘Butterbox’ was purchased new by Bill and Chris Rendevski.

the ability to change things around quickly,” Hill explained. “The Avenue of Legends is secured for five years, and families can put whatever they like in that spot. There is another area where we will rotate interesting trucks through, and the interest has been astounding. “There’s a lot of stuff out there with a story to it such as the Ristovichis Mack Super-Liner, which is an iconic truck and the first Kenworth that was sold in regional Victoria by Graham Thompson to the Phillips family in 1978.” Development in the display areas is ongoing with interactive touch screens and video of people telling their family and company stories being produced currently and audio tours are also being looked at in the future. A Kenworth T610 truck simulator, donated by PACCAR has been also set up for younger visitors to take a look through the windscreen around the Shepparton area. Corporate support for the project has been strong, with organisations such as Kenworth and CMV Truck and Bus getting on board, and with its ease of access and large display areas also lends itself to a range of other transport-based activities. Whilst the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley transport scene is a focus of the collection, MOVE is open to anyone who might wish to be involved, and with the building having been constructed to allow for easy expansion of its display areas, it would seem that this will be on the agenda in the near future. “Our local area is about a 60 kilometres radius, but we are happy to welcome anyone

An original 1986 Kenworth SAR has been re-acquired by the Rendevski family and is on show awaiting restoration.

who wants to display here - if someone is from Toowoomba or Perth we don’t care - it’s not a Shepparton-centric thing,” added Hill. “I don’t think it will be too long before we are filling in our other area and putting more displays in there, based on the interest we have having,” he continued. Aside to the truck pavilion, virtually anything associated with transport is on show at MOVE with a wide array of historic and muscle cars, motor bikes and automotive memorabilia, including a reproduction of a local BP service station. Further displays of twowheeled history is found in the Farren Bicycle Collection, whilst the famous Furphy water cart, which had its origins in Shepparton in the 1860s is also the focus of another display area. The MOVE precinct also houses the Loel Thompson Clothing Collection along with

the Dick Clayton collection of Gramophones, radios, and telephones. From its start-up phase through to the current exhibition space and display areas, and with passionate people such as Peter Hill directing the project, MOVE has the right formula to become a worldclass drawcard for all people with an interest in transport. “The want of the board was to make it something that people would want to travel over from all of Australia (and) there is some unbelievable history here - the response has been incredible. We are really excited in anticipation of how this will go.” MOVE is located on the Goulburn Valley Highway at Kialla and is open every day from 10am to 4 pm. Further information including admission prices and exhibitions can be found at www.moveshepparton.com.au

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30 NEWS

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Tasmanian industry celebrated at TTA awards

The ‘Titans of Transport’: Jim Miller, Bob Thorpe OAM, Robin Holyman, Robin Phillips, Chas Kelly, Barry Palmer and John de Bruyn.

THE Tassie transport industry has been celebrated by the Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA), which held its Gala Dinner and Awards Night at Wrest Point in Hobart last month. Along with recognising the outstanding achievements of those recognised at the awards, the event was also a celebration of the association’s 60th anniversary. The 2021 Tasmanian Transport Industry Achievement Awards were a highlight of the evening, with TTA chairman John de Bruyn congratulating nominees and award recipients. “We congratulate those businesses and individuals who were recognised this evening for their outstanding contribution and commitment to the Tasmanian transport industry,” he said. Kerry Hingston received the NTI Industry Achievement Award. “Kerry has contributed to

the industry over his lifetime since starting work at age 16 at the Golden Fleece terminal, before taking on the family transport business with wife Louise, growing it through innovation and customer service to the business it is today, now managed by sons Nick and Marcus,” said Shane Fairhall of NTI. Hingston is also a long term member of the TTA and the Livestock Transporters Association of Tasmania. Andrew Sutcliffe’s impeccable safety record and commitment to professionalism was recognised through receiving the NTI 2021 Professional Driver of the Year Award. Sutcliffe has worked with SeaRoad for 16 years and drives a company B-double between Devonport and Hobart, with occasional relief shifts in one of the A-doubles on the route. His nomination was resoundingly supported by

strong references from customers, attesting to his high standards of service. SRT Logistics was recognised for a range of initiatives designed to increase diversity and inclusion within their business. The business employs a significant number of new arrivals to Australia and has introduced a range of cultural diversity initiatives in the workplace including training by the Equal Opportunity Commissioner. The award was accepted for SRT Logistics by Rob Miller and presented by Steven Dietrich of TasRail. The Gallagher 2021 Transport Industry Young Achiever Award was taken out by Tyler Killingback, an outstanding third year apprentice at Hazell Bros in Hobart. “Tyler’s enthusiasm, can-do attitude and dedication to his studies, his employer and the industry, particularly to a mechanical trade, where we have a sig-

Andrew Sutcliffe from SeaRoad was named 2021 Professional Driver, and Shane Fairhall.

nificant skills shortage, makes him highly worthy of this recognition,” said Dan Quintin of Gallagher, the Award Sponsor. Though it’s been 60 years since the formal registration of the Tasmanian Road Transport Association, its roots go back to 1923 with the establishment of the Motor Carriers Association. In 1995, the TRTA was reformed to reflect the critical nature of all modes of freight transport to Tasmania – road, rail, sea and air – and, under the Chairmanship of Bob Thorpe OAM, became the Tasmanian Transport Association. Guests were treated to a unique experience with the Titans of Transport Conversation; as industry legends Barry Palmer, Robin Holyman and Chas Kelly took to the stage and recounted stories from their extensive transport heritage. Bob Thorpe, OAM, proTyler Killingback of Hazell Bros won the Young Achiever Award.

Kerry Hingston of Hingston Transport, who received the 2021 Industry Achievement award, and Shane Fairhall from NTI.

Steven Dietrich, CEO of TasRail, with Rob Miller of SRT Logistics.

vided the closing address. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Hon Michael Ferguson MP, congratulated the industry for its dedication and professionalism during the pandemic, acknowledging the extremely trying circumstances under which the industry maintained secure supply chains for Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses, with an outstanding record of achievement. Ferguson recognised the work of the TTA in producing a workforce plan and developing a model program to respond to the driver shortage in the road transport sector of the industry. The HVDL Plus program developed by the Association is an industry-led workforce development program designed to provide the wrap around skill set needed in a

safe and professional heavy vehicle driver, beyond the driving licence. He also announced a grant of $80,000 for the TTA to pilot the program and prepare 30 new heavy vehicle drivers for the industry. This follows the support provided for the Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area Strategy announced last year. CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Sal Petroccitto also commended the work of the TTA, particularly with the TTA’s Covid-19 Industry Response Guide and assistance model. Delegates of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association / Livestock Transporters Association of Tasmania joint national conference, held at Wrest Point (and livestreamed), were also in attendance.

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32 READER RIGS

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Dean Trounson shared this pic of the Kenworth T610SAR he steers for Centurion Transport, running from Perth to the far north-west of WA.

Dean Moore carts logs in the Green Triangle for Moreland Holdings in this Kenworth T409.

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!

Nobby Smith and his Kenworth T900 Legend enjoy a North Queensland sunset.

Mitchell Fahey navigates the outback as he travels the Birdsville track, SA.

A glorious photo of this Kenworth T904, taken just north of Holbrook, NSW. Thanks for sharing Jamie JB Whiting.

Ken Cathcart snapped this photo while stopped at Threeways in the Northern Territory at dawn.

Robbie Bell snapped this beauty while loading wheat for the 2021 harvest.

Jake Whiting tries to beat the rain as he’s loaded up at Yarrawonga, Victoria.

READER RIGS 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

Jas King sent this great shot of the 2016 Western Star he drives for Zig Zag Express, while passing through Goulburn.

Ian Kent snapped this beaut shot of his 2004 western Star 4864 in Dandenong South, on his way home from a truck show.

Peter Calder is all loaded up with timber, ready to take off in the Mack.

Lockwood Transport Excavation shared this shot of its 2013 Argosy carting a Kenworth mixer truck in Central Victoria.

This Nicholson & Page Transport Kenworth shines bright in a great shot shared by Owen M Weir.

Brandon Henderson hauls these triples to Weipa in Far North Queensland.

Sunset at the Tanami Desert. Thanks for sharing Kevin Bemrose.

Ted King snapped a shot of this good-looking rig, a 2006 Kenworth K104B owned by Woody’s Transport.

Coady Austin sent this great shot of four Kenworths all lined up.

Diesel Fumes Photography took this shot of a 1979 Kenworth K100 hooked up to a double road train for Dinsdale Transport of Kewdale, WA.

34 FEATURE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Sheep farmer wants a Fuso

A NEW Daimler Trucks dealership in Horsham, Victoria, has delivered its first truck to a local farmer. Wilson Bolton has recently joined the Daimler Trucks dealership network, selling and supporting Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso products. Its first Daimler delivery was a Fuso 1124 Fighter Tipper, purchased by crop and sheep farmer, Sam Eagle. Eagle runs sheep and grows crops such as wheat, barley, canola and beans on a property he operates with the help of his parents, Geoff and Merryn, wife Emily, nineyear-old daughter Penny and seven-year-old son Henry. Looking to replace a worn out farm ute and facing an eight-month wait for another one, he wondered whether a Fuso truck might do the job better. “The price difference wasn’t actually very much at all and the Fuso is so much more capable,” said Eagle. He explains that the extra payload and capacity means it can do things a ute couldn’t. “If we put a 3500kg fuel trailer on the back the ute is at maximum GCM and you can’t carry anything in the tray. “Also, during harvest, if we have a problem with a comb

Wimmera farmer Sam Eagle, front left, and Wilson Bolton salesman, Justin Beugelaar, with the Fuso Fighter tipper.

header, which are very heavy, we can’t tow it into town to be repaired with a ute, but can with the Fighter.” Other benefits include being able to carry gravel and

other material easily around the farm and haul rubbish to the tip without having to hook up with a trailer. “You just throw it all in the back, turn up to the tip,

pull the lever and the job is done,” added Eagle. He observes that the Fighter tipper has more features than the ute he was originally looking at.

“You get a lot of features, three seats, a touch screen display and a rear camera, whereas they only just made air-conditioning standard in the ute I was going to buy.”

The 1124 Fighter features a Gross Vehicle Mass of 10,000kg and a Gross Combination mass of 20,000kg. A reliable 7.5-litre six-cylinder engine delivers 177kW of power and 745Nm of torque and is teamed with a sixspeed manual transmission. Fighter models feature class leading 30,000km service intervals to help maximise uptime and reduce maintenance costs. “It is very exciting to sell our first Daimler truck and to share this milestone with a great member of the community like Sam,” said Luke Hutchinson, Wilson Bolton general sales manager. Daimler Truck and Bus President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, says it is great to see Wilson Bolton join the Daimler family. “The team at Wilson Bolton are well known for looking after their customers across the Wimmera and beyond and we are really pleased to have them selling and servicing our trucks and buses,” he says. Fuso also continues to offer a generous manufacturer warranty that covers the Fighter for five years or 300,000km, whichever comes first. Warranty conditions apply; see www.fuso.com.au for details.

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36 NEWS

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Tassie highway potholes pose danger to truckies

BY ALF WILSON

HUGE potholes on Tasmania’s Midlands Highway just north of Symmon Plains resulted in three cars blowing tyres and another damaging a rim. A Good Samaritan truckie stopped to help the stricken motorists and sent us these pics to show just how dangerous the road in that section had become. “These were very big holes and these people in the cars were either well-dressed or had no idea how to do it,” he said. The truckie said the government has spent a lot of money fixing up the Midlands Highway, which runs 190km between Launceston and Hobart. “They tell us there is just 50km left to repair and these potholes look to be on a section that was upgraded about four or five years ago,” he said.

The potholes look to be on a section that was upgraded about four or five years ago, says our source.

He said these potholes proved very dangerous for any vehicle which hit them at speed. “Tyres are not cheap either and with fuel prices rising we need to save every cent we can,” he said. The recent Midlands Highway incidents follows truck drivers complaining

about the Lyell Highway between Hobart and Strahan breaking up in places. To show just how dangerous some stretches have become, one truckie sent us this shot below of one section cordoned off by witches hats near a dip in the road that obscures oncoming traffic. A spokesperson told Big

The Department of State Growth said it places a high priority on maintaining the condition of this critical highway.

A truckie sent us this shot of one section cordoned off by witches hats.

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Huge potholes resulted in three cars blowing tyres and another damaging a rim.

of the Midland Highway, and other roads on the state road network. Wet weather can take a heavy toll on the road surface,” the spokesperson said. “The department’s contractors were at work on the Midland Highway, north of Epping Forest, on Sunday October 24 to complete temporary repairs on potholes, between 11am and 4pm.” The contractors were also on site the next day to complete more repairs on potholes that had developed over the weekend, the spokesperson added. “These temporary works will make the road safe until more longer-term repairs can be completed. A number of sections on the Midland Highway have been prioritised for resurfacing this summer.” The spokesperson also said that the public can help by reporting any problems they see to the 24/7 hotline: Ph 1300 139 933. All reports are logged and prioritised for repair. “If a member of the public calls about a current or potential road safety hazard, the contractor will immediately be called to attend the location and make it safe, until longer-term works can be completed.

“In circumstances where there are a number of issues across the road network, such as over the past weekend, making the road safe may include the placement of warning signage, to provide advanced warning of a potential hazard until the crews have finished their current job and are able to complete emergency repairs.” The department also said that on October 17 heavy rain caused a landslip next to the westbound lane of the Lyell Highway west of Ouse, between Strickland Road and the Dee River Bridge. “Investigations of the site have revealed that the damage to the road is more extensive than originally thought. The Department of State Growth is currently working with contractors on a design that will provide a permanent solution and return the road to normal operation,” the spokesperson added. “Currently one lane is closed, and a reduced speed limit is in place until works are complete to keep everyone safe. We expect to finish these works by the end of the 2021, weather permitting. “We apologise for the inconvenience and ask road users to keep to speed limits and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.”

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38 COLUMN

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Why mental health needs to be a top priority

BY KARYSSA MORRELL

MENTAL health is a significant issue for the Australian road transport, warehousing and logistics industries. With one in five truck drivers aged under 35 experiencing “severe psychological distress”, it is a more urgent matter for this sector than most. Managers and industry leaders need to put the same energy into mental wellbeing as they put on physical safety. Now is the time to act and improve wellbeing for all transport workers. Drivers spend quite a lot of time on the road by themselves. While driving, workers are left with their own thoughts and are often away from their families and friends for long stretches of time. They must manage fatigue, carry heavy loads, adhere to strict conditions and be aware of other road users – all while meeting deadlines

and delivering customer service expectations. These responsibilities make truck driving an extremely high-pressure job. As drivers are in such an isolated environment, not being able to talk to people regularly doesn’t help with processing and working through mental health challenges. While transport workplaces are increasing efforts around mental wellbeing, there is still room for improvement. Transport managers and industry leaders can all take steps, such as encouraging diversity and establishing good communication, to improve mental health and wellbeing for their employees. Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace The first step – and perhaps the most important – is being flexible and accommodating to staff. Working closely with drivers to talk about upcom-

ing schedules will help them plan and prepare their life outside of work. By communicating with workers regularly, you can help them with any issues, proactively provide support or facilitate professional counselling services. Talking with team members not only helps manage upcoming schedules, but will also help managers understand each employee’s work life balance. Everyone needs a break and you can help staff understand the importance of taking a break away from the road, with peace of mind that this is supported and encouraged by their employer. Managers can also help raise mental health awareness by encouraging employees to partake in mental health programs. I’m currently involved in the NRL State of Mind Program at a grassroots club level – which aims to increase mental health awareness, reduce the stigma around mental illness and start positive conversations to enable

WHEN PEOPLE FEEL SUPPORTED AND CAN APPROACH YOU FOR SUPPORT WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING RIDICULED OR REJECTED, THEY FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEMSELVES, AND THEIR PERFORMANCE IMPROVES.” KARYSSA MORRELL

people to get through tough times. The program helps bring people together and allows our members to feel safe and comfortable with their peers. It’s also given me more of an understanding of different ways to address mental health in the workplace and the various State of Mind initiatives. Having a community where you can freely and comfortably talk about issues helps employees feel supported.

As drivers are in such an isolated environment, not being able to talk to people regularly doesn’t help with processing and working through challenges.

Karyssa Morrell believes that Australia’s transport industry can lead the way in raising awareness about mental health.

The role diversity plays While wellbeing support initiatives are becoming more common in the workplace, many managers and transport leaders have yet to recognise the important role diversity plays. This is why I’m so excited to work with the other diversity champions within ATA and Teletrac Navman’s diversity program. The trucking industry is still a largely male dominated sector. This can create a sense of exclusion for many, and makes people more hesitant to raise issues if they don’t believe they belong. People need to feel appreciated, accepted, and respected, no matter their age, gender, race, ability, or experience. When people feel supported and can approach you for support without fear of being ridiculed or rejected, they feel better about themselves, and their performance improves. Mental illness affects one in two Australians, so we all need to offer support in any way we

can, whether it’s just listening, encouraging diversity, or facilitating professional services for more in depth issues. Australia’s transport industry can lead the way in raising awareness about mental health. We have an opportunity to create sector-wide support systems and initiatives that encourage conversations and support services for all operators and their employees, from drivers to workshop and administration staff. About the author: Karyssa Morrell is the OHSE manager at Vintage Road Haulage and a 2021 Teletrac Navman Diversity Champion. To find out more information on mental health, visit: lifeline.org.au healthyheads.org.au beyondblue.org.au injurymatters.org.au blackdoginstitute.org.au

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40 NEWS

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Meritor red brake drum range is expanding

ALL good things come in threes, hence why Meritor have expanded their brake drum product offering by introducing a further two new sizes – 5” Steer (MBD136L) and 8.62” Trailer (MBD282L) which will complement the existing 7” Drive (MBD190L). MBD136L & MBD282L also recognisable by the distinctive red colour, was chosen by the global braking leader to differentiate their new aftermarket drum offering in a crowded marketplace with unknown and often dubious levels of quality. The Meritor red paint (Meritor’s signature bull logo is also red) indicates that the product has passed Meritor’s stringent product approval process. In this case that process included rigorous testing in the same Dyno laboratory that validates Meritor’s original equipment. The tests confirmed compliance with the US government’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121 mandate for reduced stopping distance requirements. Final approval to release the new drum range came only

after further evaluation by Meritor Australia’s local Engineering team so customers in Australia and New Zealand can have peace of mind that they are fitting a quality product suitable for their needs. MBD136L, (16.5” x 5” brake size) suits many truck applications and is commonly used on American make steer axles, whilst the MBD282L, (16.5” x 8.62” brake size) suits many trailer applications found in the Australian market. Both these steel shell drums use a manufacturing process similar to that which Meritor pioneered with its X30 original equipment drum and which encapsulates the iron friction surface in a single piece steel. The result is in an extremely lightweight drum with uncompromised strength and durability. Additionally, a weight reduction of up to 20 per cent when compared to standard cast drums provides key benefits for customers with: • I ncreased payload capacity • R educed fuel consumption MBD136L & MBD282L are also machine balanced

eliminating the need for balance weights and this, combined with no weld seam due to the single piece design, delivers superior concentricity and better road handling specifically with the person behind the wheel in mind. All three drums in the extended range also come with Meritor’s 1-year unlimited kilometre warranty. “We are proud to expand on the success of MBD190L and introduce a further two sizes to the range, offering the truck and trailer aftermarket a quality product at an affordable price” said Patrick Jose, Product Manager, Meritor Australia. “Very soon we will also be releasing a range of red brake chambers to further expand our red portfolio” Meritor’s experienced customer service and technical support teams are based in Australia and backed up by local DriveForce field representatives giving customers some of the most extensive support in the industry. For further information please contact your local Meritor representative or visit meritorpartsonline.com.au.

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EXPERT ADVICE 41

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

Protect your business from overclaiming fuel tax credits When using GPS technology, remember to check: • The accuracy of the GPS route or distances travelled with other map sources roads have been correctly classified as private or public roads. • It detects vehicle idling correctly (the GPS technology product should only record fuel used when idling if the engine is running). • It is accurate when comparing the fuel used in the vehicle with the actual fuel acquired. • It’s producing a realistic off-road fuel use percentage compared to the use of the vehicle and auxiliary. equipment off public roads • The GPS record is recording time and location correctly. (You can compare a select sample of the GPS data and use other records you have, including delivery logs or a National Work Diary, to help confirm the vehicle’s time and location). If your GPS technology product is not tracking usage correctly, speak with the GPS provider. (Source: ATO) Unusually large fuel tax credit refunds that have been claimed using GPS technology are being closely reviewed.

BY NATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION RECENTLY, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released a taxpayer alert that warned organisations about the risk of overclaiming fuel tax credits (FTC). The alert also highlighted the need to consider GPS-based telematics solutions that were covered by a Product or a Class ruling, for ultimate peace of mind that your FTC reports are correct. If you’re currently using – or considering – a telematics solution to track, apportion and submit FTC claims, you may be wondering what all of this means for you. We’ve broken down what you need to know. Am I at risk of overclaiming? When claiming for fuel tax credits, businesses are entitled to claim the highest rate for fuel used other than for travel on a public road. This extends to fuel used in road construction and maintenance activities even when on public roads. Calculating this manually is notoriously difficult, which has historically resulted in many businesses claiming inaccurate amounts. However, the ATO has recently increased focus on FTC compliance as a result of significant over-claims made using some GPS systems, which rely on timed data or algorithms. Unusually large refunds that have been claimed using GPS technology are being closely reviewed, and any incorrect claims could leave you at risk of significant penalties and interest.

How can I select a GPS system that protects me from overclaiming? When you’re selecting a telematics solution to manage your FTC claims, it’s important to check for a Product or Class ruling, to give you peace of mind that the data and your subsequent claim is accurate. A Class ruling from the ATO confirms that the reports produced by the solution can be used as a record for making FTC claims. The way you interpret these reports to make your claim can still come under scrutiny. A Product ruling, in comparison, provides certainty that the ATO considers your FTC claims to be fair and reasonable, so you can rest assured that you won’t be penalised for overclaiming. Currently, the only GPS solution in Australia to have a Product ruling and current Class ruling is Teletrac Navman’s FTC Manager solution, which also offers detailed fuel tax consulting services from PPM Tax and Legal. What else should I look for in a GPS solution for FTC management? Peter Perich, director at PPM Tax and Legal, says it’s crucial to use second-by-second location data rather than relying on algorithms or timed data to calculate fuel tax credit claims. Unlike other GPS-based FTC calculation systems, Teletrac Navman’s FTC Manager operates exclusively using second-by-second, high-definition GPS data from systems already installed in customer vehicles. “This means the system can accurately calculate off-road travel and auxiliary fuel use to

maximise fuel tax rebates. It helps businesses claim a better return, to improve cashflow and re-invest the money back into the business,” said Perich. The system provides industry leading accuracy by automatically classifying the entire Australian road network as either on- or off-road. “As the only solution in Australia to be backed up by the ATO’s product ruling, it significantly minimises risk in over-claiming, and provides a far higher level of protection, to give you peace of mind.” FTC Manager falls into Teletrac Navman’s TN360 suite of AI-enabled fleet management systems, providing businesses with an all-in-one platform to streamline every element of fleet operations. To date, FTC Manager is one of the most comprehensive automated solutions available on the Australian market. With a Product and Class ruling, backed by the ATO, you can be confident that you can maximise your FTC rebates without leaving your business open to risk of penalties for overclaiming. Disclaimer: The Commissioner of Taxation (Commissioner) does not sanction, endorse or guarantee this product. Further, the Commissioner gives no assurance that the product is commercially viable, that charges are reasonable, appropriate or represent industry norms, or that projected returns will be achieved or are reasonably based. Potential participants must form their own view about the commercial and financial viability of the product. The Commissioner recommends you consult an independent financial (or other) adviser for such information.

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Truckin’ In The Outback Steven ‘Slim’ Elmore

He rates the Tanami Track as one of the toughest roads to get along.

Steven Elmore has worked for various companies in the NT.

BY ALF WILSON WORKING in some of the more remote parts of Australia, in the Northern Territory, is a genuine love for Alice Springs based truckie Steven ‘Slim’ Elmore. The 54-year-old has extensive experience travelling over many rough roads and shared some of those stories with Big Rigs.

“I am currently working for Remote Concrete out of Tennant Creek and hauling pre-mix to Humbird River in a Kenworth T904 Tri-Drive. But I have been a truck driver all around Australia,” he said. Previously Elmore carted cattle in South Australia for many years around the Port Augusta area. “I did a lot of cattle work along the Birdsville Track back

Father Jeffrey, who passed away in 2012, taught Steven to drive.

to Adelaide where they would be slaughtered before ending up as meat packs either in Melbourne, other places and even China. These were often big bulls transported by triple road trains with six deck trailers each holding 20,” he said. I asked Elmore what’s the worst road he has travelled on and it didn’t take him long to reply. The answer wasn’t surprising. “Without a doubt it would be the Tanami Track and I have been on it more times than I can remember. But I have never broken down on it because the companies I was employed by keep good gear which was well maintained,” he said. As for rest areas, Elmore reckons there are enough in the NT these days. “There didn’t used to be but now new ones are popping up along the Tanami, and Stuart and Barkly Highways which is good for truckies. A really top one is at Dingo Hill near Dunmarra,” he said. Born at Horsham in Victoria, Elmore is from a trucking family and his dad Jeffrey, who passed away in 2012, was also a driver. “Dad taught me to drive my first truck which was a

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Toyota Dyna five speed,” he said. His brother Lindsay Elmore is a truckie based in far north Queensland. “Dad got a job at Bougainville Island off PNG back in the early seventies and we all got malaria. He stayed there for some time whilst mum, Lindsay and myself had to come to Townsville which was the closest place for treatment,” he said. It was 35 years ago when Elmore arrived at Alice Springs and it has been the best decision of his life. “This is where I met my wife Debbie and we have two sons. Gregory is aged 29 and is a miner and Andrew is 25 and is a boilermaker at Wagga,” he said. It was in the NT where Elmore picked up the nickname ‘Slim’ which has stuck like glue. “I was working as a ringer on a station and we had a party and they played Slim Dusty songs. We all had a few drinks and a bloke told me the next day my nickname was Slim,” he said. A couple of NT companies Elmore liked working for were G&S Transport and Tanami Transport. As for camaraderie amongst

truckies along the highways and byways, especially after breakdowns, Elmore reckons it’s long gone. “In the eighties if you had a flat tyre many would stop and help but these days they zip past you unless you are yelling out on the side of the road. It is only the old school truckies who will offer help,” he said. Considering the vast distances he has travelled Elmore is well qualified to comment on his favourite roadhouses. “They would be Stuart Wells south of Alice Springs and Cadney Homestead Roadhouse in SA. Both are family run and they serve up good meals, have friendly people and clean facilities. I enjoy scrambled eggs and sausages for breakfast,” he said. However Elmore never goes hungry when fatigue laws force him to stay overnight away from a roadhouse. “I have a gas burner and am just preparing to have some stew heated up on it now when you called. I might even have a few cold soft drinks,” he said.

The subject of how truckies generally get on with caravan drivers is often a hot topic in the road transport industry, which results in truck drivers criticising the van people for dangerous habits and taking up too much space at rest areas. However Elmore is much more tolerant and even managed some praise for these grey nomads. “I often speak to van drivers on the UHF radio and it is amazing how many of them are retired truck drivers. They enjoy pulling up and having a yarn about their transport days. And I often think I’ll end up with a van one day,” he said. On the very important subject of how Covid-19 has affected truckies, Elmore says it was going to soon – big time. “I haven’t had my jabs yet but I am not anti vaccination. It will affect us up here as we have to have our first jab in November and our second by Christmas or face a heavy fine,” he said.

Elmore will often chat to van drivers on the UHF.

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Truckin’ In The Outback Paul Haworth

He transports dangerous goods to mine sites across WA.

Paul Haworth has worked for B&J Catalano for the past 17 years.

When Big Rigs called Paul Haworth for a chat, he was loading hydrochloric acid, bound for Tropicana Gold Mine. Haworth, 54, grew up in England, just south of Manchester, where his father had a haulage company. He moved to Perth in 1987 and is now based in the town of Australind, near Bunbury, which he has called home since 2000. Though he started driving trucks on the family farm in England when he was just 10 years old, he didn’t get his licence until he

moved down under, at the age of 21. Haworth works for B&J Catalano, where he has been for the past 17 years. “I do all the dangerous goods stuff. I’m based at a titanium dioxide plant. We look after all the raw materials here, then move the product around. The hydrochloric acid I’m currently loading is a by-product, and we bring that to the gold mines,” he explained. “With the hydrochloric acid, it’s all tanker work, but sometimes I jump on the float as well. The furthest

I travel is along the Great Central Road to the Gruyere gold mine; and Tropicana, which is the most remote gold mine in the southern hemisphere. Generally all the gold mines are within a 500 kilometre radius of Kalgoorlie. We generally cover all of the gold fields with the hydrochloric acid and do a lot of float work for the iron ore industry.” Haworth says B&J Catalano is a great company to work for, with the number of long-term employees testament to that. “Most employees have been here

for 12-15 years, some even past 25 years. It’s still a family owned company and they are very good to their employees and really look after you as well. They just bought me a brand new 2021 Mack Superliner to drive a few months ago. “I absolutely love the new truck – I really like the Macks. Ergonomically, I think they’re the best trucks on the market. The Volvo technology, which is miles ahead, has been put into these, and the fuel economy on the MP10 motors is impressive.” Speaking to Haworth, it’s clear he loves what he does. “I love travel, when I’m not working I go out travelling. I like the freedom of being out and about. I couldn’t do office work or anything like that. Once you’re out on the road, you’re your own boss pretty much. You can just cruise along and listen to audio books or podcasts,” he said. Though he acknowledges that the driver shortage is a problem for the industry.

“The whole industry at the moment is really struggling. The government needs to get involved with training schemes and offer incentives to get more people into the transport industry – but it’s very difficult for companies

to put two people in one truck and then have to pay two wages while they train someone. Everyone seems to be undercutting to get people into the job. Thankfully where I am, we rarely struggle to get drivers.”

Haworth grew up in England and moved to WA in 2000.

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Truckin’ In The Outback Nathan Brock

Brock drives a 2007 Kenworth T904, which he’s been behind the wheel of for about 18 months. As he explains, his work can be quite varied. Though it’s usually triple road trains, it can be double oversize road trains and quads too. “I do a lot of bulk dangerous goods, like ammonium nitrate, as well as general freight like

structural steel – anything that goes, I take,” he said. “My main run is into the Pilbara. Everything I cart into the Pilbara is to do with mining, but I do also go into the Kimberley. It’s not very often that I head into the Northern Territory – my last run there was into the Granites gold mine in the Tanami.

“That was my first trip down the Tanami Track and it’s definitely an experience. It’s a real eye-opener as to how remote and how badly maintained a road can be.” Brock names Nullagine as one of his favourite places to visit. “Karijini is up there too, especially during the wet season,” he added. While being away from

family so often can be tough, Brock says one of the things he enjoys most about the job is the comradery out on the road and the boys he gets to work with. “The scenery and the remoteness is a bonus too, and the places I get to go – the sort of stuff you wouldn’t normally get to see – I just enjoy everything about it to be honest.”

Nathan Brock moved from New Zealand to WA in 2009.

BY the age of 12, Nathan Brock was already driving trucks around the family farm – so it’s probably no surprise that he ended up taking that career path. Originally from New Zealand, 33-year-old Brock moved to Western Australia in 2009. “My dad always had tractors and trucks and once I

was old enough, he paid for me to get my truck licence. I was driving trucks in New Zealand for three years and then continued when I came here,” Brock said. He has worked for Bruce Avery Transport for almost three years, based at the Perth site. The company also has depots in Newman and Darwin.

Brock drives this 2007 Kenworth T904 for Bruce Avery Transport.

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Truckin’ In The Outback Leigh Butcher

Leigh Butcher started his career as a heavy truck driver in the army.

INSPIRED by his father and grandfather, Leigh Butcher, 33, developed a love for trucks at a very young age. “I grew up around trucks. My pop and my dad were both truckies. Pop did livestock; and dad did livestock and general,” he said. Butcher joined the army when he was 18, where he was a heavy truck driver. After five years, he left the army and got straight into interstate trucking, pulling tankers and road trains. Based in Swan Hill, Victoria, Butcher travels far and wide – and that’s what he loves most about the job. “I love the travel, it’s something different every day. I love travelling to Darwin, Perth, Far North Queensland, anywhere off the grid,” he said. Though with three young daughters aged two, seven and nine, the travel has also become the hardest part of the job too. “I love being away, but at the same time it’s hard when you have a family. The missus and the kids are the reason I go home, otherwise I love being on the road. The kids all love

He drives this Kenworth T900 Legend for K&M Trucking.

going in the truck too.” Though his hopes are for a different career path for his girls. “I work hard so they don’t have to,” he added. Butcher now works for K&M Trucking in Swan Hill and has been there for the past 12 months. You’ll find him behind the wheel of a vibrant

green machine – an impressive Kenworth T900 Legend, usually pulling an AB-triple filled with bulk commodities such as grain, sorghum, fertiliser and the like. When Big Rigs spoke with him, Butcher said he was spending some time in Queensland to work on the

massive harvest. He also nominated the Central Arnhem Road in the Northern Territory as the toughest he has to navigate. “You reach a top speed of about 35km/h for about 600 out of the 700 kilometre stretch. She’s pretty painful,” he added.

If you’d like to be part of Truckin’ in the Outback, please email editor@bigrigs.com.au.

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Truckin’ In The Tropics Joe Lo-Monaco FRIENDLY truckie Joe Lo-Monaco, 52, is from a well-respected family with strong connections to the road transport industry at Silkwood in North Queensland.

These days Lo-Monaco drives a 2005 Freightliner for Townsville company Tropos Excavations. “I learnt to drive from my dad Norman Lo-Monaco who was a truck driver

Joe Lo-Monaco drives a Freightliner for Tropos Excavations.

with Alf Wilson

for many decades. In 2000 we had a party for him to celebrate his 50 years in the industry. But he passed away a few years back. One of my treasured memories is a painting of his transport workshop in Silkwood,” Lo-Monaco said. Lo-Monaco was carrying dirt for the upgrade to the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ayr. “I have been interested in trucks since age 15 and it was dad who got me into driving,” he said. Lo-Monaco is of French and Italian descent and likes stopping at two roadhouses during his travels. “They are the Alligator Creek Roadhouse and the new one at Mt Elliott Springs. Both have good food,” he said. The worst road Lo-Monaco nominated is parts of the Flinders Highway with an emphasis on the 100km Hughenden to Richmond stretch. “It is up and down and very bumpy,” he said. The first truck Lo-Monaco drove was a K Model International with a Joey Box. Lo-Monaco barracks for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL and hopes they can charge up the ladder in 2020.

Lo-Monaco is very passionate about Silkwood town which is 30km south of Innisfail and just off the Bruce Highway. On his phone Lo-Monaco had pics with fond memories of his time there and of his dad. I’ve done a lot of stories and photos in Silkwood many years ago, so we had lots to talk about in the parking area when we caught up at BP Cluden – especially about an old newsagent named Jack Abraham who had ducks, chooks, cats and a giant dog living in the shop. It was in Silkwood’s main street, and despite often being named as Australia’s dirtiest shop in news reports, the 300-strong local population supported it. Truck drivers travelling the Bruce Highway would detour into Silkwood to buy a paper, a cold drink and have a yarn to Jack who was also a JP. Back in 1990 when Jack was aged 81 he told me that scores of kittens and chickens had been born in the shop. We could recall that when the train which travelled between cairns and Townsville would pass there, the fowls and ducks would wander

Joe and his late dad Norman who taught him to drive.

out of the shop. They would gather beside the railway line and staff in the railway griddle car would throw out scraps for them. “Yes I remember that well and he died a long time ago but locals still talk about

him,” Lo-Monaco said. Silkwood also had Australia’s smallest bank in the main street which could only fit three customers inside. “The bank no longer operates but the building is still there,” he said.

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Truckin’ In The Tropics Basil ‘Spitz’ Spitzkowsky

with Alf Wilson

Craig Falkingham

Newcastle-based Spitz runs his own company called BMS Haulage.

LIKE every other owner-operator, NSW driver Basil ‘Spitz’ Spitzkowsky has been affected by the big increase in fuel prices. “You have to carefully pick where you fill up and which places have the best price,” he said. Newcastle-based Spitz, 41, was checking the trailers on his Kenworth K200 at the BP Cluden when he stopped for a chat.

“I have brought up mining equipment from Newcastle for Moranbah and Townsville and will be taking general freight back to Brisbane and home,” he said. Spitz has been an owner-operator for four years and his company is BMS Haulage, however he’s been a driver for over 20 years. His favourite roadhouse is the Little Topar in NSW and says there is never enough rest

Kenworth driver Craig Falkingham loves life in the tropics.

areas for truckies. “The ones I like are where it is quiet and dark,” he said. As for Covid-19, Spitz said he had received the two jabs and it hadn’t really affected him. “You just have to abide by the right procedures,” he said. His hobbies include repairing old cars and motorbikes. Currently, Spitz is working on a 1984 W model with his dad.

COBURG born Craig Falkingham is now a driver based in the North Queensland town of Mackay and loves life in the tropics. “Although it is a bit hot today,” he said when Big Rigs saw him in Townsville in the 35-degree heat. He works for Callcorr Heavy Haulage and parked his Kenworth while waiting for a call to pick up part of a wash plant to deliver to Adani in

Central Queensland. “It will be a wide load with police escorts and the works,” he said. Aged 53, Falkingham has been a truckie for more than 20 years including some time driving in Western Australia. “The roads in WA are far superior overall than in Queensland,” he said. Falkingham likes stopping at the Little Topar Roadhouse and the Torrens Creek Hotel on his

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travels, saying that they cater well for truckies. He said there was a shortage of rest areas and added that van drivers often take up too much space. Covid-19 has affected Falkingham, as he explained: “I had to cancel a holiday,” he said. The first truck he drove was an AEC with a 653hp engine. Falkingham barracks for Collingwood in the AFL and the Cowboys in the rival NRL.

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WA CAMPAIGNER CAM DUMESNY

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AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

AIR CTI founder/owner

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

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

48 EXPERT ADVICE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Harvest time and certificates of currency I SPY ON THE ROAD ISPY@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

INSURANCE GURU MARK BROWN

Manager, TBI Insurance Services

HARVEST time is without doubt one of the busiest times of the year for many transport operators and when we say transport operator, there are actually two types of transport operators. Those that operate 12 months a year and those that drag their old prime mover and maybe a trailer out of the shed, dust of the cob TELEMATICS EXPERT webs, get it passed SHANNON KYLE for rego and it back toTeletrac workNavman for 3 Safetyput solutions specialist, months, and thank goodness for these three-months-a-year operators as they fill a vital role during a very busy time of the year and the farmers would be in a world of pain trying to get the crop off in time without everyone chipping in to get the job done. Whilst we are all busy gearing up for harvest, a critical job that is often easily forgotten is to ensure that all

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport Women Australia

THE OZ TRUCKER MIKE WILLIAMS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN TWU NSW State Secretary

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

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

A critical job that is often easily forgotten is to ensure that all sub-contractors working for you provide you with a copy of their insurances.

sub-contractors working for you,LOBBYIST provide you with a copy of their insurances. STEVE SHEARER IfSAthey are transport Road Transport AssociationoperaExecutive Director tors the basic insurances they will require are Commercial Motor, Marine Transit, Public Liability & Workers Compensation before they commence work and do not allow them to commence work until such time you are comfortable that they are insured adequately. We would encourage you to provide the required certificates of currency to your in-

surance broker to check them for you. If checking the certificates of currency yourself, bear in mind that each insurers certificate of currency will differ in some way, here are some general tips for some of the things you will need to look for on each certificate. Commercial Motor: • Certificate must be on the insurer’s letterhead and signed by the underwriter/ insurer • Insureds name matches the

sub-contractors business/ trading name and associated entities • Date the certificate was issued is no more than 14 days old • Period of cover and will it expire prior to the work be completed • Trailer in Control sum insured is adequate and type of trailers covered and radius limit are correct for any trailers owned by you that the sub-contractor has borrowed and will be towing. (Note; Trailer In Control

is per item and only for Trailers that are Borrowed, if towing two trailers and a dolly that are borrowed, you may need to have 3 Trailer in Controls) • If you have a financial arrangement for your equipment between you and a sub-contractor then those items Must be noted on the sub-contractors policy schedule (Leased or hired trailers are not covered under Trailer in Control) • E nsure the Commercial Motor policy has adequate

(Section 2) liability for the work being conducted on your behalf. Note: Road registerable vehicles need to carry their own liability as road registerable vehicles are often Excluded under a standard public liability policy. If you believe that you don’t need to insure your truck or trailer because you own it, you would be wrong! You still need to have Section 2 Liability on those items regardless of whether you own it or not. Marine Transit: • Certificate must be on the Insurers letterhead and signed by the underwriter/ insurer • Certificate has a policy number • Insureds name matches the sub-contractors business/ trading name and associated entities • Date the certificate was issued is no more than 14 days old • Period of cover and will it expire prior to the work be completed • Does the certificate stipulate if the policy is comprehensive or defined events -

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 They are different and you will need to determine if defined events will provide adequate cover for your purposes • Type of freight being carried is appropriate to the freight to be carried and Sum insured is adequate to cover the entire value of the load • Radius is adequate for the task being undertaken • Your interest as the Principle Contractor are noted on the Certificate of Currency (Note: tobacco and alcohol are not always automatically covered under the guise of general freight.) Public Liability: • Certificate must be on the Insurers letterhead and signed by the underwriter/ insurer • Certificate has a Policy number • Insureds name matches the sub-contractors business/ trading name and associated entities • Business description is correct for the industry and work being carried out • Date the certificate was issued is no more than 14 days old • Period of cover and will it expire prior to the work be completed • Liability limit is adequate to fulfil your contractual agreement • Have you been noted on the certificate as an interested party for being the principle contractor

Farmers would be in a world of pain trying to get the crop off in time without everyone chipping in to get the job done.

Workers Compensation: • Certificate must be on the Insurers letterhead and signed by the underwriter/ insurer • Certificate has a policy number • Insureds name matches the sub-contractors business/ trading name and associated entities

• B usiness description is correct for the industry and work being carried out • Period of cover and will it expire prior to the work be completed Requesting certificates of currency before allowing any contractor to commence work on behalf of your business is a very important part of your

business responsibilities and ensuring those certificates are adequate for your business operations are equally as important. We would encourage all operators request a certificate of currency from all sub-contractors that you engage and then follow up with a request for another certificate of cur-

rency a month later, ensuring the second certificate of currency is no more than seven days old. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous operators will shop around brokers/insurers just to find an insurer whom will provide a certificate of currency before the premium has been paid, and then don’t bother

paying the premium for it. Simply by requesting a second certificate a month later with a more recent issue date will allow you to weed out the rogue operator. Important: All information contained within this article should be considered as General Advice Only. This advice should only be considered as General in Nature and its intent is only to prompt the readers to investigate their own individual insurances. It has been prepared without taking into account the readers own individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, before acting on the above advice, the client or any persons should consider its appropriateness (having regard to their objectives, needs and financial situation) and seek further independent advice from their own financial advisor. Important: All answers and information contained within this article should be considered as General Advice Only. This advice should only be considered as General in Nature and its intent is only to prompt the readers to investigate their own individual insurances. It has been prepared without taking into account the readers own individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, before acting on the above advice, the client or any persons should consider its appropriateness (having regard to their objectives, needs and financial situation) and seek further independent advice from their own financial advisor.

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50 COLUMN contributors@bigrigs.com.au

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

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Ongoing threat to job security EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

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

IT is a hard day for transport workers, when two of the major transport companies across Australia, take on a hard stance against those who work for them. StarTrack and FedEx are lacking in their duty of care and are failing to respect their workforces when it comes to negotiating for a better deal. StarTrack has walked away from negotiations; in fact, it has been hard to get them to the table all year. They are stubbornly refusing many requests to meet worker representatives and finalise agreements in their yards. The TWU has made some wins; we are looking to settle for fair outcomes for all members on contracting out protections, moving to a single agreement with a common expiry date, stronger dispute

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

resolution and recognition for work done during the Covid period. FedEx, have engaged in heavy-handed tactics, that they might think LEGAL EAGLEworks in American yards,KING but not here. ROWAN WeLawyer haveRKrepeatedly remindPrincipal Law ed them negotiation between members and the company is how it works. Late at night at the bargaining table and through a flyer to workers, FedEx attempted to strong arm the workforce into accepting a substandard pay and Agreement expiry offer. They have also now refused to come back to the negotiating table. FedEx exploited workers’ good faith. These two companies are the outliers in an industry where five major companies, Linfox, Toll, Global Express, BevChain and CEVA have already settled with the TWU for better deals for worker. These deals include job security, site rates for outsourced drivers, 15 per cent super and ratios in favour of the proper utilisation of current employees. A strong and united TWU membership is the support base behind the Agreements

It’s been hard to get StarTrack to the negotiation table all year, says the TWU.

won over the past few weeks. The TWU is questioning company motivations, StarTrack workers have not received a pay rise in two years, yet head executives at Australia post are receiving exorbitant bonuses. Lead negotiator Sue Davies on her own, received a pay packet of over $1.5 million, with a bonus almost 100 per cent of her salary. Mean-

while the company still refuses to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer for workers. When most of the industry has fallen in line, these two companies are refusing to reveal why they are not ready to come to the table. It shows a clear lack of respect for the people on and off trucks that kept their businesses moving forward and built the profits

for bonuses and more, during the pandemic. It should not have come to this; the federal government should have regulated the industry to protect secure transport jobs, but has not. Workers have no choice but to fight back. The industry faces enough every day, like Transurban Linkt toll roads, higher fuel

prices and insecurity at work. There is a workable blueprint sitting on the Prime Minister’s desk: a landmark Senate report recommending an independent body to create and enforce minimum standards in transport, which would also tackle the ‘Amazon Effect’ crushing the industry. It is time Scott Morrison implemented it.

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Freight short-shifted in city transport report VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

AS our larger jurisdictions in Sydney and Melbourne reopen their economies after months of lockdown, it is vital that civic leaders do as much as possible to attract people back to the cities for work and recreation to support and rejuvenate crippled businesses. Access to these and other jurisdictions is always important, but especially so right now with shops and restaurants needing reliable supply chains to re-stock shelves and pantries and support their recovery. So, it was disappointing that a report commissioned by the City of Melbourne to assess transport activity and identify actions to support its recovery from the pandemic ignored supply chains and freight operators that service retail, hospitality and other

The report gives little consideration to workers who rely on motorised vehicles for their livelihood.

CBD businesses left devastated by lockdown. The Deloitte report contained several recommendations to help the city recover from Covid and encourage people to return to the city for work and recreation, with an overwhelming focus on incentivising bicycle and public transport uptake and re-tasking parking infrastructure to

support retail and hospitality. The key interventions recommended by Deloitte included encouraging flexible work hours to manage peak demand, implement real time transport tracking and capacity data of public transport, investigating demand-responsive parking pricing and re-allocating road and parking space for local activation.

Unfortunately, the report was heavily skewed towards cycling and public transport and gave little consideration to workers that relied on motorised vehicles for their livelihood. Not everyone has the luxury of living within 10 kilometres of the city and being able to jump on a bike or a train to get to work in town, so it’s disconcerting those who drive a car are being marginalised with less parking infrastructure that will cost them even more to use during working hours. It’s also disappointing freight operators that city traders rely on for deliveries barely rated a mention, with the word ‘freight’ appearing just six times in an 85-page report, compared with 185 uses of the word ‘bicycle’ or ‘bike’. It’s astonishing that a report about transport doesn’t once use the word ‘truck’. Covid has proven people are quite capable of working from home and if the City of Melbourne genuinely wants to attract people back into town, it shouldn’t be pitting transport modes against each other

and alienating those that have no other choice but to drive into the city for work or pleasure. Deloitte didn’t once consult the freight industry in preparing its report, and if it had the industry would have provided constructive advice about integrating freight transport with people transport. Freight operators understand the need to balance the provision of infrastructure that underpins an integrated transport network, but this can’t be at the expense of reducing common sense necessities like loading zones for delivery vehicles and lanes that are wide enough to safely accommodate trucks servicing construction sites. Genuine consultation is not simply providing advice that a report has been prepared – it’s reaching out to understand constraints, needs, challenges and opportunities, and on this measure the Deloitte report completely underwhelms. A council meeting a few days after the report was released in early October deliberated the report, with most councillors supporting

COLUMN 51

the interventions that were recognised. However, it was also acknowledged that the introduction of cycling infrastructure was rushed, and that more time was needed to understand the impact on the broader transport network. The VTA welcomes the pause in the deployment of dedicated bicycle lanes on the city’s road network that was unanimously supported in the meeting, so a proper evidenced-based assessment of where this infrastructure can be most effectively deployed can be made. The ad hoc placement we have now of dedicated bike lanes on virtually every city street is not an effective way to use the road network. Studies are needed to inform where this infrastructure is needed, as well as the safety and practical limitations it may present for other modes of transport. The VTA supports the separation of cycling traffic from buses and trucks. However, the placement of this infrastructure must be guided by traffic flow analysis and other intelligence that unfortunately was never collected.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Exciting times ahead for TWAL

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

OCTOBER was a rather busy month for Transport Women Australia Limited even though we had to again postpone our Driving the Difference Conference, the new dates are June 3-5, 2022. Women AusTHETransport OZ TRUCKER tralia Limited MIKE WILLIAMSand Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacontributors@bigrigs.com.au cific had a huge response to the Driving the Difference scholarships; applications are now closed, and we will be announcing the six winners on November 16. Visit bigrigs.com.au after that date to find out more. The awardees will be presented at our end-of-year functions in the state where they are based, wherever posLOBBYIST sible. SHEARER STEVE The dates for all these SA Road Transport Association Executive Director functions are set and the information can be found on

the TWAL social media. We have planned dinners in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Wollongong and our usual fantastic breakfast in Brisbane. EDITOR We GRAHAM are hoping to hold a JAMES dinner in Albury/Wodonga james.graham@bigrigs.com.au before Christmas and then in Tasmania and some regional areas early in the New Year. All events will be conducted according to the relevant Covid rules in place at that time and set by the hosting State. We will be bestowing the Trish Pickering Memorial TWU NEWS Award at Melbourne dinRICHARD the OLSEN nerNSW to State an Secretary outstanding womTWU an in the transport community, and we are so excited about the 2021 recipient. We thank our wonderful sponsor, Wes Pickering for establishing this award. Previous beneficiaries have been Pam McMillan (2019) and Phyllis Jones OAM (2020). During the past month we launched our Instagram [instagram.com/transportwomenaustralialimited] and ran a competition with four weekly winners and an overall winner, winning prizes of

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

The inaugural Trish Pickering Memorial Award was awarded to Pam McMillan at the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner of TWAL in November 2019.

eGift Cards. It was a fun way to launch the account and we had some great photos. Our YouTube channel and the new website are to follow in the next few weeks. We are so excited at everything that is happening right now. The TWAL Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom on November 29, 2021, and all members are

invited to attend. Details have been emailed to members but can also be obtained by contacting TWAL. Expressions of Interest for new board members have also been sent, we are specifically looking for board members with skills in corporate governance, social media, and website management, to name some of the requirements. Our Creating Connec-

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tions Mentoring Programme has been in the spotlight this month with a video endorsement by Janelle Greene (NTI) and Ann Impala (Allied Seafreight) and written endorsement from Annastasia Denigan (Qube) and Rachel Michaud (Knorr Bremse). We have had a renewed interest in our Women Driving Transport Careers

programme following the initiative being recognised as a finalist in the Industry Collaboration section of the Victorian Training Award. Our first courses since Covid are set to commence in Melbourne after Christmas. For any issues regarding Transport Women Australia Limited, please email chair@ transportwomen.com.au or phone 0417422319.

COLUMN 53

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

Law review a complete waste of time and money Rigs readers helped. With Big Rigs, we ran campaigns in 2019 and 2020 to get your views about the law and what needed to be fixed. We passed 551 pieces of constructive feedback to the NTC. In addition, the ATA lodged 11 detailed policy submissions ourselves. Each submission involved a review of best practice and consultation with our members. We spent tens of thousands of dollars on consultants. In some cases, we provided the NTC with draft legislation that could have been introduced into parliament immediately. It was all for nothing. In the three years since it started, the review has not resulted in a single change to the national truck law or its regulations. Instead, last month, we saw the NTC’s first piece of finished work on the review: a proposal to replace standard hours with a new system of counting work and rest time. The proposal would have been catastrophic. It would have reduced the income of a semi-trailer driver doing local deliveries by $24,000 per year.

ATA CHAIR DAVID SMITH Australian Trucking Association

THE review of the national truck law has proved to be a waste of time and money. We need to start again. The review started in November 2018, after the ATA and our members pointed out the problems with the existing law. We pointed out that the law was stitched together from 13 different sources. All that was missing were bolts in its neck. We highlighted the complexity of the work and rest hour rules and the massive fines for drivers who made mistakes in their work diaries. And we pointed out that the industry’s productivity had slumped since the law was introduced. We provided comprehensive input to the review team at the National Transport Commission (NTC) – and Big

The NTC proposal to replace standard hours with a new system would have been catastrophic.

The NTC sent the proposal out for one week of industry consultation. It was based on a handful of academic research papers, rather than the 551 suggestions you put forward. The ATA’s recommendations were ignored. In its consultation meeting on the proposal, the NTC wouldn’t let us raise critical points, such as the need to trial

the proposed hours either on the road or in a simulator. After a week of vigorous discussion, the NTC decided to withdraw part of the proposal. We should all welcome the NTC’s decision, but it does not fix all the problems with its approach to fatigue or address the broader issues with the review. When they meet in Decem-

ber, Australia’s transport ministers should start again. They should put together a panel of actual experts, supported by a small staff, to develop an approach to the national truck law based on best practice from around the world and your on the road insights. The NTC’s work on the review would be an input to the panel’s work, as would the

detailed submissions put by industry. Given this head start, the expert panel should be able deliver a law that could come into force in 2023, a year ahead of any timeframe that the NTC process is likely to achieve. And you could expect it to be a much better law than this waste of time and money.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Rising fuel price woes litre over here,” he said. The gentleman of the road said there were “roadworks everywhere”. “With Covid-19 I wonder where all the money is coming from for the roadworks,” he said. Furler likes stopping at the Caltex Clare and BP Roseworthy Roadhouses and reckons work won’t get any quieter in coming months. “The grain season is looming,” he said.

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Busy veteran SA driver You can’t keep a good man down. Veteran South Australian truckie John Furler sold his Mercedes Benz last February with plans to retire after decades negotiating the highways and byways. However the 67-year-old finds himself still doing the job he loves, carrying pellets of wine in SA from Clare to Nuriootpa. “It is a short trip, about 80km each way, but I like it and get to drive a Mack and a Western Star,” he told Spy. Furler now works for a company and feels for owner operators around the country following the high rise in fuel prices. “Diesel is around $1.59 a

Old school licence When cops and scalies are spoken about by drivers, they generally get bagged. A truckie told Spy it wasn’t always that way and an experience he had with a country cop when he was aged 15 resulted in his now long career as a truckie. “I used to drive an old truck off registered roads near my family property and this cop spotted me and told my father,” he said. His dad advised him to go down to the local police

station as the police sergeant wanted to see me. “The cop was old school and gave me a good talking to and told me never to drive it on a public road. He also advised me that if I did the right thing and got a licence when I was the right age I would make a nice living driving trucks,” he said. Thirty years down the track and that’s exactly what’s occurred.

Apple a day An apple a day keeps the doctor away or that is what the old adage tells us. But it doesn’t say anything about keeping the dentist away, as a middle aged NSW driver can attest to. This friendly gent had two front teeth missing which will require extensive and expensive dental work. “I had a root canal done on a front tooth and afterwards was driving along the highway enjoying an apple and bit on it and it came out and cracked the one next to

it,” he said. He copped a fair bit of wry humour from mates and now he has to book in to have replacement teeth. Now, Spy reckons, “All he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth.”

Vans and trucks Driving habits of caravan travellers on our highways and byways is a major angst for most truckies. An average of 75 per cent of truckies I have spoken to this year state that. However, Spy was surprised about the opinion of one NT truckie on the subject. This middle-aged lad is very tolerant of grey nomads, as he explained, “I often speak to van drivers on the UHF radio and it is amazing how many of them are retired truck drivers. They enjoy pulling up and having a yarn about their transport days. And I often think I’ll end up with a van one day,” he said. Some of the ex-truckies have told him it has provided

Roadhouse worker Breeannan Ringberg hard at work.

a break from constant nagging from their partner. However, on the flip side, a WA driver told Spy, “Highways are our home and van drivers are just visitors. They need to show us more respect,” he said.

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Receive the latest eNews 3 times a week straight to your inbox on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone. Stay up to date with the latest industry news and get access to some exclusive subscriber offers. A truck and van travel in opposite directions, often in more ways than one.

Scuba diver query As roadhouse worker Breeannan Ringberg was hard at it cleaning the floors of a popular eatery, she was asked a strange question by a customer. “Are you a scuba diver because you look like one?,” he said. Ringberg laughed as she realised he was referring to the vacuum cleaner attached to her back, which did resemble an oxygen bottle used by divers. It was at the big BP Cluden which is popular with truck drivers from around the country. “I have been a cleaner here for around three weeks and like

it,” she said. It was comfortable inside with the air conditioning working overtime. But outside the temperature was in the mid thirties and Ringberg said, “After work I wouldn’t mind going scuba diving”. FOOTNOTE: If you come across a friendly worker at a roadhouse, we want to know their name so Spy can track him or her down and recognise their efforts. Fluid over-load embarrassment A driver aged in his sixties was feeling ill and having trouble breathing so his wife phoned 000 and he was rushed to the local hospital emergency ward. This resulted in a three-day stay and the patient was diagnosed with fluid overload. Doctors had to drain excess fluid from his legs and body and to achieve the best result

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021

the region. Don’t go swimming in the ocean as there has been a number of shark attacks on humans. Gift from a cop Old Spy was driving along a quiet suburban street when he saw a police car and an officer who was conducting alcohol breath tests. My test returned negative but I was prompted to ask the friendly cop why he was situated along what was a less than busy route with few vehicles negotiating it. “It is because I have parked under a big shady tree,” he said with a laugh. Who could argue, as it was very hot that day. After completing my test, Spy was somewhat surprised to receive an unexpected gift from the officer. He handed me the tube which you blow into with this

Trucks on the popular tourist resort of Hamilton Island.

he had to have a regular dose of Furosemide through a drip. Much to his chagrin, he also had to have a catheter attached to his private parts. A catheter is a tube that is inserted into your bladder, allowing your urine to drain freely. This proved very embarrassing and the lad was reluctant to proceed. But there was a male nurse on ward who had been a medic in the Australian Army and during a stint in Afghanistan had driven numerous trucks. The truckie felt comfortable with him inserting the catheter and they yarned about their experiences. The end result was that the lad had 18 litres of fluid removed and left hospital 13kg lighter. “I had a tune up just like my truck does from time to time,” he said. Whilst in hospital, the loss of fluid did cause some minor problems including a painful case of cramps in the legs. Anybody who has suffered cramps knows just how painful they can be. Several nurses rushed to his aid and soon after one arrived with two magnesium tablets.

remark, “Because of Covid-19 we have to give them to people we test,” he said. Narrow bridges Along the back roads that drivers get along are some amazing scenery and often narrow bridges. Only one vehicle can cross the bridge at a time and usually there is a ‘give way’ sign at one end. One such bridge is on the way to Pepina Falls on the Atherton Tablelands. It is located in a little seen area off the Old Palmerston Highway (the scenic route between Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe). Spy travelled it recently and the greenery along the way and general scenery is breathtaking. Truckies tell me the road needs care when using it, but it cuts some time off the trip and is well worth it.

Amazingly the cramps were gone in no time and as a bonus the lad received a leg message from a nurse. “I haven’t had cramps since my football days and wouldn’t wish them on anybody – the pain is terrible,” he said. Hamilton Island With travel restrictions about to be eased for Queensland, Spy hears a group of intestate truckies are planning a holiday together on Hamilton Island. A popular tourist destination, it is part of the Whitsunday Group and is one of the only islands in the Great Barrier Reef with its own commercial airport, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. One driver who got in early visited Hamilton Island during October and sent Spy a couple of pics from there of trucks. There was a light truck which is used to empty wheelie bins and the other was a trailer which was near the local golf course. He did get stung by a blue bottle whilst swimming off a beach and has a warning for others who may visit

The narrow bridge heading to Pepina Falls on the Atherton Tablelands.

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56 WHAT’S ON

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Show calendar fills up fast

The Illawarra Convoy and Family Fun Day is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the southern hemisphere.

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. NOVEMBER Mt Gambier Family Truck Show November 27 Mt Gambier Showgrounds, SA Visit: mgfamilytruckshow. com.au The convoy departs 9.30am from Penola to the Mount Gambier Showgrounds. Entry to the showgrounds is by way of a gold coin entry, with all money raised going to families within the local community. For more information ph 0407 712480, or email info@ mgfamilytruckshow.com.au. NB: This year’s Family Fun Day will not be going ahead due to Covid issues. 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.

Vawdrey Trailers. Gates open 9am to 4pm. Featuring over 200 market stalls, food stalls, live entertainment 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.

DECEMBER Illawarra Convoy December 5 Illawarra, NSW Visit: illawarraconvoy.com. au The Illawarra Convoy and Family Fun Day is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, raising much needed funds for various charities.

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

Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show December 11 Bathurst Showground, NSW Visit: bathursttruckshow. com.au Sponsored by Gilbert & Roach, Huntingwood and

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.

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.

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

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.

This year’s Mt Gambier convoy departs from Penola at 9.30am on November 27.