Kayla Walsh, Tiarna Condren, Alex Catalano, Tiane Gavillucci
Contributors Warren Aitken
Art Director Daz Woolley
Cover image Supplied by Mack
Above image Alisha Campbell / The Farmers Friend Photography
Advertising Business Development Manager Fabian Presta, 0411 059 305 fabian.presta@primecreative.com.au
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Deals News
9 Volvo shows its green steel stance
Deals Upfront
12 W hat makes the Mack Super-Liner so iconic? We take a look
Deals Data
18 Truck sales slightly on the up Top Deals
22 2016 Peterbilt 587
24 2017 Isuzu FRR 107-210
26 2006 Mitsubishi Fighter
28 2013 Kenworth T659
32 2009 Kenworth T408
34 2010 Kenworth K108
36 1979 Mack R Series
Deals Showcase
38 New horizons for Gorski
42 A AA Trailers expansion
56 Trailer Stonestar's new tipper
130 Isuzu Traypacks: the perfect choice
Deals Events
46 Truck shows for your calendars
51 Making the Rounds
58 Mackay truckies show up for kids
62 Coolgardie musters up plenty of trucks
68 Golden Oldies roll in
72 Wonders of Wondai
76 Lowood Truck Show draws a crowd
78 Truck pull fun in Thallon
Deals People
82 Young truckie kicking goals
128 Unsung hero helps struggling farmers
Deals Opinion
101 NatRoad on investing in a green future
104 A rare 1946 Chevy brought back to life
Deals Tech
100 The latest truckie gadgets and more
Deals Features
90 A-Plus Towing's one-of-a-kind Scania
94 New program combats rollovers
98 Truck sends important message
110 Toots: a woman in a man's world
114 J KD Racing on the tracks
120 More than a museum
126 The incredible SeaWorld boat truck
132 Marketplace Trucks, trailers, buses and more for sale
133 Parts Trader Parts, wreckers, engines and more for sale
152 Hot Deals
Hot hand-picked truck deals!
207 Plant & Equipment Forklifts, tools, generators and compressors for sale
215 Private Advertising
Sell your item!
217 Index
211 Ready to Work Australian welders are highly productive and ready to work, according to a new survey, but adoption of new technologies could help boost the industry further, Weld Australia says.
Spring is here and so too is a big boost in the number of truck shows and events timed to coincide with the warmer months of the year.
Those keen to catch up with friends and check out the chrome-themed eye candy have plenty of choices including Gold Coast Truck Show (September 29), Wauchope, NSW (October 4-7), Lights on the Hill Convoy, Toowoomba (October 5-6), Top Gun Truck & Car Show in Kyneton, Vic (October 6), and another 15 events around the country in October alone. Check out the events calendar from page 46.
Welcome
to Issue 510 of your Deals on Wheels Magazine
Staying on the theme of truck events, this month's edition includes stories and pictures from the Mackay Konvoy for Kids, Coolgardie Rodeo and Truck Muster, Golden Oldies in Dubbo, Wondai Truck Show, Lowood Truck Show and the Thallon Truck Pull, starting from page 58.
We take a look at Ross Transport's stunning
new truck wrapped in a colourful design to promote men's mental health – a timely reminder to look out for each other and not be afraid to ask friends and family if they are OK, even if you have to ask more than once (see page 98).
We also share stories on a number of characters from across the transport industry including 24-year-old cattle transporter Rochelle Storr (page 82), Donna Vawdrey telling the tale of her famous truck driving mother Toots (page 110) and Linda Widdup, the most recent Dream Maker Award winner and founder of Aussie Hay Runners (page 128).
The National Transport Museum in Alice Springs opens its doors to our readers (page 120) and we take a look behind the scenes to understand how a Western Star truck ended up floating on water and shooting out fire as part of a popular tourist park attraction (page 126).
We explore the world of truck trailers with the latest news from Gorski Engineering (page 38), AAA Trailers (page 42), and Trailer Stonestar (page 56), and trucks at work with A Plus Towing (page 90) and Stop Slow Traffic Control (page 130). If you have story to share, drop me a note at geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
STEEL WET 1 WATER TANK
Isuzu trucks are at the heart of Stop Slow Traffic Control's story this month
Volvo’s green steel
One of the world’s biggest truck manufacturers is putting its body on the line to save the environment
As each new day ticks by, the deadlines set by governments for lower CO2 emission targets all around the world draw closer.
For European-based businesses in particular, where targets are among the most stringent in the world, the timelines are pushing forward innovation, turning the spotlight on emission control in elements that go into the creation of products, as well as the emission levels generated from final products themselves.
For the team at Volvo Trucks, which is already heavily invested in the production of electric and alternative fuel trucks to lower emissions once the trucks hit the road, taking a look at the materials it uses to create each truck is another way of reducing its environmental impact.
Volvo has committed to bringing low emission Swedish steel from SSAB into its plants from 2025. It will be used in thousands of trucks, not just the electric variety where it has been trialled since 2022.
The steel is produced with recycled material using fossil-free electricity and biogas, reducing CO2 during its production by 80 per cent.
The company says that next year, the frame rails in around 12,000 Volvo FH and FM trucks will be made of low-CO2-emission steel, result in savings of 6,600 tons of CO2 Equivalents.
“This is an additional step towards our zero emissions vision,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Senior Vice President Product Management and Quality, Volvo Trucks.
“Steel is one of the main materials in our trucks. We are also looking to exchange other materials, such as aluminium and plastic, to low emission alternatives. We are proud to lead the way in the industry when it comes to sustainable material in our trucks.”
Volvo Trucks is committed to the Paris agreement and to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain by 2040, at the latest.
“We are continuously striving to further minimize our climate footprint,” Hjelmgren says.
“We are also moving towards greater circularity in both our operations and our trucks. Many of our factories, transports and dealers are today running on renewable energy.”
Volvo Trucks is set to boost its use of Swedish supplier SSAB's "green" steel, which is created using fossil-free electricity and biogas
Unit 1/71 Axis Place, Larapinta, Brisbane, QLD, 4110, Australia
We take a look at the history of the Mack Super-Liner, and why it’s such a big name in trucking
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Mack Trucks
Australia
1966: The introduction of the R series — seen here in its initial Australian “Flintstone” (steel bonnet) form, set the scene for the Super-Liner
2017: Boss Logging showing off the Super-Liner’s suitability for logging applications.
Last month, we talked about the iconic Kenworth T909 and why it endures as one of Australia’s most popular trucks.
Now, we’re moving on to another beloved rig — the Mack Super-Liner.
Many truckies won’t be pried away from their Super-Liners, swearing by their comfort and power.
So, let’s take a closer look at why it’s considered to be the king of the Macks.
History of the Super-Liner
The Super-Liner name is firmly established in Australian trucking history.
It’s had many variations over the decades, seeing several different bonnets, cabs and engine families. At one time, over 840
different paint colours were available.
In fact, there were so many options under the Super-Liner moniker that at one point, you could reportedly build over 2,000,000 different versions of it without repeating the specs!
The Super-Liner earned its iconic status thanks to its durability and performance, during a time when the transport industry was experiencing ever-growing demand and productivity challenges.
Mack set the stage for the Super-Liner with the introduction of the R series in the US back in 1965.
The release of the R series in Australia the next year followed the growth of Mack’s assembly operation in Rocklea, Queensland into a full-scale production and development facility.
Mack’s largest R series highway version, the R700, rolled off the production line in 1966, making it the first Mack on Australian roads that offered engines producing greater than 300hp (224kW).
In the following decades, the R700 would evolve into the famous series of Super-Liners.
A large bonnet version of the R700, which had enough space for a big engine block and cooling capacity, was released in the United States in 1977.
1977: Mack in the US recognised the need for a premium high performance conventional and launched the Super-Liner
2013: BHG Construction putting their Super-Liner to the test
1979: The first Super-Liner — a Cat 3408-powered RW700RSX, delivered to Cleary Bros
2014: Badgi Toll using the Super-Liner for road train work
1980: The SuperLiner is released in Australia
It was called the RW, or Super-Liner — but it wouldn’t arrive in Australia until three years later.
2016: Geoff Richard’s rig with some cool paintwork
2019: G1Logistics’ Super-Liner riding into the sunset
At the same time, Mack was working on a more powerful 400hp (298kW) V8 diesel, initially known as an EZ1000, reflecting its cubic inch (16.4 litre) displacement.
This engine, in its later E9 500hp (373kW) form, would give the Super-Liner its enduring appeal and its signature exhaust note.
This engine still needed to be tested in the harsh conditions Down Under, so the choice was made to construct three RW700 evaluation units using the now R model chassis, which had already been given the local seal of approval.
The first RW700RSX was delivered to Cleary Bros in Port Kembla, New South
Wales in 1979, to be used in their low loader operations.
The fourth Super-Liner to be made in Australia was the first to have the newer V8 Mack engine fitted.
Every part has changed in the past four decades — even the bulldog on the bonnet, whose ears have been shortened.
Some special editions have been released over the years, to mark occasions like Australia’s 200th birthday and 100 years of Mack in Australia.
The BiCentennial series, which was released in 1988, featured just 16 limited edition Bulldogs, each one bearing the name of a famous figure in Australian history, from John Flynn to Ned Kelly.
Then in 2019, Mack released its 100-year
Truckie testimonial
Andrew James, owner of Jamesy’s Transport in Benalla, Victoria recently picked up a brand-new Super-Liner from CMV Truck & Bus in Wodonga.
It’s his first new truck, and he intends it to be his last — so there was quite a lot of riding on his choice, but he’s loving the truck so far.
“We needed this one to be able to tow some big loads,” he says. “It’s powerful, it’s got great handling, it’s got so many safety features, and the braking system is amazing.
“It’s got a smart steering wheel so all your phone controls, your radio controls and cruise control are right there on the wheel, you’re not searching for buttons.
“It’s got everything in it that you would want — a stand-up fridge-freezer, a microwave and a big sleeper because I’m tall, and plenty of room for storage so I can bring a week’s worth of food with me.
“It’s got 30,000km on it already and every day I appreciate how good it is. I definitely made the right choice.”
James says he made the right choice with his new rig, which he’s nicknamed ‘Backroads Motel'
The interior has plenty of space for storage and a big bed, which suits James, who is 6ft 2
2020: Keetah Contractors showing off their Limited Edition Super-Liner, celebrating 100 Years of Mack
2020: Another Limited Edition beauty, purchased by Freightlinx
anniversary Super-Liners, combining heritage design with contemporary styles and innovation.
These days, while the loss of the V8 engine is still mourned by some truckies, the SuperLiner is still a very popular choice for those looking for comfort, durability and high productivity.
Features
Martins Stock Haulage thinking pink with their eye-catching rig
The modern Super-Liner is a strong choice for B-Double, heavy haul and other heavy-duty applications.
The Mack MP11 engine delivers up to 780hp and 2,800 lb-ft torque, with DRIVE automated manual transmission.
Mack’s Grade Gripper feature offers hill start assist, while PowerLesh provides “ultimate braking control under demanding
conditions”, according to the brand.
Standard exterior features include heated ‘West Coast’ mirrors with stainless steel arms and a stainless bug screen integrated with grille.
Mack describes the cab as a “home away from home” with a 70-inch walk-through sleeper that you can configure to your needs. It comes with cabinets, work surfaces, wardrobes and shelving to keep your living space organised and functional.
The driver’s side features a microwave, TV and refrigerator areas or cabinets.
Screened sleeper windows feature selfcontained built-in shades that black out 100 per cent of light.
Other interior features include a Premium Radio with Bluetooth iPod connector and USB connector, cup holders in the dash, door storage, and more.
The last month of winter saw 135 more sales than July across the combined heavy, medium and light duty truck segments of Australia’s commercial vehicle market
Kenworth dominated the heavy-duty truck segment in August as overall truck sales recorded a 4.47 per cent increase from July.
The Truck Industry Council’s latest release of T-Mark data shows Kenworth sold 327 trucks in August, 44 more than in July, and 139 more than Volvo, its closest rival in the heavy-duty segment.
In the year-to-date tussle for big truck dominance, August’s results
Heavy Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Medium Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Light Vehicles – Monthly Sales
have put Kenworth at the top of the tree with 2,321 sales and 20.5 per cent of the market, followed by Volvo with 2,131 sales and 18.8 per cent of the market. Isuzu rounds out the top three with 14.1 per cent and 1,599 heavy trucks sold from January to August 31, 2024. The medium duty segment jumped from 622 trucks sold in July, to 657 in August, and the light duty segment went up to, from 1,147 trucks in July to 1,190 last month.
In terms of total combined, year-to-date truck sales, August 2024’s total of 26,144 trucks sold puts it 5.26 per cent behind the August 2023 results of 27,597 trucks sold..
Heavy duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicles, both rigid and prime mover, with three or more axles or two axles, a GVM > 8,000kg and GCM of > 39,000kg)
An additional 57 heavy duty trucks were sold in August than in July bringing some positivity going into the last quarter – however sales teams will be under pressure with the 1,308 sales recorded in August 2024, falling short of the 1,419 noted for August 2023.
In terms of the August sales results the top 10 chart is as follows: Kenworth (327), Volvo (188), Isuzu (184), Scania (126), Mercedes-Benz (92), Hino (75), Fuso (63), Mack (61), UD Trucks (59) and DAF (45).
DEALS Data
Year to date, 11,328 heavy duty trucks have been sold in Australia.
Medium duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicle with GVM > 8,000kg and GCM up to and including 39,000kg)
The 5,316 sales recorded in the medium duty segment to the end of August this year, puts it 1.7 per cent ahead of the 5,227 truck sales recorded at this time in August 2023.
Month-on-month the segment also saw growth from 622 sales in July to 657 sales in August.
Isuzu continues to dominate the segment with 51.7 per cent of all sales so far this year, followed by Hino with 28.6 per cent of the market.
August sales results, in order of sales are: Isuzu (318), Hino (202), Fuso (83), Hyundai (16), Iveco (9), Volvo (9), UD Trucks (6), Mercedes-Benz (5), DAF (5), MAN (4).
Light duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicle with GVM of 3,501kg to 8,000kg inclusive)
Little truck sales went up slightly month-on-month, from 1,147 sales in July to 1,190 in August, however the year to date result of 9,500 trucks sold so far this year, puts the segment 14.5 per cent behind August 2023’s YTD sales of 11,114.
The big three brands of Isuzu, Fuso and Hino have worn the brunt of the decline in sales volumes compared to last year, while Mercedes-Benz and Iveco are actually further ahead in their sales in 2024 than the same time last year, boosting their market share, year to date, to 5.2 per cent and 9.3 per cent respectively.
The scorecard for August sales is as follows: Isuzu (568), Fuso (143), Hino (131), Fiat (99), Mercedes-Benz (85), Iveco (84), Renault (29), Hyundai (17), LDV (15), Ford (12), Volkswagen (6) and Foton Mobility (1).
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
$253,000
Purga, QLD
The “oversize” sign on the front of this stunning truck pretty much says it all.
This giant of a truck, a 2016 Peterbilt 587, is triple road train rated, has been serviced every 30,000km and still works every day.
It has a 48 inch integrated sleeper with a Rigmaster Ice Pack fitted and a Cummins E5 Adblue Engine tied to a Fuller Roadranger 18-speed gearbox. The features list on this one is long, and well worth a look online.
To find out more call Purga Truck & Machinery Sales Pty Ltd on 07 3171 1897
5.2l
Clean, tidy and with just shy of 80,000km on the speedo this 2017 Isuzu FRR 107-210 would be a good fit for any business requiring a tip tray to move its wares.
With just one owner since new and three months registration left on its account, the tipper has been set up to include air to the rear for trailer brakes and LED work lights.
If it’s a sturdy little tipper you’re chasing, this one’s well worth a look.
To find out more call Union Truck Sales on 03 8547 8664
Scan
Take your business on the road with this 2006 Mitsubishi Fighter FK617 truck.
Falling into the medium rigid category this little beauty features a six-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. When it comes to having a handy truck around town, this transporter will certainly get the job done.
To find out more call W & P Truck Sales on 03 8373 7116
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
2012 Kenworth T659 Road Train 140T
Cummins 600hp
18-speed manual
$195,000 + GST
Allenstown, QLD
07 3073 8145
POWER
Packed
Rated to 140T this 2012 Kenworth T659 has 600hp at its disposal to make short work of the biggest of transport tasks.
With Kenworth six rod suspension, side tipper hydraulics, the 50-inch sleeper, icepack airconditioning and an auto greasing system fitted the truck is ready for the long haul. A solid bullbar and four spotlights add to the road ready nature of this truck.
To find out more call Barnsey’s Trailer and Truck Sales on 07 3073 8145
FROM $98,900+GST (STEEL)
CAR CARRIER
LIVE BOTTOM
CATTLE CRATE OR 4X2
Cummins ISX, 525hp $89,000 +
Fired up
There’s no missing this fire engine red 2009 Kenworth T408 when it goes rolling by.
Fitted with a 36-inch bunk and the Cummins ISX (non DPF) engine this beast offers 525hp of power to get the job done.
It is also fitted with the Viesa cooler and airbag suspension.
To find out more phone Sammut Agricultural Machinery Pty Ltd on 02 8279 7172
Travel in style with this 2010 Kenworth K108 prime mover.
Fitted with the 550hp Cummins engine tied to an 18-speed Roadranger gearbox and featuring the high-rise sleeper option, this truck is rated to 90T.
Its distinctive blue and white paint job and intricate scroll work will help you stand out from the crowd too.
Gorski Engineering is putting its customers first as it expands its presence into the
Queensland market
As Gorski Engineering tips closer and closer to its 50th year of business the excitement in the air is palpable.
Alex Powell will be heading up Gorski Engineering’s new office in Stapylton, Queensland
Since 1975 the Melbourne-based manufacturer has sent tens of thousands of tipper trucks and trailers out into the transport wild.
It’s distinctive red, black, and yellow branding can found on trailers, mudguards, hats, hoodies and stubby coolers — a brand built strong through decades spent in the pursuit of excellence in product and customer service.
With Gorski Engineering trailers rolling out across the country the business has set its sights on the expansion of its footprint to bring Gorski’s exceptional service and skills closer to the clients it serves in each state.
The first step on the next 50 years of the Gorski Engineering story will take place
on October 1 at 10/6 Quinns Hill Road in Stapylton, Queensland.
This will be the site of Gorski Engineering’s Queensland sales and service centre.
Just to the east of the Pacific Motorway, halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the site will be home to a large warehouse and service centre, featuring around 10 examples of Gorski Engineering’s latest trailers, and access to experienced engineering staff capable of diagnosing and fixing any issues that may arise.
For Gorski Engineering’s general manager Paul Baker, it’s an exciting next step on the journey of business growth.
“We've been in production for 50 years in Melbourne, and it is time to open the next phase of the company. By 2028, we will be looking at being at least in another state after Queensland. So that's a pipeline,” Paul says.
Images: Gorski Engineering
Heading north to fly the flag for the business is 18-year Gorski Engineering veteran Alex Powell, who kickstarted his career in manufacturing as an apprentice boilermaker in the Melbourne factory back in about 2006.
Paul says Alex’s knowledge of Gorski Engineering runs deep and it is hoped having him as the key contact for dealerships and customers in the Queensland region will further enhance service levels in the state.
He says Alex is not just a part of the team but is part of the Gorski family – “so who better to sell and support our brand”.
“While we will still manufacture in Melbourne, Alex will be there for aftersales or technical support, and we'll also have a full range of spare parts and inventory as well as one of all of our ready-to-go trailers in stock in Queensland as well,” he says.
“In this industry, time is money, and if our customers are off the road, they're not making money. It's about getting people, working, and getting them on the road and making sure that they're operating at maximum capacity.”
Paul says the expansion also represents a big investment by the 100 per cent familyowned business and reflects its owners’ determination to continue to build on the strong foundations of its founders.
As for why Queensland, Gorski Engineering see plenty of opportunity there.
“We are seeing a big demand for Queensland. It a growing market and with the Olympics coming up in 2032, there's going to be a lot of infrastructure happening within
that region,” Paul says.
“The market is heading that way too, with a few of our Victorian customers making the trek up north.”
When asked about current market trends, Paul says the Hardox® truck and four-axle quad dog set up has seen a resurgence lately, and the forthcoming grain season had seen a ramping up on interest in aluminium grain tippers.
While the decision is yet to be made on which state after Queensland – one thing is clear, Gorski Engineering is determined to provide its customers with the best service and support it possibly can and willing to invest in its own future to make that possible.
For more information see www.gorski.com.au
The signs are going up for Gorski Engineering's move into the Queensland market
Gorski Engineering's tipping bodies and quad dog tipping trailers are in high demand
expands to Ingleburn, Sydney, as they welcome a new warehouse, set to enhance customer satisfaction
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: AAA Trailers
For over a decade, AAA Trailers has helped shape the Australian transport industry by delivering high-quality, purpose-built truck trailers to clients nationwide.
Committed to excellence, trust and client satisfaction, they strive to be industry leaders by crafting each manufactured trailer to the highest standards of safety, reliability and performance.
Now with its new and expansive in Ingleburn in Sydney, AAA Trailers is ready to advance its capabilities even further.
AAA Trailers’ director Daniel Bull says the new premises is a massive milestone for the business as it is not only focused on expanding AAA Trailers’ physical footprint
but enhancing their service to clients too.
The new Sydney site offers quick access to major transport routes like the M5 Motorway and Hume Highway.
“With streamlined logistics and faster access to major roads, they can now deliver trailers faster than ever before,” he says.
“This means less waiting time for clients and a more responsive service for all.”
Spanning an impressive 10,960 square metres, the new warehouse allows for larger inventory, ensuring the business has the trailers clients need, when they need them.
The warehouse features six container-sized roller shutter doors, providing easy access for loading and unloading, guaranteeing a seamless flow of operations, reducing wait time and enhancing productivity, which means clients are able to get on the road faster.
The internal clearances of the warehouse range from 4.8m to 8.0m, allowing AAA Trailers to store and manage a variety of trailer sizes and types.
Weather conditions will not stand in the way of operations either, as the new location provides a secure all-weather level yard, covering approximately 7,500 square metres, with a loading and unloading awning of 1,300 square metres.
Despite these exciting features, Bull says the complete drive-around access is a standout, improving manoeuvrability for large trucks and trailers.
“It allows for smoother, faster, and safer day-to-day operations, reducing the risk
The front of AAA Trailers new premise in Ingleburn, Sydney
The warehouse spans an impressive 10,960 square metres
of accidents and helping to make sure that clients get their new trailers as promptly as possible,” he says.
The Sydney location is equipped with a larger power supply and high-pressure gas supply, meaning these utilities can operate at peak efficiency to support advanced machinery and equipment.
The office is a comfortable and efficient workspace of approximately 454 square metres, allowing staff to be more productive and deliver better service to clients. Along with a spacious parking area so staff and customers can park conveniently.
The warehouse also features a large yard
area and forecourt so clients can move their trailers with ease if they decide to pick it up from the warehouse.
AAA Trailers’ new Sydney location at 5-9 Lancaster St, Ingleburn, is a testament to the business' commitment to maximising operational efficiency and reliable road performance.
With its strategic positioning, state-of-theart facilities and improved infrastructure, the new site means AAA Trailers is now better equipped than ever to meet the everchanging needs of its clients and deliver greater value to the Australian transport industry.
Introducing the Customised Colour Spray Painting Booth and a finished trailer
The new large space allows AAA Trailers to store and manage a variety of trailer sizes and types
1. MTE 2007 MODEL 3 X 8 SWING WING / HYD ,NECK DOLLY NECK /DROP BED,11.50M LOW LOADER OPENS TO 4.30M BI FOLD RAMPS ,HONDA POWER PACK, QLD REGO POA.
2.DRAKE 2008 3 X8 SWING WING 3XPIN NECK, LEVEL DECK 11.50M DECK HEAVY DUTY RAMPS HONDA P/PACK ALL GOOD SUSPENSION /BRAKES TYRES, QLD REGO POA.
3. 2013 MTE 4 X 4 REAR STEER (LAST 2 AXLES/BPW) 10 STUD ON 9.76 X 17.50 LEVEL DECK, DOLLY NECK, STD RAMPS HONDA POWER PACK, GOOD RUNNING GEAR, ALL BRAKES CHECKED OUT, RUBBER 85% QLD REGO. POA.
4. 1997 LUSTY 3 X 4 DECK WIDENER /DOLLY NECK /LEVEL DECK ON SPRING & ROCKER SUSPENSION, GOOD CONDITION THROUGHOUT, HONDA POWER PACK, STD RAMPS QLD REGO. POA.
5. 2005 MACOL 3 X 4 DECK WIDENER, STANDARD NECK /LEVEL DECK /BI FOLD RAMPS, SPRING / ROCKER SUSPENSION HONDA POWER PACK, GOOD OVERALL CONDITION, QLD REGO POA.
6. 2007 RES 2 X 8 DOLLY (SIMILAR TO DRAKE STYLE) WITH HONDA POWER PACK FOR HYDLS, SLIDING QRTT, 10 STUD K/HITCH HEAVY DUTY AXLES & SUSPENSION 2.70 TO 4.30 WIDENING REBUILT THROUGHOUT, QLD REGO POA.
7. BRENTWOOD 2 X 8 HYD/WIDENING DOLLY WITH HONDA POWER PACK, GOOD CONDITION ALL ROUND, QLD REGO POA
September 29, 2024. Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Worongary, QLD.
The truck parade was a hit at the 2024 Casino Truck Show: Image: Prime Creative Media
The Gold Coast Truck Show combines with the GC Car & Bike Show to form three exhibitions in one at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds (exit 77 off the M1). All trucks enter Gate 3 at the back gate of the Showgrounds on Worongary Rd, Worongary from 6:30am Sunday September 29, 2024. Trophy presentations from 12.45pm centre stage.
OCTOBER
The Wauchope Yesteryear Truck and Machinery Club
October 4-7, 2024. Wauchope, NSW.
Held at the Wauchope Showground, this year’s event has been moved to October with plans for a bigger show. Classic and new trucks, tractors and on show, food and drink available (no Saturday night dinner).
For further info email wytmc.inc@hotmail. com or see the Wauchope Yesteryear Truck & Machinery Club Inc Facebook page.
Lights On The Hill
Convoy
October 5-6, 2024. Gatton, QLD.
The annual Lights on the Hill convoy will see trucks leave both Brisbane (Mica St, Carole Park) and Toowoomba (Brown and Hurley Carrington Road) at 9.30am. The Toowoomba
convoy should start arriving at Gatton from approximately 10.30am, with the Brisbane trucks to come after that. The event includes live music, kids rides, market and trade stalls and of course a truck show. There is something for everyone.
TRUCK CONVOY REGISTRATION: $60
ADULT: $25 CHILDREN (6-15): $15
FAMILY (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN): $70
For more information visit lightsonthehill.com.au
Truckies Against Bullying: Truck, Car and Bike Show
October 5-6, 2024. Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo, VIC.
Truckies Against Bullying are back with another great show this year, featuring plenty of trucks, cars and bikes to feast your eyes on. The fun kicks off with a convoy through Bendigo, while back at the showgrounds you can enjoy market and trade stalls, kids’ rides, food and drink, live music, and face painting.
For more information, email truckiesagainstbullying@yahoo.com, call Andrew on 0484 912 382 or Sandy on her mobile 0499 241 605.
Ivanhoe Dry Times Truck, Tractor, Car & Bike Show
October 5-6, 2024. Sahara Oval, Ivanhoe, NSW.
The Ivanhoe Dry Times Truck, Tractor, Car & Bike Show is a family-friendly weekend event. As well
as the vehicles on display, attendees can look forward to a tractor pull, auction, stalls and more. For more information, contact Allan on the mobile, 0447 953 982.
Top Gun Truck & Car Show
October 6, 2024. Kyneton Racecourse, VIC.
Sunday October 6 plays host to the Top Gun Truck and Car show at Kyneton Racecourse. This is a fundraising event, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council. Trucks and cars from every vintage are welcome, and must register prior to the event.
For more information see https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1270147
One Brighter Day
October 6, 2024. Whittlesea Showgrounds, VIC.
This family event features a car, truck and motorbike show, as well as live music, entertainment, food and more.
Entry is free, with any money raised on the day going towards children’s charities. For more information email info@brighterdays.org.au
Boort Truck Show
October 12, 2024. Boort, VIC.
Held in conjunction with the Boort A&P Society Show, the 2024 Boort Truck Show will offer plenty of entertainment and a great selection of trucks. There will be prizes on offer across a range of categories.
To find out more visit the Boort Truck Show Facebook page, phone Heath on 0428 382 725 or email heathsaunders@outlook.com
Matty Hillcoat’s Truckies’ Day Out
October 12, 2024. Gympie, Queensland. Held at the Gympie Showgrounds, Matty Hillcoat’s Truckies’ Day Out kicks off at 9am and runs until late.
Attendees can enjoy a truck show and parade, show ‘n’ shine display, timber sports, a tractor pull, a vintage machinery display, kids’ amusements, music and more.
ENTRY IS $25 FOR TRUCKS (INCLUDING ONE ADULT) AND $20 PER ADULT, WITH CONCESSION $15, KIDS $5, AND KIDS UNDER FIVE GOING FREE. For more information email khillcoat@riversgift.org
Camp Quality Convoy Perth
October 13, 2024. Perth, WA.
A truck convoy in support of Camp Quality and their work with children facing cancer will leave Perth Hockey Stadium and follow a 53km route
around the city before returning to the stadium for a free family festival and show and shine truck and vehicle show at the end of the day. Anyone interested in getting involved is able to sign their truck up for a $15 registration fee, then start fundraising for the cause, with prizes on offer for hitting fundraising milestones. For more information phone 1300 662 2670 or email convoy@campquality.org.au
Urana Vintage Rally and Truck Show
October 19-20. Urana, NSW.
Held at Victoria Park, Urana, and organised by the Urana Vintage Machinery Club Inc, the Urana Vintage Rally & Truck Show includes a Vintage Tractor Trek, and a Twilight Tractor Pull on Saturday, and a truck show and shine on the Sunday, along with a fete in aid of the local hospital.
Free camping and showers available on site.
ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, CHILDREN U/ 16 FREE.
Contacts: Gary Baffsky 0408 683 111, Justin Livingstone 0423 319 488 or email uvmcinc@gmail.com
Beaudesert Heritage Truck Show
October 19 and 20, 2024. Beaudesert, QLD.
Held at the Beaudesert Showgrounds this truck show is on from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 2.30pm on Sunday. All exhibitors must complete a pre-registration form, found here: https://heritagetruckassociation.com.au/2024beaudesert-heritage-truck-show/ and provide evidence of public liability. Exhibitors and one passenger are free entry.
The show will feature a static display of heritage trucks, tractors and cars, various trade stalls and food vans.
ADMISSION: $10.
Contact Mark on 0448 111 105 or John on 0477 499 530 or see www.heritagetruckassociation.com.au
Ross Transport 2024 Open Day
October 20, 2024. Ross Transport Depot, Port Kembla, NSW.
Ross Transport is holding its first ever open day to raise funds for its lead truck bid for the upcoming Illawarra Convoy. The fun will include face painters, a balloon twister, Spiderman and other characters, Little Big Rigs Sydney, and a BBQ. Get up close to some of Ross Transport’s most famous trucks, including Truely Frantastic and Bluey, and learn from a safety demonstration about blind spot awareness. For more information see https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1279142
DEALS Events
This classic Commer was a hit at the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club's event at Yarra Glen in 2023. Image: Prime Creative Media
Technical and Maintenance Conference
October 21-23, 2024. Docklands, Melbourne, VIC.
The Australian Trucking Association’s annual Technical and Maintenance Conference is back. As the trucking industry’s premier national gathering of technical professionals, fleet and workshop managers, technical regulators, mechanics and service technicians, TMC is your chance to stay up to date, avoid breakdowns, and potentially save thousands of dollars through better maintenance and purchasing. Learn from the industry’s best through technical workshops, demonstrations and training, check out the latest industry products and services at the TMC EXPO, build your connections with the ATA’s interactive networking program and celebrate the industry’s best at the Castrol Awards Dinner.
Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo
October 26, 2024. Denilquin, NSW. Held at the Deniliquin Race Club each year this event promises a wide range of trucks on
show, awards, entertainment and the chance to visit the Deniliquin & District Industry Wall of Fame and Memorial Wall to pay tribute to local industry greats, past and present. Details are still being finalised. Contact John Creenaune on 0439 790 116, email admin@denitruckshow.com.au or visit www. denitruckshow.com.au
Sydney Convoy for Kids
October 27, 2024. Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon, NSW.
The Sydney Convoy for Kids is fast approaching. This year, hundreds of trucks will depart from Sydney Dragway, heading to the Hawkesbury Showground for a family fun day. Attendees can look forward to food and drink, a raffle, a massive auction and more. Proceeds from the day will go towards NETS Ambulance Service and Kidzfix. For more information, contact Mark Smallwood on 0414 471 341.
Pioneers’ Show and Shine
October 27, 2024. Luddenham Showgrounds, NSW.
The Pioneer Timber Cutters Club are hosting a Show and Shine at Luddenham Showgrounds, with four trophies up for grabs: People’s Choice under 4.5gvm, Entrants’ Choice under 4.5gvm, People’s Choice over 4.5gvm and Entrants’ Choice over 4.5gvm. The show is open to trucks, cars, bikes and tractors, at just $5 per vehicle. Entry is $5 per adult, and free for kids under 16. All proceeds go to the Leukemia Foundation, Black Dog, and Motor Neuron Disease. Other entertainment on the day will include a chainsaw race display at 11am, a jumping castle for kids, and a sausage sizzle. Gates open 7.30am, exhibitors, 8am, public.
For more information phone Jamie on 0408 964 249 or Shane on 0418 248 075
Callington Truck Show
October 27, 2024. Callington, SA.
The Callington A&H Society has introduced a truck show element to the annual Callington Show, with cash, prizes and rosettes up for grabs across six categories. Trucks must be at the grounds between 6am and 7am for parking around the outside of the back oval.
NOVEMBER
Brisbane Convoy for Kids
November 2, 2024. Brisbane, QLD.
The annual fundraiser sees hundreds of trucks travel from Larapinta to Redcliffe and the organisers are planning something “a little different” this year.
Entries are now open for the Truck Show at the end of the convoy, when the trucks gather, the live entertainment rolls out and the fireworks lighten up the skyline.
For more information see www.brisbaneconvoyforkids.com.au/bc4ktruck-show/
Horsham Truck Show
November 2-3, 2024. Horsham, VIC.
The lively town of Horsham is set to be overrun with trucks at the Horsham Showgrounds. With live music, stalls, bar and plenty of food, there is something for everyone. Bring your truck to the judging or join the Sunday Convoy for Kids. Truck entry is $50.
ADMISSION: ADULTS $10, STUDENT 12-16 $5 AND CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE.
For more information phone Steve on 0429 989 278 or email steve@ carmanswindscreens.com.au
Mullumbimby Truck Show
November 9, 2024. Mullumbimby Showground, NSW.
Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show. Truck registrations open from 9am at the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate off Manns Rd. Drivers to register their vehicles before the truck parade through town at 11am, travelling through town to the showgrounds. All the attractions of a country show including sideshow alley, rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting.
For more info see the registration form at
www.mullumbimbyshow.org.au or phone Mark on 0427 634 903 or email wardysmachinerycentre@gmail.com
Goulburn Convoy for Kids
November 9, 2024. Goulburn, NSW. Convoy for Kids Goulburn will be celebrating its 25th birthday! Come and enjoy a day packed with delicious food, exciting rides, interactive activities, fantastic entertainment, and so much more! They will be attempting to break the record for the most trucks in a convoy, ending at Goulburn Showground with an extraordinary carnival for the whole family you won't want to miss. For more information visit www.facebook.com/C4KGoulburn
Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
November 16, 2024. Bathurst, NSW. Combined with the Bathurst Swap Meet Car and Bike Show, the annual truck show at Bathurst Showgrounds will feature more than 200 market stalls, food stalls, entertainment and children’s rides.
For more information, see www. bathursttruckshow.com.au or email info@ bathursttruckshow.com.au
Generations of Mack on show at the Western Australian Mack Muster earlier this year.
Image: Warren Aitken
DEALS Events
Illawarra Convoy
November 17, 2024. Illawarra, NSW.
This year marks the 20th year of the i98FM Illawara Convoy. What started as a convoy of trucks and motorbikes in 2004 with the aim of raising $20,000 for kids and their families living with cancer has evolved into one of the biggest fundraisers for the Illawarra and South Coast community each year. Last year’s event saw 633 bikes and 779 trucks roll out, raising $2.85 million in the process.
To donate, enter or find out more, see www.illawarraconvoy.com.au
Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show
November 23-24, 2024. Castlemaine, VIC.
Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club, this year’s truck show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can expect plenty of well-presented trucks on display, as well as food, a licenced bar, kids’ rides, free health checks and live music.
For more information , visit rotarycastlemaine. org.au/page/truck-show
Mount Gambier Family Truck Show
November 30, 2024. Mount Gambier Showgrounds, SA.
The Mount Gambier Family Truck Show is back, kicking off with a convoy from Penola to Mount Gambier, with more than 80 prime movers expected to take part. Back at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds, attendees can enjoy a gold coin entry family fun day from 10.30am to 3.30pm, raising funds for the less fortunate within the community.
JANUARY
Geelong Classic Truck & Vintage Machinery Show
January, 13-14 2024. Geelong Showgrounds, Vic.
The Geelong Classic is back, featuring trucks, classic cars and bikes, vintage tractors and steam engines.
Various clubs will also be in attendance, from Lego Club to Model Clubs.
For more information, visit classictruckandmachinery.com.au.
If you have an event you would like listed in our calendar, please email tiane.gavillucci@primecreative.com.au
Casino 2024 from the sky.
Image: Warren Aitken
Rounds MAKING THE
Behind every gleaming truck at any truck show is a passionate team of people united by a shared vision
Lead Truck
Ison Haulage joined the roar of engines at this year’s Lowood Truck Show, not only to participate, but to lead the charge.
Showcasing their dazzling 2005 C500 Kenworth, they earnt the rightful title of lead truck by raising a staggering $6,300 for Dementia Australia.
Ison Haulage’s office and finance manager, Georgie Statham says Ison attended the show for one of their company drivers and Lowood event organiser, Robert Liston.
“We wanted to show our support to him and his partner Cass, for their efforts in organising such a successful event and all-round great weekend,” she says.
“The Lowood Truck Show was a great success with over 400 trucks, drivers and families in attendance for the weekend.”
Georgie says the Ison Kenworth underwent an extensive rebuild.
The freshly restored C500 was a Tri Drive Day Cab, purchased second-hand from Perth with a blown engine, and was in need of some serious love.
“Everything was stripped down to a bare chassis. We reused as many parts as possible, sourced a lot of new OEM parts and
custom made plenty of parts to suit the build requirements,” she says.
The restoration required both in-house work and contributions from various tradespeople, but the results and efforts are abundantly clear, with that sleek white and grey rig proudly leading the pack.
Georgie says Ison Haulage took a total of six trucks from the fleet to Lowood for the weekend, along with a variety of trailers.
The 2005 C500 Kenworth sure is a show-stopper. Image: Ray Lawrence Photography
This rig has been freshly restored and is ready for truck shows. Image: Ray Lawrence Photography
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
DEALS Events
“This included a new Bruce Rock A/B triple set of side tippers, MTE 5x8 extendable float, dolly package and a Tuff Super Tilt Widening Trailer,” she says.
Ison haul a range of quarry materials, oversize machinery, general freight and agricultural supplies across Australia.
This rig sure is a vision!
Image: Jim Ambrose
Even at night Ambrose’s fleet never fails to make an impression.
Image: Jim Ambrose
But as the engines cooled and crowds scattered, one thing was made clear: Ison Haulage didn’t just make an impression — they made a difference
Embassy Grey
“One of the first trucks my wife and I ever bought was in 2008. It was a second-hand 904 with a caterpillar inside, and it was embassy grey,” says Jim Ambrose.
The director of Ambrose Haulage says that small critter was the inspiration behind the famous Ambrose company’s colour scheme
and what would soon grow to an impressive fleet of 26.
The design of each truck is a canvas for Jim’s personal expression, with each vehicle in the fleet bearing a unique name on its side repping Jim’s favourite Cody Jinks songs, adding a touch of individuality and character to each rig.
Titles like ‘Must Be the Whiskey,’ ‘Give All You Can,’ ‘She’s All Mine,’ and ‘Change the Game,’ not only reflects Jim’s musical taste but his artistic vision also.
“I decided how the entire truck looks, I designed the logos and picked the colour scheme,” he says.
“Every one of them is a bit different, but they’re all mine.”
Though the fleet is similar, its dark aesthetic is what originally caught Deals on Wheels ’ attention.
The Western Star truck adorned with the bold phrase ‘I’m Not the Devil,’ was a notable edition and what ultimately led us to wanting to find out more on Ambrose.
The trucks embassy grey has become their signature colour, keeping consistent across their fleet as a nod to where they started.
Keeping it minimalistic and classy, the song names are carefully painted in white, contrasted against the dark background.
The stainless-steel features along the bull bar, exhaust pipes and hub caps blinging up the rig, with the perfectly placed truck lights providing the Western Star with a bit of extra flare.
The family-owned business has grown impressively over the years, ranging from PBS road trains to AB triples.
While the majority of the fleet comprises of new Kenworth’s, Jim is dedicated to maintaining a mix of both new and restored vehicles.
“All the dark rigs were bought brand new. We’ve only purchased a couple of secondhand trucks and rebuilt, painted and done them up to look like Ambrose trucks,” he says.
Nestled in the heart of Goondiwindi, Queensland, Jim hopes to continue hauling grain and fertiliser with a fleet that is as distinct, as it is functional.
Klassy Kenny
This truck doesn’t just transport dangerous goods and shipping containers, it pays mobile homage to Australia’s rugged heritage and the owner of R&J Haulage’s personal passions.
Decked out with a fierce image of Ned Kelly, a blue cattle dog and the Bundaberg Rum Bear at the back of the all-black rig, it draws plenty of attention from passersby.
The Kenworth T909 rolled into the Golden Oldies Truck Show in August, parading its dark and mysterious front and amusing rear to all that would stop and stare.
R&J Andrews Haulage owner Ned Andrews says the truck’s design combines Australian heritage with a touch of sentiment.
“Everyone calls me Ned, that’s why Ned Kelly’s on there,” he says.
Alongside Kelly is a blue cattle dog, a nod to Ned’s lifelong affection for the breed. Completing the graphic is a playful element, the Bundaberg Bear, displaying Ned’s fondness for the Aussie beverage.
“The blue cattle dog is mine, I’ve just always had them, and I drink Bundaberg rum, so that’s why the Bundaberg Bear is on there,” he adds.
For 28 years, trucking has been more than a career for Ned. It’s something he was born into, with his family also connected to the transport industry.
Today, he operates a fleet of three trucks, each a testament to his dedication and personal style.
Each truck was bought brand new, and they each have a similar style.
The monster black Kenworth is decorated with contrasting stainless steel exhaust pipes and a bull bar lined by spikes. It looks bold and daring… Fitting with Kelly at the back.
Engraved within the steel is ‘Ned Andrews’ trailing down the side, with nothing but silver detailing outlining the cab, windows and wheels.
The transport service in Gulgong, New South Wales holds pride for their country, made obvious through the Australian flags in the graphic waving at the top of the image, with the words ‘Australian made, Australian proud’ written above.
Andrews Haulage looking real good! Image: Ned Andrews
The Kenworth T909 sure is a beauty. Image: Ned Andrews
The artwork on the back of the Andrews Haulage truck catches plenty of attention at truck shows and on the road. Image: Ned Andrews
STONESTARDECK WIDENERWITHPTO ANDDIESEL POWERPACK
BrandnewStonestarWidener withDieselpowerpackand Ptoplumbingforwidening system price:plusgst.S49. TA625085. $87,000
Due to high demand, Trailer Stonestar has released a brand-new Alloy Grain Tipper in time for the harvest season
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Trailer Stonestar
The tipper is made of aluminium, giving it a light tare weight
Melbourne’s Trailer Stonestar has added a new addition to its product line-up in the form of its 2024 Alloy Grain Tipper, released just in time for the harvest season.
Developed off the back of customer enquiry, the latest version of the popular tipper is made of aluminium, giving it a light tare weight that will help grain haulers to
It has a Tare weight of approximately 7.3 tonne
maximise the volume of grain moved with each trip.
The tipper also features the latest in trailer technology including quality k hitch axles, air bag suspension, a Jost landing leg and an electric tarp.
Trailer Stonestar’s Richard Meinking says feedback from industry contacts had
The 2024 Alloy Grain Tipper’s features include:
• Box size approx: L9818 X W2499 X H1970
• Heavy duty HYVA hoist
• A lum wheels with 11 R tyres
• Colour silver finished (alum box)
• Jost landing leg
• Fully finished
• 50mm king pin
• A lum mud guards with Stonestar mudflaps
• LED lights
• A ll safety signs
• Spare wheel carrier and 1x wheel alum
• Toolbox
• Tare weight approx. x7.3 ton
• Road train setup with no ring feeder
• Electric Tarp
identified the need for a well-priced, quality, trailer in this area of the market several years ago, and the company had been refining the product each year since.
“We already make side tippers and tippers, so we spoke to our connections in the industry, as well as our customers for feedback,” Meinking says.
“ They said there was a need and want for this trailer That’s when we started to make the grain tipper — it’s the biggest seller now, as it’s much cheaper than the local tipper version.”
With more than 15 years’ experience in the truck trailer world Stonestar’s resources and skills as a specialist commercial and industrial equipment supply business mean it is able to provide customers with quality service, quickly.
Meinking says Stonestar also offers competitive pricing by designing its trailers to meet local demand, then importing the trailer components from overseas and assembling them in Melbourne to ensure compliance with all relevant Australian design regulations.
“The good thing about all of our trailers is their quick turnaround, which is only three weeks from the day of deposit,” he says.
The price point is also very competitive.”
T railer Stonestar’s product range extends well beyond grain tippers too. It has created
more than 25 different trailers over the years for a variety of freight tasks, including vacuum sewerage tankers, low loaders, deck wideners, side-tippers and tilt-sliders.
By watching the trends in its industry and planning ahead, Stonestar has been able to develop a structure that enables it to adapt and move into new products whilst having the right parts and the right stock on hand, at the right time, to meet its customers’ expectations.
“Our main aim is to be able to keep consistently meeting customers’ standards when looking for a trailer,” Meinking says.
The trailer manufacturer is one part of the Stonestar group, which started out wholesaling wheels and tyres more than 20 years ago and has constantly evolved and grown to meet the changes in market demand.
Aside from trailers, wheels and tyres, Stonestar now also produces caravans, partakes in property developments, and creates parts for heavy machinery, health machinery, solar and wind infrastructure and the maritime industry, where it operates its own shipyard.
For more information visit www.stonestar.com.au or call (03) 9580 9788.
The price point is very competitive
The tipper features quality k hitch axles and air bag suspension
Caring
FOR KIDS
This year’s Mackay Konvoy 4 Kids saw record attendance and smiles all round
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Black Thunder
Photography
Trucks of every colour brightened up the rainy day
This year’s Mackay Konvoy 4 Kids was a huge success despite grey skies, with a recordbreaking 201 trucks showing up for a good cause.
Queensland truckies left Sarina Showgrounds at 10am on Sunday August 11, travelling along the Bruce Highway and winding up at Mackay Showgrounds for a day of family fun.
J.J. Richards & Sons Waste and Management were given the honour of leading the convoy after donating $8,000 to children’s charity Variety, making them the event’s Heart Sponsor.
Centurion, WMT Transport, Kinetic, Veolia and Western Truck Group, Zarb Transport, Redline Transport and Shannon’s Insurance weren’t far behind, after they also made impressive donations.
A total of $17,200 was raised, and convoy organisers Madonna Stevens and Johanna Wood were delighted with the turnout and fundraising efforts.
“We were very happy with how the event went,” says Stevens. “We had a bit of rainy weather but there was still a great turnout and everyone enjoyed the day.”
The Mackay Konvoy 4 Kids has been raising money for Variety since its inception 15 years ago.
“Madonna and Ashley Stevens do the Variety Bash every year, and the convoy is their major fundraiser to go towards their participation in the event,” Wood explains.
“This is the 40th year of the Variety Bash, and every state in Australia does its own thing.
“We travel for 10 days in a charity drive, with about 160 cars coming from all the towns out west and stopping at all the schools for the children.”
Apart from taking in the trucks on display, attendees enjoyed live music, food and drink, and market stalls, with an animal farm, face painting and jumping castles for the kids.
Awards were also handed out across 13 categories (full list at the end of this article).
Stevens and Wood are looking forward to returning in 2025 for another great convoy. "It's the third Sunday of August every year, so next year it will be August 17,” says Stevens.
“This is the first time in 15 years that it has rained, so we’re hoping the good weather will come back!”
WMT Transport were one of the top sponsors
Black smoke and diesel fumes filled the air
Emerald Carrying Company brought their fleet along
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A total of 201 trucks took part on the day
R&U Ikin’s Ford stood out from the crowd
Centurion were big supporters of the event
Single Transport Services showed off their fleet
Mainfreight turned up with this monster rig
DAFs, Ivecos and Scanias as far as the eye can see!
Category winners
Best Pre-1980: JJ Waste & Recycling
Best 1981-1990: Roy Ikin
Best 1991-2000: WMT Transport
Best 2001-2010: Redline Transport
Best 2021-current: B&K Transport
Best Overall: WMT Transport
Best Prime Mover: Emerald Carrying Company
Best Tipper: JR & SM Petersen
Best Rigid: Blackshort
Best Small Fleet: Steerys Towing
Best Large Fleet: Centurion
Best Light Vehicle: Lucas Van Damme
Raucous
RODEO
There was plenty to enjoy at the Coolgardie Rodeo and Outback Festival, including the small but mighty truck and ute muster
Words: Alex Catalano
The picturesque Coolgardie was waiting for attendees. Image: Outback Rodeos
Bodean and the Outback Rodeos team are hoping to see even more trucks at the rodeo next year. Image: Outback Rodeos
The tiny, remote Western Australian town of Coolgardie was bustling to the brim over the weekend of August 16, as patrons from all over the nation flocked in for the Coolgardie Rodeo and Outback Festival.
Some 4,500 people attended the event over the three days, which is nearly six times the town’s usual population of 800, to see all that was on offer.
It was the fourth edition of the event, which is organised by Outback Rodeos, and it has only become more popular year on year, particularly with trucking fans.
This year, 32 trucks entered for the chance to claim prizes valued at $500 across a number of categories, including Best Old
School Mack, Old School Kenworth, Rustic, Work Horse, Kenworth, Mack and Unique Banger.
On the ute side, entrants were competing for the Best Work Ute Setup, Best Camping Rig, Best Muscle Ute, Best Old School Ute and Best B & S Beast.
Event organiser Bodean Buckingham says it was a cracking weekend full of fun for all ages.
“We had about half an hour of bad weather, but for the most part people had a good time,” he tells Deals on Wheels.
“We had 1,400 people camping out the back. It was awesome. People came from all over Australia. Last year we had people from every state other than the ACT.
“We know we had a few competitors fly in for it. We had interstate travellers, New South Wales people.
“We’re trying to grow the truck side of things. We’d love to have more support from the truckies and fill the whole Lady Loch truck bay. That’s why we do it there. We want to see it full of rigs.
“We grew the prize money this year to make sure blokes that win something have enough money to fill a tank. There was close to $20,000 for truck prizes alone, ute prizes $15,000.”
The festival kicked off on the Friday morning, with several fun competitions from 10am including the mug shuffle, flag race, sack race, barrel race and more.
In the afternoon, the country kids got to
The main ring of the rodeo is absolutely packed when the main events roll varound. Image: Outback Rodeos
Vintage rigs were also included at the muster. Image: Antonio Gatani
‘American Honey’ was one of the standout rigs. Image: Antonio Gatani
Trucks towing trucks! ‘Filthy Princess’ got her hands dirty on the rodeo weekend. Image: Peter Rowling
There were barely 40 trucks at the muster, but they all dazzled. Image: Peter Rowling
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‘Dark’n’Stormy’
Ramsay’s
take centre stage in the junior rodeo, with age groups from as young as under 8s all the way up to 18 competing across a number of events.
This included steer, barrel, breakaway, bending and dummy roping competitions, which were all great fun for aspiring rodeo riders.
There were pony rides for the youngsters, with awards presented for the junior rodeogoers that evening.
With live music going long into the night, it was then a quick turnaround for the ute and truck musters, which kicked off at 8:30 on Saturday morning.
This then led into the highlight of the festival and what everybody was there for –the main rodeo.
Aspiring and experienced rodeo cowboys battled it out for $1500 in prize money in the open bareback, open saddle bronc, open steer wrestling and the ladies’ barrel race.
The Gareth Laurent Memorial Novice Bull Ride, named after late local legend Gareth Laurent, drew $1000 in prize money.
The Open Bull Ride was the star of the show, attracting $2000 for the winner.
It was a weekend that took significant
was the picture of the perfect Kenworth. Image: Antonio Gatani
Transport was one of the many local WA businesses that made the trek. Image: Antonio Gatani
organisation and set up, both before and after the event.
“I’ve been on site for almost two weeks,” Buckingham says.
“There’s 32 tons of fencing that we put up, 4.3km of it, all by volunteers. We’re a not-forprofit organisation that puts back into the community, we’re not a private-run business. We work together with community groups.
“I’ll be here for another week packing up still. This is more than a half a million-dollar event to organise.
“We provide power for all our food vendors, watercarts, graders and loaders, tractors, quadbikes. It’s pretty impressive.”
“We gave out over $15,000 in prize money and prizes.”
And while the rodeo is what draws the crowds, the festival wouldn’t be complete without Sunday’s classic competition – the Camp Oven and Slow Cook Championship.
Aspiring chefs competed to make the best meat and three veg, casserole or stew, sweet/ cake/pudding, slow cooked brisket, ribs or traditional damper.
“The overall winner got to take away the coveted gold-plated camp oven,” Buckingham says. “It’s the only one in WA!”
There weren’t many Macks on show, but ‘Dressed for Success’ certainly impressed. Image: Antonio Gatani
Trucks and utes rolled in and out across the weekend. Image: Outback Rodeos
The Golden Oldies Truck Show was a roaring success, as vintage trucks across Australia rolled into Dubbo
The past came rolling into Dubbo Showground, as vintage trucks, tractors and engines spanning over a century old, turned up for the Golden Oldies Truck Show.
Maintaining history’s finest trucking treasures, the show’s first ever two-day event was home to an impressive 240 trucks, 40 buses, about 45 tractors and nearly 130 quilts.
With 3,500 attendees keen to soak up the intricate details of each vehicle, they were pleased to see no shortage of head turning rigs and more.
Event organiser and president of the Golden Oldies Club, Jon Mancer, says the latest and greatest trucks made their show entrance.
“We had lots of stuff from the 70s and 80s, it was so great!” he says.
“There were Super-Liners, Valueliners, a 70s Atkinson, International C-Lines, AT4 Dodges and a Ford Louisville,” he says.
“A Citroen came in from the early 1900s with solid steel ties, solid rubber wheels and an open cab.”
W-model Kenworths, K-series cabover Kenworths and S-Lines also livened up Dubbo.
A rich, maroon-coloured International C1800 took home the ‘President’s Choice’ award. With its sleek, tidy appearance, it was bound to catch Mancer’s eye.
“The little rigid truck had detailing in the paint. The owner even went to the extreme of making all the flat screw heads line up in the same direction across the tray,” he says.
“It’s the little things that make all the difference.”
Though he was awestruck over the winning rig, Mancer says the new trucks were just as striking.
“Some new trucks had bling all over them, looking nice and polished, like the latest and greatest K200,” he says.
“So that was one extreme, and on the other end, there were little reno trucks that were dragged out of the shed, running in their working clothes, still full of rust.”
Monster rigs weren’t the only attraction on site.
This year a tractor pull was introduced as well as a vintage bus muster, helping draw a strong crowd.
An exciting moment for the Golden Oldies
A lineup of Dubbo’s finest!
The International C-Line took home President’s Choice award
Words: Tiane Gavillucci Images: Jon Mancer & Brett Howe
A crowd of 3,500 saw the past make a comeback
A vintage fire brigade truck capture the crowd's imagination Jon’s Dodge International AT4 screams vintage
240 rigs made their Dubbo showground entrance
DEALS Events
Doesn’t get more vintage than this from Hilltop Towing
A two-toned Bedford and green Mack made heads turn
Check out this monster rig
team was seeing a bus from Crawlin the Hume make its way from Victoria to Dubbo.
Originally a local Dubbo Wellington bus, a couple of the previous drivers came to the show to see the well-known bus in the flesh.
But putting a smile on people’s faces through trucks, buses, tractors and more wasn’t the only focus of the day, as Golden Oldies wants to give back to the Dubbo community.
Charities and not-for-profit organisations flooded the show, with appearances from the Royal Flying Doctor Service delivering an interactive air simulator. Raffles were also drawn, and food vans provided.
Money was raised for prostate cancer and Tradies in Sight fundraised for tradies’ mental health.
Organising these events and doing his part in the community is a role Mancer takes pride in.
As a self-proclaimed truck nut, he’s happy to combine his passion with helping others and catching up with old trucking pals.
“This event gives me a chance to catch up with my mates from Victoria and Queensland and have a yarn,” he says.
“Otherwise, I wouldn’t see them. They come down every two years to Dubbo for the show.”
As there’s no pre-registration to join the event, the team never knows how big the crowd will be due to people deciding to come down to Dubbo on the day.
“We know we have the regulars that will turn up, they just love the show and make it their business to be here,” he says.
“They know it’s going to be in August, so they plan their life around it.”
Organising events like these isn't easy, especially with only 12 active members running the club, including some of the original founders, who are now in their 80s.
With thousands showing up each year, and hundreds bringing in their shiny or rusty rigs, Mancer is proud of his team's efforts.
“We’re a very small club and we do an extremely good job, so I’d give us a pat on the back,” he chuckles.
From classic Kenworths to old school buses, the show had it all
WONDAI
Wonders
There were some pretty schmick rigs on display at the recent Wondai Truck Show
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Ray Lawrence
Photography
This shined-up Ford LTL was gleaming in the sun
The sun was beating down on the small country town of Wondai, Queensland recently as the annual truck show saw 58 rigs roll in.
Part of the Wondai Show, which celebrated its 105th event this year, truckies travelled from across the region to take part.
Organiser Lauren O’Neill tells Deals on Wheels: “We had trucks coming from Theodore, Chinchilla, Toowoomba, all around the area.
“There was a great mix of vintage and new trucks and different models.
“There were a few more trucks that had been registered to attend that couldn’t make it in the end due to work commitments, but we
were still very happy with the turn-out and how the day went.”
Awards were handed out across 12 categories, from Best Bling to Best Tribute, but S & J McMahon Transport swept the board with its 2023 Kenworth W900 SAR, walking away with a number of prizes including Truck of the Show.
“We had an amazing day out at the Wondai Truck Show,” says Jamie McMahon. “A big shout out to the boys for all their efforts in making their trucks look schmick, not only for the show but all year round.
“It’s great to see the show growing in size each year, and we’ll be back next yearhopefully with the full fleet!”
Yesberg Earthmoving picked up some prizes on the day
Gleich Contracting were runners up for Best Fleet
Another one of S&J McMahon’s prized possessions, a 2015 Kenworth T950
Jamie, Quinn, Simon and Paige McMahon with the only truck they brought that didn’t get a prize— which is one of their favourite rigs! Image: Steve Hart
There was a great variety of trucks at the show
Cameron and Deb Retschlag showed off this 1963 Mack B61
This 1966 Diamond T was runner up for Best Vintage
S&J McMahon’s thunder-inspired T909 went down a storm
Gleich’s 2019 Kenworth T659 looking good
Corbet’s Group brought this beaut along, a W900 SAR
S&J McMahon’s Kenworth W900 SAR, which won Truck of the Show
TKH Haulage were chuffed to win the People’s Choice award for their 1970 Dodge.
Image: Paula Hasler
Category winners
Best Truck 0-3 Years
1. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth W900 SAR
2. Corbet’s Group – Kenworth W900 SAR
3. M FT Haulage – Kenworth T909
Best 4-9 Years
1. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth Legend T950
2. Brayjay Haulage – Kenworth T659
3. Jacob Sullivan – Kenworth T909
Best 10-19 Years
1. Yesberg Earthmoving – Kenworth T909
2. Gleich Contracting – Kenworth T908
3. TJC Haulage – Kenworth T909
Best 20-29 years
1. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth T950
2. L & T Haulage – Kenworth T404ST
Best Vintage Truck 30+ Years
1. John and Vicki Bock – 1963 Mack B61
2. Evan Williams – 1966 Diamond T
3. TKH Haulage – 1970 Dodge
Best Local Rig South Burnett Region
1. Corbet’s Group – Kenworth W900 SAR
2. Cameron & Deb Retschlag – 1963 Mack B61
3. Yesberg Earthmoving – Kenworth T404 SAR
People’s Choice
TKH Haulage – 1970 Dodge
Best Fleet
1. S & J McMahon Transport
2. Gleich Contracting
3. Corbet’s Group
Best Lights
1. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth W900 SAR
2. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth T950
3. Yesberg Earthmoving – Kenworth T909
No Time for Shine
1. Dan Hillcoat – Western Star 4964F
2. H iggins Services – Kenworth K200
3. Duncan Rackemann – International R180
Best Bling
1. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth T950
2. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth W900 SAR
3. Gleich Contracting – Kenworth C509
Best Tribute
1. M FT Haulage – Kenworth T809
2. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth T909
3. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth T909
Truck of the Show
1. S & J McMahon Transport – Kenworth W900 SAR
2. Corbet’s Group – Kenworth W900 SAR
3. Yesberg Earthmoving – Kenworth T909
Lowood’s
ROARING RETURN
After a one-year hiatus, the Lowood Truck Show came back with a bang
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Ray Lawrence
Photography
Spectators loved every minute of the show, with trucks like this to admire
Check out this monster Kenworth
The popular Lowood Truck Show made a roaring return recently, showcasing the best in trucking, with a spectacular display of heavy machinery.
Show organiser Rob Liston says they faced a week of intense weather-related anxiety before the event, with three days of rain casting a shadow of doubt over whether it could happen.
“It was very hectic the day before,” he says. “We didn't know whether the show was actually a go ahead until we got the final approval from the show society the day before.”
Despite these challenges, the show went off without a hitch.
Trucks began lining up on Lindemans Road behind the Lowood Showgrounds, before the grand parade featuring 422 trucks wound its way through town and back.
The array of trucks on display was impressive, with attendees treated to a diverse lineup including tippers, prime movers, heavy haulage and heavy recovery trucks, drawing enthusiasts and families to the Queensland town.
This year marked the 14th anniversary of the truck show, which made a comeback in 2024 after a one-year hiatus.
Rob moved to Chinchilla in 2022, hitting pause on the town’s much-loved show as a result.
But due to high demand this year, the decision was made to revive it.
“A lot of people were calling me up, asking us to bring back the show,” he says. “So, it’s back on every year now.”
And lucky they did, as this year’s show exceeded all expectations — registering double the usual turnout with approximately 5,000 attendees.
In addition to celebrating trucks, the event did some major fundraising for charity.
Altogether, $25,000 was raised at the show,
with $10-15,000 set to be donated to Dementia Australia.
A whopping $6,300 was donated to the cause by Tim Ison from Ison Haulage, who was given the honour of lead truck in the parade.
The event was filled with stand-out trucks, one of them being Warren Ahern’s 1985 W-model Kenworth, which won the coveted title of Rig of the Show. The truck’s impressive appearance was a hit among attendees and added to the excitement of the day.
The Charity’s Choice Award honoured Steve and Tracey Armstrong of STA Trucking for their striking Kenworth T909.
Adorned in a bold black and pink colour scheme, this rig had already garnered attention by winning Best Custom Paint at the Casino Truck Show just weeks earlier.
Without pre-registration, it was a challenge fitting all the trucks into the showgrounds.
“Everyone registers on the day, we don’t charge people on entry, all we do is work on donations,” Rob says.
“To raise the money we do in a matter of five to six hours is a really good effort.”
The Lowood Truck Show had more to offer than just trucks however, featuring a range of activities for adults and children alike.
“There was heaps to do. We had a jumping castle for the kids, a mechanical bull ride, a live auction during the day, remote control trucks people could operate, and about 50 to 60 trade stalls as well.”
For the town of Lowood, the truck show is more than just an event; it’s a vital part of the community’s fabric.
“This show means a lot to Lowood, it’s the biggest event we have here,” he says.
The Lowood Truck Show’s return was a resounding success and it’s clear that the truck show will continue to be a cherished tradition in the years to come.
A classy Ford 9000 leads the way
There are stacks of reasons to like this Kenworth
Ahern Haulage won Rig of the Show with their W-Model Kenworth
DEALS Events
Tugging trucks
IN THALLON
Thallon’s population nearly doubled on August 31 as people showed up from all over rural Queensland for the famous truck pull
Words: Alex Catalano
Images: Alisha Campbell/ The Farmers Friend
Photography
The rules are simple –six people pull a prime mover as fast as they can over 25 metres
The tiny Queensland town of Thallon, located more than 500km west of Brisbane, put itself on the map with the third edition of the Thallon Truck Pull on August 31.
It’s not your typical trucking event — there’s no showing of trucks to claim the top prizes — instead teams of six went head-to-head pulling a 12-tonne prime mover over 25 metres as quickly as they possibly can.
The actual competition part is over in a flash — the fastest teams are pulling a Kenworth T610SAR prime mover, kindly provided by the local 4 Hill Farming, in under 30 seconds.
Thallon Progress Association president and Thallon State School P and C grants officer
Janna Spierenburg says it was a weekend to remember, even in scorching conditions, following the last Truck Pull in 2022.
“It was a wonderful success,” she says.
“According to our postcode collection, which I created from a QR code that people would scan, we think we had about 267 adults and 155 kids, but it may have been closer to 300 adults.
“We had a kids’ zone that was free, and they just went wild out there which was fantastic. That was the whole point and what we try and do it for.
“It’s a fantastic result for our small community event. This year was a lot of locals. We did have a few travellers coming through, but it was people who had travelled
up planning to ahead, not so much the passersby.
“A lot of travellers said they’d been there two or three days. They’d heard about it and were coming up to see it.”
The 2022 event saw women’s teams participate for the first time, and due to popular demand, a women’s only competition was run this year.
Six women’s teams signed up, outnumbering the five men’s teams.
“The women really wanted to get in there and give it a go,” Janna says.
“They’re far more organised than the blokes. They had the teams nominated and signed up in advance, whereas the blokes were the day before!”
When it came time for the Truck Pull itself, the organising committee pulled out all the bells and whistles.
Teams were encouraged to show up in uniforms and give themselves a fun name (with some teams having maybe too much fun).
While it was a competition for $3000, the light-hearted fun and games makes the Thallon Truck Pull what it is.
“Every team gets to have a bit of fanfare, run through the curtain and get an MC chatting them up,” Janna says.
“It’s ready, set, go and over in less than 30 seconds. They each got to pull the truck three times.
‘The Better Frillies’ were crowned as the inaugural women’s champions
The ‘Truck Wits’ were the champions of the men’s competition
The local rugby teams showed out to try their luck
“Sometimes the first go you think is the fastest, but they work out their technique in the first two pulls and then the third one is usually the fastest. It’s very hard to get the chance to just go out and practice it!
“A lot of our teams are farmers or young blokes, but they weren’t that young this year!”
Once all was said and done, the women’s competition was taken out by ‘The Better Frillies’, with a time of 31 seconds. The ‘Truck Wits’ earned the cheque in the men’s division with a time of 23.14 seconds.
The event was supported by Brown and Watson, who presented the prizes to the winning teams, as well as the winners of the uniform competition.
“The Better Frillies are made up of members of the women’s rugby team, but they call
Thallon Truck Pull 2024 Winners:
Men’s Competition
1st: Truck Wits – 23.14 seconds
2nd: fu-KENWORTH-it – 24.02 seconds
3rd: Grasshoppers – 24.94 seconds
Women’s Competition
1st: The Better Frillies – 31.00 seconds
2nd: Mungindi Preschool – 31.90 seconds
3rd: Fillies – 32.12 seconds
Uniform Competition
Winner: Mothertruckers
themselves ‘better’ because the Frillies is the men’s team,” Janna laughs.
“They thought they could do better!
“Angus Short from Brown and Hurley opened up the event, gave a speech and helped to present the awards.”
With the Truck Pull over and done until 2026 now, it served as a great advertisement for the town of Thallon.
Janna hopes that more people will look at making it a part of their travel calendar for the next edition, which the committee is thinking of moving to March to encourage more attendance.
“What is great about the Thallon Truck Pull is that it’s so uniquely Thallon,” she says.
“It’s our one major event that’s so inclusive. Anyone can attend, it’s free entry. The market stalls were brilliant this year.
“We had vintage cars, we tried to get trucks as well but they were all far too busy. It was a great day for our wider shire community to all come together and have a bit of fun.
“The whole day was the highlight. Everyone just really enjoyed their day. It was a nice afternoon out.
“The competition was really tight. I was a timekeeper, and I thought after every pull each team won. I couldn’t believe how fast they were moving the truck.
“The competitors gave it everything. They put their bodies on the line and beat their times on every time around. It’s very impressive to see what people can do together.”
CATTLE
Queen
Those steaks don’t just deliver themselves to our plates as Deals on Wheels found out this month
Words & Images | Warren Aitken
A very happy and hardworking Rochelle Storr with her workhorse
WRochelle loves her DAF, although she does admit she preferred having the gearstick. We can’t have everything though, can we
ho doesn’t love a good turd-herding story, huh?
There’s just something iconically Australian about carting cattle. It’s a niche vocation amongst the transport industry, one that requires a particular demeanour and specific skills. We often get to see the top end of the stock carting world with the lifestyles of the outback road train transporters, however there are multiple layers when it comes to livestock transporting and recently, I got to catch up with a stock carter who is at the beginnings of what will be a lifelong career.
The protagonist in this story is a young lady from deep in Victoria’s back blocks. A young lady that has grown up in the passenger seat of a truck and earned her pocket money in the back of a stock crate with a hose and the aromatic ambiance of overflowing ordure. I had the pleasure of spending a day with the lovely Rochelle Storr and got to appreciate her knowledge of the industry, her skills behind the wheel, her management of the doubts and worries of becoming a truck driver and her over all enthusiasm for the transport trade.
However, I have one big complaint. Yes, it’s a little selfish and more than a little selfcentered but I’m the one writing this so I get to complain. On no less than four occasions
throughout our interview Rochelle would use the phrase, ‘When I was younger’ or ‘when I first started out’. Sure, that sounds harmless, except Rochelle is only 24. I had to reprimand her and reiterate to her, only us oldies get to use the phrase ‘when I was younger’. If you weren’t around when your entire household only had one phone, and you could only walk as far as the cord would stretch, then you cannot use the ‘When I was younger’ term. All that aside, Rochelle may only be 24, but she has packed a lot into those 24 years. She is a young lady that loves to work hard, thrives on the challenges of building her own future and has the utmost appreciation and respect for those that have helped her to get where she currently sits in her journey. It’s inspirational for us actual oldies to see this kind of resolve in the next generation of truckie.
As we’ve already established, Rochelle has grown up in the transport game. Storr Transport was formed just over 25 years ago when Rochelle’s Nan and Pop bought a livestock carrying business. Carting cattle wasn’t an unfamiliar vocation for the Storr family as Rochelle’s Nan and Pop had spent years living and working on farms in the Toora area of Victoria.
With her granddad, dad and uncle driving, and her aunty and cousin working the books
Rochelle may not have enjoyed school but there is still plenty of paperwork to do in transport. Even more so when carting livestock
and managing the office, Rochelle literally grew up around livestock carting.
“I don’t remember back that far but apparently, from about two or three years old I was going all around Australia with Dad, that was how I spent my life, he taught me everything I know” says Rochelle, who cheekily laughs as she adds in her mother’s response to dad’s babysitting duties — “Mum wasn’t always that happy, she’d ring up and ask ‘when are you going to be home, what state are you in,’ stuff like that.”
It was a lifestyle that suited Rochelle and appealed to her hard work ethic.
“I remember when I was about 14 maybe, I had gone for a ride with Dad to Pakenham
saleyards doing the market, Pop rung and said to Dad you need to start heading to Alice Springs. Dad always had a bag packed but I wasn’t the kind to pack a bag — I went the whole way up to Alice with no clothes, no nothing. It was an incredible trip and now I know not to go anywhere without a change of clothes and a lunch box.”
It’s definitely not a Chanel No5 kind of working environment but Rochelle loves it
Gently does it ... Rochelle, backing on to pick up the first load for the day
She may be hard to spot amongst some pretty big bovines, but Rochelle has no qualms about getting in amongst it whilst loading her truck
It was fairly evident from a young age that the blue-collar lifestyle held greater appeal than any form of extra schooling or study for Rochelle.
“All through school, until I left in Year 10, I would spend all my spare time either washing trucks or going with Dad or Pop,” recalls Rochelle.
“I was a bit of a brat at school to be honest, and I would spend my days watching the trucks go past our school and pointing out every time I saw one of ours.”
It’s almost the cliché meme, with the teacher admonishing Rochelle and exclaiming ‘you can’t spend your days staring out the window’ and now that’s exactly what she gets to do.
Her love of the farm life and her desire to get working saw Rochelle apply for a station hand job at the age of just 16.
“It was a lifechanging experience and one of the best things I ever did.
“I applied, they rung me up and said I was shortlisted but wanted to ensure I was serious as I was only 16. Mum supported my dreams and so next thing I know moved to Morstone Downs Station about 50km out of Camooweal in Queensland, it was awesome.
“I did a full season up in Camooweal and everything about it was more than I could have imagined. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
“In the end though I came home because I just missed my family, I’m such a family person and missed them a heap.”
Rochelle returned to home and was
straight back into the crates with her hose and sponges.
“I was working at a couple of dairy farms and Pop would still ring me at night and ask me to wash out the trucks before they went out again in the morning.” Got to love family don’t you.
By the time Rochelle hit the age where she was able to go for her HR license, she was now spending her spare time in the passenger seat alongside her granddad, Stuart Storr.
“I was old enough to get my license but I was kind of sitting on the fence about it, I had this thing in my head that I wouldn’t be able to actually drive one of these big things all by myself,” Rochelle admits.
I must also admit I was a little taken aback by Rochelle’s self-doubts, her life had been spent working around these trucks and her ability to date had shown that she could master any task thrown at her so the idea this young lady had reservations did not fit with the competent driver that was escorting me around. Thankfully the support of her family, the encouragement of Storr transport team and most importantly some driving lessons from her Pop resulted in her attaining her HR license.
“I had learnt so much from my Dad and my Pop. After I came back from the station and between my other jobs I would always go and help Pop, he’d do the driving and I would do the loading and unloading,” Rochelle says.
Then Pop started throwing Rochelle into the driver’s seat to teach her the joys of an 18-speed gearbox and build her confidence.
“It was awful,” laughs Rochelle. “It was in one
Trucking is just second nature to Rochelle and she enjoys it all. Though getting under the DAF to hook up and unhook is a lot easier when you are young and energetic
DEALS People
of our older DAFs and Pop would get me to leave the yard, through the S-bends and up to the highway. It’s quite steep and I remember we’d be in 5th or 6th, I’d be asking Pop how I get it back a gear and he’d just say no-one’s coming, just go for it. I used to just chug it, almost stalling it.”
Another load sorted at the local saleyards, so I figured why not grab some more shots whilst we’d managed to keep the DAF clean all day
The ’she’ll be right’ driving lessons were soon replaced with more in-depth training from the team at Yugo Driving School in Dandenong. Rochelle was more than competent — it really was just a case of getting her to realise that years of second-seat driving had already taught her more than enough.
The two-day Yugo course resulted in Rochelle gaining her HR and before the ink could even dry on her license, Pop had Rochelle in the driver’s seat and earning her keep.
“The very next day after I got my license, it was a Tuesday, our busiest day and I was out at it all day.
“I knew how to drive and that, but that first day when you head out on your own it’s all very real. Within two hours though it was like I’d been doing it all my life.”
The great thing about starting in the smaller body trucks in the stock world is you are going to be the one that gets sent to all the farms and pens that others can’t get to. Sure, it can be intimidating and overwhelming, but it is also a great ‘in the deep end’ skill enhancer and
Rochelle lapped up the challenge.
“The tray trucks are just as important as the B-doubles,” she says. “We’re often the ones having to do the pickups for the doubles, getting into the awkward spots, doing all the little tight jobs.”
After a year of adventuring into the far-flung stockyards of Victoria, Rochelle started to get the pressure to move up to her HC license.
“I did hold off getting my HC license for so friggin long, even though it was the best thing I have ever done,” admits Rochelle.
“Internally I was still thinking it’s too big, it’s too long, but one of our drivers Justin just said to me to get in and do it. Now it just makes my job so much easier.”
As far as the next stage, her MC license, Rochelle is back to her own self-doubts though I am sure it will come in time. For now, having the ability to tuck a trailer in behind her DAF is perfect for the work she is doing and has Rochelle mastering her current domain.
There is so much more that needs to be added to the biography of this accomplished young lady, like did I mention in the little spare time she does have she has also started her own country clothing line — ‘Muddy Creek Co’. My new wardrobe is on its way, and it looks good. That wasn’t my point though, I was saying there was a lot to learn during my
day in the DAF’s passenger seat, but before I run out of space I shall cover our conversation around the subject of females in transport, transport in general and the allure of the industry.
“I don’t really think of myself as a female driving trucks, I don’t look at that label, I just see myself as a person doing a job they love, I’m just a truckie,” Rochelle says.
“There’s no aspect of the job where being a woman hinders me doing my job.”
Rochelle also points out that in the cattle industry in particular there are plenty of females throughout. From farmers and drovers to the truckies and agents.
“It’s not just the job I love though, I love the truck side of it as well. It is a lot harder to keep the truck shiny in our line of work. Plus, we live in Victoria where it rains 95 per cent of the time and we are off the tar seal as much as we are on it.”
“But we have a company policy that you don’t leave the yard with a dirty back door. Our name’s on the back and we like to keep
the trucks looking as good as we can.”
As our day of moving deconstructed Big Macs around Victoria started to come to an end, I really appreciated the attitude and approach that Rochelle carries with her in her work. What started as the concept of a short drive, a decent photoshoot and a bit of chat, turned into a full day event and I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Yes, Rochelle may be less than half my age, so we put paid to the ‘when I was younger’ comments, but this young truckie has a really good head on her shoulders. Her insistence on moving up the driving license ranks at a pace that ensures she’s comfortable and confident is certifying her safety and that of the valuable cargo she loves to cart. Her respect and admiration for the support and assistance of family, her partner Travis and her workmates is another trait that should be admired. I do believe she should listen to her workmates and get onto that MC license though; we could definitely do with a few young ones like Rochelle Storr.
Rochelle takes a lot of pride in her ride.
The DAF is the perfect vehicle for what Storrs needs and Rochelle ensures that it looks as good as it works
A-Plus
SCANIA
The Aplus Towing team have poured their hearts into this one-of-a-kind 2023 Scania R620 XT
Words: Tiarna Condren Images: Aplus Towing
APLUST1 is capable of towing an impressive 108+ tonnes
Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of being in some sort of crash. If we are lucky, it’s a small bump at a red light or hitting a curb a little too quick.
In other circumstances, the damage can be quite severe, like when I wrote off my 2004 Ford Focus right after getting my P-plates (mum was not happy about that one).
If an occasion like this does arise, a towing company can often be your saving grace, lifting you up in a time of need.
But it’s not just fender benders and reckless teens that need assistance, with companies like Aplus Towing proving that towing services are in high demand around the country.
Operating around the Canberra area, Aplus Towing is a locally owned and operated family tilt tray business with years of experience.
“My wife and I started the business around 10 years ago,” Aplus owner Gary Fleming tells Deals on Wheels
“What started off as a fairly small business
has now grown over the past couple of years, and we have our son, my stepfather and a bunch of employees working for us.
“We do a fair bit of roadside assistance around the area, but we also do accident breakdown, machinery, heavy towing, and a whole heap of other jobs.”
Gary attributes a lot of their success to not only their business model, but the rigs they have on deck, spending a lot of time to ensure they are of the highest quality.
“Over the years, I've been lucky to have a lot of mentors in the industry who have shown me the way of the industry and the kind of equipment you need to be successful,” he says.
“I also went over to the states in 2018 and researched what works and what doesn't. It was a learning curve for sure.
“But now, I know we have built some unreal bits of equipment that even our mentors look at and just absolutely love.”
The culmination of his hard work and research is shown in Aplus Towing’s
incredible 2023 Scania R620 XT.
Named APLUST1, the impressive rig has become the flagship of the fleet, capable of towing an impressive 108+ tonnes.
The fully Australian-built Ekebol boom can extend 7.5 metres, with a total lift capacity of 35 tonnes.
Able to recover and move coaches, semitrailers, B Doubles, B Triples and more, a lot of work went into ensuring it was perfect for the job.
“We put four years of development into that truck,” Gary says. “Talking to mentors and companies, bouncing ideas off of each other
and learning off drivers as well.”
A unique part of the Scania is the axle slider tilt tray. With a low tare weight of 20 tonnes, the tray is able to multi-load up to 22-23 tonnes.
“It’s been a real passion of mine and my team. We've put a lot of time and effort into the equipment here.”
Recognising the potential risks associated with his work, Gary has prioritised safety as a non-negotiable when it comes to the fleet.
“We've always wanted to keep our business to the highest standard, so we're big on the tech base. Something that we're really passionate about is keeping our drivers safe.”
The Aplus Towing fleet The Scania stood out in the line-up at Alexandra
A light day’s work for the big rig
A standout feature of the 2023 Scania is the retarder. Even when loaded with a B-double, the Scania’s brakes are rarely needed, instead able to pull itself up.
Coming in handy when dealing with the aftermath of an accident, particularly when a vehicle may have lost its brakes, Gary says it is “just brilliant”.
Telematics is another upside to the specialbuilt truck. While many stray away from the new technology, Gary and his team have fully embraced the advantages it can give them.
“The telematics in the Scania truck are second to none,” he says. “I think it is the best in the industry.”
“It can tell you the brake optimisation, the fuel usage. It does drop pins of every trip and it can even give driving scores.
“We've also put a lot into cameras. We've got cameras at the front and rear and internal cameras that we run that we are able to access remotely at any time.”
These not only give the drivers security for any incidents that may occur, but because they are all tracked in real-time, it allows them to contact the office if they have a difficult job and get some advice from the more experienced employees.
Despite obviously smashing goals in the field, the drivers at Aplus towing also appreciate the extra benefits the Scania has hidden away.
With an extra-large bed, a TV and a kettle, workshop manager Trai Hildebrand says it’s a “home away from home”.
“If we're on site for a long time, we're all set up. That was the main focus of being able to turn off, shut down, and also rest when you can.”
Most recently, Trai put the bed to the test when travelling to the Alexandra Truck Show, keen to show off their hard work.
“Truck shows are extra special to us because it is the one time people are actually happy to see us,” Trai laughs.
“Especially on the heavy recovery side, we only go out there when it’s shit for them. No one ever has a good day when they're breaking down and no one wants to see us.
“So truck shows are that time where we can chill out and catch up with everyone.”
It appears more than one or two of the visitors at Alexandra were happy to see the Scania, with the massive rig taking home the People’s Choice award.
The rig definitely stood out on the tar, with
the orange and blue graphics immediately grabbing eyes.
“We’ve been really lucky at the shows so far, taking home awards at all three we’ve attended,” Trai says.
Gary says while he is ecstatic with the reception towards his pride and joy, at the end of the day it is his team that keeps him going.
“Trai’s gone out to a lot of these shows, and it's been a really proud moment to see how much commitment it takes to get the team together, and it's really created a great culture in our business.
“I am proud of my team and proud of the fleet that we've built together.”
Moving forward, Gary says there are big plans in place for Aplus Towing.
“There are some car park recovery vehicles we want, and we are wanting to do a tri axle, prime mover that can double up as a backup unit on site.”
“But also some really cool bush recovery units would be great. We’re looking to push that side of our business up in the snowy mountains and just really support all the drivers that come into the projects in here, and just even coming into the region.
Deals on Wheels will be keeping an eye on the Aplus team, seeing how many other trophies they can take before the year is over.
In trouble? APLUST1 is on the way!
DEALS Feature
STOP RIGS
Rolling
Truckies should get involved with the newly launched Heavy Vehicle
Rollover Awareness Program to increase road safety
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: HVRAP, Scott Dawson and Lynley Miners
This program has the potential to save lives daily. Image: Lynley Miners, Miners Livestock
Every time we get behind the wheel, we hope to come home to our loved ones, safe and well.
So, when a spate of heavy vehicle rollovers occurred a few years ago, it triggered concern — not only for the truck drivers, but for other road users as well.
COO of the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) Bec Coleman, along with Alan Pincott from Australian Transport Safety Solutions and Systems, have together developed the Heavy Vehicle Rollover Awareness Program (HRVAP).
The program is aimed at reducing heavy vehicle rollovers and crashes, preventing the loss of life or serious injury in the Australian road freight industry.
HVRAP is your one-stop-heavy-vehiclerollover shop, that gives you access to resources and tools, so you can learn from the real-life experiences of professional drivers, all in your own time.
“We developed this program because during Covid, we wanted to reduce face-toface training,” Coleman says.
“It had become a huge barrier to train across the industry, as no-one could get face-to-face training for those two years.
“This was a way of moving toward the future and providing that same training, but in an online environment.
“It was also a means of providing free learning to industry. You shouldn’t have to continue paying for learning, that should be free.”
Within the program there are 12 modules, discussing all things vehicles, systems, people, roads, how to tackle this issue as an industry and what causes a rollover.
Coleman says the general program teaches the basics that apply to heavy vehicles, but there are additional modules for specific sectors, such as timber, grain and cotton.
“There’s a specific rollover awareness tool
There are 12 modules discussing how to prevent a rollover from occurring.
Image: Scott Dawson, Scott Dawson Transport
to complement HVRAP for every commodity that we cart in a heavy vehicle,” she explains.
The program went through two years of development, lauching in August this year.
“We've tried to engage as many industry people as possible — people that have been living and breathing their heavy vehicle operation for decades.”
Funded through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), they’re also about to launch phase two of the HRVAP, which includes a rollover crash investigation tool to identify trends in the industry and discover why and where things occur.
“We don't have sufficient data to be able to analyse that right now, so the purpose of the asset tool is to do exactly that, to encourage industry to report data, to provide this information, so we can identify trends and prevent problems.”
HRVAP is designed for all supply chain parties including drivers, loaders, schedulers or even farmers.
When Deals on Wheels asked how important it was for truckies to participate in the program, Coleman emphasised that everyone should be participating.
“Farmers are often consigning goods onto these vehicles, so they should be aware of what problems may arise by overloading or trying to fit too much product on the vehicle,” Coleman says. This free program will help truck drivers to understand the dynamics involved in preventing truck rollovers
The free program has a login, so users can stop and start, and it will take off from where they last finished a module.
“It’s in your own time, at your own pace and so simple to use,” she says.
“We’ve used a lot of video and real content from the industry so users can relate to it, which may encourage them to keep coming back and continuing to learn.”
Five years from now, Coleman hopes the program will result in a major reduction in heavy vehicle rollovers, saving lives every day.
Feelings of shame around seeking help and talking about your feelings, which occur more commonly amongst men, can get in the way of receiving support and assistance.
According to Healthy Heads, the warehousing and logistics sector are the lowest ranked industry in Australia in terms of workplace mental health and wellbeing, placing 19th out of 19 sectors.
So, if truckies can’t speak up, Martins Stock Haulage decided they will.
Making quite the statement on Aussie roads, they are showing their support up and down the highway with their new ‘Razzle Dazzle’ Mack Super-Liner.
Martins’ general manager Adam Ross says the idea originated with the CEO of the familyowned livestock company, Jason Martin.
Mack’s
“The concept of the truck was Jason’s baby, he’s very passionate about men’s mental health,” he says.
“So, we painted this truck these lairy colours to encourage men to speak up when they’re having dark thoughts, troubles, or facing any difficulties.
“We just want men to pick up that phone and talk about their feelings.”
The cheerful design was designed by TradeMutt and made in collaboration with This is a Conversation Starter (TIACS), a professional mental health counselling service for truckies, tradies, farmers and bluecollar worker.
The Razzle Dazzle wrap was influenced by the office workers at Martins Stock Haulage.
“Everybody in the office wears one of the trademark shirts for a Friday, and Razzle Dazzle was the latest colour that we had on our work shirts,” he says.
“We put the shirts next to the trucks and it looked great, that’s when we decided to do it.”
The monster Mack is wrapped in almost every colour you can imagine, with a mix of
The Mack Super-Liner in all its glory
The
colourful print was made in collaboration with This is a Conversation Starter
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Mack Trucks Australia
abstract shapes and lines popping out left and right, with not a millimetre of blank space threatening to bore onlookers.
The scrollwork and signwriting are also designed in the exact same Razzle Dazzle print.
The label ‘This is a Conversation Starter’, is enfolded around the side and back of the cab, so passersby are aware of the cause Martins Stock Haulage aims to promote. Hopefully it will, as the truck says, start a conversation and be the push men need to reach out for help.
To contrast with the colourful pattern, sleek stainless steel exhaust pipes stand alongside the mirrors and bulbar — a classy touch.
Last year, a pink triple road train Mack Super-Liner joined the Martins fleet to represent women in the transport industry. It signifies their support for women, not only working within the company, but throughout the field.
“We did the pink truck for women in industry twelve months ago – it’s only fair now to do one for the boys,” Ross says.
The colourful print was inspired by Martin Haulage’s office shirts
The eye-catching Mack acts as a beacon of hope for all men facing mental health issues
Tech
TALK
We take a look at what’s going on in the wide world of technology
Watch your fatigue
A new smart watch designed specifically for truckies is now on the market.
The Garmin Instinct 2 dēzl Edition monitors driver fatigue levels and can send an alert right before they go into a micro-sleep, potentially preventing an accident.
It also keeps track of other health parameters, providing an accurate snapshot of health status and feedback.
vehicle, giving truckies time to change their route to avoid dangerous tunnel incidents that can cause system wide disruptions to Sydney’s road network and damage to critical infrastructure.
In an Australian first, Transport for NSW has combined the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning technology with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software.
The smart watch monitors fatigue and sends an alert when a driver is about to go into a micro-sleep. Image: WHG
The watch has been developed in partnership with Australian telematics company WHG and Italian start-up Sleep Advice Technologies.
Dylan Hartley, WHG’s director of operations, says: "Being a proudly Australian technology company, our vision has always centered around developing products that meet local needs while staying abreast of global industry trends.
“The integration of SAT's PREDICTS technology into our ecosystem underscores our commitment to delivering leading safety technology solutions tailored for our customers. This partnership not only aligns with our goal of reducing accidents but also fortifies our position as a leader in the industry."
Real-time reality check
State-of the art sensor technology being trialled in Sydney will scan trucks in real time and use connected warning signage to divert drivers of overheight vehicles from their routes before causing chaos for motorists.
The trial is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing mission to reduce disruption from overheight incidents that has seen tunnel closure minutes in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel cut by 80 per cent.
The automated system gives drivers an accurate real-time height reading on their
The six-month trial will see trucks taller than four meters scanned as they pass under the sensor, and their height and number plate information will be gathered and instantaneously displayed to drivers on the overhead Variable Message Sign (VMS).
The first site is live on the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Mount White Heavy Vehicle Safety Station, which is operated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
No more 3G
The 3G shutdown has been postponed until the end of October.
Image: Rawf8/ stock.adobe.com.
Optus and Telstra recently announced they are delaying the shutdown of their 3G networks until the end of October.
The closure had been scheduled for the end of August, but has been put off due to concerns over public safety.
People with 3G-reliant devices now have until October 28 to move to 4G and 5G networks.
Optus and Telstra plan to use the extension as a final chance to raise public awareness of the impending closures.
Mobile phones operating on the 3G network after October 28 will be unable to contact 000 for help, and a host of regional medical devices will also be affected.
Fleets with 3G telematics hardware will lose connection to vehicle and driving data and be unable to track vehicle location or monitor speeding, risking compliance violations.
Telstra has urged its customers to check the compatibility of mobile phones by texting ‘3’ to 3498.
The six-month trial will see trucks taller than four metres scanned as they pass under the sensor. Image: 9News
Invest in a green future
NatRoad is seeking the creation of a $3 billion Clean Transport Fund
The trucking industry is at a pivotal juncture, facing commercial pressures that call for urgent action to ensure its sustainability and profitability.
At NatRoad, we have identified a critical need for a $3 billion federal Clean Transport Fund to support the sector's transition to lower emissions.
This fund is not just about emission reduction, it’s a commercial necessity that will help secure the future of small, medium, and large businesses within the trucking industry.
Trucking is the backbone of Australia's economy, responsible for moving goods efficiently across cities, towns and the country. Despite its vital role, the industry operates on razor-thin profit margins, averaging just 2 per cent. Add the shortage of 26,000 drivers and an increasing burden of regulatory compliance, the sector is under growing pressure to remain viable.
Our responses to the government’s review of the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels, and our policy paper: ‘Stronger Economy, Lower Emissions’ have highlighted the need for financial support. Existing government plans fall short of providing the comprehensive backing required. This is where the $3 billion Clean Transport Fund becomes vital.
Small trucking businesses are the lifeblood of many regional and rural communities. They ensure essential goods reach even the most remote areas. These businesses often operate under tight budgets, making it challenging to invest in new technologies or comply with evolving regulations. The transition to lower emissions is a significant commercial challenge for these operators. Without substantial financial support, many small businesses may be unable to afford the necessary upgrades, risking their survival.
The Clean Transport Fund would help small trucking businesses transition to lower emissions by facilitating the rollout of electric trucks, recharging infrastructure, and hydrogen solutions, where they make sense. Additionally, better heavy vehicle access and comprehensive information for making low-emission investment decisions
would help these operators to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
For medium-sized trucking businesses, they often have larger fleets and higher operating costs. The Clean Transport Fund would help alleviate some of these financial pressures by providing funding for advanced technologies and infrastructure. This would not only reduce emissions but also improve operational efficiency and lower long-term costs.
Large trucking businesses would benefit from the necessary financial support to invest in cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure, ensuring they can meet their sustainability goals without compromising profitability, drivers or the supply chain.
Big businesses must also play their part. Major transport customers cannot continue to seek low-cost transport contracts while claiming to be committed to sustainability. They must offer better rates and contract terms to enable road freight companies to invest in low-emission solutions. The Clean Transport Fund would support this by imposing a supply chain emissions reduction obligation on big businesses, ensuring they take responsibility for their scope 3 emissions.
Australia also needs to adopt a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which is essential for integrating renewable diesel and other low carbon fuels into trucking operations. This is particularly important for long-haul and regional freight, which are difficult to electrify and remain heavily reliant on diesel.
The proposed $3 billion Clean Transport Fund would represent just 2.5 per cent of the cost of the 10-year infrastructure pipeline, a reasonable request considering the significant public benefits, such as lower emissions and health costs.
The trucking industry is at a crossroads. Without serious investment and a comprehensive transition strategy, the sector risks being pushed into crisis. A Clean Transport Fund can stop that happening. It is time for the Federal Government and big businesses to step up and support the sector that keeps our economy moving.
A greener future will take big investment. Image: MDREMAN / stock.adobe.com
Clark, CEO of the National Road Transport Association
Shane Graham has nearly finished restoring his grandparents’ old Chev after life kept getting in the way
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Shane Graham
Shane Graham’s rare 1946 Chevy Panel Van holds an important place in his family history.
Passed down from his grandfather, Shane dreamt of restoring the Chev and getting it back on the road to take his grandparents for a drive down memory lane.
So, in 1998, he got to work — but tragedy struck not long after, when Shane was involved in a serious accident.
A load fell on him while he was working as a truckie, breaking his back in two places.
From then on, life turned down a different road, and the resto job was put on hold.
“It was four years before I could properly
walk again,” he says. “There was an awful lot of rehab and painkillers involved.
“I lost friends because I fell out of touch with them, or when friends would come to visit, I was on such strong painkillers I couldn’t hold a conversation.
“Life changes all the time. You don't get to choose how, you just have to learn to deal with it.”
Before he got a chance to restore the Chevy, both of Shane’s grandparents sadly passed away, and he had to find a new purpose to restore the old rig.
Shane says his granddad used to drive his mum to the Gold Coast for a surf in the Chev, so it became a big part of her life as well.
So that’s where his focus shifted: to his mum, and to driving her around in a truck that meant a lot to her.
Then, without warning in 2021, Shane’s mum passed away from a heart attack, leaving him devastated once again.
“I really wanted to restore it, but didn't have the ability to do so,” he says.
“After mum died, I had to make the decision to make the time. So, I did.”
In 2022, between Covid outbreaks, Shane travelled back to Queensland and brought the Chevy home with him.
It had been outside and exposed to the elements, so he knew this restoration project was going to be a big one.
Now with a family of his own, Shane hopes
The 1946 Chevy panel van is a work in progress
Shane’s grandma next to the Chev
to pass on a piece of history from his family to his own children.
“I just want to drive it, because that's what my grandparents and my mum drove, and I want to be able to pass that on to my kids. To me, it's a big part of our family's history.”
And so, the resto began, to transform this memory from another time back to its original form.
Once the Chev was in Shane’s hands, it was stripped back to a bare chassis. Even the spring hangers had to be taken off, as they were damaged, and it was then sandblasted and coated.
“We basically started with air,” he says. “I wanted to get the chassis on wheels first. So, I did the diff, then all the spring hangers and bolts.
“Grandad was really good with his maintenance, so as I’m pulling these bolts out, they still have GMH stamped on them –General Motors Holden.”
“GMH were building Chevys before 1948, when they started building the FX and then
subsequently the FJ Holden. So, to find the original pieces with GMH stamped on it, I think that was a brilliant part of history.”
Even the rubber bump stops on the diff have the Chevy symbol stamped under the rubber.
Shane’s grandfather working on the rig
Shane’s grandparents with their beloved Chevy
The Chev back in the ol’ days
Shane first started on the resto back in 1998
The Chev is a huge part of Shane’s family history
DEALS Resto
And so the work begins
Being such a rare vehicle, Shane was determined to flip this truck
Shane says the shock absorbers and steering were all buggered and had to come apart, be cleaned and then rebuilt, but once he got the chassis rolling, the timber frame soon followed, and the project started to take shape.
“A lot of guys say, ‘Oh, I would have done the steel work first and then put the frame inside it,’ but unfortunately, because this one was coach built, the metal just nails to the outside,” he says.
“So, I did the timber frame first which was really rickety and had a fair bit of rot in the
timber. Where I could, I repaired. I cut pieces out and fitted pieces in.
“There were a couple of pieces I had to remanufacture because they were rotten beyond use.”
All the timbers are hardwood, which Shane explained is quite hard to get nowadays, but he managed to track some down.
Currently, the cab is sandblasted, and Shane is ready to start on the metal work.
However the resto is on hold so he can attend the Old Gippstown Car Show, due to
How Shane first discovered the Chev
There really wasn’t much to work with
This ol’ Chev was beaten up and in need of some TLC!
Working on the Chev
The washed-up truck, ready for a resto
people showing interest in his work.
“It’s a bit strange that people want to see the Chev as it's only a chassis and a wooden frame, and I’m not sure people are going to know what it is!
original as possible, which means the resto will take even longer to complete.
Inspiration for the final result, when they get there
“So, I've sat the cab on, and nailed on some of the old, rusty metal work on just one side of the car, from the back doors up to the mud guard.
“That way people will see what it was and the work that's involved.”
Shane wants the Chev to remain as
“Pretty much every nut and bolt in it is original, as I had a few parts from granddad and other people that I've been in touch with,” he adds.
“I could have finished it quicker, but it wouldn't be a proper job. It's not going to be a $100,000 show car, because I want to drive it. I don't want it to break down on me in the middle of nowhere.”
Now working full-time as a bus driver and with a family to take care of, work on the Chevy must be done during Shane’s lunch breaks and when he can find the time during the weekend.
“Sometimes I look at it and think ‘This is taking forever,’ but then on Facebook a memory will pop up of where it was 12 months ago, and I look at that and think, ‘You know what, I'm actually doing okay,’” he says.
“I really thought it was never going to happen, which was quite sad for me to think about. But now, to see the progress I’ve made and to realise that I’ll actually get to drive this one day, that’s what keeps the motivation going.”
Shane says that for a lot of people, the process of the build is what a resto project is all about.
The frame starting to come together
The inside of the rig beforehand
The front of the frame
But if he had the money, he would happily take the Chev to a reputable rebuilder, to be able drive the vehicle his mum and grandparents drove.
When his grandad first gave him the Chevy, as a young fella, Shane wanted to make it his own — lowering it, chucking on some big wheels and turning it into a hot rod.
As he got older, he gained more respect for the history of the rig and learned how rare they were, having only ever come across one other guy with a PMG Chevy with side windows like his one.
“It’s a rare vehicle to begin with, but it’s even more rare to have these side windows in the back,” he says.
Having the respect and love that he has for
his family’s history is what has driven Shane to begin and one day finish this huge project.
“A lot of people would have looked at the condition of it and not done it, it was quite far gone,” he says.
“It's only a labour of love because it's such a massive job.”
When asked if he would consider doing another resto after he finishes the Chev, Shane hesitates.
“That depends on whether my wife wants her Combi van or not,” he chuckles.
“She's always wanted one, but I'd rather win the lotto and buy one for her, but if not, I'm happy to hang up my resto gloves.
“With the spare time I’ll have, I'll probably go drive the Chev.”
The cab of the Chev before and after
Inside the Chevy (below left), and the resto on track (right)
THE LADY IS A
Truckie
The daughter of Australia’s first female truck driver, Toots Holzheimer, speaks about her incredible legacy
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Donna Vawdrey
Widely regarded as Australia’s first female truckie, Toots Holzheimer was quite a woman.
A mother of eight who ran her own trucking company delivering freight across Queensland from the 1960s until the 1990s, she was capable of the toughest tasks in the roughest industry.
The bulk of her work was running Cairns to Weipa, servicing Cape York Peninsula settlements without bitumen roads, power steering, forklifts, phone communication, suspension, rattle-guns or many of the luxuries that drivers have today.
She knew the dangers of being a female on her own in some of the remotest parts of Queensland, so she rarely accepted help from anyone, digging herself out of bogs and changing her own tyres.
She battled corrugation, quicksand, mosquitos, crocodiles, snakes and the great dividing range, with exposed granite that ripped tyres to shreds — but never gave up, managing to keep her promise to be the first truck in and the last truck out before the annual monsoons hit the Cape.
She quickly became a legend, nicknamed ‘The Queen of Weipa’, but that didn’t stop her from suffering plenty of abuse.
Toots’ daughter Donna Vawdrey tells Deals on Wheels: “Mum knew when she began in the trucking industry that it would not be easy.
“I believe, however, she had no idea how cruel people could be.
“She expected the ridicule from men, but the abuse from females was a shock.”
Toots’ first employer gave her a job out of desperation for drivers — but refused to pay her.
“Men believed that women were weak, physically and mentally,” Donna says.
“Another concern was that women needed time out every month, and what if they fell pregnant?”
Despite being a woman in a man’s world, Toots managed to soldier on.
“Her motto was that if you take on a man’s job, or any job, in fact, just do it — without whinging and complaining.”
With eight children at home, Toots proved
Toots with her beloved MAN
Toots – a woman in a man’s world
that women could have a successful career and be a wife and mother.
“Did it take its toll on mum? Absolutely.
“It was tough going against the status quo — the social norms of the day that dictated women should be stay-at-home mums who raised the children, did all the cooking and cleaning as well as tending to all the demands of their husbands.”
Donna says seeing a woman in such a stereotypically masculine job must have been hard for men too.
“They were used to being the sole provider for the family, which gave them a significant amount of power and feelings of male superiority.
“With women encroaching on their domain, they probably felt they had lost their identity, their purpose and definitely their power."
Although she was known for her grit, Donna says her mum had a heart of gold.
“She was very compassionate,” she says. “She took in so many abandoned mums and their little ones until they could find their feet again.
“She would give rides to tourists who had overestimated their ability to handle the Cape roads.
“People came to love and respect her — even the men she worked beside.”
The women living on the stations Toots stopped at also had it tough, with no corner store, dress shop, or doctor’s surgery.
“Mum quickly became their confidant and their country shopper,” she says.
“They would give her their shopping list for items like material to make that special dress or shoes to wear to the local races or dances.”
Children would run out to greet Toots with special drawings whenever she dropped off supplies — partly because she would always bring a little treat for them, whether that be lollies or a show bag from the Cairns show.
“These children would later invite mum to their weddings,” Donna adds.
However, being one of Toots’ own children wasn’t always easy.
In fact, until she was nine years old, Donna thought her mother was dead.
“My mother had a child out of wedlock when she was 16, and then she met my dad and married him,” she explains.
“She had four surviving children from that marriage, including me.
“Then she left dad and met Ron Holzheimer, who got her into trucking — but my father told us all that our mother was dead.”
It was Donna’s oldest brother who revealed the shocking news that her mother was, in fact, alive.
“In those days, if you were under 21 and you wanted to get married, you had to get permission from your parents,” she says.
“My brother was planning to get married so he came to ask his step-father — my father
— for permission. “He told me that mum was alive, and where she was.”
When Donna got a bit older, Johnny brought her to meet Toots at Kamerunga in the Cairns region, where she was living in a caravan with Ron and their three children.
“I used to sneak away to visit her there, and we used to swim in the creek and have great fun,” she says.
Donna’s father died when she was 16 — and she and her siblings turned up on her mum’s doorstep.
“It must have been pretty daunting to have me, my two older sisters, my younger brother and my older brother showing up!
“I was 12 and my sisters were teenagers going through puberty.
“It’s only when I’ve gotten older and had kids of my own that I’ve really appreciated how much of a challenge that must have been, especially as she really had no rapport with us.”
Eternally practical, Toots managed to make it work — sourcing a bunk bed, getting an
Donna says Toots was 'incredibly strong'
Toots had a lighter side too – and enjoyed life in her caravan by the water
DEALS Feature
annex out and somehow fitting eight children and two adults in the caravan.
Donna says she’s definitely inherited her mum’s practicality.
thing that we don’t pay attention to what is happening around us and we miss out on learning valuable lessons that build lasting relationships.”
But probably the most profound lesson Donna learned from her mother was to always keep her word.
“If I say I am going to do something, then I do it, no matter the cost.
“A handshake from Toots was her guarantee that she would deliver. Like my mum, I say what I mean and mean what I say.”
Sadly, Toots passed away in 1992 at the age of 57.
“She was at home, contemplating retiring her Old Girl — a 20-year-old MAN Diesel — when she received a call from Ron that she was needed to load the last of pylons from the Weipa wharf.
Knowing the dangers for a woman on her own, Toots rarely asked for help
“old girl”, which is now on display in a museum in Winton
“I struggle buying presents, because I’m so practical,” she laughs. “I can’t buy something that’s just going to collect dust.”
She also learned a lot of lessons from her mother, including the logistics of driving.
“She taught me how to drive a truck, and I would go on trips with her — but I’m actually the only one out of my siblings who didn’t take up truck driving as a career!” she says.
“I remember all her lessons though — double de-clutch, obey the warning signs on the road as they are there for a reason, keep your eyes on the road a good semi length ahead...
“Oh, and how to have a three-minute shower!”
Toots suffered terribly with asthma, which Donna thinks might have been one of the reasons she didn’t talk much.
“A by-product of her silent language was to teach me the art of truly listening — with my eyes as well as my ears,” she says.
“Sometimes we get so busy doing our own
“Chatting to Ron, mum made her usual beeline to the protection of the dual wheels as the very last half pylon was being loaded.
“The crane driver lost control of the load and it began to swing.
“Mum thought she was safe in her little hidey hole, but sadly there was a steel plate on the end of the pylon that struck her in her chest, breaking her ribs and tearing her aorta.
“Within minutes, she was dead from massive blood loss.”
Donna says Toots’ legacy lives on in the female truckies putting in the hard yards across Australia, as well as Women in Trucking Australia.
She was delighted when WiTA announced that they would be naming their annual awards after her iconic mum.
“That blew me away,” she says. Mum would have been 90 this year, and here she is inspiring a young generation of truck drivers.
“It’s amazing that organisations like WiTA are on the side of female truckies, supporting, encouraging, and mentoring them.
“Knowing someone ‘has your back’, combined with a positive, glass-half-full attitude will lead to you having an enjoyable, fulfilling, meaningful life in the transport industry.”
She adds that her mum would have been very happy to see so many women drivers doing a great job.
“Mum had all the time in the world for anyone that had a dream and pursued it, and never gave up.
“When life throws you a curveball — get out your shovel and start digging.”
You can order a copy of Donna Vawdrey’s popular book about her mother’s life, Toots, A Woman in a Man’s World, via the website toots-thebook.com.au.
Donna has also been announced as the guest speaker at this year’s Deniliquin and District Transport Wall of Fame induction dinner.
JKD Racing, who compete in SuperUtes Series races, almost didn’t make it to their Darwin event due to a last-minute truck disaster
Words: Alex Catalano
This year’s SuperUtes Championship has been a fierce competition. Image: City Rural Photography
Jensen’s racing number – 805 – pays tribute to both Craig Lowndes and the legendary Peter Brock. Image: City Rural Photography
We all know that without trucks, Australia stops. For the JKD Racing team, this was quite literal in their journey to Darwin for a race weekend.
JKD is a motorsport team which competes in SuperUtes, a Supercars category which sees hotted-up utes take to the track in their battle for top spot.
Unlike the V8s, they don’t compete in every round, appearing for the headlining Bathurst 500 and 1000, Darwin, Sydney, Gold Coast and Adelaide.
While this means less time in the spotlight, it also means each race is more meaningful. Missing one is a massive blow both for visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and of course the race to the championship.
So imagine team owner Dean Brooking’s surprise when their regular transport truck blew a head gasket just days before they were scheduled to make the trip from Chesney Vale in Victoria all the way up to the top end.
“I spent a week pulling it apart and putting it back together, road tested it, it was all good,” Dean tells Deals on Wheels
“We booked it in for the aircon to be regassed, and the next morning got up to take it town. Suddenly there was a pop noise and a loss of power.
“I limped it back home and found it had broken a couple of rockers and bent a valve.
The head had to come off again.
“In one way it was bad timing, because we only had two days to go before we were actually leaving, but it was also a good thing it happened there.
“If it happened halfway across Australia we would have been stuck and it would have cost a fortune.”
Sometimes in the transport world, it’s not about what you know, but who you know.
After hiring a budget moving truck, loading all the gear and popping the ute up on a car trailer, the troupe made their journey over to South Australia to one of their rescuers, Hitch Haulage.
The haulage company is one of SuperUtes driver Jensen Engelhardt’s sponsors, and happened to have a spare drop deck trailer that could load up a shipping container to transfer the gear over to.
Along with this, they were able to lease a
DAF through CMV, another one of Jensen’s sponsors.
The journey began anew again, departing Adelaide in the new prime mover before stopping in Port Augusta in preparation to cross the hundreds of kilometres of orange dirt that lay ahead.
It is a challenge for Dean, while although he has his HC licence, he hasn’t driven anything that big in a long time.
“I just had to concentrate on the sides, I’m so used to the rigid Pantech,” he laughs.
“Driving it was really good though. The Thursday I was pretty mindful of the mirrors. Looking at the mirrors, you can see the lines clearly. I just had to get a feel for it.
“It has Lane Departure Warnings, but after the first hour, I turned them off! Driving anything like that, the bitumen on the road might have joins that go parallel on the road.
“They can start to drag the trailer. You touch the lines pretty often, but you can feel it. It moves around a little, but it has great control.”
Having to avoid all kinds of wildlife, including emus, kangaroos and cows along the way (including a big bull blocking the road), the DAF handled the journey smoothly.
After nearly a week on the road, the JKD Racing got to Darwin safe and sound, arriving in time for set up day on the Thursday before the races.
“I had to move the truck a few times to get in
While they are competitors, the SuperUtes community is also a tight-knit one. Image: Dean Brooking
Dean had to put his HC licence to the test and get behind the wheel for the trip to the top end. Image: Dean Brooking
right behind the garages and work around the other teams,” Dean laughs.
The team at Hitch Haulage are one of JKD’s most important sponsors. Image: Hitch Haulage
Transporting Jensen’s SuperUte is no easy task, but it’s certainly made easier by Hitch. Image: Hitch Haulage
“A lot of the teams found the trailer handy to tie down their pop-ups. You’ve got to stop them blowing away.”
On the track
You wouldn’t know it from watching him race, but Jensen is still only just 17 years old and looking like a seasoned professional on the track already. He finished his first ever SuperUtes race at just 16, at Sydney in 2023.
Still not even able to get his full car licence yet, he had to complete three races and get signed off by the organising body before he was allowed to race at Bathurst.
“He’s never raced anything but a SuperUte,” Dean says.
“He’s getting quicker, he does a lot of work on the car itself. For a 17-year-old kid he’s pretty cluey, pretty switched on.”
His 17th birthday was one to remember last year, getting to bump shoulders with racing royalty ahead of his race at Sydney.
“Jensen turned 17 on the Sunday at Sydney,” Dean says.
“He got a nice surprise when Supercars legend Craig Lowndes came down and wished him a happy birthday. He’s one of our commentators. I was able to organise it.
“He also signed the guard on his car, which is now in the workshop. Jensen’s racing number is 805, which is 8 for Craig Lowndes and 05 for Peter Brock.”
The Darwin race weekend was another good step up for Jensen and JKD Racing, with
his results continuing to gradually improve.
It’s an extremely competitive field, led by reigning champion Aaron Borg and Team Motion Racing partner Adam Marjoram, who sit second and first respectively after the recent Sydney race weekend.
But Jensen is building his confidence, currently sitting 13th overall (out of 24 racers) for championship points halfway through the SuperUtes season.
“In Darwin he finished the first race in 18th and the second in 17th,” Dean says.
“In the two Sunday races he finished 16th and 15th. He progressed really well over the weekend.”
With Sydney now knocked out of the way, Jensen and JKD Racing are into the second half of the season, where the biggest and best events start to roll out — the iconic Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 500 and Adelaide 500.
Dean and Jensen are itching to get out onto Mount Panorama, but are well aware of the sacrifices that supporting the race weekend takes.
“We only do Supercar events, the bigger events,” Dean says.
“I’m still chasing more events and more sponsors. We’ve got Australian Industrial in who support Jensen.
“It’s an expensive exercise. To be able to realistically help Jensen, we need a bigger budget per round.”
Chasing the dream
Racing has always been a strong passion of Dean’s, and a dream that he has also been following from a young age.
He was always going to be involved in the automotive field in some way, working across various areas of transport before giving racing a real crack again.
“Work-wise, I’ve always wanted to drive,” Dean says.
“Once I got to the right age I did for a few different transport companies, I did online distribution, driving for Miller’s Transport and Street’s. I moved from online to give courier driving a bit of a go so I could own my own van.
“I did it for 12 months and realised I was doing long hours, and I was turning over money, but I was taking home pretty much the same as I was before.
“I started the JKD Racing team about seven years ago. When we picked up our first major sponsor, they wanted us to do something with the Supercars events, so we ended up getting into the Superutes. It was probably the best way to go for crowds at events.
“There’s more return on investment for sponsors in categories that support the Supercars.
“I’ve been racing on and off since I was 18, and now I’m 56. I always wanted to get into a national category myself. I came close several
team Image: JKD Racing
Team owner Dean Brooking (centre) with the JKD Racing
times, I had sponsorship deals teed up. But it just never worked out, it fell over for me twice.”
Transport Logistics Management. I found I learnt more from working in the industry and being hands on.
“It was a good learning curve for me. I got an understanding of what I was in for with the course.
“Because I was more career-orientated, motorsport became a bit of a put-in-thebackground thing.
“In the late 90s I got back into it. I was past the early stages of my career and built my wages up.”
While Dean tried to move back into the racing world again, this time through the production side, the stars couldn’t quite align.
Sponsors came and went, and television deals with Supercars struggled to get off the ground, leaving him once again focusing on progressing with various logistics and automotive companies.
But when the opportunity arose to found his own racing team, Dean knew it would be different this time around.
Jensen can’t do it all himself – busy taking in handy words of advice.
Image: JKD Racing
There’s always work to be done under the ute.
Image: JKD Racing
While Dean always loved being behind the wheel, whether that be truck or car, his transport career continued to change and evolve from being in the driver’s seat to being behind the desk in an office.
This meant that the racing dream had to be put on hold at various points across the more than three decades he’s been involved in transport.
“I had the opportunity to work for a company in Seaford. I worked for them for two weeks helping them shift, and then they offered me a casual job in the warehouse where I worked for three months,” Dean says.
“One of the senior managers offered me an office job. I was doing purchasing and was trained in that.
“He encouraged me to do a Bachelor in
“When I started JKD seven years ago, I really concentrated on building my network,” he says.
“There’s been a lot of conversations with people over that time, but it’s not always the right time.
“A senior manager with one company I’d been communicating with was interested, but his parent company in Germany wasn’t. He shifted companies and suddenly I’m having a meeting with them.
“They talked about SuperUtes and then they offered me a naming rights deal for the year, and the rest is history.”
You can catch JKD Racing and Jensen in action during the Bathurst 1000 over the weekend of October 10-13.
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The National Road Transport Museum is a tribute, not just to trucks, but the people behind the wheel
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Nick Prus
A portrayal of people, tales of trucks and pictures of the past — that’s what the National Road Transport Museum is all about.
Based in Alice Springs, the museum not only wants to preserve the history of transport, but also aims to honour and recognise the people who make up the industry.
CEO of the NRTM, Nick Prus, emphasises his respect toward workers in transport and says educating the public, especially younger people, about the importance of the industry is his main goal.
“We need to honour the people in transport,” he says.
“They deserve more recognition than what they’re receiving right now, and have been getting for the past 30 years.
“I know it’s a cliché, but without trucks Australia stops — they’re the heroes of the road.”
As a former truckie, Prus understands the hardships of life on the road.
“If you spend even six months following
that white line, you will start to understand.
“All the birthdays missed, your kids growing up, anniversaries… it’s the loneliness that catches up with you.”
Delivering on their promise of honouring men and women within the transport industry, the cream of the crop are celebrated at a gala dinner and awarded with a memorial plaque at the Festival of Transport every year.
The ever-growing Wall of Fame is another example of celebrating drivers, as they receive a medal for their efforts, along with a picture and their story framed upon the famous wall.
Prus says he also likes to take time to recognise the wives of truckies and fleet owners, who are often a strong source of support, if not also taking an active role in the industry.
Graciously donating one of their rigs to the museum, Frank Marley and his wife from Marleys Transport in Perth are a great example of a couple working together to make it all happen.
The famous Diamond-T named ‘Bertha’ with her seven trailers
The NRTM is home to some of the most unique, vintage rigs in Australia
Check out this monster rig
The Wall of Fame recognises transport drivers from all around Australia
A massive warehouse filled with Macks, and colourful rigs is every truckie’s dream
DEALS Feature
Now in his 70s, Frank, with the help of his wife, runs an impressive fleet of 128 rigs.
“I like to say it’s the women behind the men, behind the wheel,” he says.
Vintage trucks galore
You’d have to stop and stare at this yellow Kenworth
“While someone is running the trucks, someone else needs to do the books and get the kids to school. They’re the backbone of the company.”
Prus says these are the people we need to be celebrating.
The appreciation for truckies doesn’t end there — in fact, it pretty much begins with Kurt Johannsen’s Diamond T named ‘Bertha’.
Prus names her “arguably” the world’s first road train, pulling seven trailers from Adelaide to Darwin in the 1940s. Now in 2024, she sits frozen in time in the Trucks in Action Pavilion (TIA).
Taking his hat off to the truckies that got behind the wheel, Prus says that after driving Bertha once for no more than a kilometre, he had already had enough.
“Back in the day, she was driven on a dirt road, with no power steering and no air con,” he says in disbelief. “You’re pulling seven trailers!”
Alongside Bertha, the NRTM proudly boasts a unique truck collection.
Adding to the list is the last Iveco truck ever built in Australia, a preservation of Australia’s engineering.
The TIA shed is home to classic B-model
Macks, vintage trucks and cars, while Australia’s first 1971 Kenworth is settled in the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame, carefully restored to its original condition.
The hall is a staggering 1,022 square metre display, devoted to Australian designed and built Kenworths.
However, this museum isn’t just a display of vintage vehicles and current truckies, but a forever home for those who have passed.
Drivers often decide to scatter their ashes in the NRTM’s Memorial Pond, where their memory can live on inside the historic walls of the transport museum.
“This is part of our mission here, we want to be part of a place where the transport
industry calls us their home, we’re not just a museum,” Prus says.
Excitedly, he explains how the Northern Territory Government generously granted $3.5 million to the NRTM, which he plans to use to pursue a long-time dream.
Taking into account the current shortage of truck drivers, Prus plans to build a truck driving school right next to the museum, combining old memories with new career opportunities.
“Here in central Australia, there aren’t as many opportunities, so almost every trucking company would employ drivers tomorrow,” he says.
Prus expresses his thanks to the NT Government for realising the importance of the museum, not just to Alice Springs, but to the whole nation.
With love and passion at the forefront of this museum, Prus says there’s nothing else he’d rather do.
“I’m like a kid in a toy store,” he says. “It’s not a job, it’s adventure… it’s passion.”
With plenty to see and do, it takes about two and a half hours to really get the most out of the museum.
Next year is the NRTM’s 30th anniversary, and the celebrations are going to be big.
Planned for August 2025, the museum will host drag races, truck shows, gala dinners and more, with talk of 1,000 people set to make their way up to Alice Springs for a week to remember.
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We delved into the story behind SeaWorld’s famous fire-breathing truck-turned-boat
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Gary Reid
The truck is a hugely popular part of the Thunder Lake Stunt Show
It’s not every day you see a truck that can float on water – so when Deals on Wheels came across one that can float on water and breathe fire, we had to know more!
The special truck is well-known by fans of SeaWorld Marine Park on the Gold Coast, where you can spot it during the Thunder Lake Stunt Show, which runs twice a day, every day of the year except December 25.
The show was launched in 2019 in partnership with Australia’s biggest provider of theme park live shows, ShowTime Entertainment Group.
It features a host of water-ski, jet-ski and BMX performers — as well as the famous half-truck, half-boat.
Village Roadshow Theme Parks Chief Operating Officer, Bikash Randhawa, says the Thunder Lake Stunt Show is a fast-paced, visually spectacular show featuring non-stop action.
“The Thunder Lake show centres around the Sun State All Stars and the Bay City River Rats, with the two rival groups colliding in a
showdown of extreme stunts to once and for all decide who rules the lake.”
The truck boat, or “troat” as it’s affectionately known, spits huge plumes of fire, tooting the horn as it speeds around the lake.
One of the performers then slides down a ramp on the back of the troat on a jet-ski before taking off with a splash, somersaulting through the air.
Gary Reid, the director of ShowTime Entertainment Group, tells Deals: “The truck is used at the end of the show — it's driven by our comedy character.
“He has failed all through the show, then he drives out at the end from backstage, shooting flames and blowing the air horns.
“The kids love it, even the big kids. It’s a huge hit!”
The troat was made from a 2010 Western Star 4800 that was purchased from a truck wrecker in Brisbane.
“The truck wasn’t in too bad a condition when we got it,” Reid says.
“It just needed a good clean and a paint job.
“We wanted the truck to look old, so we had a graffiti artist — Jamie from Lost Soul on the Gold Coast — spray paint it.”
The ShowTime team only used the cab and sleeper from the truck, adding a 150hp Yamaha outboard boat motor, and custom building a pontoon boat deck, aluminium chassis and fiberglass wheel.
“The interior has a driver’s seat, steering wheel and outboard motor controls.
“The steering wheel controls the motor, the same as a boat.”
While a floating, fire-breathing truck might seem a little dangerous, Reid assures us that it undergoes rigorous safety checks and is operated by trained professionals.
“Our team perform daily checks on all equipment in the show, including the troat,” he adds.
The troat isn’t the only big rig owned by the ShowTime team — they also have a 2023 610 Kenworth SAR.
The gleaming white SAR transports ShowTime’s fleet of display cars that they
The Western Star when
The rig was painted to make it look charred
Only the cab and sleeper were used, and a ramp was built on the back
ShowTime Group also use a Kenworth to transport some of their other vehicles
ShowTime group picked it up
use for on and off-track demonstrations and displays at Supercars rounds all over Australia.
Dream
MAKER
Most young girls from 12 to 14 are hanging out with friends, playing sports or studying — but country girl Linda Widdup was driving a truck. Though, with a family full of truckies, some may say she was destined for it. ±
was more than chuffed to receive this prestigious award
Currently working at a demolition company loading and managing rigs, she is also the founder of Aussie Hay Runners, who support farmers following natural disasters by transporting donated hay to those affected.
“In between work, I'm setting up hay runs to farmers all over the country, like Victoria and New South Wales,” she says.
“We now have around 74 trucks that do the runs with us.”
Like many little girls, Linda’s father was her hero growing up.
Cruising in the passenger seat of her dad’s rig as a child was what originally sparked her trucking passion and eventually led her into a 30-year transport career.
Driving interstate since she was 18, Linda learned how to operate tippers, trailers and stock plates before she became a mum, which threw a bit of a spanner in the works.
But driving trucks hasn’t been her only interest.
At one point, Linda jumped out of the trucking realm to take on the world of food, training as a chef.
“That skill is helpful now, because if we ever break down, I can always knock up a meal for the boys,” she says.
Being a humble mix of small-town girl and quiet but diligent worker, Linda never does things to be recognised or celebrated — so she assumed her work within the transport industry had gone unnoticed.
That’s why she was over the moon to discover her team at Aussie Hay Runners had nominated her for Transport Women Australia’s Dream Maker Award.
Linda
Linda in her natural habitat
Words: Tiane Gavillucci Images: Linda Widdup
“I was chuffed, I just didn’t believe it,” she says. “I was thinking, why me? I’m just a little country girl who does my own thing. But I guess the boys know how much work goes into planning these runs.”
The Dream Maker award is in recognition of the unsung heroes in the industry working hard behind the scenes to make the dream a reality.
This year’s successful nominees were invited to attend the Transport Women Unite Red Ball at the Australian Festival of Transport in Alice Springs, which took place at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.
Taking her mother and daughter along for the ride, coworkers and volunteers generously donated funds to cover their expenses.
“I’m very dedicated to my Aussie Hay Runners,” Linda says. “If someone can’t go, I’m in the truck and I’m off.
“My life has been the transport industry, but when you work behind the scenes, you don’t expect to get noticed.
“When they announced that I had won, I couldn’t stop bloody smiling, it was from ear to ear.
“I just thought to myself, there’s so many people that are much more worthy of this, but here I am, going to accept something that I’ve been working at my whole life.
“Any task that needs to be completed at work, anything at all, I’ll just do it.”
She recalls the thrilling moment they called
her name, along with the presentation of the award.
“My arms had goosebumps and my heart was pounding. I was just thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s really happening!’
“I was very overwhelmed, but it was just an absolute privilege to be there, especially amongst other ladies in the trucking world that are just amazing at what they do.”
Linda’s can-do attitude and willingness to get any task done no matter the complexity is what makes her a standout winner.
“I’ve got the award set up on my mantlepiece at home, I walk past and have a bit of a smile,” she laughs.
“I’m still beaming. It’s just lovely to be noticed for what you do, I’d say it’s a big feather in my cap.”
Coworkers and family travelled to Alice Springs for support
Linda is the founder of Aussie Hay Runners
DEALS Showcase
Creative
TOUCH
Isuzu Traypacks were the perfect choice for Stop Slow Traffic Control’s colourful fleet
Isuzu Trucks
Australia
Queeny was designed and wrapped as a surprise for Lisa
A creatively wrapped or colourful truck can brighten up the day of any road user, bringing a little touch of joy to the experience of driving.
Stop Slow Traffic Control, based in Illawarra, New South Wales, run a fleet of Isuzu Readyto-Work Traypacks with some of the most eye-catching wraps on the road.
Presenting vehicles with an intriguing — and importantly, highly visible design — generates interest for people having to slowly navigate roadworks, but also provides a point of difference for Stop Slow from their competitors.
Stop Slow’s Director Lisa Murphy says there are multiple benefits for the business and their clients.
“Most other traffic control companies have plain white vehicles with a logo; there's nothing that's really eye-catching or that makes them stand out.
“People notice our vehicles, which is a critical safety requirement, plus the team have so much pride in the trucks that they are always presented clean even after working in all types of weather and site conditions.
“But we are not all for show here at Stop Slow; we work towards being the best and the most reliable traffic control company in the Illawarra, which at the end of the day, is what we’re all about.”
Quality control
Stop Slow provides a range of traffic control services, including designing traffic plans, on-site traffic management, risk management and traffic equipment hire for their local area.
This means you’ll find the team operating at everything from road works, construction sites, public events, and even the odd film shoot, whenever their expertise is called for.
The business has continued to reach milestones and higher safety standards thanks to the reliability of their Isuzu truck fleet, according to Lisa.
“The Isuzu trucks are a great set-up for us as our equipment fits perfectly onto the Traypack and is consistent across all the vehicles for the crews.
“My crew love driving the Isuzu trucks; they appreciate the quality level of comfort and safety.”
The fleet includes 14 Isuzu trucks with the Ready-to-Work Traypack as a firm favourite; seven NNR 45-150 Crew Cab Traypacks, four NLR 45-150 Traypacks, two NLR 200 Traypacks and one FTR 900 Medium Rigid Traffic Mounted Attenuator that helps safely direct traffic and drop off equipment and crew.
Both NLR and NNR 45-150 Traypack models come with a 4,500 kg GVM that can be driven on a standard car licence, opening
Images:
the potential for multiple Stop Slow staff to get behind the wheel.
Fleet efficiency
Isuzu’s Traypacks feature a heavy-duty aluminium tray, grab handles, removable drop sides and a quick-release tailgate that add up to deliver a driver-friendly package.
NLR and NNR Traypack models also feature an integrated headboard and rear window protector, plus the addition of Isuzu’s genuine bullbar for the protection of company staff.
Lisa says their unforgettable truck designs —which are complemented by catchy names —came about through a heightened demand for their service during the pandemic.
“Traffic control became a priority during COVID, but when we needed to increase our fleet, we also had no time to re-spray trucks,” says Lisa.
“We got a plain white NNR from Suttons Motors Arncliffe and from an idea to use a black wrap, it quickly became ‘Black Panther’ in honour of my daughter’s favourite NRL team, the Penrith Panthers.
“From that point on, we have continued to roll with the idea of customising each truck, with signwriter Di Signs using the inspiration to come up with new designs.”
With many different locations, conditions and operational requirements, Stop Slow Traffic Control has designated a role for each of its Isuzu vehicles.
The business’s 10-year anniversary truck, known as ‘Black Betty’ — popular among staff and clients — is a homage to the popular Spiderbait song as well as Lisa's mother.
Another firm favourite is the hot pink truck named ‘Queeny’ which was designed and wrapped as a surprise for Lisa organised by her husband.
“Queeny is one of our advanced warning vehicles, so it’s a smaller truck that sits on the road shoulder prior to the worksite with a variety of warnings on its message board,” Lisa explains.
Fresh faces in the workforce
Stop Slow Traffic Control's company dynamics — mirroring a broader trend in other transport-related fields in Australia — has been undergoing a gender and generational shift. As Lisa explains, the truck designs weren't the only thing to change for the business during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Many Australians were left unemployed, with casual staff taking the brunt of redundancies.
During this period, Stop Slow Traffic Control welcomed a new workforce to the ranks: female hairdressers from salons that were facing indefinite closure.
“Hairdressers are such hard workers; they are used to being on their feet 10 hours a day,” says Lisa.
“Suddenly, I had 15 brand-new female employees enjoying the sunshine and fresh air of traffic control... I couldn't have asked for more capable additions to the Stop Slow team.
“We are now a big mix of age groups and genders, with everyone bringing something to the table.”
During the pandemic, Stop Slow Traffic Control welcomed several hairdressers to their ranks
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Plant & Equipment
Ready to work
Australia’s welders are highly productive and ready to work, a new survey from Weld Australia shows.
Weld Australia’s 2024 Member Survey shows local welders are highly-productive, but the peak body says additional opportunities are needed for the skilled workforce.
Of those surveyed, two thirds of businesses rated the productivity of their welding staff as “good” or “excellent”.
That said, out of the total labour hours per shift, 25 per cent of survey respondents spend less than two hours of their shift doing actual welding (with the arc switched on); and 58 per cent spend less than four hours.
This is compared with five hours per welder per day in countries like the United States and Germany, both of which have similar Workplace Health and Safety Standards, Weld Australia says.
The factors most likely to impact on the productivity of welding staff are time spent on tasks like materials handling (42 per cent) and joint preparation and fit up (21 per cent).
Weld Australia chief executive Geoff Crittenden says technology offers a clear pathway to improved productivity for local welders.
“When companies are focused on improving their processes, they naturally innovate—implementing the latest technologies in a bid to streamline operations,” he says.
“However, uptake of advanced welding technology remains relatively slow. This lack of tech adoption is impeding our ability to navigate the current challenges
facing the industry.”
What was driving the slow adoption of new technologies was a lack of additional work, he adds.
“Business owners are caught in a difficult position, juggling rising costs and a lack of work with the imperative to innovate and remain competitive.
“The reality is that without a guaranteed supply of work, particularly from government-backed projects, many welding businesses will find it difficult—if not impossible— to justify the necessary investments in advanced technologies. We risk losing critical skills and capabilities that are essential for our nation’s economic future,” he says.
“Local content requirements will fortify our domestic supply chains, boost investor confidence, and cultivate a skilled workforce, positioning Australia as a global manufacturing leader. This will create a capacity mechanism that generates a clear, long-term signal for investment by private equity and local manufacturers.”
Specifically, Weld Australia has called for the Federal and State and Territory governments to create a local content policy to develop Australia’s manufacturing capacity.
“Local content legislation must specify that 60 per cent of all fabricated steel used in our renewable energy projects is manufactured in Australia by local welders,” he says.
“This local content legislation
Improved adoption of advanced welding technologies will help to further boost productivity, Weld Australia says.
Image MexChriss/shutterstock.com must be drafted in conjunction with industry to eliminate the loopholes that so often arise in these types of policies. Australian governments must also mandate that all wind towers are constructed, erected and inspected according to Australian Standards.”
The call comes after the welding industry cited concerns about the rising cost of energy (64 per cent), materials (61 per cent) and labour (50 per cent) in the survey, those these figures are dwarfed when compared to the 75 per cent of respondents who cited a lack of work as their primary challenge.
With the survey finding that half of Australia’s welding workshops are operating at 80 per cent capacity or below, and 7 in 10 of its members indicating they have the capacity for additional work, Crittenden said Australian welding businesses are facing “unprecedented pressures”.
“Lack of work, combined with the rising costs of energy, materials and labour, is making it nearly impossible for companies to invest in the technology and skills necessary to stay globally competitive,” he says.
“We need a clear and enforceable commitment from the Federal and state governments to support local manufacturing.”
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