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Issue 513
Deals News
Deals
9 Isuzu teases exciting new range Deals Upfront
12 A special Mack Super-Liner brought back to life
Deals Opinion
32 NatRoad on the worsening driver shortage crisis
Top Deals
18 2004 Kenworth K104
20 2018 Volvo FMX540 tipper
22 2014 Kenworth K200
24 2011 Mack Trident
26 2006 Isuzu Giga
28 2011 Western Star 4800 FX
Deals Data
34 Strong finish for 2024 truck sales
Deals Showcase
36 Outback Truckers star updates rig with new X15 Cummins
40 Tequa Plumbing and Civil's reliable Isuzu fleet serves them well
Deals Events
46 Truck shows for your calendar
51 Making the Rounds
56 Truckies roll in for Brisbane Convoy for Kids
70 Castlemaine Truck Show's a smashing success
82 Beaudesert Truck Show comes back with a bang
88 Mullumbimby draws a crowd
102 R igs impress at Pioneer's Show 'n' Shine
104 Trucks take over Ulverstone
106 Yarra Glen is home to horsepower
Deals Restoration
114 The touching tale of a dad's Dodge restored
120 A 1972 AEC Marshall swapped for a bottle of scotch
Deals Features
42 Check out our last-minute Christmas gift guide for the truck lovers in your life!
106 Truckie Eno Taylor on why you should never suffer in silence
128 Marketplace Trucks, trailers, buses and more for sale
129 Parts Trader Parts, wreckers, engines and more for sale
146 Hot Deals
Hot hand-picked truck deals!
207 Plant & Equipment
Forklifts, tools, generators and compressors for sale
216 Private Advertising Coupon Sell your item!
217 Index
209 Exclusive Dealer L K Diesel Services appointed Victorian dealer for a major power OEM
209 Top Talent
Weld Australia recognised the best talent in Victoria and Tasmania at its recent awards showcase
market in Australia, check out page 34 — spoiler alert, Kenworth continues to dominate in the heavy truck category.
We also have extensive coverage of the truck show scene with stories and photos from from Brisbane Convoy for Kids, Castlemaine Truck Show, Beaudesert Heritage Truck Show, Mullumbimby Truck Show, Ulverstone Truck Show, Pioneer's Show 'n' Shine and Yarra Glen's Historic Commercial Vehicle Club event held in November.
Wish your truck-loving friend a Merry Christmas with a subscription to Deals on Wheels
Welcome to Issue 513 of your Deals on Wheels Magazine
When this edition hits the news stands on December 16 it's likely plenty of our readers will be on a Christmas break and working through the build-up to a Christmas Day celebration with family and friends.
It might also be the time when people are looking for a great last-minute present for the year ahead, and on page 25 of this edition we have a fantastic Christmas deal to share with 50 per cent off annual subscriptions — t he perfect opportunity to have Deals on Wheels delivered 13 times a year to your door.
When it comes to great summer reading we have you covered.
For the very latest on the new truck sales
Dig out the diary and mark the dates for your own truck show journey into 2025 with a look at our events calendar on page 46, and if you know of an event we don't have yet, please get in touch and we'll update our calendar in print and online.
There are some great restoration tales to enjoy too, along with some timely tips for surviving the Christmas season in the transport world from Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.
Merry Christmas and thanks for the support in 2024.
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Isuzu tackles driver shortage
Isuzu is stepping up to help attract and retain truck drivers with its exciting new range
Isuzu Australia is hoping to play a part in combatting the nationwide driver shortage with its new range of trucks, set to be released in 2025.
Addressing members of the media at a briefing in Melbourne, Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) chief of product Matt Sakhaie said there are a complex of range of factors contributing to the driver deficit, including a rapidly ageing global population and a lack of young people entering the transport industry.
However, he said one “critical aspect” that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Isuzu can influence is “the continued development of safe, comfortable and professional workspaces for drivers to ply their trade”.
On the cusp of the largest model launch in the brand’s history, Isuzu Australia’s nextgeneration product deals directly with this issue.
The MY25 range encompasses a raft of improvements to in-cab driver comfort, with operator wellness top of mind, as well as new and exclusive active and passive safety features.
The reimagined cabin structure features a smart, new-look exterior as well as a roomier, more accommodating interior space, ensuring operators have comfortable and safe environment to spend their time on the road.
New ergonomic suspension seating has
been added to a wide selection of the range as standard, and seat positioning has been optimised, accommodating greater visibility, easier access to driver controls, stalks and other dash functions.
An extension of this is a revised driving position with a wider STRG tilt and telescopic steering shaft range, a wider seat slide and a more accommodating pedal layout.
Drivers will benefit from a smaller diameter, more user-friendly steering wheel too, assisting in safer overall operator handling and vehicle maneuverability, especially in busy urban applications.
“To the everyday operator, many of these in-cabin comfort and control features may be deemed as periphery and in many ways that’s to be expected when pitted against other headline features.” Sakhaie says.
“That said, in unpacking some of the thought and consideration that has been channelled into these new cabins really drives home just how central driver wellbeing has been to their design and development.
“Put together, the overall benefit to the driver is as compelling as it is reassuring.
“It’s this granular attention to detail, however small it may appear, that goes a long way to getting more people into the truck driving profession and hopefully keeping those already there behind the wheel of an Isuzu truck for many years to come.”
Isuzu Australia is on the cusp of the largest model launch in the brand’s history, with operator wellness top of mind across the range.
Image: Isuzu Trucks
Unit 1/71 Axis Place, Larapinta, Brisbane, QLD, 4110, Australia
Tom Nicholson shares the story behind his award-winning 1983 Mack Super-Liner
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Tom Nicholson
The restored Super-Liner is a real head-turner
When Tom Nicholson was a kid, he thought Mack Super-Liners were the coolest thing on the road.
He made a promise to himself that if he ever managed to get somewhere in life, he would buy one for himself – and that’s just what he did.
“I always thought the sound of a Mack V8 was unbelievable,” he says.
“About four years ago, I came across a 1983 V8 Mack Super-Liner on Gumtree and finally bit the bullet.”
Based in Sunday Creek in Northern Victoria, Tom and his wife Tania travelled all the way to Tara in Queensland to have a look at the truck before buying it.
“We hired a car out of Brisbane airport and drove to Tara – it took us maybe three hours to drive there,” he remembers.
“This guy had owned the truck since ‘88 and it had been sitting in his shed.
“He had to sell it in 2000 but then bought it back, and said he was going to restore it but he never got around to it.”
The truck was in pretty bad shape and
hadn’t been started in over 12 years.
“I wanted to get it going, just to hear it run,” he says.
“It took a few hours but we got it running and I said I would take it.”
Once Tom got the truck home, it was restoration time.
“It needed a full restoration, front to back,” he explains.
“We didn’t split the rail, but it was basically a full rebuild from the ground up – diffs, gearbox, everything.”
The truck was plain white when Tom got it, but had been a little flashier in the past.
“When the previous owner sold me the truck, one of the conditions was that I would restore it to its former glory,” he says.
“I came up with the colour scheme because one of my other trucks had the same look.
“I have three sons and they had a colouring book with a Mack Super-Liner in it.
“I actually did the design for my SuperLiner in the colouring book!”
Tom enlisted the help of Peter Clapton
She’s not just a pretty face, towing some seriously heavy loads
Tom drew the design for his truck in his son’s colouring book
The Super-Liner picked up Best Restored and Best Mack at Alexandra in 2023
DEALS Showcase
from Sherwood Restorations in Castlemaine for the painting and most of the restoration.
“We sent the truck to him as a cab chassis and he went to town on it.
When Tom bought the truck, one of the conditions was that he would restore it to its former glory
“I had a picture in my mind and he had a picture in his mind but I basically gave him the run of it.
“It came out a million bucks – we just love it.”
The Super-Liner is named “Miss Tania” after Tom’s lovely wife.
“I tell everyone I had to name it after her because I spent so much money on it,” Tom jokes.
“That’s how I got away with it...”
The rig has been earning its keep in Tom and Tania’s business, T&T Nicholson Earthmoving.
“One of my regular trucks blew up two or three months ago and it’s in getting repairs, so the Super-Liner gets worked a fair bit,” he says.
“None of the boys like driving it because they don’t want to scratch it, but I bring it out once or twice a week.”
Tom grew up around trucks, learning to drive when he was just seven years old.
“My dad was a farmer until I was about 15,” he says.
“We always had trucks, we’ve always been into livestock and dad used to cart horses across to South Australia.
“He also carted domestic water around Donnybrook and Kalkallo.”
Tom loved working on and being around trucks, but he never thought he’d make a living from them.
“It’s a real passion for me, I guess it’s just in my blood,” he says.
“When I started my earthmoving business, I didn’t think the trucks would earn me money.
“But times have changed now and we’ve got a lot more heavy haulage and tipper work.
“The trucks make us good money and we’re always busy!”
He’s very positive about his work and the transport industry in general.
“Everyone’s got their own opinions, and the industry has definitely changed since my dad was driving interstate,” he says.
“It’s a different world these days, but you can’t be focusing on the negatives all the time.
“You’ve got to take things in your stride. We’re still here and we’re still working, and there are a lot of good people in this industry.”
Tom’s delighted that his three sons – aged 18, 14 and 10 – are truck-mad like their father.
“My eldest has just turned 18 and he’s been in the business full-time since the start of this year.
“He’s in one of our road graders full-time and hanging to get into the trucks!
The Mack hid in a shed in Queensland for years Tom’s very careful not to scratch the truck when it’s working The truck got a full restoration from the ground up
DEALS Showcase
“He’s looking every day to find a loophole to get an early licence.
“But all our boys love trucks and they go to all the truck shows with us.”
The T&T Nichol fleet also includes a Mack Trident
We don’t know what’s prettier – the sunset or the Super-Liner!
Attending truck shows has paid off for the Nicholsons, with the Super-Liner picking up Best Restored and Best Mack at Alexandra in 2023, as well as landing a spot in the Top 10 at Boort.
The next project on Tom’s list is the restoration of another Super-Liner in his fleet, a 1979 tipper that has been in his family for 20 years.
“I bought it off my dad about 10 years ago,” he says.
“I reckon my boys are going to have a good hand in restoring that one with me, they keep asking me about it.”
The Mack has a bit of history behind it, as the sixth Super-Liner built in Australia in 1979 and the first one with a V8 engine in it.
“We’ve got pictures of it when it was brand new from Mack Australia, and we’re going to
try to get it back to the way it was.
“We’re starting to get bits and pieces for it, and we might get a start on it next yearwe’ll see how bored I get!”
Tom loves the old-school appeal of vintage Macks and bringing them back to life.
“New trucks these days – they're good, but they’re not like they used to be,” he says.
“I think it’s cool what Kenworth has done with the SAR Legends, bringing it back to the ‘86 model.
“I enjoy older-style trucks and I like the heritage of them.”
Sharing his advice to anyone undertaking a restoration, he laughs: “Hold on tight!
“Nah, the reward is huge.
“I get thrills out of going to the historical shows because there’s no competition, everyone is just there to appreciate the work that you’ve put in.
“That’s an incredible feeling – you can’t beat it.”
X15 Euro III specifications:
• 500-600 hp
• Governed Speed: 2000RPM
• Peak Torque: 1650 - 2050 lb-ft
• EGR-free design
• No aftertreatment
• ADR80-00 or earlier emissions
Contact us today!
Beauty BLACK
This 2004 Kenworth K104 isn’t just another tray truck. With an 8.4 metre steel chequer plate tray top, this rig has plenty of strength.
The heavy rigid is powered by a CAT-C15 and generates 550hp, with an 18-speed Eaton Fuller transmission. Featuring many bonuses, the truck has airbag suspension and two alloy fuel tanks, bumper bar and rims all round, with LED side lights.
Additionally, the Viesa cabin cooler keeps the Kenworth nice and cool during the summertime.
In the coming months, BP Plus will no longer be accepted at OTR.
If you run a transport business and your drivers love the convenience of OTR, it’s time to switch to Shell Card.
But that’s not all. You’ll also have access to a combined network over 1,500 service stations that accept Shell Card Australia-wide. Shell Card is now accepted at all OTR sites.
Importantly, Shell Card offers a wide range of benefits designed to help transport businesses save admin time and reduce costs associated with fuel expenses.
The application is quick and easy, so make the switch today!
Fitted in orange, this 2014 Kenworth K200 isn’t just a slick-looking truck, but a solid workhorse as well.
The prime mover features an Eaton ultra shift transmission and has cruised 300,000 kilometres since its X15 Cummins rebuild. With heightened technology, the Kenworth can be started remotely.
Though the inside is impressive, the outside is too, with shiny chrome alloy wheels, new king bar and LED headlights.
Having only had one previous owner, the truck has 550hp on hand.
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
MP8, 535hp
18-speed manual
$155,000 + GST
Freemans Reach, NSW
Mighty
MACK
If you’re looking to get started hauling materials in a tipper this 2011 Mack Trident with matching BORCAT tri-axle dog trailer would be well worth a look.
Powered by the MP8 engine, producing 535hp managed via an 18-speed manual gearbox, this truck is rated to 70T.
Loaded with a Hendrickson Primaax air bag rear suspension, X Tarps electric mesh tarps and 46-160 Meritor diffs with a 4.33:1 ratio, this truck is ready to work.
To find out more phone Sammut Agricultural Machinery on 02 8279 7172
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
Ins pired
ISUZU
When it comes to reliability and durability, Australia’s biggest selling truck brand has plenty of runs on the board.
This 2006 Isuzu Giga features a 6-cylinder engine married to a 13 speed Roadranger manual gearbox. It has Rockwell diffs on airbag suspension and is ready for NSW registration.
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
STUNNING
Star
Looking for something a little different for your fleet? This 2011 Western Star 4800 FX Constellation is sure to add a bright side to any day.
Powered by a 525hp Cummins ISX engine tied to an 18-speed Roadranger gearbox, this beast features a sliding QR turn table, a Texas Bar and polished alloy wheels.
Perfect for the harvest season, this truck is ready to roll right now.
To find out more phone Toowoomba Earthmoving Machinery on 07 3073 8188
18-speed Roadranger
Cummins ISX 525hp $75,000 + GST
Toowoomba, Qld
2011 Western Star 4800 FX Constellation 07 3073 8188
FROM $98,900+GST (STEEL)
CAR CARRIER
LIVE BOTTOM
CATTLE CRATE OR 4X2
Australian trucking businesses hanging by a thread
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark weighs in on Australia’s truck driver shortage and what needs to be done to fix it
Australia’s truck driver shortage is fast becoming a national economic crisis.
On the one hand, road freight is projected to increase by 77 per cent from 2020 to 2050 (Australian aggregate freight forecasts – 2022 update). On the other hand, there’s a driver shortage of over 26,000 unfilled positions.
across all states and territories with clear resourcing and national consistency.
3. Develop a National Heavy Vehicle Skills Hub: This would be a centralised platform to address the information gap about career pathways and training opportunities in the road freight industry. This hub would also support the apprenticeship and provide information on incentives and training options.
4. Introduce training incentives: Bring in incentives to help businesses, especially smaller ones, access better training and support for new drivers. Larger businesses are already seeing success with workforce diversity, but smaller businesses lack the resources to implement similar programs.
5. Reform licensing and training: Move from time-based to competency-based licensing, ensuring drivers are tested on their ability to operate large trucks safely in various conditions. National consistency in licensing and training is essential for both local and overseas drivers.
NatRoad has called for a coordinated national response to Australia’s chronic truck driver shortage
Image: Siwakorn1933/ Stock.adobe.com
This situation is bad enough, but all the signs are saying it will get worse.
A survey by the International Road Transport Union has revealed almost half of Australian freight businesses (49 per cent) are facing severe or very severe difficulties filling driver positions. Seventy per cent of the largest businesses are experiencing severe shortages. The survey also showed 38 per cent of Australian freight businesses expect the shortage to worsen in the next 12 months.
Many trucking businesses are just holding on. Without immediate action, the flow of essential goods — everything from groceries to construction materials — will be disrupted, affecting industries and households alike.
It’s quite simple, the stability of our economy is at risk. This makes it more urgent than ever to address the challenges facing Australia’s truck driver workforce.
NatRoad has called for a coordinated national response. We propose a National Road Freight Workforce action plan to address the situation. The plan would be led by National Cabinet and include eight key elements.
1. Create a national truck driver standard: We need a clear, nationally consistent, and competency-based standard for truck driver training.
2. Implement the national truck driver apprenticeship: Expand and promote the Truck Driver Apprenticeship scheme
6. Deliver key actions in the ISA Workforce Plan: Address urgent issues in the ISA 2024 Workforce Plan, particularly around improving career information, supporting overseas drivers, upskilling high-productivity vehicle drivers, and integrating key projects to reduce the driver shortage.
7. Recognise skill levels: Adopt the Australian Bureau of Statistics proposal to classify articulated truck drivers at skill level 3 and tanker drivers at the same level, ensuring a more accurate reflection of their expertise.
8. Address other road freight industry skills shortages: Acknowledge and address skill shortages in other areas of the road freight industry, such as mechanics, under the broader National Cabinet Action Plan. The bottom line is that we need more drivers but there’s no point just trying to plug the gaps. We must ensure those drivers are properly trained. We also can’t forget this goes beyond economics. This is also about safety for our truck drivers and all other road users.
Our National Road Freight Workforce Action Plan provides a roadmap to ensure the industry has the skilled, diverse, and competent workforce it needs to keep goods moving safely and efficiently across Australia. The time for action is now. National Cabinet must show leadership and deliver the reforms required to secure the future of the road freight industry and ensure Australia’s supply chains remain strong and resilient.
Warren Clark, CEO of the National Road Transport Association
DEALS Data
Strong finish for truck sales
As the clock ticks closer to the end of 2024, the volume of sales across all combined categories in the Australian truck market, as of November 30, is 3.9 per cent down on the same time last year.
In real terms, there were 38,076 trucks sold to November 30, 2023, versus 36,592 this year, as reported in the Truck Industry Council’s latest T-Mark Data release.
Across the categories, there have been 46 fewer heavy trucks
Heavy
Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Medium Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Light Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Isuzu's 225 heavy truck sales put them in second place in the big truck category for November
sold this year compared to last, although the 15,771 sold in 2024 is still a pretty strong result.
In the medium duty segment there has been growth this year with 7,426 trucks sold, year-to-date in 2024 compared to 7,280 in 2023.
It is the light duty segment that has taken the biggest hit, with the 13,395 trucks sold this year reflecting a decline on 2023 figures of 1,584 trucks.
Heavy duty
In terms of consistent performance for the month of November, Kenworth takes the cake, securing 338 sales this November, exactly the same as it did in November 2023.
The brand is also dominating the segment year to date with its 3,416 sales reflecting a 21.7 per cent market share, more than three percentage points ahead of its closest rival, Volvo, with its 2,904 sales.
Isuzu’s sales teams will be patting themselves on the back this month, with their 225 sales in this category bringing the brand into
second place for November, ahead of the usual number two, Volvo, which clocked up 215 sales. Both Volvo and Isuzu were down on November 2024 versus November 2023 – with Volvo’s November 2024 results 74 trucks less than this time last year.
Rounding out the top 10 for November 2024 sales were Mercedes-Benz (103), Scania (99), Hino (71), Mack (62), Man (59), Fuso (54), and UD Trucks (50).
Medium duty
Isuzu continue to dominate the medium duty segment with a yearto-date sales result of 3,771 trucks representing 50.8 per cent of all trucks sold in this category.
Fuso is the growth story when you look at 2023 vs 2024 statistics for November, with 78 vehicles changing hands in 2023 compared to 113 last month. However, on a year to date basis, Fuso’s 934 trucks sold this year is down nearly 200 on last year’s 1,121 sold to November 30.
The top 10 in this segment for November 2024 sales is Isuzu (323), Hino (222), Fuso (113), Hyundai (12), Iveco (12), Man (8), UD Trucks (6), Volvo (3), Mercedes-Benz (2), and DAF (2).
Light duty
While the overall sales in this category in 2024 are down 10.5 per cent year-on-year, Isuzu has continued to grow its market share, ending the month with 46.2 per cent of total year to date sales in the category.
As you would expect, the big three, Isuzu, Fuso and Hino have taken the biggest hit when it comes to fewer sales in the category in 2024 – Isuzu sold 6,806 light duty trucks to November 30, 2023 and just 6,186 to the end of November this year.
In terms of the top 10 across sales to year to date in 2024 the list is: Isuzu (6,186), Fuso (1,893), Hino (1,775), Iveco (1,253), Fiat (820), Mercedes-Benz (608), Renault (289), Hyundai (208), LDV (129), and Ford (99).
Brute
POWER
When the time came for Outback Truckers star Steve Grahame to extend the working life of his 1994 Kenworth C501 Brute, he updated to a current generation X15 Cummins
Images: Cummins Australia
Steve Grahame’s work is mainly delivering building supplies to outback communities
In this era of electronic engines, the big banger Cummins K19 is hardly a masterpiece of technology.
Yet this was the reason some of Australia’s best known roadtrain operators preached the value of trucking’s biggest cubic capacity engine. Indeed, brute strength and simplicity of the 18.9-litre Cummins were considered its greatest assets.
Steve Grahame had the greatest respect for the KTA600 in his 1994 Kenworth C501 Brute, a roadtrain prime mover he has owned since 1999 and recently repowered with a new Cummins X15 Euro 3 engine.
The Brute had clocked up 1.7 million kilometres when Steve bought it, most of
those being hard kilometres hauling cattle for Alice Springs-based Tanami Transport.
Today, Perth-based Steve estimates his 30-year-old Kenworth has done close to 4 million kilometres and he talks with a definite tone of pride about the condition of the truck – testimony to the rugged strength of the C501 and the way he looks after it.
With the KTA600 no longer sitting out in front, the focus is on the X15 which was slotted into the C501 chassis in a repower project in 2023.
“The KTA600 needed a rebuild due to a dropped valve and it was going to be costly, so when I looked at the economics, I decided the X15 was the way to go,” Steve says.
Steve Grahame with the X15 which replaced the KTA600 Cummins last year and is delivering impressive performance
“You could say I was dragged kicking and screaming into the current generation with the X15 Cummins.”
Impressive at 600 hp
Steve put the repowered C501 into service in September 2023, with the X15 Euro 3 engine initially rated at 550 hp and peak torque of 1850 lb ft.
“Pulling three trailers, the X15 wasn’t quite there compared with the KTA600,” he says.
“The KTA had less torque than the X15 (1650 versus 1850 lb ft) but its big lungs and long stroke gave it a better feel.
“However, with the X15 now uprated to 600 horsepower and 2050 lb ft of torque, it’s very impressive,” he says.
“I like the improvement in fuel consumption, too,” he adds enthusiastically. “I’m consistently saving between 100 and 150 litres per 1,500 kilometres.”
The X15 Euro 3 engine is becoming a popular repower option. It shares the same base engine hardware as the X15 Euro 6 powerhouse but without SCR aftertreatment; it can only be installed in pre-2008 registered on-highway trucks.
52 years in trucking
Steve Grahame – “I’m 73 this year” – has been on the road for 52 years and is a celebrity in his own right, having starred in every season of the popular television show Outback Truckers since 2012, taking viewers into some of the most remote areas of Australia.
He reckons the show has done an amazing job of putting Australia on the map. “When I first started on the show, I was embarrassed and felt like an idiot, but I did it for my grandkids,” he says.
Steve’s phone number is on the door of his truck and thanks to the show’s global success – it has been aired in over 120 countries – he has received many calls from people overseas. “The number of phone calls I get from all over the world is amazing so I’m proud to be part of the show,” he confides.
The construction industry is a big part of his business, his work extending from the Pitjantjatjara land in northern South Australia, up through the Northern Territory and across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
He carts a lot of building supplies and equipment for indigenous communities and refers to his work as “old-fashioned, oldschool trucking” which takes him into the remote parts of the outback – areas that give remoteness its true meaning.
Since the days he left school to become a field hand for mine exploration and drilling crews – jobs that required a truck license – to then carting livestock as he forged a place in the transport industry, Steve Grahame has been on an incredible journey.
With so many years of trucking and millions of kilometres now under his belt, is retirement on his mind?
“I think I’ve got another few years left… I’ve got no desire to retire,” he says candidly.
It's very
A Cummins' Legend Cross Badge highlights Steve’s 52 years in trucking
Tequa Plumbing and Civil has found a bit of creative thinking can go a long way in business
Images: Isuzu Australia
When it comes to solving the challenges of plumbing and civil works, Tequa Plumbing & Civil are making a name for themselves as a local unit that can think ‘outside the box’ for their clients.
The Tequa Plumbing trucks offer plenty of colour
The Isuzu is perfect for carting the machines Tequa uses the most
Managing Director Daniel Smolenaars — the second generation of the Smolenaars family at the helm — says their forward-thinking approach to customer service has helped establish a strong foothold in the Gippsland region, providing a point of difference to their market competitors.
“We’re insanely curious about providing long-term solutions for our clients and to think outside the square to give them the full breadth of our experience,” Daniel says.
“If a client requests a job and we see an opportunity to significantly increase its value —potentially doubling the impact with a minimal cost increase — we will always
recommend the option that delivers the superior result.”
Tequa Plumbing & Civil has been servicing Gippsland and Melbourne metro for just shy of 50 years, first opening doors in 1975 as P&R Smolenaars Plumbing, based in the regional centre of Sale.
Since then, the company has flourished, expanding services across the breadth of plumbing and civil works: commercial and residential plumbing, sewer and storm water works, electrical and gas through to directional drilling and bulk earthwork.
A smartly specified truck fleet is wellmaintained to transport their highly specialised equipment and tools.
Several Isuzu FXY 240-350 Autos (GVM of 24,000 kg) fitted with beavertails take on transporting heavy-duty equipment like excavators, specialised plants and directional drills.
Isuzu FSD 140-260 Autos (GVM of 14,000 kg) come in the form of smart hydro tankers for non-destructive digging.
This is also supplemented by a variety of light and medium-duty Isuzu NMR, NQR and FRR Ready-to-Work Tippers with automated manual transmissions (AMT), which are roped-in for more general work as site cleanup vehicles or general transporters.
Innovation for growth
To sustain quality service while meeting an uptick in demand from both existing and
new clients, Tequa has taken the microscope to the essential transport aspect of their business.
Around five years ago, they implemented a fleet modernisation program to ensure they have reliable equipment in their lockers, suitable to tackle any job they might be presented with.
A core part of the program is to upgrade two of the fleet’s older trucks with new vehicles each year.
Before this strategy was conceived, Tequa relied on second-hand vehicles that fit the job description, going for “trucks they could get their hands on at a fair price,” Daniel says.
Going forward, Tequa are planning to stick with the Isuzu Trucks brand for new acquisitions, due to the diversity of cab chassis options and pre-built tippers on offer.
“As our business has grown and we’ve ventured into new areas of operation, we’ve also expanded our client base — so naturally, our fleet needs to cater for this,” Daniel explains.
“The client has an expectation which we want to hit and exceed every single time.
“We need to make sure that we continue to upskill our staff with the right training and provide the right equipment that’s going to support them.”
Solid ground support
Purchasing all new Isuzu models from their local Gippsland Truck Centre, Tequa relies on support from the dealership to move forward with their fleet modernisation program.
They choose to maintain trucks using genuine OEM parts and componentry, with a view to avoid putting in any “Achilles heels” into the fleet to sustain their operational longevity.
“The relationship we have with Gippsland
Truck Centre is fundamental, as is their relationship with the Isuzu brand for the success of our business,” Daniel says.
“They’re not interested in just selling an asset, clipping the ticket and getting their commission.
“They care about us and want to make sure that what we’re buying is something that’s going to suit us and help provide the right outcomes for our team and our clients.
“The team is very good at getting the services done promptly. Because of their supreme reliability, I feel like I have nothing to sing home about other than to say the trucks do exactly what they’re supposed to do.”
People power
As any forward-thinking business understands, equipping staff with the right tools leads to a more engaged, efficient and high-performing workforce.
Tequa currently employs around 100 people: project managers, supervisors, support staff, engineers, plumbers, technicians and 23 apprentices across their operation.
Updating their vehicle fleet regularly with quality products also keeps staff feeling supported, playing into the company’s desire to retain experienced staff — specifically, the multi-skilled technicians who are driving trucks and operating from them each day.
“Operator comfort and usability of the trucks is as simple as being capable of getting the job done, but anything additional that helps the driver is a bonus,” Daniel says.
“We find the (Allison) automatic and Isuzu AMT transmissions take a lot of the hard work out of operating the trucks.
“People feel good about driving new assets, there’s a sense that if you’re investing in the company’s future, you’re also investing in them.”
at getting the services done promptly The team is very good
There's no missing the Tequa Plumbing team when they're on site
With Christmas just days away, we’ve got you covered with some last-minute gift ideas for the truck lover in your life.
What better gift can you get a truck lover than a subscription to Deals on Wheels? We have a special offer this Christmas, so you can get 50 per cent off a whole year of issues (one a month plus a bonus issue). That means you can get access to pages and pages of truck deals, restoration stories, truck show pics and much, much more from just $45. Use the discount code DOWXMAS to unlock the deal! Offer ends December 20.
Prices from $45 with discount code DOWXMAS, tradetrucks.com.au/subscribe-to-trade-trucks
present Keep it cool Feeling plush
$99.95
kenworthshop.com.au
Kenworth has recently released this cute plush toy – a great gift for junior truckies!
Sized perfectly for playtime or display, this toy introduces Kenny the truck’s friend Katie, the latest addition to the Kenworth family. Suitable for ages 3+.
$54.95 $20
kenworthshop.com.au
This Kenworth cooler bag is perfectly sized to fit a six-pack of your favourite beverage. With an insulated lining, a doublezippered main compartment and an adjustable webbing shoulder strap, it’s an ideal gift for truckies this summer.
per calendar, $17 postage and handling if required.
Facebook: Aussie Truck Drivers Calendar Calendar boys
The 2025 Aussie Truck Drivers Calendar is out now, with truckies of all shapes and sizes stripping down and posing up a storm.
The calendars are available to purchase and collect in person at the Mortlake Roadhouse or South West Farmers Rural Heywood, or you can message the Facebook page Aussie Truck Drivers Calendar and they will post you a copy. All proceeds will go towards the Let’s Talk Foundation, a charity that works towards eradicating the stigma around mental health.
Sullivan Sketching offers a selection of cool truck prints, like this Latorre K200 Kenworth. The prints are reproductions of original artwork, within a silver metal frame. Looking for a personal touch? Commissions are also available, with prices starting at $450 for A3, $650 for A2 and $1,100 for A1. The Bulldog fans in your life will love this Mack keyring with an antique gold finish. Great if you’re on a budget or looking for a stocking filler! DA Campbell’s merch features some of the coolest designs in the biz, so it’s no wonder that it’s always in such high demand at truck shows. This comfortable hoodie pays tribute to one of the fleet’s most popular rigs, Boogie Nights. Kids will love this cute suitcase on wheels, picturing a colourful cartoon Isuzu truck.
Image:
STONESTARDECK WIDENERWITHPTO ANDDIESEL POWERPACK
BrandnewStonestarWidener withDieselpowerpackand Ptoplumbingforwidening system price:plusgst.S49. TA625085. $87,000
A total of 180 rigs filled the streets of Perth for its recent Camp Quality Convoy. Image: Damo Nguyen
January 13-14, 2025. 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
Koroit Truck Show
January 25, 2025. Victoria Park, Koroit, VIC.
Koroit comes alive at its annual truck show with a large truck display, motorcycle performance, state wood chopping competition, live music, market stalls and more.
Don’t miss the popular truckie sprint and the tug of war!
For more information, email koroittruckshow@gmail.com
February 1-2, 2025. Lardner Park, VIC.
The dates have already been set for next year’s Lardner Park Heritage Vehicle Display. Historic, classic and veteran vehicles (25 years and older) are welcome, from trucks and cars to tractors, motorbikes, caravans and more.
For more information, visit Heritage Vehicle and Machinery Display on Facebook.
Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show
February 15, 2025. Rutter Park, Tooradin, VIC.
Trucks, cars and tractors will turn out in force at Tooradin for the always-popular show at Rutter Park. Be ready to hear the roar of the tractors competing in the tractor pull, watch the burnout cars smoke it up and check out a great selection of old and new trucks on display.
For more information, go to facebook.com/ tooradintractorpulltruckshow
Angaston Truck Show & Shine 2025
February 22, 2025. Angaston, SA.
The Angaston Show Truck Show & Shine will be held on Saturday February 22, in conjunction with the Angaston Show. They welcome all trucks of all ages, conditions and uses from all areas, locally and from far afield. More details to follow.
Camp Quality Geelong Convoy
February 23, 2025. Beckley Park, Geelong, VIC.
Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong is more than just a drive. It’s a powerful display of camaraderie and care from Victoria's truck driving community, which comes together every year to support kids facing cancer and their families.
Join Convoy Geelong once again as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a 40km circuit.
The convoy starts and finishes at Beckley Park, where an awards ceremony, free family fun festival and show'n'shine complete a fantastic day out.
Help them put the ‘fun’ back into ‘fundraising’ as they help Camp Quality bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer.
For more information, go to fundraise. campquality.org.au/convoy/geelong, phone 1300 662 267 or email convoy@campquality.org.au
MARCH
Lockhart Truck Show
March 1, 2025. Lockhart, NSW.
Celebrate road transport history, past and present, at the annual Lockhart Truck Show. The event features historic and modern trucks and other vehicles such as motorbikes, and classic and vintage cars, on display in the pavilion. There will also be food and prizes for winners in a wide range of categories. Camping is available overnight for a donation and includes a Sunday morning breakfast.
Clunes Historic Vehicle Show
March 9, 2025. Clunes, VIC.
The annual Clunes Historic Vehicle Show is brought to you by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia’s Ballarat branch. The event has something for everyone, with a vast array of vintage and classic vehicles and motoring memorabilia. Expect food vans, photos and working displays with like-minded people displaying their vehicles and engines.
Australian White Truck Muster
March 15-16, 2025. Kyabram Showgrounds, VIC.
The 10th Australian White Truck Muster is a truck, bus, car, tractor and memorabilia display, with a Saturday night White truck muster dinner featuring a guest speaker, visual presentations, raffles and an auction.
For further information visit www.facebook.com/whitetruckmuster
Matty Hillcoat’s Truckies’ Day Out draws a crowd every year.
Image: Warren Aitken
An amazing 732 trucks turned out for the 2024 Lights on the Hill event in Gatton, Queensland.
Image: Warren Aitken
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Frankling Truck & Silo showed off its fancy fleet at the Boort Truck Show this year. Image: Truckspotting Ararat
Colac Truck & Ute Show
March 22, 2025. Colac Showgrounds, Colac, VIC.
The date has been set for the Colac Truck and Ute Show, supported by key sponsors including Land Transport, CMTP, Modern Towing & Truck Repairs, AKD, Morris Transport and Gibbens Livestock Transporter.
For more information, go to facebook. com/colactruckanduteshow
APRIL
Trucking Australia 2025
April 28-30, 2025. Adelaide, SA.
Trucking Australia will return in April 2025 – and this time it’s coming to Adelaide. Information on ticket sales will be available on the ATA webpage and through the ATA’s weekly newsletter.
MAY
Brisbane Truck Show
May 15-18, 2025. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, QLD.
Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, the southern hemisphere’s largest festival of all things trucking. Building on the success of past shows, all exhibition space is already sold out, guaranteeing attendees over 30,000 square metres of exhibitions of the latest trucks, trailers, technologies, and parts and accessories available on the Australian market. The 2025 show from May 15-18 will be a critical component of Truck Week, a week-long festival incorporating an array of activations in nearby South Bank Parklands, including the Premier Boxing Series, Australia’s Best Show N Shine, and The Depot careers and entertainment hub – plus the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.
For more information , visit www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au
The Gold Coast Truck Show 2024 was a big hit. Image: Julie Munro
Scenic Rim Truck Show 2025
May 31, 2025. Jimboomba State School, QLD.
Get excited for the Scenic Rim Truck Show! Held from 10am to 6pm, the show will feature plenty of trucks along with market stalls, rides, entertainment, raffles and a live auction.
All profits will be donated to the KIDS Foundation.
For more information, visit www.scenicrimtruckshow.com or email scenicrimtruckshow@outlook.com
JUNE
Alexandra Truck Show 2025
June 7-8, 2025. Alexandra, VIC.
Save the date for the King's Birthday weekend and plot a path to Alexandra in Victoria for one of the best regional truck shows on the calendar.
Held on tarmac in the town's main street, the annual truck show offers a full day of festivities and a long list of trophy categories for those keen to show and shine.
For more information , visit www.alexandratruckshow.com.au
NOVEMBER 2025
Mullumbimby Truck Show
November 8, 2025. Mullumbimby, NSW.
Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show on the second Saturday of November each year, you won’t want to miss the Mullumbimby Truck Show! This event will feature a truck parade through the town, sideshow alley, kids’ rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting.
For further truck show info see the registration form at www. mullumbimbyshow.org.au
Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show
November 29-30, 2025. Castlemaine, VIC.
Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club, next 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
If you have an event you would like listed in our calendar, please email geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au
The fundraising event One Brighter Day was a big success. Image: Kevin Manning
Rounds MAKING THE
Every month we turn the spotlight on show-going truck lovers and find out a little more about their passion projects
While many careers in transport begin through a generation of truckies and a family business, Tom Charlton’s path to the road came with a very different starting point… A
Deciding to trade his chef’s apron for a seat behind the wheel, Tom was sick of working in a fast-paced kitchen and needed a change.
“I had a few mates in the transport industry, and that’s when at the age of 20 I decided I didn’t want to be a chef anymore, so I became a truckie instead,” he says.
Seventeen years later, Tom is a seasoned truck driver working for a small business named Bean Express, based in Brendale,
The company currently owns three rigs, but Deals on Wheels ’ attention was its brand spanking new 2024 Kenworth
The sparkling silver flat roof is a sight for sore eyes. With its one-coloured base, sky-high matching stainless-steel exhaust pipes, hub caps and detailing, its minimalism appeals to many, although the Bean Express boss wasn’t too impressed.
“It’s a unique spray and the boss himself
chose the colour and customised it, though we didn’t really like it when we picked it up,” he says.
“He chose everything he wanted for the truck; he wanted something different because our other trucks are all white, but he just didn’t like the colour in the end.
“We have a new truck joining the business and the 909 has been my dream truck since I was a kid, so he gave me the option of what colour I would like.
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
As slick as they come – check out the T909. Image: Tom Charlton
Although simplistic, the white and silver is eye catching! Image: Tom Charlton
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“Now a black rig is on its way and built identical to the 909.”
as Kenworths also,” says transport manager Adam Twyford.
Each Kenworth has the blue and silver design Image: Adam Twyford
Bobbin Transport’s remarkable line up of 11 trucks at Clarendon Image: Adam Twyford
Though Tom and his boss weren’t the biggest fans of their silver stunner, they were in the minority – and the rig picked up Best Custom Truck at Matty Hillcoat’s Truckies’ Day Out this year.
Tom admits that though there were initial doubts, the Kenworth can’t help but steal the spotlight.
“It doesn’t matter where we drive, it gets attention from everyone, everywhere,” he laughs.
“People break their necks to look at it!”
Kenworth Galore
A lineup of 11 good-looking Kenworths is sure to put a smile on any truck-lovers face – as was the case at this year’s Clarendon Kenworth Klassic.
Flashes of silver and blue lined Hawkesbury Showgrounds as Bobbin Transport made an impression.
“We only took Kenworths to Clarendon, but now the majority of our fleet are done up
“Each one of our trucks were bought brand new.”
The electric colour scheme reflects off 50 rigs in Bobbins’ fleet, inspired by a previous company many years ago.
Managing a large number of trucks makes Adam a busy man, but being surrounded by the hum of big rigs and the bustle of transport is nothing new for him.
“I grew up around trucks,” he says. “This Christmas will mark 18 years that I’ve been in this industry.”
The mighty 11 that pulled up at Clarendon were nothing short of meticulously maintained, thanks to Adam.
With a pale silver backdrop, the Kenworths are a simple yet remarkable design, marked with strikes of diverse shades of blue, featuring signwriting at the top of each rig like, ‘Large and in charge’ and ‘We knew better, but we did it anyway’.
It’s no surprise that his hard work has paid off with accolades, too.
While this year’s Clarendon Klassic wasn’t an award-winning event, Adam’s truck had a previous win, taking home a Kenworth award.
Located on the far South Coast of New South Wales, Bobbin Transport is not only an impressive fleet.
Since the 70s, they have transported general refrigerated and bulk freight using their comprehensive range of vehicles and trailers, prime movers, rigid tautliners and refrigerated vans. .
Cat Powered
Truckies always have a story to tell, especially when it’s got to do with their rig, so to be featured in the Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs is an honour.
Where the memory of his grandpa lay is where Tom Carr’s interest in trucks was sparked.
He was a man who appreciated a good Kenworth (as Tom says, he was “obsessed”), so when his dad became a truckie 20 years ago, Tom decided at the age of 28 that it was now also his time to follow in the family footsteps.
Already running a steel company, Tom was using contractors to ship out steel to various sites around Victoria and New South Wales.
“I just got to a point where I thought, ‘Well, I'll buy my own truck’,” he says.
“I had come from a transport background, so I already had an interest.
“I didn’t get my own truck for a while because we were so focused on the steel business for a long time.
“Everyone who knew my family, myself and the business, once we got a truck, they just threw so much work at us.
“We didn't even buy it to do freight, we did it for our own company, but then that one truck turned into four trucks, and a standalone business now called T&K Haulage.”
And boy their trucks do not disappoint.
Run by Tom and his wife Kristen, T&K
Haulage recently purchased a fourth rig to add to their collection, rolling three of their striking trucks through the gates of the Lights on the Hill truck show in Gatton.
“This event is so good for the trucking community, to show their respect to those who have passed on the roads, but that’s not all it’s about.
“It's for anyone that has retired or has been in the industry before.
“I took one of my little daughters with me and put the car seat at the front of the truck.
“She loved it, just honking the horn all day, so it was good fun!”
The pride of the fleet is a T404 with a Caterpillar engine.
“All the trucks are Cat powered,” he says.
“Dad had the same and that’s where my love for the shape came from.
“We also have a 104B big cab, a 608 Kenworth and our newest one is a 408.”
Each truck was bought second-hand, and while some may shy away from second-hand trucks, Tom was keen to restore these old machines to their former glory.
“I had to rebuild the 404, it dropped the liner 18 months ago.
“So that's had a full rebuild and a tune up from a bloke in Sydney.
“It's at 650 horsepower now.”
T&K’s beige, black and white rig are all different in design and style, but one commonality they share is that they’re nice to look at.
“They were all my kind of style, but we’ve had to change a lot of things,” he says.
“We've added a lot more stainless, bigger pipes and more scroll work, and obviously our names are on the door.
“Ideally, as we grow, we’ll get our trucks painted the same colour.
“At the moment, I like their style and that they’re so different, but similar in a way. We just added our flare to already cool trucks.”
Tom’s daughters love going for a spin in their dad’s truck. Image: Tom Carr
This year’s Brisbane Convoy for Kids saw thousands of trucks give their all into raising as much money as possible for young ones in need
Words & Images | Warren Aitken
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The MPK Mack leads the 2024 convoy across the bridge and into Redcliffe
Can I please have your attention for a few minutes? Not for too long, I promise – I acknowledge that many of you would rather just scroll through the accompanying photos rather than reading this short editorial.
However, it would be great to set the scene a little and get you all to appreciate the magnitude and importance of the event that has heralded these images. I won’t drag it out and I’ll focus on the most important aspect – Hummingbird House. I’ll focus on the overwhelming aspect in the 844 trucks in this year’s convoy, while I’ll also focus
on the positive consequences aspect – the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised. I shall also focus on the slightly obscure aspect – my first experience of Bin Juice (I’ll explain later). All I ask is a few minutes now so we can shine a bit of an explanatory light on this truly humongous convoy.
We will start with the most important and motivating aspect of this phenomenal fundraising event – Hummingbird House. Hummingbird House is one of those places that we all wish we didn’t need, though thousands of families are grateful that we have it. It is Queensland’s only children’s
Trucks fill in a fair bit of real estate. Paradise road at Larapinta was absolutely chock-a-block this year
CNC Cartage took out the largest fleet award this year, with over 40 trucks – I couldn’t even get them all in one shot
Ashleigh Stanton and Dianne Konza from Hop to It Transport made sure it wasn’t just the trucks that were dressed to impress
hospice and one of only three in the entire country, a place that provides specialised paediatric care for little ones with lifelimiting conditions. It is the sort of place us parents hope never to need, and it survives on the generosity and support from the people of Queensland. There is funding from the Queensland government, but events like the Brisbane Convoy for Kids play a huge role in raising much-needed funds to ensure Hummingbird House continues to help Queensland families.
The next thing to focus on is the convoy itself and the lengths it goes to in order to raise as much money as possible. Gone are the days of entry fees and charity auctions being the sole source of donations, although with 844 trucks registered and rolling, as well as well over 100 items donated for the charity auction, there is plenty of donations raised for Hummingbird House. That has never been enough for the amazing crew
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behind the Brisbane Convoy for Kids, who have found new ways to help raise more money, starting with the lead truck auction. This idea has been rolling for the past few convoys and sees entrants donating and fundraising in order to get prime spots at the head of the convoy. Simply put, once you register your rig, you make an opening bid for lead truck. You can get others to jump on board with your bid or fundraise separately and throw it all onto your tally before the auction closes. It’s even attracted an online reality show with a final Facebook bidding
The Redcliffe Showgrounds from above – you really start to appreciate the volume of trucks. Taken late in the afternoon, there are a few gaps as many have left, but there is still plenty of shine on display
The Bean Express team – Jack Dellar with five-year-old Ivy and 14-year-old Kipton, while Brendon Nash and Tom Charlton are with 11-year-old Bailey
Brisbane-wbased McDonald Trucking had several trucks and a full team lined up for this year’s convoy
That’s how you do it – Nathan Purcell ‘manages’ the cleaning of his truck by Lincoln and Toby
You cannot go past Bear Bolen and his big Iveco – it’s hard to find a man with a bigger heart or a bigger toy collection
Local transport company RHQ Logistics: Shaun Frederickson, Jamie Andrews, Jason Nilson, Jon Aver, Dennis McKenna and Andrew Cassidy
The Brisbane CFK doesn’t happen without a lot of volunteer assistance. Cheers to Logan SES crew members Karen and Chrissie
Kilcoy-based Bechleys, represented this year by Nathan and Sharnie Luland, and Martine and Adrian Pitts-Bewley, plus their mascot Mia
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Shout out to the ladies working the entrance gate, and a huge shout out for letting me inside to lap up a bit of the air-con
Another team with big numbers this year was the Snap-On Tools crew
war. It is a great idea, and I would love to tell you it was a close-fought battle, but it wasn’t.
The Martins Stock Haulage ‘Muttley’ Mack turned plenty of heads and also took out several awards at this year's Convoy, including Best Mack
Massive thanks go out to Daniel Wyatt, MPK and all those supporting the big Mack Daniel drives, for he trounced the auction, raising $110,000 to take out the lead truck role. All up, there was over $170,000 raised in the lead truck auction from a lot of great people and stunning trucks.
The other innovative fundraising event borne from the Brisbane Convoy for Kids is the Trailer of Hope. This year, Exodas Transport donated one of its outstanding Vawdry Quad Quad B-double units to be used as the ‘Trailer of Hope’ , which allows businesses and people to have their names and logos added to the side and displayed on the nation’s highways, raising awareness for Convoy for Kids as well as Hummingbird House. The brand new set-up was unveiled
and on display at Redcliffe Showgrounds, shiny brightly behind one of Exodas’ brand new Kenworth K220s.
As this goes to print, the amazing volunteers and committee members are still busy arriving at a final fundraising total, but it would be fair to assume, based on the amount of people at this year’s event, as well as the amount of dagwood dogs and Convoy for Kids merchandise on offer, that this year’s total will be pretty impressive.
As for the convoy itself, I can only speak from a truck lover's perspective and say it was a roaring success. While there was a bit of northside rain when the lead trucks left Larapinta, by the time the MPK Mack completed the 65km journey it was nothing but sunshine and lollipops. As is normally the case when you have 800 plus trucks trying to all park in the same rest area, it
The Hop To It crew in full regalia, making sure the trucks weren’t the only ones all dressed up
With the sun beating down for this year’s event, the big marquee was a welcome refuge when you needed a sit down and something to eat
Chris McSweeney had another of the leading trucks, raising much-needed funds to get his stunning Western Star 4900 into the lead group
Dan Wyatt drives this year’s lead truck after raising $110,000 for Hummingbird House
Carmela Sampson and her hubby Weetbix, who run Straight Jacket Transport, had their immaculate Argosy at the top end of this year’s Convoy
It’s a long wait when you park up early, but Tony Washband has himself sorted. Sitting in his deck chair admiring his own truck. Well done
Blind Man Dan had the perfect vantage point to take in all the festivities this year, relaxed on his custom kitted out lawnmower
was a bit of a log jam once the convoy arrived in Redcliffe. It may have put a little strain on some of the air con systems, but it was a joyous sight for the hundreds of roadside fans who never relented in their traditional arm pumping air horn requests, keeping the air thick with bassy blasts until the last truck entered the show grounds.
Once the trucks and supporters did get parked up, there was no shortage of entertainment and consumables on hand. My waistline is under enough strain as it is, but the menagerie of meats and succulent array of sweets on hand meant everyone had options and I did my best to spread my food critiquing hat around. As I alluded to at the beginning, I can’t forget to mention the young Brisbane man who has started his own low sugar beverage company, naming it Bin Juice. How could I not enjoy a couple of those?
Marketing 101 right there.
By the end of the day I was worn out, well fed and completely over-stimulated, having walked the entire showgrounds several times in order to catch all the trucks rolling in. My travels around the showgrounds appreciating all the amazing rigs made me feel nothing but sympathy for the judges. There was such a high standard at this year’s event that it was a cut-throat job to pick winners for the 32 categories. They did get the winners sorted though, with the top prize going to Faadhil Deen and the amazing Mack Titan he drives for Mactrans Heavy Haulage.
Now it is time to peruse the photos and enjoy scenes from the day. I will ask that you look up Hummingbird House – the convoy may be over for this year, but this amazing Queensland institution needs our full support all year round.
Cliff Boardman pilots this epic Campbell replica remote control Kenworth
As a proud media sponsor of the 36th HHA and Larsen’s Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show, the Deals on Wheels team were on site to catch all the goings-on
Words | Geoff Crockett
Images | Prime Creative Media
TA rainy Sunday wasn't enough to deter devoted truck fans
his year’s Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show certainly had a little bit of everything.
There was the scorching hot 34-degree Saturday, followed by a colder, slightly wet and rainy Sunday morning.
There was also a great mix of live music, camping, hot food, kids’ rides, raffle prizes and trophies handed out to the best of the 300 gleaming trucks of all shapes, sizes and brands.
Sunday’s truck parade was another highlight, capturing the imagination of locals
who braved the drizzle to line the edges of the highway through the city centre to admire the steady stream of gleaming chrome that rolled through with horns honking and hands waving.
While this year marks the 36th time the truck show has been put on at Castlemaine, it was only my second chance to visit on behalf of Deals on Wheels.
Making the two-hour journey from the east of Melbourne out to Castlemaine on the Sunday morning, with the rain pelting down, I’ll admit to being worried that the weather
Parents brought the kids along for a great day out
was going to work against the organisers and keep people away.
Turns out country folk don’t really care that much whether it’s raining or not.
As I found a park in the main street and lined up an undercover vantage spot to shoot the truck parade (back seat of the car with the window down), families started to arrive to claim a piece of footpath and prepare to welcome the truckies to town.
The tension built as a few trucks rolled in from 8am, heading to the mustering point for the 9am start to the parade, acknowledging the arm gestures of children with a honking of their horns as they passed.
While the rain kept lightly falling, the crowd remained captivated for at least half an hour as they watched 130 trucks starting the five-kilometre journey back to the grounds at Campbells Creek.
It was my first experience of the parade, and it was great to see the support for the trucking industry firsthand.
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Last year, I went straight to Campbells Creek recreation reserve to deliver magazines and organise my day and ended up capturing the parade trucks on camera as they rolled through the main gates to park up for judging.
Having ventured into town this year, I got to experience the show as a local might, including the minor traffic jam trying to get back into the recreation reserve as the trucks returned and the drivers showed off their precision parking skills.
Full credit must go here to the patience of the volunteers directing traffic and the good
a
There was
fantastic array of rigs on display
The crowd was entertained by live music throughout the weekend
Jack, Jordan and Matt gave Castlemaine the thumbs-up
nature of show-goers who were happy to wait for a while as the traffic cleared and the car park opened for the public for the day. Without those volunteers, the show would not exist, and there were more than 150 involved this year, tackling a range of tasks from traffic management, setting up stands, taking registrations, cooking food and serving drinks.
Among the volunteer army I caught up with on the day were Marina Scott and Jane Anderson, who were helping out on the registration desk.
When we spoke mid-morning, with the rain still coming down, Marina said she enjoyed meeting the drivers and “getting to say hello” as they arrived at the event. She also joked that the pressure was now off the registration desk and over to the judges to pick the day’s winners.
For Land Transport driver Nathan Krause, Castlemaine was a chance to show off his Melbourne-based truck, a Western Star 4800 FXB that has been kitted out to support overnight transport runs to Adelaide and back.
Nathan said he enjoyed coming to the show to catch up with friends and for the chance to do something a little different.
His normal schedule means he usually spends most of his week on the road, driving
at night then sleeping in the cab during the day while the trailers are re-loaded for the return journeys.
Another driver, Trav Carlisle, brought the Wylaz Transport 2010 Kenworth along to this year’s show. The stunning white and red truck scored a Highly Commended in the Best Working Truck (pre-2011) category.
Trav said the truck has clicked over 1.6 million kilometres, with about 400,000 of those on its rebuilt Cummins engine, and it still works locally every day.
For eight-year-old Jedda Lawrence, the show was a chance to take a ride in a 1977 Mercedes-Benz 1418 truck owned by Maryborough Transport Service’s Graeme Lean.
Jedda’s dad, Zac Ansell, who works as the maintenance and workshop manager at MTS, told me the truck had been lovingly restored, inside and out.
When I asked how hard it had been on the mechanical side, Zac said a lot of the parts were still sold by Mercedes, which helped. The biggest challenge had been finding engine mounts to suit.
Another popular attraction was the Truckies’ Challenge tent, where video game consoles were set up with the American Truck Simulator game pre-loaded with a schedule and distribution challenge.
Nathan Krause poses with the Western Star 4800 FXB he drives for Land Transport
A parade of over 100 trucks made its way through Castlemaine
TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: Jackson Thorne with South Coast Heavy Haulage's Hellboy truck; The Shamick Transport crew; Cesare Colli with his colourful White Road Boss; Brett Sullivan and Elly Macdonald at the Sullivan Sketching stand; MIDDLE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Ivan Sun at the Truckies' Challenge stand; Daniel Booby with his 379 Peterbilt and a collection of trophies; Andrew Derham and the mighty Mack; The Cornwill Transport crew with the 2024 Truck of the Show; Stella, Ava, Kiara, Marcus and Charlie took advantage of the face painting and food on offer on the day; Jedda Lawrence and a classic Mercedes truck owned by Maryborough Transport Services.
BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Dynamite, the 2022 Kenworth SAR created by the Cornwill Transport team was named Truck of the Show for the second year running; Lynch Transport rolled into town for the show; Truck art was a highlight of the Membrey and Cornwill Transport trucks; There was no missing the shine on this blue Western Star; Derham Transport's orange and white livery brightened up this classic Kenworth
Truckies’ Challenge organiser Ivan Sun said the tent was fully booked over the weekend, with new challengers every 15 minutes and plenty of healthy competition among the next generation of drivers and their experienced colleagues.
“The children are pretty good – they are used to using the gaming controls which helps,” Ivan says.
Trucks aside, the family- friendly event had pony rides for the youngsters, live music from the Sandee Facy Trio and The Davidson Bros, and a range of trucking products and merchandise on sale from trade exhibitors keen to share their wares.
Among the food offerings on site was a Rotary barbecue tent and the Lions hot food caravan, with well over 2000 meals served over the two days helping to raise vital funds for local fundraising.
The rain disappeared after lunch on the Sunday, having settled the dust around the grounds.
By the time the presentations arrived at 3pm it was a little muggy and overcast, but there was nothing to stop the show going on.
Rotary Castlemaine president Terry Murphy took time out at the start of the presentations to thank truck show director Kerry Anderson and the volunteers for their dedication to the cause.
“Kerry and her team have done a magnificent job, and aside from a little bit of moisture falling from the heavens, I think we’ve had a pretty good weekend. So, thank you Kerry and team,” Terry says.
With 250 trucks registered and a total of 300 on the grounds for the event, the judges had their work cut out for them when it came time to adjudicate the trophies.
The quality of trucks was so high that for the first time ever, two trucks scored the top score of 30 points, leading to a count back and the awarding of first, second and third prize in the category.
HHA boss Jon Kelly told the crowd it was tough call.
“This was a difficult one, because we went over the scorecard about 15 times, ratifying it, making sure the scores don’t lie. And the winner again this year for Truck of the Show, is truck number 39, Kenworth SAR Cornwill Transport,” he says.
The Colli Timber and Hardware 1981 White Road Boss was the second truck with a score of 30, and was named runner up, with Moloney Bulk and Transport’s Kenworth T900 coming in third in the Truck of the Show category.
The Best Fleet category was another hotly contested section with 11 companies showing up with three or more trucks, including Patlin
The Gattuso family showed off some of their fleet
2024 Castlemaine Truck Show winners:
Best on Ground (Saturday)
#130 Kenworth W model – Tony Whelan
Truck of the Show
1st #39 Kenworth SAR – Cornwill Transport
2nd #13 White Road Boss – Colli Timber & Hardware
3rd #85 Kenworth T900 – Moloney Bulk Transport
Best Fleet (Three or more) Kreskas
Best Working Rig (2023-24)
1st #19 Kenworth T659 – Woodtrans
2nd #33 Mack Titan – Craig Duren
Best Working Rig (2017-2022)
1st #39 Kenworth SAR – Cornwill Transport
2nd #85 Kenworth T900 – Moloney Bulk Transport
Best Working Rig (2011-2016)
1st #41 Kenworth T409 – Cornwill Transport
2nd #90 Kenworth T409 – Moloney Bulk Transport
Best Working Rig (Pre 2011)
1st #142 Kenworth T950 – TRSS Refrigerated Transport
2nd #106 Kenworth 406 SAR – Wylaz Transport
Historic Truck (pre-1994)
#13 White Road Boss – Colli Timber & Hardware
Restoration / Show Truck (1994-2011)
#9 Mack – Derham Transport
People’s Choice
#124 Peterbilt 379 – Spinefex
Best Custom
#124 Peterbilt 379 – Spinefex
Best Paint (traditional)
#130 Kenworth W – Tony Whelan
Best Paint (artwork)
#124 Peterbilt 379 – Spinefex
Best Interior
#124 Peterbilt 379 – Spinefex
Best Engine Bay
#191 Kenworth K104 – TQ’s Detailing & Repair
Best Tray
#128 Kenworth T909 – Heseltine Haulage
Best Tow Recovery
#113 Kenworth T604 – Parsons Towing
Best Tipper
#171 Kenworth T909 – Dirt Rock Civil
Best Heavy Haulage
#54 Kenworth C509 – Patlin Heavy Haulage
Volunteers Marina Scott and Jane Anderson
Heavy Haulage which had 12 trucks in its line-up.
Tony Whelan’s stunning 1986 Kenworth W-Model was named Best on Ground on Saturday.
All up, more than 20 trophies were handed out on the day across a range of categories, with Daniel Booby’s Peterbilt 379, owned by Spinefex, the most celebrated truck of the day, taking out the People’s Choice category, along with the Best Paint (artwork), Best Interior and Best Custom categories.
There were plenty of smiles from the stage and the usual banter of a community of truck -loving families cheering on their mates, or good-naturedly questioning the judge’s calls.
All in all, another great day out, and the good news is, dates for the 2025 edition of the truck show have already been set – so now’s the time to pencil November 29 and 30 into your 2025 diary!
The Beaudesert Heritage Truck Show came back with a bang this year – with everything from LTLs to Diamond Reos on display
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Paul Deutschmann
There were some schmick rigs on display
The organisers of the Beaudesert Heritage Truck Show don’t hand out awards at their annual event – it's more about bringing the community together.
The Queensland show, which features a display of vintage trucks, tractors and cars as well as trade stalls, is an opportunity for people to show off their vehicles and enjoy a great day out for the whole family.
“We’re not a competitive club,” says organiser John Dodd. “Everyone’s on an equal footing and we encourage people to do the best they can with what they’ve got.
“Everyone works on a different budget. There are some people within companies that have a bigger scope of things they can do with their trucks, while others are on a limited budget.
“So, everyone is equal and there’s no differentiation between a blinged-up truck and a working truck.”
John says the day was “very enjoyable” for young and old.
“Everyone was having a great time,
everyone was happy, talking and mixing,” he says.
“There was music going all day and icecreams and soft drinks for the kids.
“There was just a really nice environment.”
The show involved a parade of 40 trucks through the township of Beaudesert, showing off models of all shapes and sizes.
“We have started to form some good relations with the police and TMR, so the parade went seamlessly.
“There were three or four outstanding LTL Louisvilles – the owners must be super proud of them because they represented so well.
“There were a lot of vehicles with a historic background – like some very old Macks, there are only one or two of them in Australia.
“There was a Diamond Reo that represents very well, the owner put a lot of money into it.
“But then there were also trucks there in their working clothes so people could come in and see what trucks are like when they are working.”
The Beaudesert Heritage Show is hosted by
The sunny day helped draw a crowd
We love the pinstriping and scrollwork on this rig
This 1963 B-61 Mack was gleaming in the sun
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Mantova Heavy Haulage brought this cool Mack along
This 1966 Diamond T is an absolute stunner
the Heritage Truck Association of Australia, and John says attendees benefited from the knowledge of a former association president who acted as MC.
“His depth of knowledge on trucks is outstanding,” he says.
“He walks up and down the lines and talks about each truck, telling you about the history of it and what it does.
“People follow him around to learn, it’s great.”
John says people came from far and wide for the popular show.
“We had some people from New South Wales and I spoke to some who came down from Toowoomba to have a look,” he says.
“I live in the north side of Brisbane so it was about an 80 kilometre trip for me, but there was another bloke who came from even further north.
“There was good representation from all areas!”
The Heritage Truck Association of Australia is based in Rocklea, where they also host their annual Heritage Truck Show – their main event for the year.
“We also work with the Brisbane Truck Show and support them as well – that's a strengthening situation,” John adds.
“The last time we did the Beaudesert show was in 2022, we’re still feeling our way with that one.
“Whether it becomes an annual thing, we’re not sure yet.”
Money raised from both the Beaudesert and the Rocklea shows mostly goes back into running the club for the year, with other proceeds going to charity.
“We run the club and if we have money to spare, we pick a charity.
“Everyone paid a subscription to go in the parade at Beaudesert this year, and that money went straight into motor neurone disease research.”
The community is always at the heart of what the Heritage Truck Association does.
“We had the local Rotary Club there, and the local swimming club, they were all running stalls so they could get some revenue from us bringing the public in.
“It’s like a Men’s Shed on wheels for the members – it's all about the community.”
Everyone loves a T909!
Several of the trucks were displayed with information about their history
Magic MULLUM
The annual Mullumbimby Truck Show, while not the largest event of its type on the calendar, simply beams with quality and camaraderie at one of the most picturesque towns in Australia
Words & Images | Greg Bush
TA pint-sized Benz gatecrashed the Mullumbimby truck convoy
he roar of diesel-powered trucks of various makes and models broke the serene ambience of the northern New South Wales town of Mullumbimby on November 9. The occasion? The running of the Mullumbimby Truck Show. As in previous years, the not-for-profit truck event was held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show, the trucks being a vital part of the threeday rural show.
However, unlike similar truck shows around the nation, local organisers are happy to keep truck numbers within a manageable range.
“We normally get about 80 to 90 trucks,” says Mark Ward, owner of Wards Truck and Machinery Centre at nearby Tyagarah. “90 is good for us; it’s a good crowd”.
Mark and his wife Nikki have been organising the truck show since its inception in 2009. Mark, a former interstate truck driver, had originally planned to hold the inaugural event at the local Rugby League club. However, the Ag Show committee saw the trucks as a way to add value to the annual three-day event, persuading Mark to join in the festivities.
“The industry was having a bit of a bad name [back then]. These local people don’t know anything about trucks and I wanted to show them, up close, how big a truck was. A bit of truck awareness,” Mark adds. There was plenty of opportunity for the
general public to view the big bangers at close range at the showgrounds. Earlier that day, the truck show participants gathered at Mullumbimby’s industrial area on the town’s east side, registering the trucks while enjoying a bacon and eggs breakfast put on by Mark and Nikki. Right on 11am, the truck convoy wound its way through the town’s streets to the showgrounds.
Typically, the Kenworth brand made up the majority of entries, although one could be mistaken in thinking that the Mullumbimby Truck Show was a reunion of Brown & Hurley customers, especially from the Kyogle dealership. For regular attendee Carl Bursle, that connection holds extra significance.
Carl drove his K200 to the show from Lismore, the truck categorised by the large banner on the grill commemorating his father John Bursle. John passed away from bowel cancer 15 years ago after a long career subcontracting to TNT.
“Dad originally came from Kyogle and went to school with Jim Hurley,” Carl explains. Hence, just like his father, the truck of choice was always going to be Kenworth.
But when questioned about the prospect of an easier drive south for him and the K200 once the Hexham and Coffs Harbour bypasses are complete, Carl had a word of warning.
“The worse thing with that is they’ll want us to go AB-triples,” he says. “They’ll want an extra A-trailer on.”
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“We’ve got B-doubles now but once we put an A-trailer in front of you, you’ll have an AB-triple when Coffs Harbour’s done, and the Hexham bridge.
“So blokes will probably lose jobs because you’re getting another A-trailer. None of the depots are big enough.”
A one truck owner, Carl bought the K200 two-and-a-half years ago for his nightly runs between Brisbane and Sydney. But even then, he was planning ahead.
“When I picked this up, I got Drew Anderson at Kyogle to order another one for me. It’s getting done up now," he says.
“I’ve got this one sold; I’ve got five blokes chasing it now."
Carl’s Kenworth cab-over wasn’t the only K-model in town by a long shot. Jeff Campbell, who was born and bred in Mullumbimby, rolled up in one of AJ Flynn’s K200s, one of seven in the company’s fleet.
A former interstate driver, including a stint with Shoobridge Transport, Jeff now confines himself to local runs from Lismore to Brisbane and back. However, despite the K200 looking the goods, he wasn’t overly concerned about winning a Mullumbimby trophy, mostly due to his young passengers in tow – nephews Harvey, aged four, and Hughie, three.
“Their grandfather is Mark Ward. My sister married Mark’s son Mitch, so if we win an award later on, don’t think it’s pre-organised,” he laughs.
Jeff is another unashamed Kenworth devotee, although he drove a Scania for Shoobridge in his interstate years.
“I’ve been at Flynn’s for about two-and-a-half years. But back when I was 19 and 20 I started with Tony Flynn, Andy’s brother. It was the other Flynn Transport with the fridge vans that went bust.
“That’s where I got my start, so it feels like I’m home again,” Jeff says.
The Kenworth numbers were boosted further with Joe Booth Transport which won the Best Fleet trophy, edging out Shoobridge Transport with its mixed makes. Hardy’s Haulage, with its fleet of Kenworths, was
Carl Bursle commemorates his father, the late John Bursle, every year at the Mullumbimby Truck Show
Joe Booth Transport's T909, driven by Junior Wise, on its way to the showground where it was runner-up in the Truck of the Show award
Winner of the Best Truck 0-2 Years was Leader Earthworks’ Kenworth C509
DGL’s Kenworth T610 SAR was voted Best Truck 2-5 Years
Queensland-based Dumping Dirt had a couple of trucks attending the Mullumbimby Truck Show, including this Kenworth T950, which ended up winning the Best Truck Over 10 Years award
AJ Bulk Haulage’s Kenworth T909, nicknamed “The Mistress’, was victorious in the Best Truck 5-10 Years category
One of a number of classics en route to Mullumbimby, this 1964 B Model Mack won the Best Custom award
Casino-based Gava Freight Company brought this smart-looking Kenworth T909 to the show
Western Star had some nice units on show, including Cement Australia’s sparkling 4900 FXT model, nicknamed “Cracklin Rosie”
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Jeff Campbell from AJ Flynn and his nephews Harvey and Hughie ready for the ride through town in the company’s K200
Long-haul driver Graeme Russell (centre) flanked by Hardy’s Haulage team members Lincoln Glasby with son Addison, (left) and Jackson Hersee (right)
You grow up with it and it’s in your
blood
Mullumbimby boasts a picturesque setting for truck show attendees
another worthy contender in that category.
Hardy’s long-term driver Graeme Russell, who regularly pilots a T610 SAR for the Pottsville-based business, says work commitments usually take precedence over attending truck shows.
“We’re always busy, always working, but we were lucky when everyone got into the yard yesterday where the trucks are all kept in good condition” Graeme says. “Everything is in really top nick.”
That’s somewhat surprising because Graeme points out that many of the trucks run on dirt and out in the bush.
“We do tippers in Queensland, NSW and Victoria,” he says. “I run mainly down south, across to Adelaide and down to Melbourne.”
Hardy’s celebrated its 50 year anniversary in 2020, and they’ve continued to buy their Kenworths through, you guessed it, Brown & Hurley, Kyogle.
Local representation
It wasn’t all Kenworths, though, as other truck makes managed to snare plenty of interest throughout the day. Mullumbimby Reliable Removals, with its fleet of Scanias, flew the flag for the local transport industry.
Adam McKenzie, along with co-owner Chris Mott, have operated the business for the past 18 years.
“It used to be Stan Robinson Removals, which was around 60 or 70 years before us,” Adam explains.
“Every week we’re either in Melbourne or Sydney, or once a month in Cairns.”
With most of their customers intent on moving north to swap the rat race for greener pastures in northern NSW and Queensland, Adam says lately he’s noticed a reversal of that trend.
“We moved a lot up in COVID time, we were real busy out of Victoria, but now it’s funny, we’re moving a few back to Melbourne.”
The heat perhaps? “It does knock them around,” Adam laughs.
Elsewhere, Tony Armstrong, a regular at Mullumbimby since its early years, drove a Mack Trident to the show. Owned by earthmoving outfit J & M Bashforth & Son, the Trident boasts a 535hp Mack MP8 engine.
“I think I’ve been coming here since 2010. I put my old Trident in then and it won, but there wasn’t may tippers in that year,” Tony smiles.
Bashforth’s operates almost all Macks, with one sole Scania in their fleet.
“I drove mostly just local, just tipper work and landscaping supplies, but we do a bit of stuff out of Bribie Island,” Tony says.
At the other end of the tipper scale, young Blake Wheatley drove his Kenworth T350 down from Bilambil near Tweed Heads.
In his first appearance at Mullumbimby as a driver, Blake was proudly there with his father, Rob Wheatley who entered a T604 in the show.
“Dad’s always had trucks, that’s why I’m into it,” Blake admits. “I live and breathe trucks. You grow up with it and it’s in your blood; there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Still on his P plates, Blake is slowly building up a customer base, despite being currently limited to a rigid licence.
“I’m still on green Ps on my car, so I’ve got to wear it until I get my full car licence,” he says.
A 2007 model with 60,000km on the clock, Blake explains that the T350 was originally sent to Japan to operate as a fuel truck.
“Someone brought it back here and it’s
Chris McSweeney’s revamped 2008 Western Star 4900 was undoubtedly a popular entry, winning the Crowd Pleaser award
It was a great day for Tony Abood and his Truck of the Show-winning 50th Anniversary
Kenworth Legend SAR
been used as a yard truck in Brisbane ever since. And that’s how we got it,” he explains.
O’Connors Carrying Service not only participated in the show, it hauled a Kenworth and trailer stage set-up for the live entertainment during the day
Since purchasing the Kenworth, Blake has added niceties such as square tanks, stainless wheels and carbon fibre front springs. That work was completed just two weeks before the Mullumbimby show.
The T350 wasn’t the smallest truck at the show by any means. Not including a miniMercedes-Benz that took part in the convoy, vintage Macks and Internationals harked back to a bygone era of Australia’s road transport industry. Also looking dwarfed by the presence of big prime movers, a couple of Japanese trucks from Frank Vanz Lismore Tyre Company shone through with one of its Isuzus winning the Best Light Rigid trophy.
Deals on Wheels caught up with Fredie Vanz who was behind the wheel of a companyowned Hino 300 with his wife Kahlia and niece Lila in the passenger seats.
Sadly, as Fredie explains, his dad Frank Vanz passed away eight months previous.
“Dad’s been coming here for years,” Fredie says. “That’s my mum and dad on the side of the truck,” he adds, pointing to the livery on the Hino’s van.
“I thought I’d come up this year because we got this new truck, the Hino 300.
“It’s like a little go-kart, a good truck to drive around in.”
As well as the local area participation, trucks and drivers also arrived from southeast Queensland, and from points further south. One such driver, Chris Kerrigan, drove a Cromack Transport FH Volvo up from Grafton in a sort of homecoming.
“I’ve been living down there for 20 years now,” Chris says. “I grew up in Byron Bay and went to high school there. Byron Bay was a nice town then.”
Chris’ plans for the day was to catch up with mates, have a couple of beers, stay the night and head back on the Sunday morning.
Crowd pleaser
A little closer to home, Chris McSweeney brought his 2008 Western Star 4900 down from Casino. With the Star recently being refurbished, he thought Mullumbimby was a great opportunity to show it off.
“It’s had a paint job, a new 14 litre Series 60 Detroit, and lots of lights,” Chris beams.
But it was the truck’s “convoy” number plates that attracted extra interest.
“They were originally on a Freightliner, bought for the Convoy for Kids in Brisbane,” he says.
Chris spent the previous day washing the truck, although a sprinkle of rain on the drive from Casino meant a further touch-up on the morning of the show.
However, despite winning the Crowd Pleaser award at the show, Chris’ Western Star and the other contenders ultimately lost out to Abood’s Crane Trucks 50th Anniversary Kenworth SAR Legend for the coveted Truck of the Show trophy.
The company’s founder, Tony Abood, has been based at Tweed Heads since 1988, moving up from Sydney where he had worked for his father, Cedric Abood.
Tony ordered the Legend in 2021, but only picked it up in March his year from Brown & Hurley, but not from Kyogle but from the Yatala dealership between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“It’s been a long-winded project,” he says, adding that the initial delay was due to Covid.
“They couldn’t get parts and a lot of people had big orders, so when you only order one you go back to the end of the queue a bit.”
Fred’s Interstate Transport picked up the Best Bonneted award with this immaculate Kenworth
T909
Matt Biddle Transport’s stunning Kenworth K200, driven by Dylan Estreitch, on its way to winning the Best Cab-Over trophy
Blast from his past
John Lawrence no longer drives interstate. Nor does he operate a transport company. He’s long retired, but he still maintains a love for the industry with his showpiece 1988 Ford LTL 9000.
Lawrence
The former owner of J & L Haulage, John and his son Brad bought the old Ford three years ago with the aim of giving it a makeover.
“It wasn’t in good condition,” John says. “We spent about 18 to 20 months rebuilding it in the shed. All the work was done in-house.”
John is well familiar with the Ford brand through his former transport business, but they proved to be impractical in the long run.
“We used to have trucks on interstate and we always had a Louisville,” he says.
“We went to Kenworths then because of the lengths. The long-bonneted truck was over length.”
The old Ford’s appearance is a credit to John and Brad. The “tribute” moniker on the
truck was Brad’s idea - a tribute to his dad.
Nowadays, gone are the days of worrying about regulations, although despite the Ford running under heritage registration, he still calls in at weigh stations.
“If they’re open, you pull in,” John says. “But they usually don’t worry you and wave you through.”
The truck regularly takes its place at shows not too far a drive from John’s home at Mt Warren Park in south-east Queensland, including Lowood, Lights On The Hill, Casino, Beaudesert and, of course, Mullumbimby where this year the Ford was runner-up in the Best Heritage Truck category.
To make the truck show life easier, John has a caravan-hauling LandCruiser accompanying the Ford to event locations. For Mullumbimby however, he made an exception, pointing to the Ford LTL 9000’s cab.
“I’ll sleep in this tonight,” he smiles.
John
with his 1988 Ford LTL 9000, restored specifically for the truck show circuit
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Despite the delay, Tony was delighted when he picked the truck up from Yatala.
“Kev Hurley came up from Kyogle to hand over the keys, which was a bit of an honour,” he says. “I’ve been buying trucks off them for over 30 years now.”
It was Tony’s second Mullumbimby Truck Show, bringing along a T410 as well as the Legend. But with the prized trophy now on his mantlepiece, he’s almost certain to be back to the charity fundraising event next year.
As Mark Ward explains, monies raised at the truck show cover costs as well as making donations to various local worthy causes.
“What we make out of the nominations, we buy trophies for the trucks,” he says.
He also runs a separate bar for the truckies and their families, with the keg beer raising money for the truck show and the packaged beer sales going to the Ag Show, of which Mark is also president.
“The money out of the keg beer we split into three or four different charities – Marine Rescue Helicopter, the Brunswick Surf Club who also run the bar, and Our Kids in Lismore which looks after sick kids.
“We give them some money, but not every year. We try and work it out to whoever needs it.
“At the end of the day, no-one makes a dollar. We start with nothing and we end up with nothing.
“The show doesn’t see any of that money. That’s how I like it because I catch up with all these guys, have a few beers, and give them another serve of bacon and eggs in the morning.
“When you can see what the effort that these guys put in, it makes it all worthwhile.”
The Mullumbimby Truck Show is a unique event and it’s back in 2025 on its regular date of the second Saturday in November. See you there!
The trucks lined up at the Mullumbimby Showgrounds
The Pioneer Timber Cutters' Club put on a show to raise money for charity, with vehicles of all kinds impressing the crowd
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Jamie Darlington
Sunny Warby’s standout old Mack
Skies were clear for Luddenham’s first Pioneer Show and Shine
It’s not every day you find someone willing to shave their head for a good cause, but in honour of the World’s Greatest Shave, Jamie Darlington was eager.
As the event organiser of the Pioneer’s Show and Shine, Jamie ended up raising a staggering $2,500 for the Leukemia Foundation, but that wasn’t all — the truck show also raised around $1,500 at the gates, to be donated to Motor Neurone Disease and the Black Dog Institute.
So, while 300 patrons strolled into Luddenham Showground in New South Wales, keen to see some good-looking rigs,
they were not only seeing some beautiful machines, but also giving back to worthy causes.
After a tough few years, including the loss of show space at the Antique Museum of Fire, this year’s show had the Luddenham community buzzing.
Run by the Pioneer Timber Cutters' Club, the day out included 180 beautiful antique trucks making an impression on crowds, and a chainsaw race in a nod to the organisers too.
“For me, Sunny Warby’s old Mack was a standout,” Jamie says.
“He’s had it since it was brand new 52 years ago. It won the People’s Choice award.”
But the Mack wasn’t the only truck in pristine condition. Bob Erwin’s stunning blue International Acco 3070 was crowned the Entrant’s Choice, catching the eyes of fellow vehicle enthusiasts.
Along with some classic rigs, cars, bikes and tractors on show, the chainsaw display was one to add to the highlights reel, along with a kids' jumping castle, sandwiches and drinks to enjoy.
Jamie says watching the faces of young kids peering into the open hoods of trucks from another era made the day worth it – an the opportunity to educate and inspire a new generation of truck lovers.
“This event really is a family fun day. As a young kid you can’t sit in the passenger seat of your old man’s truck anymore, but you can come out here and have a look,” he says.
“Come with your families to look at the different trucks and appreciate the story here.”
For Jamie, the true reward was seeing how the community came together, not just to celebrate antique vehicles, but to share stories and enjoy the beauty of the past.
“I just love to see everyone come together for these old vehicles. That’s what keeps me going,” he says.
Looking ahead to next year, Jamie’s already
planning an even bigger, more family-centric event, with kids’ rides, more attractions, and a deeper community involvement on the cards.
“We were happy with it, so we're gonna go again next year, Sunday November 9, 2025.”
So, while the anticipation grows, mark your calendars, because next year’s Pioneer Show and Shine is going to be bigger and better.
Jamie shaving his head for leukemia
This blue International copped all the attention
United
IN ULVERSTONE
Tassie’s quiet streets lit up as the roar of 40 engines rolled into Ulverstone Showgrounds for their annual Thank You Show
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Danny Turner
Revving up for another great year of trucks, Tasmania’s quiet streets were filled with the thunder of engines at the Ulverstone Truck Show in early November.
Since the 80s, a parade of gleaming rigs has continued to enter the Ulverstone Showgrounds, and this year 40 mighty machines cruised on in.
The truck show, combined with the local ‘Thank You Show’ saw a great turnout.
Not only dedicated to a day of fun, thanks to the generosity of those that attended, crowds gathered in the Central Coast of Tassie to raise funds and awareness for mental health by donating to Beyond Blue and New Mornings.
But the trucks that rolled in weren’t just big machines on wheels – they each had stories of history and craftsmanship behind them.
Event organiser Kevin Hind took on the challenge of running the show for the first time and was satisfied with the results of the day and the trucks that rolled through the gates.
“There were a couple of B-model Macks and various other trucks of all shapes and sizes – old rigs, new rigs, working trucks, restored trucks,” he says.
“It was fantastic, and everybody seemed to have fun, the day was just lovely.”
But the day wasn’t all about trucks. Beyond the shiny chrome, the event had so much to offer, with local craft stalls providing a unique opportunity to showcase their wares, as well as rides, dodgem cars, a pony and cart, and a dog show.
It was a great mix of trucks and a vibrant atmosphere, with Ulverstone Truck Show also featuring a balloon and bubble room, showbags, games, live music, hot food and coffee.
“The community gets right behind the show, they come from miles away from Ulverstone to get involved,” he says.
Beautiful in blue was a monster Mack, winning Truck of the Show
A vintage Dodge took home Best Restored Truck
“Being my first time running it, we had a good crowd, and it was a good day.
“I was just absolutely chuffed.”
A small selection of awards were handed out, adding a sense of friendly competition to the festivities.
Award Winners:
• Best Truck: Craig Kaine
• People’s Choice: Dion Wilson
• Best Restored Truck: Ian Officer
• Female Rig: Taylah Lee-Keys
• Young Operator: Mitchell Sharman
Reflecting on the success of the day, and with the community’s support behind them, it seems the Ulverstone Truck show is here to stay and will continue putting smiles on the people of Tassie’s faces.
Kevin would like to thank Batchelor Northwest for their generous sponsorship for this amazing day
DEALS Events
VEHICULAR
Variety
Yarra Glen Racecourse was home to horsepower of a different sort on November 10 as trucks, cars and buses rolled into the grounds for a day of showing off
Words and images:
There was something for everyone at Yarra Glen Racecourse on Sunday, November 10 when the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia and the Chrysler Restorer’s Club came together to put on a show with a difference.
As the sun shone down on the expansive grounds of the Yarra Glen horse racing club, a vast array of classic trucks, cars and buses rolled into place to present an eclectic mix of chrome, metal and machine.
Classic Fords, stunning Chryslers, restored ambulances, a fire truck or two, a hearse, trucks and buses from all manner of brands, past and present, filled the grounds as their owners and spectators mingled to the sounds of classic rock from a live band.
Fresh from a two-week stint driving hay to farmers in need from South Australia, Volwreck director Graeme Troutbeck loaded up his Volvo FH16 with two of his restoration projects, a 1972 Volvo F86 and a Volvo FL10.
For Graeme, who missed last year’s show because of the timing of the annual charity hay run, Yarra Glen is a chance to catch up
with friends and support the HCVCA, of which he is a member.
For Dennis Brooks, this year’s show presented an opportunity to showcase a rare piece of Australia’s transport history in the shape of his 1936 Scammell Mechanical Horse.
The three-wheeled green machine evolved out of a decision by the British railways in the 1930s to commission a light truck to replace the horses used to deliver goods and parcels from rail yards and stations.
Heavy truck manufacturer Scammell eventually took on the challenge and developed a 3 and a 6 ton Mechanical Horse that came with three trailers — one being loaded, one in transit and one unloaded.
Dennis says there were around 30,000 Horses built between 1933 and 1948 and 13,000 Scarabs of a similar design built between 1948 and 1967.
His Horse came from Tamworth in NSW and was bought, sight unseen, in October 2000.
“It has a number of interesting features, not
Sebastian and Karl Murray at the Bayswater Truck Centre stand
Geoff Crockett
Sue Hargrave and Dennis Brooks with his 1936 Scammell Mechanical Horse
Paul Leonard with his 1973 Isuzu Bedford motor home
DEALS Events
readily visible is the double reduction rear axle. The ratio of this one is 9.25:1 which allows a 6 ton combination (with trailer) rating.”
The Horse has a two-litre engine producing 40 BHP.
Dennis attended the show for the first time with his daughter Sue Hargrave, with the pair intent on making the most of the day out and sharing the experience with family around the world who were unable to make it along on the day.
Among the other eclectic finds of the day
was Paul Bedford’s 1973 Isuzu Bedford (yep, that was a thing back then).
Paul bought the truck in 2012 to use as a mobile home and set about teaching himself about restorations, re-fitting the spacious interior to suit his travel needs, while repainting and updating the exterior to keep the old truck rolling along for a while longer.
He says the time had come to sell the truck to give him more time to spend on restoring a vintage car he’d recently acquired.
For Matteo De Lorenzi, a day out at Yarra Glen offered a chance to dream and to marvel at the commercial vehicles of old.
Still a young fella, Matteo says he hopes he’ll be able to find a way to become involved in the industry and own a truck of his own in the future.
On the business side of things, father and son team Sebastian and Karl Murray were along in support of Bayswater Truck Centre, happily sharing a range of Kenworth merchandise with a truck-loving public keen to explore what was on offer.
Boxes of rare spares, tools, stickers, posters and diecast vehicles were on show at other stands on the day, providing guests with the chance to update their collections, decorate the shed, or finally fix that annoying electrical problem that had popped up on their latest restoration.
For the car lovers amongst the crowd, there was a great mix of classic chrome from the 1900s onwards, with the Chrysler section proving particularly busy.
Graeme Troutbeck brought three trucks to the show, including this 1972 Volvo F86
Matteo De Lorenzi was enjoying a day out at Yarra Glen
Bill Smith and Paddy Cox were swapping truck stories in front of classic Leyland truck that forms part of the history of the Bayswater-based Hi-Haul Transport business
What a beautiful day for a truck show!
This 1967 Steyr Halfinger, affectionately known as Harry, is in mint condition!
The Volwreck crew had their stunning F86 on show
This old Federal was something special Eastside Heavy Towing's Kenworth monster
If you are towing trucks, you need a bigger truck
N.J. Capes' De Soto truck is a slice of history
This retro ambulance was a point of interest
This International fire engine is hot property
Vehicle enthusiasts could pick up some old Roadranger stickers
A stunning Ford, all shined up for the day out
It was not just trucks on the day - there were vintage cars galore
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All up, about 100 trucks were on show, along with 50 buses and close to 100 cars.
This 1964 Commer was a real show-stopper
Hi-Haul's lovely Leyland caught some admiring glances
Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia vice-president Frank Mercuri took to Facebook to reflect on Sunday’s festivities.
“Thank you to all the people who chose to join the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club and Chrysler Restorers Club combined display day at Yarra Glen Racecourse,” Frank says.
“The weather was perfect, we had a great turnout, but there was plenty of room for more, so keep that in mind for next year.
“The day went off without a hitch and everyone that came along to display and the general public who joined us to have a look appeared to enjoy the day.
“So, thank you all for making it a great day and we look forward to making it bigger and better next second weekend in November 2025.”
To find out more about the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association go to www.hcvc.com.au
Terry Hasler couldn’t believe when he stumbled upon his dad’s old Dodge, 40 years after it had been sold
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Terry Hasler
Terry’s mum Bev with the restored Dodge – which reads “Hasler’s Fruit Shop” on the side
Terry Hasler was just 15 years old when his father passed away and his beloved Dodge truck was sold.
But 40 years later, when Terry happened to spot a 1970 Dodge AT4-760 on Facebook, he knew instantly it was his dad’s.
“I was a teenager the last time I saw the truck, but I never forgot it,” he tells Deals on Wheels.
“I always wanted to know where it was and what happened to it.”
Terry’s dad Kevin Hasler died young – at the age of 48 – leaving Terry and his mother Bev to run the family fruit and veg shop in Gulgong, NSW.
“After dad died, I got my car licence and then my truck licence as early as I could, to help out,” he says.
“Unfortunately it got a bit expensive to run the truck, so it was traded in for a newer one.”
The truck was traded into a yard and bought by a farmer near Molong, where it stayed for the next four decades.
“It was only 60 kilometres from where mum sold it, still registered and working on the farm,” he says.
Terry was in South Australia when he spotted the Dodge on Facebook, and wouldn’t
be able to pick it up for two months – so he paid for it over the phone straight away, to make sure it wasn’t sold to someone else.
“The owner, Des, wanted me to have a look at it and make sure it was my dad’s truck before I paid for it.
“I said – no, no – I know it’s the truck.”
It was an emotional day when Terry finally made it to the farm to collect the truck.
“It brought back a lot of memories,” he adds.
And the experience of bringing home the truck got even more special when Terry cracked open the ashtray and found some of his dad’s Viscount cigarette butts inside.
“We couldn’t get the ashtray open – it took us about a month to do it,” he says.
“One day I got it open and saw these cigarette butts.
“I called Des and asked him if he smoked –he said he’d never smoked in his life, and he’d never even looked in the ashtray.
“So they were definitely my dad’s. They’re still in the ashtray, we’re never taking them out.”
After decades of hard work, the Dodge was a little worse for wear.
But Terry didn’t want to erase any memories of his dad – from the smells to the
Terry and his mum Bev, brother Mark and sister Paula
The toolbox still reads ‘K B Hasler and Son’ The truck as it looked when it was owned by Terry’s dad
The Dodge needed some love when Terry tracked it down
signs of wear on the seats – so he decided to only restore the outside of the truck.
“I sanded the cab and repainted it,” he says.
Terry focused on restoring the outside of the truck, preserving the interior
“It had the pinstriping and scrolling on it when we had it but Des had painted over it in the 40 years he had it.
“When I was sanding it, it started to come through, so I put that back on it.
“I also took the tray off and painted it, and put a new timber floor in.”
The Dodge has its original radio, which still works – and when Terry was sanding the toolbox he found another special relic from that time.
“All of a sudden this white writing started coming through, and it was our family name with the tare weight of the truck,” he says.
“Then I remembered when it was put on there, when I was probably 13 or 14.
“I decided to leave that as it was, it’s still there.”
Terry is delighted with how the truck came out.
“I didn’t think I could do as good as how it turned out, so I’m really happy,” he says.
“I’ve also got my father's Vanguard ute and my mother's old FC Falcon, and it’s made me want to restore them too.
What a beaut!
A new wooden floor was installed in the tray
Terry took the tray off for restoring
Terry enlisted the help of a friend to sand the truck
Painted back to its shiny red glory!
Terry is delighted to have the Dodge back in the family
DEALS Resto
“They’re my next project!”
Paula, Terry and Mark Hasler with the restored Dodge, which won the People’s Choice award at the Wondai Truck Show 2024. Image: Paula Hasler
Terry has already showed off the rig at the Gold Coast Truck Show, where he won the People’s Choice Award and Best Vintage Truck.
He also took it home to Gulgong for the Henry Lawson Festival in June.
“They have a big parade there every year with vintage cars and tractors and they take everything out of the museum – it's just a huge weekend.
“One of the things I wanted to do when I restored the truck was to take it back to where we had the shop.
“A lot of people who lived there at the time remembered the truck, which was really good.”
Terry’s dad inspired him to pursue a career in trucking, and he now runs his own business, TKH Haulage.
Based in Wondai, he drives a 1995 Ford Louisville, carting everything from concrete to machinery.
“I like being out on the road and meeting different people - every day is different,” he says.
“I don’t bust myself doing it - I poke along and enjoy myself!”
Trade
Trading a bottle of scotch for a 1972 AEC Marshall was the best decision Kevin Gillin ever made
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Kevin Gillin
“I decided a project truck was required in my life, so for the princely sum of a bottle of scotch, I had myself an AEC,” says Kevin Gillin, as he recalls the moment he exchanged liquor for a 1972 AEC Marshall.
Kevin realised the restoration of this truck wasn’t going to be easy, as it was in far from pristine condition.
To some, it seemed like a waste of time – but Kevin saw the rig’s potential.
“On the day of pick-up, my mate was driving off the property when he looks across to me and says, ‘I think the bloke with the bottle of scotch got the better deal.’ Such is life!
“While the truck was mobile and being used as a rubbish truck on a ginger farm, it certainly was a bit ‘how’ya going’, to say the least.
“Some advice I got from fellow acquaintances was to save myself some heartache and take it straight to the recyclers.
“Being one not to die wondering, I started the journey.”
To say the truck was in rough shape would be an understatement. The cabin was a rusted disaster, the chassis was riddled with issues, and the engine was a mystery.
But for Kevin, this was just the beginning.
A hot water blast made things a lot clearer, and a major dismantling project was next on the agenda, stripping the rig to bare bones.
“After removing the chassis rivets, I tack welded the inner rails to the cross members so I could get some purchase on the portapower to spread the outer rail slightly.
“The growth in the rail was mainly confined to the flange areas, and the web surfaces were in great shape. Upon removing and cleaning, rust converting, priming and painting they came up well.
“When I went to put them back in, I had to slightly prise the outer rail open as it had closed upon the removal of the inner.”
Kevin says after that process was complete, he could now concentrate on more mechanical pieces.
Slowly but surely, he was moving forward, from checking the six rod trunnion bushes to replacing the radius rod bushes, the shackle pins and removing the hand brake mechanism, as it was replaced with maxi brakes and late model valving.
The AEC gearbox was an RTO-610 and
The finished truck in all its glory
The starting product was not so pretty
The restoration took eight long years
Kevin had a lot of work to do! Rust covered all bases!
Not having much to work with at first, friends told Kevin not to waste his time
The truck was originally used as a tipper
wasn’t staying in one gear, so it was removed and rebuilt, along with a new clutch.
Getting there!
“I fully flushed the engine, rebuilt the water pump, the compressor, the injector pump and injectors and now it runs well,” he says.
“Being an eight-wheel Marshall, it’s not exactly overburdened with power, compared to my 680-powered Beaver which would fly.
“A gantry was built behind the cabin to hold the air cleaner, vertical exhaust and a header tank to replace the plastic water bottle on the front of the engine.”
Then it was time for the cabin, which was in a terrible state, so Kevin scoured the Australian countryside for any spare parts he could find – cabins, doors, panels or anything else that looked handy.
“The finished product is from an assortment of trucks, doors, windscreens, external sun visor, mudguards and tray body.”
Along his journey, he ran into many people willing to help him create a trucking masterpiece.
“It was a very big, involved circle of everybody trying to help each other and looking out for me,” he says.
“That’s part of the old truck game, the camaraderie that goes with it.
“When you see a photo of a truck, that’s
not a one-man job. I didn't do this truck all by myself, there were people helping me along the way.
“It was painted by somebody else, and I did all the mechanical and donkey work.”
He completed trial fitments for lots of components, lengthened the chassis and shortened the tray from 8.5 metres to 7.0 metres, only then was it ready for the sandblasters and painters.
The tray, chassis and cabin were painted as separate items and put back together.
“With no labels legible on the wiring, I spent many hours on a circular bench testing and marking the ends of the cables and cleaning up a distribution and fuse board, only to then rewire the truck from scratch with all new instruments and 21st century wiring.
“An extra gauge was added to a newly cut 3-millimetre aluminium dash fascia for a fuel gauge.”
The diff ratio is 7.14, which gives the truck a speed of about 72kph, and it includes a front diff with a power divider of a 5.87 ratio.
Now that the truck was up and running, it was time to make it into a showpiece.
Originally a Kiwi, Kevin was inspired by a New Zealand company called Emmerson Transport.
Things were slowly but surely starting to come together – the red chassis is looking fresh
Kevin working away at his pride and joy
truck did a complete 180, check out the schmick insides now!
This
Kevin Gillin’s dazzling ‘Gilliman’
Flying back to his roots for a holiday while rebuilding the truck, he noticed the alluring green colour of Emmerson’s fleet taking off from a port.
As he stopped and stared, he decided he loved the look and immediately reached out to the owner for his permission to use the same colour on his truck.
After receiving the go-ahead, the resto was finally complete after eight years.
But the Marshall wasn’t always the attention-grabber that it is now. In fact, in its past life it was a red tipper.
Its work involved varied roles, from carting cane to having a makeshift crate that carted cattle and later was used by a fencing contractor who hauled posts and a bulldozer.
The rig is living history, with photos chronicling its restoration journey down the driver’s side of the truck – with images of the state it was in when Kevin first found it, with its tipper body barely hanging on.
The truck’s story is also told through its past owners. Kevin has tracked down and spoken to most of them, piecing together the history of a machine that has been on many adventures long before it became his, with the original owner still unknown.
But how the Marshall Ergomatic came to be
Kevin’s was via a simple catch of the eye.
Starting in the field of transport at age 13 scrubbing grease-caked floors, by 16 Kevin was driving freight and by 18 he was assigned his first truck, a 1958 J6 Bedford Diesel.
“Shortly after, along came a bigger unit, a KH (Leyland 400, Power Plus) Bedford truck and trailer stock unit, then the same style Bedford, truck and dog tipper unit,” he says.
“Following this, the company purchased an AEC Mammoth Major (Ergomatic) 8x4 tipper and trailer unit.
“I thought this was light years ahead, in power, comfort and drivability. From all the trucks I drove in those early years – the K900 Dodge, the Benz or an Isuzu – the one that grabbed me was the Ergo.”
Moving to Australia in 1974, he owned a transport business for 35 years and when it came time for his retirement in 2011, he found his passion for trucks was far from extinguished. After previously driving an Ergo, Kevin stumbled upon this wrecked machine close to where he delivered fuel, igniting the beginning of his eight-year journey.
In a world of disposable goods, this labour of love was a reminder to Kevin and his sceptics that some things are worth saving.
The ‘Emmerson Green’ paint was inspired by a NZ transport company
THE CHRISTMAS BLUES Beat
While Christmas is a time of joy for many, for those stuck at work, away from home, it can be sad and lonely too
Ian “Eno” Taylor knows what it feels like to no longer want to be alive.
remember, no matter how tough things are, you’re never alone.”
Ian “Eno” Taylor is urging truckies to look after their mental health this silly season: Image: Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds
His father (and best friend) died when Eno was just 20 years old – sending him on a downward spiral to the point where he attempted to end his life and wound up in a mental health facility.
The ups and downs of life have seen him work as a pastry chef, tackle long-distance coach driving, truck driving, marriage, children, and a marriage breakdown that hit him hard and prompted a call to Lifeline.
The challenges of being away all week, then coming home for just a few days before hitting the road again, had taken a toll on his mental health and his marriage, with his wife forced to effectively be a “single mum”.
“Calling Lifeline was probably one of the best phone calls I ever made,” Eno says. “I still remember their voice. It makes you
That call to Lifeline was the start of a change for Eno, inspiring him to seek better support as he continued to work in the transport game.
When, in 2021, he lost three truckie mates to suicide, including close work colleague Mark Haines, he decided it was time to take a bigger stand on mental health and helped to organise the Grinding Gears and Burning Diesel convoy in Coffs Harbour in memory of his mates and in support of Lifeline.
The convoy, which Eno says he thought would attract 15 trucks as a farewell for a colleague, attracted 102 trucks, raised $12,000 and put the spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by those working in the transport industry.
It was also the start of Eno’s volunteering
work as an ambassador for Lifeline North Coast and a presenter for charity group Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds — work he does outside of his regular role transporting oversized loads.
With lived experience of life on the road and the mental challenges that come with it, Eno has plenty of empathy for others who find themselves struggling on life’s journey.
As the traffic winds up for the school holidays and the challenges of juggling family, Christmas and work deadlines start to arise, he says it’s important for those working in the transport game to “take a breath” and be patient.
Based in Coffs Harbour, Eno says he knows firsthand how frustrating that stretch of road in particular can be for all drivers as they are forced to slow down and deal with hills and traffic lights through the centre of town while the wait continues for the bypass to open in 2026.
“It’s a nightmare trying to get through Coffs Harbour at holidays,” he says.
As traffic queues and time ticks away, Eno says it’s too easy for tempers to flare – and he tells truckies coming through at these times to turn off their UHF radios and just do their jobs, rather than joining heated discussions about the state of the roads and holiday travellers.
“There’s a lot of people on the road and they are people who don’t spent a lot of time on the highways,” he says.
“Just breathe. Don’t try and control the things that are out of our control. Try and manage yourself, look after yourself.
“Understand you might get there half an hour or an hour late — there’s nothing you can do about it.”
And for those who find themselves lonely or out of sorts at any time, particularly over Christmas, he urges them to pick up the phone and talk to family, friends, or Lifeline.
“I tell people that Lifeline shouldn’t only be the call you make when you’re right on the edge,” Eno says.
“Don’t wait to call your family, friends or support. Pick up the phone and call, before it gets too far.”
He says there are counsellors there who will talk to anyone who calls, who understand how challenging life can be at times, and who will listen and help where they can.
As for how Eno is now, he says he is very aware of his mental health, has regular visits with a GP and accesses counselling too.
“Finding a GP is a bit like buying a new car –you need to shop around to find the one that is the best fit for you,” he says.
For Eno, that was the doctor who listened to his concerns and guided him in the direction of a counsellor to talk things through, rather than simply prescribing anti-anxiety medication.
Having found himself a good GP and work that allows him to be home most nights, Eno says his mental health and family life has improved.
As for the challenges truckies face in today’s transport world, Eno says technology and progress is in a way making it harder for those on the road.
He says with the better highways and bypasses, there’s less reason to stop, and a lot of the contact drivers used to have with their favourite truck stop staff in country towns had gone.
“The industry has changed a lot in the last 15 years ,with all these bypasses that have been put in place,” he says.
“I remember there was a 24/7 takeaway shop at Woodburn where, whether it was 3am or 3pm, they’d say ‘G'day Eno – do you want one beetroot sandwich or two?'
“Now, on the major highways – you’re all of a sudden customer 23.”
Another point of contact for truckies is at distribution centres, where regular forklift drivers are often there to unload and have a chat. But the automation of forklift work at major centres has left drivers without that one-on-one contact too, Eno says. “Those opportunities for interaction are getting less and less.”
While there are certainly challenges working against mental health in the transport industry, the passion and the care of those working in the space, such as those showing up on weekends to support convoys like the one Eno organised in Coffs Harbour, show transport workers themselves have stories to share and big hearts when it comes to helping mates in need.
To access on-hand support for people in the transport, warehousing and logistics sector, download the Healthy Heads App or go to healthyheads.org.au.
To all of our readers, be safe this Christmas, and remember, if you do feel a bit lonely, pick up the phone, call a friend, a family member, or the team at Lifeline (13 11 14) and let them hear what you have to say.
the things that are out of our control Don’t try and control
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Trusted dealer
With a reputation for reducing machine downtime, LK Diesel Services has been appointed as a Victorian authorised dealer for Isuzu Power Solutions
Braeside-based LK Diesel Services has expanded its offering to Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS), after being officially appointed as one of its authorised Victorian dealers.
Now a part of the IPS dealer network, LK Diesel will cover the supply of Isuzu diesel-powered industrial engines, power units, generator sets, replacement parts and repairs.
With several other IPS dealers in Victoria, LK Diesel is the only one that is not also a dealer of Isuzu Trucks – enabling the business to have full focus on Isuzu’s industrial power solutions.
When categorising what IPS covers, LK Diesel’s Bernard Kuhlwind says it’s easier to say what they don’t – such as trucks and cars.
“Isuzu Power Solutions is all about Isuzu engines fitted into machinery, such as excavators, generators and pumps,” he says.
IPS has been trusted by Australian businesses and original equipment manufacturers since 2018, and LK Diesel is just the latest group to join the network.
Kuhlwind says LK Diesel Services is renowned for reducing its customers’ machinery downtime, a reputation that perfectly aligned with IPS.
“We’ve been trusted to deal with Epiroc’s machines at the Broken Hill mines for many years, where they have paid us to send mechanics up there and work on their engines,” he says.
“Whether that’s repairing them, or even just diagnosing faults and
removing engines, they trust us to keep their machines going.”
Leading provider of airport ground services and air cargo handling Swissport has also trusted LK Diesel Services to look after its engines –putting LK Diesel in a strong position as a valued dealer.
Now that the partnership has been made official, LK Diesel Services is aiming to spread the word with its customers on IPS, making sure that their machines are powering ahead.
“For any maintenance, Isuzu Power Solutions will recommend us to customers,” Kuhlwind says.
“We hope that the people using Isuzu’s engines in their machinery will trust us too.”
LK Diesel Services won’t be working on IPS reconditioned engines just yet, but is ready to sell new engines.
“If customers can’t source an engine or aren’t happy with their current one from another brand, we can solve the problem with an appropriate Isuzu engine,” Kuhlwind says.
“We will do our best to make sure the customer has their machine up and running as soon as possible.”
For more information on Isuzu Power Solutions products, visit www.lkdiesel.com.au or call 03 9588 6900.
Plant & Equipment
The Excellence Awards highlight the work of local welders, fabricators, and educators contributing to the industry’s growth. Image: dear2627/stock.adobe.com
Top talent
Upgrades to a paint manufacturing facility and a rail bridge were recognised at Weld Australia’s 2024 Victoria and Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards
Weld Australia’s 2024 Victoria and Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards were announced in early November.
“The winners this year embody the pursuit of cutting-edge, sustainable solutions that enhance project outcomes while reducing risks, alongside initiatives that broaden and deepen the skilled workforce within the welding sector,” CEO of Weld Australia Geoff Crittenden says.
Acciona won the Victoria Project of the Year Awards for 2024 for its works package for PPG’s Plant C manufacturing facility in Clayton, Melbourne.
Acciona fabricated all piping and tubing and structural supports – including mild steel structural frames and stainless steel pressure piping and vessels at the new water-based paint manufacturing facility.
For Tasmania, the Project of the Year Award went to Crisp Bros & Haywards for its work on the Fyans Street rail bridge.
The group fabricated the centre steel section of the bridge, using specialist fabrication and transport equipment to safely and efficiently weld, rotate and transport sections of this scale.
Tasmanian original equipment
manufacturer Jayben Group took out the Company of the Year Award in Fabrication for Tasmania, with the company developing its own branded products and solutions to an expanding group of customers across Australia and Asia.
Jayben specialises in power train products and light to medium industrial plant and equipment including R&D, engineering, manufacture and domestic and international distribution.
Victoria’s Hanlon Industries, Company of the Year – Fabrication award winner, is a specialist in steel fabrication, providing inhouse solutions including concept design, project management, manufacturing and construction across road, rail, airports and commercial developments.
Isuzu Power Solutions will be offered by Victorian dealer LK Diesel Services. Images: Isuzu Power Solutions
