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Deals News
Deals News
9 NSW road upgrades rolling out
Deals Upfront
12 A classic Kenworth is brought back to life by Peppi and Jeremy Inverno
Deals Data
18 Overall truck sales down on 2024 levels, but still strong in heavy trucks
Top Deals
22 2002 Kenworth T401
24 2011 Iveco Acco 2350
26 2015 Volvo FH16 Globetrotter
28 2017 Kenworth T909
32 2007 Kenworth T404
34 2024 Gorski dog trailer
36 2024 Moore Megatilt Tray
Deals Showcase
63 Casino Truck Show is nearly here
Deals Events
37 Making the Rounds
44 Truck Show calendar
50 Get ready for Golden Oldies in Dubbo
54 A mazing results from Adelaide Convoy
59 National Female Truckies' Day
68 A ll the way from the USA for kids
Deals Just for Fun
40 H its from the musical highway
Deals Opinion
67 NatRoad talks business planning
Deals Restoration
83 David Beer's 1975 Kenworth SAR
104 A Chevy Blitz makeover to drool over
Deals People
80 The man behind the pink trucks
86 P-Plate power play
88 Driving the 'Backroads Motel"
92 From green grocer to outback highways
98 Parts by day, roller derby by night
Deals Features
112 Powering up Penrite racing
120 Skin Cancer checks by the truckload
126 Canberra Raiders take a transport path
Deals Review
129 A driver's view of his daily rides
132 Marketplace Trucks, trailers, buses and more for sale
133 Parts Trader
Parts, wreckers, engines and more for sale
144 Hot Deals
Hot hand-picked truck deals!
209 Plant & Equipment
Forklifts, tools, generators and compressors for sale
217 Private Advertising
Sell your item!
217 Index
211 Beyond benchtops
Lungs are the new frontier in work health and safety planning
– we look at what’s in store.
211 Leading light
Weld Australia’s online training package, developed with TAFE's, has received global recogniton.
Welcome
to Issue 508 of your Deals on Wheels Magazine
The trucks of the Camp Quality Convoy for Kids in Adelaide. Image: Down the White Line
As the cold winds of winter blow across the country there's a distinct lull in the truck show schedule as restorers and fans hunker down for a few weeks before gearing up for warmer months.
The one event we had listed for July was the Camp Quality Convoy for Kids in Adelaide that drew more than 150 trucks and raised more than $138,000 on July 6.
The Camp Quality Convoys are fast becoming a new opportunity for transport types to show off their trucks while raising money for children battling cancer. There are now events being held in Adelaide, Perth and Geelong, with truckies able to sign up online, make a donation, encourage friends to donate, and then come along on the day to show off their trucks as they
roll along a designated convoy route through the city. Anyone keen to find out more should check out www.fundraise.campquality.org.au/ convoy
For the Deals on Wheels team the next big truck show on the horizon is Casino, August 3. Deals on Wheels has partnered with the Casino Truck Show to promote this year's event, which looks likely to attract more than 600 trucks to the streets of the bustling country NSW town for a day of fun and prize giving — t here are more than 30 trophies on offer for a wide range of truck categories this year. Check out our pre-event coverage over four pages from page 63 for everything you need to know. If you're keen to register your truck go to www. casinotruckshow.com.au/register
For the music lovers out there we've taken a look at the great trucking songs over time, from page 37, and for those keen on restoration inspiration we feature a range of trucks including a classic Kenworth and a Chevy Blitz. If you have something you’d like to share with our readers, I'd love to hear from you via email at geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
STEEL WET 1 WATER TANK
Heavier vehicles on the road
A two-year long trial will see heavier, alternativelyfuelled, trucks on New South Wales’ roads
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is performing a trial to allow zero emissions vehicles with increased mass limits on New South Wales roads, with the specifications laid out in a recently released notice.
The trial aims to provide concessions on mass limits for heavy LZEVs operating on the state road network to enable access. With batteries and fuel cells included, these vehicles carry greater weight, and need to be approved for road access independently of other heavy vehicles.
"Zero emission heavy vehicles require heavier masses than internal combustion engine (ICE) heavy vehicles and are provided an exemption under Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) as set out in the New South Wales Class 3 Zero Emission Vehicle Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice," Transport for NSW says in the notice.
"Equivalent network conditions apply to zero emission heavy vehicles and ICE heavy vehicles currently on the network, with the addition of telematics to inform the trial, and some restrictions.
"Zero emission heavy vehicles must operate on their applicable zero emission heavy vehicles mapped network."
It will be a two-year trial enabling broad access to support fleet transition to zero emission heavy vehicles and provide the evidence-base to inform ongoing access and management of the road network.
At this stage, access is not available to assets owned or maintained by third party or local road managers.
TfNSW says:
• T he Notice has been designed following engagement with industry
• T here is further work underway to continue to expand the Notice to capture other zero emission heavy vehicles such as twin steers, Truck and Dogs, A-doubles and Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles
• T he trial applies existing equivalent vehicle type network conditions, and in addition requires single steer axles, limited to eight tonnes, to be fitted with 385mm tyres. Telematics will apply to all vehicles.
Further information on TfNSW’s website at transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freighthub/towards-net-zero-emissions-freightpolicy/nsw-zero-emission-heavy-vehicle
TfNSW is running a trial of zero emissions vehicles on selected freight routes after consulting with industry. Image: stock. adobe.com/mino21
LIKE SON Like father
Peppi and Jeremy Inverno share the story behind their restoration of a very special 1998 Kenworth T401
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Jeremy Inverno
Jeremy Inverno shows off his family’s Kenworth T401 at the Alexandra Truck Show. Image: Prime Creative Media
The impressive Kenworth T401 Giuseppe
“Peppi” Inverno and his son Jeremy brought along to this year’s Alexandra Truck Show might be owned by Peppi, but it was 22-yearold Jeremy who steered the way when it came to restoring the 1998 model.
“I made most of the decisions during the restoration,” Jeremy tells Deals on Wheels “Everything from the rims to the stacks to the mudflaps and guards.
“I don’t mean to big myself up, but I did a lot of work on this truck!
“From seeing what the truck was to what it is now, and investing so much time in it, I’ve really grown to love it.”
The 1998 T401 is special to the Inverno family, having belonged to Peppi’s uncle, who has since passed away.
“My uncle bought it new and kept it for about ten years before he sold it,” Peppi says.
“I didn’t have too much of a personal attachment to it, but when my wife and my sons saw it, they said we had to get it back.
“It took me and my sons three years, on and off, to restore it.”
The truck needed an extensive makeover, though the engine was still going strong.
“There were hoses that were perished, and we tidied up the wiring,” he continues.
“The cabin still has its original paint from 1998 – we just polished it up - and we resprayed the chassis rails.”
A fun reference to another 90s relic – the Roadrunner cartoon – was added to the side of the truck.
“Back in the 90s, we started using Roadrunner as our logo.
“It was a very popular cartoon in the day.”
The Invernos tried to keep the restoration as authentic as possible, with Jeremy taking pride in the truck having its original badges on the dash.
“Everybody has these fancy shiny bits on their trucks, but I prefer to be period correct,” he says.
“The smaller exhaust pipes, the long
The T401 got plenty of attention from the crowd at Alexandra. Image: Prime Creative Media
G&D Inverno started putting Roadrunner on their trucks back in the '90s. Image: Prime Creative Media
The truck usually does local work around Gippsland and Melbourne
DEALS Resto
Peppi Inverno with his sons Jeremy and Chris heritage Kenworth mudflaps – the things that you don’t get nowadays.”
The Kenworth is a working truck, and Jeremy says it’s a dream to drive.
“You wouldn’t know that it rolled off the production line in 1998,” he says. “I’d prefer to drive this than a brand-new truck.
“Everything’s electronic now, trucks have heated seats...We’re losing that old school touch.
He laughs: “I think I was born in the wrong generation.”
Peppi founded G&D Inverno Transport back in 2000, starting out with one truck and expanding to a fleet of five over the years, and Jeremy always knew he wanted to work in the transport industry like his dad.
“When I was a little kid, mum and dad would get us little Easter chocolate trucks,” he remembers.
“I’d be driving them around and doing little truck shows in the sitting room.
“I have always had a passion for trucks, I’ve
never been able to shake it.”
The Legend 900
Also in attendance at Alexandra was the Invernos’ Limited Edition Legend 900 –another truck that was a labour of love.
Peppi, Jeremy, Peppi’s wife Danielle and second son Chris all had a say when it came to putting the rig together – and with its stainless steel wrapped tanks, wrapped bumper, chrome dipped rims and extra grill bars, it turned out to be a pretty eye-catching unit.
When it rolled off the production line, Peppi himself - a qualified auto electrician - took charge of hooking up the roof lights and central locking, as well as wiring up the fridge and TV.
Kentweld Bullbars at Sunshine West supplied the bull bar and RC Metalcraft in Albury added stainless steel, while the Hallam Truck Centre – where Jeremy is currently an apprentice – did the painting and signwriting. Jeremy is enjoying his
The T401 when the Invernos spotted it - and hatched a plan to buy it back
Ready for sandblasting
Everything getting taped up
The white on the bonnet needed to be re-sprayed, but everything else kept its original factory paint from 1998
The chassis before... And after!
Everything starting to go back on, with new brake shoes and drums
DEALS Resto
apprenticeship so far and is excited to be following in his father’s footsteps.
“One day I would love to drive a truck, but I’m in no rush to jump out of mechanics at the moment – I’m enjoying it and work is looking after me,” he says.
“I think if you’re a truck driver, it’s very helpful to have knowledge of mechanics.
“That way if something happens on the road, you can fix it.”
One day, Jeremy would love to invest in his own rig.
“Dad’s done it, and his dad before him, and I’d love to do the exact same thing,.
“One day, I hope to have kids, and I hope they’ll follow me into the industry as well.”
The Legend 900 in all its glory. Image: Alastair Brook
Kenworth closed the gap on Volvo in the heavy vehicle market in June as it sent out 409 new trucks to fleets around the country.
End of financial year sales excitement didn’t translate to Australia’s truck market it seems, with the June results showing a 14.8 per cent decrease in sales in June 2024 when compared to June 2023.
A total of 6,054 new trucks and heavy vans were delivered in June 2023, versus 5,160 new vehicles in June 2024, as recorded by the latest T-Mark Truck Market Data report released by the Truck Industry Council (TIC).
TIC CEO Tony McMullan says while the June figures were not as strong as they appeared to be trending in May, the results are still good.
“Whilst June 2024 sales were down, it must be remembered that they were the second-best result ever recorded for the month of June in Australia,” McMullan says.
Heavy Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Medium Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Light Vehicles – Monthly Sales
“We have seen our economy cooling for many months now and this slower June result may be as a resuilt of the general economic slowdown that we are witnessing across the Australian economy.
“However, it may simply have been a slower month due to other externalities and does not signal an overall trend.
“The coming months will confirm if heavy vehicle sales have reached a peak for the time being and the market continues to cool, or if June was simply an isolated, slower month.”
Of the total 5,160 new vehicles delivered in June, 1,816 were from the heavy-duty segment, 887 from the medium duty segment and 1,509 from the light-duty segment, with the remaining 948 sales coming from the heavy-duty van market.
Heavy duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicles, both rigid and prime mover, with three or more axles or two axles, a GVM > 8,000kg and GCM of > 39,000kg)
The Heavy Duty truck segment delivered 1,816 trucks in June this year, down 20.8 per cent on June 2023’s results. Despite the drop, the results were good enough to be noted as the second biggest June sales result on record for the segment.
In the race to be the number one brand Kenworth’s 409
deliveries well and truly outshone Volvo’s 266 for June, but not enough to knock the big Swede off the top of the chart for the year to date, where Volvo’s 1,746 sales so far in calendar year 2024 put it 35 trucks ahead of Kenworth’s 1,711.
Rounding out the top 10 for HD for the month of June were Isuzu (254), Scania (164), Mercedes-Benz (125), Mack (102), Hino (98), UD Trucks (91), Fuso (86) and DAF (71).
Medium duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicle with GVM > 8,000kg and GCM up to and including 39,000kg)
Sales in the medium duty segment overall this year continue to sit above 2023 figures, however the June result of 887 sales was down compared to June 2023’s results by 190 trucks.
Year-to-date June 2024 sales of 4,037 are up 1.7 per cent, or 66 trucks when compared to the same year-to-date period in 2023. For June 2024 the top 10 sellers were: Isuzu (424), Hino (249),
Fuso (130), Iveco (25), Hyundai (19), UD Trucks (12), Mercedes-Benz (11), MAN (7), Volvo (6), and DAF (4).
Light duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicle with GVM of 3,501kg to 8,000kg inclusive)
Of all of the truck segments, the Light Duty category has been hardest hit in terms of dropping sales volumes in 2024.
The 1,509 trucks delivered last month fell 525 sales short of June 2023’s record sales result, and year-to-date the 7,093 trucks sold in 2024 is well short of the 8,778 Light Trucks sold for the same period in 2023.
Market leader Isuzu continued its dominance in June’s sale with 686 vehicles delivered, followed, in order of sales by Fuso (237), Hino (221), Iveco (203), Mercedes-Benz (59), Fiat (41), Ford (19), Hyundai (17), Renault (10), Foton Mobility (9) and Volkswagen (7).
1. MTE 2007 MODEL 3 X 8 SWING WING / HYD ,NECK DOLLY NECK /DROP BED,11.50M LOW LOADER OPENS TO 4.30M BI FOLD RAMPS ,HONDA POWER PACK, QLD REGO POA.
2.DRAKE 2008 3 X8 SWING WING 3XPIN NECK, LEVEL DECK 11.50M DECK HEAVY DUTY RAMPS HONDA P/PACK ALL GOOD SUSPENSION /BRAKES TYRES, QLD REGO POA.
3. 2013 MTE 4 X 4 REAR STEER (LAST 2 AXLES/BPW) 10 STUD ON 9.76 X 17.50 LEVEL DECK, DOLLY NECK, STD RAMPS HONDA POWER PACK, GOOD RUNNING GEAR, ALL BRAKES CHECKED OUT, RUBBER 85% QLD REGO. POA.
4. 1997 LUSTY 3 X 4 DECK WIDENER /DOLLY NECK /LEVEL DECK ON SPRING & ROCKER SUSPENSION, GOOD CONDITION THROUGHOUT, HONDA POWER PACK, STD RAMPS QLD REGO. POA.
5. 2005 MACOL 3 X 4 DECK WIDENER, STANDARD NECK /LEVEL DECK /BI FOLD RAMPS, SPRING / ROCKER SUSPENSION HONDA POWER PACK, GOOD OVERALL CONDITION, QLD REGO POA.
6. 2007 RES 2 X 8 DOLLY (SIMILAR TO DRAKE STYLE) WITH HONDA POWER PACK FOR HYDLS, SLIDING QRTT, 10 STUD K/HITCH HEAVY DUTY AXLES & SUSPENSION 2.70 TO 4.30 WIDENING REBUILT THROUGHOUT, QLD REGO POA.
7. BRENTWOOD 2 X 8 HYD/WIDENING DOLLY WITH HONDA POWER PACK, GOOD CONDITION ALL ROUND, QLD REGO POA
The fancy scroll work and classy stacks on this 2002 Kenworth T401 ST hint at the passion with which the current owner has looked after this truck.
With 435hp at its disposal from its CAT C12 engine, an 18 speed gearbox and a solid 4.5m Hercules tipper fitted on the back, this Kenworth is just waiting to get back to work.
Airbag suspension and a mesh tarp for the top of the tipper are just a couple of other reasons to take a look. For
For more info please visit us at www.sammut.com.au
With a World Series automatic transmission and a common rail engine this 2011 Iveco Acco 2350 truck is just waiting to be set up to suit the work of its next owner. With a day cab set up the truck is rated to 24,500kg and fitted with a Meritor RT46-160 diff on rubber block suspension. It comes with hydraulics in place and 10 stud rims on the wheels.
For
600+ TRUCKS
14,000+ ATTENDEES
For over 10 years, Casino Truck Show has set the standard for events in the trucking industry. Casino Truck Show is an annual event of connecting and engaging with industry stakeholders, companies, community, and audience in worthwhile ways that enable collaboration and create history.
Scan
If you’re a fan of the 2015 Volvo FH16 Globetrotter, you’re in luck!
The team at Richlands Equipment Sales have two of the 700hp, 170 tonrated trucks available for sale right now.
The Globetrotter’s come with a large sleeper cab, and have alloy bullbars and tanks fitted too.
For more information phone Richlands Equipment Sales on 07 3073 8130
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
NEAT
Nine O
When it comes to mighty trucks the Kenworth T909 is right up there for those who like to travel in supersized style.
This 2017 Kenworth T909 features a Cummins E5 engine which had a complete, in chassis, rebuild just 60,000km ago with $50,000 worth of receipts available for its new owner.
The truck features an 18 speed Roadranger transmission and Kenworth Air Glide suspension too.
For more information phone Purga Truck and Machinery Sales on 07 3171 1897
Ever wanted to be part of a big project, hauling dirt to and from the site and watching construction evolve?
This 2007 Kenworth T404 being sold as a tipper with dog trailer could be your first step into turning your dream into a reality.
It features the Caterpillar C15 engine pushing out 500hp of power. For
MOOREDOLLY Brandnew...Immediate Delivery.....2024 Moore8'1''SpringDolly.KHitchSpringSuspensionand KHitch10/285Axles.YardRelease,AirandElectfront and rear, AlloyRims.24-D2019. TA1226853. $52,050
Sometimes size really does matter, particularly when it comes to the ability to carry massive machinery from place to place.
Moore Trailers’ 2024, 48’ mega tilt tray is designed to provide all the space a transporter could need to tackle those big jobs where a massive flat tray is required.
It is loaded with airbag suspension, two 15,000 pound winches and has remote hydraulic operation capability too.
DEALS Events
Rounds MAKING THE
Deals
on
Wheels is always on the look out for great trucks and the stories behind them and truck shows have plenty of those
With winter comes oversized scarves, sickeningly sweet hot chocolate and bonfires. While many may be hesitant to hit the road and get out into the elements for truck shows and events, the Deals on Wheels team is always down for a challenge.
Rugged up and ready to go, we hit the streets this past month to scour the aisles for some flashy and unique rigs that are making the rounds and caught up with a few truck show enthusiasts who happily travel the country to share their passion projects.
Rural Rig
The Alexandra Truck Show was home to many striking trucks and utes over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with every rig vying for attention.
Among those involved was Bruce Steuart from Upper Goulburn Freight Lines. Starting out in the business by working occasionally for a mate who owned it at the time, it was only when it was faced with closure years later that Bruce and his wife Alison jumped on the opportunity to own it for themselves.
Operating it together now for the past 23 years, there is only thing that could sweeten that deal – a new truck.
Enter his 2014 Kenworth.
Bruce says he didn’t expect to receive much attention at all for his truck at the Alexandra show.
“The other trucks are a lot flashier than ours. I guess it got a bit of attention, but maybe not as much as some of the others would have,” he says.
Purchasing the truck brand new a decade ago from the Gippsland truck Centre in Bairnsdale, the small rural fleet owner says he never thought he would be taking his trucks to any shows.
“I’ve honestly never really had too much of an interest,” he says.
Having only taken his rig to the Alexandra Truck Show and the East Gippsland Convoy in the past for his kids, he hadn’t even planned on attending any this year.
“We don’t do too many truck shows ourselves. The regular driver is the one that took it to Alexandra,” he says.
“The driver was in the area and just wanted to go. He likes truck shows, it was more of a social outing for him.”
Despite the humble attitude, Bruce’s Kenworth still managed to garner some attention with its classic look.
Bruce says he didn’t expect to receive much attention at all for his truck at the Alexandra show. Image: Bruce Steuart
DEALS Events
The team at Craig Arthur Transport raised over $30,000 for charity. Image: Craig Arthur
Gold and maroon scrollwork adorned the cab of the truck, working ceremoniously with the green and white paint job.
Bruce says Bob Conway is the man behind the signwriting, a non-negotiable addition for his fleet.
Optimus Prime is a headturner. Image: Craig Arthur
Stainless steel hub caps and tall exhaust pipes were shining bright, yet the massive bull bar was definitely pulling focus.
Though not the brightest or most colourfully loud truck, Bruce humbly says his 2014 Kenworth grabbed positive attention of onlookers at the show.
“It was a very big show, I think in general, it went very good,” he says.
“It was nice that some people liked our Kenworth.”
Optimus Prime
There was a big turnout at the recent Camp Quality Convoy for Kids Adelaide, with truckies and friends joining together for a good cause.
With festivities and sights galore, we admit our focus was still mainly on the trucks that barrelled down the roads.
One in particular made a striking impression, standing out amongst the rest.
Craig Arthur’s brand-new 2023 Western Star was a head-turner, the Detroit DD16
engine purring beautifully as it rolled on down.
Purchased straight off the production line, Craig says he wanted to do something out of the ordinary for his newest addition.
“There was no particular reason why I thought this one should be different,” he says. “Most of our trucks are quite plain and simple.”
“But I thought, why not? Let’s switch it up.
“I was inspired to model it directly after Optimus Prime, the transformer,” Craig says.
“It’s called Optimus Prime too, and the paint job really reflects his colours.”
The Western Star is decked out with stunning blue and red flames on the cab, with a slight shine adding to the drama.
The stainless steel and chrome work blend seamlessly with the paint job, making the Optimus Prime connection stand out clearly.
While the truck is big, the team at Craig Arthur Transport’s hearts are even bigger.
Hearing that Camp Quality were putting on their first Convoy for Kids in Adelaide, the team rushed to sign up and immediately started fundraising.
“We always go to the kid’s convoys,” Craig says. “Why wouldn’t you?”
Vying to be given the honour of lead truck with the highest fundraising donations, they raised a whopping $31,267 for the children’s charity.
“We wanted to support the cause, and it was great that the community rallied together to pull that kind of money for the charity.”
Klassic Kenworth
Scott Menz has been driving trucks before any normal kid was legally allowed to hop behind the wheel of a car.
Trucks are all Scott has ever known, having
made his way into the driver’s seat at the tender age of 13.
Now 40-odd years later, Scott is still behind the wheel and boasts an impressive career.
Like many sibling relationships, he was inspired by his brothers to get involved in the transport industry after watching them for years.
It didn’t take much convincing before he decided to open Menz Freight and Containers, a locally owned and operated company out of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.
“We started in ‘91, mainly dealing with general freight, containers and rails to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,” he says.
As work picked up, the need to increase his fleet became apparent, and Scott knew exactly what he wanted.
The fleet comprises five Kenworths, all bought second-hand and restored. He likes to bring them home and do them up “real nice”.
“I fixed them up good. I redid the motors, the suspensions, gear boxes, brakes and painted them, the whole lot,” he says.
“I just go right through them. Whatever needs doing, I’ll fix it.”
The Menz fleet is easy on the eyes, with his 2004 Kenworth T404 catching our attention.
Purchased 10 years ago, Scott painted the rig much like the rest – a deep red, with white fixed lines wrapping along the sides of the cab.
White scrollwork compliments the cab’s design, and the stainless-steel bull bars pull eyes to the front of the truck.
Scott’s vision behind the design is quite simple.
"I bought a truck in '96 and painted it red and white.," he says. "It worked, and I never looked back.”
There’s nothing quite like a red Kenworth and Menz Freight and Containers has a few. Image: Cooleys Creek Photography
JUST FOR Fun Hits
HIGHWAY
Australia has a strong trucking culture, so it’s no surprise that there are so many songs about it! Take a look at some of our top picks...
Words: Kayla Walsh
A. Slim Dusty was known as Australia's King of Country Music. Image: Slim Dusty Museum
B. Jayne Denham’s back catalogue is a goldmine of trucking songs.
C. Singing truckie Ben Butch is making a name for himself. Image: Ben Butch
D. Travis Sinclair is gearing up to release a new album soon. Image: Prime Creative Media
E. Josie's truckie dad Allister is her "biggest fan". Image: Josie
F. Dave Reynolds' “It's a Truckin' Life” was released in 1995. Image: Amazon
G. The classic “Truck Drivin’ Man” has been recorded by many different artists over the years. Image: Amazon
H. Nev Nicholls' album Truckin Round Australia is the perfect soundtrack for the road. Image: YouTube
Travis Sinclair – “Midnight Run”
Fourth-generation truckie Travis Sinclair has three popular albums under his belt – Rhythm of the Highway, Rush and Diesel Boy, with a new release in the works. One of our favourite tunes of his is “Midnight Run”, which describes the powerful feeling of thundering down the highway in a big rig.
Jayne Denham – “Grew Up ‘Round Trucks”
Australia’s self-proclaimed queen of trucking songs has so many tunes we could have
chosen for this list, from “Highway Rockstar” to “Trucker Chicks” to “Addicted to the Diesel”, but “Grew Up ‘Round Trucks” strikes a chord with every truckie who has followed the footsteps of a family member into the transport industry.
Dave Reynolds – “It’s a Truckin’ Life” Country singer Dave Reynolds’ hit “It’s a Truckin’ Life” does a great job of describing the truckin’ lifestyle, from thinking of loved ones at home to enjoying the solitude in the cab.
Josie – “Freight Man”
Rising star Josie went viral earlier this year with this touching tribute to her dad, Allister. In the song, the Townsville singer shares some of her happiest memories from being around trucks as a child, from hiding in the bunk eating popcorn to collecting bull dust from the tyres in some old Tupperware.
Slim Dusty – “Lights on the Hill”
No list of Australian trucking songs would be complete without a nod to the late Slim Dusty. The classic “Lights on the Hill” tells the story of a truckie driving at night with a heavy load, who is blinded by the lights on the hill ahead. He hits a pole and goes off the edge of the road, realising he is about to die. There’s nothing like country music for an upbeat song about a terrible tragedy!
Ben Butch – “Highway Addiction”
Singing truckie Ben Butch, who works for
Boland Transport, released his first original song this year. “Highway Addiction” shares what it’s like to crave the freedom of an open road, and never be able to walk away from trucking –even when it gets really tough.
The Wayfarers – “I’ve Been Everywhere”
This catchy tune from Australian folk band The Wayfarers details the travels of a man who has “been everywhere” — from Casino to Kilmore to Birdsville. It’s a great song if you want to test how long you can sing without taking a breath!
John McSweeney – “Truck Drivin’ Man” “Truck Drivin’ Man” was originally recorded by Terry Fell and The Fellers back in 1954, and has been covered by countless artists over the years, but we love the version by Australian singer John McSweeney.
Nev Nicholls – “The Men Who Dare to Drive the Interstate”
“On the Newell and the Western and New England every day, you will see them hauling every kind of freight!” In this song, Nev Nicholls describes the grit needed to drive interstate — as well as the trials and tribulations of being the partner of a truckie, sitting, watching and waiting for them to come home.
Unit 1/71 Axis Place, Larapinta, Brisbane, QLD, 4110, Australia
There were some flashy fleets on show at the muster
Casino Truck Show is fabulous fun for the whole family, including live entertainment, amusement rides for the children, and food and beverage vendors. Browse through the exhibitors showcasing industry-related products and services on display.
The free show is held in the main streets of Casino’s central business district, kicking off with the Dawsons Haulage Street Parade from 10am, followed by a line-up of blinged-up trucks in the heart of Casino.
Entertainment this year includes the Country Mud Band, AirtimeFMX, and the Wildlife Twins.
ADMISSION: FREE
For more information visit casinotruckshow.com.au
Australian Super Truck Racing Round 2
August 10-11, 2024. Winton Motor Raceway, VIC.
The Australian Super Trucks join the VMRC at Winton Motor Raceway for their second round of the 2024 National Series. Practice day with free entry on the Friday, racing on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th. Tickets sold at the gate by the track on the day. Small truck display on Saturday with free entry to anyone bringing a truck, all trucks welcome!
For more information and the race schedule, visit www.truckracing.com.au or www.facebook.com/TruckRacingAU , or email admin@truckracing.com.au
Lowood Truck Show
August 17, 2024. Lowood, QLD.
Held at the Lowood Showgrounds in south-east Queensland. Show commences with vehicle parade through Main St, Lowood at 11am. Trucks, bikes, cars on display. Kids’ rides, trade and food stands, bar and live music. Free entry, donations welcome. Raising funds for charity.
For further info email lowoodtruckshow@ yahoo.com.au, phone Robert on 0467 530 349, or see the Facebook page
Australian Festival of Transport
August 22-25, 2024. Alice Springs, NT.
The National Transport Historical Society and The Old Ghan Historical Society present the ‘Festival of Transport’. Along with the regular reunion activities, including Cummins Race Day and Shell Rimula Induction Ceremony on August 24, other events include Welcome Drinks on August 24 at 6pm, Transport Women Breakfast, and a museum open day on August 25 including mini train rides.
For more information and nomination forms see the website at www.roadtransporthall.com, Facebook page, email info@roadtransporthall. com or phone 08 8952 7161.
Thallon Truck Pull
August 31, 2024. Thallon, QLD.
The main drawcard for this event is the Team Truck Pull competition, where a team of six people pull a prime mover over 25 metres, the winner being the fastest team. The competition brings the spirited nature of each group of people, their family and friends. The 2024
Thallon Team Truck Pull is a fun-filled family fun day out with the very entertaining kids zone, unique market stalls, great food and fantastic country hospitality.
For more information call 0427142100 or email thallonpandctreasurer@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER
American Iron Echuca Truck Display
September 7-8, 2024. Echuca, VIC.
The American Iron Echuca Truck Display is held at Rotary Park, with all makes and models welcome. There will be modified tractor/mini tractor pull demonstrations, on-site camping, onsite catering, club merchandise and trade stalls, and live music by Van-yt. Gates open from 9am to 4pm each day.
ADMISSION: $10.00 ADULTS PER DAY OR $15 FOR A WEEKEND PASS AND CHILDREN ARE FREE.
Contact: Jenny on 0412479084
Megatrans
September 18-19, 2024. Melbourne, VIC.
Leaders from across the supply chain will gather in Melbourne to discuss the future of the logistics industry at MEGATRANS, an integrated trade exhibition and conference showcasing the full freight and logistics supply chain, spanning warehousing and logistics, through to multimodal freight and final mile delivery. For further details and tickets, see the website at megatrans.com.au
Clarendon Classic Machinery, Truck & Hobby Show (Kenworth Klassic)
September 21-22, 2024. Clarendon, NSW.
The Clarendon Classic Machinery, Truck and Hobby Show is a family-friendly two day event that includes a great display of restored tractors, and stationary engines, vintage cars, trucks, bikes, antique tools.
There will also be a wide range of exhibits for all the family to enjoy including models, collectables, art & craft, historical displays, classic vehicles, implement demonstrations, kids amusement rides (free with entry) and a Tractor & Vehicle Trek on Sunday Morning. Admission: TBA
For more information go to www. sydneyantiquemachineryclub.com/ rally-2024.html or www.facebook.com/ groups/613874182126665
Young Big Rigs Truck Show
September 22, 2024. Young, NSW. Set for its third year, the Young Truck & Bike Show is set to go off once again. Prime movers and rigids, cars and motorbikes are urged to roll in to the grounds, yet no trailers
can be accommodated. Prizes will be awarded for the best looking rigs. Further Information and entry forms with T&C at Facebook Young Show Society or Website www.youngshow.com.au, youngshowsociety1 @gmail.com Ph 0435953580
OCTOBER
The Wauchope Yesteryear Truck and Machinery Club
October 4-7, 2024. Wauchope, NSW. Held at the Wauchope Showground, this year’s event has been moved to October with plans for a bigger show. Classic and new trucks, tractors and on show, food and drink available (no Saturday night dinner).
For further info email wytmc.inc@hotmail. com or see the Wauchope Yesteryear Truck & Machinery Club Inc Facebook page.
Lights On The Hill Convoy
October 5-6, 2024. Gatton, QLD. Trucks leave both Brisbane (Mica St Carole Park) and Toowoomba (Brown and Hurley Carrington Road) at 9.30am, and the Toowoomba convoy should start arriving at Gatton from approximately 10.30am. With live music, kids rides, market and trade stalls and of course a truck show, there is something for everyone.
Admission:
TRUCK CONVOY REGISTRATION: $60
ADULT: $25 CHILDREN (6-15): $15 FAMILY (2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN): $70
For more information visit, lightsonthehill.com.au/
Boort Truck Show
October 12, 2024. Boort, VIC.
Held in conjunction with the Boort A&P Society Show the 2024 Boort Truck Show will offer plenty of entertainment and a great selection of trucks. There will be prizes on offer across a range of categories.
To find our more visit the Boort Truck Show Facebook page, phone Heath on 0428 382 725 or email heathsaunders@outlook.com
Camp Quality Convoy Perth
October 13, 2024. Perth, WA. Save the date for this event from the Camp Quality Convoy Team.
For more information phone 1300 662 2670 or email convoy@campquality.org.au
Urana Vintage Rally and Truck Show
October 19-20. Urana, NSW. Held at Victoria Park, Urana, and organised by the Urana Vintage Machinery Club Inc, the Urana Vintage Rally & Truck Show includes a Vintage Tractor Trek, and a Twilight Tractor Pull on Saturday, and a truck show and shine on the Sunday, along with a fete in aid of the local hospital.
DEALS Events
Free camping and showers available on site.
ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, CHILDREN UNDER 16 FREE.
Contacts: Gary Baffsky 0408 683 111, Justin Livingstone 0423 319 488 or email uvmcinc@ gmail.com
Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo
October 26, 2024. Denilquin, NSW.
Held at the Deniliquin Race Club each year this event promises a wide range of trucks on show, awards, entertainment and the chance to visit the Deniliquin & District Industry Wall of Fame and Memorial Wall to pay tribute to local industry greats, past and present. Details are still being finalised. Contact John Creenaune on 0439 790 116, email admin@denitruckshow.com.au or visit www. denitruckshow.com.au
NOVEMBER
Brisbane Convoy for Kids
November 2, 2024. Brisbane, QLD.
The annual fundraiser sees hundreds of trucks travel from Larapinta to Redcliffe and the organisers are planning something “a little different” this year.
Entries are now open for the Truck Show at the end of the convoy, when the trucks gather, the live entertainment rolls out and the fireworks lighten up the skyline. For more information see www.brisbaneconvoyforkids.com.au/bc4ktruck-show/
Horsham Truck Show
November 2-3, 2024. Horsham, VIC.
The lively town of Horsham is set to be overrun with trucks at the Horsham Showgrounds. With live music, stalls, bar and plenty of food, there is something for everyone. Bring your truck to the judging or join the Sunday Convoy for Kids. Truck entry is $50.
ADMISSION: ADULTS $10, STUDENT 12-16 $5 AND CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE.
Mullumbimby Truck Show
November 9, 2024. Mullumbimby Showground, NSW
Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show. Truck registrations open from 9am at the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate off Manns Rd. Drivers to register their vehicles before the truck parade through town at 11am, travelling through town to the showgrounds. All the attractions of a country show including sideshow alley,
Double the Kenworth fun at Alexandra Truck Show. Image: Prime Creative Media
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 or phone Mark on 0427 634 903 or email wardysmachinerycentre@gmail.com
Goulburn Convoy for Kids
November 9, 2024. Goulburn, NSW. Convoy for Kids Goulburn will be celebrating its 25th birthday!
Come and enjoy a day packed with delicious food, exciting rides, interactive activities, fantastic entertainment, and so much more!
They will be attempting to break the record for the most trucks in a convoy, ending at Goulburn Showground with an extraordinary carnival for the whole family you won't want to miss.
For more information visi www.facebook.com/C4KGoulburn
Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
November 16, 2024. Bathurst, NSW.
Combined with the Bathurst Swap Meet Car and Bike Show the annual truck show at Bathurst Showgrounds will feature more than 200 market stalls, food stalls, entertainment and children’s rides.
For more information see www. bathursttruckshow.com.au or email info@ bathursttruckshow.com.au
Illawarra Convoy
November 17, 2024. Illawarra, NSW. This year marks the 20th year of the i98FM Illawara Convoy. What started as a convoy of trucks and motorbikes in 2004 with the aim of raising $20,000 for kids and their families living with cancer has evolved into one of the biggest fundraisers for the Illawarra and South Coast community each year. Last year’s event saw 633 bikes and 779 trucks roll out, raising $2.85 million in the process. To donate, enter or find out more, see www.illawarraconvoy.com.au
Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show
November 23-24, 2024. Castlemaine, VIC.
Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club, this year’s truck show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can expect plenty of well-presented trucks on display, as well as food, a licenced bar, kids’ rides, free health checks and live music. For more information visit, rotarycastlemaine.org.au/page/truck-show
If you have an event you would like listed in our trucking Events Calendar, please email tiarna.condren@primecreative.com.au with all of the relevant details.
Round 2 of the Australian Super Truck Championships is coming up on August 10/11. Image: Australian Super Trucks
GOLDEN
Oldies
Classic trucks, buses and machinery, some over 100 years old, will make their way to Dubbo’s much-loved show next month
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Jon Mancer
Dubbo’s Golden Oldies Truck Show aims to keep the past alive with its striking display of vintage trucks, tractors and engines.
Committed to preserving the history of transport and restored machinery since 2006, the Golden Oldies is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run event that takes place every two years.
Due to multiple requests, for the first time since its establishment, the show will be a two-day event, held on August 10 and 11, 2024 at the Dubbo Showgrounds.
Event president Jon Mancer says previous shows have seen over 400 historic trucks roll through the showground gates, along with various cars, tractors, motorbikes and engines.
“We're going to have two tractor pull sleds operating throughout both days, as well as another attraction added this year, which is the bus muster,” Mancer says.
“At this stage, about 100 buses are coming, which is pretty awesome.”
A crowd of between 5,000 and 10,000 people is anticipated this year — double the usual number of attendees.
There will be rigs coming in from all directions, including Victoria, Queensland and even Tasmania, and historic trucks of all kinds are welcome.
Mancer says the more commonly displayed trucks are old Kenworths, Atkinsons, Fodens, Leylands and Fords.
“You name it, it’s coming,” he says.
“We see anything from the early 1920s up to present day, we're not biased. Pretty much anything that’s on wheels can come, but it's mainly vintage or historic trucks.
“There’s a bit of everything for everybody.”
Crowds can expect to be entertained on Saturday with a brass band of 35 members coming along to jam out.
For those who like the thought of flying, a thrilling experience can be had inside
A previous show saw this work in progress turn heads
Twin Bedford vintage utes
the cockpit of an aeromedical simulator provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where participants learn what it’s like flying a lifesaving mission in remote Queensland.
A local model train exhibit is opening its doors for a walk-through and there will be food stalls, kiddie rides and extra activities on site for the whole family.
Not only is the Golden Oldies a weekend to show off impressive vehicles and parts, it’s an opportunity for the transport community to get together.
“You get to see a lot of guys from previous shows, they all come up and say g'day,” Mancer says.
“They’re all happy to meet up again, to have somewhere to park up and chat. For
the guys bringing a vehicle, it’s like a bonus for them. It’s somewhere you can come to over the weekend.”
Mancer says this show has helped give back to the community in more ways than one.
In previous years, it has given $20,000 in charitable donations to various local causes.
“That was a big drawcard for us, a big plus. I thought it was excellent,” he says.
“We're only a small club too, with about a dozen active members.
“So, the more we make, the more we can give away.”
He says Golden Oldies 2024 Truck Show will be a weekend to remember, and he encourages Australians from all over to "just come and visit Dubbo."
This '78 Ford ute was an absolute stand out
Jon had to get involved with the show, bringing his 1987 Scania along
A Bedford from Ridley Harleys & Customs Motorcycles
Catching eyes last year, we wonder if this red International will be making the trek again
Truckies showed their support for children fighting cancer in Adelaide’s first Camp Quality Convoy
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Down the White Lines
The Truck Factory went home with the award for Best Presented Truck
Best Presented Fleet was awarded to Trimboli Contracting
Truckies from all over Australia converged in Adelaide recently for the city’s inaugural Camp Quality Convoy for Kids, with 150 trucks parading through the streets in aid of children’s cancer.
Participants smashed their fundraising goals, bringing in nearly $140,000 between donations, the raffle and merchandise sales. That means Camp Quality has enough money to fund their retreats for a full year –so families dealing with cancer can spend some time away together, recharging and reconnecting.
The organisation’s general manager of revenue, Sandie Hall, tells Deals on Wheels that the Adelaide community and its truckies really impressed her team in the lead up to the convoy and on the day itself.
“Right from the get-go, the Adelaide community has been supportive, welcoming and generous,” she says.
“They came together and celebrated and it was just a really great day, and a great indicator of the values of the trucking community.
“Our fundraising target was $90k and we’ve absolutely smashed that.
“It’s great that we can give truckies a moment to shine when they've worked so hard for us.”
Hall says many truckies approached her during the event to say that they had been touched by cancer in their lives, and couldn’t imagine a child going through it.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” she says. “It’s impacting every community, including the trucking community.”
She adds that Camp Quality is about allowing people to look back on their cancer journey and celebrate the moments of laughter and fun amidst the hardship.
“I spoke to one of our families, there was a
Symons Clark Logistics raised over $7,000 for Camp Quality
The Convoy had an incredible 150 registered trucks
Volunteers from WiTA helped to park up the trucks. Image: Robbie Adams
DEALS Events
mum who had been through treatment for breast cancer.
“She said that of all the things that she'd done with Camp Quality, this weekend was one of the best.
“It's about giving them moments to connect and share memories together through what is a really, really tough time.
“The goal is for them to have a great day, have a laugh and feel special.”
Looking back on the successful weekend, Hall says a major highlight was seeing the crowds lining the streets, waving to the trucks passing by – particularly when they arrived back at Victoria Park at the end of the convoy.
“Their horns were honking and people in the park were cheering, and as the trucks were pulling in, a few truck drivers leant out, and shouted to me ‘That was amazing!’
“I think I realised in that moment – we did it! We really made an impact.”
Local transport operator Craig Arthur was given the honour of leading the convoy after winning both the Highest Individual Fundraiser Award — raising a total of $29,648 — and the Highest Fundraising Team Award, with another $31,268.
Craig Arthur, who raised $26,648 in donations, poses with Sandie Hall from Camp Quality
Colourful trucks of all shapes and sizes livened up Adelaide’s roads
Adam William and Keeley Fraser were thrilled to support a great cause
Camp Quality can’t wait to come back next year
Trucks set off on a 36km journey around Adelaide and Port Adelaide, starting and finishing at Victoria Park
“We want to support Camp Quality as it is something that is all very close to our hearts,”
Outback Truckers star Danyelle Haigh got to drive a Kenworth for the first time, in her first ever convoy. Image:
Danyelle Haigh
Arthur says.
“We have all been close to someone that has battled cancer, whether that be a child or an adult.
“Showing off our trucks at the convoy was a real highlight, but we were most excited about bringing joy to kids and their families.”
Evelyn, Billie, Edward and William Tuckerman had a great day out
The two People’s Choice awards handed out on the day were selected by an expert panel of Camp Quality children.
Best Presented Truck was awarded to The Truck Factory, while Best Presented Fleet went to Trimboli Contracting.
“The Truck Factory’s truck was just gorgeous. As soon as the kids saw it, they were just in love,” Hall says.
“It's just so colourful and bright — the kids were always going to pick it!”
After the big rigs flooded Adelaide’s streets with colour, a family fun day filled with music, food trucks, rides, face painting and balloons continued the festivities.
“The families could have fun and wander around to check out these beautiful machines that were impeccably clean and shiny,” Hall adds.
Camp Quality partnered with Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) for the event, with WiTA introducing them to the Adelaide community and helping out with truck parking on the day.
The Camp Quality crew are already looking forward to coming back next year.
“We’re already received about 20 expressions of interest for a 2025 event,” Hall said.
“We’ve definitely got a lot of enthusiasm and support, and we can’t ask for more than that.”
DEALS Events
Women
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Women drivers were stars of the show at this year’s National Female Truckies’ Day
in Adelaide
This year’s National Female Truckies’ Day went down a storm, with Women in Trucking Australia CEO Lyndal Denny proclaiming it “just perfect”.
The event was bigger and better than last year’s inaugural celebrations, with WiTA teaming up with Camp Quality for their showstopping convoy that raised almost $140,000 for charity.
Meanwhile over in Victoria Park Social Club, female drivers gathered for a panel discussion and the presentation of the coveted Toots Awards.
Queensland truckie Karen Hawker was named Female Driver of the Year, with WiTA CEO Lyndal Denny telling Deals on Wheels she was a deserving winner.
“The word ‘icon’ gets thrown around a lot, but Karen really is an icon,” Denny says.
“She’s a hard-working owner-driver, she’s been in the industry a long time, and she has so much to offer.
“She’s constantly acting as a mentor, sharing her knowledge and experience — not only with women but men also.
“She’s just incredible and we all felt she was a worthy recipient of this year’s award.”
Hawker, 55, is also actively involved in the Lights on the Hill committee, helping to organise the event each year and honour truck drivers who have passed away.
“She is working with families who have lost loved ones on the road, supporting them with the Lights on the Hill memorial,” Denny continues. “She dedicates her time to helping people.”
Hawker is an owner-driver contracting for Express Cargo Logistics in the gas mining sector, trucking around Western Queensland as well as taking on the odd interstate trip.
The mum of five and grandmother of 12 has only been driving professionally since 2018, but her love of trucks goes way back.
She spent 15 busy years in the Lindsay Transport office, learning a lot about what goes on behind the scenes in the transport industry.
Looking for a change and unable to resist the call of the road, she got her rigid licence
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Liam Lloyd Warriner
Female Driver of the Year Karen Hawker (left) with Lyndal Denny, CEO of Women In Trucking Australia.
DEALS Events
in 2015 – and worked her way up the ranks to become a skilled MC driver.
In 2022, she decided to really make a go of it and buy her own rig, a 1997 Heritage Western Star.
“I’ve been around trucks my whole life, and I just got to the point where my kids had left home and I thought, ‘What am I going to do next?’” Hawker says.
"I had been out in the truck with my husband Simon and I really enjoyed it, and I had this itchy urge to drive.
“A few years ago my family and I were sitting around at Christmas and I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to buy a truck.’”
Her kids weren’t convinced, which only spurred her on more.
“The kids said, ‘Don’t be stupid, mum,’” she laughs. “It was just a bit of banter at the time but that drove me to go out and prove to my kids that I could do it.
“It took me 18 months to find the right truck — I needed an older one that could handle rough roads. But when I came across my Western Star, I just went for it.”
Hawker loves the freedom and flexibility that comes with being an owner-driver, as well as the opportunities to explore Australia.
Matt Newman, Transport Manager at
won this year's Diversity and Inclusion Award
However, there are a few things that bug her on the road — from the lack of decent roadhouses to broken toilets and showers.
“You find in a lot of places, it’s easier for them to whack an ‘Out of Order’ sign on the toilet or shower door than it is to call out a plumber,” she says. “They are just not bothered fixing the problem.”
Hawker says it was an honour to receive the Toots Driver of the Year award, which is named after trucking trailblazer Toots Holzheimer — a hard-working mum of eight who ran her own trucking company, delivering freight across Queensland from the 1960s until the early 1990s.
“It’s totally amazing to think I got singled out from hundreds of women.
“I was told that I got chosen partly because I live up to the ideals that Toots had.
“I’ve had some bad things happen to me. I was widowed and became a single mother —
Donna Vawdrey, daughter of pioneering female truckie Toots Holzheimer, addressed the crowd as part of the celebrations
QUBE,
but I haven’t let those things stop me. I just get up and I keep going.”
Despite some negative comments on social media about Female Truckies’ Day, Hawker thinks it’s a worthy cause for celebration.
“Women drivers are different in that we are often the primary caregivers,” she says.
“We can’t just get up and go to work — we have other roles that are demanding of our time.
"It’s a very male-dominated field and we have so much going against us, but we always get the job done.”
Her advice to other female truckies is to follow your dreams.
“Don’t be intimidated to approach an employer and tell them why you would be a good candidate to do the work.
“If you feel you want to reach out to another female driver for support, we are always there.”
Other winners at the Toots Awards
Respected former magazine editor and Camp Quality CEO Deborah Thomas interviewed a panel of female truckies on the day
(Above left) Sharna Chapman, MC driver and owner of Runnymede Trucking Company
(Above right) Last year's Toots Award winner Chloe Anderson poses with Rachel Rawlings
Lyndal Denny with industry event planner Imelda Bergin, who ensured the day went off without a hitch
DEALS Events
included Matt Newman, Transport Manager at QUBE, who took out the Diversity and Inclusion Award for increasing female driver participation at the QUBE depot to 40 per cent.
“Matt has been working with WiTA through our Foot in the Door program, and now has a strong group of 17 female drivers at the depot,” Denny says.
“That’s pretty unheard of in the trucking industry.
“The whole culture of the place has changed for the better.”
Veteran truckie Suzette Byrnes Statham O’Reilly was also honoured with a lifetime
achievement award for her contributions to the transport industry, but sadly couldn’t be there on the day.
Denny says she was delighted with how the whole event went, and can’t wait to do it all again next year.
“Currently only about 2 per cent of truck drivers in Australia are women, and our goal is to achieve gender parity by 2050.
“National Female Truckies’ Day is a time to celebrate female heavy vehicle drivers, to remember our female veteran drivers that came before us, and to try to encourage more women to become drivers, so we can increase those numbers as the years go by.”
(Above left) Sally-Ann Eather, owner of the Eather Group. (Above right) Karen Hawker was delighted with her Toots Award
(Below left) There were lots of laughs on the day.
(Below right) Karen Hawker with her 1997 Heritage Western Star
DEALS Showcase
YOUR GUIDE TO
Casino
Heading to the Casino Truck Show on August 3? We’ve provided your comprehensive guide for getting the most out of the day
The North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show is right around the corner.
Billed as the biggest truck show in the southern hemisphere, organisers are expecting another massive turnout, with trucks coming from all over Australia to New South Wales’ scenic Northern Rivers.
With more than 600 trucks expected to line the streets and thousands of showgoers flocking to the town, being organised is a sure fire way of making the most of your day.
Deals on Wheels has partnered with the Casino Truck Show and Richmond Valley Council to let our readers know what to expect on the day best described as a celebration of trucks and the pride, passion and dedication shown by the men and women of the transport industry.
"We invite enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to join us in the Richmond Valley for an unforgettable experience which showcases the best of what the trucking world has to offer," says Richmond Valley
Council director of community service delivery Angela Jones.
"As we prepare to welcome attendees and trucks from across the nation, we would like to express our appreciation for the unwavering support and collaboration of the Truck Show’s sponsors.
"We look forward to celebrating the success of this year’s event and to continuing our partnerships in the future.”
For showgoers, the fun starts at 6am on August 3 as trucks roll in and gather in preparation for the Truck Parade from 10am.
The truck show entertainment, exhibitors and kids rides open up at 10am and pack up around 4pm after the presentation of truck show trophies, which starts at 3pm on the main stage.
That's not the end of the day though. For the first time ever, the gates will open on a Bull Riding event organised by J & J Rodeo at Casino Showgrounds — offering plenty of excitement into the night.
The crowd at last year’s show was an impressive sight
Images: Casino Truck Show
DEALS Showcase
PROGRAM
PARADE MARSHALLING & REGISTRATIONS
6am-9:30am : Casino Industrial Estate
Trucks lined up as far as the eye could see – expect similar this year
It's not too late to register...
If you haven’t registered your truck already, registration is $30 per truck, including competition entry and parking in the event precinct.
Online registrations can be made at casinotruckshow.com.au, which will automatically put you into the draw to win some amazing prizes. These include:
• A Lubecore 210 On-Highway Automated greasing system, valued at $5050;
• A $ 5000 voucher towards a Gozbar bullbar or bumper, supplied by Dawson’s Haulage;
• 10 Austone line haul tyres valued at $4880, courtesy of Tyre Network.
On-day registrations will also be accepted and can be done at the Richmond Valley Council’s depot in the industrial estate from 6am.
Registrations for those not participating in the Dawson’s Haulage Parade can be completed at the Casino Truck Show merchandise stall at the Mafeking Lamp roundabout.
All entrants are encouraged to drop their specially numbered, on-day registration ticket in the lucky draw barrels at both check-in points to go in the running for a $15,070 Wedge Lock bullbar voucher, supplied by Kentweld Bullbars — AJ's Total Truck Gear.
The industrial estate is also the marshalling area for parade participants, which will get underway 10am sharp, making its way to the Casino CBD via Johnston and Centre streets.
Something for everyone!
The categories up for grabs for truckies and their trucks to compete in for 2024 include:
Presented by Brown & Hurley:
Best Service Vehicle
Best Specialised
Best Car Carrier
Best Tanker
Best Tipper – Civil, Bulk
Best Log Truck
Best Livestock
Best Refrigerated
Best General Freight
Best Heavy Recovery
Best Heavy Haulage
Best Rigid
Best Tilt-tray
Best Agitator
Best Day Cab
Best Bonnetted
Best Cab-Over
Best Engine Bay
Best Custom Truck
Best 2470 Local Truck
Mayor's Choice
Best Sponsors' Display
Best Restoration
Best Historic
Best Classic
Best Japanese
Best Freightliner
Best Western Star
Best Peterbilt
Best Mack – Best Old Breed & Best New Breed
Best Kenworth – Pre 2000 & Post-2000
Presented by Robuk:
Doing the Business, That's Large Absolute Banger, Smick As, Bare Essentials
Presented by : Truckin' Life / On the Road Radio:
Industry Pride & Passion
Presented by Big Wheels Truck Alignment: Great Eight
Presented by S&S Heavy Haulage : Sensational Six
Presented by Royans: Exceptional Company
Presented by Truck Writers Signs & Lines Tony Gibbs & Master Art Designs
Best Original/Traditional Paint
Best Custom Paint, Best Lines & Scrolls
Best Airbrush & Artwork, Best Paint Scheme
Presented by Toowoomba Truck Specialist: Centre: Judged Elite
Presented by Ampol Petroleum Distributors: Best Fleet
Presented by Country Trucker Caps: Show Truck Champions
Presented by Richmond Valley Council, North Coast Petroleum & Rocklea Truck Electrical: The Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show
The action continues into the night
Aside from the the hundreds of trucks lining the city streets, visitors to the Casino Truck Show have the chance to attend the Casino Truck Show Rodeo at Casino Showgrounds, in partnership with J & J Rodeo.
Follow the orange line to find your spot along the parade route on August 3
DEALS Showcase
Gates will open at 4:30pm, with pre-show entertainment, and the heart-pounding bull riding action kicking off at 6:30pm..
This debut event brings together the best of both worlds: the adrenaline rush of bull riding and the vibrant spirit of the trucking community.
If watching the bull riding isn’t for your young ones, they can enjoy a kids zone with jumping castles, mechanical bulls, and more. Other entertainment will include live musicians, rodeo clowns, and a variety of food trucks offering delicious eats.
If you want to watch in luxury, you can enjoy the exclusive 18+ VIP area. which features a private bar without the hassle of queues, a merchandise pack including a limited edition Buck'n’ Trucks T-shirt, and a stubby cooler.
There are multiple seating options to suit your preferences, included allocated seating and general admission — with the organisers ensuring attendees will have a great view of the action no matter where they sit.
And that’s not all! As a special attraction, there will be a celebrity bullock ride featuring prominent figures from the trucking industry, adding a unique and entertaining twist to the night. Visit J&J Rodeo Facebook to secure your tickets.
For more information, check out the program (previous page) and exhibitor list (left) for any stalls or shows you’re interested in checking out on the day. Have fun!
Get fleet fit
NatRoad’s new program, ‘Get fleet fit’, is here to help truck operators boost their bottom line as CEO Warren Clark explains
In a time when margins are tightening and costs steadily climbing, the need for efficiency has never been greater. As the CEO of NatRoad, I see firsthand the challenges our members and our industry face, from fluctuating fuel prices to the increasing demand for sustainable practice and the reduction of carbon emissions.
As we move towards net zero emissions as a nation, we recognise the impact this action will have on your business. While reporting on emissions is currently voluntary eventually our sector and others will be faced with the reality of mandatory reporting, right across the supply chain.
At NatRoad, we want to help with this transition, and assist trucking businesses to measure and manage their emissions in preparation for the inevitable.
That’s why we have developed 'Get fleet fit', a new program designed to help truck operators, particularly those with a small fleet, navigate these turbulent times not just sustainably, but also more profitably.
Let's face the facts, in addition to the up-and-coming changes relating to the management and reporting of emissions, operating costs for trucking are on the rise and profit margins are not what they once were. In response, every business owner must now look at innovative ways to reduce expenses and enhance operational efficiency. While the environmental benefits of reducing emissions are widely recognised, the immediate need for most small truck operators is to find ways to save money and stay competitive. Get fleet fit can help with this as well.
'Get fleet fit' is a practical roadmap to cutting costs and boosting your bottom line, while preparing you for the changes we expect to see relating to carbon emissions reporting.
Our NatRoad 5-step process aligns with your own business needs, in practical and easy-to-follow steps:
1. Set goals: Understand what you want to achieve financially and operationally.
Setting clear, achievable goals is the first step in any successful business strategy.
2. Measure your starting point: You can only manage what you measure. By knowing your current fuel usage and operational costs, you identify where improvements can be made.
3. Understand your options: Figure out available opportunities to reduce costs. This might be through more efficient driving techniques, regular vehicle maintenance, or even investing in more fuel-efficient technologies.
4. Make a plan: Decide what works best for YOUR business. This plan should be tailored to your specific operational needs and financial capabilities.
5. Take action: Implement your plan and monitor the results. Adjust as necessary to ensure you are achieving your desired outcomes.
By following these steps, we are confident you will start to see an almost immediate reduction in your operational costs. Fuel is one of the largest expenses for any trucking business. By focusing on ways to reduce fuel consumption, whether through better route management, vehicle maintenance, or driver training, you can directly impact your bottom line. Furthermore, these changes often lead to reduced maintenance costs and less wear and tear on your vehicles, which means more savings and less downtime, and less emissions.
While the immediate focus of 'Get fleet fit' is on cost reduction, these steps also set you up for long-term sustainability. With regulatory environments set to change and customers increasingly demanding greener supply chains, taking steps now means you're ahead of the curve. This proactive approach not only secures your business's future but also opens up new opportunities with clients who value environmental responsibility.
Change can be daunting, especially for small operators. That’s why we at NatRoad are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Participating in 'Get fleet fit' doesn’t just mean making adjustments to your operations, it means being part of a community that navigates these changes together.
It’s no secret that operating costs for trucking are on the rise. Image: bellass/ stock.adobe.com
Warren Clark, CEO of the National Road Transport Association
Shining FOR KIDS
When it comes to doing things in a big way, American truckers have a way of taking things to a next level, and this Californian truck show does just that Words & Images | Warren Aitken
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You expect nothing less than absolute patriotism when you are in America and the tow truck boys displayed that in large format
NTook a wee detour out to the legendary Cindy's Chrome shop in Barstow, located next to Vernons Truck Wash. Another American trucking institution
ext time you come over to the States you should come to California for the Truckin for Kids Truck Drags and Show and Shine”. That was the invite extended to me last year by Daniel Linss and Tim Seiben, two of the great minds behind legendary trucking magazine, 10-4. Understandably, my reaction at the time was a resounding ‘HELL YEA’. This reaction was fuelled by more than a few bevvies and contained no consideration for the expense or logistics of it. Once I had sobered up the next day, and thought back to Daniel’s enticing solicitation, I decided to investigate the invite a bit more seriously. It wasn’t purely because I love to experience new truck shows and new locations, there was also the idea of drag trucks in California.
It’s California! The most politically correct and environmentally over-the-top state in America. I was so intrigued as to whether I would see black smoke billowing from sky-high stacks and tyre tread evaporating in a wall of white smoke, or would I be photographing the silence of silky-smooth electric trucks sliding down the dragstrip. Answering that little conundrum was what convinced me to squash myself back into a back-row seat of another airline and pop over
to the States, for the Truckin' for Kids Truck Drags and Show & Shine.
For those unfamiliar with Californian rules and regulations you may be wondering what I am on about. We all know America is home to the long and low ‘Large Car’ concept. Trucks with stacks that reach for the stars and chassis’ that stretch long enough to require road train signage. It’s a look led by such signature models like the classy 379 Peterbilt’s or the staunch as-hell Kenworth W900s. Those old-school cool trucks, rolling loud with streams of black coal trailing in their wake, that’s what we all envision when we think about going truck spotting in the USA.
Truth be told, in 49 of the 50 states there is a high probability you will have your trucking fantasies realised. The one state that you won’t see any semblance of a Convoy-era rolling coal display is California, because of the ACT Rule. The Advanced Clean Truck Rule. The long and the short of it is that dieselfuelled vehicles, from 2010 and older, with a gross weight of six and a half tons or more, are not allowed on the Californian highways.
With the inception of all these new rules, and the still-to-come rules — before I’m in a nursing home they will ban all non-zero emission trucks from California — there are
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a lot of the old school trucks that just go nowhere near the Golden State. So, how good would a Show and Shine, and more importantly a truck drag competition be. The only way to tell was to head over to Irwindale Speedway in California to catch up with Daniel, Tim and the rest of the 10-4 crew and see.
Before I get to share the experience with you, I should give a little background into this iconic event.
The Truckin for Kids Truck Drag and Show and Shine event has been running for over four decades now, raising money for Kids’ charities throughout California.
One of the companies that have been a part of the show for almost its entirety has been the crew from 10-4 Magazine. Then, in 2022, 10-4 Magazine stepped up and bought the show off the original promoters who were looking to retire.
“When the previous owners wanted to retire, we didn’t want the show to go away, it has been such an important event,” 10-4
Editor and owner Daniel Linss says.
“So, we acquired it. We bought all the assets
and most importantly the copyright to the name and logo. We decided we would raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, because they were local and many people we knew have had kids that have used their services.
“We had our first show in 2022 and raised $40,000. Though it was only a one day show as the track only allowed us one day.”
After that first 10-4-run show, the owners of Irwindale Speedway could see the team were extremely keen to raise the profile of the show and really get it off the ground including the idea of turning it into a twoday event. So it was the Speedway agreed two days for the 2023 event, just six months after 10-4’s first venture.
“The show used to be the last one on the truck show calendar but then so many other shows started popping up, it kind of got lost amongst it all,” Daniel says.
“So, we decided to move it to the start of the season. It was a short turn around but we stepped it up, added a really big kids’ zone, got more drag truck entries and the second show raised around $95,000”.
One of the most populous areas in the whole show was the Kids' Zone. Colouring competitions, games, activities as well as face painting and caricatures. The kids are well catered for at this show
Sure, you could concentrate on the mobile truck washers called in to wash off the big Western Star tow truck. Or you could notice the tow truck actually has a caravan on behind it. That’s how they roll in America
We didn’t get to see the 11,000hp funny car do a run, but it was an impressive unit to get up close to
Old school vs new cool. As you could predict, old school triumphed
Based just a couple of hours up the road from the show, the De Vries team cleaned up a couple of their stunning cattle trucks and put on a fantsatic display
The registration tent was the place to be, with a constant stream of impressive trucks coming through
If you are going to load hay, you can’t do it with any more style than Flint McVey's custom Hay Loader
Early Sunday morning saw Jonathon and Veronica Ozozco wiping the dew off their 2017 389 Peterbilt
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Decorative rags? Yeah, that’s what you’ll find in California. I caught up with Omar, Adonay and Heber, the guys behind The Custom Rag and 10 Lug Mafia
Cody Henderson wanted that old school look for his 2024 389 Peterbilt and he nailed it, even down to adding an old 379 aerofoil to the roof. This stock truck was all class
The man himself, Daniel Linss, showing off his golf cart skills and photobombing my shots
Big thanks to all the volunteers who spend days on the chain gang filling the entrant buckets. It’s a $100 entry fee to the show and each entrant gets a bucket with over $200 of donated gifts. But someone has to fill the buckets
That’s US Dollars by the way.
Now it is 2024, it’s the 43rd running of the Truckin for Kids Truck Drags and Show & Shine, the third running under 10-4 magazine, and my first invitation to come and check it out.
The first thing to note was I did have to wait until day two before I got to see that there was still some smoke to be found in California, but it was easy to fill in the time.
From the moment the gates opened at ungodly o’clock on Saturday I watched in awe as what was once a massive parking lot, shrunk in size at a great rate.
The Americans are very big on getting combinations into their shows, and not just the truck and dogs or the iconic 18-wheelers. They bring everything along and it seemed every heavy haulage setup in California was rolling in. The entire far end of the ginormous parking lot was chock full of the behemoths.
Saturday morning was all about the staging. Vendors were whipping up tents and setting up displays whilst the trucks kept rolling in. From your every day, local, trucks, to some exceptional tip trucks and some amazingly cool linehaul units. Tow trucks, fire trucks, tankers and tippers — everyone was represented.
Daniel had stressed earlier in our chat that it’s a show for everyone. “This has always been a working man’s show, and we love that fact that anyone can enter with their working truck.”
By lunchtime on Saturday the registration gates closed, and the public access gates were thrown open. Fans flocked in to see every imaginable setup on display. The
kids were flat out in the kids’ zone finishing their colouring-in competition, getting faces painted or taking the chance to get involved in one of the many interactive games on offer.
Night time saw the action ramp up even more as the sun went down and the lights came on. Sound systems were blaring every possible genre of music. By the time you wandered half way through the car park you had experienced country concerts, rap battles and some pretty loud latino tunes. Add in the ludicrious amount of lights some of these trucks were sporting and it was a sensory overload. I got a couple of hours of awe in then headed back to the motel to get ready for the big Sunday ahead.
Ron Kelsey with his 1981 359 Peterbilt. A regular sight in California. How? Well, the truck may have seen 4.1 million miles, but not the 2010 motor he’s put in it –making it legal in the Golden State
My camera bag holder, Damian Toms took the opportunity to grab a selfie with the infamous Rod Pickett and his custom-built Peterbilt camper
Who can pick it, a T880 and a T680? Which is which?
Day 2 of the Truckin for Kids and it’s the day where the crowd numbers swell and, as it turns out, the clean air act of California becomes merely an afterthought. Sunday is the day the track action lights up — beginning with the truck drags. There are three different categories available for the truck drags — Stock, Super Street and Super Drag. Or in layman’s terms: ‘Dropped my trailers and gunna have a go’, ‘Sure this truck is a working truck but she’s had a little touch up’ and ‘this looks like a truck, but it only works a quarter mile at a time’. The
progression through the categories was visually obvious as the times went down and the smoke went up.
Along with the trucks on the drag strip there was a pickup truck category, some wheel standers and some good old classic drag cars. There was also a very intimidating 11,000hp Funny car on display and a fully-fledged jet car. Have you ever stood near a jet car when it warms up and runs a drag strip. Well, I can honestly say it was the one time I regretted the extra access a media badge can get you. I felt my eyebrows melting away even after stepping way, way, back.
With almost four hours’ worth of track time on day two I got my answer as to whether I’d be seeing any rolling coal or tyre smoke in California, and it was a resounding yes.
The Super Drag trucks are regulars on the Irwindale Speedway Dragstrip and they put on a hell of a show. I can’t quote you the times though, as the timing board was often shrouded in a sea of smoke wafting down the drag after the Super Drag trucks crossed the line.
Whilst the Stock trucks weren’t setting any records you could see how hard the drivers were going, there was obviously more than just bragging rights on the table as mate vs mate got very competitive.
My favourites were by far the Super Street trucks. A couple of these trucks that I had admiringly watched rolling through the registration gates, trailers in tow on the Saturday, were transformed on Sunday,
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hammering down the track with black smoke trailing along behind them — it was pretty damn cool.
By Sunday afternoon I was smelling of diesel and burnt rubber and I was full of tacos and fabulous funnel cake. The weekend culminated in a live auction before the prize giving, with Storage Wars star Dan Dodson running the live auction.
I have to admit, his skills with the microphone saw me walk away with another model truck I probably didn’t need. But hey, it’s for the kids.
Whilst a good journalist would have a great rundown on the final formalities and show results, that’s not me. I got a little too distracted watching the almost cirque de soil precision with which the speedway parking lot emptied out.
Once again, watching the massive over size units embark on the ‘Dance of the Departing Truckie’ was amazing. It also gave me another chance to appreciate some of the quality gear that had been packed into the raceway.
Conclusion. It’s a pretty good show, run by great people, for a fantastic cause. 10-4 magazine are doing a great job of trying to breathe life back into this show. The Truck Drags are a great feature and a lot of fun to watch.
The event doesn’t have the standard of show trucks that you would see at some of the other shows, like MATS or Iowa80, however it is aimed more at the working truck market.
Since 10-4 took over the number of
entrants has been growing and it’s a fair bet they’ll crack the 300-mark next year.
It is a great family-friendly weekend with lots to amuse the little ones as well as us big kids. A good selling point is it is right there in LA, so for us Aussie travellers it is an easy show to get to, fly into LA and an hour later you are at the hotel. Yes, there is a lot of the aerodynamic lookalike trucks, but there is also a hell of a lot of coolness and ‘Large Car’ atmosphere at the show. Most importantly though, once the track opens up, you definitely get to see the black coal rolling.
The man of the hour –‘Chillidogg Martinez’ with his 2007 379 Peterbilt
The crowd loved seeing local law enforcement get involved in the fun. For the record, if you are in trouble, call the fire department. They will get there a lot quicker
Dan Russo’s pink trucks stand out from the crowd, so we wanted to know the story behind them
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Prime Creative Media
If you’re a truckie who runs the East Coast, you’ve no doubt spotted some of Dan Russo’s rigs.
His bright pink trucks are so eye-catching that Russo has earned himself the nickname “Pink Dan” — and he’s fully embraced it.
“I started out in concrete, and the mob that I worked for had pink trucks,” he tells Deals on Wheels.
“When I left there and had my own pink truck, I got a bit of a following as ‘Pink Dan’.
“The pink stands out and people remember it, so I just rolled with it!”
From humble beginnings with just one Hino, Russo now owns a fleet of eight trucks with his company Dan’s Trucking, delivering bulk commodities across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
“If it can be tipped, we cart it,” he says.
“Grains, fertilisers, livestock feeds...
“We’ve got a tanker as well, and a walking floor, which does bark and light bulk materials.”
Coming from a long line of greengrocers,
Russo broke the mould when he went into road transport.
“I come from six generations of greengrocers and my dad is still in fruit and veg,” he says.
“We had a truck for the shop, and I was always around trucks at the markets, so I had a love for them.
“I had my truck licence so I decided to leave the family business and broaden my horizons!”
Russo loves owning his own transport company, but admits it can be difficult.
“It’s 24/7, 365 days a year,” he says.
“There’s no off switch, and it’s mentally, physically and financially draining!”
With two young kids, six-year-old Sadie and two-year-old Oscar, it’s a challenge juggling work with family life.
“I’m lucky that my wife Jen comes from a nursing background, so she understands me having to work long hours.
“Her career has taken a bit of a hit for the business, post children as well.
Dan Russo with his wife Jen and kids Sadie and Oscar
One of Russo's favourite trucks, nicknamed 'Barking Mad'
"If it can be tipped, we cart it..." Dan's Trucking is offering plenty of options
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“I’m mindful that she wants to work, and deserves to work, but it’s hard when she’s trying to sleep and I’m getting phone calls, and we have two children in school and day care.
“I’m grateful to her for being so understanding.”
With Dan’s Trucking experiencing major growth since Russo bought his first truck in 2018, does he have a secret to success?
“I’m a workaholic,” he admits.
“We also have a great team, from the drivers to the mechanics to administration, to the families of the drivers.
“It’s a massive team effort.”
Russo’s pet peeve in the transport industry is people with big egos.
“This might stir people up, but truckies don’t seem to remember where they started.
“If they see someone broken down, they tend to ignore them rather than asking if they can help.
“It grinds my gears, because I started in a simple Hino concrete truck and I would never turn down my nose at anyone.”
His advice to other operators starting out is to never make a decision in the heat of the moment.
“There will be times when you get a call in the middle of the night that a truck’s done an engine or a gearbox in the middle of nowhere, and you feel like banging your head against the wall,” he says.
“You’ve just got to take a deep breath and relax. It can really pay to stop, think and come up with the best course of action.
“Going out on your own can be tough, but it has its rewards. It’s all about the bigger picture.”
It's not all about the show time, the trucks are working hard most days
One of Russo's trucks, 'Sweet Annie', is named after a family dog that passed away
Memory
LANE
When David Beer was fixing up yet another old truck, he never expected it had such a story
If you have spent more than a few days in the transport industry, you'll know that trucks do a lot more than simply moving things around the country.
For many people, they are a way of retracing the past, holding on to memories or creating a future.
David Beer found this out first-hand when restoring a 1975 Kenworth SAR.
He has always had a passion for restoring old trucks, eager to fix them up like they were before.
“All of our restorations are done as if they were working trucks,” David says.
“We like to keep them as original as possible, and not go too over the top.”
Wanting to stay away from other restoration styles that boast expensive chrome and paintwork, David says there is something special about the trucks as they are.
“Take for example a ’63 model Kenworth I am doing up now – it was the third ever Kenworth brought into Australia.
“I wouldn’t want to tarnish that history by adding new fuel tanks and lights.
”I want to let the history shine.
“I’m a genuine collector and restorer, not a dealer. I find it hard to get rid of stuff!”
David says one of his favourite pastimes was going to clearing sales and checking out all the “junk” people were trying to get rid of.
“You would see things there made by a blacksmith, that would have taken them half a day or more to make, and people would just pick it up and throw it straight in the rubbish.
“But I see under that. I see the work that went behind it, and I can appreciate it for what it is, flashy or not.”
When David noticed an old 1975 Kenworth SAR for sale in Berrigan, the old rig immediately stood out to him.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have the spare cash ready to go, and was forced to watch it get sold to someone else.
“GRS Towing in Sydney bought it and had plans to restore it,” he says.
“Luckily for me, he was going to have to pay other people to do it, so he decided he would be better off getting rid of it too.
“So, I jumped on it.”
Images: David Beer
The fully restored 1975 Kenworth SAR
Words: Tiarna Condren
it down to Maryborough for him, David was excited to get right into it.
accident and her father passed away shortly after.
David would have never expected the story that came with this colourful rig
“It was definitely a bit rough around the collar. The cabin was rotted out, and it was all rusted out.”
The Kenworth received the full Beer experience, getting gutted and completely rebuilt from the ground up.
Shortly after starting, David’s son Jeff received a message from the original owner’s daughter.
She disclosed to the duo that the truck was originally done up for her brother, explaining the bright and whimsical colour choices.
“Unfortunately, her brother had died in a car
“It was such a horrible story to hear and just very sad.”
Wanting to keep her updated as he worked on the truck, Jeff began sending her images and videos of the progress.
“She loved receiving them, it helped her feel closer to her family.”
While the Kenworth was stripped to pieces, David even discovered some of the woman's brother’s items in the truck.
“When we pulled everything apart, we found her brother’s driver license and a few other little artefacts.
“Jeff sent them up to her right away and she was so excited.
“It’s the little things like that, that mean a lot. That’s why I do restorations this way.”
As the rig had such a story behind it, David wanted to ensure it was restored to a high standard.
When it came to the interior, he had to search high and low for the pleated upholstery that Kenworth used back in the '70s .
“I had to order a whole roll of it from America. That’s what we used to do the entire interior.
“We even painted the dash and everything the original sort of colour. Everything is as close to the original as you can get.”
The only detail that David put his own spin on was the paint job, opting to splash out on a luscious purple colour.
The Kenworth with its original paintwork
Bringing
While most of his restored and work trucks are painted blue, David knew this one had to be different.
“I have a worker that has worked with me for years, and when he asked me what colour I was going to paint it, I honestly had no idea.
“All my life I’ve been blue, blue, blue and more blue, but I recently restored a W model in red and was toying with doing something similar.”
Throwing a colour chart across the table to his worker, David ultimately handed the decision over to him.
“I said 'Pick whatever colour you want.'”
Thinking he was teasing him, the worker picked out purple, sure that David would never make that choice.
“But here it is, purple,” he laughs.
Darren Chamberlain was the one in charge
of jazzing up the exterior with stickers and signwriting, David putting full trust in him.
In keeping with his usual style, they decided to add a touch of his token colour , with blue lines running down the bonnet.
“It’s the same thing I said earlier about appreciation. You have to trust that they know what they're doing and walk away. Darren always does an amazing job.”
The thing David loves the most about restoring old trucks is reliving the era they were made in.
“There is nothing like it," he says. "It’s great to transport yourself back to a time without mobile phones or internet.
“There's also a lot of yourself and your selfexpression that goes into it. Whether that be the colour or just the little things. It makes it all so special.”
The ’75 model was completely stripped down
The Kenworth restored to its former glory as a working truck
P-PLATER
Passion
Lane Chetverikov, aged 22, proves that passion and determination will win every time
Words: Tiarna Condren
Images: Lane Chetverikov
Lane and his 2003 Kenworth T404. The rig is always kept in immaculate condition
Many young boys find themselves gravitating towards trucks when they are youngsters. Whether it be the classic yellow Tonka thrown around the sandpit, or a remotecontrolled truck they terrorised their parents with.
For most, they eventually grow out of this phase, becoming distracted with video games or girls. But for some, the obsession never fades.
Lane Chetverikov knew from the first moment he fake-revved the Tonka motor that he was destined to be behind the wheel of a real rig.
“My mum and dad never had anything to do with the transport industry,” Lane says.
“I know that’s how most people get involved in it, or at least get interested, but I paved my own path.
“They told me that I always had an interest in heavy machinery.
"I would always point them out if we were driving past a job sitem and I would talk about them all the time. "
He adds, laughing: “They’re definitely not surprised at where I ended up."
Fresh out of high school, while many of his peers ducked away for university or got stuck into apprenticeships, Lane headed straight out on the road.
“I never had an interest in going to university, I just wanted to drive trucks,” he says.
“Pretty much as soon as I graduated, I got my first license. It didn’t take long for me to realise I was in exactly the right place.”
Aftr getting his medium rigid licence, Lane started his career driving concrete agitators, before quickly advancing to his heavy combination licence a year later.
“Then I got my non-synchromesh, so I can drive a crash box 18-speed.”
Eager to jump right into it, Lane called up Warwick from Doolan's Heavy Haulage and put himself out there.
“I was looking for a new job, but I didn’t really want to do general freight. I was looking to do something a bit more challenging, which I
why I was keen on heavy haulage,” he says.
Lane says he has always been quite ambitious, wanting to go above and beyond and challenge himself.
“I could have gone the easier route and stuck with an automatic license, but honestly, that would have limited what I could do.
“For heavy haulage, most of the trucks are going to be manual. And in my opinion, the manual trucks, especially Kenworths, are often a lot nicer.”
His favourite truck is a Kenworth T900, preferably with a flat roof.
“I remember when I first started out, I saw a Maloney’s Transport T900. I saw the driver jumping out and he was fresh off his P plates.
“That was a defining moment for me, where I really thought, 'Wow, I can do this.'”
“I may not be driving a T900 at the moment, but maybe in the future.”
Lane, at the young age of 22, now drives a 2003 Kenworth T404 for Doolan's Heavy Haulage, mainly doing oversized work.
“I do some agricultural machinery as well," he adds. "It’s mainly union jobs, working around Horsham and Shepparton.”
Being the only driver of the rig, Lane says he takes immense pride in keeping it up to standard.
“The boys have all said it’s the best the truck has looked in a while. I wash it regularly and often come in on my own time to freshen it up.”
Lane's dedication has paid off, with him now able to show off his hard work at truck shows, recently making the trek to his first one at Alexandra.
“It was a great experience. I’ve always been fascinated by truck shows, especially Alexandra because of how big it is.”
Lane says moving forward, he is keen to try his hand at interstate work.
“I’d love to do some interstate work soon and start getting out there. I don’t mind being away from home.
“I guess that's the good thing with heavy haulage. There is heaps to learn, but there's also the opportunity to try new things and keep moving on up.
“I want to continue to challenge myself.”
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Factory
FRESH
Andrew James shows off his brand-new Mack Superliner
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Prime Creative Media
James with his new Mack Superliner
The Superliner stood out among the line-up of trucks at the 2024 Alexandra Truck, Ute & Rod Show
Whenever Andrew “Jamesy” James gets called by his first name, he knows he’s in trouble.
But it was far from trouble he was in at the Alexandra Truck Show, as his brand-new Mack Superliner picked up two awards –Runner Up Truck of the Show and Best Under 12 Months.
The paint was barely dry on the stunning rig when he rocked up to the sleepy Victorian town and caught the eye of the judges.
“I just picked it up – it hasn’t been to work yet!” Jamesy tells Deals.
“It came out of the factory white, in December, and it took us six months to get it built and painted and ready to go.”
Jamesy purchased the truck from CMV in
Wodonga, Bel Air in Brisbane painted it, and The Bling Man did the chrome work and all the extras.
“Everyone has been amazing to deal with, offering different ideas in the build-up, which has been really helpful,” he says.
“I’m very happy with how the truck turned out.”
He hopes the Superliner will last him until he steps away from his Benalla-based operation, Jamesy’s Transport.
“It’s the first new truck I’ve bought, and it will be the last one.
“I’m hoping this will see me out until I retire. I’m 60 now so I’m thinking that will be about seven years.
“If I’m still driving trucks after I’m 67 I think I’ll have to have a good hard look at myself.”
He went for a new truck this time because sometimes you’ve just got to treat yourself.
“Somewhere in your life, you need a new truck,” he says.
“We needed it because it’s going to be towing heavy weights, road train work.”
Sadly for Jamesy, it won’t stay nice and shiny for long.
“Every day it’s going to be out on the farm, carting supplement for cattle feed, so it’s going to be covered in dust or mud.
“It’ll get hosed off at the weekend!”
The truck has been nicknamed “Backroads Motel” because he’s basically going to be living in it.
“I’ll be living in it five nights a week, and we’re not on the highway, we’re on the backroads running all the feedlots throughout Southern Australia.
“Because I’m living in it, I got a few more
Andrew
creature comforts, like a stand-up fridge freezer, microwave, and a bigger bed.
“I’m 6ft 2, and it’s big enough that I still have a heap of room.”
Jamesy has been involved in the transport industry for his whole life, with two uncles who had trucking companies.
“I grew up around trucks, and I’m actually a mechanic by trade,” he says.
“I’ve always worked in the transport industry and I’ve been self-employed for over 30 years.”
He still enjoys the trucking life, but is dismayed to see some of the changes that have happened in the industry over the years.
“There's just not enough experience out there anymore,” he says.
“It's not like it used to be. There needs to be regulation, and we need better training.
“Thankfully we don’t have to deal with the new age drivers much, because we are mostly in rural areas and they are on main roads.
“Even with car drivers these days — everyone's in a rush. Everyone’s busy, everyone’s impatient, and that’s when they start doing stupid sh*t.”
His advice to young people who want to get involved in trucking is to start from the ground up.
“Start as a yard monkey,” he says. “Start learning how to load trucks. Even if you’ve got another job, go and work in the yard on a Saturday.
“We all did it, and it’s the best way to learn.”
The truck has been nicknamed
Motel” because James is going to be living in it five nights a week
Incoming: Kenworth with 2021 Lustec 4x4 rear steer deck widener
Upgraded refurbished Lustec dolly neck, level deck low loader, fitted with new 45,000lbs hydraulic winch on neck, as new bi fold ramps, on 9.75 X 17.50 – 10 Stud axles 100% rubber, hydraulic suspension, diesel power pack for all hydraulics (incl winch) remote control system as well as manual,12m clear level deck, widens from 2.50m to3.60m,recent sand blast &paint etc.Cannot be faulted.
Coupled to 2014 k/w Fatcab, Cummins 600 motor (120tons rating) 18 speed r/ranger KW Suspension in really smick condition. Cannot be faulted. (Motor has been recond).
Complete unit $590,000.00+GST with qld rwc./Ono. Will separate immediate delivery
Jordy Gattuso was all smiles as he showed off his brand new SAR Legend
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Jordy Gattuso
Gattuso is thrilled with his SAR Legend. Image: Prime Creative Media
Jordy Gattuso was proud as punch when he rocked up at the Alexandra Truck Show with his factory-fresh 2024 SAR Legend.
The 26-year-old had collected the impressive unit in Wodonga just the day before, and it was all shined up and ready to go.
Gattuso has plenty of experience behind the wheel, doing general overnight freight for his dad’s transport company, Gattuso Frank Transport & Packaging — but this is the first truck he’s bought with his own money.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to buy my own truck,” he says.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and I can’t wipe the smile off my face.”
He’s had input along every stage of the process, and the rig has been put together to his specifications.
“It’s exactly how I wanted it — I’ve fallen in love pretty quick!” he adds.
But even though the Shepparton native has got his own rig, he won’t be going solo any time soon.
“I love going to work with Dad every day,” he says.
“I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.
“Sometimes I don’t see Dad for a few days, and I miss him!”
Gattuso always knew he wanted to work with trucks and is a trained mechanic as well as a driver.
“Dad always said to go get a trade first, so I did.
“It’s handy because if anything goes wrong with the truck, I have an idea where to start.
“When I’m not driving or in the workshop,
The SAR is exactly how Gattuso wanted it
You may have spotted some of the family’s trucks on the road
The company operates out of Shepparton, Victoria
Gattuso picked up his truck just the night before heading to the Alexandra Truck Show
I’m over Dad’s shoulder watching how he does things.
“I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m pretty confident moving forward in the industry because of that.”
The Gattusos are in the process of restoring the first truck Frank ever bought — an old Dodge
Gattuso was also inspired by his dad when it came to the signwriting on his truck, which features a special quote alongside a picture of the iconic cartoon characters Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote.
“Dad’s dream was always to own a Peterbilt,” Jordy says.
“So, when he got one, he got ‘This is my dream — get your own,’ written on the side.
“I wanted to have a dream quote on the side of my truck too, to tie in with his truck.
“Mine says ‘Never stop chasing your dream’, which I thought was a good choice.”
Gattuso acknowledges that it can be a struggle to get young people like himself into the transport industry.
“Not too many young people want to be in trucks these days, but I idolise the older truckies,” he says.
“I always like hearing their stories from back in the day, and how things have changed.
“I’ve loved every minute in this industry.”
Gattuso is also interested in older trucks, and is looking forward to seeing the end result of the restoration of the first truck his dad ever bought — a 1969 Dodge.
“The Dodge sat at Mum and Dad’s house for a very long time, so it’s got some rust and things like that.
“It needs a bit of cab work, and the tray needs work because it had wooden floors and they have rotted.
“We’ve got a guy doing it and it’s not going to happen overnight, but we’ll get there!”
Western Truck Group parts interpreter Corben York’s passion for trucks is only eclipsed by one thing — the relatively unknown sport of roller derby
Words: Alex Catalano
Images: Corben York
Corben York lives something of a superhero lifestyle.
By day, he works as a parts interpreter for Western Truck Group on the Sunshine Coast, keeping their customers’ trucks on the road.
But by night, he dons a pair of skates and takes to the track in the bash and crash sport of roller derby.
You may not have heard of roller derby before — by Corben’s own admission, it’s not the most popular sport in Australia, and he and his teammates are fully amateur. Think of your good ol’ local roller rink, but with about 10 times the adrenaline, 10 times the contact and way less stacking it (at least, on your own).
So just how does the world of trucks and roller-skating come together? As Corben explains, it’s not the first big jump he’s made in his life.
Corben York works as a parts interpreter with the Western Truck Group on the Sunshine Coast
“I provide parts for our mechanics in the workshop, but I wasn’t always interested in trucks or truck parts,” he says.
“A regular day is finding parts that our customers need, and as a dealership we do a lot of work on contract maintenance jobs and any customer that rolls through the door as well as providing parts over the counter and researching what parts people need.
“Originally, I’m from Darwin, and I’ve been in Queensland for six years now. I started university when I first moved here, studying marine biology.
“I didn’t have any friends or much family here. It made it hard to stay committed. I dropped it and went and managed a pub for four years.”
A stroke of chance led Corben to the Western Truck Group, despite not having a background in trucking at all previously.
“My uncle moved down here from Darwin, and he had previously been working at the Western Truck Group in Darwin,” he explains.
“When he was a parts manager here, he got me a job as an interval and I found I really had a liking to it. I decided I’d stay in this line of work.
“My uncle is now the dealer manager here. I’m coming up on two years in this line of work now. I love it now.
“When I first started I was doing a lot of induction work, but week to week you keep learning more.”
In just two years now, Corben has fallen deep into the world of truck parts, continuing to learn the craft day by day, getting more familiar with the Mack, UD and Volvo trucks that the Western Truck Group sells.
He’s started to take on competitions as well, which he says helps enormously with his knowledge.
“I’ve been doing all the challenges that come across too,” Corben York.
“We have a Volvo VISTA competition which is testing your knowledge on the brand. We’re currently in the middle of a UD Gemba Challenge. They try to convince everyone to give it a go and have some fun. It’s a really good tool to learn from.”
Life on the track
Corben’s story of his introduction into the world of roller derby is quite similar — through family ties.
The Yorks are quite tight knit, even in skates.
There’s so many of them across various teams that they’ve been dubbed ‘the York Force’ by the roller derby community.
“It was my auntie who saw an advert for it up in Darwin and she decided to go along,” Corben says.
“That got my mum interested in it, and then my whole family interested. Now everybody knows us. We’re a little bit infamous.
“I started eight years ago and it’s been a very big passion since then. I really enjoy the uniqueness of roller derby.
“You can run as fast as you want and hit someone as hard as you want and they don’t bat an eye. It’s probably why I’m such a happy person outside of it.
“The main aim of the game is contact. Everyone is so cheery about it. You get a good hit and they’ll compliment you on it. There’s no bad blood between anyone.”
Roller derby is played with two teams of five players each. Each team has four blockers (defense) and a jammer (attack). It's played over two 30 minute halves, in two minute periods. Skaters race around a ring anticlockwise. Jammers must make it past the blockers and lap the pack, before they start to accumulate points for every blocker they pass, with blockers able to use hips, and body blocks to knock them off their path (no hands,
head or feet allowed in a block).
Corben tried a number of sports when he was younger, but had never managed to find one that he clicked with quite like roller derby.
Now, it’s his greatest passion, and something that doubles as a family bonding activity.
“I was running through different sports for years,” Corben says.
“I could never find one that I would hook onto. I would play a sport for a few months and then give up on it. This is the only sport for my whole life that I’ve committed to for more than two years.
There’s always plenty to do in the workshop
Hitting the deck is almost a foregone conclusion in roller derby
"It probably does help that my whole family plays it.”
Representing Australia alongside brother Jaidyn, mum Kylie and dad Ken has been the highlight of Corben’s roller derby career
It has been a struggle at time to find teams to play for, however.
Roller derby is a fully amateur sport in Australia, as it’s still not overly popular outside of the small community that plays it.
It is also predominantly played by women, meaning Corben has either had to find co-ed teams, or scrounge together men’s teams from significantly smaller numbers.
“I’ve dropped into different teams pretty much the whole time I’ve been doing it,” he says.
“Even if I do commit to a team, it’s normally a co-ed. The one team I’ve been in for the past two years is the Coastal Assassins Roller Derby, or CARD for short.
“Our main rivals are the Brisbane City Rollers. It’s mostly self-organised and they’re so close to us. They’re pretty much the only ones we’re able to play regularly.”
(From L-R) Jaidyn, Ken and Corben won bronze together in Spain at the World Skate Games
Representing the country
While roller derby may not be popular, that doesn’t stop the community and the Yorks from dreaming big.
Corben and his family are currently raising funds to go the World Skate Games in Italy, which run from September 6 to 22.
This is the pinnacle of skating sports, where athletes from all over the world converge to battle it out across 12 different events and bring back gold for their country.
Corben and his two brothers are pushing to get on the plane for the second time, after they went to their first Games in Barcelona in 2019 representing Australia.
“Because roller derby isn’t big at all, the government doesn’t tend to look our direction,” he says.
“Thankfully my mum is the Australian team manager. She’s been a lot of help in sorting the travel and organisation out.”
The Barcelona Games were the pinnacle of Corben and the Yorks’ time in roller derby, winning bronze just behind Spain (silver) and the USA (gold) on the podium.
“I’d never been to Europe before,” Corben says. It was really cool, but you spend most of your time teambuilding. It’s not so much a holiday as it is a prepare to battle really.
“There were a lot of tears after winning bronze. There’s something about standing on a stage in a different country with your national anthem playing behind you that hits you in the different spot of the heart. It was so much better alongside the family.”
That victory is what is driving Corben to represent Australia again, to play alongside his brothers and reach his $6,000 funding goal.
“I just want that feeling again of playing for the country, especially with my family.
“And being competitive with your brothers, you want to show them you’re better than them.”
Even the refs are rocking skates Gettin’ physical on the track
With a bit of love, Luke Hamdorf breathed new life into a 1942 Chev Blitz with an amazing history
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Luke Hamdorf
The truck had been kept in a shed for the past 30 years
Luke Hamdorf has always had a thing for “stuffing around” with anything that has an engine, so when he got the opportunity to restore a 1942 Chev Blitz, he didn’t hesitate.
The Chev isn’t just any old truck — it was used by the Australian Imperial Army during World War 2, and wasn’t decommissioned until 1965, during the Vietnam War.
When Hamdorf first picked up the rig, it was a dirty brown colour.
“It was covered in dust — it hadn’t been washed in years,” he tells Deals on Wheels
“I did the old spit polish to have a look and saw it was green underneath, so I realised it was an army truck, like most of these models.
“Once I started cleaning the body with a bit of sugar soap, I uncovered some army decals and numbers.”
Hamdorf and a friend did some research, trying to get as much information as possible about the truck.
“We found out that it was commissioned in 1942 for the Australian Army,” he says.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the
regiment or the battalion number, but we can definitively say that it served a purpose during World War 2.
“It was based in Darwin and we believe it may have also gone abroad.
“America ditched a lot of their equipment overseas after the war, but we brought all of ours back. We’re a smaller country, so I guess we couldn’t afford to leave it there.”
Most army trucks were decommissioned after fighting ended in 1945 — but the Blitz didn’t retire until the ‘60s.
Hamdorf says the reason the truck was in service for so long was because it functioned as a mobile toolbox.
“It was a three-tonne truck with a canopy on the back, towing a three-tonne trailer full of equipment to fix anything from a tank to a light vehicle,” he says.
“It was a full-service vehicle and that’s why it spent such a long period with the army, because it was still useful, in the lead-up to the Vietnam War, for example.”
Hamdorf was commissioned to fix up the
Chev to go on display at the Big Red Bash — an annual music festival held in Birdsville in Queensland’s Simpson Desert.
The truck is a replica of one driven by famous postman Tom Kruse, who was synonymous with the Birdsville track during the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.
Kruse battled heat, floods, flies and breakdowns to deliver letters, parcels, food and farm supplies to Australia’s most remote town.
He came to fame through a popular documentary, The Back of Beyond, that first premiered in 1954.
“Tom Kruse owned a lot of these C60, long wheelbase, four-wheel drive Blitzes,” Hamdorf says.
“When a truck broke down, he would leave it where it was so there are a lot of his old trucks still around!
“They were like a parts store for him, he could rock up and pinch some parts to fix the truck he was driving.”
The truck Hamdorf restored was not owned by Kruse but has been recreated as an homage to what he would have driven.
“I have ‘Royal Mail’ on the front bar and the back of the tray, and I’ve kept that theme of the black and the faded-out patina.”
Hamdorf initially got in touch with Greg Donovan, Birdsville Big Red Bash founder and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group, after restoring a Mad Max replica car.
“I know the people who own the Mad Max Museum in Silverton, and we built a postapocalyptic-looking Volkswagen that sits out the front.
“It’s a sound and light show — it’s fully interactive and says quotes from the different movies.
“That then led me to building a Ford XB Coupe — the famous car from the Mad Max movies. It’s got the long-range tanks and the supercharger and that’s all blacked out.
“I approached Greg and asked him if he would like the car at the festival, because it’s so iconic and specific to that area.”
Greg loved the idea, so the car headed off the middle of the desert, where it was huge hit.
“We were doing doughnuts and yahoo-ing
Hamdorf was excited to get to work
The Chev Blitz originally served during WW2
DEALS Resto
It was in rough condition but as it was stored in a hayshed, not as bad as it might have been
at the back of the stage, it was great,” Hamdorf laughs.
“So for this year’s festival, I was trying to think of something else that was synonymous with Birdsville, and I thought of Tom Kruse’s Chevy Blitz.”
Hamdorf eventually found a suitable truck languishing in a shed in regional Murrayville in Victoria, where it had been sitting for 30 years.
The brakes and the wooden tray were in need of a little love
The gauges came out for a refurb and rewire
The wooden steering wheel is another original touch
Bringing the wooden tray back to life took some carpentry skills
Made in Canada, it's official
Hamdorf describes the final product as more of a preservation than a restoration, having opted to retain the rugged and worn look rather than completely repaint the classic truck. The Royal Mail logo is in honour of famous postman Tom Kruse who used a variety of these trucks to deliver mail to the outback
“The guy I got it off, his grandfather had bought the truck off a local beekeeper,” he says.
“We think the beekeeper was the original owner after the truck was decommissioned. There’s a lot of history there!”
Because the truck hadn’t been used in decades, it needed quite a bit of love.
Thankfully, it hadn’t been out in the rain — unlike many of the old Blitzes that had been left to rot in the bush.
“It was in rough condition but because it had been in a hayshed, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as it could have been.”
The truck was 95 per cent complete, according to Hamdorf, but he realised pretty quickly that sourcing parts was going to be an issue.
“It’s an 80-year-old CMP, or Canadian Military Pattern. A C60 model, four-wheel drive, four speed, with a petrol six cylinder, straight-six 216.
“The engine was seized and we had a couple of stuck valves. So we pulled the motor out, and went through it.”
Hamdorf was lucky enough to find some replacement valve springs and valves, and purchased another second-hand engine.
The self-taught mechanic used some of the rods and crank from the second engine to get the original one up to scratch, then put that all back together.
The entire truck had been gutted, from the cooling system to the radiator, and Hamdorf rewired everything to a 12-volt system instead of six volt, for improved reliability.
He also upgraded the tyres from a 920 split rim to 1120s, as well as refurbishing the wheel bearings, cylinders and brakes.
“Whatever we couldn't find new or second hand, we said we'd just restore the old one,” he adds.
He sent the head off to be refurbished, and took the rotting timber tray off.
The CMP now serves as a mobile stage for the Big Red Bash event in Birdsville
To make the new tray, he went to the workshop of a local cabinet maker, who had all the tools for the job.
keep the patina and that weathered look, but to seal it and make it functional.
Hamdorf rewired the rig as a 12-volt rather than sixvolt, and the interior was cleaned out and restored
“We kept as much of the old timber boards as possible, trimmed them, did them up with all new fixings, and made the tray solid.
“It’s a mobile stage for the Big Red Bash, with a band or speaker on top, so we needed it to be safe for that.
“We also coated the tray with linseed oil to darken the timber and give it that old-school smell that really brings you back to that time.”
The interior was all cleaned out, and the seats were refurbished with new foam and hessian material.
“We’ve also got a very cool wooden steering wheel,” he says.
“For something that was an industrial-style tool at the time, there’s a great level of detail that went into making some of these key things.”
Hamdorf also beefed up the exhaust, with a three-and-a-half-inch stack up the side and a resonator muffler.
He adds: “It’s got a really nice note to it, for a petrol six-cylinder.”
He kept the weathered look of the truck, as an homage to its history.
“The whole brief with this truck was to
“Once you paint a truck it’s restored, but this was more of a preservation than a restoration.”
He says the Chev Blitz is a popular truck that resonates with a lot of older truckies.
“A lot of these trucks ended up in the Rural Fire Service, and people used to say that the fire would be gone out by the time they got there because they were so slow!
“You’d definitely hear them coming anyway, because they make a really distinct noise screaming up the road.
“A lot of farms also had one, because they would just go forever. Put it in low range, four-wheel drive and then just drag anything around the property.
“They are a funny-looking thing, sort of like a precursor to your Kenworth cabover –because the side of it looks really cool but the front looks like a pug-nosed dog.”
Now the truck is complete, it will stay in Birdsville, where it will be rolled out every year for the Big Red Bash.
Meanwhile, Hamdorf is on to his next project — turning a ‘Mr Whippy’ van into a tensecond drag car.
“It's going to be gloss black with a turbocharged six litre LS-based motor,” he says. “It’s pretty quirky!”
Pulling
FOR PENRITE
The excitement of a racetrack still gets Penrite truck driver Robert Davis’ heart pumping, as he lives and breathes the racetrack
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Robert Davis
The prime mover is sponsored by Velocity Trucks and Daimler
The smell of burnt fuel and tyres, the screech of wheels spinning past on cars reaching unnatural speeds. The thrill of a racetrack… addictive.
Work isn’t commonly known to be an exhilarating daily activity, but for Robert Davis, adrenaline is the driving force that led him to pursue the career he loves.
Towing Ford Mustangs around Australia in his Penrite B-double, a 2023 Mercedes Benz Actros 26630, Davis spends 50 per cent of his time driving and the other 50 per cent working in the garages or on racetracks for Penrite Racing.
“I love it. The adrenaline rush keeps you excited to do your job,” he says.
“It’s ideal if you’re a bloke into motorsports, or have ever done motorsport racing in your time. Just being involved with that programme is really good.”
The prime mover changes its design every year. Representing Penrite, it’s predominately black. It includes super single steers, with all stainless-steel guards, fully wrapped and blinged up with extra lighting.
Sponsored through Velocity Truck Centres, the truck carts two race cars. It’s 26m long, standing at a gross weight of 59 tonnes.
Racing has always been a part of Davis’ world. He raced motocross as a junior and into his early adult life. However, he says carting race cars had never occurred to him until his mate told him he was going to start racing, and jokingly suggested Rob could haul his team around.
What started off as a laugh amongst good mates quickly turned into a 20-year career.
While he’s a diesel mechanic by trade, Davis carted liquified petroleum gas (LPG) around for 30 years before he began transporting race cars.
After initially working casually, after hours, hauling race cars turned into full time work and a much-loved career.
As well as driving the Penrite truck, Davis now spends his time at the workshop specialising in inspecting the race tyres and cleaning the rims, ensuring they’re ready for their next battle.
During race events, he oversees both tyres and cars, working closely with the race car engineers, ensuring the tyres go on at the appropriate time.
He says being involved with motorsports and having his own truck trailer to look after is the best part of his job.
But of course, there are cons that come with the pros.
“The worst thing about this job is being away from home for so long at times,” he says.
Davis' family remain at their home in Melbourne while he chases the infinite white line on Australia’s roads, sometimes for up to two weeks at a time.
His schedule sees him travel to and from Perth, Darwin and Townsville, clocking up 12 hours a day as he races to the next round.
Despite the challenges of being away, Davis describes his family life as a “pretty normal one”. He has two kids and a supportive wife, who doesn’t mind him going away.
“We've probably got a perfect relationship, we don’t argue,” he laughs.
“When we do argue, the phone’s breaking up, I can’t hear her. So, it’s perfect!”
When asked if he finds it stressful carting around $5 million worth of cargo daily, he replied with the utmost confidence.
“I don't find it stressful. I don't even think about it,” he says.
Penrite produces a range of vehicle lubricants, coolants, gear oils, hydraulic fluids and more
DEALS
This beast of a truck is 26 metres long
The stunning all-black exterior is a standout on any day
“They trust me to operate their gear, they know it’s gonna get clean and not damaged.”
There have only been a few instances where Davis has been stressed in this line of work.
He’s had a couple of scares in the middle of the night, when he’s been alone by the side of the road catching up on sleep.
One night he awoke to eight people shaking his truck and banging on the door.
In a confused and dazed state, Davis says his first instincts were to act quickly and escape the situation safely.
“I didn’t get out of the truck, I put the window down and screamed ‘get away from me!’" he remembers.
“I managed to start up the truck and get the hell out of there. It took me a little while
to work out what was actually happening because I was in a deep sleep."
Another challenge for Davis is keeping fit when his job often entails sitting behind the wheel all day. It's especially important as the nature of working with the race team means he sometimes needs to be able to move quickly.
He does his best to keep his body moving by mountain bike riding whenever he gets the opportunity.
“I usually cart my mountain bike with me wherever I go, and wherever I can, I hop off to go for a ride," he adds.
When Deals on Wheels spoke with Davis, he had just returned from a 14-day journey to the Darwin Triple Crown race and back and was starting a nine day stint at home before heading out again for the Townsville 500 in Queensland.
Carting race trucks wasn't in Robert’s original career plan
DEALS People
Terrific
TYTAN
Born and raised into a lively fleet, Nathan Smith now owns his own set of colourful wheels
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Nathan Smith
An impressive line-up of Winston Haulage and Tytan Transport trucks
The Alexandra Truck Show saw some of the flashiest and most graphically captivating trucks rolling through the streets of the small country town over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June.
Amidst the trucking menagerie of more than 300 rigs stood a 2024 Kenworth T610 SAR from Tytan Transport, brought along by owner Nathan Smith, alongside a 2022 Kenworth W900 SAR from Winston Express Haulage.
Co-owned by his brother-in-law, the flash Tytan Transport Kenworth T610 is the first truck in the Tytan fleet.
Though Smith admits to having a lot of love for big rigs, he says attending truck shows isn’t on the top of his wish list, but the chance to chat to old friends and compete for an award is always tempting.
“We didn’t do any good trophy-wise, but we still had a great day,” he says.
Having been born into the family business, Winston Express Haulage, Smith says being passionate about trucks wasn’t really a choice.
Currently owned by Nathan’s parents, Dean and Rosemary Smith, Winston’s Express Haulage was formed in April 1990.
Throughout Smith’s schooling, he spent his time greasing and cleaning trucks, along with a weekend job at a local steel shop.
When he finished school he spent four years at Grant Engineering, in the building game, before finishing his apprenticeship and opting to start work in 2014 as a truck driver for his family.
Winston Express started with one truck in 1990. It has grown over the years and now boasts an impressive fleet of 55 trucks and 45 trailers — ranging from small trucks through to semi-trailers and B doubles.
Winston’s services cover local, country and interstate destinations, with an emphasis on general and express freight, specialising in overnight transport as well.
The fleet sports a unique and interesting choice of colours that Smith opted to mirror somewhat on his own Tytan Transport truck.
Hugging around the sides and front of the new rig, a vibrant purple and deep blue liven up the silver truck with bursts of colour.
However, it's not quite as bright as Winston's popular K200, which sports pink guards on its rear wheels.
“I think people like the different colours.
There are not too many people out there with pink and purple on their trucks,” Smith says.
With those same colours, the scrollwork embellishes the cab of the truck, working harmoniously with a smooth, silver base, catching the eyes of onlookers.
“The silver is based on the Grey Ghost, which is an old Kenworth. It's called 'German Racing Silver'. I've just always loved that colour,” he says.
“The other two colours are Ford colours. The purple is called 'Wild Violet', and the other one is called 'Kinetic'.”
As a big Ford fan, Nathan explains that his car and truck share the same colours, as he has always been a fan of those ones specifically.
He says the silver painted trucks were his idea and design, but the white, purple and blue trucks were his parents’ idea from “back in the day”, admitting he had no idea what the inspiration behind the colours were.
All the trucks at Winston Express Haulage are bought brand new, however, of late,
The big rigs at the Alexandra Truck Show where 18,000 people attended
Little Kade enjoying the pristine Tytan interior
DEALS People
Winston Haulage’s old school Kenworth truck showing off its vibrant design
The Tytan, Nathan’s pride and joy. Image: Prime Creative Media
Smith says the process to buy them has been something of a nightmare.
“The wait times on things are getting better, but the last three years have been shocking, especially for new trucks,” he says.
“The whole process is just long and drawn out. One of the trucks that was there at the show came offline in October and went on the road two weeks before the truck show,” he says.
“That’s an eight-month wait. A very long time!”
Nathan hopes to bring one of his trucks back to next year’s Alexandra event and see if he can secure a trophy.
Jay Allen abandoned his trucking career when he was diagnosed with melanoma. Now he’s back on the road for a cause bigger than himself
Words: Alex Catalano
Images: Skin Cancer Foundation
Jay (R) with ambassador and Australian cricket legend
Michael Clarke (L) and director Ashleigh Piek (C)
Jay Allen has made treating and educating about skin cancer across Australia his life mission.
A truck driver by trade, he was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2008 at 32 years old, regretfully giving up the job to focus on recovering and helping others in the same boat.
Now, more than 15 years later, he’s back on the road raising skin cancer awareness and helping to provide free skin checks to thousands of Australians.
Jay’s story starts back in the mid '90s, traipsing around in his old man’s furniture removal truck before getting a licence of his own.
Jay says Jason Laurie, fleet manager at Cement Australia has been a massive help with the Foundation
“When I turned 18, he got me my truck licence,” Jay says.
“Back then, it was a five-day course where you had to go and drive a tabletop truck. I drove that around Liverpool in Western Sydney and got my licence.
“He used to let me drive the truck with him, so I learned my trade off him. I never stopped until I was diagnosed. I’ve had cancer twice.
“It absolutely changed my world overnight. I didn’t want to sit in the truck all day thinking it was going to come back.
“I devoted around 12 years working in the melanoma field as a campaigner and ambassador, and that’s when I thought about doing the skin check truck.”
Scan this code to find out when the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s skin check truck will be near you next
During this time, Jay did work with the Melanoma Institute Australia, working as a coordinator and event organiser to help spread education and raise funds for skin cancer research.
He helped to petition the Australian government into banning sunbeds, a leading cause of skin cancer, which was successful in 2015.
It was across these years that the idea for a mobile skin check clinic came to fruition, through the help of a few key friends.
Jay founded the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation in 2021 after years of planning
“One of the first goals of the Foundation was to get a mobile skin check truck happening,” he says.
“I’ve done a lot of fundraising walks across the years and I often had people asking me how they could get a skin cancer check if they couldn’t afford it or there were no clinics in their area.
Set up and ready to go and figuring out the logistics of an operation of that scale.
“I put a call out through the media and said the dream is to get a skin check bus or truck.
“A couple of days later I got a call from Molemap Australia who’d been running for 25
The skin check truck outside of Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium
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years and are experts. They said they’d love to partner with us. We had the experts, but we needed the truck.”
As is often the case in the transport industry, you never know who might reach out when you need a bit of help.
memorial wall on
Jay received a phone call from Jason Laurie, fleet manager at Cement Australia, whose wife Renee lost her sister Lisa to melanoma.
Jason had happened to find just the thing the Foundation needed — a retired 2006 Mercedes-Benz Atego, with hardly any kilometres on it.
“He found this truck in Queensland, an exBreastscreen truck,” Jay says.
“24 hours later I raced up there, and Jason flew down to the border in his own time. He had this big white truck, and we ended up getting it very cheap. We loved it.
“Now it's got the awning, clinical rooms, a kitchen, reception area. The rest is history. We self-funded this truck, and got it wrapped.
“When we bought it, it only had 33,000km. It now has 56,000km. We’re certainly doing the miles!
“I’ve got 90 photos on either side of the truck, an ‘in memory’ board of people who have passed away from skin cancer. That’s across here, the USA, the UK and New Zealand.
“I feel really special when I drive it, like I’ve got a job to do and keep the memories of those that have passed and the families alive.”
Out in the community
As the founder and CEO, Jay is always very hands on with the day-to-day operations of the truck.
While it’s not out and about all the time, he’s always behind the wheel when it is.
Jay and the truck are in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, so any visit across New South Wales or Queensland means either getting on the road the day before or as early as 3am.
Upon arrival, it’s either shacking up for the night or getting straight into setting up the clinic, putting out banners, witches’ hats, the awning, stairs and tables outside.
Local doctors and nurses will then come
The
both sides of the truck honours those who have lost their lives to melanoma
down to start seeing patients across the eight hours the truck is open, usually for two days per location.
“We always set up in a prominent area where the locals will see it. We also get it out through local media that we’re there,” Jay says.
“While I’m setting up there’s people lining up. They’re all lovely people. I might not even know them and they’ll come help set up the truck. They welcome us with open arms.
“We open the truck up, there’s reception inside with five or six people waiting inside. There’s plenty of shade, we give water away.
“People come at closing time, and we never turn anyone away, so we end up being there half an hour or an hour after we’re supposed to close.
“We want to make sure we get everyone through. You never know if a person you turn away has a melanoma.”
With only one truck, the Foundation is still limited on the reach they can have.
Jay and the team primarily target rural locations, but also pop up at festivals and
sporting events across the country, recently including big rugby league events in the State of Origin and NRL Grand Final.
The immediate plan is to continue to expand across all of Australia, and upgrade to a second truck.
“We’re just trying to get to areas where people can’t usually access a clinic,” Jay says.
“I’ve been talking to good friends in Busselton, so we’re looking to get over there. I’ve had a lot of enquiries from WA.
“Servicing Australia-wide is the goal. We’re trying to do skin checks with Indigenous youth and families in the Northern Territory. We just want to get out there and keep doing the regional and rural towns.
“To go and get a skin check with a dermatologist you’re looking at between $200 and $300. If you need a biopsy, it’s even more. People just can’t afford it.
“The thing we’re after is funding for the second truck. We’re up to about $200,000, and we’re chasing $600,000 to get the truck on the road.
“Jason is on the phone to me almost daily.
Jay encourages everyone to get their skin checked when they can
DEALS People
He does so much in the background. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.”
In support of the skin checks, the other side of the Foundation is educating Australians on the dangers that melanoma poses and the need to be staying sun smart.
Jay and the team are supported by several high-profile ambassadors, including Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke, NRL champion Braith Anasta, TV presenter and radio host Deb Knight and stage four melanoma survivor and author Julie Randall.
Jay also cites Reg Richardson, who served as the chair of the Melanoma Institute
Australia for 10 years, as one of his biggest supporters throughout his skin cancer battle.
“Everyone that comes in through the truck gets an education as well,” Jay says.
“I give them flyers; I talk to everyone that goes in and out.
“We went into the Scots College and gave a talk to the students with Michael, and after the talk hundreds of them came out to get a check. We found a melanoma on a 12-yearold’s ear.
“That was due to Michael sharing his story of playing cricket and not applying sunblock. Even though he was a top cricketer, he’s still saving lives with our skin check truck.
“We’re lucky to have good people like Michael help us conquer skin cancer and educate and raise awareness.”
The signs and flyers are hard to miss
Jay says education is an important part of understanding the dangers of skin cancer
Transport can offer a career beyond sport for athletes once they retire, and it might just be an untapped area
Words: Alex Catalano
Images: Beck’s Transport Training
Transport can provide an alternative career pathway for athletes, whether that be postcareer or alongside it
Life after sport for athletes isn’t always as glamorous as the heights of playing in front of sellout crowds or lifting trophies alongside the teammates they’ve gone to war with for years.
For some, sport is all they’ve ever known, as they progress through pathways from juniors to under 18s representative teams all the way to the elite level. With no skills outside of their specific game, some end up lost once their fleeting career is over.
Nowadays though, more sporting teams and clubs are offering work and training pathways for their athletes outside of their sport — this is even more important for those that are only playing at a semi-professional level.
The Canberra Raiders are one of the sporting organisations investing heavily in the career prospects of their players.
Spearheaded by Andrew Bishop, the club’s NRL Wellbeing Manager, all players who are semi-professional and over the age of 18 are required to hold a job.
This includes players across the NRL Women’s team, the reserve grade NSW Cup
team, and the younger age groups in the Jersey Flegg Cup (under 21s) and S.G. Ball Cup (under 19s).
The transport industry has become of the more popular areas for the Raiders to provide their players skills and training through their partnership with Beck’s Transport Training.
Beck’s is a family-owned and operated Canberra-based business which deals with heavy vehicle licensing for the ACT and surrounding New South Wales from light rigids all the way through to multicombination.
The company has been partnered with the Raiders since 2021, helping to support the Raiders’ players and staff interested in gaining qualifications for their life outside sport.
Co-owner and director Kate Beck, who runs the business alongside husband Anthony, says the partnership with the Raiders has been a beneficial one for both parties.
“The Raiders reached out to us because they were looking for programs to be able to support players of any age group that wanted to have skills post their NRL career,” she says.
“A lot of the players came from families who were already in blue collar industries, building, construction and farming backgrounds. They had a strong interest in gaining skills for a heavy vehicle licence.”
The number of players interested in getting their heavy vehicle license has already increased dramatically since the partnership started.
It first began with a group of eight NRL players going through a package of various types of heavy vehicle, and other vehicle, training, including forklifts and excavators, before evolving to what it is now.
“Since the first group in 2021 we’ve started working with the Canberra Raiders women’s team and some of their players that have moved to Canberra as well as some of the under 21s and NSW Cup players,” Kate says.
“A lot of them are just out of high school and just starting their rugby league career, so they want to have a skill as a backup plan.”
While the initial group that Beck’s worked with haven’t yet gone into work in the transport industry as they are still full time professional, a number from the other pathways already have.
A player from a transport background
has continued to improve his skills through training with Beck’s on the pathway to upgrade his licence.
“We have one of the guys that works in the NSW Cup, who comes from a transport background in his family in farming and agricultural work, he is still helping drive for the family when he can,” Kate says.
“We have worked with one of the female players who has a background in warehousing and forklift training in New Zealand. When she transferred here, we helped her with that high-risk licence to help her work for a local company.”
Many athletes look to areas that are already related to sport when their sporting career ends – this can include media roles, physio or fitness jobs.
But when there’s no guarantee of a career continuing beyond on the field, it’s no surprise that clubs and sporting organisations are preparing their athletes more for life after sport.
The NRL estimates that the average career lasts only 35 games, or not even two full seasons at the professional level. AFL is similar, with the average career spanning five years at the most. This is not to mention that
The vehicles are probably a little bit bigger than the typical L-plater is used to
DEALS Showcase
injuries can end careers or change lives at any time, particularly in contact sports like rugby league.
Kate believes transport should be an area more sporting bodies look to as a path for players to move into once their sporting career is over.
“The transport industry is an industry that’s never going to disappear,” she says.
“We are always going to need qualified drivers. They may start out as drivers, but the industry can offer career progression to scheduling, to management, to wherever they could take it. It’s one of those industries where you can see quite a big amount of growth.
“I think that because a lot of these players come from backgrounds in industry that are associated with or have transport drivers in them, it gives them a better understanding and appreciation of taking on a career in that field. They’re very open to it as well.
“It’s kind of awesome what the NRL does to support their players through encouraging them to look at different career options. They support them with funding whether that be for the player or the program itself.
“Particularly for the women’s and underage groups, because they are required to hold a job while they’re playing, the transport industry does give an option of flexibility.
“They’ve been able to work with employers that can work within their training schedules. They can provide them with a career that doesn’t put them at risk of injury.
“The injuries they get during a game doesn’t impact on the jobs. It gives them options, that’s the beauty of the transport industry.
“It’s not just one skill or trade, you are open to doing anything from working with your local bus provider to driving building construction or doing freight work.”
Anthony and Kate Beck run the business together
The partnership with the Canberra Raiders has proved to be a successful one
Sitrak
FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT
Perth
truckie Greg Ross shares his thoughts on the rig he’s been driving on a daily water carting trip
From an employee driver's point of view, it's always fascinating reading reviews of trucks — but even an intensive review won't necessarily tell you what a rig is like to live with every day.
Automatics are a case in point. A supremely confident manufacturer might assure us the best torque range is say 1,100 – 1,350rpm, but in real life, you find the rig lugs under load and you need to slip into manual mode before you miss the lights for the second sequence and hold up the local hoons (the car carrier boys).
I drive casually for a great Perth-based company, taking a tanker (seawater) from Welshpool to Fremantle and back. There are two rigs on the run — one is an IVECO 450 auto that's just turned over 64,000km. Comfortable, quiet, a perfect fit for the task, with a fantastic retarder that virtually obviates the need to use the foot pedal. They've just replaced an older prime mover with a new Sitrak, the Chinese brand from Sinotruck, 25 per cent owned by the German MAN company and running MAN drive trains.
The prime mover is only a couple of weeks old and as I write this, has just turned over 2,800km. There's little point in mentioning power and torque — suffice to say we're running at around 42.0t each way and there are really only a couple of gradients on the
Leach Hwy to even consider. Both the IVECO and the Sitrak, running 12 speed autos, end up in ninth climbing loaded.
Yesterday, the manager asked me what the Sitrak was like. An interesting question, as there are two answers — depending on whether you own it or you're driving it. The company had hired a MAN from Penske for the previous two months, while waiting on delivery of the Sitrak, so I've been able to compare the Sitrak with the MAN.
The price and warranty made the Sitrak deal irresistible. We do no off-road work, no road train duties, and only travel around 200km per day. The biggest wear factor to our prime movers is the salt water and yes — both
Greg Ross would grab the keys of his boss’s IVECO rather than the Sitrak Ross became a truck driver in his 60s after ditching corporate life
Words and images: Greg Ross
The interior of the Sitrak
Ross says that as soon as you use an indicator, the Bluetooth cuts out
The speedometer is "counter-intuitive"
The air conditioning is “excellent” but there are a few niggles that come with it
Ross spends 11-12 hours a day in the Sitrak when he’s on the road
prime movers have been thoroughly covered in protective solution. From a company point of view, it's a brand-new truck with a fouryear warranty for the price of a second hand European prime mover. A no-brainer.
However, living with the Sitrak 11 to 12 hours a day as a driver does throw up a few niggles.
There's an annoying deep droning sound seemingly from a combination of the engine and exhaust. It fills the cab and it's headache inducing — a “two Panadol a day” sort of noise. Pulling her down a gear gets rid of it for a while, but then it's back throbbing when it slips into cruising mode.
It's got cameras on the sides, front and rear. As soon as you flick an indicator, the camera screen comes on, whichever side you've indicated and turns the radio down — it gets tempting not to use the indicators.
But wait, there's more to that — the truck has Bluetooth, but it's basic — number only and again, as soon as you use an indicator, if you happen to be on the phone, it cuts out — infuriating if you're taking an important workrelated call. Not only that, but there doesn't appear to be an accessory position for the ignition key, so there's no listening to the radio or anything when you're parked up. There
might be one, but I haven't managed to find it – which brings us to the manual. It's cheap, only a few pages long, and not particularly informative.
Then there's the speedo. Thankfully there's a digital speed readout, as the speedometer is counter-intuitive — it's on the right of the instrument cluster and the needle rises from the bottom right towards the top left. It's actually disconcerting, so you ignore it.
Finally, the air conditioning system. Although it's excellent, it doesn't come back on when you fire up the rig, you have to turn it on separately. Plus, all the settings disappear, so you have to go through everything manually to reset. Worse still, the panel is set down low to the left, and you have to take your eyes off the road to adjust it. So, there's no choice but to spend an extra minute when you fire up, resetting the aircon.
Those niggles aside, it seems like a good truck, but the MAN had none of these annoying faults. At this stage, if I've got a choice for the day's work, I'll grab the IVECO keys.
It's often said the IVECO is the poor man's Volvo. If that's the case, the Sitrak is the poor man's IVECO.
The Sitrak is being used for a regular route moving sea water along the Leach Highway in Western Australia
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Beyond benchtops
Lungs are the new frontier in Australia’s work health safety planning – a report reveals what may be in store
Australian regulators are looking at ways to protect workers from respiratory diseases, including education programs and a safety framework.
Released by Safe Work Australia, the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy 2023-2033 spells out a 10 year workplace health and safety plan, endorsed by every Australian state and territory government, unions and industry bodies.
Among the targets are two uniquely focused on respiratory health – no new accelerated silicosis cases and a 20 per cent reduction of work-related respiratory diseases by 2033.
Accelerated silicosis can develop after exposure to moderate to high levels of silica dust over a three to 10 year period. It causes severe shortness of breath and may result in complications including respiratory failure and death.
In Safe Work Australia’s Baseline Report on Targets, released in July this year, the statutory agency said it and WHS regulators were concerned by the rapid re-emergence of accelerated silicosis, particularly among people who work with engineered stone.
“For these workers, silicosis is associated with a shorter duration of exposure to silica, faster disease progression and higher mortality. This is due to the nature of engineered stone and the dust it produces,” the report says.
Today the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone is banned, but the new challenge for authorities is ensuring the wellbeing of those working with it into the future.
“This includes a range of communication activities, guidance to support workers and PCBUs in managing changes to engineered stone products, and a national
Dust, vapours, fumes and other irritants can lead to respiratory diseases for some workers. Image: Alison Hancock/Shutterstock
framework to ensure anyone working with engineered stone products installed prior to the ban can do so safely,” the report says.
Since May this year, doctors across Australia have been required to report new cases of silicosis to a new body, the National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (NORDR), run by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
“Physicians may also provide voluntary notification of other occupational respiratory diseases to the NORDR to help identify emerging workplace risks,” the report says.
Authorities will also rely on data from health and safety claims to map trends in respiratory diseases contracted while at work.
Broader action is needed to protect workers from dust, vapours and fumes and to cut the rate of other respiratory diseases incurred at work by 20 per cent. Australia would have to reduce the rate from one compensation claim for every 0.04 million hours worked to one for every 0.032 million hours worked to reach the benchmark.
Earlier this year, governments changed workplace exposure standards for welding fumes to a timeweighted average of 1 milligram per cubic metre – cut from the previous average of 5 milligrams per cubic metre – over an eight-hour working day in a five-day week.
Weld Australia recommends local exhaust ventilation systems and personal respiratory protection, such as air purifying respirators or air-fed helmets for welders, as some ways of mitigating workplace risk.
Plant & Equipment
Global recognition for Weld Australia’s training package
A training package developed by welding industry peak body Weld Australia and local TAFEs has been recognised at a global awards showcase.
The Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) training package of leaning resources, developed to deliver 12 welding and fabrication units of competency, won the Andre Leroy Prize at the 2024 International Institute of Welding (IIW) Awards, handed out in July.
The Prize recognises a contribution to scientific and technical training or teaching of either welding or allied processes, weld quality control, the results of the application of allied processes, or problems raised by the behaviour of materials and welded construction.
Winnng the prize is an honour, Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden says.
“This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to advancing technical training in the welding and fabrication industry,” he says.
Developing the units was a collaborative effort with the TAFE colleges, he adds, with the TAFE consortium working to develop more engaging, up to date resources regularly.
Entirely available online and able to be completed by phone, the resources have a user-friendly interface, diversified delivery methods and audited and accurate material.
“Our goal was to reimagine the learning process by providing a user-friendly interface and diversified delivery methods that cater to the varied needs of our students,” he says.
“The completely online and accessible nature of the MEM Resources ensures that learning can happen anytime, anywhere, and at a pace that suits each individual,” Crittenden said.
Find out more at :
weldaustralia.com.au/mem-resources
Weld Australia executive general manager, education & training Michael Pitt (middle) and general manager training operations Guy Brooks (right) accept the Andre Leroy Prize at the 2024 International Institute of Welding (IIW) Awards. Image: Weld Australia
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