12 W hy is the Kenworth 909 so popular? Truckies share their thoughts
Deals Data
18 Truck sales rebalance in July
Top Deals
22 2007 Kenworth T404
24 2003 Kenworth T350
26 2019 Volvo FM450
28 2024 Kenworth C509
32 2013 Mack Trident bogie tipper
34 A AA concrete panel trailer
36 2024 Gorski 3-axle tipper trailer
Deals Showcase
37 Cummins brings a K104 back to life
40 W hy Scope Australia chooses Gorski
104 Gibbs Gearbox & Diff to the rescue
Deals Events
44 Truck shows for your calendars
50 Making the Rounds
54 Biggest ever Casino Truck Show
68 Sneak peek of Castlemaine event
72 R igs shine at Sydney Truck Meet
Deals Just for Fun
108 Furry friends on the road
Deals Opinion
111 NatRoad hits out at fee increases
Deals Restoration
126 World War II-era Chevy Blitz brought back to former glory
Deals People
75 Young gunnette kicking goals
80 Truckie finds dream Kenworth 659.
84 Showing up in style
87 Tough truckie proves herself
98 Show boss has museum of rigs at home
106 Award-winner's inspiring quest
116 From farm girl to road trains
Deals Features
92 The rigs saving lives around Australia
112 Trucks send an important message
122 Family's incredible transport legacy
132 Marketplace Trucks, trailers, buses and more for sale
133 Parts Trader
Parts, wreckers, engines and more for sale
152 Hot Deals
Hot hand-picked truck deals!
207 Plant & Equipment
Forklifts, tools, generators and compressors for sale
215 Private Advertising
Sell your item!
217 Index
209 In the loop
Upgrades to the D3 Distributed Control System will help eliminate guesswork around valves, Valmet says
209 A C Easy
Eniquest signs generator distribution deal wirh Power Equipment
Wow! That’s about the best way to sum up the month of August, and in particular the turn out for the 2024 Casino Truck Show.
Welcome
to Issue 509 of your Deals on Wheels Magazine
There were people and trucks for as far as the eye could see at Casino. Image: Prime Creative Media
Great weather and early promotion paid off in spades for this year’s event, with the 600th truck registered online two days beforehand and more than 30,000 truck-loving showgoers on hand on August 3 to celebrate in person.
I was lucky enough to spend Friday night and all day on Saturday at Casino, to meet some of the sponsors who help bring the show to life, and to join the crowd as they admired the hard work and dedication of all of the drivers and the companies who worked to bring their highly polished trucks along for the big day.
This year's turnout made it the biggest in the show’s history.
The volunteers and show organisers deserve a heap of praise for the smooth operation of the day. While I’m sure there were plenty of
challenging moments for the team, as one of the crowd, I experienced an extremely well organised event and thousands of happy people. Check out some of the photos and the highlights from page 54.
The success of the Casino Truck Show bodes well for other organisers around the country, pointing to a strong appetite among the trucking community to get out and about and celebrate their passion.
Deals on Wheels has partnered with the HHA & Larsen’s Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show on November 23 and 24 and I’m looking forward to catching up with the show community again then (find out more on page 68).
Truck shows and truck convoys bring out the passion in our community, and in this edition, we celebrate the efforts of many of those drivers and companies who took part in the inaugural Adelaide Camp Quality Convoy for Kids.
I hope you enjoy this month’s read, and would encourage you, as a reader, to let us know if you think there’s a story out there that’s just dying to be shared here. I'd love to hear from you at geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE
STEEL WET 1 WATER TANK
Licensing in the spotlight
Debate continues this month on who should be driving Australia’s biggest trucks and how they get their licenses approved
A spate of fatal truck crashes, driver shortages and a perceived increase in overseas truck drivers on our roads has prompted transport industry bodies to turn their attention to how people are approved for truck licenses here, particularly for larger combinations.
In the past two months Austroads ran a survey to seek industry feedback around the current rules in place around driving in Australia on overseas licenses and found 75 per cent of the 2,000 respondents had no issue with people driving a car, but 85 per cent believed anyone driving a heavy vehicle should have to be re-tested an obtain an Australian license.
Austroads says the survey results will be delivered to state and territory licensing bodies to assist in the evolution of their licensing rules.
Meanwhile the Australian Trucking Association has weighed in on the topic, releasing its thoughts on how to increase safety and encourage more drivers.
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Chair Mark Parry released a new approach developed with the advice of a Workforce and Driver Training Summit held in June.
Parry says the problem became with licensing became apparent in February 2016 when the crew of a B-double proved unable to reverse their overheight truck out of the entrance to a Sydney tunnel.
He says driver trainers must be assessed more rigorously, by experienced auditors who understand driver competencies.
“There should be minimum behind the wheel training times, with the driver training experts at our summit proposing longer training times for discussion than the ones put forward by Austroads,” he says.
“At present, truck drivers progress through the licensing classes on a time basis. For example, once you have a medium or heavy rigid truck licence, you must wait a year before you can get a heavy combination (HC) licence. You are not required to use your licence and build up your driving skills and experience.”
Parry says the current MC class should be split into two classes, to reflect the extra skills required to drive combinations such as triple road trains, quads and quins.
He adds that driver medicals should also be part of the licensing process and completed before training commences.
“Truck driving is highly skilled, but the issues with the licensing system mean that many drivers end up having to learn critical safety skills and attitudes on the job,” he says.
“Many people who might consider a driving job can’t see a connection between getting a licence and having the skills to work safely and confidently in the industry."
The South Australian government may be the first to address the overseas licensing issue after receiving a petition from Delphine Mugridge, the widow of beloved truckie Neville “Slim” Mugridge who was one of three drivers killed in a horrific truck-ontruck accident on the Eyre Highway in April this year.
Road safety is at the heart of the current debate over truck driver licensing Image: KM.Photo / stock.adobe.com
Truckies can't resist the 909's classic look
We take a look at the Kenworth 909’s enduring popularity — and what it is about it truckies just can’t resist
When you ask a truckie what their favourite model of truck is, many of them will say the same thing — a Kenworth 909.
The ‘nine-oh’, as it’s often called, has an appeal that has lasted decades. But why is it such a favourite, amongst young and old alike? Let’s dive in.
The model always stands out on the road
Evolution of the 909
In 1991, Kenworth’s new flagship model, the T900, rolled off the production line. Marketed as the “King of the Road” and loosely modeled on the old W-model that had stopped production in 1987, it quickly won fans for its classic style and resemblance to the American W900.
But the T900 wasn’t just a pretty face — it was a versatile model suited to everything from single-trailer to road train applications. Buyers could choose between a
Caterpillar, Cummins or Detroit engine with horsepower ranging from 330 to 620, and the customisation options didn’t stop there, with a choice between a day cab and different sleepers.
In 1998, the T900 was renamed the T904 and given a new interior, more sleeper options and a taller bonnet.
Then in 2008, Kenworth gave the model another makeover, renaming it the T908. They changed the interior again, added a bigger radiator, and allowed customers to choose between new Caterpillar C15 ACERT and Cummins ISX engines with power up to 625hp.
Finally in 2010, the T909 was born. Early models came with Cummins ISX EGR or Signature EGR engines, with power up to 615hp. More interior changes and Eaton’s new automated Ultrashift Plus transmission were
icon
The T909 screams
Truckies speak
We’ve interviewed many truckies who have brought nine-ohs back to life — as a purely creative project, to pay homage to a family member, or to keep the spirit of trucking history alive.
We thought we’d ask them what it is about the 909 that has captured their hearts –here's what they said:
“My favourite truck is definitely the 909. I just like the look of it – it's the big bonnet!”
– James McBride, truck driver with Elite Cranes & Transport
“You can't beat a 909 for its tough looks and comfort to drive. The customisation of all Kenworths, not just the 909, is second to none. The way the truck drives, it’s an absolute pleasure to be behind the wheel. The 900 series of trucks have been a popular sight on the roads, from the release of the 904, 908 and now the 909. It will be an upsetting time when the 909 is no longer manufactured! The trucks will undoubtedly go on being rebuilt and continue to be a huge part of the transport industry.”
– Joshua Ulbrich, truck driver with Ross Transport
“In the trucking game, the bigger the better! The application of the 909 is outstanding. You sit high, and the length accommodates a smoother ride.”
– Mathew Condren, former truck driver and truck artist
“I have driven a T909 for three years and have found it very comfortable. Being higher up, it gives me a better view of everything around me, and the dashboard is also very driver-friendly, as everything is at your fingertips. I drove a Mack Trident before this and it was quite loud and rough, but the 909 is very quiet in the cab.”
– Troy Power, truck driver with Wild Quarries
“I think the nine-oh is probably one of the most iconic Kenworths around because of its looks. There is something about them that just screams Australian icon. It doesn’t matter if it’s out west pulling road trains covered in red dirt, or in the city clean as a whistle - they are diverse trucks that can do near anything.”
– Lucas O’Connor, truck driver with MultiQuip
Joshua Ulbrich, the ATA's Professional Driver of the Year 2024, with the T909 he drives for Ross Transport.
Image: Sandy Lattin
Troy Power with the T909 he drives for Wild Quarries.
Image: Troy Power
added to the list of options. By the time 2013 rolled around, T909s came with Cummins E5 engines, which is still the current engine spec.
Classic look
A big advantage of the 909 is how customisable it is
It's well-suited to road train work
There’s no doubt about it – the long bonnet of the 909 and its siblings make it stand out on the highway. Built in Australia, to deliver in the harshest conditions, there’s something about the classic style of the nine-oh that strikes a chord with truckies of all ages.
All-rounder
The T909 is versatile enough to operate in almost any application, from logging or tipper work to livestock haulage, especially where fuel capacity and front axle weight are critical.
Available in 6x4 and 8x6 configurations, it’s designed to house a large radiator for cooling in even the most challenging environments.
Kenworth trucks offer customised wheelbases and frame layouts, and the frame layout can be optimised for maximum fuel capacity, durability and provision for auxiliary frame mounted equipment.
You can also choose from a variety of fuel tanks – whether you want polished aluminium to save on weight, or need steel for tougher jobs.
The T909 is powered by a Cummins X15 Euro 5 or Euro 6 engine, available in a range of horsepower and torque ratings up to 625 hp and 2050 lb-ft. The X15 features a suite of electronic features that interact with Eaton automated manual transmissions, adapting to operating conditions to save on fuel.
But if you prefer to keep it old-school, you can still go for manual transmission.
Customisable interior
The interior of the 909 is fully customisable, from the dash layout to the trim colours. For example, you could go for a Sandstone hard trim and Shiraz soft trim, or mix it up with a Charcoal hard trim and Mariner Blue soft trim.
If you’ve bought a 909 second-hand and you’re not fond of the dash layout, you can change it up with modular dash sections with radio, gauge, digital readout, or blank slots from spare parts.
Why truckies love the nine-oh
If you’ve ever been to a truck show, you’ll probably have seen your fair share of 909s, whether it’s a brand-new model or a lovingly restored retro rig.
Truck
sales volumes ease
Sales of new trucks declined by nearly 30 per cent in July as the market re-balanced after a bumper June.
The 3,020 combined sales of heavy, medium and light duty trucks recorded in July fell 1,192 short of the 4,212 sales recorded in June as the end of one financial year rolled over to the start of the next one.
The latest figures from Truck Industry Council’s T-Mark data released at the start of August equate to a 29 per cent drop in activities across all three categories combined, June vs July 2024.
Despite the backward step in the month-on-month stats, when July 2024’s results are compared to July 2023’s trucks-only sales result of 2,732, it shows year-on-year growth of 10.6 per cent on the same month last year.
In the all-important heavy duty truck sales race Kenworth had the upper hand in July, recording 283 sales to Volvo’s 197, with Isuzu on 167, Scania on 128 and Mack on 89 sales to round out the top five. Year-to-date the heavy-duty truck market has ticked over the
Heavy Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Medium Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Light Vehicles – Monthly Sales
10,000 sales mark to hit 10,020. Kenworth and Volvo’s total sales so far in the HD segment account for 19.9 per cent and 19.4 per cent of total sales.
Isuzu remains the most dominant brand across all three segments, having amassed a total sales result so far this year of 7,713 trucks sold — more than double the volume of its nearest competitor Hino with 2,944 sales. Fuso 2,239, Kenworth 1,994, and Volvo 1,989 complete the top five brands in terms of sales volume across all categories as of July 31, 2024.
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)
Kenworth finished July with 1,994 sales for the year so far, up marginally on its results to July 31, 2023, when it had recorded 1,976 sales.
Volvo is slightly down on this time last year with its 1,943 heavy duty truck sales, year-to-date to July 31 this year, falling 31 trucks short of the 1,974 sales it had in the bag at the end of July 2023.
Ranking in order of most to least sales on a year-to-date basis, the sales brand ladder is: Kenworth, Volvo, Isuzu, Scania, Mercedes-
Benz, Mack, UD Trucks, Fuso, Hino, DAF, Iveco, Freightliner, MAN, Western Star, Dennis Eagle and Sea Electric.
Medium duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicle with GVM > 8,000kg and GCM up to and including 39,000kg)
Total sales for July in the medium duty segment dropped to 622, down 265 sales when compared to the end of month results of 887 sales in this segment in June.
In terms of consistency, Isuzu remains the king. In July 2023 it recorded 331 sales — this year, it hit 333 sales for a tiny gain. Hino’s sales team will be celebrating more with 53 more trucks sold this July than the same month last year, giving them 181 sales on the board.
The top 10 brands, in order of sales, year-to-date, in the medium duty segment are Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, Hyundai, Iveco, UD Trucks,
DEALS Data
Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, and DAF.
Light duty
(Cab-chassis type vehicle with GVM of 3,501kg to 8,000kg inclusive)
In the world of the little trucks, Isuzu remains the dominant force. In July the Japanese juggernaut sold 578 trucks more than three times its closest competitor in the space, Fuso, who managed to shift 157 trucks off the showroom floor.
While the total sales in the light duty section dropped from 1,509 in June to 1,147 in July, Isuzu sold 70 more trucks in July 2024 than it did in July 2023.
The sales ladder in this segment, for the year-to-date to July 31 is: Isuzu (3,865), Fuso (1,258), Hino (1,201), Iveco (799), MercedesBenz (405), Fiat (348), Hyundai (125), Renault (82), Ford (65), Foton Mobility (53), Volkswagen (31) and LDV (8).
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
If this truck could talk it would share a story of hauling thousands of tonnes of raw materials around the state.
Powered by the CAT C15 engine this 2007 Kenworth T404 with dog trailer is a chance to jump into the construction materials market. It has recently passed a roadworthy and is ready to roll now from Victoria. For
Trucking isn’t just moving a load from one place to another. It’s a journey of a thousand experiences. It’s golden skies, fierce storms, hours of solitude and hard work.
Whether it’s on the road, in the yard, behind the scenes or in the back office, it’s not just a job, but a passion. It’s something you’ve inherited from those who came before you, that has paved the way for the next journey. It’s heritage. It’s a legacy. kenworth.com.au/legacy
Loaded up with a 14-pallet refrigerated tautliner this day cab 2003 Kenworth T350 has a New South Wales roadworthy and is ready to go now.
Powered by the Cummin ISM engine the truck has a 13 speed manual gearbox, air bag suspension and a Thermo King fridge at the rear. It has been workshop checked and serviced. For
Discerning truck buyers looking for a great deal might be interested in this 2019 Volvo FM450 with just 345,680kms on the clock.
Owned since new by the one owner this truck has been immaculately maintained and features PTO hydraulics and a greaseless turntable. With automatic transmission and all the comforts Volvo is known for, this truck would be a great addition to any fleet.
For more info please visit us at www.sammut.com.au
All the hard work has been done to get this brand new, never driven, 2024 Kenworth C509 ready to go, and now it’s surplus to needs.
The features list loaded on to the truck includes two fridges, four side tipper hydraulics, television, microwave, custom sleeper fit out and stainless wrapped tanks.
With just 1,500km on the clock and custom bull bar, lights, toolboxes and more, this truck could be the next hero for someone’s fleet.
For more information call David on 0427 024 638
FROM $98,900+GST (STEEL)
CAR CARRIER
LIVE BOTTOM
CATTLE CRATE
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
2013 Mack Trident Bogie Tipper
585 hp engine
M/Drive Auto transmission
$130,000 + GST
Richlands, QLD
This 2013 Mack Trident Bogie Tipper is the perfect universal rig, suitable for any application.
Kitted out with 10 stud alloy rims and polished wheels, the Mack not only performs well, but looks good doing so.
The M/Drive automatic transmission, airbags and brand new coat of paint are just some more items to tick off the list.
To find out more call Richlands Equipment Sales on 07 3073 8130
MOOREDOLLY Brandnew...ImmediateDelivery...2024 Moore8'1''SpringDolly.KHitchSpringSuspensionand KHitch10/285Axles.YardRelease,AirandElectfront and rear, AlloyRims.24-D2019. TA1226853. $52,050
MOOREDOLLY 2024,ImmediateDelivery!!!!!5'0'' Tandem axleDolly.HendricksonIntraaxairbagsuspensionwith IntraaxHXL7TiremaxxAxleswithLSVvalvebrakekit, RightweightBluetoothScales.4mToweyetoTurntableJostJSK37GreaselessTurntable.AlcoaLVL1AlloyWheels, RubberGuards.AirandElecFrontandrearofturntable. 24-2025. TA1228834. $59,850
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
This 2024 Gorski 3 Axle Semi Tipping Trailer has been made tough to handle whatever its new owner might throw at it.
The Gorski Engineering team has crafted the trailer using Hardox steel and it is loaded with 175mm Spray Suppressant for the full length of the trailer body.
Jost A400 two-speed landing legs with internal gearbox and a five year warranty are another feature of note.
To find out more call Gorski Engineering on 03 9988 9139
2024 Gorski 3 Axle Semi Tipping Trailer
TMC LMV light-weight airbag suspension
Up to 24 cubic metres capacity
$120,769
Somerton, VIC
DEALS Showcase
CHANGE OF
Heart
There’s a lot about legacy in Jason Cocks’ repower of his 22-year-old Kenworth
Before deciding to repower his 22-year-old K104 Kenworth with a Cummins X15 Euro 3 engine, transport operator Jason Cocks weighed up all the economics in what eventually became a clear-cut verdict.
“I looked at every cost aspect, including rebuilding the C15 which was the original engine in the truck,” he says. “But in the end, there were several factors strongly in favour of Cummins.
“The projected improvement in fuel economy was important, as was the fact I could repower with a brand-new Euro 3 engine. I’ve calculated it will pay for itself within two years.”
Operating as Jason Cocks Transport, he also knew he could count on the wellcredentialed service support provided by the Cummins Wodonga (Vic) branch which carried out the repower.
Popular for repower
The X15 Euro 3 engine is becoming a popular repower option.
It shares the same base engine hardware as the X15 Euro 6 powerhouse, but without SCR after-treatment; it can only be installed in pre2008 registered on-highway trucks.
Jason, 37, was impressed with Cummins Wodonga’s project management and the installation of the X15 rated at 550 hp.
His K104 does tarped single trailer work as well as tipper B-double and roadtrain double haulage.
“The communication from the branch was great. They kept me up to date on a daily basis,” he states.
The odometer in his 22-year-old Kenworth K104 Aerodyne has now spun up to 2.6 million kilometres. The KW had two previous owners, Wayne Sebire and Neil Lemin, both of whom were known to maintain their equipment well.
Jason admits to being a perfectionist, and his neatly presented K104 is evidence of that. “She’s a neat old banger,” he quips.
The 22-year-old K104 has spun up to 2.6 million kilometres Red in, yellow out!
Images: Cummins
Proud
PARTNERSHIP
The versatility of Gorski Engineering’s truck bodies and trailers has allowed Scope Australia to take on bigger projects
With over two decades of expertise behind it, Scope Australia has established itself as one of the country’s leading service providers.
Operating across a range of industries, including the industrial, commercial and resource sectors, the company is driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation.
Scope Australia has big plans for the future, and it intends for its longstanding partner, Gorski Engineering, to be part of those plans.
Established in 1975, Gorski Engineering is Australia’s pre-eminent manufacturer of premium tipping trailers and tipping truck bodies.
Scope Australia’s relationship with Gorski began six years ago, when Scope Australia's director John Kennedy needed a body built for an ex-Linfox Freightliner Columbia prime mover.
“I remember dealing with Ken [ Gorski ] and Alex [ Powell ] for each build in the early days,” John says.
“I still have that Freightliner Columbia — all my staff learn in it before they move up to higher positions within the logistics side of the business.”
Today, Scope Australia has 10 Kenworth T410 SARs, pulling PBS Hardox tri-axle trailers, but Gorski has built the company over 18 units in total.
“As units get older, we replace them to ensure no downtime,” Kennedy adds. “That way, our brand stays strong within the market.”
Kennedy says Gorski trailers are built tough, and he’s never had a problem with their durability or reliability.
“I feel that with a lot of feedback, refinement and help, Scope Australia and Gorski Engineering have refined the perfect build together.
“We will continue our innovation into the future.”
The adaptability of its Gorski-built fleet has
Scope Australia operates in the industrial, resources and commercial sectors
Gorski Engineering’s units are “built tough”
equipped Scope Australia to take on some more challenging projects.
“We have been able to take on some longstanding, tier one major projects due to the versatility of our Gorski PBS fleet being able to cart tonnage, but still be versatile when bulking big exports in the mud,” Kennedy says.
“This ensures we maximise each load, not only for us but for our valued clients.”
Another major reason Scope Australia has stuck by Gorski is its turnaround times, which are second to none.
“I have had turnaround times for new builds presented to me by some of Gorski’s competitors, and the competitors’ turnaround times don’t work if you want to make money.
“Gorski’s turnarounds on a new build work for my business.
“It’s consistent with every build, to ensure the unit is on road and making money as quickly as possible.”
Going forward, Scope Australia hopes to refine and grow its business, with help from Gorski.
Gorski thanks Scope Australia for its longlasting relationship and loyalty over the years.
“We know that Scope Australia has big plans,
and we like the way they do business,” says Sheridan Godwill, Gorski’s sales manager.
“We enjoy every collaboration we are involved with. We have seen Scope Australia grow and prove their stronghold on the market as an industry leader through innovation and attention to detail.
“Gorski Engineering is proud to partner with Scope Australia and continue this legacy.”
Scope Australia's Managing Director John Kennedy (left) and Material Solutions Manager Jacob Bennett (right)
The versatility of Gorski’s truck bodies and trailers has allowed Scope Australia to take on major projects
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
NatRoad Connect 24
September 12-13, 2024. Coffs Harbour, NSW
NatRoad Connect 2024 is a must-attend event for the Australian road transport industry. The event connects industry representatives, operators, NatRoad members and Partners with practical operational information and advice. Inspiring keynote speakers and industry experts will address key business issues including driver shortage, compliance and legal updates. and decarbonation. There will be a range of opportunities to network and connect with peers including The Cummins and PACCAR and its Dealer Industry Fund Gala Dinner, presentation of the NTI NatRoad Awards and many more catered networking opportunities across the two days.
For further information and to register, visit www.natroad.com.au/conferences, or contact NatRoad on 1800 272 144 or info@natroad.com.au
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
Casino truck show 2024. Image: Prime Creative Media
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.
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 out 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.
Free camping and showers available on site. ADMISSION: $10 ADULTS, CHILDREN U/ 16 FREE.
Contacts: Gary Baffsky 0408 683 111, Justin Livingstone 0423 319 488 or email uvmcinc@ gmail.com
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
Beaudesert Heritage Truck Show
October 19 and 20, 2024. Beaudesert, QLD. Held at the Beaudesert Showgrounds this truck show is on from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 2.30pm on Sunday. All exhibitors must complete a pre-registration form, found here: https://heritagetruckassociation.com.au/2024beaudesert-heritage-truck-show/ and provide evidence of public liability. Exhibitors and one passenger are free entry.
The show will feature a static display of heritage trucks, tractors and cars, various trade stalls and food vans.
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ADMISSION: $10.
Contact Mark on 0448 111 105 or John on 0477 499 530 or see www.heritagetruckassociation. 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.
For more information phone Steve on 0429 989 278 or email steve@ carmanswindscreens.com.au
Mullumbimby Truck Show
November 9, 2024. Mullumbimby Showground, NSW.
Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show. Truck registrations open from 9am at the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate off Manns Rd. Drivers to register their vehicles before the truck parade through town at 11am, travelling through town to the showgrounds. All the attractions of a country show including sideshow alley, rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting.
For more info see the registration form at www.mullumbimbyshow.org.au or phone Mark on 0427 634 903 or email wardysmachinerycentre@gmail.com
Goulburn Convoy for Kids
November 9, 2024. Goulburn, NSW. Convoy for Kids Goulburn will be celebrating its 25th birthday! Come and enjoy a day packed
Adelaide Convoy 2024. Image: Down the White Lines
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.
The inaugural Mullewa Truck Muster was a great success. Image: Em Trainor
Behind every gleaming truck at any truck show is a passionate team of people united by a shared vision
Classy Kenworth W
Sitting beside the Tefol stand at the Casino Truck Show recently was a classy Kenworth with a cool story.
Sharece Willis, Nick
Lean, Brendan Morris and Trent Lean. Image: Prime Creative Media
It’s the tale of a truck that started its life in 1981 as a day cab set up for Kwikasair, with a short wheel-base and an 892 detroit engine before Trent Lean grabbed it in 1994 to add to the Lean’s Transport fleet, along with a trailer and the work that came with the truck.
“It just became a project, and 12 months later, I replaced both the rails and made it longer to suit a cab imported from America,” Trent says.
Back then, Lean's Transport, based out of Dungog, spent most of its time servicing the Hunter Valley. The truck hauled aluminium, then bricks to Newcastle and at one stage had a trailer with a moffat on the back to do site deliveries.
“We did timber out of Dungog to Sydney as well. General freight – bit of general – a little bit of interstate, maybe about once a month.”
In 2007, the W Model Kenworth left the Lean family when Trent decided it was time for a change.
“We had a few trucks, and I sold them all,” he says. “I’d had enough of trucking, funnily enough. I went from running trucks to
converting Peterbilts from left- to right-hand drive. Then I ended up going to the mines for many years before coming back to work with Nick and Sharece at Tefol.”
Returning to work with Nick, his son, played an important part in the reunion of Trent with his old faithful Kenworth.
“At the start of 2023, Nick put an ad on Facebook looking for the truck. There was nothing from that, and three months later he put it up again.
“Then a guy got in touch and said he thought he knew where the truck was – they exchanged details and Nick spoke to the guy, who said he was happy to sell the truck if it was going back to the original owner.
“So, we went up and had a look at it. It was running and he wanted a fair bit of money for it. I thought that was that.
“Lo and behold, the kids bought it for me and brought it home and surprised me with it.”
Trent can’t help but smile as he recalls the family gathering around to watch his face as the truck rolled into the street on the tray of another truck – “They all knew!”.
The truck is a work in progress, and a project for a whole team to get involved with.
“It’s the whole family, it’s Nick, Sharece’s family’s involved as well and the Tefol group – it’s not just me by any stretch – it’s all about the family.
“We’re going to restore it and make it more modern. It’s gone past being original when it was at Kwikasair.
Nick and Brendan made the six-hour journey up to Casino from Maitland, the truck’s first run for six years, and Trent says: “touch wood, it’s been fine”.
For Trent and the team, the vision for the truck now is to bring it back to life, repairing and replacing anything damaged, and using the solid base to create a show truck to showcase the work of the Tefol team,
which ranges from mechanical expertise to chrome work, electrical harnesses, lighting and more.
“We’re just going to make it look beautiful. It’ll be our test vehicle, we’ll put all our products in.”
“It’s a great project. We got a lot done in the last fortnight just to bring it up here.
“The firewalls need replacing, there’s some rust, it’s not holed out, but it needs replacing.
“It needs a new floor in it as the rat’s nest was in both back corners behind the seats.”
Trent, who’s also working for Tefol, says he hopes to be back at Casino with the updated truck next year to share the progress and be part of the event again.
The evolution of the rig over the years, since 1981. Image: Prime Creative Media
DEALS Events
Rolling for a good cause
The truckies couldn’t keep the smile of their faces. Image: Down the White Lines Photography
An eight-year-old, truckloving Haydn. Image: Haydn Montgomery
The memory of engines roaring and air horns blaring from Adelaide’s Victoria Park lives on through Haydn Montgomery, as he reminisces about the Camp Quality Convoy.
As the general manager of bulk transport at Symons Clark Logistics, Haydn rolled into the Adelaide Convoy for Kids along with his trucking mates and an impressive 25 trucks from the Symons Clark fleet, to make their support for the cause known.
Working in the people and culture department of Camp Quality, Haydn’s wife is one of the main organisers of the event,
making his decision to join in on a day of smiles and waves that much easier.
Haydn says his passion for big rigs struck him as a young boy, as the people around him unknowingly inspired his growing desire to work within the transport industry.
His dad was a truckie, and when he got older, his mates and his girlfriend’s dad were drivers too, and they would take him around for a spin.
“I’m a mechanic by trade, but I’ve always loved trucks,” he says.
At 21, he got his truck license after finishing up his apprenticeship, but it was his natural love for trucks that got him to where he is now.
Haydn says Symons' current fleet features mainly Kenworths, Freightliners and Scanias.
He looks after 60 of them, but if gets busy, they can have up to 120 trucks on the road every day.
Each truck has a sleek appearance with a clean, white base and grey and red design work, sporting a big ‘S’, representing Symons along the cab.
Stainless steel exhaust pipes stand proud, along with shiny hub caps and statement bulbars. The grey scrollwork blends nicely with the neat design of the truck, resulting in monster rigs that kids were excited to see rolling down the streets of Adelaide.
And this isn’t the only time the Symons Clark fleet has made a good impression, with one of their rigs winning Best Truck at the Ararat Truck Show last year.
Biggest SHOW EVER
The North Coast Petroleum 2024 Casino Truck Show has well and truly cemented its place as the biggest truck event of its type in Australia
Words | Geoff Crockett Images | Prime Creative Media
Driving into the northern NSW country town of Casino on the morning of the truck show, it didn’t take long to get a sense of just how big this event was going to be.
Nearly two kilometres out from the city centre, cars were parked up in neat lines on the sides of the main road with showgoers sitting on ute trays or hanging out on the nature strip with picnic blankets, camp chairs, and even barbecues as they grazed on breakfast in anticipation of the celebration of chrome that was about to roll their way.
Hailed as the biggest truck show in the southern hemisphere, Casino is renowned among showgoers for its popular truck parade and the sheer number of trucks that park up in the city’s streets for the day.
Coming off the back of a record turn-out of trucks in 2023, organisers were expecting another big turn-out, and they were right.
On the eve of the show, the message went out that the city could take no more in 2024. With 600 trucks registered for judging online, all available parking in the streets closed off for this year’s event was accounted for.
The organisers also capped the parade at 330 trucks, to enable enough time for the trucks to park up at the end of the parade and
to provide the public with the opportunity to explore everything the show had to offer, rather than sitting roadside for what could easily have become a three-hour truck convoy.
As a first-timer to the event, I’d been warned to get a park early and be prepared for plenty of walking – advice well given.
North St, next to St Mary’s Primary School, was my landing place – a short walking distance from Johnston St and the last leg of the truck parade where the volunteers were on hand to guide drivers either left into Canterbury St towards the city centre, or straight on towards more volunteers who would direct them into key streets flowing out from the Casino’s central roundabout at Walker St.
It was standing room only on both sides of the road, with the smell of barbecued sausages floating on the light breeze thanks to the fundraising stall out the front of the school.
With blue skies and the temperature hitting 20 degrees celcius, the volunteers at the stall were kept busy serving sausages and drinks at a rapid pace as hungry parade goers fuelled up for what was to come.
Just after 10am, exactly what that was
The truck parade stretched for kilometres along Johnston St at Casino in NSW
DEALS Events
became abundantly clear. In what seemed like a flash, the street was filled with trucks for as far as the eye could see, the ears were bombarded with the sounds of truck engines and honking horns and the nose became attuned to the sweet perfume of burning diesel.
Everywhere you looked there were trucks, truck fans, drivers or volunteers happily immersing themselves in a carefully choregraphed dance that captured the joy of the transport community and its supporters on its big day out.
Kenworths, Macks, Fords, Peterbilts, Volvos, Scanias, Hinos and much, much, more rolled past with the occasional belch of dark black smoke or the unexpected musicality of an airhorn tuned to play such classics as Europe’s hit, "The Final Countdown , or Survivor’s "Eye of the Tiger" from Sylvester Stallone’s famous movie, Rocky
The drivers played up to the crowds with waving and horn honking and the cameras clicked rapidly for more than an hour in return.
And people came from all over to be there too.
Locals Brent, Nikki, April, Sierra, and River came along as a family to enjoy the day out.
Based in the nearby town of Bently, where Brent and Nikki run Ando’s 4x4 Accessories, Brent said they loved the truck show and really enjoyed being part of the community event.
Resplendent in fluorescent shirts, it was hard to miss the local truck servicing boys as they perched atop the low school wall to take it all in. Jack, Thomas, Lachlan and Jeremy arrived early and had their work trucks parked up on the main street as they took in all the action, saying that between all four of them they could work on the majority of the trucks going past.
For Aaron and Alle McGrath, the journey to Casino had involved flying to Sydney from Christchurch, hiring a motorhome and heading north for the show.
The duo are involved in the transport scene in New Zealand, where Aaron works as a transport manager for Road Metals.
St Mary’s Primary School volunteers with their sausage sizzle raising money for the local soup kitchen
Brent, Nikki, April, Sierra and River from Ando’s 4x4 Accessories
Adrian Glenane, Brendan Glenane at the Lubecore stand
Jack, Thomas, Lachlan and Jeremy enjoying the truck parade
Aaron and Alle McGrath of Christchurch
John Baillie (Auckland) and Craig McCauley (Moteuka) –Industrial Tours
Issy Riley and Carrisa Patrick handing out treats at the Lubecore stand
Dean and Bek Weaver playing up for the camera in front of their mate's cool truck
Mila with a classic Peterbilt
Battle-weary Casino Truck Show volunteers at the end of a very big day
The trucks put on a show as they headed for the main street to find a park
Andrew Salter with his Truck of the Show trophy for his long hauling Kenworth K200
They have been to truck shows, including Wheels at Wanaka, but Aaron says there’s nothing quite like Casino with so many trucks, and so many bonneted varieties.
“It’s been a cracker day,” Aaron says.
They weren’t the only Kiwis in town.
John Baillie and Craig McCauley came to Casino with four of their mates on a quest to add another event to the Industrial Tours t-shirts they had made to celebrate the group’s purpose of travelling to Australia to experience its biggest truck shows. "Casino
Truck Show 2024" sat proudly on the sleeves, just under "Kenworth Classic 2023", and the duo said they’ll all be back in Australia next year for the Brisbane Truck Show.
While the truck parade kick-started the show, the city’s heart soon became a hive of activity as the drivers mingled with record crowds to admire the streets full of trucks and take in the offerings of a range of exhibitors, showcasing everything from truck parts to telematic systems, commemorative t-shirts and cleaning solutions.
Ben Patrick from Lubecore checking out the installation of his company’s Automated Lubrication system, live at the show
Casino Mayor Robert Mustow announcing the winner of the Mayor’s Pick award
The cafes and pubs were open, live music entertained crowds in some streets, and there was a kids' corner set up in another with rides, ice creams and plenty of laughs.
Come 3pm and all the attention moved to the central roundabout where a charity auction saw Jon Kelly of HHA fame spend $24,000 to take home a custom-made truckstyle bar created for the event by Moore Trailers, an Engel fridge and a 24 volt fourwheeler for the kids. The main beneficiary of the auction this year is, fittingly, the men’s health charity, Movember.
Next up was the all-important trophy giving ceremony with Casuarina Jayne of #truckingwithCJ fame and Glenn “Yogi” Kendall doing the honours as they announced the winners across more than 35 categories (see full winners' list on the following pages).
The Tiny Lollback Truck of the Show Award went to a Kenworth K200 belonging to owner-driver Andrew Salter and his business, A & J Salter Oversize Transport and Pilot Service.
Andrew made the trek from Adelaide to
This classic Mack turned plenty of heads
Trucks of every model were part of this year's event
The kids' corner was a hit with the young crowd
The Kingsbrae team had polished their fleet to the highest level
Casino Truck Show Winners List
Category Vehicle Winner
Best Service Vehicle Isuzu Dynamic Fleet Maintenance
Best Specialised KWT401 Dautrans
Best Car Carrier KW T410 Statewide Car Carriers
Best Tanker KW T610 Monaro Fuel
Best Tipper – Civil KW T600 Matt Lee Excavations
Best Tipper – Bulk KW T659 TJK Transport
Best Log Truck Western Star N & N Smith
Best Livestock KW C509 MFT
Best Refrigerated KW T909 Churchill Transport
Best General Freight KW T909 Dawson’s Haulage
Best Heavy Recovery KW T909 Anywhere Truck & Machinery
Best Heavy Haulage KW C504 SNS Heavy Haul
Best Rigid KW T359 JDN
Best Tilt-Tray Hino FE All Coast Towing
Best Day Cab K100 Lawrence Transport
Best Bonnetted Western Star HHA
Best Cab-Over K200 PJB Transport
Best Engine Bay Mack S/Liner Karramen Quarries
Best Custom Truck KW T909 J & J McMahon
Best 2470 Local Truck KW T600 CMT
Mayor’s Choice KW Mini Phil Ford
Best Sponsors Display SNS Heavy Haulage
Best Restoration KW T600 Wickhams Freightlines
Best Historic Diamond T Cromack Transport
Best Classic KW W900 Bondwoods Transport
Best Japanese Hino TKN
Best European Volvo SRH Milk
Best Ford Ford LTL Ikin Haulage
Best Iveco Iveco S-Way Bolen & Son
Best Freightliner F/Liner FLB Elite Trucking Co
Best Western Star W/Star Northern Rivers Cold Freight
Best Peterbilt Peterbilt Spinifex
Best Mack – Old Breed Mack S/Liner HHA
Best Mack – New Breed Mack Milko
Best Kenworth – Pre-2000 Rasmussen Bulk
Best Kenworth – Post-2000 KW T909 O’Neill’s
Youngest Entrant Hino Rodic Schubert
Fleet Maintenance W/Star N & N Smith
Doing the Business KW T950 Collins Haulage
That’s Large Mack Willet Transport
Absolute Banger Ford LTL Milin Transport
Smick As KW 104B Fruit Haulage
Bare Essentials KW T900 Taylor Holdings
Category Vehicle Winner
Industry Pride & Passion KW T900 Steve McLean Transport
Industry Pride & Passion KW K125 Bruce Gunter
Industry Pride & Passion KW K104 Matt Lee Excavations
Great Eight KW Legend Drain Transport
Great Eight KW T909 Airlie Beach Hotel
Great Eight KW T900 Imy Deen
Great Eight KW T900 Lawrence Transport
Great Eight KW T950 Grain Trans
Great Eight KW T909 Durkin Trans
Great Eight Peterbilt Maddox Haulage
Great Eight KW T909 SRV Road Freight
Sensational Six Mack S/Liner Eric Ballard
Sensational Six Mack Titan Lindon Pastoral
Sensational Six KW T900 Lawrence Transport
Sensational Six Mack 100yr Milko
Sensational Six KW K200 TK Reiner
Sensational Six W/Star Land Transport
Top Owner Driver KW T909 Hinds Haulage
Exceptional Company Display Bondwoods Transport
Exceptional Company Display Carways
Exceptional Company Display Bloomers Transport
Best Original / Trad paint KW T600 Cleveland Transport
Best Custom Paint KW T909 STA
Best Line & Scrolls KW W900 Causley Transport
Best Airbrush & Artwork KW T904 D & J Johnson Transport
Best Paint Scheme KW T950 Imy Deen
Judged Elite KW T900 DC Campbell
Judged Elite KW T900 Graintrans
Judged Elite KW C509 TDH
Judged Elite KW T950 BT Civil
Judged Elite KW T950 Ballinger Transport
Best Fleet Lawrence Transport
Best Fleet Winston Express
Best Fleet VE Group
Show Truck Champions Mack S/Liner Robinson Heavy Haulage
Show Truck Champions Mack S/Liner HHA
Show Truck Champions KW T909 Nigmel Pty
Show Truck Champions KW T909 Lawrence Transport
Show Truck Champions KW K200 Schaeffer Transport
The Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show KW K200 A & J Salter Oversize Transport & Pilot Service
be part of the event for his second time and it proved to be well worth it. His business carts oversized loads all over Australia and Andrew is often away from home for a month at a time.
He says he’d already been away for two weeks prior to this trip and ran the last 1,500km to Casino empty, just because he wanted to be part of the big day.
“It’s a good community and a good atmosphere,” he says. “As long as they’re holding it on the streets, I’ll be back.”
His Kenworth K200 is rated to 140 tonne and he says its ability to load on 2,000 litres of fuel while maximising load capacity had been a key factor in his purchase.
As for the organisers, they couldn’t be happier.
“Absolutely ecstatic,” says Sharon Davidson, Richmond Valley Council’s Manager of
Community Connection. All up, more than 30,000 people flocked to the town, breaking previous records and helping to contribute $3.9 million worth of activity to the local area.
“We’re blown away by how much love there was for the Casino Truck Show,” Sharon says. “It’s the biggest single day event the Richmond Valley has ever held.
“Probably one of the biggest single day events on the Northern Rivers. It’ll be bigger and better next year too.”
As for that sausage sizzle, when I called St Mary’s Primary School principal John O’Brien a few days after the event to see how they got on, he reported a grand tally of $2,090 to be donated to the local community kitchen from $2 drinks and sausages in bread, and a few car parks at $10 a pop.
“ It was great and we’re happy to support it”.
The crowds were 10 people deep for the trophy ceremony
With the HHA & Larsen's Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show fast approaching, we share a sneak peek of what’s in store
The Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show will celebrate the trucking industry and raise valuable funds for the community on the weekend of November 23 and 24. Image: Prime Creative Media
Professional truck drivers will struggle to keep up with their console-savvy kids in the highly contested Virtual Truckie’s tent. Image: Castlemaine Truck Show
Every truck show has its own unique personality, and Castlemaine has proven itself to be one of the best in regional Australia. But what makes it special? Is it the quality of the trucks, the opportunity to celebrate another year in business, or simply to relax with the family? Feedback suggests that it may be all of the above.
Scheduled for November 23-24, 2024, applications are currently being accepted for sponsors and trade exhibitors on the main arena. Truck entries and ticket sales will open in October.
So, what can we expect in November when trucks from all over Australia converge on Castlemaine for the 36th truck show?
"This show produces the best trucks in the country and the people who support it set the benchmark in trucking," says Jon Kelly from
Heavy Haulage Assets. Now in their third year as naming sponsor, along with Dave Larsen from Larsen's Truck Sales, Jon and Dave always make their presence known when their big rigs roll into town.
Lined up around the scenic Campbell’s Creek Recreation Reserve, the national display of chrome is blinding. Polishing rags are in action before, during and after the show. No matter the make, colour or vintage, and whether in the running for a coveted trophy or not, it’s a matter of pride.
Owners, drivers and their families enjoy a welcome catch-up with mates. It’s become a tradition, with many companies like Cornwill Transport attending for 30 years or more. In 2023, the Cornwill team left the ground with extra-wide smiles, the Truck of the Show trophy safely tucked away in the cab of their Kenworth Legend SAR.
Having fun is high on the agenda too.
Last year the Brown’s Stockfeed crew teased their fellow transport companies on social media, leaving everyone wondering whether or not they would attend. A chorus of horns announced the fleet’s arrival at the grounds in plenty of time for the judging, and another Best Fleet trophy.
“The HHA and Larsen's Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show reminds us that, at its heart, the truck show is about more than just trucks — it's about the connections we forge, the stories we share, and the community we build together,” says Jeanette Wharton from Shamick Transport.
Naturally, there is still work to be done. A new truck to negotiate and bargain
Naming sponsors Jon Kelly and Dave Larsen kindly returning the 'lost property' of a fellow sponsor at last year's show.
Image: Castlemaine Truck Show
accessories to be purchased from the charity auction and trade exhibitors, conveniently located on the main ground adjacent to the bar, food tents, and entertainment stage.
Spectators add to the atmosphere.
“We work hard to make Castlemaine a great family event,’ says Truck Show Director Kerry Anderson. ‘The country music is toe-tapping fun and the kids adore the free activities.”
Back by popular demand, Melbournebased country singer Sandee Facy will be returning to the stage — this time bringing her own band, along with award-winning singer and songwriter Craig Lloyd and a lineup of other guest artists.
The Virtual Truckie’s tent is sure to be humming as friendly rivals compete for the highest score. Based on last year’s results, professional truck drivers will be hardpressed to beat their console-savvy teenagers as they complete a challenging list of on-road driving and delivery tasks.
Appearing on the main arena for the first time will be the 15 Force Support Squadron’s Transport Troop, demonstrating truck to trailer transfers. The troop is also joining
the highly popular convoy through town on Sunday morning at 9am when the community lines the streets.
While the trucks are clearly the stars of the show, Rotary Castlemaine conducts the event to raise valuable funds for the community through ticket and food sales.
“We are so grateful to the trucking industry and the 150 community volunteers that assist at the show,” Anderson adds. “It is a combined industry and community effort that allows us to support so many good causes,”
For those wanting more information and to sign up for the Truck Show updates, go to www.castlemainetruckshow.com.
Trucks travel from across all states to attend Australia’s most prestigious regional truck show. Image: Truckspotting Ararat
Truckies
RALLY ROUND
A truck meet held at a car park in Sydney in July has raised $6,872 for the family of a local boy who is fighting cancer
Words: Kayla Walsh
A total of 80 trucks rolled up at Marsden Park in Sydney recently for an evening of fun and fundraising.
Organiser Luke Roberts, who is a driver for KWS Towing, has been running truck meets on a monthly basis for the past few years, with the first one raising about $350.
He is delighted with how far the event has come since then.
“This one was probably the biggest yet,” he says.
“We had a barbecue, we were walking around with buckets, and we had a raffle with some great prizes that were donated.
“We even had people asking if they could transfer money — some people donated like $500.”
Roberts says the money raised will be well spent, helping the family of 13-year-old local boy Hayden, who was recently diagnosed with a type of sarcoma, a rare cancer that begins in the connective tissues of the body.
“The family are our neighbours, they are good friends of ours.
“We wanted to raise some money so the dad could have some time off work to spend with him in the hospital.”
Fundraising aside, Roberts says the truck meets are a great way to catch up with fellow truckies and have a laugh.
“My friend Jake Cusbert and I set up the meets because we would see people on the road and you might give them a wave but you might not know their name.
“We thought it would be a nice way to put a name to the faces, have a chat and a coffee, maybe a dessert.
“Some weekends we might only get 30 trucks, but it’s still a good night.”
The crowd soaking up the atmosphere at the event. Image: Steve Haskell Luke Roberts and Jake Cusbert with a delighted Hayden. Image: Luke Roberts
These classy Kenworths lit up the night. Image: Steve
The truck meet brought a total of 80 trucks to Marsden Park in Sydney. Image: Luke Roberts
A total of 80 trucks came along to support a great cause. Image: Steve Haskell
Ainsleigh Thomas went from studying for a career in childcare to becoming a successful linehaul manager at StarTrack
You don’t often hear of people in the transport industry coming from a background in caring for children.
Originally studying for a Cert III in childcare, Ainsleigh Thomas did a full 180 in her career — moving from screaming kids to monster rigs.
Now working as a linehaul manager with transport and logistics company StarTrack (owned by Australia Post), Ainsleigh recently took home Transport Women Australia Limited’s ‘Young Gunnette’ Award for going above and beyond as a woman under 30 in the industry.
Ainsleigh had dreamed of one day being nominated for the award, and was absolutely delighted to be chosen as this year’s winner.
“TWAL are so supportive of young women in the industry,” she says.
"I was so grateful to be recognised.”
The Young Gunnette award aims to promote, motivate, and encourage young women who are making strides early in their careers.
“I would encourage any young female to go for it,” says Ainsleigh.
“If you feel like you’re doing a lot in your field, then you should be recognised.
Images: Ainsleigh Thomas
Ainsleigh recently spent some time with TWAL, engaging with high school students
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
“Looking back, if I had known that the transport industry was an option for me when I was in school, you never know where I could have been now.”
(Above left) Ainsleigh was thrilled to win this year's TWAL Young Gunnette Award
(Above right) Ainsleigh was also awarded a TWAL Driving the Difference scholarship last year
Making sacrifices, working long hours and putting her job first is how Ainsleigh managed to clinch the award.
Reflecting on her achievements, Ainsleigh says she implemented a history-making project at StarTrack, with their A double and B triple combinations running freight between Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
“That project was really monumental because we've never done anything like it in the past,” she adds.
Beginning her transport journey in a small country town in northwest New South Wales,
her first job out of high school was with Australia Post, and she’s been with them for the past 10 years.
Her initial love for transport stemmed from motorbikes, with Ainsleigh getting her motorbike licence at the tender age of 16.
“It was my main mode of transport at the time,” she says.
“When I first got the job at Australia Post, I was a motorbike postie.”
When asked about her transition from motorbikes to trucks, she sighed before chuckling: “Oh God, it was long and chaotic. It took quite a few years, and I moved around a lot.”
She admits that she never imagined she would end up in the transport industry,
but after she began working her way up at Australia Post, she decided to take a leap of faith and move to Sydney during the pandemic.
This led her to the Operations Manager role for the biggest StarTrack site in Australia, managing a fleet of subcontractors doing a minimum of 100 movements a night.
Ainsleigh has thrived under such huge responsibility, and her abilities have not gone unnoticed within the transport industry.
After winning her Young Gunnette award, Ainsleigh spent a few days representing Transport Women Australia Ltd (TWAL), speaking to high school students in Western Sydney about the opportunities offered by a career in transport.
“It’s amazing to get out there to inspire the younger generation and open up their perspective,” she says.
Currently, the transport industry is facing a major driver shortage, and Ainsleigh says that’s another significant reason why students should consider a career in the industry.
She shared an “eye-opening” story about a 17-year-old girl she met during her time with TWAL, who is already working as a pilot, taking customers on joy flights over the Camden area.
There are so many impressive young women in the transport industry, but Ainsleigh really stands out – and the Young Gunnette award isn’t her first time she’s been publicly honoured for her hard work.
Last year she was also awarded TWAL’s Driving the Difference scholarship, providing funding for her training to complete a compliance manager program.
“It really shows how genuinely supportive the transport industry is,” she adds.
Discovering his dream truck by fate led Michael Trimboli to the Adelaide Convoy for Kids
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Michael Trimboli
The two dazzling Kenworths can’t help but grab attention
What a looker!
Family is at the heart of Michael Trimboli’s trucking story.
It’s what led him to his truck, his fleet and the Adelaide Convoy for Kids, where Deals on Wheels tracked him down.
Before his father passed away six years ago, Michael had an idea in mind of what model he wanted his first truck to be.
Travelling all around Australia, eager to find the perfect first truck, Michael looked at Macks and Ivecos, but nothing felt right.
But one day, looking through Adelaide’s weekly newspaper, the Stock Journal, his father found the rig Michael had been searching for — a Kenworth 659.
“I’ve always wanted that model of truck, and he found it for me,” he says.
“It was for sale, so I grabbed the opportunity and bought it straight away.
“I feel like it was meant to be, it just fit the picture.”
The moss green Kenworth is easy on the eyes, with sparkling chrome and charcoal bull bar that complements the overall aesthetic of the truck.
This stunning rig is mesmerising due to its minimalistic design, featuring white signwriting and stainless steel hub caps and exhaust pipes, polished up to such a shine it could blind spectators.
Trimboli's backgorund is in farming
This rig is not just a pretty face
From farm work to civil mining and deliveries. Trimboli does all kinds of jobs
The stainless steel hubcaps were polished to perfection for the convoy
The rig has had plenty of adventures
The whole fleet is well presented
Little did Michael know that this truck and its siblings would go on to win him the Best Presented Fleet award at Adelaide’s first Camp Quality Convoy for Kids.
Camp Quality’s event is a fun way for trucks to show their support and raise money for children fighting cancer.
Parading his gleaming Kenworth through the convoy, smiling kids waved up at him as truck horns blared.
Alongside him in the cab sat his mother, who is currently battling leukemia.
Sadly, she isn’t the only one in Michael’s family who has struggled with the disease.
“I have a cousin who is the same age as me, and she had leukemia a long time ago, when we were just kids,” he says.
“I used to go to the convoy with my uncles, which originally got me into it.
“I thought this time, I’m going to do it for my cousin as well.
“I’ve wanted to do it since I owned my first truck. I wasn’t going there for a trophy at all.”
Michael says he was blown away after winning Best Fleet at the convoy, as it was an honour he never expected.
After the event, strangers flooded Michael’s Facebook messages with
compliments about his fleet. He says the secret to his win was lots and lots of polishing and cleaning.
“It has my name on the door,” he says. “When you think about it, it’s a driving business card.”
Trimboli Contracting began with a 24-yearold Michael and his green rig.
Twelve years on, his fleet has grown to seven rigs — all of them trusty Kenworths.
A couple of his trucks were bought brand new from Graham Thompson Motors in Shepparton, while the rest are second-hand. About six years ago, he got them repainted and freshened up.
As proven by the convoy judges’ selection, he likes to keep his trucks in good nick.
Living on a farm his whole life, where livestock and produce needed to be carted around, Michael was destined to fall in love with trucks.
Now he not only runs his own transport business, but works on the farm with his brother, while looking out for his mum.
Next year, Michael plans on bringing even more of his trucks to the Adelaide convoy, to fight against the disease that has affected his family in more ways than one.
The moss green colour really stands out
Smashing
SUCCESS
It’s no surprise The Truck Factory’s colourful rig is awarded with yet another win
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Robbie Adams
The bright orange rig is popular with kids.
Image: Down the White Lines
Who knew a smash repair truck could look so good?
Adding to its pile of victories, The Truck Factory snatched up yet another win at this year’s Adelaide Camp Quality Convoy for Kids.
The People’s Choice award for Best Presented Truck was chosen by three Camp Quality kids, who couldn’t resist the Truck Factory’s bright orange Western Star 4900.
The man behind the wheel of the winner, Robbie Adams, was surprised to take home the trophy as he thought Craig Arthur Transport had it in the bag.
“It was a bit of a shock,” he says. “I really thought we would place runner up to Craig Arthur’s Optimus Prime truck, but obviously ours stood out just that little bit more!”
Over 150 trucks paraded down the streets of Adelaide for the first time at the inaugural Camp Quality Convoy, in support of children battling cancer.
With the Truck Factory raising money for the convoy, Adams’ boss sent him out to enjoy the event.
The company usually sends three or four trucks from their fleet to shows, but Adams was the sole representative at this convoy, standing out in his striking rig.
“The convoy was bigger than I had expected, especially as it was Adelaide’s first time to host it,” he says.
“It was great for us to get our name out there and participate in something like that.”
Before finding his place and winning a stack of awards, Adams struggled to stick to a job he enjoyed.
“When I was 18/19 I used to drive interstate for my dad,” he says. “I'd get sick of that, and I'd go and drive a tow truck for a friend of mine. Then I’d get sick of that, so I’d drive interstate again.
“Then I met a bloke in an accident one night who owned heavy salvage tow trucks, and
he said, ‘Why don’t you do both?’
“That was 34 years ago, and I've been doing it ever since.”
To this day, Jon works for truck smash repair specialist, heavy vehicle recovery and heavy-duty tow truck business The Truck Factory in South Australia.
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, their fleet includes a Freightliner, an IVECO tilt tray and a Peterbilt, which is the only other orange truck they own.
The bright orange Western Star 4900 sure is the rig of the fleet though, with stainless steel stacks and a gleaming bull bar that pulls focus to the front of the vehicle.
A bright cartoon design along the sides displays a brown monster pulling a miniature blue truck by a chain that extends the whole length of the rig.
Between the fun pictures and the vibrant colours, it’s not hard to see why this truck was a favourite with the kids at the convoy.
Camp Quality’s general manager of revenue, Sandie Hall says: “The Truck Factory’s rig was just gorgeous. As soon as the kids saw it, they were in love.
“It's just so colourful and bright — the kids were always going to pick it!”
Adams says these cool designs are nothing new to the company.
The eye-catching unit was
awarded Best Presented Truck at the Adelaide Convoy for Kids
“The company’s been around for 20 odd years now,” he says. “That’s been the logo from day dot.”
Even at night, the truck stands out
Adams says he put in some work polishing and cleaning to get the truck ready for the convoy, but he was surprised and delighted by the overwhelmingly positive reception it received.
“I’ve driven this truck for nine years and to have it stand out amongst 150 odd trucks is unreal,” he says.
Adams says he’s looking forward to making a return to the convoy next year — where The Truck Factory is hoping to have its entire fleet on display.
Truckin’
LOVE
Clare Temby’s boyfriend inspired her to get behind the wheel. Now she’s on a mission…
Relationships often bring lessons. Being with your partner can teach you about patience, loyalty and good communication. And sometimes, it can teach you how to drive a truck.
Clare Temby knew next to nothing about big rigs. That is, until she met her boyfriend, Jack Milthorpe.
Jack’s family is heavily involved with trucks, being the owners of Milthorpe Transport in Truganina, Victoria, so it was only right that he taught Clare the tricks of the trade.
From spending two years in the passenger seat of Jack’s truck, to sitting behind the wheel herself, Clare has come a long way.
“I didn't know anything about trucks before I met Jack, when I was 17,” she says.
“His passion rubbed off on me, and now I love it too.
“I just want to learn everything there is to know about trucks.”
Clare worked for Milthorpe Transport for a year and a half, doing general flat-top freight before the family sold the business in May this year.
Being a 20-year-old female truck driver hasn’t been an easy ride.
She says the hardest part of her job is dealing with people who are quick to doubt and underestimate her due to her age and gender.
“Proving yourself is a big one as a girl in trucking,” she says.
“There are people who are just against it. They would never admit that I’m good at what I do or that I know what I’m doing.”
Despite dealing with some negativity here and there, Clare says she’s been surprised by how many people have been supportive of her.
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Clare Temby
Image: Lees Photography
Clare at the Rutherglen Rumble Truck Show.
DEALS People
She hopes to inspire more young women to pursue a career in transport, despite the challenges it brings.
Clare and her boyfriend Jack’s last day at Milthorpe Transport
“I want to get a following on social media and inspire young girls to get into the trucking industry,” she says.
Taking a leaf out of social media influencer
Trucking with CJ’s book, Clare plans to share videos from a day in the life of a female truckie and teach her audience some tips and tricks.
“Everyone just sees the negative stereotype of trucking,” she says.
“You’re never home, you never see your family, you can’t have a life, etc — but that isn’t always true. I want to show people that you can still have a normal life while travelling, driving and working.”
While Clare enjoys the long drives, the part of trucking she loves most is actually securing a load.
“Sometimes you have to really think about how you’re going to tie a knot without everything falling off,” she says.
“That’s my favourite thing, the challenge of it.
“That’s why I love general freight. I’ll never do anything else.”
Born and raised in a small NSW town called Wentworth, Clare dreamt of being a station worker there, just like her dad.
Looking back, she had no idea what awaited her, and that romance would be the catalyst for her trucking journey.
Recently beginning a new job with Dawson’s Haulage, Clare does local and
interstate work with her 2001 Kenworth 104.
She shared a message for any young woman who might be interested in joining the trucking industry.
“Don't be scared of what other people think, because people are always going to judge and have an opinion of you, no matter what,” she says.
“Just do whatever you want to do and prove them all wrong!”
drove
Clare has just begun her job at Dawson’s Haulage
Clare
Jack’s truck while hers was broken down. Image: Jack Milthorpe
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BreastScreen Western Australia’s mobile clinic is saving lives across some of the country’s most rural locations
Words: Alex Catalano
Images: BreastScreen WA
BreastScreen
WA’s pride and joy, its mobile screening clinic
Breast cancer is one of the most preventable, yet most common, forms of cancer.
According to BreastScreen Australia, one in every seven women in the country will develop breast cancer in their lives. Taking today’s population, that equates to nearly two million women that will be affected at some point.
Early detection can be critically important in stopping breast cancer before it can do major damage. As such, BreastScreen has more than 750 locations Australia-wide, with all women over 40 having access to free screenings.
But even with so many centres to go to, rural and regional communities can be placed at a disadvantage. Particularly remote parts of Australia face issues, whether that be financial or road and infrastructure access, meaning a large population of women can’t take advantage of these potentially life-saving screenings.
That’s where BreastScreen’s mobile clinics come in. These units are in operation all over Australia, either as vans or trailers pulled by a truck.
BreastScreen Western Australia senior screening services officer Jenna Govan is in charge of organising the logistics of the trucks that travel across Australia’s largest state to some of the most isolated locations in our sprawling country.
This can be difficult with just the one truck to use, a Mercedes-Benz Atego, but a new Isuzu model will take the fleet to two by the end of the year.
But it’s more than just the truck that has to be considered when getting the mobile clinic on the road, with some smaller towns especially lacking a lot of infrastructure.
“We’ve got three trailers and one truck, with the new truck also coming on board at the end of this year,” Jenna says.
“We have a biennial schedule, so all those
The new truck and trailer have nearly finished going through the building process. Custom trailer builder Varley is responsible for the soon-to-beadded ‘Leschenaultia’
trailers visit regional towns every two years. In some of the bigger towns they’ll go for annual screenings.
“My role is to manage the mobile schedule of each of those trailers and trucks. I’m also keeping on top of the sites, accommodations and truck drivers.
“We contact the sites about three months prior to visits and let them know we’re coming, and make sure all the resources are there like water and power and things like that.
“Then we contact the drivers, we’ve got a list that are familiar with our equipment, and we book in our movements with them. The accommodation is then sourced six to 12 months prior to the visits.
“It’s about keeping on top of that, because if you don’t give the site enough time there could be other agencies using that space. The accommodation, especially in the spots that are popular with tourists, is especially important.
“I’m making sure it’s all scheduled and ready to open for screenings.”
The sheer volume that BreastScreen WA’s mobile unit takes on can also prove difficult, making the demand much higher than what
BreastScreen WA’s fleet of cars gets their doctors and healthcare professionals to wherever the trailers are
The truck requires three phase 32 amp power and a five pin point to perform mammogram screenings
Saving lives one screening at a time
While most patients will only come in for one mammogram, receive their results, and be on their way, that’s not always the case.
The trailers are equipped for follow up screenings and further investigations if needed, which patients will have before doctors can decide if any further action needs to be taken at a hospital.
“We provide mammograms in the mobile clinics and further step-down assessments,” Jenna explains.
“The clients will go back to the mobile to do their further views if necessary. It saves them having to come into Perth if they need any further investigation. If they need an ultrasound or any biopsies, they can come into Perth.”
Being in regional communities, when the job needs to be done in just a few days, there’s no stopping.
As a health service, the mobile clinic won’t turn women away from getting a mammogram, even if it means putting in more hours in the day, recognising it may be the only opportunity and access some women coming into the clinic have.
“We see 25 ladies per day plus allowance for two or three further views,” Jenna says.
“They have to be really flexible, especially if we’re in Fitzroy Crossing or Halls Creek, anywhere in the Kimberley.
“The radiographer last year had to perform 32 in one
Scan to find out where the BreastScreen WA mobile clinic is now!
day. We need to screen the women when they come.
“Clients coming in from the remote communities need allowances made.”
Ultimately, providing free mammograms is a service that’s done a lot for the prevention of advanced breast cancer across Australia.
Early detection is extremely crucial in stopping it before it can spread throughout the body, and with how common it is, treating it early goes a long way.
“Because breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, it’s really important to get it early,” Jenna says.
“Statistically we’ve trialled things like reducing the visits to try and encourage women to go into our fixed regional clinics, and they just don’t. We recognise that women in country areas can’t always venture out for these important appointments. If we don’t bring the service to them, they’re not going to access them.
“We recognise it’s a need for our clients, otherwise it would be overlooked. We value the importance of that, especially in the regional communities.
“In some of the smaller Aboriginal communities, women are coming in on buses but there’s no roads out to them. We’ve had to fly them in at times as well.
“They’d just never have access to those services, they’re just too remote.”
If you want to know where the BreastScreen WA mobile clinic is right now, scan the QR code above.
The main truck has gone through several iterations
they can provide at times — hence the need for a second truck.
This necessitates some journeys to be longer than others. The truck is currently stationed in the one place for half the year, which is as common as the smaller trips with more towns covered.
Both are necessary to serve WA’s sprawling population.
“The amount of screenings we do really depends on the place,” Jenna says.
“This year we’re currently in Geraldton for about six months. In our larger towns, we’re there for a substantial amount of time. Next year we’re in Busselton for four months.
“Each of those bigger towns, we might be there for a large chunk of time. One of the other trailers in Harvey has 13 towns they’ll visit between now and Christmas.
“We’re only in some of those towns for two and a half or three days. Sometimes eight days. They’re very short visits before they move again.
“They’re on a rotation, the trailers have got lots of little moves before they have a long stay.”
Desert Rose schedule
While managing the location is one part of Jenna’s job, the other is making sure there’s enough staff on board and at the right places to keep screenings moving.
Especially with the trailers that are in one location for a long time, doctors and other staff aren’t able to stay with the clinic the whole time. This requires rotations in not only the trailers, but the people working on them too.
“We try to have permanent staff on our mobiles,” Jenna says.
“We currently don’t on the trailer that’s in Geraldton. That’s easily accessible for us to fly staff up and back. We have coverage of about two weeks on, two weeks off FIFO with our metro staff.
“They get accommodation and their daily allowance. We do have permanent staff on our other mobiles. That’s our ideal scenario.
“We do recognise that it’s challenging being away from home. They are out there 12 months of the year all the time, so we do recognise it’s a difficult job to do.
“When we’re doing our scheduling, we’ve got things to factor in with the weather, mainly cyclone season. There’s not much flexibility in the schedule when we’re going up to the Kimberley, for instance.”
This is what the schedule for the BreastScreen WA ‘Desert
Deals caught up with Jon Mancer — a truck show president with a museum of rigs at home
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Jon Mancer
This six-wheel Gradall is taken to shows now as a tractor pull truck
Jon’s “Dodgey International” screams vintage
Self-proclaimed truck nut Jon Mancer loves everything to do with trucks.
From organising events to showing off his own rigs, his life revolves around heavy vehicles.
Yet, he doesn’t drive one for a living.
For his day job, Jon works at a TAFE college as a technical officer, in the heavy vehicle section.
Not knowing where else to put his love for
trucks, he decided to get involved with the Golden Oldies Vintage Truck Club around 15 years ago, eventually becoming president.
“I’m not a truck driver, I just like trucks full stop,” he says. “So, I got involved with a truck club,”
“The president stepped down and said, ‘Well Jon can do it’, so I said ‘Righto’ and I did.
“I’ve now organised the past three to four shows.”
The truck show, based in Dubbo, preserves the past with its attention-grabbing display of vintage trucks, tractors and engines.
“I especially like the older trucks – they have a bit more character to them, with different sounds,” he says.
The Golden Oldies is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run show that takes place every two years.
“This is what we do – give back to the community,” he says.
‘The more we make, the more we give away.”
With eight trucks all up, Jon has his hands full with a Gradall, a Diamond T, a 17-tonne Peterbilt, a Kenworth and more.
When asked if he was planning to purchase any other trucks any time soon, he replied: “I think we’ve got enough.”
One of Jon’s favourite trucks is a Kenworth K125 that he bought from McKechnie Drilling Services in Mandooran in 2015.
Jon does not drive the Kenworth, which is
The International R190 on the back of the Dodgey International’s trailer
The ol’ Kenworth lighting up the dark roads
registered as a historic vehicle, but displays it at club events and truck shows.
The white Kenworth displays a simple design, featuring light and dark blue signwriting and scrollwork.
The Golden Oldies has a team of people setting up, but Jon acts as the main event organiser
Jon’s Kenworth K125 from McKechnie’s Drilling Services
Images of waves, splashes of water and a dolphin embellish the side of the cab — a nod to the previous use of the truck — while the front stands strong with a large bull bar.
Jon is the third owner of the truck but says that surprisingly, not much maintenance work was needed to get it up to scratch.
“I’ve done some spring shackles, the suspension and brake booster, but very little work needed doing. As far as running gear goes, it’s good,” he says.
“It’s pretty much in its working clothes from when it came off full registration.
“I left it like that and I’m not going to paint it,
so it can keep its character.”
And Jon leaves his museum of trucks just like that, with plenty of character.
A rustic six-wheel road ranger adds to the vintage design that Jon loves.
Originally used as a rail maintenance vehicle, with an excavator mounted on the back to carry repairs to railway lines, is his Gradall Detroit 6v53, now used at shows as a tractor pull truck.
He also owns a green and brown vintage “Dodgey International”.
Once again playing into that rustic style, the truck has a Dodge AT4 chassis with an International C-Line cab.
Jon bought the truck with the International cab and air brakes fitted, with a Detroit 6v53 and a Road Ranger 10-speed with two speed differentials.
The rig that sits on the back of the trailer is his International R190, featuring a 406 cubic inch petrol engine, five-speed gearbox and two speed differentials with hydraulic brakes.
As a truck show enthusiast, Jon has plenty of shows and events lined up each
year, including Crawlin’ the Hume and the Clarendon Kenworth Klassic.
We know his eight trucks and the Golden Oldies show will keep him occupied, with a show already scheduled in the day after this interview with Deals on Wheels
The splashes of water and dolphin are a nod to the previous usage of the truck
Keeping trucks on the road is all part of a day’s work for the team at Gibbs Gearbox and Diff Pty Ltd
Images: Gibbs Gearbox and Diff Pty Ltd
The rejuvenated Brisbane headquarters of Gibbs Gearbox & Diffs is popular with customers and staff
With one of the coolest logos in the business Gibbs Gearbox and Diff has been a part of Australia’s trucking scene in some shape or form since 1957.
The distinctive orange GIBBS on the arty blue / grey truck has become synonymous with reconditioned gearboxes and differentials that suit a vast array of truck brands.
For Gibbs Gearbox & Diff’s spare parts manager David Shaw, who has been working with the family business for more than a decade, the job is all about helping customers to keep the wheels rolling on the biggest assets any transport company owns.
The group stocks and rebuilds diffs and gearboxes from a range of brands Including Volvo, ZF, Eaton Roadranger, Meritor, Mercedes Benz, Scania, Mack, Dana Spicer and the 4 Major Japanese brand Isuzu, Hino, Fuso and UD.
David says they are happy to help workshops out with US, Japanese and European brands too.
The workshop draws on years of experience and the evolution of the Gibbs business over the years.
The journey started with a car and truck wrecking yard in 1957, opened as a
partnership between Ivan Gibbs and Bert Wilson.
Then in 1980 Chris and Paul Gibbs took over with the focus moving away from wrecking in 1990 and into the provision of new parts for the trucking industry.
Over the years the business changed again with Gibbs Parts Pty Ltd created in 2002 focusing on new truck parts for a wide variety of truck brands.
That part of the business sold more recently to Truckline and Gibbs Gearbox & Diff split off to focus on its key niche.
It’s here that David and the team are now to be found, based out of Brisbane, with 10 mechanics working flat out to recondition and repair old gearboxes, diffs and drivetrains and send them out to workshops around the country on a shared mission of minimising downtime for the nation’s road transport fleet.
The business consolidated its Queensland workshops into a more central Brisbane location in 2020, which David says has had a positive flow on effect for customers in terms of speeding up the delivery cycle of parts, particularly to interstate locations.
“Since the move, the business just grown dramatically,” he says.
During the Covid years, David says the
demand for their products increased markedly as fleets looked to extend the lives of their existing trucks and dealt with a shortage of new equipment making it to Australia’s shores.
Like David, the mechanical team at Gibbs Gearbox & Diff have been there for a while, many having completed their apprenticeships with the company before staying on and becoming masters in their specialities.
“Finding mechanics is tough. It is a good crew. Lot of guys in their 20s and a couple of older guys.”
Asked about how business is right now, David says May and June had slowed a little, but things were ramping back up in July, to
the point where turnarounds were taking a little longer.
“With the amount of work we’ve got on, we’re very lucky to get anything to the shelf. Now you’re building to sell,” he says.
“We’ve found currently some models of gearboxes that you thought were dead, all of a sudden, they’re back in demand. There’s a couple of old Volvo gearboxes, they’re back and popular again.”
Gibbs Gearbox & Diff has full workshop facilities available. It sells spares, reconditioned and new units and can also offer repairs. See www. gibbstrucktransmissions.com.au or phone 07 3276 9300
If it's gearboxes or diffs you're after, there's a fair chance you'll find it on the shelves
Women
FOR THE WIN
Surprised by the lack of women in her field, Katharina Attana decided to try to fix the gender imbalance within Australian transport
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Katharina Attana
Katharina Attana won the Female Leadership award at the Australian Freight Industry Awards 2023
We’re lucky to live in Australia. We have amazing opportunities for work, great education, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. What’s not to love?
Katharina Attana has made her way around the globe, living in different countries over the years. Originally from Germany, she’s previously worked in the United States and Asia.
It’s fair to say that the current Chief Operating Officer of Tasman Logistics Services understands the work life of almost every continent.
Meeting her Australian husband while working in Hong Kong, Katharina decided to move Down Under to be with the man she loved, while working in a country she had heard so many good things about. But to her surprise, things were different to
what she had expected, especially when it came to the supply chain industry.
One of the first things she noticed was gender imbalance in the workplace.
“It was a very male dominated industry, it felt a lot more equal in other countries,” she says. “I looked at the gender equality index at the time, and that’s when I started to engage a lot further. Australia was sitting quite low, but it has significantly improved since then.”
Katharina was inspired by a strong female figure in her life, her mother, who owns a road construction company back in Germany.
Studying international business and management, Katharina worked for a student organisation, where she met with a HR manager from Hellmann Worldwide Logistics who offered her a job.
Having always been around trucks,
concrete and heavy machinery, Katharina took on the offer while still studying, and later working for Hellmann in Germany, Spain and finally Hong Kong.
After discovering her new home was unlike her previous life, she grew passionate and desired more diversity in her industry.
“I believe diverse opinions, backgrounds and experiences can build better companies, build better processes and better services for our customers and community,” she says.
“Look at what we’ve achieved as an industry with this ratio. Just imagine what we could do if we were to work together.”
Katharina says she wants success for all people working in transport, but especially for women.
“I want women to have equal opportunities, but also the confidence to step up in their career, which is sometimes not so easy when you're trying to combine family and work.”
So, Katharina took it upon herself to organise networking events for women in the supply chain industry to gather for a big breakfast.
“It’s a great opportunity to talk about anything. I’m always happy to catch up, lend an ear and listen,” she says.
As the director of Transport Women Australia, she has educated young girls at high schools and universities about the industry, running mentoring and coaching sessions also.
This commitment to women in transport led her to receiving the appreciation she deserves, winning the Female Leadership Award in 2023 at the Australian Freight Industry Awards (AFIA), recognising women who have improved the likelihood of other women working in transport.
Balancing out gender in a male-dominated field isn’t easy, but with a win like this under her belt, she is confident she’s on the right path.
Receiving such an honour, Katharina has thrown her support behind nominations for the 2024 AFIA awards, as it was a reminder of how important collaboration is among women and men.
To the women, and to others who may be afraid of joining the transport industry, Katharina says there are opportunities aplenty.
“The transport field offers a range of diverse roles with something for everybody, whether you’re interested in marketing, admin, an operational role, warehouse automation or IT,” she says.
So, what’s next for Katharina?
Tasman Logistics is currently sitting
at profits of $200 million, with plans to quadruple that by 2027.
It’s fair to say she’s feeling quite positive toward the growth of the company and her career.
When Deals on Wheels asked Katharina what it took for her to get to this point today, two key qualities came to her mind.
“Confidence and resilience,” she says.
And she left us with this…“People can be afraid to try something new, just take the step and back yourself. If you fail, fail fast and fail forward. Remain confident in what you do and who you are, and resilience comes with that.”
Kat Attana with TWAL chair Jacqueline Brotherton. Image: TWAL Kat and her team celebrating her award
PATROL Paw
Haven’t we all wanted to take our pets with us everywhere we go?
Being a truck driver often means long hours on the road, with nothing but the radio, the views and your own thoughts to keep you company.
If your employer allows it, or you’re your own boss, bringing your pet along for the
ride can make time away from home much more bearable. We reached out to some Deals on Wheels readers, who shared these adorable snaps of their besties — who are surely some of the best-travelled dogs and cats in Australia!
Dave Lord's gorgeous dog Sasha enjoys the view from the cab
Andrew Smith's 14-year-old Cocker Spaniel Millie loves snuggling up
Daniel Franklin's border/blue cross Star is his "best passenger"
Timothy O'Shea's dog Xena goes everywhere with him
Samantha Yarnold's Frenchie
Isabella is 2.5 years old
Liz Armstrong used to work for a Dachshund rescue organisation, where she picked up Gizmo at Coffs Harbour
Preston is Kylie Burrows' little truckin' buddy
Karen Hawker’s new sidekick Mabel is a real cutie
Piglet was Lisa Short's co-pilot until she got older
CPI fee increases don’t pass the pub test
At NatRoad, we are well aware of the many pressing challenges facing our industry, particularly as our nation deals with a cost-ofliving crisis.
While governments work to provide relief to everyday Australians, the fee increases by the National Heavy Vehicle Register (NHVR), that commenced on July 1, seem out-of-step.
We believe these rising costs may exacerbate an already difficult situation for many truck operators.
The main issue hurting our operators today is the relentless increase in operational costs.
Recently, NatRoad commissioned economic research to review this issue and the findings are stark.
According to HoustonKemp, the costs of operating a nine-axle B-double, travelling 250,000 kilometres per year, have increased by over 20 percent in the past six years.
This significant increase has been driven by higher diesel prices, labour costs, maintenance expenses, tyre costs, and rising interest rates.
Despite the end of the pandemic, the financial pressures have not eased.
Further research by IBISWorld underscores this squeeze on industry revenue, showing that profit margins declined by 1.8 per cent over the last five years, now standing at a mere 2.3 per cent. This wafer-thin margin reveals that, for many trucking businesses, profit margins are virtually non-existent or in some cases regressing.
In addition, industry profits have seen a concerning decline of 7.4 per cent. The
reality is that many trucking businesses are operating on a knife-edge.
Moreover, the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law has yet to provide tangible relief for operators.
The burden of non-safety-related fines remains unaddressed, adding another layer of financial strain.
The proposed shift towards an automated access system, based on the Tasmanian model, aims to reduce reliance on permits. However, the commitment to delivering this reform will need to be brought into question if the reliance on revenue from permits is poised to increase.
As we navigate these challenges, it is crucial for policymakers to engage with industry stakeholders and develop solutions that address the root causes of financial strain. Only through collaborative efforts can we ensure the sustainability and resilience of the trucking sector, which is vital to Australia's economy and supply chains.
It is therefore essential for governments to carefully consider the broader impacts of aligning cost increases to CPI in a bureaucratic manner, without considering the broader consequences. These increases may seem justified on paper, but they fail to account for the harsh realities faced by our industry.
When governments consider fee increases, they must be balanced with the real-world impact on operators.
Our industry cannot afford to bear additional burdens without risking significant economic consequences, especially as our nation's dependence on trucking remains unwavering.
Increasing diesel prices, tyre prices and maintenance expenses are cutting margins in the transport industry.
Image: JJ Gouin / stock.adobe.com
Warren Clark, CEO of the National Road Transport Association
Message
TRUCKS
Qube’s Matthew Newman aims to diversify the trucking world
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Qube
Yindyamarra: a Wiradjuri word that describes respect, gentleness, kindness and balance.
That title is tied to the work artist Darren Charlwood created for Qube Logistics.
The Wiradjuri man from the yabaay wagaan mob in Wellington draws heavily from his cultural knowledge of the environment.
Rolling down the streets of Adelaide at the
Camp Quality Convoy for Kids this July were the Qube trucks.
Proudly parading the Yindyamarra design created for Qube’s Reconciliation Action Plan, they displayed their commitment to provide opportunities for First Nations people.
The purpose of the art piece is to show a balance and correlation between people, the sea and the country, and with Qube having over 160 operations across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, Darren thought it was important to have their connections on display.
“The picture is showing the interconnectedness of everybody in Australia,” says Qube communications manager, Nicole Holyer.
“It shows nature, the past and the present.”
The design includes Indigenous trade routes, Australia’s ports along the coastline, inland rivers, roads and train networks that span the country.
The white objects in the ocean symbolise the movement of whales migrating or ships moving along the coastline.
The aqua shade along Queensland’s coast embodies the Great Barrier Reef, and the red in the centre represents the desert.
Heavily involved in the Camp Quality convoy was Qube Adelaide transport manager Matthew Newman.
Working in Qube’s headquarters for the past 12 years, Newman has over 40 units in his care.
Darren Charlwood’s striking Yindyamarra design
The kids loved Qube’s convoy setup!
Bringing along a fleet of nine to the convoy, three Indigenous trucks and Scanias made an appearance.
But for Newman, the convoy wasn’t all about the trucks — it was about reflecting on the purpose of the event.
“We were up against some stiff competition, there are some great trucks out there,” he says.
“But it really wasn’t about that — it was about supporting this great cause.”
On the day, Newman was stationed in the gazebo Qube had set up, handing out hats, toy trucks and balloons to the kids at the convoy and putting smiles on their little faces.
But cancer isn’t the only battle he is eager to help fight.
With trucking a heavily male-dominated industry, he has been working hard to improve gender diversity within Qube.
At this year’s Toots Awards, presented by Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) on the day of the convoy in celebration of National Female Truckies’ Day, Newman won the inaugural Toots Diversity and Inclusion Award.
“The award recognises someone who facilitates female workplace participation, by establishing a culture that recognises, encourages, listens to, and supports female heavy vehicle drivers in a male-dominated work environment,” he says.
“I’m honoured to be the first recipient.”
With Qube working hand in hand with WiTA’s Foot in the Door program, women are strongly encouraged to join the company.
WiTA provides funding to upskill new female drivers, paying for training and providing mentoring, setting women up with
The monster rig definitely turned a few heads
This Scania paraded down the streets in style
DEALS Showcase
the skills and confidence they need to get behind the wheel.
Increasing the number of female truck drivers at Qube was a no-brainer for Newman, especially with the company always on the lookout for drivers — particularly on the short runs to and from the port to their depot in Adelaide.
Newman with the eight female truckies employed at Qube in Adelaide
Charlwood’s full art piece, which demonstrates interconnectedness
“In 12 months, we’ve increased the number of women driving for Qube in Adelaide on the afternoon shift from two to eight drivers,” he says.
“The national average for female truck drivers is just two per cent. It’s a no-brainer.
“The work is close to home, so it works really well in this program.”
Matthew hopes to continue his efforts to promote diversity within Qube.
“I can’t speak for the future of women in trucking broadly, but for us here at Qube in Adelaide, it’s satisfying to see how a little effort can make a big difference,” he says.
“I hope we’ll keep going from strength to strength.”
Lisa Lloyd has had diesel in her veins since she was a toddler sitting in her dad’s lap steering the tractor around the farm. It’s led her all over Australia, driving trucks as big as triple road trains, as Alex Catalano found out
In her four decades of experience behind the wheel, 60-year-old Lisa Lloyd has driven trucks of all shapes and sizes, including some of the biggest there is.
While she’s starting to take a step back now, if you can call driving triple road trains across South Australia every weekend a ‘step back’, it’s just another part of a transport journey that has taken her all over Australia.
“I’m a grandma now and I’m still doing it!” she laughs.
Lloyd currently works casually for Qube, taking loads of copper concentrate from the mine in Carrapateena down to Whyalla Wharf in a fully loaded triple road train.
“I’m just doing one trip in the day, then night shift do the other,” she says.
“After we get to the port, we hop on a stacker ourselves and unload it, put some empties on and run it back.
“I’m driving geared trucks, autos, Volvos, Macks, a couple of Kenworth T909s. It’s anything really, whatever’s sitting there. It gives you a bit of variety.
“We go up and stay on the mine. It’s an everyday thing. We jump on forklifts and take the boxes off, get the lids off.
“I quite enjoy reach stackers and loaders. They break it up a bit for the day.”
Lloyd has settled back down in SA now, back where she started in the Clare Valley.
Her father used to own a vineyard in the area, and she’s come back now to take care of him as she herself moves closer to retirement.
While she originally intended to find
Images: Lisa Lloyd
Road trains have become Lisa’s speciality
Lisa drove side tippers in her time in the Northern Territory
something smaller and more local, the call of the open road was too great to ignore.
“I’ve tried to come home and get a local job, but a weekend doing mining work is just nothing,” Lloyd says.
It was on the farm that her transport career started, as she explains. Lloyd is a self-described petrolhead, with “diesel in her veins”.
“Dad used to take me out before kindy and threw me on the tractor,” she says.
“I couldn’t reach the pedals, so he’d do it and I’d just steer it. He’d stand on the trailer feeding sheep or throwing posts out in the vineyard. That was my first whiff of diesel.”
That was the start of a great thing, as Lloyd was determined to get on the road as soon as she possibly could, whether that be by car, truck or otherwise.
“I was always mad keen to get a car licence, went for my Ls on my 16th.
“I had the opportunity a little bit later to get a HC licence. I was renting a house that belonged to a farmer down on the plains and he asked me to start the truck up.
“He had an old White Roadboss out in the shed. I asked if I could take it for a lap of the
paddock. I ventured out on the roads after that.
“I taught myself how to back it. I had horses so I knew how to back a horse float.
“Then I convinced him to let me go for my licence, which only took a drive around town with a policeman back then. That was back in 1987.”
After that, the truck licence didn’t much of a workout other than around the farm.
“I was married to a station manager so I hopped in the old station truck with cows, just rigids,” Lloyd says.
Driving road trains isn’t for everyone, but Lisa can’t get enough, even at 60
Just one of the many road trains Lisa has driven
So many wheels it’s easy to lose count
Working in the mines has been a career highlight
Lisa stands proudly with one of the trucks she drives
Off to the top end
Lloyd’s career in transport really began to take off when she made the move to the Northern Territory after her marriage ended.
It didn’t come straight away though — she dabbled in baking and tour guiding before being approached by a friend desperately looking for an extra pair of hands.
“The wet season came and a friend in a roadworks crew who were screaming for a water cart driver, but I didn’t know about that,” she says.
“But I didn’t know what else I’d do in the wet season. They put me in a prime mover with a water tank where a sleeper cab would be.
“We’d be out patching roads and the thing was horrible, all the boys refused to drive it. I copped it and put up with it for a while. It went from there.
“The more I stuck my head under the truck when the mechanics were working on it and got underneath it and got dirty, I showed them I was keen and wanted to learn the job.
“A couple of the blokes took me under my wing and helped me along. They threw me along in loaders. We were all over the territory, it was so much fun.
“One of the guys said ‘you’ve been nagging, get in this grader and do the next 5km’. That’s what it was like. Their faith in me built me up to where I am.
“It got all the way up to triple side tippers up there carting the aggregate stone for the
Finding herself out of work, a chance phone call once again led her to a completely different side of the country.
“I had a random phone call and took months to find out where it came from,” Lloyd says.
“A bloke called up and said ‘I believe you can drive triple side tippers. Would you come over to Kalgoorlie?’ I thought it was a prank!
It’s the people you meet along the way – Lisa says the camaraderie has kept her in the trucking world
An impressive sight in black and white
tipping crew. It was so much variety.”
After enjoying her time in the top end, Lloyd returned home for a brief stint before her next adventure.
“They put me through a medical two days later and then I was on a plane to WA.
“It took me age, but I found out that a lady I’d worked with before was a chef in the mines, and she’d mentioned to the HR guy that she had a friend who could drive.
“People ask me how I got in the mines, and I said they rang me up and asked! Once you’re in there you can go anywhere.”
Just like in the NT, Lloyd says she made some of her fondest memories working in Kalgoorlie, building camaraderie with her co-workers and fellow drivers.
While she says she’s faced challenges working in transport, with even fewer women working in the industry back in the 2000s compared to now, she was never made to feel more than welcome.
“With the guys in WA, we had missions to get so many loads in 12 hours and you were flat out,” Lloyd says.
“The chase, the adrenaline, keeping in front of the other guy, I loved it all.
“Once I proved to them I could keep up and I could load clear, they considered me one of the blokes. I was part of the team.
“Even back then there weren’t many women around doing it. I find it’s a whole different world now, the way I got into it compared to now for young girls.
“But there’s plenty of girls from years gone by that have done it the hard way.
“Without the guys I worked with, I wouldn’t be where I am. They’ll teach you anything. The people make it and break it. All the boys I worked with were a really close knit family.
Moving up the ranks
Going up from smaller rigids all the way to triple road trains is a very different process now than when Lloyd was learning how to drive.
She was able to learn on the job, with all different kinds of trucks and for significantly
cheaper, while she believes there are more barriers for entry for drivers nowadays.
“It’s harder to move your licence up now,” she says.
“I had to train a bloke to drive and it did his head in. I was very lucky learning when I did.
“With the roadworks crew, they gave me a rigid watercart that had an 18 speed Road Ranger in it. They let me go with that for 10 months. I could get the hang of the gearbox without worrying about trailers or weight. I had a ball with it.
“I could step into the trailers and not worry about missing gears, I just had to get used to weights and going up hills. I learned when not to use a clutch and how they’re supposed to feel. It was a really smooth transition.
“I was driving a 300 ton with a big powerful engine, and it came natural. To have to sit and do it, to logbook it, and go step by step now, that would be hard.”
Reflecting on her career now, Lloyd says that the two most important things to have if you’re considering getting into trucking is knowledge and passion.
“I think you’ve got to have a bit of mechanical knowledge and a bit of diesel running through your veins to be successful,” she says.
“If you don’t understand how the truck works, you won’t be as good at it. Just go by your heart. If you don’t put your heart in, it’s not worth trying. I’m old school, and I think the way I learned was great.
“My nephew is looking to up his car licence, and he was thinking of getting a truck licence. I told him to not just go to heavy rigid, go as high as you can get. Even if you never use it, just get it.
“I went and got a truck licence because it was sitting in front of me and I had no plans to use it, but now it’s been my life for 40 years. It’s harder to get out of them than into them!”
Royston Whybird’s family history in the transport industry goes back to 1857 — here he takes us on a trip down memory lane
Words: Kayla Walsh
Images: Carinity
Royston is proud of his realistic models
Many of the truckies we interview here at Deals on Wheels can trace their connection to the transport industry back two or even three generations — but few go back as far as 1857.
That’s when Royston Whybird’s greatgrandfather John first arrived in Ipswich, where he operated as a drayman until 1905.
“He was moving anything that needed to be moved, whether that was a bag of flour, a bale of wool for the woollen mills, or a load of furniture for someone who wanted to shift house,’ Royston says.
“I still have a daybook, so you can see a list of what he used to do, like moving furniture for two shillings.
“Of course, they didn’t have trucks when my great-grandfather started out — they didn’t have any motor vehicles at all.
“To give you some perspective — my great-grandfather was working as a drayman for three years before the Burke and Wills Expedition.”
In 1905, it was time for Royston’s grandfather Henry to take over the business, and in 1911 he bought a “lorry” — but it wasn’t
what British people today would call a lorry!
“A lorry was a road vehicle that had two axles and two horses, but it was sprung for use on the road.
“A lot of people might think of it as a wagon but what my grandfather had wasn’t a wagon, because that is a farm vehicle that’s got no springs.
“When they first made trucks, they would call them motor lorries, but my grandfather had a horse-drawn lorry.”
When motor-drawn lorries eventually came on the market, Henry was too “pig-headed” to buy one.
“He said he was too old to learn to drive a truck, so he was way behind the times,” Royston says.
“He was still using horses during World War 2.”
Royston’s father Allan took over the business in 1946, after a stint in Borneo with the Australian army.
“When World War 2 ended, my father came home and he used the horse and lorry until he could get a loan from the military for a deposit, at a cheaper interest rate.
“Then he bought a 1946 Ford truck.”
Allan continued his grandfather and father’s legacy of running general freight –especially furniture.
Then in 1953, he built himself a furniture van, or pantechnicon, with a wooden frame and galvanised iron sheeting.
Royston himself – who was born the day the Japanese first bombed Darwin, and is now 82 years old – trained up as a motor mechanic before he started working for his dad in 1963.
“My parents found it very difficult to get me to go to school,” he remembers. “I’d rather be riding around on the trucks.”
Royston took over Whybirds Removals and Storage in 1987, with his daughter Sheree joining him in 1990 – the fifth generation to work full-time in the family business.
His years at the helm of the business brought some challenges, but also many highlights.
“We got to meet a lot of interesting people, and do some interesting removals,” he says.
“When Bill Hayden retired as GovernorGeneral, he relocated back to the Ipswich area.
“We moved him from Yarralumba in Canberra and Sydney Harbour back to his property at Wivenhoe Dam.”
In 1997, Royston decided to sell Whybirds Removals and Storage, after it had been in the family for 140 years.
After that, he trained to become an auditor for compliance programs, visiting different transport companies across Queensland.
He was one of the first people in the state to present fatigue management to truck drivers,
Allan Whybird with his horse and lorry
The Clydesdales and lorry on show in Brisbane
Royston tracked down and restored the dray his grandfather had used
The Whybirds' old Ford Louisville
A day book from the family business, dating back to 1906
DEALS People
as well as implementing the TruckSafe risk management system soon after it was created.
He found the work engaging, and less stressful than the furniture removals business.
“We didn’t have 35 employees or 13 trucks to worry about anymore,” he says.
“My wife travelled with me and we went all over Queensland, wherever someone wanted us to go.
“It was just me, my wife, and a computer in our four-wheel drive, and that was a completely different situation to running a business.”
Being an auditor doesn’t always make you popular, he says.
“We had a few difficult customers — some were straight up rogues. But the majority were just grateful that someone had come in to explain how it all worked.”
Royston retired in 2014, but still has a keen interest in the transport industry and preserving his family’s legacy.
After a long search, he tracked down the lorry that his grandfather had used, restoring it and bringing it around to vintage shows, pulled by Clydesdale horses.
He no longer does this, but he recently found a new way to honour his family’s ties to transport.
A jigsaw puzzle on the wall of Royston's home is another nod to his family's
“Sometimes people would see you as the bad guy, but I didn’t go in with the attitude of ‘I’m going to find something wrong here.’
“We were there to help them understand what they were supposed to be doing. If there’s a problem, you tell them where the problem is.
He has made a series of models demonstrating the Whybirds’ transition “from horses to horsepower”, from the horse and dray to the 1946 Ford.
The attention to detail in his creations is incredible, as is his resourcefulness when it came to the materials — with Royston using everything from old pieces of exhaust pipe for the lorry’s steel tyre, to his own leatherwork for the horse reins.
Allan, Royston and Sheree Whybird in 1994
Henry Whybird with the dray, circa 1910
Fiat 1974, with body built and painted by Royston
ties to the transport industry
Royston even made the wheels in the same way that wheelwrights used to do it back in the day.
“I’d always thought I would like a model of grandfather’s lorry and I looked at all the model kits you could buy, but they were of a prairie wagon,” he says.
“So, I thought I’d better build myself one.”
He says his models are “not perfect” but he’s proud to have made something that future generations can look back on.
“I just wanted something that the family would always be able to look at and say, ‘That’s what great-grandad did.’”
Henry Whybird (centre) with his lorry circa 1920
A parade through Ipswich was a great opportunity to promote the business Royston made every part of the models, except the horses, by hand
Royston still has his grandfather Henry's old daybooks — this one is from 1906
Royston's realistic models are a tribute to his family's transport legacy
BELOVED
Blitz
This 1943 Chevy Blitz sat unused on a family farm for decades, but it’s now been restored to its former glory as Alex Catalano discovered
Heyfield native Andy Klarenbeek has been fascinated by trucks from a young age; specifically vintage army trucks.
He has fond memories from the 50s and 60s of a friend in town who “zoomed around town in an old Chevy Blitz with the jib on the back and the hooks swaying around”.
Imagine his surprise then when he first met wife Jen and discovered her father had a converted 1943 Blitz being used to spray trees in the family apple orchard.
As Jen’s father began to slow down and eventually retired, the Chevy sat dormant.
“It stayed with the family forever, lived under trees, sheds, against firewood piles until about 1994,” Andy explains.
“Jen’s mother left for a retirement village and we had to clear things out a bit. The old Blitz was still standing there looking a bit sad. So we took it home to Heyfield.”
No longer needed for service after World War II, many army vehicles suffered the same fate, but the farmers of Australia found many uses for them.
“Jen’s dad converted his into a 4WD spraying unit for his apple trees,” Andy says.
“He was able to use that maybe up until about the mid ‘60s, then after that it was replaced by a one-man Ferguson tractor towbehind unit.
“Before that, you couldn’t really buy trucks for farms. A lot of farmers bought army vehicles and converted them.”
For at least the next 15 years, Andy didn’t have the time to do much else to the Blitz other than appreciate it and keep it away from any more damage from mother nature.
But as his own work began to slow down
Images: Andy and Jen
Klarenbeek
The Chevy was named ‘Ted’ for Jen’s father
A photo of the Chevy Blitz as it appears in the original driver’s manual
and he moved closer to retirement, he and Jen found themselves with more time to dedicate to what would become their passion project.
“About 10-11 years ago, we looked at it and said 'We better do something about this,'” Andy says.
Starting the process
With the truck in shocking condition, covered in rust and undriven for years, Andy and Jen knew it wasn’t going to be a short process to get it back to its original glory.
The first step was to deal with the chassis — get the biggest bits out of the way.
Luckily for Andy, a long career in mechanics meant he knew nearly everyone he needed to know to get all the right parts, and get all the jobs he couldn’t do, done.
“We stripped it back and sent the chassis off to the sandblasters,” he says.
“Because of the way the truck was wrecked on the orchards, we needed some cab parts. We sourced a spare truck out in Benalla, and got it home.
“I had to think about putting all the parts in some sort of order. A lot of the cab parts were sandblasted and painted.”
The engine proved to be one of the bigger challenges, as it had to be totally rebuilt.
“I was able to get the pistons and rings from
“He runs an auto machining shop, and he was able to bore the engine out and have the rings fitted to the pistons. It was assembled locally by a guy here in town who’s an exmotor mechanic.”
After that was the tyres, which Andy purchased from a connection who Queensland who gets them in by the container load. They were then fitted locally in Heyfield.
“The wheels have red wheel nuts. There’s two sets. One that were used to bolt the wheel to the vehicle as normal.
“The two halves of the wheel come apart from the red nuts. The wheels are unbelievably strong.”
The next major task was getting all the electrical work done, but once again, Andy’s skills held him in good stead.
“There’s not much in wiring a basic truck that doesn’t have a computer,” he laughs.
“I converted it to 12 volt, it’s so much simpler. 12-volt lights, 12-volt batteries. The starter motor is still okay.
“The local electrician is a bit of an enthusiast himself, he was able to get me a 12 volt generator. It doesn’t have an alternator, just a generator, but it doesn’t look any different.”
Jen’s father Ted converted the truck into a water tanker to use on the family apple orchard
The Blitz was loaned out to the Hastings CFA in the 60s to serve in the fire brigade
The Chevy was in horrible condition by the time Andy finally took it home in 1994
It wasn’t even close to driveable when Andy and Jen took it back to Heyfield
Auto Surplus in Melbourne and a young fella in Morwell.
Step one: absolutely everything off the chassis and off to the sandblasters
The new body came together well
A closer look at the front and the engine, which had to be built again from scratch
The fuel tanks posed some challenges
While restoring a 1943 model truck to its complete original form may be close to impossible more than 80 years later, Andy and Jen were aiming to get it as similar as they could.
That meant that the water tank had to go, and a tray had to be built from scratch.
“Building the tray was quite a job,” Andy says.
“We had to plan ahead for hinges on the timber side. I wanted the hinges to look really 1950s style. I do a little bit of blacksmithing, so I was able to manufacture them myself.
“We got the tray on, got the sides on, we got the hoops over the top for the canvas.
“I had one fuel tank on my truck and another on the truck I bought, so we had a tank either side. One of them needed a fair bit of repair, so they’re fully refurbished.
“We had a local sheet metal shop put a patch on for me. I must have worn out that many wire wheels and four-inch angle grinders. They were doing a very effective job.
“There’s a fuel tank cleaning system called KBS. Jen and I were able to flush the tanks several times according to the instructions of the product.
“In the end it gets a coating on the inside which feels like the inside of a coffee cup.”
All the fidgety parts
With the biggest jobs out of the way, Jen was responsible for some of the finer details, including the dash instruments and the painting of the Blitz.
“Our panelbeater only painted the cab, I painted all the rest of it,” she assures.
“All the dash instruments were pulled apart by Jen on the lounge room table,” Andy adds.
“We bought a temperature gauge. We had the spare truck so Jen was able to completely reassemble the new one with 12 volt bulbs.”
After that was the seats, which Andy refurbished himself, springs included.
“We’ve got a canvas guy who’s familiar with military vehicles, he was able to make us cushions and the backrests to go over the original seats.
“My spare truck also had a wooden steering wheel. Mine was made out of a Bakelite-type substance.
“The wood one was the original, steel spoked with the wooden surround. We were able to use that.”
The exhaust system also needed a full overhaul, with Andy doing the wiring himself. By his own admissions, it “was pretty easily done”.
“I had a local person who did the pipe bend and then I brought it back home. I did some
measurements, got some wire, did some bends. It was easier to do it that way then to drag it backwards and forwards.
“I did a lot of fuses into the systems, which to my surprise when I pulled it apart, it didn’t seem to have any. I thought we’ve got to have fuses.
“I don’t want to be driving down the road and smell something on fire!”
One of the unchanged parts on the Blitz is the switches, which Andy either used from the original truck or the spare model.
Some of the parts for the body, and the headlights, needed to be sourced from interstate and even overseas.
There are sellers out there just as passionate as Andy, who supply the minutiae of parts like rubber inserts and springs for the headlight, and converters for the fuel gauge.
“There was a company in Queensland called Ross Prince World War 2 Truck Parts. I was able to buy parts off him quite okay,” he says.
“Then I got onto a company in America called Chevs in the 40s for the headlights and fuel gauge. I called them up and told them the parts I needed. I ordered it on a Friday and it was at the post office by the next Wednesday!
“I never really knew whether the gauge on the dash or the tank would work. I fitted it all
and wired it and said to Jen, ‘let’s see what happens!’
“We flicked the switch, and bingo, there was a full tank of fuel.”
More than 10 years later, and the truck is finally complete, driveable and all.
Andy built a carport for it to stay in (just another one of the great delays on the decadelong build), and it mostly gets taken out for local shows and rallies.
He says the Heyfield event is one of the highlights of the year, as one of the biggest community events in the local calendar.
“We would get excited and get a few things done then it sits in the shed for a while,” Andy admits.
“Jen and I belong to the Heyfield District Vintage Machinery Group. There are a lot of wives involved, even though the engines tend to be manned by the guys.
“Some of the club was about small engines, but they went very strong to steam. I’ve got the old truck, and one other guy has one too. We have the rally here in Heyfield. Everyone chips in, we all have jobs to do. I’m the garbo!
" I convinced my brother to give me his golf cart so we zoom around and empty rubbish bins into the Dumpmaster.
“At the rally we have military vehicles, I belong to the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps.
A few helping hands (and paws) were needed across the restoration Jen got all the instruments in working order, while Andy did the wiring and electricals with a bit of help
The base of the tray had to be lifted on
Put together from scratch, the tray is mostly wood on the inside
Putting his blacksmithing skills to the test, Andy made all the hinges and bolts
Getting closer to the finished product
What the Blitz looks like now — there might not be any chrome, but it still shines
The Blitz boasts its original registration numbers on the front
“One of the guys has a Studebaker, and a couple have Jeeps. Another guy has a monkey-faced Blitz.
“We all get together once or twice a year, at the rally if we can.”
And though it took a massive amount of work, effort, dedication and money, Andy says he loved every bit of the process.
“Restoring an old truck is a lot of fun. You don’t have to think about upholstery or chrome!
“I’d wake up some mornings and tell Jen I reckon I know how to do this or that bit. Rain, hail or shine, you just go out there and do it.”
The meaning behind the mechanics
Looking at the photos of the stunningly restored Blitz, you may notice the numbers painted on the side and front.
This is the original Army Registration
Number the truck was given when it was first deployed, which Andy and Jen were able to track down through a little bit of research.
“We tracked it through the War Memorial in Canberra,” Andy explains.
“We got a researcher for a small fee to get the basic information to look for in the books. They were able to get through. They asked
how far they wanted us to go and we said ‘keep going’.
“She rang us back and said she found it. We had the date of when it was disposed. It matches the chassis number.”
The other decoration on the side is the truck is the truck’s name, ‘Ted’.
It wouldn’t have been complete without a loving tribute to the original owner, Jen’s dad. Now it will forever hold onto the memories of the days passed on the apple orchard in Hastings.
“He bought it and he loved it,” Andy says.
“Even when he didn’t need it he didn’t scrap it. It was always there on the farm. That’s where it stayed. We thought it’d be fitting when we finished, so now it’s called Ted.”
“I remember it from when I was a child,” Jen recalls.
“I was born about the year Dad bought it. I do remember it on the apple orchard. It’s been in my family my whole life.”
“When I met Jen, she showed me the Blitz when we were walking around her dad’s place,” Andy says.
“All those years later we were thrilled to bring it home to Heyfield and I thought I got a good wife and a good truck to boot!”
You can find ‘Ted’ every year at the Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally
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In the
loop
Upgrades to the D3 Distributed Control system will help eliminate guesswork around valves and enable a new controller to be used, new owner Valmet says.
New controllers, a new operating system and its new PID Loop Optimizer are some of the key changes Valmet is rolling out in its DC Distributed Control System.
The Version 16.3 update is the first significant update since Finnish automation and flow control solutions company Valmet acquired the D3 Distributed Control System (DCS) automation platform from NovaTech Automation last year.
Valmet Automation Systems North America senior product manager Mike Davis says the update includes bug fixes, security and usability enhancements to boost the platform’s reliability and performance.
“Our goal is to provide a seamless forward migration path so processors can keep their systems running for decades to come,” says Davis.
He says that integrating Valmet’s PID Loop Optimizer into D3 is one of the most significant value-added improvements it has made – having come from Valmet’s portfolio of existing automation solutions.
“There are PID tuning parameters that affect how a valve will behave, for example, whether it reacts aggressively or slowly to the changing process. Getting that tuning correct can impact the material, the process, how much energy is consumed, and how tightly it is controlled.”
Valmet says that many process engineers need to essentially estimate PID tuning numbers. To resolve this issue, Valmet replaced a third-party software solution and integrated its own PID Loop Optimizer. The optional layered product supports tuning PID and PRF loops and can be launched from Valmet ProcessVision.
“By having the PID loop tuning
Using Valmet’s D3 Distributed Control System (DCS) automation platform, industrial processors can now integrate numerous reliability and performance enhancements. Image: Valmet
software directly embedded in the D3, the operator can call up the loop tuning software directly from their workstation, and it will analyse the performance of the loop and make recommendations for tuning that can be copied or downloaded directly back to the controller,” Davis says.
“Mistakes are reduced since no math and no manual copy-pasting is required… Operators have total control over the tuning selection and can even tune specialised loops like cascade, pH control, and level controllers.”
Two new prompts have been added to the digital input (DIN) block type to support an alarm delay when an alarm is triggered and upon a return to normal. Delays can be placed on the change from normal and change of state (CFN and COS) alarms.
“This specific improvement was based on requests from multiple customers, and we were able to bring the feature into the product,” says Davis.
In addition, the D3 v16.3 also supports the newest controller in its PCM4 line, the PCM4100A, which has a 5-slot backplane rather than the 4-slot backplane of the PCM4100, providing room for an extra I/O card.
“The big advantage for D3 customers is they can now upgrade a 20-plus-year-old Robo CPU to new hardware without losing any I/O slots in a redundant controller configuration,” Davis says. “All part of the effort to help customers maintain long-lived systems at their plants.”
Plant & Equipment
AC easy
A new distribution arrangement will allow the team behind Eniquest generators to focus on designing and building better products, its managing director says
Power Equipment will distribute Eniquest’s AC diesel generators across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific under a new agreement.
Including Eniquest’s Husky, Ranger and Stockman generator ranges, Power Equipment CEO Luke Foster says the distribution agreement is an important milestone for both companies.
“Eniquest’s generators are renowned for their reliability, durability, and superior engineering,” he says.
“They are a premium machine manufactured in Australia – we couldn’t ask for a better addition to our portfolio of products.”
Eniquest managing director and development engineer Don Pulver said the Australian company focussed on building premium products across its range.
“We’re not just about quality – we’re here for the long term and this partnership with Power Equipment allows us to focus on what we do best – designing and building better generators,” he says.
Power Equipment currently supplies Yanmar and John Deere diesel engines to Eniquest, which the manufacturer says helps improve efficiency.
“These generators are designed with a controller that utilises no relays, which when combined with an alternator that has no electronics inside creates less possible failure points in sensitive componentry making the machines more robust overall,” Pulver said.
The Husky model – designed for agricultural applications - is available in 3kVA and 5kVA single-phase capacities, with optional 3-phase power output.
The larger Ranger and Stockman models deliver from 3.7kVA up to a powerful 44kVA across 14 variants in single and three-phase outputs.
Don Pulver with an Eniquest generator. Image: Power Equipment.
