Big Rigs May 28, 2021

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

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2 NEWS CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Tassie Truckin: Jon Wallis, 0414 797 513 Truckin in the Topics: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 Brent Davison; David Vile; David Meredith; Warren Caves Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. All material is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or means. The opinions expressed in Big Rigs are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by, the publisher.

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Heavy vehicle fire safety tips

THE ARTSA Institute (ARTSA-i) launched the Truck Fires Safety Program at the Brisbane Truck Show this month.

The heavy vehicle fire safety program aims to tackle heavy vehicle fires occurring each year in Australia.

Martin Toomey, ARTSA-i chair said that the fire safety program consists of four manuals and six videos aimed at drivers, maintenance staff, fire investigators and transport managers.

The safety program funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) has

been developed with partners the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) and the Truck Industry Council (TIC).

Toomey said that NTI data reveals that about 10 per cent of serious insurance claims are truck or trailer fires. Heavy vehicle fires can destroy businesses, cause massive inconvenience, considerable environmental damage and put drivers and the public at risk, he added.

“Fires are all too prevalent and prevention measures are sadly lacking. It is time that more was done to promote the

often-simple actions for prevention,” said ARTSA-i executive member Dr Peter Hart, a leading forensic expert.

Insurance data also shows that 32 per cent of fires were in the engine bay and truck cabin area and the balance were mainly due to wheel and tyre issues. Electrical failure is a big issue, Hart said.

“If the road transport freight industry can embrace and follow this guide, the prevalence of truck and trailer fires could be halved over the next five years. That would be a saving of about $150 million per year,

If the industry follows the new guide, the ARTSA Institute believes the number of truck and trailer fires could be halved over the next five years.

not to speak of the trauma experienced by drivers and operators and the disruption caused to other road users,” he said.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Truck Fires Safety Program was a welcome addition to keeping drivers safe on our roads.

“This is another great ex-

ample of the HVSI program and industry working to deliver important safety outcomes.

I’m confident this useful and practical guidance material will help contribute to a reduction in truck fires,” Petroccitto said.

The manuals and videos are downloadable at artsa.com.au/ fires.

Concrete company fined $120,000

DANDY Premix Concrete Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined $120,000 after a worker was run over by a truck at its Pakenham plant on July 20, 2018.

The concrete manufacturer was found guilty of failing to provide a safe workplace by failing to take reasonably practicable steps to eliminate the risk of powered mobile machines

colliding with pedestrians. It was also ordered to pay costs of $13,850.

The Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard that on the day of the incident, workers were cleaning up spilled slurry as a truck was loading concrete. Once the truck was full, it pulled out, passing the two workers.

One of the workers tripped

and fell under the truck’s rear wheels and his left arm was run over. He suffered serious injuries as a result, including amputation of his little finger and partial amputation of his ring and middle fingers. He has required multiple surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation.

The court heard the company did not have a traffic management plan that identified

hazards, including collisions between trucks and pedestrians while spilled slurry was being cleaned up, and that there were no risk control measures in place, such as exclusion zones or physical barriers to separate pedestrians from vehicles.

WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Julie Nielsen said there was no excuse for failing to use appropriate safety

measures to keep pedestrians and vehicles separated.

“This worker is still living with the consequences of an incident that could have been avoided,” she said.

“It is vital that employers have appropriate traffic management plans and risk control measures in place to keep vehicles and pedestrians at a safe distance.”

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

DIESEL SECURITY

$2bn fuel package a win for trucking industry: ATA

THE Australian Government’s fuel security announcement is a win for the trucking industry, CEO of the ATA, Andrew McKellar said.

McKellar said the package, which guarantees that Australia’s two remaining refineries will be offered up to 1.8 cents per litre of fuel they produce until 2030, was the result of a long term, strategic advocacy campaign by the ATA. “Diesel and liquid fuel security are critical to Australia’s economy – 98 per cent of the energy for the transport sector is sourced from liquid fuel,” McKellar said.

“But Australia has dangerously low fuel stocks. In March 2021, Australia only had 21 days of diesel in the entire country.”

The government’s overall fuel security package includes support for domestic refineries (with the details announced today), onshore fuel storage and modernising the liquid fuel emergency legislation.

“The ATA and its members have been campaigning on fuel

security since 2014. We ran a fuel security exercise in 2015 and have engaged extensively with government since then,” McKellar said.

McKellar added that the package would be funded by the government, not by a fuel security levy on road users.

“This is a big win for every road user. With the strong support of our members, we argued that there shouldn’t be a fuel levy to fund the package, because we all depend on the secure availability of fuel.”

McKellar said in the long term, Australia’s fuel security would be secured by the introduction of electric and hydrogen vehicles.

“This will be a long process, so the Government should take stronger action now to encourage the introduction of zero and low emission vehicles into the fleet,” he said.

“This should include a temporary purchase incentive, support for recharging and refuelling infrastructure and amending the vehicle design rules.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the package would protect hundreds of jobs at the Viva refinery in Geelong and the Ampol refinery at Lytton.

“Shoring up our fuel security means protecting 1250 jobs, giving certainty to key industries, and bolstering our national security,” he said.

The government said the Fuel Security Service Payment would be linked to refining margins, meaning refineries would only be supported in “down times”.

Under the scheme, the refineries receive a maximum payment of 1.8 cents per litre when the margin they make per barrel of oil falls to $7.30.

The payment will decline to zero if margins increase to $10.20 per barrel.

The government aims to have the payment in place by the beginning of July, with the associated legislation to be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks.

The measure has been costed at up to $2 billion to 2030 “in a worst-case scenario” as-

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the package would protect hundreds of jobs at the Viva refinery in Geelong (pictured) and the Ampol refinery at Lytton.

suming both refineries are paid at the highest rate for the entire nine years.

Independent federal member for Kennedy Bob Katter, however, says the bail-out falls well short of what’s needed to safeguard the flow of diesel.

“I will move amendments to the Coalition’s bill for measures including ethanol, wasteto-diesel plants and Australian built electric cars to be driven

by public servants in the cities.

The Federal Government footing $2bn to keep two oil refineries operating in Brisbane and Geelong is just a tiny step in the direction toward self-sufficiency.

It’s doubtful whether those refineries can supply 3 per cent of Australia’s requirements, I am afraid that the Government has to do investment borrowing.”

Katter added that the Southern Oils waste-to-diesel plants, a company based in Wagga Wagga, needs to be supported with further government investment.

“I have had already had several discussions at the highest levels on achieving sovereign fuel security and I’m ready to move several amendments to the Government’s Fuel Security Bill.”

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PRODUCTIVITY BOOST

Queensland celebrates for second Bruce Hwy

The Flinders Highway will have more high productivity combinations when the freight route is finished.

BY JAMES GRAHAM QUEENSLAND transport operators are celebrating the federal budget win of $400m to help build the Inland Freight Route.

The Queensland Trucking Association listed this key infrastructure investment in its Think Big Election Priorities for the Queensland State Election last year and lobbied hard both at a state and federal level for buy-in.

“Queensland will now have a genuine freight route that is a safe alternative to the Bruce Highway,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon of the proposed 1200km route from Mungindi to Charters Towers.

“This significant infrastruc-

ture investment will unlock access for high productivity combinations, build regional capacity and more efficiently connect the major freight routes leading to lower production costs.

“Combined with a re-

cent announcement by the Queensland State Government of $200 million, the Inland Freight Route will now become a reality.”

Although he’s hoping for a second tranche of investment in the second Bruce, Mahon believes the initial improvements, slated to start in 2023, will make a significant impact on freight productivity in the state.

He’s identified three key areas that he’d like to see the first $600m spent: at the ‘jump-up’ just north of Injune, the corners and turnout treatments around Rolleston and Springsure and on a bypass at Emerald.

“If those sorts of works were to be done in the first round, we’d be fairly pleased,” said Mahon.

“We’re not trying to duplicate the road – it’ll be a single lane carriageway.

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Mahon is also buoyed by the state election commitment from the Queensland Labor Government to bring in AB quads from Roma to Toowoomba.

“When you start to put together those elements, you’re starting to form what is a genuine productivity corridor for freight in the state.

“We’re after that particular spine for the bigger multi-combinations. As that spine gets laid, and undoubtedly there will be more works undertaken on that section, but you have to acknowledge that a $600m start is a very good one.”

“The other thing with the Inland Freight Route is that it starts to map out a genuine spine through the central west and gives opportunity for more I think reasoned arguments about how to connect up to a very efficient corridor to either go south, or north, or off to the ports.”

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green light He does concede that more will need to be spent on the route to make it an effective alternative to the Bruce.

“I’m also a bit intrigued as to why a significant amount of money is to be spent on the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal ($2bn) but there is nothing at the northern end.

“I expect that might mean favourable consideration might be given to the northern end next year.”

Mahon said the next step is to schedule a meeting with the state minister Mark Bailey in the near future to talk through the likely timetable of budget works, and to lobby for an on-going input into how the priorities are determined.

He’d like to see the inclusion of more rest areas also built into roading plans right around the state and cites an example of what can happen if the industry isn’t consulted.

“We have four rest areas between Suart and St George that accommodate multi-combina-

QTA CEO Gary Mahon is thrilled that that his lobbying for the route has paid off.

tions, but fundamentally none between Brisbane and Roma,” he said.

“So we are always somewhat intrigued as to what determines these priorities.”

Mahon, however, said this landmark funding announcement for the second Bruce gives him confidence that Queensland’s voice is being heard and the association’s advocacy efforts are ensuring that road freight is recognised as a significant contributor to the economy.

Logistics giant raises flag over $2bn for hub

The proposed 1200km route from Mungindi to Charters Towers is seen as a safe alternative to the busy Bruce Highway.

“The road freight industry is vital for the operation and survival of the vast geographical footprint of communities and business across the nation,” said Mahon.

“The reliance on the road freight industry has never been more profound due to the extensive and ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 economic crisis with disrupted global supply chains, simmering trade tensions and weaker demand.”

SCT Logistics welcomes the $2bn budget commitment from the federal government to the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal, but stresses the need for this to be part of an integrated infrastructure policy.

SCT is one of Australia’s two largest rail freight providers, and has been advocating for the need for competitive neutrality between rail, road, and sea freight for some time.

“This announcement is a positive, but the benefits will only flow with complementary private sector investment,” said Geoff Smith, managing director of SCT. “With the national freight task increasing by $35bn annually by 2030, significant investments of this nature will be required, but they cannot be deployed in isolation.”

Smith highlighted the need to integrate the three freight modes in the context of the $15bn Inland Rail Project, which will see the Melbourne-Brisbane rail line upgraded and enhanced, representing the country’s largest single transport in-

frastructure project. It also needs to align with the Victorian government’s Port Rail Shuttle Network initiative.

“A Victorian transport hub needs to be integrated with Inland Rail. Both projects require private sector investment from the likes of our company, and this will only be forthcoming if the government is more proactive in the management of the relationship between road, rail and sea,” added Smith.

SCT Logistics has invested more than $200m along the Inland Rail route in recent years, in anticipation of the federal government project being implemented.

Smith points to the example of increasingly unregulated foreign-flagged ships sailing domestic freight segments at the expense of the domestic rail freight industry as one structural inequity between the sectors.

“This landscape is skewed by foreign ships gaming the regulatory system, and not paying any access charges akin to those levied by the federal government through

the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC),” said Smith.

“By comparison, foreign-flagged ships can access these domestic routes for as little as $400 for each permit, underlining the need for greater sovereignty and security in Australia’s supply chain, especially in the current climate.”

The integration between north-south and east-west was also important in the location of the Victorian site, as was the ability to enhance rail connectivity to the Port of Melbourne, he added.

“This is another crucial component of the overall story that needs to be accommodated, and a key aspect of removing trucks from congested metropolitan roads, especially across the last mile.

“You cannot make these budget announcements in isolation. These assets will be important to addressing the emerging national freight task, but must be complemented by the right longterm environment to encourage further private sector investment.”

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FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

ROADS

Call for more rest areas in massive roading spend

Harrington Road intersection upgrade, Coopernook.

• $2bn for initial investment in a new Melbourne intermodal terminal; • An additional $307m for the Pakenham Roads upgrade; • An additional $203.4m for the Monash Roads upgrade; • An additional $20m for the Green Triangle and $15m for the Melbourne to Mildura Roads of Strategic Importance corridors; • An additional $56.8m for the Hall Road upgrade; • An additional $30.4m for the Western Port Highway upgrade; • $17.5m for the Dairy Supply Chain Road upgrades; and • $10m for the Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Australian Government will continue to invest in the NSW economy in the coming years through investments in key urban pinch points such as the Moorebank Avenue and Hume Highway intersections with the M5, and the planning for the Stacey Street corridor in Bankstown.

“Major projects delivered over the last year include the Pacific Highway – Woolgoolga to Ballina, which completed the duplication between Hexham and the Queensland border, as well as NorthConnex, which bypassed one of NSW’s most congested routes – Pennant Hills Road,” said Fletcher.

VTA CEO Peter Anderson said the investments will be vital to meeting Victoria’s future freight needs and would be welcomed by the freight and logistics industry.

“With Victoria’s population expected to pass 7 billion over the next four years, we need to ensure our infrastructure not only grows with it – but does so in a strategic way. This budget will go a long way to helping us achieve that,” Anderson said.

“The slated intermodal terminal and the connection that will bring to our rail, port and road networks is particularly welcome. We will continue to work with all governments to ensure that this funding benefits the freight industry and the people of Victoria.”

Queensland Key projects to be funded include: • $400m for the Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers) upgrades; • An additional $400m for Bruce Highway upgrades; • $240m for the Cairns Western Arterial road duplication; • $160m for the Mooloolah River interchange upgrade (Packages 1 and 2); • $35.3m for the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection upgrade; and • $10m for the Caboolture-Bribie Island Road (Hickey Road-King John Creek) Upgrade.

South Australia Key projects to be funded include: • $2.6bn for the North-South Corridor – Darlington to Anzac Highway; • $161.6m for the Truro bypass; • $148m for the Augusta Highway duplication (stage 2); • An additional $64m for the Strzelecki Track Upgrade (sealing); • $48m for the Heysen Tunnel refit and upgrade (stage 2); • An additional $27.6m for the overpass at Port Wakefield and township duplication; • $32m for the Kangaroo Island Road Safety and Bush-

An artist impression of the Darlington highway in SA.

THE government has committed a further $15.2bn over the next 10 years towards road, rail and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

Included in this spend is $1bn for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and $1bn for the Road Safety Program, to extend both to 2022-23.

“To date, the Road Safety Program has seen almost $1bn delivered through tranche 1 for nearly 700 road safety projects due for completion

by June this year,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack.

“This investment will see 6000km of road upgraded and is expected to support thousands of jobs.”

Australian Trucking Association CEO Andrew McKellar called for the spending to prioritise safety with an emphasis on including more rest areas in the design phase.

“Truck drivers need rest areas so they can take the breaks they need to drive safely and meet their compliance obligations. But there just aren’t enough rest areas on the road system,” said McKellar.

Here’s where the road spending is set to go in each state: NSW Key projects to be funded include: • $2.03bn for the Great Western Highway upgrade (Katoomba to Lithgow), construction of east and west sections; • $400m for the Princes Highway corridor (Jervis Bay Road to Sussex Inlet Road) stage 1; • $240m for the Mount Ousley interchange; • $100m for the Princes Highway corridor – Jervis Bay Road intersection.

• $87.5m for M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue-Hume Highway intersection upgrade; • $52.8 m for Manns Road, intersection upgrades at Narara Creek Road and Stockyard Place; and • $48m for Pacific Highway,

“These initiatives will enhance transport connectivity, underpin economic growth and help Queenslanders get home sooner and safer,” said McCormack.

“Our $400m investment for the Inland Freight Route will transform the way freight moves across the State, all the way from Mungindi to Charters Towers, increasing productivity right through the Queensland economy.”

Victoria Key projects to be funded include:

More than $2bn will be spent on Great Western Highway upgrades between Katoomba and Lithgow.

fire Resilience Package; and • $22.5m for the Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive intersection upgrade.

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said this funding injection would support projects in Adelaide as well as those across regional SA, including the APY Lands – Main Access Road Upgrade between the Stuart Highway and Pukatja, and the Port Wakefield overpass and township.

“This massive investment in major infrastructure will generate thousands of jobs, better connect our state and help South Australians get home sooner and safer,” Minister Birmingham said.

The South Australian Freight Council (SAFC) noted it was pleased funding has been allocated for a Truro bypass, but believed “SA will receive far less than its usual or ‘fair’ share of total transport infrastructure funding for 2021/22,” with a total of $130.6m on the table.

Western Australia Key projects to be funded include: • $200m for the Great Eastern Highway Upgrades – Coates Gully, Walgoolan to Southern Cross and Ghooli to Benari; • $160m for the WA Agricultural supply chain improvements – Package 1; • $112.5m for the Reid Highway – Altone Road and Daviot Road-Drumpellier Drive – grade-separated intersections; • $64m for the Toodyay Road Upgrade – Dryandra to Toodyay; and • $55m for the Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication.

A $1.3bn infrastructure pack-

Queensland receives an extra $400m for Bruce Highway upgrades.

age was announced for Western Australia, with Premier Mark McGowan saying the additional funding would ensure WA’s pipeline of infrastructure work continues, providing an ongoing economic boost.

“We are already embarking on the biggest road and rail investment program our state has ever seen,” he said.

“This program has something for the city and regions, targeting major congestion pinch points in the eastern, northern and southern suburbs which are currently experiencing major population growth.”

Tasmania Key projects to be funded include: • $80m for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Bass Highway Safety and Freight Efficiency Upgrades Package – Future Priorities; • $48m for the Algona Road grade separated interchange and duplication of the Kingston bypass; • $44m for the Rokeby Road – South Arm Road upgrades; • $37.8m for the Midland Highway upgrade – Campbell Town North (Campbell Town to Epping Forest); • $36.4m for the Midland Highway upgrade – Oatlands (Jericho to South of York Plains); • $35.7m for the Midland Highway upgrade – Ross (Mona Vale Road to Campbell Town); and • $13.2m for the Huon Link Road.

“The Australian Government will continue to invest in the Tasmanian economy in the coming years,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Major investments will

include projects such as upgrading the Algona Road interchange and duplicating the Kingston Bypass.”

Northern Territory Key projects to be funded include: • $150m for Northern Territory National Network Highway Upgrades (Phase 2); • $25.3m for Arnhem Highway Upgrade at Beatrice Hill; • $4.3m for Roper Highway Upgrade (Stage 1); and • Alice Springs to Halls Creek corridor upgrade (scoping and investigations).

Senator for the Northern Territory Sam McMahon said the new funding built on the Government’s strong record of infrastructure delivery in the Top End. “Just in the past year, we have completed a number of crucial infrastructure projects, including the Keep River Plains Road Upgrade, to which the Australian Government invested $63m under the Northern Australia Roads Program,” he said.

“This investment sealed around 30 kilometres of road in the north-west of the Territory, through to Legune Station, including two bridges over Keep River and Sandy Creek.”

ACT Key projects to be funded include: • $26.5m to duplicate the remaining sections of William Hovell Drive; • An additional $5m for Gundaroo Drive Duplication; and • $2.5m for upgrades to Beltana Road in Pialligo.

Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said, “The Liberal-National Government’s infrastructure bonanza continues for Canberra, with more than $300m of new investment in projects right across our city announced in this calendar year alone and more than $1.5bn announced in recent years.

“Regular users of the Beltana, Kallaroo and Dapu Place road corridor in Pialligo will benefit from $2.5m in much needed safety upgrades, and we are boosting our commitment for the congestion-busting duplication of Gundaroo Drive to $25m.”

BUDGET 2021 7

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

SMALL BUSINESS

Asset write-off extension a big win

THE extension of temporary full expensing to 2023 will continue to drive trucking business investment and help more businesses purchase safer trucks and trailers, Australian Trucking Association CEO Andrew McKellar said.

Under full expensing, any eligible businesses with an aggregated turnover of up to $5 billion can deduct the full cost of eligible assets, including trucks and trailers.

Assets will need to be used for the first time or installed ready for use by June 30, 2023.

“This is a real win for the ATA and our members. Since the government introduced

full expensing last year, new truck sales have soared.

“Trucking businesses have rightly seen the measure as a once in a lifetime opportunity to renew their fleets,” McKellar said.

“New trucks are markedly safer than older ones, because they are required to have safety features such as front underrun protection, anti-lock brakes and, in many cases, electronic brakes.

“Many new trucks also have advanced emergency braking and other safety technologies.

McKellar added that when the ATA briefed the government on the success

of the measure in March, it urged Canberra to extend the scheme’s availability.

“The government has listened to the industry and more than delivered,” he said.

McKellar said the extension would not only help businesses seeking to buy new equipment.

“Businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million can fully expense second-hand assets, so this is a great opportunity to buy a late model second-hand truck to replace older equipment,” he said.

Other key measures for the trucking industry in the budget include:

• $1 billion in 2022-23 to identify and deliver road safety projects such as road widening and audiotactile line marking and • $16.5 million over four years to establish the National Freight Data Hub • $5.1 million over four years for the Office of Road Safety • $12.1 million over three years for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to fund engineering assessments of local government road infrastructure. These assessments will support the increased use of high productivity trucks on local roads, which increases productivity and safety.

Since the government introduced full expensing last year, new truck sales have soared.

JOBS

Boost to apprenticeships and training

A further $1.5bn has been committed to the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy, extending the program by six months and enabling employers to hire an additional 100,000 apprentices.

The BAC program enables employers to access a 50 per cent wage subsidy over 12 months for newly commenc-

ing apprentices or trainees signed up by March 31, 2022.

The subsidy will be capped at $7000 per quarter per apprentice or trainee. The government will also deliver pathway services for 5000 women to commence in a non-traditional apprenticeship.

The additional $1.5bn for the apprenticeship program comes on top of the $1.2bn

announced in March 2021, to create 70,000 apprentice and trainee positions.

“This additional $1.5bn investment will support the employment of newly commencing apprentices and trainees, assisting school leavers and job seekers during the peak hiring period for key industries,” said Minister for Employment, Workforce,

Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert.

A National Digital Australian Apprenticeships Portal will be set up to assist employers in managing their apprentices and for apprentices to understand their entitlements.

In addition, the JobTrainer Fund – which aims to support job seekers, school leavers and

young people – will receive $500m for no cost or low fee training, adding a further 163,000 places and extending the program until December 31, 2022.

“We are going to cement our economic recovery and secure our future prosperity through developing our greatest resource, the Australian people, and keeping Austra-

lians working,” said Robert.

“This Budget is all about building the workforce Australia needs today and tomorrow through putting in place programs to upskill Australians so they can achieve their aspirations and realise their potential as well as getting government to work for business – not the other way around.”

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8 OPINION

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Take a win when we can

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

SOME from the Sunshine State might rightly argue they got the short end of the stick in the federal budget with just $1.6bn for infrastructure, compared with the $3.3bn for NSW and the $3bn to Victoria.

But there were still celebrations at the Queensland Trucking Association with news that its Inland Freight Route concept had the go-ahead.

Granted, a total of $600m isn’t going to go far along 1200km, but it’s a bloody good start if you ask QTA CEO Gary Mahon, and most importantly it shows Canberra is listening.

Wouldn’t it be great now if they just got out of the way and let industry have most of the say on how it was spent.

Maybe then we’d get the rest areas our drivers need.

I was flabbergasted to learn from talking to Mahon that not one local or state jurisdiction ever picks up the phone and asks the peak body for input.

Once again Ryan Lee-Taylor at Blue Dog Cartoons brilliantly nails – see his drawing on the right – how we feel about that.

HOT WEB TOPICS Fuel security win

THE Australian Government has announced a $2bn fuel security package that guarantees Australia’s two remaining refineries (the Viva refinery in Geelong and the Ampol refinery at Lytton) will be offered up to 1.8 cents per litre of fuel they produce until 2030.

It’s a plan that has been touted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as one that will help to protect jobs and bolster national security.

Here’s what our readers had to say: “Means very little... The refinery in Brisbane doesn’t make enough fuel to keep even only Ampol’s customers happy. They have to use imported fuel as well... Just another dud conservative policy,” wrote Darren Lebsanft on our Facebook page.

“Won’t matter how much diesel supply you have, it won’t make a difference to the industry if you’re getting low freight rates, late payments, higher rego costs and excessive fines,” added Tony Stephens.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO READER CORNER? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Road safety woes

IN a recent piece by Senator Glenn Sterle, he sent a clear message to those in power, following the conclusion of the public hearing schedule into the Senate’s inquiry into the Australian road transport industry. Adequate rest areas, fatigue management, excessive fines for log book errors, outlandish payment terms and poor rates were among the issues highlighted during the inquiry.

Big Rigs readers shared their concerns. “Fix the roads, get rid of the log book that tells us when we are fit to work and when we are not. Get rid of the stress and anxiety caused by over-compliance and crippling fines that put hard working drivers’ families out of their homes and on the street and we will be off to a good start,” wrote Les Stewart.

Grant Baines added, “The crap will never change. The roads are only patched and any work done on them is shit within a couple of weeks and no-one is held responsible. It starts with better roads and less stupidity in relation to revenue raising (fines).”

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A broken driver licensing system

IN our latest virtual Roadhouse Roundtable, the focus was on driver licensing. To four industry experts, we posed the question: What’s wrong with the current system, and how do we fix this glaring anomaly?

Numerous truckies and transport operators also weighed in on the topic when we shared the piece online. Here’s what they had to say.

“Driving lessons are great but only teach you how to pass the test.

First-hand driving experience with other drivers will definitely help out. When I first got my licence I asked many questions to other drivers about all sorts of driving tips and techniques that definitely help me to this day,” said Shane Bills.

“Apprenticeship. That’s where our industry SHOULD start. Learn the basics first! Any fool can pass a test and steer. Recent times have shown that,” commented Matthew Phillips.

“Value skill and experience and place more importance on training the right individuals,” added Brenton Bell.

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10 NEWS

IN BRIEF Strzelecki Track upgrades Sealing works are well underway on the notorious Strzelecki Track, with the first 50 kilometres completed.

Funding was committed towards remaining sections of the 472 kilometre stretch in the Federal Budget.

“The Strzelecki Track is a vital supply link for major oil and gas facilities located near Moomba and an essential transport corridor for outback communities, tourism and pastoralists,” said Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard.

“Unsealed roads contribute to higher direct freight costs, increased supply chain costs and the likelihood of accidents.”

Widening busy NSW route The much-talked-about widening of the Hexham Straight freight corridor in NSW is a step closer, although no one is quite sure yet when the work will actually begin.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is developing the six-kilometre widening project, which would see the Maitland Road section of the Pacific Highway in the Hunter widened to three lanes in both directions.

TfNSW said it received 45 submissions during the public consultation phase, although it couldn’t tell us what ideas came from the freight sector, if any, for confidentiality reasons.

New Global Express boss Former Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate, who resigned after a political furore erupted over the gifting of four Cartier watches to executives, is the new boss of Toll Global Express.

“In recent times Global Express has faced challenges and there is lots of hard work ahead of us. However, the combination of new funding, a focused local leadership team, a strong position in growing markets and the turnaround expertise of Allegro, will ensure the business is successful,” she said.

Woolworths’ chief supply chain officer Paul Graham will take over her former role at Australia Post from September. Acting chief executive Rodney Boys will remain in the role until then.

Disposal pit in SA The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association is partnering with the District Council of Grant to establish a livestock effluent disposal pit at the Mount Gambier Saleyards in SA. Works began in March.

“The newly installed pit will provide an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” said saleyards manager David Wallis.

This is the second disposal pit funded via the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. The first site opened in Horsham in July 2020. ALRTA is working on additional sites to be announced in the near future.

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Big Rigs helps wildlife hospital secure new truck LAST summer, Big Rigs got word that Australia’s largest mobile wildlife hospital was complete – the issue was that it didn’t yet have a truck to get it to wherever it needed to be, to respond to any animal emergencies sent its way.

Big Rigs hit the phones looking for help and Volvo Group Australia was the first to answer the call. On May 17, the company handed over the keys to a brand new UD Quon 6×4 at an official ceremony at Volvo’s headquarters in Wacol.

The truck will be used to tow the aptly named Matilda anywhere in Australia to assist during a crisis such as a bushfire or flood.

“UD Trucks Australia have gone the extra mile for us and for Australian wildlife,” said Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil at the event.

“This partnership came about unusually. I did an interview in November with Big Rigs.

Shortly after we had a phone call from Matthew Wood (strategic projects and communications manager at Volvo Group Australia). He simply said we want to give you a truck.

“This partnership means our mobile wildlife hospital can hit

The powerful, clean and fuel-efficient UD Quon 6×4 is a perfect match for the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.

the road quickly to assist in the rescue, treatment and recovery of Australian wildlife, anywhere in Australia where there is a need.”

And the new truck was put straight into action. Immedi-

ately after the handover event, Matilda embarked on a tour, visiting veterinarians, wildlife carers and regional communities in south-east Queensland and Northern NSW. UD Trucks Australia’s vice

Volvo Group Australia president and CEO Martin Merrick and UD Trucks Australia vice president Lauren Downs, with Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital’s foundation veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot and its founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil.

president Lauren Downs was delighted to support and work in partnership with the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. “These dedicated, experienced veterinarians are making a positive commitment to help Australia’s precious wildlife, and the opportunity to support them do that was one that resonated strongly with us,” she said.

Downs added the powerful, clean and fuel-efficient UD Quon 6×4 is the perfect fit for the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital because it’s one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly trucks on the market.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything UD Trucks does.

The UD Quon meets the stringent pPNLT fuel emission standards for example, that not only surpasses what is required here in Australia but also the Euro 6 emission standards, which we are incredibly proud of.”

She added that the UD Quon is renowned for ultimate dependability, even in the often harsh Australian climate and conditions, which will serve it well in its latest role with

life-saving responsibilities for the hospital.

The new UD Quon also comes fitted with advanced safety features as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, traffic eye braking, lane departure warning system and electronic stability control.

As Matilda travels, help will never be far away. As a part of the partnership, the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital will have access to Volvo Group Australia’s dealer network, with over 60 dealers and support centres, which also offer 24-hour roadside assistance.

Matilda will also be cared for by a comprehensive service agreement to ensure she gets serviced by Volvo Group Australia’s expert technicians.

“It is sadly inevitable that we’ll need to respond to a crisis sooner rather than later, and UD Trucks’ incredible support will make it possible to respond quickly, save individual animals and recover species under threat,” added the hospital’s foundation veterinarian, Dr Bree Talbot.

Big sales month for Scania IN keeping with a solid first quarter performance internationally, Scania was the stand-out sales performer in the heavy-duty sector in April, according to the latest numbers from the Truck Industry Council.

The Swedish brand made a notable move into second place with 131 sales, its best April in five years, and light years ahead of the 41 units it sold in the same month in 2017.

Although still in fifth spot in the sector for 2021, with a year-to-date tally of 349, Scania is closing fast on fourthplaced Mercedes-Benz which moved 98 units in April and now sits on 358 YTD. In his latest comments, Scania President and CEO

Christian Levin sounded a very positive note regarding Q1 performance and suggests Scania is well placed to navigate the issues surrounding the semiconductor shortage through the mid-part of the year.

A local Scania spokesperson tells us that Scania continues on a positive path regarding local deliveries, and orders remain strong.

Meanwhile, Kenworth cemented its domination at the top of the sector, moving 200 units in April to sit on a YTD total of 697 and pinch a sizeable break on nearest chaser Volvo, which boasts 420 sales for the year after moving a relatively modest 106 units last month.

In the medium-duty sector Hino’s assault on Isuzu’s crown faltered slightly with 201 units moved versus the perennial leader’s 227, leaving Isuzu still comfortably clear on YTD figures, 801 vs. 705.

In the light-duty race, as expected Isuzu has the title all parcelled up yet again with a solid 473 units moved in April to bring its YTD tally to 1641.

Nearest chaser Hino recorded 268 units in the same month to bring its tally for the year to 955.

Overall, there were 3215 sales of commercial vehicles in April, a slight dip on March’s red hot 3558 units, but still the best April numbers in the past five years, edging out 2017’s tally of 3151.

The Swedish brand made a notable move into second place.

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12 NEWS

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Popular truckie celebrates 50 years of service

ACFS Port Logistics truckie Don Sutcliffe is being celebrated for his 50 years of loyal service – and as he reveals, he has no plans of slowing down.

Through his driving career, 70-year-old Sutcliffe has seen many changes. There have been various company acquisitions, which eventually led to him being part of ACFS Port Logistics, when he came across in 2016, following the acquisition of Patrick Port Logistics.

These days, you’ll find him behind the wheel of a Kenworth T409, which he takes great pride in. Word around the depot is that he has the cleanest truck in the fleet.

“I’m in a 2015 model 409, which I’ve had since brand new. It’s better looking than any of the other trucks in the yard and is the easiest truck to get in and out of – and the boss said he won’t sell it while I’m still here. It’s a good truck for me and I enjoy driving it,” Sutcliffe said.

He keeps the truck immaculate and has been known to get a rag out and give it a quick spot clean whenever time permits. “Usually when I finish work on a Saturday, I’ll give it a good clean to get it ready for the week ahead,” he said.

The immaculate Kenworth is a far cry from the first truck he ever drove.

Having grown up in rural Queensland, Sutcliffe was already driving tractors and ploughing farm paddocks by the time he was 10. He worked in forestry for a little while, before heading to the city to drive trucks – and there he’s stayed ever since.

“My mate got me a job in Brisbane but I was from country Queensland and didn’t know Brisbane that well, so it didn’t work out. I got another truck driving job and it went from there. When I started, the trucks didn’t even have doors,” Sutcliffe said.

These days his main port

of call (pardon the pun) is pulling A-doubles and super B-doubles in and around the Port of Brisbane.

“There wasn’t any such thing as containers when I first started driving trucks.

I started doing a bit of container work in the mid 1970s.

If they sent you down to the wharf, they’d give you the paperwork, you had to find your load yourself, you had to get one of the wharfies to organise the forklift, then you’d sign the papers and away you went. We used to do a bit of everything, so you never got sick of doing the same job, because you got moved around to so many other jobs.

“At one stage I was part of the wool gang, as they called it, there was about four or five of us who carted wool nearly every day. We never used to tie it on and went three high on a body truck. All we used were pins to pin it all together – that’s how we used to carry it.

“I’ve done a bit of everything including general interstate work. My wife would call to see what time I’d be home and I’d say, ‘Pack my bag, I’m heading out to Melbourne or Townsville’. But since being taken over by ACFS, it’s more or less containers,” he said.

Now Sutcliffe is one of 120 drivers at ACFS’s Brisbane depot, which is home to 64 trucks. ACFS is the largest privately owned container logistics operator in Australia, with a national fleet of approximately 300 trucks.

“Don’s had a long career in trucking and has done everything and anything. When he tells the stories of where he started, through to where he’s come today, it’s a pretty amazing achievement,” said Michael Punter, ACFS Queensland state manager.

“He’s consistent, he works hard, then he goes home and comes back and does it all again the next day. To be able to have his knowledge and experience here is great. He

Don Sutcliffe with his pride and joy, the Kenworth T409 he drives.

always has all of these ideas about how to make things easier and better for us.”

Modest in his achievements, for Sutcliffe, reaching

the 50-year milestone is just like any other day in the job.

“I’m not ready to retire yet, I want to keep going for another few years at least,” he said.

ACFS COO Wayne Morris and Sutcliffe with a gift from the team.

ACFS CEO Arthur Tzaneros presents Sutcliffe with more gifts for his service.

Former truckie strikes success with his first ASX listing MURRAY Leahy, who left school at 14, did a boilermaker apprenticeship then started driving trucks, is celebrating a successful float of his company MLG Oz on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

Leahy’s Kalgoorlie-based operation listed with a market capitalisation of $145.7 million at the Initial Public Offering (IPO) issue price of a dollar per share.

The business provides integrated services across gold, iron ore and other base metal clients throughout Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

As for the fleet, that’s pretty impressive too. There are approximately 130 trucks, a mixture of Macks and Kenworths

branded in MLG Oz’s signature blue and white, and 500 or so trailers – mostly running as triples and quads.

Bruce Rock Engineering is the manufacturer of choice for on-road trailers, including its B-quins, while Mick Murray Trailers is the go-to for the company’s off-road needs.

New shareholders reportedly invested $70.7 million through the IPO from a combination of the issue of new shares to raise $50 million and a partial founder sell down of $20.7 million.

Bell Potter Securities and Morgans Corporate were joint lead managers to the IPO. Ashanti Capital was co-manager to the IPO and Sternship ad-

visers acted as financial advisor.

“We are excited about becoming a listed company and the opportunities it creates to further grow the business,” said Leahy, MLG Oz founder, managing director and majority shareholder.

“We welcome all of our new shareholders and thank them for the level of interest and support.

“This is an exciting time for the company and its shareholders.

“Our employees and clients have helped us grow the business successfully for over 20 years.

“As the only shareholder until this point, I am pleased to have new shareholders join me

in expanding the business and am excited about the opportunities in front of us.

“The additional capital raised through the IPO will initially be used to reduce the company’s debt and support the working capital needs associated with ongoing growth.

“This will provide us with the capability to continue to obtain new equipment and expand our operations to support our clients and develop new client relationships.

“We are a long-term relationship business which prides itself on delivery for our clients and having the capacity to support them will help position us well for the future.”

The company has also fore-

cast FY2021 revenue of $241.6 million and pro forma EBITDA of $41 million to 30 June

2021, subject to market conditions and material risks as outlined in its IPO Prospectus.

Murray Leahy may have left school at 14, but he’s having the last laugh after a successful ASX float earlier this month.

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14 BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Legend SAR lives up to hype

FROM the moment the doors opened at the Brisbane Truck Show, it was clear what the star attraction was going to be on the main floor.

Although tucked unobtrusively in the far corner of the crowd-pulling PACCAR stand, word was out that the Legend SAR was the truck to post on your Facebook feed before any others.

“The crowd and constant stream online have been amazing,” David Harmsworth, Kenworth general sales manager, tells Big Rigs during a rare breather from fielding buyer queries.

“The heritage and history are second-to-none, but this truck, given its dimensions, we actually think it’s going to be very practical working truck as well.”

It’s the third in the special limited-edition Legend series following the release of the 950 in 2015, and the 900 in 2017, and the latest iteration is timed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kenworth in production in Australia.

As is traditional with these rare collector pieces, order books are open for just one day – in this case July 8 – and Harmsworth is predicting a significant spike on the previous Legend tallies of 75 in 2015 (capped) and 225 in the 2017 one-day sale.

“It would purely be a guess, but me personally, I’d

THE HERITAGE AND HISTORY ARE SECONDTO-NONE, BUT GIVEN ITS DIMENSIONS, WE ACTUALLY THINK IT’S GOING TO BE VERY PRACTICAL WORKING TRUCK AS WELL.” DAVID HARMSWORTH, KENWORTH GENERAL SALES MANAGER

Order books for the new Legend SAR will be open for just one day, July 8.

expect to sell 400-plus,” he said. “But it could be stronger.

“I’ve spoken to many customers and they’re very keen; there is a stronger element than we might have anticipat-

ed as to how do we put this thing to work as well, which trailer is it going to work with best.

“This will suit everything.

Being the set-forward axle position, we’ve spoken to tip-

The gear lever of the manual transmission is topped with a wooden gear knob featuring the original Eaton Fuller logo.

per operators about where it’s going to fit into PBS, and because we’re doing a low-lying bunk it’ll fit tippers as well .

“It could also go up to road train applications, and quite a few also buy one and park it up and put it in the shed.”

So just how deep do your pockets need to be to take one home?

Harmsworth deftly dodges the direct question by telling us it depends on what specs the customer orders.

“We’re still working through all that, but it will be dearer than the equivalent 909 spec,” was about all we could glean on that subject for now.

What your money gets The Legend SAR is modelled on the iconic W900SAR, built and sold in Australia from 1975 until 1985 and the first Kenworth model designed, engineered and built in Australia specifically for Australian operating

requirements.

With its sloping bonnet and raised cab position allowing for the first use of under cab battery and toolboxes, the W900SAR (SAR standing for ‘Short-bonnet Australian Right-hand drive’) was an iconic fusion of the W900AR and S2 models.

Importantly, it could take the high horsepower engines favoured by Australian transport operators and still carry the maximum legal payload within existing length limits and was lighter than the AR and Kenworth’s cab-over model of the day, the K100.

Built to honour the character of the first all-Australian Kenworth truck, the Legend SAR represents the iconic appeal of the much-loved W900SAR, and is named ‘Son of Nugget’ as a tribute to the iconic W-Series limited edition ‘Gold Nugget’ released in 1984.

Brad May, director sales and marketing at PACCAR

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Australia said the truck not only commemorates 50 years of proudly manufacturing Kenworth trucks in Australia, it symbolises what was a turning point for local design and engineering and the custom-build philosophy that Kenworth is still renowned for today.

“In addition to recognising our long heritage in this country, the Legend SAR pays homage to all those that have stood, and stand today, behind the badge of a Kenworth truck. The ones that have helped make Australian-made Kenworths an integral part of the unique Australian landscape,” said May. The Legend SAR features include: • Flat windscreen B-series cab providing extra headroom and seat travel, delivering greater levels of comfort for the driver than the original SAR. • Traditional doors and door handles complete with airlift windows.

• 36” and 50” sleeper cabs are available in both an Aero 1 and flat roof design. A dovetail air deflector atop the sleeper is available with the Aero 1.

• Two-piece (split) windscreen with chrome trim, topped off with bullet-style cab marker lights and dual round air horns.

• The hood is adorned with heritage Kenworth and Cummins badges with an anniversary edition red and gold traditional italic Kenworth bug, which proudly sits atop the authentically reproduced and iconic SAR grille.

• Round 4” front turn signals

BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW 15

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

in Brisbane

Custom cab art wows crowd NO one was more relieved than Brad May to see the attention that his suite of Kenworths and DAFs received over the four-day show.

Resplendent in a bold blue this year to showcase the hand-painted Australian flags on the cabs, the Aussie icon artwork on each truck that PACCAR’s sales and marketing director had masterminded was almost as big a talking point as the Legend SAR itself.

May knew he needed something extra to commemorate Kenworth’s 50th anniversary this year, but he concedes that there were a few anxious moments in the lead-up.

It took three days to paint

each one with icons picked to best match each truck’s characteristics, but May only had 2.5 weeks to finish the job.

“The painters kept assuring us, but I’m thinking the maths aren’t adding up,” he said.

“We were this close to not doing it, but I’m glad we did – it’s been a real drawcard.”

Just about all the displays were sold when Big Rigs caught up with May on day three, with strong interest across all the range.

“The 909 has been an absolute drawcard and showpiece,” added David Harmsworth, Kenworth general sales manager.

He said the 610, set up with a Euro 6 Cummins to show Kenworth’s flexibility as a manufacturer, also had strong interest, as did the 410SAR set up for Brisbane with a PBS tipper spec.

The T360 was perhaps the surprise package.

“It has a slightly longer wheelbase than what we’ve done in the past, and that allows us to put a 9m tray on that and a good weight distribution, so it’s nice and light over the front, compared to a European.

So, from a customer’s point of view in the tilt-tray game they’ve got very good flexibility.”

The new SAR is named ‘Son of Nugget’ as a tribute to the iconic W-Series limited edition ‘Gold Nugget’ released in 1984.

on the crown of the wheel arch reminiscent of the original SARs. • Side-mounted exhausts include a wraparound cover, just like the old SARs, with exposed chrome elbows and 7” curved pipes to give the truck a commanding presence.

• The interior of the Legend SAR has a premium feel and features diamond pleat trim with ‘Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition’ embossed into the rear wall and door trims and a wooden plaque on the glove box lid to identify the unique build num-

ber of each truck.

• Stainless scuff plates adorned with the Legend SAR logo on door openings.

• A traditional Kenworth bug and Legend SAR logo embroidered into the leather seats.

• The gear lever of the manual transmission topped with a wooden gear knob featuring the original Eaton Fuller logo and a stainless steel Legend SAR surround fitted around the sock.

• A traditional flat dash layout houses a full suite of handmade heritage style chrome-bezelled and white-

faced gauges, featuring the traditional Kenworth bug, toggle switches with backlit graphics and a four-spoke leather steering wheel.

• On the body of the truck, traditional extruded aluminium tank steps run alongside round fuel tanks, stainless rear guards and tail-light bars are standard, as are black rubber mudflaps adorned with the traditional Kenworth bug.

• Under the hood is a Cummins X15 engine, specially painted in beige to commemorate Cummins’ heritage.

The Legend SAR is modelled on the iconic W900SAR, built and sold in Australia from 1975 until 1985.

Like the drover on the T909 show-stopper, each of the Kenworths on display boasted hand-painted Aussie icons to match their characteristics.

ALONG LIFE’S HIGHWAY THE 60,000TH TRUCK SONG And so it was when Peter Wickham was asked to say a few words at the delivery to WICKHAM Freightlines of the 60,000th, that’s right 60,000th KENWORTH Prime Mover (built in Australia) at the KENWORTH production line in Melbourne, that Peter Wickham’s song writing and vocal talents where to debut to an audience of 600 production line workers who had gathered for the occasion.

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16 BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Helping hand for truckies

PACCAR and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) unveiled a new industry resource in the form of a DAF LF260, which will be used for a variety of initiatives including health checks, wellbeing programs, presentations and more.

The new multi-purpose vehicle revealed at the Brisbane Truck Show will be used to connect, educate, support and promote the trucking industry, says the ATA. It will be available for organisations and associations to use in support of various industry initiatives, with new trans-

port-specific wellbeing program Health in Gear the first to take up the offer.

The team offered free Truckie Tune-Ups in the DAF at the convention centre, and tells Big Rigs it plans to roll out the same program on the road in coming weeks.

The Truckie Tune-Ups are a comprehensive health check that measures general physical and mental health, cholesterol, blood pressure, height, weight, sleep, exercise and diet. Health measures are taken by a nurse and a trained support officer.

Rebecca McHarg, Health

PACCAR Australia managing director Andrew Hadjikakou makes the presentation of the DAF to Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds CEO Naomi Frauenfelder. Photo: James Graham

in Gear’s marketing and communications manager, says the DAF will be parked up at Tarcutta, Marulan and Yass for three days at each venue.

Those dates weren’t available at deadline for this issue, but check the website healthingear. com.au for updates.

There you’ll also find details of Health in Gear’s new podcast, and tune-up tips that McHarg says were developed in consultation with over 300 drivers and their families.

“We also spoke with the University of Wollongong as well to ensure we are using evidence-based content and we’ve now put all of that on the website.”

ATA chair David Smith added that the vehicle would be able to service the industry in many ways through high-impact engagement initiatives at on-site events, industry activations, conferences or at the roadside.

“Harnessing its multi-purpose utility, the vehicle will have the capacity to deliver outdoor presentations, on-site health checks, host regional meetings, act as a media hub or serve as a support centre that responds to industry needs in times of crisis,” Smith said.

PACCAR Australia man-

Health in Gear’s truckie tune-ups were a popular feature at the Brisbane show. Photo: Facebook

aging director Andrew Hadjikakou said the DAF LF260 features a customised body that was built at the Brimarco factory in Ballarat and includes a flexible work, meeting and media space, as well as audio-visual capabilities for external presentations, all powered by a Cummins generator.

“This vehicle showcases the latest technology and safety features our vehicles have to offer,” he said.

“Built to the highest stan-

dards, we know this vehicle will deliver maximum comfort, control, safety and flexibility for our industry users.”

Hadjikakou added that the opportunities for the vehicle were endless.

“Our partnership with Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds and OzHelp’s Health in Gear program is just one of the many ways this vehicle can service our industry,” he said.

“We are thrilled to unveil this unique and innovative ve-

hicle and look forward to seeing what can be achieved through its activities in years to come.”

At the truck show, Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, the industry’s new taxpayer funded mental health and wellbeing not-for-profit, also unveiled its new membership program.

Membership is free for individuals, $250 per year for small to medium operations (under $10m in revenue), and $500 per year for those businesses that earn over $10m.

Driving Change Diversity Program champions announced

THIRTEEN of Australia’s newest diversity champions will take part in an initiative that aims to improve industry image, build a stronger workforce and showcase opportunity.

In a special announcement at the Brisbane Truck Show, the Australian Trucking Association and Teletrac Navman welcomed the 2021 Driving Change Diversity Program champions, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, from truck driving and operation management through to training and administration.

“The trucking industry plays a crucial role in the lives of all Australians, but it has its challenges. There is a strong need for more drivers and skilled

workers in all areas,” ATA chair David Smith said.

“Diversity plays a big role in creating positive workplaces and is proven to develop more inclusive environments, increase productivity and give employers access to a greater range of talent.

“This program is our way of addressing this issue and broadening the industry talent pool.

We are driving change to ensure our industry has the tools to foster inclusive and welcoming environments for people from all backgrounds and expertise.”

The inaugural 2020 program saw an overwhelming amount of support from businesses and industry members, demonstrating an understand-

ing of the importance of celebrating and embracing diversity.

This year’s program will showcase its champions through a social media storytelling series, highlighting the diverse and varied opportunities on offer in the Australian trucking industry.

Champions will then be hosted at the ATA’s Trucking Australia conference in September for an intensive workshop where they will learn how to create change and facilitate diversity in their workplace and community, share personal insights, and develop clear action items on how to drive change within industry.

“While they may not realise

it, these champions are already making a big difference in their workplace and communities, shining a light on the amazing opportunities the industry has to offer,” Teletrac Navman director of marketing Australasia, Megan Duncan said.

The 2021 champions are: • Melissa Barry, NatRoad • Sarah-Jane Collins, Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association • Erin Compitiello, Victorian Transport Association • Kerri Connors, Tasmanian Transport Association • Lisa Fraser, Teletrac Navman • Nicki French, Australian Furniture Removers Association • Peta Gowans, Teletrac Navman

2021 champion Lisa Fraser is Membership Services Manager at the Queensland Trucking Association.

• D avid Haoust, Teletrac Navman • Shane McLoughlin, TruckSafe • Courtney Sertdemir, Road Freight NSW

• H ossain Someh, Queensland Trucking Association • Hannah Stewart, Teletrac Navman • Bronwyn Wilson, Teletrac Navman

Low-cost Quallogi becomes fifth NHVR-approved EWD

Quallogi’s John Tsoucalas at the Kynection stand. Photo: Twitter

THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has approved Quallogi by Kynection as the fifth Electronic Work

Diary (EWD) option for truckies.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Quallogi EWD

would be available for use as an official record for heavy vehicle driver work and rest hours from May 25.

“Drivers have been switching over to using an Electronic Work Diary since we approved the first system in December last year and it’s great to see Quallogi is also available as an alternative to the National Written Work Diary,” Petroccitto said.

“The introduction of EWDs means drivers can record their work and rest hours by pressing a button, rather than spending time ruling lines and counting multiple time periods on multiple pieces of paper.

“The Quallogi includes features such as alerts, to assist drivers to manage their compliance with work and rest rules.”

At the time of deadline for this issue, the Quallogi system was only available on selected Zebra (TC56, TC57, TC75 and TC77) and Samsung Galaxy (Tab A, Tab Active 2 and Xcover Pro) devices.

But John Tsoucalas, Quallogi champion commercial and QA, tell us that more options will quickly follow, including IOS devices.

“Ours is a platform of only mobiles, there is no telematics or anything required to run this approved work diary so it’s low cost and we’ll get to the point where most of the drivers’ mobile devices will be sufficient to meet the requirements.

“These are aimed heavily at the owner-drivers, casual drivers and also small to medium fleets.”

Tsoucalas said Kynection,

the company behind the EWD, has been in the EWD business since 2007. The Quallogi is the fifth-generation software and was rebuilt

to meet the strict NHVR specifications over the last 18 months.

For more information on costings, visit quallogi.com.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto signs the official certificate of approval at the Brisbane Truck Show watched on by Quallogi owner Courtney Smith, left, and John Tsoucalas, Quallogi champion commercial and QA.

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18 FEATURE

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Meet three generations of

Pioneering livestock truck driver Maureen Brosnan overcome her fair share of challenges during her working life, and years later her legacy still runs deep.

SO, THERE I WAS BUYING CATTLE AND DRIVING BETWEEN SYDNEY AND KEMPSEY AND TAREE AND I RECKONED I WAS THEN EARNING FIVE-TIMES THE AMOUNT THAT BEING A TEACHER HAD PAID, PLUS I WAS OUT IN THE OPEN AIR AND DOING WHAT I LOVED, DRIVING.” MAUREEN BROSNAN

Three generations of Brosnans - Amber, Sarah and Maureen - catch up in Deloraine for our story.

BY JONATHAN WALLIS IT was a sunny morning and promised a beautiful day after a cold frosty (-4) Deloraine night when Amber Brosnan arrived in town, driving her Ryan’s Transport’s 2012 Freightliner CST 112 prime mover with a Detroit Diesel DD13 12.8L inline-six and an 18 Speed transmission.

We were happy to see her arrive with her grandmother, the attractive and sprightly Maureen Brosnan, in the passenger seat, and as previously arranged, her mother Sarah arrived simultaneously by car from Latrobe, to tell us something about their combined experiences on the road.

We first met Amber a couple of months ago when she was doing her first job out on the road with a brand-new licence in a Dave Richard’s Constellation.

At that time she told us she was hoping to continue the family tradition on the road, with her mother, Sarah Brosnan from Latrobe, a well-known and highly respected full-time milk tanker driver in northern Tasmania, who had also driven for Matt Ryan off and on for several years.

But what she neglected to tell us at the time, was that her grandmother, Maureen Brosnan, was also a professional truck driver, well known for her adventures carting cattle around New South Wales a few years back.

So, it was a total buzz to catch up with these three remarkable women all together and have a chat with them about their combined time and experiences on the road.

Sarah told us she had begun her working career up in Queensland making roof trusses and working with cattle out in Central Queensland before she started out driving a small concrete truck, where she got her licence, and then began driving agitator trucks up there for several years, prior to moving down to Tasmania and initially doing all manner of odds and ends.

“The kids were young when I started driving, and I was lucky as I was able to take them with me in the truck,” she told us.

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“Latterly, I have been driving milk tankers across the north of Tasmania, and that is a good regular run, though full of variety and interest as you really get to know the highways and byways, and the farmers, as well as where the pick-ups are.

“I usually drive a Volvo and have no regrets at all in having taken up driving for a profession. There have

been lots of changes in the industry, and attitudes, but personally speaking I have never found being a woman a problem at all, and have always been respected, and judged mostly on my work which is what matters.

“So, Amber really got her taste for trucks, and driving them, way back then.”

Amber interjected: “I well remember how proud I would be when Mum dropped in to school to pick me up after classes driving a truck, I mean how cool was that?”

Very proud of her mother’s achievements, Amber told us that Sarah was also given awards from the ATA in 2019 for Tasmania’s Professional Driver of the year, and made the final three in the National awards for Professional Driver of the Year for 2020.

So certainly, Amber has every good reason to be justly proud of Sarah’s accomplishments.

Sarah Brosnan from Latrobe, a well-known and highly respected full-time milk tanker driver in northern Tasmania, also drove for Matt Ryan for several years.

FEATURE 19

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

inspiring Tassie truckies

Sarah’s sister Emma in Maureen’s Bedford school bus.

Maureen then continued: “I have done quite a few things along the way, besides driving cattle trucks, including becoming a teacher, and driving the Bedford school bus in Toowoomba where I sadly became widowed.

“There was also a difficult divorce that left me with a 14-month-old son, Shaun, and I really didn’t want to leave him home alone.

“I looked at possible work alternatives, including particularly those options that pleased me and were practical, and then I went out and got a truck licence and began driving, and that’s where my son grew up, in the truck with me.”

“With Dad’s help I managed to get a bank loan and paid my husband out, and purchased a 300-acre cattle property at Kempsey in New South Wales. My next venture saw me buying and selling cattle, in fact I became the first woman cattle buyer in Kempsey and Taree for Woolworths in Sydney.

“So, there I was buying cattle and driving between Sydney and Kempsey and Taree and I reckoned I was then earning five-times the amount that being a teacher had paid, plus I was out in the open air and doing what

I loved, driving.”

Maureen has many stories to share but one that comes quickly to mind was a trip from Sydney up to Taree via Bulahdelah in her old International when a police officer pulled her over. “‘You haven’t, have you?’ he asked through the window. ‘Haven’t what?’ I replied. ‘A licence for this’, he said.

“He seemed a bit taken aback when I produced it, but he did have the decency to apologise.

“I used to also bring cattle down from all over, including as far out as Walgett, to the sale yards at Homebush, on a lot of pretty rough and unsealed roads outback, and even back then the traffic in Sydney was a bit challenging.

“Then I moved down to Tasmania – no regrets there!

– and bought a 232-acre cattle and horse property here at Deloraine which I loved, but owing to various complications, I sold that and moved on. After a short break I bought another 80-acre property at South Riana, adding to it with the 130acre place next door where we harvested timber, but I finally faced the fact I had to take it easy, and moved into my current place near Ulver-

stone, looking out over Bass Strait.

“I keep in close touch with Sarah and Amber of course, and still enjoy getting up into a truck with all its memories, but I am really more happy in the passenger seat now days. To sum things up, I really enjoyed my time on the road greatly, and if I had to start out again I would happily do it all again.

Maureen says that there are so many new innovations, regulations and changes in today’s Industry, and in the vehicles themselves, (a lot more comfortable, for a start) that it is all a bit overwhelming at times.

“But I have no fears for my granddaughter, she is a hard worker, and can stand her ground and perform with the best of them, and it would be foolish to under-

estimate either her strength, or her capabilities. I am very proud of her and proud of her decision.”

Finally, after her first couple of months on the road, Amber seemed as happy, and enthusiastic, as the day she stepped out of Dave Richard’s Constellation at Mood Food on her first trip solo.

She said she had had great advice, assistance and mentoring from her mother throughout, including some practical experience.

She added that she was glad that she had completed her course with “OnRoad OffRoad, Training”, where she had not only picked up on many valuable skills, but it had also boosted her confidence to finally get out there and chase a career.

She added that she had noticed more girls taking an

I REALLY ENJOYED MY TIME ON THE ROAD GREATLY, AND IF I HAD TO START OUT AGAIN I WOULD HAPPILY DO IT ALL AGAIN.” MAUREEN BROSNAN

interest in truck driving of late, and that when they ask her, she gives them all the encouragement she can to simply “just go out there and give it your best.”

We asked how it had felt having her grandmother in the truck with her coming to Deloraine, and she told us: “Well, I was a bit nervous having Nanny there alongside me at first, but happily she never said a word, and I soon relaxed and it all went smoothly.”

Amber Brosnan with instructor Bruce Knight from OnRoad OffRoad Training.

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20 COVER STORY

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Brown and Hurley: The building of a legacy

As Brown and Hurley celebrates its 75th anniversary, the 70,000th Australian-made Kenworth takes pride of place at its museum as a symbol of the company’s outstanding success.

Jim (JJ) Hurley, now 78, started at Brown and Hurley when he was just 16-years-old and is proud of how far the business has come.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI A FOURTH generation family business, Brown and Hurley has become one of the largest truck dealership groups in Australia, representing PACCAR’s Kenworth and DAF brands.

It has sold more Kenworth trucks than any other Australian truck dealer and took the keys to Kenworth’s milestone truck, a T659, as part of the manufacturer’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

That flashy new truck now sits in the Brown and Hurley Museum alongside the first Kenworth sold by the group in 1965, a Kenworth W923. Paying homage to that truck, it’s painted in the same red and white colour scheme.

On the back of the milestone T659 is an image of Alan Brown and Jack Hurley at the site in Kyogle, NSW, where they started their business.

Toowoomba-based operator, Doug Wyton, was Brown and Hurley’s first Kenworth customer.

I WANTED TO HAVE A BROWN AND HURLEY 75 YEAR TRUCK FOR MY MUSEUM, SO THAT IN ANOTHER 100 YEARS, THAT TRUCK WOULD STILL BE THERE. JIM (JJ) HURLEY

On the 50th anniversary of that sale, his son Gordon Wyton bought a Kenworth T909, also in the same livery.

“So we’re still doing business with the same people 50 years later,” said industry legend and long-time Kenworth dealer Jim (JJ) Hurley.

And that sort of story rings true with many of Brown and Hurley’s customers.

“What’s probably been most rewarding for me is the amount of repeat customers we have. We’re doing business with a lot of third generation customers now,” Jim added.

“I’d say that over 75 per cent of our business is repeat business. If you look after

your customers, they’ll look after you,” he said.

“Another really rewarding thing is seeing customers who’ve started with one or two trucks and are now major fleets. Their growth has helped us grow too. It’s also the friendships I’ve made with customers over time and the relationship I’ve had with Kenworth.”

Alan Brown and Jack Hurley met in the army during WWII and went on to become lifelong friends and business partners. They trained troops in the maintenance and repair of army trucks and tanks.

After the war, they wanted to open their own mechanical workshop, but an existing business was worth more than they could afford.

Instead they settled on purchasing a bicycle repair shop in 1946, complete with a petrol bowser and an old shed out the back that they could use as a workshop.

The years that ensued saw their company go from strength to strength, all the while creating an unshakable

Alan Brown and Jack Hurley met in the army during WWII and went on to become lifelong friends and business partners.

COVER STORY 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

There are signs all over this truck that symbolise its significance.

Brown and Hurley are the proud owners of the 70,000th Australian built Kenworth, a T659 that is a tribute to the company’s 75 years.

Alan Brown and Jack Hurley at the bicycle repair shop they purchased in 1946. This image can also be seen on the back of the truck.

bond between two families.

Then, in 1964, Brown and Hurley became the first Australian dealer appointed by Kenworth.

“There was a fella named Ed Cameron who began importing Kenworth trucks into Australia and he was looking for a dealer in Queensland – fortunately we got hold of that,” said Jim. Today, the business is comprised of nine dealerships across Queensland and NSW. It has also won the Kenworth Dealer of the Year Award a record 14 times.

Now, on June 1, 2021, it celebrates 75 years.

Jim (78) was just a toddler when his father Jack went into business with Alan, and he’s rightfully proud of how far the business has come.

“It’s such a big achievement. When I started my apprenticeship as a motor mechanic with the company in 1958, at the age of 16, it

had been going for 12 years and for me that sounded like a lifetime, but it pales in significance. So I’ve been there for most of the journey,” he said.

Throughout the years, Jim has held various roles at Brown and Hurley, from apprentice mechanic, to managing sales at the Kyogle branch in 1975, then becoming group sales manager in 1986, followed by joint managing director in 1988 – a role he held up until his retirement from day-to-day operations in August 2012.

Though he’s still quite involved in the business to this day, as a member of the board, along with doing some of the special truck deliveries too.

The Brown and Hurley Museum is also his pet project – and a trip down memory lane.

“The museum was launched in 2008. I want-

ed to showcase the history of some of the trucks and equipment we’ve sold over the years. There are about 20 pieces on show, including some of the early stuff which I’ve restored – there are Kenworths, Volkswagons, Land Rovers, David Brown farm tractors, chainsaws and a White that’s the same as the first White truck we ever sold,” said Jim. In recognition of his service to the industry, in 2015 Jim also received the honour of having a major extension to the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame in Alice Springs named after him. The 2000 square metre hall is called JJ Hurley Pavilion. He was instrumental in the development of the project, which is a 4000 square metre space devoted to the history of the Australian designed and built Kenworth, with over 25 trucks on permanent display, and others on rotation.

“In our pavilion, we have 22 brand new Kenworths on display and will add another three there this year. In 10 years, we should have about 45 brand new Kenworths.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere in the world with so many new trucks on show,” he proudly added.

With regards to the 70,000th Kenworth, though it will live predominantly at the Brown and Hurley Museum, Jim also plans to use it to take his restored vintage trucks around to various truck shows.

But how did Jim get his hands on the milestone truck?

“I had this idea that I wanted to have a Brown and Hurley 75 year truck for my museum, so that in another 100 years, that truck would still be there. I knew the 70,000th truck was coming up, so I spoke with Andrew Hadjikakou (managing director of PACCAR Australia) and he agreed and allocated that chassis to us – the T659,” explained Jim. “I think the T659 is the most durable truck ever built

IT’S VERY REWARDING TO SEE THAT IN THE COMPANY MY FATHER STARTED WITH ALAN, I NOW HAVE GRANDSONS COMING THROUGH THE BUSINESS. JIM (JJ) HURLEY

by Kenworth in my own personal opinion. Former PACCAR managing director Andrew Wright and I used to travel around together and we’d get off the beaten track and go to where the trucks were working in really tough conditions, and talk to customers about how the trucks were working and make refinements to suit their challenging conditions.

“Basically it’s the same model that’s been around since 1987 – if you’ve got something that works, then don’t fiddle with it,” Jim said.

Hadjikakou officially handed over the 70,000th truck at a special event at PACCAR’s Bayswater man-

The milestone T659 takes pride of place at the Brown and Hurley Museum.

22 COVER STORY

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

The first Kenworth sold by Brown and Hurley.

ufacturing plant in March, though the truck itself couldn’t be there, stopped in its tracks at Moree, NSW, as parts of Australia battled through horrendous floods.

At the event, Hadjikakou said, “To JJ who joins me here on stage and to the extended Brown and Hurley

family, who have joined us, we’re thrilled to have you here today, especially given the historical significance that 2021 holds for your own company.

“In this, their 75th year, it’s only appropriate that today Brown and Hurley become the new owners and

take the keys of our 70,000th Kenworth.”

With 75 years already under its belt, Brown and Hur-

ley can look forward to the next 75 years and beyond.

For Jim personally, seeing the growth the business has achieved over time has been so rewarding. “In 1986 we sold 100 Kenworths for the first time. It took 21 years to sell the first 1000 Kenworths, then 11 years to sell the second 1000. This year, in 2021, it looks like we’ll sell 1000 too,” he said.

But on top of sales and numbers, Jim’s connection with Brown and Hurley goes much deeper. It’s a legacy for his family and that of the Brown family, two names that have become firmly intertwined into the trucking industry’s history pages.

Jack Hurley OAM passed away in 2007, aged 90; and Alan Brown OAM passed away in 2016, aged 94; though what they started continues to live on.

“It’s very rewarding to see that in the company my father started with Alan, I now have grandsons coming through the business.

“We had 114 staff in 1986, now we have 468 staff

This shot of Jack Hurley and Alan Brown was taken in 1986.

75 YEARS OF BROWN AND HURLEY 1944: Alan Brown and Jack Hurley meet and become friends.

1946: The pair purchase a bicycle repair shop in Kyogle, NSW, and that’s where it all begins.

1947: Brown and Hurley makes its first sale, a HG 42 Oliver Cletrac tractor.

1948: The business obtains the White Truck franchise, which it held until 1957.

1953: The move to new premises in Kyogle. Staff members are now at 14.

1957: Brown and Hurley becomes a Leyland Trucks dealer, up until 1968.

1964:

A staff portrait, taken in 1953.

The Brown and Hurley Group is appointed Australia’s first Kenworth Dealer, covering Queensland and Northern NSW.

1965: Its first Kenworth is sold to Doug Wyton in Toowoomba for £15,000.

1968: Brown and Hurley Group is appointed the first Volvo truck dealer in Australia. By mutual agreement, the Volvo franchise is relinquished in 1998.

1970: Kenworth Australia’s Bayswater factory and office is completed, with production of Kenworth trucks starting in 1971.

2000: The DAF franchise is added into the mix, with Brown and Hurley Group appointed DAF dealers.

2006:

Brown and Hurley celebrates 60 years.

2012: Brown and Hurley opens its Technical Training Centre.

2015: Brown and Hurley Group celebrates 50 years as a Kenworth dealer.

2017:

Brown and Hurley PacLease begins operations.

2021: Brown and Hurley celebrates 75 years on June 1.

It also purchases the 70,000th Australian made Kenworth.

The milestone T659 is painted in the same colours as the first Kenworth sold by Brown and Hurley.

and there are a lot of longterm staff who have been with us for 10 to 20 years – even one fellow who has been here for 47 years. To think you’ve been able to give those people a job, and they’ve been able to build a house and a family, and you’ve helped them along is really special,” added Jim. Throughout June, there will be various 75th anniversary events taking place, including branch open days, a charity golf day, show and shines and the launch of the 75th anniversary book at the Kyogle open day on June 5.

“My dad wrote a book for the first 60 years of Brown and Hurley and I’ve written the next 15 years, telling the Brown and Hurley story of service to the road transport industry,” said Jim. Event details will be posted on the Brown and Hurley Facebook page.

NEWS 23

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Former Hino VP moves to SEA Electric role

GROWTH continues at Australian electric truck company, SEA Electric, with the announcement of Bill Gillespie joining the company in the position of president – Asia Pacific.

SEA Electric said Gillespie brings a wealth of automotive industry experience in both the passenger vehicle market with Toyota, Kia and Nissan then more recently in the truck industry with Hino Australia.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Bill to the SEA Electric family,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric’s founder and president.

“This is an exciting time for SEA Electric, especially in the Asia Pacific region, with Bill set to anchor the market development team, enabling the region to achieve its substantial growth forecast.

“Glen Walker’s position will be renamed vice president – Asia Pacific, and he will continue his incredible work in providing high quality and efficiently produced electric vehicle products to the Asia Pacific region.”

Gillespie said he’s joining at an exciting time for the manufacturer which launched its Australian produced range of

100 per cent electric-powered trucks at the recent Brisbane Truck Show.

“I’m incredibly optimistic about joining the SEA Electric business at a time when the market demand for zero-emission logistics and vehicles is growing, and to have a role in an Australian company with a global footprint like SEA Electric is a once in a career opportunity,” said Gillespie.

Gillespie had his last day at Hino in mid-April and at the time cited personal reasons for his decision to relocate from Sydney back to Brisbane.

“Covid lockdowns and border closures have made me reassess the ongoing viability of this travel and ultimately played a large part in my decision to relocate back to Brisbane on a full-time basis,” he said in a media statement.

“I am confident that Hino is well placed to take full advantage of the growing market and is in good hands.”

Gillespie joined Hino Australia in February 2014 following a 30-year career in strategy, network development, marketing and sales in the automotive industry.

Former Hino exec Bill Gillespie says he joins SEA Electric at an exciting time.

Scania appoints new Dandenong branch manager

Brendan Fulton is looking forward to improving turnaround times on servicing.

BRENDAN Fulton has commenced as the new branch manager for the Scania company-owned sales and service dealership in Greens Road, Dandenong.

The dealership is one of three owned and operated by Scania in Victoria, and one of nine nationwide.

“I have plenty of recent customer-facing aftersales experience from the highly

competitive passenger car business, as well as a solid background as a diesel technician. I started my career in heavy vehicles with William Adams, and it is good to be back in the commercial vehicle industry, especially with a brand like Scania,” said Fulton.

“I like to lead teams from the front and to encourage them to be honest and up-

front with our customers. I understand very clearly that uptime is vital in trucking because our customers’ livelihoods depend on their trucks being on the road.

“My aim is for the Dandenong Branch staff to strive to exceed customer expectations in terms of service; not just speed of service but quality of service, and we have already made some changes

within the branch to deliver on this.

“No customer wants their truck off the road, and unplanned breakdowns are the bane of their business lives, so we are positioning ourselves to be more responsive to their moment of need.”

Fulton said Scania also offers excellent career possibilities for motivated technicians and apprentices.

“We’re also increasing our presence in the loose engine and genset markets. This presents a wonderful element of variety to our work and helps in creating a workplace that is rewarding and stimulating. You can be working on a customer’s truck, trailers or bus today and travelling to a marina to service our engines in a pilot boat tomorrow.”

75 year anniversary Join us to celebrate our history in the Australian transport industry

5th June – KYOGLE - Open Day + Trucks on Display 5th June – COFFS HARBOUR - Open Day + Pallet Sale 10th & 11th June - YATALA - Pallet Sale 12th June - TOOWOOMBA - Open Day + Show and Shine + Pallet Sale 19th June – ROCKHAMPTON - Open Day + Show and Shine 19th June – CABOOLTURE - Open Day + Show and Shine + Pallet Sale 26th June – TOWNSVILLE - Open Day 26th June – DARRA - Open Day + Show and Shine 3rd July – TAMWORTH - Open Day + Pallet Sale + Offical Branch Opening

Visit our website for more details brownandhurley.com.au K Y O G L E | D A R R A | T O W N S V I L L E | C O F F S H A R B O U R | R O C K H A M P T O N | YATA L A | T O O W O O M B A | C A B O O LT U R E | TA M W O R T H

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24 READER RIGS

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Ken Worth shared this pic of “his office”, a 100 year Mack Superliner.

Scott Ifould captured this great shot near Lake Grace, WA, driving a 2006 Kenworth T604.

Share your truck pics THE trucking game is as diverse as the terrain on which our truckies travel.

If there’s one thing we know many of you love, it’s a good looking rig – and sometimes life on the open road brings some golden photo opportunities.

The Big Rigs #PicOfTheDay competition is a chance

to share your best snaps through our Facebook page (@BigRigs). We’ll choose a weekly winning shot to feature as our Facebook cover photo and a selection of the best pics will be featured in the next edition of Big Rigs Newspaper.

So get snapping and keep those great pics coming!

Nick Cook and this Kenworth pulling a road train head west for another load of ewes.

Michael Ringland and this Kenworth T904 haul this huge Hitachi bucket.

Jack Schulz enjoys an early morning sunrise whilst on a hay run to Bowmans, SA.

This freshly repainted Titan carries its first load after three months off the road. Thanks for sharing Alyx Densley.

Ben Hoeksema and this 2015 K200 transport 57,500kg of molasses for a farm in the northern Wheatbelt. This shot was taken between Coolgardie and Southern Cross.

Dale McDonald shared this shot of a great looking Mack Superliner.

READER RIGS 25

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

‘The Drone Way’ shared this shot, cruising the 90 mile straight in WA.

Livestock truckie James Shaw shared this snap, taken at sunset in Yanco, NSW.

Will Gallimore and this Kenworth enjoyed a beautiful sunrise at Bathurst, NSW.

Mark Tubby Taylor sent in this pic, loaded up with FedEx parcels in Redbank, Queensland

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26 FEATURE

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

A Cleary Brothers classic

The Legend SAR may have hogged all the headlines at the Brisbane Truck Show, but there are few better examples of the Kenworth classic on the historic show circuit than this stunning 1986 resto.

The 1986 Kenworth SAR on show in Lockhart.

Keiran Sullivan with the restored Kenworth.

BY DAVID VILE IN terms of trucks that have burnt their way into the psyche of the Australian transport landscape, the Kenworth SAR would have to be one of the first truck models which springs to mind.

From its first incarnations in the 1970s through to the current T610 SAR and the much-anticipated Legend SAR released this month at the Brisbane Truck Show, the Kenworth, with its short sloping bonnet, has also been a favourite model for truck restorers over the years.

There are few better examples on the historic show circuit than the 1986 SAR which was purchased and restored by the Cleary Brothers organisation from Wollongong, with the truck, its custodian and Cleary Brothers team member Keiran Sullivan making the trip from the coast into the NSW Riverina for the Lockhart Truck Show earlier this year.

Having a fleet dominated

by Mack product, and having restored a number of old Bulldogs over the years, the Cat-powered Kenworth was somewhat of a change in tack for the Cleary Brothers team, who undertook the full mechanical and body restoration in their Port Kembla workshop over a couple of years.

“We have never been big Kenworth operators - we grabbed a few T404 SARs and K108 Cab-overs and we thought we would do something different to doing another Mack up - Cleary Brothers are also very passionate about the Caterpillar

product line, so I think that was a drawcard as well,” said Sullivan.

“We started it in 2016, we had just finished doing the ‘Cunningham’, a Centenary Mack Trident and we took this on and did everything inhouse.”

The Kenworth had had a bit of a potted history, having been painted lime green in colour and been parked up in Western Australia with a seized engine for 10 years.

It initially went to Klos Brothers in Victoria before making its way up to Wollongong where the overhaul got underway.

“It was pretty buggered when we got it, the motor was locked up - we went to put another block in it out of

our stock spares in our machinery shop and the numbers were different, so we had to buy another block and put a rebuild kit through that, its rated to 425 horsepower.

We also put a Neway air suspension on it to make it a bit more comfy as we are driving everywhere bobtail with it,” Sullivan said.

Having been stripped back to the chassis rails and worked back up, the SAR was painted in its deep red colour and the interior overhauled back to showroom finish.

“The interior is back to its original condition, with Gilbert and Roach in Narellan helping us out, the interior fit-out was a lot easier to source than any of the Macks we have done - we ordered it

The tribute mural on the Kenworth sleeper has been beautifully done.

on the Monday with all the serial numbers and we had it ready to go on the Friday,” he said.

The exterior also got a bit of a touch up with rear light bars along with stainless guards and wraps on the tanks, “We were a bit over polishing tanks on a Thursday night before going away to a show,” he said with a grin.

Completing the exterior is a large mural on the back of the sleeper paying tribute to Australia’s World War 1 armed forces which is a real head-turner.

Preserving machinery and trucks has been a passion for the Cleary Brothers over the years, with the company having its own museum at Port

Kembla which has an open day once a year.

“Restoration has always been a big thing for the company over the years, we do up all our own machinery, including a couple of NR Macks and a D7 and D2 Cat dozers-most of the projects we do usually take a couple of years as we work them around other jobs,” he said.

With Mack being the feature brand at Lockhart, there was also a 1964 B61 Mack on display which has been owned

by Cleary Brothers since new, and like the SAR had undergone a full restoration in the company workshops after being retired from active service.

The Cleary Brothers group has around 120 trucks working in the business on a variety of work including tipper, heavy haulage and agitator applications. Having spent about eight years behind the wheel in a number of driving roles Sullivan now works in the construction division.

“I would love to get out a bit more…that’s why I come to these shows. We try and get

out every couple of months, we do the Kenworth Klassic every year and try to get to a lot of the rural shows, and of course the Illawarra Convoy for Kids is always a big thing for us as we have done a lot of work up and down the NSW south coast over the years.”

Sullivan and the SAR were part of a large contingent of predominantly Mack trucks which were making their first visit to Lockhart from the Illawarra and was impressed with the turnout and variety of modern and historic trucks to the Riverina town.

Needless to say, the next trip to a show the Kenworth makes will see Sullivan again behind the wheel giving the yellow Cat motor under the short SAR bonnet a solid workout.

“She winds up pretty well and she’s a bit rough…but it’s also good fun,” he concluded with a grin.

• F or further information on the annual Port Kembla Museum open day, follow the Cleary Brothers page on Facebook.

This 1964 B-Model Mack has been part of the Cleary Bros organisation since new.

AD FEATURE 27

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Teletrac Navman releases fuel tax credits solution

TELETRAC NAVMAN’S Fuel Tax Credits (FTC) Manger is the first of its kind to implement an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) product ruling for businesses claiming fuel tax credits.

This means that fleet managers using the system no longer risk overclaiming fuel tax credits.

When claiming for fuel tax credits, businesses are entitled to claim the highest rate for fuel used other than for travel on a public road. This extends

to fuel used in road construction and maintenance activities, even when on public roads. Traditionally this is notoriously difficult to calculate, resulting in many businesses under-claiming.

FTC Manager is a unique solution for businesses claiming fuel tax credits. Unlike other GPS-based FTC calculation systems, it operates exclusively using second-by-second high-definition GPS location data already installed in customer vehicles to accurately calcu-

The system uses second-by-second high-definition GPS location data already installed in customer vehicles to accurately calculate off-road travel and auxiliary fuel use to maximise fuel tax rebates.

late off-road travel and auxiliary fuel use to maximise fuel tax rebates. This helps businesses claim a better return, to improve cashflow and re-invest the money back into the business.

The system provides industry leading accuracy by automatically classifying the entire Australian road network as either on- or off-road.

Developed in conjunction with PPM Tax Group and backed by the ATO’s new class ruling, reduces the risk of over-claiming, and providing a higher level of protection.

The ATO has recently increased its focus on FTC compliance as a result of significant over-claims made using other GPS systems and FTC advisors.

“The ATO’s decision will provide a greater level of accuracy around the process of claiming fuel tax credits, giving users more certainty that they’re not liable for overclaiming from the ATO, and Teletrac Navman will be the first and only telematics provider to implement the updated product,” said Peter Perich, director at PPM Tax Group.

Teletrac Navman’s FTC Manager is a unique solution for businesses claiming fuel tax credits.

Andrew Rossington, chief product officer at Teletrac Navman, added, “The product ruling will bring peace of mind for our clients, adding yet another element of differentiation to an already unique solution. We’re thrilled to be the first to introduce the new requirements into our FTC

Manager solution.”

FTC Manager falls into Teletrac Navman’s TN360 suite of AI-enabled fleet management systems for a comprehensive all-in-one platform. To date, FTC Manager is one of the most comprehensive automated solutions currently available

in the Australian market. This latest product ruling reduces liability risk and allows businesses across a range of industries including transport, construction, mining, gas, government and agriculture to fully maximise heavy vehicles Fuel Tax Credits on an ongoing basis.

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28 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Tropics Brett Hamilton Alan Camenzind BRETT Hamilton drives a 2016 Mack Superliner 685 for Kelly Freightlines, based out of Goondiwindi. He was with his lovely wife Judy when I saw them.

They were parked at the BP Cluden and Hamilton was delivering pellets from Kapunda for the nearby Townsville Port.

“I usually have backloads of grain from Emerald to the Darling Downs or scrap to Griffiths when I come up here,” he said.

The 57-year-old has been with the company for 15 years and enjoys the job.

He rates the Leichhardt and Gore Highways as amongst the worst he gets along.

“There is also what we truckies call the jump up hill near Injune,” he said.

Hamilton likes stopping at roadhouses along the way and nominated the Little Topar near Broken Hill, the Yunta Caltex and the Torren’s Creek Hotel as his favourites.

I asked if he had seen any-

thing funny in recent times whilst on the job. He replied, “Yes, some people trying to reverse trucks at a place in Adelaide.”

Judy was delighted to also

engage in the conversation but not as keen to have her pic snapped with her husband.

Hamilton’s favourite meals are anything with prawns as ingredients.

“WHEN you see a roadhouse with lots of trucks pulled up there, you know they serve a good feed,” was a great quote from Townsville driver Alan Camenzind.

He works for Aurizon and had pulled up at the Port Access Road. He was checking out his Kenworth T659 when Big Rigs saw him.

“I was born in Switzerland and came to Australia as a nineyear-old boy and have been a truckie for 31 years,” said Camenzind, 59.

The friendly Camenzind tows quads and was hauling sulphur between Townsville Port and Mount Isa, a distance of 900km.

Camenzind likes stopping at the Torren’s Creek Hotel and the Julia Creek Puma on his travels to the Isa. “It is a good job and is well paid and I have been with this company for two years,” he said.

Camenzind grew up in Mount Isa and in his heyday

played rugby league for the Brothers Club there.

When he gets time off, Camenzind enjoys riding a Harley Davidson and also

Shane Walshe

Darren Hebenko

RECENTLY when Big Rigs caught up with Shane Walshe, he was busy cleaning the interior of the near new Mercedes Benz 2646 with automatic transmission, which he drives for Brisbane based ACFS Port Logistics.

It has depots around the country.

Walshe was in Townsville, carrying containers for a supermarket chain. “I am an ex-Kiwi and was born in Christchurch. I have been in Australia since 1994,” he said.

Aged 49, Walshe said he finds the Clermont to Charters Towers road a challenge to travel on.

WHEN I saw an old International Eagle dubbed “West Coast Eagle” parked up at a roadhouse deep in the tropics I thought for sure and certain the driver was from WA. That was the first question I asked owner-operator Darren Hebenko when we had a yarn at the BP Cluden in Townsville.

Named after one of two WA AFL teams, Hebenko said he purchased the truck in Perth.

“That name was on the 2006 International when I got it 18 months ago and so were the other words ‘Every Dog Has Its Day’ so I can’t tell you why,” he said.

Hebenko, 52, was hauling concrete tanks from Brisbane to Mackay, Bowen and Townsville and was waiting to pick up a backload of scrap for south.

“I have been a truckie for 30 years and it is hard these days for owner drivers with

He likes stopping at Townsville’s giant BP Cluden Roadhouse for several reasons. “There is lots of parking, the facilities, including the showers, are great and the food tops. I like the big breakfast they serve,” he said.

Walshe has been a truckie for around 30 years and loves the job. “It keeps my mind active,” he said.

His hobbies when off duty include fishing and golf and he is a member of the Royal Pines Club in southern Queensland.

“I take my eight-year-old son Arakai fishing at Scarborough on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

Standing at 166cm tall, Walshe said that had lots of advantages.

He added that he likes reading Big Rigs and can’t wait for his picture and story to appear.

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the fuel having gone up in price sharply in the past few months,” he said.

Hebenko doesn’t eat much from roadhouses when away but has an enormous appetite when he gets home.

“My favourite food at home is steak and veggies,” he said.

This veteran truckie likes stopping at the Emerald Roadhouse and said there was not enough good rest areas.

with Alf Wilson

tries to get back to Switzerland when he can to visit family and friends. “I have been there four times in the past 10 years,” he added.

His biggest dislike travelling the highways and byways are other motorists, especially van drivers and some of their bad habits. “Many don’t know when to merge and that can be dangerous,” he said.

It has been a long time between drinks for Hebenko regarding an appearance in his favourite paper Big Rigs.

“I was in Big Rigs about 14 years ago,” he said.

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DRIVER PROFILES 29

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Tassie Truckin’ Scott Fisher SCOTT Fisher from Hobart was just pulling out of a local truckstop in a Toll 600hp Volvo FH16 when he stopped to chat with Big Rigs.

He was towing four boxes, loaded up with chocolates and bound for Burnie.

Fisher told us he’s been with Toll for 12 years now, adding that they’re a good solid outfit, and they are keeping him busy, which is always good.

He also likes the Volvo he gets to drive, which he said is ideal for the job. “I’ve been on the road all up now for about 32 years, and that includes a couple of years running interstate on the north island. I started the old-fashioned way, off-siding for a couple of years, getting to know the job, before getting my licence, and I still reckon that was the best way to get into the industry, one of the better ways to get a licence I reckon, in fact. No regrets, it has been a good job and it has been good to me too.”

with Jonathan Wallis

Ian MacDonald and Tommy Buckle

Time off, he said, was spent with the family and doing things around the house. We would like to join Fisher in giving a big heads up to Sam

Lyne, who is doing it pretty hard at the moment, and let him know that we are all thinking of him and wishing him all the very best.

STOPPING over at the very popular Caltex at Sassafras the other day, we were very happy to catch up with Tommy Buckle from Colac, who drives a Wettenhalls 2020 V8 Euro 6 Scania log truck on the big island.

He was enjoying a couple of great days looking around Tasmania and said he had recently called in to see an old legend of the highways, Ian ‘Super Duck’ MacDonald at his home in Warrnambool, where they had gathered for a friend’s 60th birthday.

MacDonald has been having a run of bad luck of late, and we would like to join Buckle and all the blokes on the road in wishing him every possible good wish for his recovery after a recent amputation.

He is currently waiting for a decision from the medicos about the need for any further surgery, so we hope that this

will finally be a good diagnosis for him. We would also like to join Buckle in wishing Jim “Jim Bob” May a speedy recovery after a successful lung transplant

Glenn Beer

Lindsay Murfet

IT’S always good to catch up with drivers in those neat little ‘CAT’ rigs, and so it was when we caught up with Glenn Beer from Burnie at the rapidly expanding and evolving Mood Food 24hour truckstop/roadhouse at Kempton.

Beer had just stopped over to grab a quick bite to eat and a cuppa and he was driving one of Coastal Auto Transport’s 2020 Hino FE rigs with a beaver tail four-car carrier, loaded with two cars on the back.

Beer was on his return leg from Hobart back to Burnie, via Sidmouth at the time.

“And then it will be good to knock off as it’s been a long, busy and cold day so far.” he said.

“I’ve been here with Coastal Auto for 15 great months so far and have found them a top outfit to work for and love the job. The truck is virtually brand new still, only

“WELL I started out working as a seasonal worker, but I’ve always wanted to drive trucks, and one day I decided to get a fork and truck licence, and go looking for a job. That was 15 good years ago, when I applied for work here with DeBruyn’s, they gave me a go, and I have been happily here doing what I always wanted to do ever since, and have been happy with my decision all those years back,” Lindsay Murfet said.

When we caught up with him, he was driving a DeBruyn 2017 540hp Volvo FM and towing a B-double on his way to Hobart, before returning to Devonport.

He reckons he has a great

35,000km on the clock, and I’ve had it since the beginning of February and it does what it has to do beautifully and comfortably. The ability to carry four trucks, as we mostly do, has been a great boon too.

Previously I worked for a civil engineering outfit, in plant and equipment, including

working up in Queensland, and I am really happy getting out on the road here in Tasmania and it suits me fine.”

We asked about how he spends his time off and he said, “Well I enjoy recreational motorcycle riding, especially at Cuprona, and also we enjoy camping.”

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job and works for one of the top outfits in Tasmania, he told us. “Certainly they look after me well and keep me busy, and happy, or I wouldn’t be here 15 years on,” he said.

“And it works well with my

in the Alfred Hospital. And finally, congratulations to Mick Morris from Colac on his recent purchase of his own log truck and trailer, good luck mate.

interest in cars, as I do circuit racing on weekends, an interest I happily share with my family. In fact this coming weekend I am going up to look at a 1969 Formula 3 Nimbus in Queensland.”

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30 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Rising fuel prices hitting transport operators hard of diesel at some locations was around $1 per litre.

He can’t see those rock bottom prices returning soon.

“I don’t have a fuel card so just have to shop around but it does depend on where you travel to,” he said.

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Truckie a top stunt rider WHEN I spotted a driver on the ground under the back of a semi trailer at a roadhouse parking area, my first thought was to yell out and ask if he needed help.

It was 10.30am and the drizzling rain would have made it very uncomfortable for the truckie.

Soon after he rolled out from under the old Kenworth and stood a few metres from me.

“Any chance of a pic for Big Rigs paper,” I asked him.

Adam Thurrowgood was happy to yarn and have some pics snapped.

“This is a 1992 Kenworth K100E and a pin had come out of the brake booster and I repaired it. It must have loosened on a rough road I travelled on,” the Brisbane based owner operator said.

Fuel price rise angst EVERY owner-operator Spy has spoken to in the past month tells of the financial impact rising fuel prices has had on their business.

I was yarning to one veteran the other day and he spoke of the angst it’s caused him this year.

“Prices have risen steadily in the past three months by about 30 cents per litre and it can cost me an extra $200 to fill up, depending on where I go,” he said.

I asked him for an example of that and he was quick to answer.

“Fuel is cheaper at Miles than it is in Brisbane and I don’t know why. I would think it would be shipped into Brisbane then trucked on to places like Miles,” he said.

Early in the year the price

You never know who you will meet at such roadhouses and rest areas and that was the case with Thurrowgood.

“I am also a stunt man and that side of the business went quiet when the Coronavirus pandemic started last year,” he said.

The business is named Full Throttle Stunts and Thurrowgood is one of Australia’s top motorcycle stunt riders.

He faces danger every time he performs breathtaking acts on his bike.

Testimony to that, he has broken more than 25 bones during performances around the country.

Thurrowgood began stunt riding back in 2017 and is well known for his trademark beard.

“It was a lot longer than it is now,” he said.

In August 2020 he suffered a brain injury after jumping a tabletop on a BMX, coming off hard, fracturing his skull and shattering his collar bone.

One week post-accident, he began suffering seizures and was one seizure off ICU. Looking like he was going to be cactus, he managed to bounce back and within two

Thurrowgood is one of Australia’s top motorcycle stunt riders.

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Truckie and stunt rider Adam Thurrowgood with his old Kenworth behind him.

months was back on his bike – only a few weeks after surgery on that shattered collar bone.

The surgeons took the beard.

Aged 34, Thurrowgood said that in this modern era, a lot of truckies would be reluctant to stop and help one of their colleagues who was broken down beside a highway.

“I do stop and just recently I helped pull a B-double out of a bog near Torren’s Creek on the road to Aramac,” he said.

That is one of the worst roads he gets to travel on, as well as the Julia Creek to Cloncurry stretch of the Flinders Highway.

Thurrowgood has been a truckie for the past 15 years and said that this and stunt work complemented each other.

His love of trucks started at a very young age, growing up on a farm with a father who drove interstate when he wasn’t logging the forest or working the farm.

“As a young bloke I always ran up the long dirt driveway to wait for dad to come home in the truck and absolutely loved going on trips away with him on school holidays. I spent my childhood driving trucks

and machinery on the farm as well as riding motorbikes and this meant with dad being away regularly it was up to me to maintain and fix things that needed work done, which has led to me being mechanically minded and always doing the work myself,” he said.

Recently he spent the whole day replacing the water pump on his K100’s N14.

“The mechanical side of it was easy as was getting a lift with another driver the 120km to get a new pump but it took nearly eight hours to hitch a lift back, but that’s just part of it,” he said.

His other truck is a Kenworth K125 which he also loves. “I bought the 125 to do up and eventually tow our portable freestyle motocross down ramp as a semi set up to add more character and cool to our events for Full Throttle Stunts but last year has been a massive setback for the entertainment industry and events but I’m planning a world-first jump that should definitely help with getting back to more time riding bikes and entertaining, than following a white line and dirt tracks to make a living,” he said.

Outside both careers, Thurrowgood enjoys getting new tattoos to add to his impressive tally on both arms.

Heavy vehicle restrictions A LOAD limit and single lane closure will remain in place on the Barron River Bridge on the Kennedy Highway, near Kuranda in North Queensland, for at least the next six months.

This is to ensure the safety of workers underneath the bridge during maintenance and to safely manage the structure.

While maintenance is underway, the Queensland Government will start a $2.1 million investigation into long-term solutions for either replacing or rehabilitating the ageing bridge.

A load limit of 50.5 tonnes applies on the bridge and the following vehicles are permitted: 20m long truck and dogs up to 50.5 tonnes; 19m long B-doubles up to 50.5 tonnes; 19m long semi-trailers up to 43.5 tonnes; Class 1 over size vehicles up to regulation mass; and two axle cranes operating under the National Class 1 Special Purpose vehicles Notice.

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SPY ON THE ROAD 31

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 from dementia he or she will often talk about things which just aren’t true. Instead of rebuking them, it is best just to agree and that is what therapeutic fibbing is,” he said.

Actually, Spy had a relative who, before he passed away, used to make some entertaining statements which just were not right.

But nursing staff told us all to go along with it, so I guess that is what this is about.

The entrance to the Barron River Bridge at Kuranda will have restrictions for six months.

Agricultural vehicles/combinations up to 25 tonne operating under the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice are also permitted.

The following vehicles must apply for a route specific single trip permit: Class 1 combinations between 42.5 - 50.5 tonnes; agricultural vehicles/ combinations exceeding 25 tonnes. All other Class 1, 2 or 3 vehicles/combinations must find an alternate route.

Big football DURING their careers, many of our truckie mates get to haul some loads with a genuine difference.

Recently I had a yarn to a young driver named Nick Blade who transported a giant Australian Rules Sherrin foot-

ball to Ungarie in NSW. “It was 3m wide and 5m high and was in honour of the Daniher family,” he said.

The footy weighs almost a ton and recognises the contribution to football made by the Daniher family, in particular brothers Terry, Neale, Anthony and Chris, who played a combined 752 AFL matches for Essendon and the Swans.

A struggling town in central New South Wales has unveiled another ‘Big Thing’ to add to Australia’s collection – a giant football.

Blade snapped some pics of the footy which he was happy to share with Big Rigs.

The big footy weighs about 800kg and has an inscription that reads: “Ungarie NSW, home of the Danihers.”

The most unusual load I ever snapped pics of was the

carcass of a huge whale which was being taken for scientific examination.

Therapeutic fibbing FOR the 100th time, Spy has to admit he is no genius when it comes to knowing the meaning of words or phrases not used so much in our English language.

So when he heard a couple of drivers discussing the subject of “therapeutic fibbing”, he had to know more.

They were yarning about the subject as they enjoyed a meal at a roadhouse and afterwards Spy asked one to “please explain”.

As I discovered it isn’t about telling a porky pie (a lie) to cause harm but indeed quite the opposite.

“For example, if you have a close relative who may suffer

High roller status for driver WHEN he heard his elderly mother had been ill of late, a Melbourne based road transport gent decided to return to Queensland.

At least for a while. Alas, the Covid-19 rules in Victoria had restricted him considerably.

With his long-time partner, he decided to have a few days off when he arrived in the banana benders’ state and had some additional dollars on hand.

So he headed to the local casino and won $25,000. “I went back the next day and won another $10,000,” he said.

Instead of staying at his

Truckie Nick Blade transported this giant Sherrin to Ungarie in NSW.

mum’s modest house, the 50-something fellow decided to book into an upmarket resort for six nights.

When I saw him the day after the resort stay, he admitted to losing a good chunk of his winnings. “But I had a bloody good time during the week,” he said.

Swamp road nightmare APTLY named Swamp Road, at Jamberoo in NSW, has been described by some drivers as a

nightmare to travel on – rain, hail or shine.

Spy was not surprised to hear that during the recent floods Kiama SES workers were called out to several rescues from a flooded Swamp Road.

Even in dry weather Spy is told that Swamp Road requires extra care when travelling along it.

Some truckies reckon they avoid it wherever possible. But of course, that is not always the case.

Swamp Road at Jamberoo, NSW, has been described as a nightmare to travel on by some truckies.

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32 COLUMN

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

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

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Getting serious about the transport industry

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

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

IF you are telling me that you are serious about the safety of drivers, safe rates of pay and a safer, fairer industry, then you should be involved in fixing the industry you are involved with.

You would show that you have an understanding that the shared responsibility for industry safety and fairness starts at the top of the supply chain. It involves government, operators, industry associations and transport workers, employees and owner-drivers alike.

We know the lengths that drivers have had to go to during the pandemic, proving themselves to be critical workers.

Drivers have worked hard to ensure the bills are paid, operating while faced with last minute border closures, confusing state entry permits, closed truck stops and continual Covid tests to keep doing their jobs.

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

In light of that, the TWU are disappointed and angry with the mixed messaging on the value of drivers coming these past few weeks from the federal EAGLE government and some LEGAL industry KING associations.

ROWAN The federal Principal Lawyer RK Law government tell us they are engaged with the industry yet in the recent federal budget they have not provided funding that will save lives in road transport, nor is there an investment that tackles the financial squeeze on transport by wealthy retailers and manufacturers.

Nothing changes for the pressure drivers feel every day.

The fight also remains in the push for a 3.5 per cent increase to the minimum rate for workers on awards, which includes drivers. The TWU supports this push by the ACTU, we see it as a fair increase given the effort drivers have put in over the past year and given the ballooning profits of retailers, manufacturers and oil companies at the top of the supply chain.

Yet, industry association NatRoad have simply put up their hand and said no, true to form for an employers’ organisation that in the past have tried to

Aldi is one of 50 major retailers that will be reminded by the TWU of their responsibility for a safer and fairer industry for transport workers.

see transport workers’ wages reduced and have refused to support previous bare minimum pay increases for drivers.

We don’t think it’s right that drivers should work long hours and yet struggle to support their families and put food on the table as all other costs go up.

TOUGH TRUCKS FOR TOUGH SITUATIONS

The TWU remains committed to protecting and securing what is best for transport workers and small business owner drivers in NSW. We have a plan of action to seek fairness and fairness and equity in transport.

We would urge all transport workers, transport industry

bodies to join the associations, operators and clients who are already on board with us in our push for better standards.

So here is how it works. This year, 50 major retailers across the country are to be reminded by the TWU of their responsibility for a safer and fairer in-

dustry for transport workers.

They must make sure they are paying transport operators enough to guarantee that their goods are being delivered safely and that drivers including owner drivers are being properly remunerated.

That’s the start of our plan.

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COLUMN 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Budget injects confidence into the transport sector VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

AFTER a year punctuated by a pandemic, natural disasters, trade disputes, and a narrowly avoided long-term recession, the recently released Federal Budget contains investment measures that are necessary to sustain and boost confidence in the transport industry.

While all federal and state budgets shape the future of our nation, this one sets out the roadmap for navigating Australia through the next phase of the pandemic and building on the momentum of our economic recovery.

Not since World War II has so much seemed to hinge on the figures and directives outlined in the budget papers.

As one might expect whenever there’s a significant focus on creating jobs and kickstarting the econo-

my, this budget invests in a number of major infrastructure projects, committing an additional $15.2 billion towards road, rail and community infrastructure projects over the next 10 years.

Victoria is set to receive a much needed $4 billion of that spend to ensure its infrastructure can keep up with its population growth. This is allocated to a number of key projects, including $380 million for the Packenham Roads Upgrade, $250 million for the Monash Roads Upgrade, and an additional $20 million for the Green Triangle. The biggest, and arguably most important, of the projects identified in the 2021-2022 budget is the creation of a new Melbourne intermodal terminal.

This vital piece of infrastructure will accommodate the Inland Rail Project and its double-stacked, 1800-metre trains, connecting the state’s port, road and rail networks.

The VTA has long called for action and investment to ease congestion on the state’s transportation networks, now and into the future. With the

An additional $203.4 million will be provided for the Monash Roads upgrade.

pandemic and various border closures highlighting just how precarious our supply chains can be, it is welcoming to see a budget that puts measures in place to keep our freight networks moving despite what future challenges may be in store.

In addition to various national infrastructure projects, the budget also commits an

additional $1 billion towards the national Road Safety Program and $28.6 million to establish a National Freight Data Hub. These two initiatives will help the freight and logistics industry operate safer and make smarter, more informed decisions – both of which will go a long way to supporting the productivity and sustainability of our in-

dustry.

The budget also provides some very welcome economic relief to operators in the form of an extension to the temporary full-expensing measure announced in last year’s budget. This will allow freight and logistics businesses with up to $5 billion in aggregated annual turnover or income to deduct the full cost of eligible

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depreciable assets of any value – a much-needed financial lifeline after a difficult 14 or so months.

It’s true that no budget can be all things to all people.

Yet, on the whole, this year’s budget evokes a certain sense of optimism, particularly when it comes to meeting the country’s future freight needs.

By investing in projects designed to remove congestion at key choke points, streamline freight movements, and, in the form of the intermodal terminal, encourage smarter connectivity between our various freight networks, operators can be hopeful about the future.

This, combined with greater tax relief for businesses and ongoing investment in road safety should support operators in their ongoing quest to improve productivity.

And so I commend the federal government on delivering a budget that not only seeks to steer us through these uncertain economic times, but recognises the vital role that infrastructure and freight has to play in that journey.

U

avman

34 COLUMN

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Let’s all get on the same page and work together

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE AIR CTI founder/owner

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE

WITH the Brisbane Truck Show over and the Transport Women Australia Limited Conference about to kick off, May has been an amazing month in the transport industry.

EDITOR We GRAHAM have so much to look JAMES james.graham@bigrigs.com.au forward still this year, as we

work through Covid we’re very excited about face-to-face activities and the success of events like the Brisbane Truck Show and other industry events show how much people love to tell TASSIE TRUCKIN’ theirWALLIS stories and get together JON contributors@bigrigs.com.au with other people who have the same ideas and values.

Almost everyone in the industry abides by the safety standards that we expect, wanting everyone who works with or for them to get home safely at the end of the day and other drivers to do the same.

The values that most of us hold are those of integriLEGALdear EAGLE ty, honesty, trust, and value for ROWAN KING Principal Lawyer Law money andRKgetting paid properly for what we do. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in our industry, but everybody should be on the same page to make these things happen.

The sooner we get those who don’t have these values out of the industry, the safer and the better for everyone.

When we want an image campaign, we want to show that we are a safe, attractive, high tech industry, which is exactly what we are, but we’re not seen to be.

Until we change the percep-

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT WOMEN IN JACQUELENE BROTHERTON JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport WomenWomen Australia Chair of Transport

Australia

THE OZ TRUCKER MIKE WILLIAMS

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NSW State Secretary

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

SA Road Transport Association Transport Women Australia’s Executive Director

co vice chair Coralie Chapman, left, with guest speaker, 7News reporter Kim Skubris at TWA’s Brisbane Truck Show breakfast.

BRING

tion of this industry, we’re not going to be able to attract or retain the people will need to keep this industry advancing or have the talent available to get the job done.

We need to be concentrating on attracting youth, women, returned soldiers and change of careers people plus our immigrants and refugees.

Instead of showing racism to the other nationalities in our industry, we should be embracing them and if you think that they’re not trying or whether they cannot do the job properly; how about helping them or having a chat, lending a helping hand instead of deriding them and making matters worse.

I have heard complaints about Indian truck drivers and they form such a large part of the driver capacity at the moment, some say they are rude but do they complainers ever think about the fact that maybe if you just talk to them and go “how are you going mate, are you having a good/bad day?” it would make such a difference.

I interact with multiple drivers every day and quite honestly, I have no issues because I treat all of them as people; the

Erin Compitiello, the VTA’s inductee to the 2021 Driving Change Diversity Program, is a great example of why it’s important to attract new faces to the industry.

sooner we treat everybody as human beings trying to earn a living, what a better world this will be.

So how about we band together to create a better image for industry; embrace those entering it, so we can attract, train, and retain new entrants.

We need to make them welcome and encourage them to stay because old timers like me, won’t be around forever.

Unless we have new people to replace us, we won’t have the numbers to keep the industry going at the capacity predicted for the years to come.

PETER WICKHAM ALONG LIFE’S HIGHWAY

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COLUMN 35

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Industry campaign focuses on keeping our drivers safe

LIFE WITH KERMIE GRAHAM HARSANT contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WELCOME MESSAGE MARK BAILEY

INSURANCE GURU MARK BROWN

including collaborating to pursue a new modern and flexible regulatory structure through the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, a roadworthiness LEGAL CORNER survey underway MARINOVIC to gain greater insight SARAH Armstrong Legal into the mechanical health of the national fleet, and evolving technology improvements to make our vehicles and drivers safer.

Another important initiative is the recently announced We Need Space to Keep You Safe campaign with Coles and its supply chain partners, Toll and Linfox.

While the campaign messaging is community focussed, I’m

particularly proud that the emphasis is on supporting heavy vehicle drivers and keeping them safe while they perform a vital role, delivering essential freight across the country.

TELEMATICS EXPERT The campaign SHANNON KYLE centres on Safety specialist, Teletrac Navman threesolutions key behaviours: • Don’t overtake a turning truck • K eep out of truck blind spots • Overtake trucks safely Safety is second nature in our industry, but we need to make sure all road users understand the importance of giving trucks the space they need to manoeuvre safely.

You may have seen some of Coles’ Toll and Linfox trucks

Qld Minister for Transport and Main Roads

REFORM LEADER SAL PETROCCITTO

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, CEO

ONE of the most rewarding parts of my role as CEO of the NHVR is having the opportunity to drive initiatives that promote improved safety, productivity and efficiency outcomes for our industry and communities.

There’s a lot going on and we have some important opportunities we are pursuing,

THE OZ TRUCKER MIKE WILLIAMS

Manager, TBI Insurance Services

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

TWU NSW State Secretary

Principal Lawyer RK Law

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

SA Road Transport Association Executive Director

[l-r] Toll driver Joe Lanza, NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto, V8 Supercars driver and We Need Space ambassador Garth Tander and Linfox drivers Mick Ross and Racheal Topp.

With Coles transport operators travelling around 100 million kilometres a year, plenty of people will see these simple messages with a powerful meaning.

with We Need Space livery on their trailers – it’s a great way to make a giant statement. With Coles transport operators travelling around 100 million kilometres a year, plenty of people will see these simple messages with a powerful meaning.

Additionally, the NHVR has produced a series of community service announce-

ments and it’s planned that educational resources will be rolled out through driver education programs and state and territory transport partners.

I’m grateful that V8 Supercars legend, Garth Tander is continuing as an ambassador for, and one of the voices of, the campaign.

This is a campaign we can

all be proud to participate in, sharing the message among our communities and ensuring that, together, we give each other space to keep each other safe.

Please take the time to visit the We Need Space website weneedspace.com.au and thank you in advance for your support as we strive to encourage better driving habits and behaviours.

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Sad day for all in transport

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 8 9 10 11 12

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

SUDOKU

THIS article is the ending of an 13 era for the 14 transport15industry with the demise of this magazine under the 19 restructure and rationalisation of News Corp.

It is a sad day for all of us in the 22 industry as Big Rigs magazine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years.

For some, their entire careers so far.

24 It will leave huge gap as the editors and staff have supported the industry, provided fair and rational debate and given everyone a fair say in industry doings to all, as well as stories, pictures and news of our peoEASY ple, our trucks and our unsung heroes.

Our lives will be the poorer for its demise; being a columnist for Big Rigs for the past year and half has allowed me to fulfil yet another childhood dream, to write, and it has given me great pleasure and I hope it has at least been enjoyed by some.

While so many are focused on the negatives of the industry, I have tried to focus on the

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positives aspects or those issues about which I am most passionate and have a chance of making a contribution to change.

I began writing column when I was returned as Transport Women Australia Limited chair in November 2017.

In the interim, TWAL has had many16 successes and 17 18 achievements.

It 20 has expanded the relationship with Girl Guides Australia 21 and been involved with several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the Interna23 tional Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport in25 dustry.

We launched the Women Driving Transport Careers initiative with our partners Wodonga TAFE and Volvo Group at the 2018 TWAL Creating Connections conference.

This initiative has been in hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but all partners are excited to move forward to expand the program as soon as possible.

We held a well attended and exciting conference in May 2018 and we have plans in place with the date saved and venue booked for our Driving the Difference 2021 conference

Across

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1 Which is the seventh major planet in order from the sun (6) 8 Name another term for an allergy (3,5) 9 Who makes or repairs barrels (6) 10 To have made beloved is to have done what (8) 11 To be in great plenty, is to be what (6) 12 What is deposited as a sediment (4) 13 Who escorts persons to theatre seats (5) 16 What are rough structures, built for shelter (5) 19 Name the second son of Adam and Eve (4) 21 What is a railway locomotive known as (6) 22 Which word suggests a piece of nonsense (4-4) 23 What is a looking glass (6) 24 What was the former name of Zimbabwe (8) 25 Name a disunion, especially into mutually opposed parties (6)

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2 What is an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram (7) 3 Which planet lies between Pluto and Uranus (7) 4 What are bits, or scraps (6) 5 Which term describes consequences (7)

6 Name another word for insatiable greed (7) 7 Which harness parts are used to restrain and guide horses (7) 13 What is worn by a policeman (7) 14 Name an alternative term for the skyline (7) 15 Who founded Singapore in 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford ... (7) 17 Name an English painter and engraver, noted for his moral and satirical works, William ... (7) 18 What are Australian native dogs known as (7) 20 What are arguments, themes, or subjects (6)

E A B A Y F E V E R F A I N D E A R E D C I L I L T C E S H E D S E L O I E N G I N E A G A M M I R R O R T E I A S C H I S M

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U R A N U S H E H C O O P E R M T E A B O U N D U N S U S H E R O A B N I R F F L I M F L O Z L R H O D E S M N S

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 1 Uranus, 8 Hay fever, 9 Cooper, 10 Endeared, 11 Abound, 12 Silt, 13 Usher, 16 Sheds, 19 Abel, 21 Engine, 22 Flim-flam, 23 Mirror, 24 Rhodesia, 25 Schism.

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Down: 2 Rhombus, 3 Neptune, 4 Shreds, 5 Effects, 6 Avarice, 7 Bridles, 13 Uniform, 14 Horizon, 15 Raffles, 17 Hogarth, 18 Dingoes, 20 Lemmas.

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CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night of celebration at a Transport Women Limited event with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman.

Picture: Contributed

in Melbourne.

1 2 In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at 8 The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented our first four winners of the Driving the Difference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and 11Bus Asia 12Pacific.

We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial Award, 3 sponsored 4 by the wonderful Wes Pickering.

This was awarded for longterm outstanding contribution by a female to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 10 director and longest serving chair of Transport Women Australia Limited.

This is an annual award and 13 the recipient of the 2020 Trish Pickering Memorial Award

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will 5 be announced later 6 7 this year at an event still to be determined.

We have also launched our 9 Initiatives Breakfast Learning Series with several partners so far, including NTI, MOVE BANK and rt health.

In early 2020 the Creating Connections Mentoring program was finally ready to commence with both mentors and mentees signing up to the pro-

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gram.

1 I would Undermine like to thank the 3

Waver fantastic team at Big Rigs 8 Stagger newspaper for their incredible 9 Drink support and wish them on10 Little wave going success. that I get the oppor11I hope Locomotive tunity to continue to work with 14 Cosy retreats some of them and 17 Said further so work towards making the trucking in20 Long narrow elevations dustry a better appreciated, 24 Bony outgrowth and a safer place for our peo26 Observe ple.

27 Present 28 Emphasise 29 Tree

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs19 and TWU played their parts 17 18 HARD

S A V E

A P R E I N G I O C D D E E N T L E E T R E

D R E G S F E R N

A L T E L A L I P P L E E N E S T N I I D G E A R I F T S E L

S H A M R E E K S

HARD

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industry as dry as they can.

They want operators to meet their unrealistic deadlines and take on more freight for less or they face the risk of

MOORE TRAILERS

PITTSWORTH PHONE (07) 4693 1088 Fax (07) 4693 1545 email: sales@mooretrailers.com.au www.mooretrailers.com.au V1 - IBRE01Z01MA

losing their contracts and the ability to support their 22 23 families.

It appears the government does not care.

There are unsafe vehicles, dodgy licences, poor payment times, wage and superannuation theft – just a few of the many things we have called for to be stopped.

A reminder to governments and 29 the transport industry clients: the industry that has kept Australia moving during the pandemic is facing an uphill battle.

Employer groups should be standing alongside transport workers to unite for a safer and fairer industry.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Sap, 3 Falter, 8 Reel, 9 Ale, 10 Ripple, 11 Engine, 14 Nests, 17 Added, 20 Ridges, 24 Antler, 26 See, 27 Gift, 28 Stress, 29 Elm.

A M A S S

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policy that should be keeping safe one of the most dangerous industries in Australia.

To quote one truck driver turned Australian senator, 24 “a death 25 at work Glenn Sterle, or on the road should not be the price of doing business”.

The TWU 26 puts it to governments that we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients.

28must be paid proper Drivers rates, owner-drivers must be able to trust they will be paid properly for the work they do and on time. Families depend on this.

Many of the ongoing problems that occur are down to the big clients squeezing our

Down: 1 Save, 2 Prig, 3 Fern, 4 Alien, 5 Tapes, 6 Ell, 7 Reeks, 12 Nod, 13 Ice, 15 End, 16 Tie, 17 Amass, 18 Deter, 19 Dregs, 21 Iris, 22 Gate, 23 Sham, 25 Net.

THIS is the end of an era, the last TWU column in the trusted transport industry publication Big Rigs.

Over the years the TWU and Big Rigs have played their parts in the role of keeping the top end of town accountable and doing our bit to look out for the rights of the little guy.

It’s still about the voice that speaks out for the truck driver,

the owner and the employee.

It’s been the voice that calls out for fair pay for the work you do, for safety in the drivers’ cab and on the road, the voice that seeks to relieve the pressure on the driver pushed by clients’ incessant cries for increased productivity for the same rates and conditions.

It is obvious we still have a long way to go – we have been through countless road, freight and transport ministers and nothing changes.

Truck drivers are still dying at work.

It’s a pretty safe bet to say this is due to the lack of strong government policy in place,

Down 1 Rescue reminder person to all Big 2 A final Self-righteous Rigs readers: now is the 3 Decorative plant time to unite, now is the time to ensure 4 Foreign equality in this industry.

5 Together Ribbons we can stand on 6

Old cloth measure common ground working to 7 Emits fumes ensure the government contin12 toIndicate ues support agreement transport work13 and Frozen ers theformation industry they support.

15 Conclude TWU will continue to 16The Neckwear voice the needs of transport 17 Gather for oneself workers to the employers, 18 Discourage their industry remains bodies and the 19 Useless clients.

21Better Part standards of the eyemean job 22 Entrance security and ultimately a safer 23 fairer Pretended and industry for all.

25We Meshed fabric can lift the standards we need together – our lives depend on it.

More Trailer For Your Money

CAREERS AND TRAINING 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Southern team wins major apprentice prize at show

THE HVIA National Apprentice Challenge was hotly contested during the Brisbane Truck Show, which ran from May 13-16, with the team representing the southern region taking out the title.

Fourth-year apprentice Luke Kneebone from Webster Trucks, Tasmania, and third-

year apprentice Samual Allan from Ballarat Isuzu won the title after taking part in a series of heats and winning the final.

Three teams took part in the competition: the southern region team represented Victoria, SA and Tasmania; the north-western region team represented WA and NT (plac-

Allan and Kneebone won the final by just one point.

ing second); and the eastern region team which comprised Queensland, NSW and ACT (placing third).

Each regional team had to work on one of two identical Isuzu FX-series prime movers to identify and rectify a series of programmed faults as the clock ticks; with the team that was the quickest to successfully identify and repair all the faults, or the most faults in the timeframe, declared the winner.

On the first day of competition, the eastern team’s Shaneet Singh and Jack Dennis took on the north-western team’s Bekitemba Gwebu and Beau Smith. Pulling away early after quickly identifying a number of the pre-programmed faults, the eastern team got to the halfway mark in the lead. In the second half of the 45-minute challenge however, the western team found their form to draw level when time was up. Both teams found seven faults out of the nine.

The southern region team first took to the stage on day two, going head-to-head with the north-western team.

Both teams were neck and

Samual Allan from Ballarat Isuzu and Luke Kneebone from Webster Trucks were named the 2021 HVIA National Apprentice Challenge winners.

neck with five minutes to go.

The north-western team then jumped ahead, repairing all nine faults with two minutes to spare, securing its place in the final.

On day three, the southern team took on the eastern team – competing for the last

place in the final. At the end of the session, there was only one point separating the two teams.

During the final, the southern team took on the north-western team. Both teams gave it their all, and at the end of the 60 minute fi-

nal, there was only one point separating the two teams, with no penalty points awarded to either.

The southern team’s Kneebone and Allan finished on top and were presented with the 2021 HVIA National Apprentice Challenge trophy.

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. .

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976.

We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based) Come and work for us as we are committed to: • Training and further education • Your safety • Maintaining an impressive Fleet On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Leanne Braid (Operations Manager) or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Michael MacRae (Workshop Manager) via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

38 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY MAY 28 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

ScottsRL apprenticeship program delivers results

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

SCOTT’S Refrigerated Logistics has launched its Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship Program, with the aim of inspiring new talent and setting the business in good stead for the future.

With a fleet of around 550 trucks and 1000 trailers across its 23 depots, a good team of mechanics is pivotal to keeping it all moving.

Discussions for the current apprenticeship began about 18 months ago. Over that time, ScottsRL has grown its number of apprentices from one to 13, in a pool of around 60 diesel mechanics. And there are hopes even more apprentices will become part of the business in the near future.

Lachlan Muir was one of the most recent apprentices to join the business. He finished Year 12 in 2018 and had been working in similar mechanical industries, before joining the Morningside workshop in Brisbane.

ScottsRL has six workshops, located at the Laverton, Ormeau, Morningside, Pres-

WITH THIS CHANGE IN DIRECTION OUR STAFF RETENTION AND MORALE HAS SHIFTED IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.” BRENTON VEALE

tons, Erskine Park and Direk depots – and now there are apprentice diesel mechanics at every one of these sites.

As part of the apprentices’ development, ScottsRL has engaged with two key partners MIGAS and AI Group, which source and employ program participants. TAFE is the Registered Training Provider that then delivers the training.

The program provides tailored technical training and employability skills, that aim to instil confidence, and increase communication and team working skills; with apprentices undertaking a four-year nationally recognised qualification.

Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics Training Coordinator Brenton Veale explained how the program came to be.

“We’ve always had apprentices

Apprentices from ScottsRL’s Prestons workshop.

in the business but our key focus was not on the mentoring and developing of our future workforce. With this change in direction our staff retention and morale has shifted in a positive direction” he said.

ROAD TRAIN LIVESTOCK DRIVERS – 2021 SEASON Road Trains of Australia (RTA) Pty Ltd is the largest privately owned livestock transporter in Australia and services the top half of Australia with its fleet of Kenworth, and Mack Titan Trucks hauling along most regional and remote roads.

The Company’s long-haul work ranges from delivery of cattle to port for live export to fuel cartage.

RTA is seeking expressions of interest for casual & fulltime experienced livestock transport drivers for its 2021 season in WA, NT & QLD. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Completing daily pre-start checks.

• Driving to a safe and professional standard.

• Handling and managing sheep and cattle safely.

• Completing paperwork including logbooks and trip sheets satisfactorily.

• Complying with all company policies & procedures.

• Complying with the Chain of Responsibility.

Applicants must be able to provide: • A valid MC driver’s licence.

• Willingness to undertake and clear full Medical & drug & alcohol fitness assessment.

• Provide Rights to work in Australia.

• Willingness to undertake and clear Commercial Vehicle Drivers Fatigue Online Assessment & Commercial Driver Fitness Assessment.

For more information and to express your interest for the 2021 season please send your application to hr@rta.net.au. Your application must include a detailed cover letter outlining your motivations for this position, what state/s you would be interested in (WA, NT, QLD) and an updated resume.

RTA encourages and values diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

“It’s a difficult industry to employ for. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of young people who want to become diesel mechanics, but we’re trying to change that mindset. Diesel mechanics are a dying breed,

so we have to create our own workforce. If we don’t invest in our future, we will never get to the next level – the skillsets will disappear and the knowledge will vanish, so these sorts of programs are

pivotal to our business.”

Looking ahead, ScottsRL plans to attend school apprenticeship days too, with the aim of attracting more career focused apprentices into the business.

General Freight & Bulk Drivers Rodney’s Transport Service is seeking experienced MC/B Double General Freight & Bulk Drivers to work out of Victoria and NSW • Permanent & Casual Roles • Great working conditions Working within fatigue management guidelines you will perform interstate line haul duties whilst adhering to all OH&S, legislative, site and contractual obligations. RTS requires professional drivers with – • Strong customer service experience • A safe driving record • Mature attitude • Minimum 2 years’ experience MC endorsed Reporting to the Manager Group Operations this is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and experienced MC/B Double drivers who will be required to display a commitment to RTS safety and compliance standards and values whilst maintaining your equipment in good order.

You will be required to provide a copy of a current Licence and meet RTS employment criteria which will include a medical with drug and alcohol test.

Experienced drivers who can demonstrate: • Proficiency in all aspects of B Double truck operations • The ability to work within a team • A clear understanding of road transport legislation.

• A clean history of driving ability If interested in applying for a position please complete the application form on our website www.rodneystransport.com.au or for further information please contact Anna on 03 9311 2300.

CAREERS AND TRAINING 39

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY MAY 28 2021

Trucking’s a sweet gig for this North Qld cane farmer

BY ALF WILSON

MATHEW DI MAURO is a 32-year-old cane farmer from El Arish and is also a truck driver who recommends a career in the road transport industry to youngsters.

His well-known nickname is Wally – or Wally the Worker – and he loves El Arish which is located between Townsville and Cairns.

During the season he drives a cane harvester cutting 98,000-tonne on contract and also grows 9,700 tonnes of his own cane.

In the slack season he maintains his cane farm and works in the shed at home doing up the harvester and bin tractors for the following season and drives for Blenners Transport most afternoons after work at the shed.

Driving for Blenners, which has a big depot beside the Bruce Highway near Tully, he carts fruit such as bananas, avocados, mangoes and limes.

“Top end trips are between Cairns to Atherton

Driving for Blenners, which has a big depot beside the Bruce Highway near Tully, Di Mauro carts fruit such as bananas, avocados, mangoes and limes.

Tablelands or a night shuttle to Townsville where there is a changeover in drivers who cart produce south,” Di

Mauro told Big Rigs.

Di Mauro’s family has a K-104 Kenworth as part of their farming business which

transports local machinery in the area all year round.

“The busiest time of the year is transporting Di Mau-

ro’s cane harvester and farming equipment and other local harvesters during the season.

“Di Mauro’s Family Farms are spread out over the Tully district so having their own truck and float comes in handy,” Di Mauro said.

In his little spare time he’s always with the family, wife Sarah and two beautiful daughters Savannah and Sophia.

“Normally time is spent fishing down the back of the farm catching Barramundi, riding motor bikes round the farm or swimming in the fresh water creek that runs from the mountains behind El Arish or at the other farm on other side of El Arish.

“The creeks behind home are tidal where we catch Barra. We always have to be more wary of crocodiles on the farm these days. We recently spotted a 3.5m croc sun baking last week on the creek bank of the farm,” he said.

“I also had a Kenworth T408 which has sold. When I was aged 18 I had my first

truck along with my dad Sam. Back then we used to Transport machinery to Sydney and Brisbane before the cane farm expanded,” he added.

Since Di Mauro gave up playing rugby league football for Tully Tigers in the Cairns and District comp as a front row forward a few years ago, he had tried to maintain his fitness and keeping healthy since most of his jobs are sitting in machinery.

I asked Di Mauro what was his favourite roadhouse during his travels over the past years and he said it would have to be the BP Cluden at Townsville.

“The food is good and I like the Caesar salad. Facilities for truckies are good,” he said.

I told Di Mauro that the average age of male truck drivers was over 50 and he said that these days he sees more and more young drivers.

“I would recommend being a truckie to any youngster who wants a good career and will have a go,” he said.

APS4 Mobile Service Centre Service Officers Wanted

Drivers Required (HR, HC & MC)

Rocky’s Own are currently recruiting for a variety of drivers with different licence types in the following locations: • Rockhampton • Yarwun • Wacol • Helidon

• Dubbo • Newcastle • Kalgoorlie

What’s in it for you • Work for an established company with a strong safety record • Permanent employment, profit share and bonus after a qualifying period • Subsidised Private Health after a qualifying period Some of these positions will require – DG Licence and Security Clearances. If you do not possess the requirements we would still be interested in talking to you as we are willing to provide training and assistance to suitable applicants.

Short-listed applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment checks.

How to Apply: Contact our recruitment team on (07) 4937 4700 or email recruitment@rockysown.com.au

Services Australia is recruiting APS4 Mobile Service Centre Service Officers.

Mobile Service Centre Service Officers are responsible for a Mobile Service Centre and work within a complex work environment. They have the essential role of driving a Mobile Service Centre and assisting their team with the day to day operations to maximise customer outcomes.

This is a casual role and you may be called upon at short notice. Trips are 2 weeks at a time and cover various country locations. Must be contactable after hours and able to respond to short notice travel requests.

Essential requirements: Heavy Rigid Driver’s License – with minimum 3 years’ experience.

More information on this role can be found in our ads on Seek.com.au.

Visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ organisations/about-us/careers to submit your application on our ‘Temporary Corporate Register’ and choose the ‘Heavy Rigid (HR) Driver’ option as your preferred work area.

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