She asked for a microwave, and got a truck

K. S. Easter’s longest-serving driver was recently handed the keys to a new 2023 model Kenworth T610 SAR, complete with personalised plates.

Kathryn Mobbs, 57, has been in the driver’s seat for 36 years. Growing up on a dairy farm on the Pacific Highway in Moorland, NSW, she would watch in awe as the trucks went past – and that’s what helped to cement her future career path.

The first truck she ever drove was an old cattle truck on the family’s property. Then as soon as she was old enough, she went for her truck licence – and she’s never looked back.

Mobbs started working at Easter Group/DTC in 1997. Based in Brisbane, she’s an express linehaul driver and was last year named the Queensland Trucking Association’s 2022 Professional Driver of the Year. Humble in her achievements, Mobbs said, “I just enjoy it, I’ve always enjoyed driving, but it’s also the work and the company. They’re very family orientated.”

Mobbs was handed the keys to the T610 about six weeks ago. “It’s got a microwave and that’s all I wanted – I asked for a microwave and they gave me a whole new truck with the microwave!” she joked.

“When I get a new truck, I like to keep it until it reaches its million. I don’t like to swap and change too much. I was in a Western Star before this one. It reached its million the week after I got out of it.

“The Kenworth is so different to the Western Star, but you get used to it really quickly. It’s really nice to drive.”

Though Mobbs knew she was getting the new truck to drive, her bosses kept the plates under wraps. “I knew it was coming but the number plates were a big surprise,” she said.

“They were a bit sneaky!”

The LK on the plates stands for “little kid”. As Mobbs explained, “When I started, I was with some really big drivers and I was really tiny, so I got the nickname Little Kid. But I haven’t been called that for years, now it’s just ‘LK’.”

Mobbs’ new truck was one of two new Kenworth T610 SARs delivered to K. S. Easter at the end of June. Both trucks are running B-doubles between Brisbane and Sydney.

The company has welcomed

Reader reaction

Timothy Jennings:

“Congratulations Kathy, job well done! Also well done to Easters for recognising a driver that has really worked hard for them for a lot of years. A rarity these days.”

Mick Ziersch: “That is really nice to see that the employer and employee have a great relationship, well done guys and girls.”

Adam Black: “Well done. It’s a shame other majors don’t take the personal approach to their drivers. Talk the talk, but you don’t see them walk the walk.”

Jilly Parrish: “Well deserved for the great job and loyalty to one company.” plenty of new gear to the fleet in recent months including a Western Star 48X, two new Volvo Globetrotter FH16s delivered in late June for B-triple and A-double work, and another two new Volvo Globetrotter FH16s that arrived this month.

The company is also in the process of constructing a brand new site, which it hopes will be completed in coming months.

Shirley George:

“Congratulations you obviously deserve it so pat yourself on the back girl.”

Neil Kennett: “Outstanding achievement, Kathy and you earned it.”

Easter Group Pty Ltd 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 & 2-UP 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 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 Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au