Hard to believe as I’m writing this that January 2026 is pretty much run and done and by the time you’re seeing this note in print, it’ll be a third of the way through February!
Already, the trucking community has been out in force attending regional events including the Tooradin Truck Show in Victoria.
Held on January 17, this show had a bit of everything for the locals – trucks, burnouts, a tractor pull, stunt planes, sideshow alley, a bar and a scattering of trucking related retailers out to share their products with the world.
Welcome
I was lucky enough to get along this year in person and meet plenty of owners and drivers who were up early to bring their trucks along and share their transport lives with the world.
Despite being a super windy and rather warm day, the crowds were strong and the turnout from local fleets – outstanding.
Hat’s off to Gippsland’s Southern Sons
Transport for their fleet of six trucks – our frontpage photo says it all when it comes to how well presented those trucks were on the day.
While truck show trucks certainly provide a glimpse into what can be done to a truck with some customisation, plenty of passion, paint and stainless steel, the latest data from the Truck Industry Council is a timely reminder the vast majority of trucks are busy shipping freight around the country, or tradies to their job sites.
With more than 677,000 trucks registered in Australia across the light, medium and heavyduty categories, there’s a truck involved in just about every business you can imagine.
In fact, in 2025 a total of 45,191 new trucks and commercial vans were sold in Australia, the third best result on record (see page 88).
The flow-on for the used truck market is sure to follow this year as owners continue the cycle of upgrades and bigger businesses look to update to Euro 6 engines to meet shareholder demand for the greenest fleets possible.
At Deals on Wheels we look forward to doing our bit in helping to bring buyers and sellers together via our website tradetrucks.com.au and through the pages of this magazine which regularly features more than 100 pages full of trucks of all shapes and sizes just waiting to slot into their new homes. Have a great month!
Enjoy,
New trucks rolled out the doors in record numbers in 2025. Image: Prime Creative
Isuzu delivers 300,000th truck
A Victorian builder is the proud owner of a historic new truck
For 37 years Isuzu has dominated the truck sales market in Australia, particularly in the light and medium duty segments.
In January 2026, that dominance was marked in the best way possible with the delivery of the company’s 300,000th new truck to a Victorian builder.
Fittingly for the brand, the truck that tipped the scales on the major milestone was a crew cab MY25 NQR 88-190 destined for use by a building crew at Able Constructions and Management.
If there’s one customer segment that could be called synonymous with Isuzu trucks, it would have to be tradies.
For Able Construction’s project manager, known affectionately as ‘Fonz’ the truck is perfect for the work he and the team undertake every day.
“We’ve got the longest wheelbase you can get with the crew cab.
“It was easy enough to just get a bigger truck, but being a light truck, it is a lot easier to manoeuvre in tighter spaces and the crew cab means I can bring the boys with me, and on rainy days, we can keep gear dry in the cabin.
“It’s the perfect tool for the job.”
Isuzu Australia Ltd Head of Sales Craig White says the 300,000th Isuzu sale is a testament to decades of trust built with Australian businesses.
“Reaching 300,000 sales a powerful
reflection of the countless partnerships we’ve forged with hard-working Australian companies like Able Constructions,” White says.
“This milestone coincides with our latest and most impressive product offering now on sale across the country.
“Our all-new MY25 N Series, featuring our Euro VI compliant 4HK1 engine and comprehensive safety technology, represents the next generation of Isuzu’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and driver comfort.
“It’s this relentless focus on delivering what our customers need that secures our position at the forefront of the industry, year after year.
The latest information from the Truck Industry Council’s T-Mark data report shows the national truck fleet continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.7 percent, with more than 677,000 light through to heavy-duty trucks registered nationally.
In 2025, Isuzu captured 27.5 per cent of the total truck market, selling a total of 12,420 vehicles across the light, medium and heavy duty segments.
Isuzu’s volume sellers fall into the smaller sized categories where it dominated the light-duty segment (GVM 3,501kg to 8,000kg) with a 50.6 per cent share of that segment of the market, followed closely by a 49 per cent share of the medium-duty segment (GVM 8,000kg+ to GCM of 39,000kg).
The team from Able Constructions with their new MY25 NQR 88-190 Crew Cab. Image: IAL
From mechanical chaos to sentimental buys, Greg Stephenson’s trucks each have stories to tell
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Greg Stephenson
The Kenny was named after Greg’s pug ‘Loki’
Like so many Aussie truck lovers, Greg Stephenson has a few trucks of his own, and each come with their own, unique story.
1978 Kenworth K125
Greg owned an LTL a while back – it was a good truck, until it wasn’t.
“It was causing a few dramas,” he says. “We had it a bit over two years, and finding parts for it wasn’t easy.”
“I put it up for sale and a bloke said he would swap me a 1978 Kenworth for the LTL.”
A few pictures of the rig landed in Greg’s inbox. It was a white K125 with the outback kit on – air cleaners over the top, air foil and everything.
“It was exactly like the first truck dad ever bought of his own,” Greg says.
“He bought an ex Hi-Tec truck. And when
this truck came up, it was nearly identical.
“It had different running gear, but if you looked at it – same truck. Even the interior was the same colour. So, we brought it home.”
Greg says he believes the truck used to cart rolls of paper, but apart from that, it’s past remains unknown to him.
But this Kenworth wasn’t the one he was promised.
“It wasn't going well when we picked it up,” he says. It was only running on five cylinders. What we were offered was different than what had turned up.”
Then his wife chimed in over the phone. “He bought this truck with his heart, not with his brain.”
Greg laughs and assures us that it’s okay now, he got the right man on the job.
But in the beginning, it had its problems for
The back of the Kenworth looks just as good
The Pug Express is on the road!
sure. The truck kept burning injectors out, so Greg got a guy to come down and fix it up, but he says he botched it with second-hand parts.
The International was already in great condition
“I couldn’t get 500 kilometres out of it without it breaking down on me again.
“Then I got another guy on it, he was based in Wagga, about two hours away. He spent two full days on it, replaced all the injectors with new ones, put a new fuel pump on it, and done all the fuel lines.
“He just went through the whole fuel system. It's been to Sydney now. It's going really well and is on club rego.”
As for the name, there's a story there too.
After a near miss years ago, Greg battled with PTSD. To help him through this difficult time, his wife and daughter brought home a pug called Loki.
“We decided to name the Kenworth the ‘Pug Express’, the LTL was named that as well,” he says.
“We’ve carried the name over to this Kenworth, which also has a 40-foot white
trailer and has the name written all over it as well.”
This truck may have caused him trouble but thankfully he chose it with heart over logic, as it’s shaped up to look pretty perfect.
1972 2150A International
As a truck lover, shows are a must visit, and while taking his cabover to the Kenworth Klassic in September, Greg saw a truck he just couldn’t say no to.
It was a 1972 International, lined up amongst other rigs with a red stripe across it and a ‘for sale’ sign stuck at the front.
“I said to a young bloke, ‘that's going to come home with me’ and two weeks later, it was home,” Greg says.
The truck was already restored from an older build, with the interior done and the mechanicals solid.
The previous owner had it parked in a shed for 10 years without touching it. He only needed it gone to make room for a bus he was
All Greg’s had to do is give her a bath
It’s a clean, sleek rig to look at
working on. Greg didn’t hesitate. He didn’t need to. He signed some forms, and it was his.
“It’s in really, really good condition,” he says.
“Just put it on rego this week and it passed.”
“It’s all original, never had a radio or CB, no LEDs.
"I haven't done anything. I just gave it a bath, cleaned it up and put some curtains in it.
“It runs a triple five Cummins V8 and a 10-speed Roadranger. "But apart from that,
she’s just a stock, little truck.”
The International hasn’t had its big moment yet. Every time a show rolls around, the Kenworth ends up going, but the International’s time is soon coming.
Trucks have always been in Greg’s life. Growing up with a Dad who loved big rigs and drove a little truck himself to haul the potatoes he grew on the farm, it’s not hard to see where Greg’s passion started.
Who
Here’s a look at the Kenworth’s interior
doesn’t love a joy ride?
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
Tripper DAY
If you’re looking for a reliable truck for the sort of work that doesn’t require nights away from home this 2010 Kenworth K108 in day cab format might fit the bill.
This white beauty has been dressed with a stainless steel sun visor and stainless fuel tanks, and features the ever popular 18-speed RoadRanger gearbox.
It features the Cummins engine. 46160 diffs and the Kenworth 8-bag air suspension set up for a smooth ride. The truck would suit a range of applications from livestock and general freight to specialised heavy equipment transport.
For more information phone WTP Pty Ltd on 02 8999 6064.
EQUIPMENT
Mover
This 2025 Anda Drop Deck A Trailer offers transport operators flexibility and load stability for the freight mission.
Drop deck trailers are perfect for any business transporting tall freight with the lower deck allowing operators to move their freight within the height limits set for Australian roads.
The lower deck on the trailer is also helpful when it comes to unloading general freight with a forklift, allowing easier access and reducing handling time and labour costs.
To find out more phone Anda Trailers and Equipment on
This 2025 Hino 300 Series 721 Auto Crew is a mobile business platform with the capacity to carry seven people and a heap of gear. It has a heavy-duty 4-tonne rated alloy tray, mesh headboard and a factory alloy bullbar fitted, as well as Hino’s SmartSafe package. For
This 2007 10-wheel Mack CHR688RST model features a Hardox Steel Bin, two-way tail gate and a 13-speed manual RoadRanger gearbox. It is powered by an ISC Cummins engine and has air bag rear suspension and air lift rear axle. An electric tarp, load scales and low kilometres set this truck up for plenty of future work in the tipping transport game.
For more information phone Purga Truck & Machinery Sales Pty Ltd on 07 3171 1897.
Fitted with a 10-pallet curtainsider on the back, this 2015 UD Condor PK 16 is ready to roll out as part of your fleet.
Powered by a 250hp turbo diesel engine the truck has three seats up the front and an automatic transmission. With its white paint job this truck is a blank canvas ready to be rolled out for whatever freight challenge you throw at it. For
information phone Complete
Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!
18-speed RoadRanger Detroit DD15 engine
$120,000 + GST
Bomaderry, NSW
WILD
Western
Dressed in a light blue colour scheme this 2017 Western Star 4800 is powered by a Detroit DD15 engine tied to an 18-speed RoadRanger.
Ready to work, the truck has been fitted with a 40-inch flat roof sleeper with air conditioning and an Isri Big Boy driver seat.
A bit of a showstopper it has been fitted with stainless on tanks and battery covers and is described as being in immaculate condition, inside and out.
To find out more phone Alison on 0409 229 713.
LETTING THE
Eagle soar
After withering away for eight years in a shed, ‘Chook’ Albinus brought this 1978 International back to working condition
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Grant ‘Chook’ Albinus
The proud 1978 International 3070B Eagle
He was searching for a trusty rig for a long time, but nothing seemed to fit the bill.
Still, keeping the faith, this owner put up an ad on Facebook until he came across “the one”. There it was, a 1978 International 3070B Eagle located in Wondai, Queensland.
The truck had been sitting in a shed for eight years and had seen decades of road dust, oil and many owners come and go.
What Grant ‘Chook’ Albinus found wasn’t a deadbeat rig, it was a truck with a pretty solid foundation, but some work needed; plus, he was in need of a rig to get him through the harvest season.
Originally bought new by a farmer in Victoria, the Eagle carried the signwriting ‘Plowright Transport at Dahlen’.
Over the years it passed through a few hands, each owner adding their own touch. It was a solid base; the cabin and chassis had already been resprayed. But underneath, there was plenty of work waiting to be done.
“I’ve had to go through and redo all the brakes, strip, rebuild and replace the airlines and do a heap of electrical work as you can
probably imagine with a truck of that age,” he says.
“Then I had to make all the pole-less mounts for the mud guards, the rear light bar and the toolbox.
“Then we split the fuel tank on the driver's side to make it hydraulic and fuel and then I had to rebuild all the electrical switches inside the cab.
“I’ve been working on it on and off since April, now there’s not much to finish off, I’m going to get it up and working soon, so it definitely won’t be sitting in the shed with me.”
The truck’s paint had been resprayed before Chook got a hold on it, sporting an eyecatching red and white striped design.
“There were a lot of little things I had to do to complete this project,” Chook says. “It was a pretty mammoth task.”
Growing up in South Australia, Chook was always surrounded by transport, trucks were introduced to him naturally.
“I grew up in the trucking industry, my dad owned a few trucks,” he says.
“I think that’s why I’m so fond of this model
Chook found the truck in Wondai, Queensland
Off to work it goes…
It’s had a few owners over its years Fixing up this truck, was no easy job
of truck, it’s one of the main ones I spent most of my time with as a kid, so it holds a lot of sentimental value.”
These days he runs grain from northern New South Wales to Brisbane, and fertiliser on the return trip using his two A doubles, with another on the way.
And while TikTok might think otherwise, it’s not his 17-year-old son behind the wheel –though the next generation is already hooked
with the posts he puts up of his family’s trucks.
“He’s got that many people commenting that he owns the company,” Chook laughs. “Maybe one day he’ll take over the business, I suppose it runs in the blood for the young fella.”
For now, Chook will keep chipping away at the old Eagle, getting it ready to soar once again, but this time with Chook behind the wheel.
“Australian
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AROUND THE WORLD Truckie
Not many people can say they’ve driven
trucks all around the world, but Julie Jacq has come from the hills in France all the way to Australia to live out her trucking dreams
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Julie Jacq
Trucking is Julie’s absolute passion
Julie Jacq would describe herself as a woman that’s dreamt big and is absolutely “truck mad”. And after reading her story, they’re two things I wouldn’t argue against.
Originally born in Brittany, France, trucks were quietly stitched into her childhood through her grandfather, who was a truck driver himself.
Funny thing is, she had no interest in it before she turned 18.
“Driving a car made me want to handle bigger vehicles,” she says. “I’ve always loved driving.”
She finished her studies to keep her parents happy, then at 23, she finally listened to the itch she couldn’t keep ignoring. A year later, she was a truck driver. Since then, she’s spent years chasing bigger horizons, heavier loads and roads most people wouldn’t dare take twice.
When Julie started trucking, she began with local runs to learn the truck’s size and handling.
Once she was comfortable, she changed companies and ended up driving across several countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain.
“The road gave me freedom,” she says.
“New places, new challenges, every day was different. That only made me want bigger
horizons, and Australia had always been the dream.”
“I was eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, so I didn’t overthink it and just went for it.”
She packed up and left. After Australia, came New Zealand – another Working Holiday Visa, another leap into the unknown –drawn by stories of their “cool logging trucks”. And it certainly didn’t disappoint.
“I spent an incredible year in New Zealand. Going back to France was never an option,” she says.
Canada was meant to be temporary, but a sponsored job turned into seven years behind the wheel across Canada and the United States.
Ice roads, endless highway and freezing nights were her new reality, and it made for some of the most intense trucking of her career.
But still, even after all this travel and life lived, something was missing. Her journey wasn’t finished.
“Ever since I was a kid, I watched those massive trucks on TV,” Julie says.
“Back in France, we only had semis, and for a French girl like me, driving something that big seemed almost impossible. But that’s exactly what made it a challenge – and I go where the challenge is.
A couple of the trucks Julie
You’ve never seen scenes like this in the land down under
She’s gone from left-hand drive to right and back again
Check out the load on this log truck
has driven around
Here’s Julie driving for Trans West in a Kenworth
"I promised myself that one day, I’d do it.”
130 km/h with a max weight of 36 tonnes.
She enjoys pushing herself to new limits and continuing to learn
When Julie came to Australia in 2013 to 2014 on a Working Holiday Visa, by the time she transferred, renewed her license and spent a year gaining HC experience, her visa was already over.
“I had to leave without ever driving a road train. That sense of unfinished business never left me,” she says.
“I knew I had to find a way back. Driving the biggest trucks in the world – that’s every passionate truckie’s dream.
“When you love what you do, you don’t stop halfway. You push it to the limit and go as far as you possibly can, no matter what.”
She finally returned, sponsored from Canada, to come back to Australia and complete her mission of doing what she promised herself years earlier.
Road trains, massive distances, heat and isolation is what she was prepping for.
“Australia’s big-rig trucking scene is on a whole different level compared to Europe and North America,” Julie says.
“In Europe, trucks are smaller (16.5 m max), roads are tight, traffic is heavy, and precision is everything. A standard truck carries up to 40t and tops out around 90 km/h – it’s all about skill and careful planning.
“In the US, distances are longer, roads are wide, and trucks are built for comfort on long hauls.”
Julie says standard semi-trailers are about 16 metres, doubles or triples are common in some states and speed limits can reach
“ Driving is easier in some ways, but you’re still managing big rigs, bad weather and heavy traffic,” she says.
“In Canada, trucks are similar to the US, but add snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, and you get a completely different challenge.”
“Standard B-trains carry 63.5 tonnes at up to 105 km/h, and in remote logging areas, ‘planetary’ trucks I’ve driven can handle up to 200 tonnes which is always good fun.”
Julie has truly driven all over the world. But Australia, takes the cake.
“And Australia? That’s the ultimate test, home to the longest and heaviest trucks in the world,” she says.
“Massive distances, remote roads, extreme weather, red dirt, flies. Add the Aussie accent, local driving habits and the challenge becomes even bigger.”
But adaptation is Julie’s superpower.
“You adapt quickly because you don’t really have any other choice,” she says.
“The first few days require extra focus. But once you’re in the flow, it becomes automatic.”
There are the ever-changing road rules from place to place, driving habits, truck configurations, and even mindset changes dependent to each culture.
“What’s normal in one country can be unsafe or even illegal in another,” she says.
“On top of that, there are language barriers, different accents, driving on the left or the right side of the road, and extreme weather conditions.
Big trucks, small trucks, dirt, sand and ice, Julie’s done it all
“There’s the freezing cold in Canada and intense heat here in Australia. You have to adjust constantly and stay sharp, respect the local’s way of doing things, and never assume.
“But that’s also what makes it interesting. It forces you to become a better, more versatile driver.”
Driving all around the world certainly has its perks and Julie definitely has her favourite moments and places.
“The country that surprised me the most, and that I miss a lot, is New Zealand,” she says.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful place to drive – open roads, amazing scenery, and a real pleasure behind the wheel.”
On the other end, when it came to wasting time sitting in congestion, Canada and the USA really surprised her, with places like Toronto, Montreal, New York, and LA constantly drowning in traffic.
There have also been some scary moments for Julie, even in one of her favourite places.
“Driving a logging truck definitely made me sweat. Whether it was in New Zealand, right on the edge of a wet and slippery mountain, or in Canada at -30°C on a tiny icy track in the middle of the night far from everything,” she says.
“At the time it’s terrifying, but it’s also an incredible adrenaline rush. I kind of got addicted to it. Definitely not fun while you’re living it, but afterwards, there’s a huge sense of pride and gratitude for having made it through safely.”
Julie has lived and worked amongst
different cultures, rules and people. And one thing she’s noticed is the respect on the road is the same.
“To me, respect for truckies mostly comes from how you drive and how professional you are. Earning respect on the road is universal,” she says.
“That said, you do need to adapt to the local way of doing things. Driving habits, road rules, and even the way people interact with trucks can be very different from country to country.
“Once you understand and adjust to those differences, earning respect becomes much easier.”
Ask Julie what ‘home’ means now and the answer isn’t simple.
“Home isn’t just a place anymore – it’s a feeling,” she says. “France will always be my home. I was born there, my family is there, and that will never change.
“But home is also wherever I feel comfortable, where things make sense, and where I’m free to grow. It’s where I’m challenged, building something meaningful, and truly recognising myself in the life I’m living.
“Every country I’ve been to has given me a little piece that shaped who I am today, and I’m very proud of that.”
For young women looking at the industry and wondering if they belong, Julie offers advice.
“Anything is possible, I am proof of that. You just need to be honest with yourself about why you want this life and make sure you are
Julie has been a truckie since she was 24
one thousand per cent ready for it,” she says.
“Some days will be heavy, lonely, and exhausting — but they’ll give you a sense of pride that comfort never will.”
She says it’s important to focus on building skills and confidence before trying to prove anything.
“Competence earns respect far faster than attitude ever could,” she says.
“Also, protect your body and your mental health. This job will take everything you’re willing to give it, so make sure you don’t give it everything you have.”
She says to set boundaries early, be true to
yourself, professional and consistent.
“And above all, don’t wait for permission. If you want it, go for it – just do it prepared and realistically.”
“I’d say it’s harder for a woman in some countries, but it’s completely doable with a strong mindset and big dreams that keep you moving forward.”
Julie isn’t chasing her next destination just yet, there’s still plenty to do here in Australia with lots of road yet to uncover.
If Julie’s story teaches us anything, it’s that life is too short to settle, there’s too many things to do, see and achieve, so take the risk.
This wouldn’t be an easy job… but right now, Julie plans to stay trucking in Australia, as she has more achievements to unlock
Glorious
GEELONG
Crazy weather didn’t stop glistening rigs from putting their best panels forward at the Geelong Classic Truck Show
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Caprice Media
Simmering heat meant bushfires and closed roads kept some trucks at bay instead of at the Geelong Classic Truck and Machinery Show on January 10 and 11, and numbers were down compared to previous years.
Event organiser Steve Moore says although the weather was worrying, 50 rigs still made the trip.
“I think the best moment was seeing the trucks come through the gate,” he says.
“They were coming to support us despite the horrible weather we had on Friday, and even though it picked up to 43 degrees I was
thinking, ‘God I wonder if anybody's going to come?’”
“It was concerning for sure.”
But what the show lacked in quantity, it more than made up for in variety.
“I have trouble picking which ones stood out the most, I think they all make an impression in their own way, from being original to restored,” Steve says.
“I think they're all great, and everybody does what they can within their own means.
“We don't run this event as a competition. It's a show. You just bring your truck along and put it on display and have a chat.
“We have a lot of variety here, and it’s to try and get city people to come out and have a look too, see if they might find something different, or discover a new hobby.”
What began more than a decade ago as a machinery-focused event has evolved into something much bigger.
Organisers decided to expand beyond traditional agricultural displays and brings trucks and classic cars into the fold.
Support from groups such as the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club and fellow truck enthusiasts from as far away as Albury helped
This Western Star is a blue beauty
‘The Dodgy Bar’
An old school military truck never ceases to wow crowds
Have a look at this old Kenworth
This rig would turn heads for sure
The Diamond T made the trek to Geelong
This is one sleek Bedford
This Atkinson came polished up to perfection
Peter Wiffen’s Ford looking too good in Geelong
DBA Haulage showed up and out
50 rigs rolled into the display
Heads turned for this monster Mack
This rig sure looks beautiful in black
The mighty Kenworth Seattle from the year 1967
TRN Haulage pulled up with their stunning White
Despite the crazy weather, the display didn’t disappoint
Trucks of all kind rolled into town
Check out this vintage Dodge
shape the event to what it is today – a broad, welcoming showcase rather than a niche gathering.
That openness drew in remote-control truckers who set up alongside full-sized rigs, a locally made International, utes, an original sedan chopped into a utility, a plane engine and much more.
“We want to promote the preservation and use of all machinery,” Steve says. “These machines built the nation.”
“We hope by doing this display, it attracts the younger generation to grow a passion, to preserve these vehicles and keep using them.”
Keeping that spark alive matters to Steve, who just wants his community to have a yarn and enjoy their weekend.
“We put the event on, it's up to them to come
and look and support what we're doing,” he says.
“We’re dealing with country people, who are more connected with all this old gear, so that's why we're aiming to include a big variety of vehicles to try and get people in the gate that might not expect to see such diversity and hobbies.”
As the sun went down and the day came to a close, Steve was able to look back at the weekend and be proud of what he and the members of the Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastorial Society had accomplished.
In a world where older machinery and old-school skills risk fading into memory, Steve reminds us that there are still those who care about our nation’s greatest treasures.
Yard, Workshop & Fabricating division located at Trentham, Victoria (Closed Saturdays). Please contact one of the above for an appointment.
DEALS Events
Tassie
TRUCKERS
The Tassie Convoy 4 Kids reunites drivers, boosts camaraderie and raises funds for kids in need
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Diesel Fumes
Photography
Truck shows are what bring communities together
It’s known that truck drivers are an ageing population. These days there are thousands of unfilled positions, and young ones who don’t care to join the world of transport.
“It’s morbid to say, but as a driver, you only really get to catch up with your associates at funerals these days,” event secretary Alli Morgan says.
A sad reality for most drivers, but unfortunately true.
She says this is the reason why truck shows and events are so important to continue, it provides a perfect environment for transport workers to catch up for a yarn.
The Tassie Convoy 4 Kids was originally run by a local football club as a truck show fundraiser.
Over nine years, more than $100,000 had been raised for the children’s ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
When the convoy’s future became uncertain due to licensing changes, Alli and a
small group of truck lovers stepped in.
“We decided the show was too important to go wayside, so we created a proper club,” she says.
What followed was a large workload, which Alli admits was bold and slightly naïve to take on, but eventually it evolved into the first Kempton truck show.
In mid-December 2025, over 120 trucks rolled in over the weekend for a Christmasthemed event.
“Last year we had 109 trucks show up which was our highest number ever,” she says.
“We thought anything over 60 would be great for this year, but then they just kept coming and coming, but gosh it was fantastic.
“We’ve now locked in our venue and dates for the future, which will be the second weekend in December every year, so it's just onwards and upwards from here on out.”
The Saturday was beautiful weather. The sun was shining as people lined up along the
Thousands of dollars were raised for the hospital
Have a look at this mighty Mack
The event took place in midDecember 2025
DEALS Events
It doesn’t get more classic than a red and white Kenworth
Over 120 trucks rolled in over the weekend
Tasmulch rolled out in support of the convoy
Shield's Ford tipper, simple and classy
This White was loaded with all the bling
Stacks of things to like about this one
DEALS Events
highway as truckers honked past, but the Sunday was different story.
“We went from sunburn on Saturday to sleet on Sunday. It was freezing. There was snow on the highlands and rain squalls, it was horrendous,” Alli says.
And still, despite the crazy flip in weather, more than 1,500 people came through the gates.
Each year, the convoy is unapologetically festive, with prizes for the best-dressed trucks.
This year’s standout was a restored International that was dripping in tinsel. Santa
Awards
Truck of the Show
Sponsored by Tas Petroleum
Mack Superliner - Carl Wagner
Golden Era of Trucking
Sponsored by F2F Mechanical (Jamie Free)
Mack Superliner - Dion Wilson
Golden Era of Trucking
Top 5
Sponsored by JR Ag Transport
Kenworth C500 - Nathan Williams
Mack R Model - Mick & Glenda Emmerton
LTL9000 - Chris Watkins Furniture Transport
Kenworth T900 - Nick Campbell
Kenworth W Model - Minty Transport
Shaun Gangell Memorial Award
A hard-working truck (sponsored by the Gangell’s)
Western Star - Worsley's Transport - Darren Curtain
Aiden Barker Memorial Award
A tough truck Aiden would have loved (sponsored by the Barkers)
Kenworth C500 - Nathan Williams
Owner Driver
Sponsored by AJL Heavy Equipment
Kenworth K200 - Elsewhere Haulage - Mitch Scott
Best Fleet
Sponsored by Tasman Auto Electrics
Platinum Group
People’s Choice
Sponsored by D & M Heavy Haulage
Kenworth 509 - Craig Walker
Best Tipper – Civil
Sponsored by Clennett Hire
Ford LTL - Danny Shield
Best Tipper – Bulk
Sponsored by Liverpool Engineering Works
Kenworth 610 - Madden's
Best Log Truck
Sponsored by CMW Trucking
Kenworth 908 - Dallas Triffett
Best Car Carrier
Sponsored by Beau’s Excavations
Kenworth 610 - Danevie Transport - Daniel White
made an appearance with the Grinch not far behind. Drivers dressed up and dashboards shimmered as all took on the Christmas decorative fun.
But, behind the sparkle and festive cheer sits a serious purpose.
“This year’s fundraising goal is $25,000 to $30,000 to donate to the children’s ward at RHH,” Alli says.
“If you've got a sick child in Tassie, ultimately, they're going to end up at the Hobart hospital. It’s a huge amount to donate.
“The hospital has already earmarked a
Best Highway Truck
Sponsored by All Taz Training
Western Star - Chris Watkins Furniture Transport
Best Heavy Haulage
Sponsored by Porter Plant Hire
Mack Valueliner - Halls Hall Earthmoving
Best Rigid
Sponsored by State-Wide Earth Works Pty Ltd
Kenworth 610 - Chris Watkins Furniture Transport
Best Pump/Vac
Sponsored by Hobart Truck Spares
Kenworth 410 - All Pumping Solutions
Best Unique
Sponsored by Chris Watkins Furniture Transport
Mack R700 - Dion Wilson
Best Western Star
Sponsored by Denny Mechanical
Max Triffett
Best Mack – old breed
Sponsored by Capture your memories
Mack Superliner
Shane Nichols
Best Mack – new breed
Sponsored by Webster Trucks
Mack CH - Jamie Free
Best Kenworth – pre 2005
Sponsored by Hobart Truck Spares
Kenworth Cabover - Cyprus Grove
Best Kenworth – post 2005
Sponsored by CJD
Kenworth T659 - Quinn Transport & Spreading
Best Japanese (Hino, Fuso, Isuzu)
Sponsored by Tas Trucks
Hino - Platinum Group
Best European (Volvo, Scania, Iveco, DAF, MAN)
Sponsored by Clennett Hire
Scania - Tricky Mechanical
Best Truck less than 2 years old
Sponsored by Tonks Customs
Kenworth T909 - Gangell's
Best Truck 2-5 years old
Sponsored by Tonks Customs
Kenworth T659 - Tas Mulch - Darrin Morgan
These
Macks took the crowd's breath away
T.O Triffett didn’t hold back with their Western Star
DEALS Events
particular piece of equipment that they really need, so it's not just going to be a Christmas present, it’s going to be an ongoing item used on many, many, children around the state. This is bigger than just Kempton.”
Check out the paint job on the 'Wagner Express'
Statewide spirit was on full display when the lead truck from Queenstown was backed by their whole community to get behind their fundraising efforts.
“That’s what this event is all about,” Alli says. “Helping out families, businesses, towns.”
A special moment Alli fondly remembers from the weekend happened after the barbecue, while live entertainment played.
“I looked at the crowd and it was filled with lads singing and swaying with their arms wrapped around each other,” she says.
“I thought, these are tough men that have probably had a hard week behind the wheel, and here they are having the opportunity to party together and let their hair down after a big year.
“It’s a chance for them to recognise how important their job is, and that camaraderie does exist still within the industry, and I thought it was a beautiful moment.
“I'm a driver myself, and we don't have truck shows down here on the mainland, it was the first time we've ever had this opportunity in Tasmania, and I think it was really needed, and really well received.”
The Tassie Convoy 4 Kids was a reminder to an industry built on long hours and lonely roads, that at the end of the day, there’s still room for community.
KENWORTHT659RoadTrain140T 2012,Heavydutyprime moveryouwontbedisappointed,140Tonrated,Cummins600, 18speedtrans,Meritor52190onKW6 rod suspension,Side tipperhydraulics,icepack,50"sleeper,icepackA/c,toolbox
Industry feedback shapes Freightmore Transport’s refined second-generation trailers, impressing operators and buyers
Whether it’s a cattle unit or a 4x2 converter, innovation in the transport equipment space is never without scrutiny.
When Freightmore Transport first entered the Australian market, expectations were high and feedback was honest.
Freightmore focuses on durability - the trailers are developed with direct Australian operator input
Like any new entrant pushing into a mature industry, the first few units revealed minor teething issues, particularly around ramp sizing and the slam-shut mechanism. But those concerns were heard, addressed, and then remedied.
What we are seeing now is Freightmore’s second-generation product – and it represents a significant step forward.
Freightmore Transport director Jason Juwayed says this latest evolution has been developed with the direct input of a veteran of the Australian transport industry, someone who understands not just how these units should look, but how they are used each day.
“The result is a trailer that reflects practical experience, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to quality,” he says.
“Recent prospective buyers who visited to inspect the new generation units left genuinely impressed. Feedback was consistent and encouraging.
“They told us the quality of workmanship stood out immediately, with clean welds, thoughtful finishes, and a solid, well-
engineered feel throughout.”
Stainless steel floors were a particular highlight, offering durability, ease of cleaning, and long-term value – features that operators appreciate where uptime matters.
Additional lighting has been included to improve visibility and safety, especially during early starts and late finishes.
And then there’s the pricing.
“Freightmore has entered the market aggressively, with introductory pricing that has caught the attention of operators looking to upgrade or expand without overcapitalising,” Juwayed says.
“In an environment where costs are under constant pressure, value matters and these units are delivering it without compromising on build or specification.”
For those currently in the market for a cattle trailer or 4x2 converter, now is the time to take a closer look. Finance options are available, trade-ins are welcome, and inspections are encouraged. If you pay a visit, there’s every chance you’ll walk away impressed.
Freightmore’s second generation has arrived — and it’s making a long-lasting impression.
To find out more or to arrange an inspection, contact Victor on 0434 968 521 or Ron on 0426 805 828.
Images:
Twin City
TRUCKIN’
Thousands line streets as Twin City’s National Show N Shine and Convoy for Kids drives hope for sick children
Up to 20,000 truck lovers lined the streets to watch a massive convoy of cars and trucks roll past at Wodonga and along the old highway, to the Albury showgrounds for the Twin City’s National Show N Shine and Convoy for Kids Event last month.
For event organiser Nathan Maloney, the emotional highpoint sits at the heart of what the convoy is really all about – raising money for Country Hope, a local charity supporting families with sick children and life-threatening illnesses.
“They don’t get any funding from the government,” he says. “So if a child falls ill, usually one parents stays behind to work while the other goes to hospital with the child”
“Those people need help, money wise, with vehicles, accommodation in Melbourne, and that’s what Country Hope covers. All the stuff that doesn’t get thought of.”
When the lead truck rolled into the showgrounds after raising $16,000, the whole event erupted in cheers and blaring truck horns.
The impact of the show is real, and so is the total raised. After achieving $65,000 last year, this year’s total is knocking on $95,000, with hopes of cracking six figures.
Held on Sunday January 18, the Twin City truck show has quickly cemented itself as one of the Riverina’s most heart-filled events.
“The Convoy for Kids was happening for a while but went into hiatus for about seven to eight years, and we brought it back last year, and since then it’s just grown,” Nathan says.
And grow it did, from 250 cars and 250 trucks last year, to 300 cars and 300 trucks this time round, with easily more than 6,000 people through the gates.
What those numbers don’t fully capture is the sheer variety on display. (Continued page 67)
Words: Tiane Gavillucci
Images: Taylah
Stephanie Photography & The Exact Shot
600 cars and trucks turned out for the event.
Image: Taylah Stephanie Photography
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Classy cab overs mixed it up. Image: The Exact Shot
Trucks as far as the eye can see. Image: The Exact Shot
Finding a feed was pretty easy at the showgrounds.
Image: The Exact Shot
Awards
Best Truck 0-2 Year: Neil Hemphill
Best Vintage Truck: Kyle Webster
Best Truck Fleet - Dunn's Twin City Cranes
Best Bonneted Truck: Jake Bailey
Best Farm Truck: Robert Trethowan
Best Cab Over Truck: Glenwood Haulage
Best Custom Truck: Dunn’s Twin City Cranes
Best Truck 9-14 Years: Brock
Best Truck 15-20 Years: Kristie Willett
Best Truck 21-26 Years: Nathan Crisfield
Best Truck 27+ Years: Kristie Willett
Best Truck 3-8 Years: Justin Twyford
Bike of Show: Gary Bradley - 2014 Ultra Glide
Truck of Show: Aaron Andison
(From page 61) It was a full spectrum of Aussie working trucks, from cabovers to farm trucks, milk trucks garbage trucks and vintage rigs.
A 250 ton crane towered over crowds in the convoy with the local fire brigade jumping in on the fun too. Just about every corner of the transport and construction world was represented.
Away from the convoy, the showgrounds buzzed. Kids darted between face painting, a petting zoo, food vans and trade stalls.
Concrete Pumping trucks sprayed water for kids to run through, a dyno display made noise for the kids and truckies even let kids climb into their cabs and blast the horn.
“It’s such a good feeling to see an idea a couple of people had about a convoy, transform into the beast this event has become,” Nathan says.
The community effort runs deeper than most realise. Around $50,000 worth of donations help make it possible.
“The community all comes together, throw in some money and support us to get it going.
It's a massive community event, and that's what's so special about it,” Nathan says.
In a region with deep transport roots, the convoy has become a chance for operators to shake hands, talk and get together – and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
This Scania caught a few eyes. Image: The Exact Shot
BUILT FOR
Aussie roads
Melbourne-based Canfred Engineering delivers custom aluminium fuel tanks built for Australia’s harshest conditions
Images: Canfred Engineering
The Canfred fuel tanks fit perfectly on this Kenworth
For more than 40 years, Canfred Engineering has built a reputation as one of Victoria’s trusted specialists in aluminium fabrication and the supply of aluminium fuel and water tanks, designed to survive Australia’s toughest operating conditions.
Based in Melbourne, Canfred Engineering has spent decades refining its craft, focusing on high quality aluminium and stainless steel tanks for trucks boats, buses, caravans and campers.
Kenworth SN1 Fuel Tanks waiting to be sent out
From heavy-duty transport operators to one-off custom builds, the team prides itself on working closely with clients to deliver solutions that are practical, durable and built to last.
“We work closely with our clients to ensure satisfaction with the quality of work and the service they receive,” Canfred Engineering says.
“The knowledge we have acquired is truly significant and can only help in the design of the perfect product for our customers.”
“There are so many other industries that we have catered for, so if you have something different in mind please do not hesitate in contacting us.”
Working in the transport industry as an Australian can be gruelling. Long haul trucks routinely face extreme heat, uneven terrain and heavy loads, making it difficult for standard factory-made fuel tanks to keep up, leading to leaks, rust, or early structural fatigue.
These issues can shorten service life and increase maintenance costs for fleet operators, making investing in custom fuel tanks that prioritise durability and safety, not only smart but essential.
Canfred Engineering designs and fabricates custom fuel tanks with these challenges firmly in mind. Built in-house at their Melbourne facility, each tank is engineered to withstand harsh Australian conditions while keeping vehicles efficient, reliable, and road ready.
“At Canfred Engineering, we design and fabricate custom fuel tanks using high-grade aluminium and stainless steel for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
“Our metal fabrication services follow strict quality standards to ensure every unit performs reliably under pressure.”
Every truck is different, and so are its needs. That’s why Canfred Engineering places a strong emphasis on a custom-designed tank, ensuring the perfect fit and function.
The business’ Melbourne-based engineers work closely with clients to design fuel tanks that match vehicle dimensions and mounting points.
They ensure each tank is precisely engineered to fit the vehicle’s structure for secure installation and optimal performance and that designs are adjusted to maximise fuel volume while maintaining safe and balanced weight distribution.
The engineers guarantee tanks are configured to suit the vehicle’s underbody design, ensuring adequate clearance and accessibility, as well as making sure every build considers terrain, temperature and travel distances to guarantee reliability under specific operating conditions.
“Durability starts at the weld. Our specialists use TIG and MIG welding methods to create
Rectangle Fuel Tank SN1
seamless joints with superior structural strength,” Canfred Engineering says.
“Every tank undergoes thorough pressure testing and inspection to meet Australian Standards for safety and performance.”
To enhance durability, Canfred’s designs include reinforced brackets, internal baffles and vibration-resistant mounts that keep the tank stable in all conditions. This stability is vital for trucks operating on uneven roads or travelling long highway distances.
Trusted by transport operators, constructions fleets and off-road vehicle owners across Victoria, Canfred Engineering has built its reputation on quality, safety and local craftsmanship — values that have kept vehicles performing at their best for years.
For operators who demand durability, safety and performance from their equipment, Canfred Engineering’s custom fuel tanks represent an investment built to go the distance.
24-Half inch Round Truck Fuel Tanks
Round Fuel Tank SN2
CALENDAR Events
FEBRUARY 2026
Darnum Heritage Display
February 7, 2025
Darnum, VIC
Some ‘bombshell’ news… A Change of venue!
The ‘Heritage Vehicle and Machinery Display’ is now the ‘Darnum Heritage Display’.
NRFA Annual Conference
February 21
Wollongong, NSW
MJM Haulage brought Muttley the Mack along to the LGFG Convoy. Image: Matt Thomas & Terry Hogan
The committee has moved the event to the Darnum Historical Complex grounds in Darnum.
This will be on the same first weekend in February – 7th & 8th, 2026.
This venue is less than 1 km from the Princes Freeway in Darnum and the organisers say the event will be bigger, better, and easier to move around than previously.
Walcha Antique Machinery and Truck Show
February 13-14
Walcha Showground, NSW
This annual event will kick off on Friday with a Tractor Run and continue on Saturday with a family day. Camp sites available, limited powered sites though, so get in quick for those. There’s a swap meet held as part of the event too.
For more information check Facebook or email wamats@outlook.com
The NRFA Annual Conference will feature a program that’s jam-packed with industry updates from a variety of key speakers. Connect with industry experts, learn about the latest transport trends, and gain valuable knowledge to advance your career.
Camp Quality Geelong Convoy
February 22, 2026
Beckley Park, Geelong
Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong is more than just a drive, it’s a powerful display of camaraderie and care from Victoria's truckdriving community, coming together each year to support kids facing cancer and their families. The convoy travels a 40km circuit, starting and finishing at Beckley Park, where an awards ceremony, free Family Fun Festival, and show’n’shine make for a fantastic day out. Convoy Geelong puts the ‘fun’ back in ‘fundraising,’ helping Camp Quality bring positivity, joy, and laughter into the lives of kids facing cancer!
To help fundraise or find out more go to fundraise.campquality.org.au/convoy/geelong
MARCH 2026
Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association
Truck Run
March 1, 2026
Longford Show Ground, Longford, TAS
This annual event starts with trucks gathering at 8am at Joe Pentridge’s yard at Boland St for the convoy which leaves at 9am to arrive at Longford Showground at 10am. There will be food and drinks, facepainting, the Royal Flying Doctors’ Service health bus, a monster raffle and live music from Scott Lewis.
To find out more phone Rob Bayles on 0418 137 667.
2026 Truck & Tractor Show
March 8, 2026
Harden Murrumburrah Showground, NSW
Save the date for the 12th annual 2026 Truck & Tractor Show hosted by the Harden Historic Truck & Tractor Club, where you’ll see some of Australia’s best big rigs and vehicles.
Colac
Truck and Ute Show
March 14, 2026
Colac Showgrounds, VIC
A community-run fundraising event presented by local volunteer/emergency services groups that blends show-and-shine displays, trade stalls and family entertainment.
The show is targeted at light- and heavy-vehicle owners in the Otway/Colac region and is positioned as a one-day public celebration with awards, live music and food.
For more see @colactruckanduteshow on Facebook or email colactruckanduteshow@ gmail.com
Sydney TruckFest
March 21-22, 2026
Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon NSW
Sydney TruckFest returns as a large, familyfriendly celebration of trucking culture with show trucks, custom rigs, industry exhibits, live entertainment and food stalls.
The show fills much of the Hawkesbury Showground with static displays, a truck parade and attractions aimed at both enthusiasts and the general public.
For more information go to www.sydneytruckfest.com.au
WA Mack Muster & Truck Show
March 22, 2026
Quarry Farm, Byford WA
WA’s Mack Muster & Truck Show is Perth’s premier truck meet: a one-day festival of Mack and other heavy trucks featuring displays, awards, traders and family activities at Quarry Farm (Byford). The Muster is designed to be inclusive of all makes/models, with special emphasis on classic and show trucks. For truck registration, vendor or general enquiries go to mackmuster.com.au/ or phone Matt on 0439 555 270.
APRIL 2026
Crawlin’ the Hume
April 11, 2026
The Chiltern Racecourse, VIC
Crawlin The Hume is an event held in Victoria for the truck drivers of Australia to display their classic trucks and celebrate the history and relive the memories in a convoy up the Old Hume Highway.
The rigs were standing in the perfect line at LGFG Convoy. Images: Matt Thomas & Terry Hogan
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MAY 2026
TruckShowX (TSX26)
May 18-19, 2026
There’s nothing quite like an old school rig. Image: Garry McGillivray
A stunning International DCO model made an impression in Urana. Images: Garry McGillivray
Hunter Valley, NSW
TruckShowX (HVIA’s technical/trade event) is pitched at industry professionals and focuses on technology, safety, decarbonisation, drive-day opportunities and the capability/technology expo. It combines an industry conference with opportunities to drive latest trucks and see manufacturer displays.
For more information go to truckshowx.com.au
Scenic Rim Truck Show
May 30, 2026 – Jimboomba, QLD
Come along to the Scenic Rim Truck Show, where passion for trucking meets the power of
community! Held annually in the breathtaking Jimboomba area, this event is more than just a showcase of incredible trucks – it's a chance to make a difference.
The show features a stunning array of trucks, from state-of-the-art haulers to timeless classics, each with its own story to tell.
JUNE 2026
Trucking Australia – ATA – 2026
June 3-5, 2026
Hamilton Island, QLD
Trucking Australia (presented by the Australian Trucking Association) is a major industry conference that alternates locations. This event is strongly focused on industry policy, awards, networking, and conference sessions aimed at fleet owners, senior managers and industry stakeholders.
For more information call 02 6253 6900 or go to the event page at new.truck.net.au/ta/
Alexandra Truck Show
June 7, 2026
Alexandra, VIC
Alexandra hosts over 300 trucks of all descriptions, log trucks, tippers, vintage and tow trucks. There are Utes on display, including B&S utes, working utes, town utes, and more. Don’t forget the hot rods on display, and a great line up of bands playing on the back of a truck in the main street. Great fun for the whole family.
For more information go to alexandratruckshow.com.au
JULY 2026
North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show
July 31 to August 1
Casino CBD, NSW
The Casino Truck Show is one of Australia’s largest truck shows with a large parade through the CBD, Friday Night Lights, hundreds of trucks on display, trade stalls, live music and family entertainment. The show attracts tens of thousands of visitors and several hundred trucks (500+ trucks in recent years). For truck registrations, exhibitor packs and sponsorship, check the official site/contact forms when registrations open.
For more information, look for @ casinotruckshow on Facebook or Instagram or go to casinotruckshow.com.au/
AUGUST 2026
Golden Oldies Truck, Tractor, Bus and Quilt Show
August 1 & 2, 2026Dubbo Showgrounds, NSW
There’s a whole heap going on in Dubbo in August, when the best looking golden oldies gather up to show off their stuff. The event will feature a truck show, a tractor pull, bus muster, quilt show, live entertainment, food vendors and various trade stands.
Thallon Truck Pull
August 29, 2026
Thallon, QLD
The Thallon Truck Pull is good ol’ country family fun at its finest, with loads on offer for everyone. At the heart of this thrilling event is a spirited competition of strength and skill. Crews of six take on the challenge of pulling a 12-tonne prime mover over 25 meters in the fastest time. Each team gets three attempts—fastest time wins!
For more information go to thallontruckpull.com.au
NOVEMBER 2026
Camp Quality Newcastle Convoy
November 8, 2026
Maitland Showgrounds, NSW
Camp Quality’s Convoy Newcastle is a fun way for anyone who drives a truck to help Camp Quality bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer – and their families. Supporters will cheer our Convoy on as we rumble around a 38km loop starting and finishing at Maitland Showground. There will also be a FREE Family Festival promising fun for everyone. It all kicks off at 8am, Sunday 8th November. Sign up or come along and let all your mates know. Now, let's get revved up and put the 'fun' back in 'fundraising'!
Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
November 14, 2026
Bathurst Showgrounds, Bathurst, NSW
This annual event is held in honour of truckie Dane Ballinger and is a chance for the trucking community to come together with their families and the local community to celebrate the trucking industry.
For more information go to www. bathursttruckshow.com.au or search Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show on Facebook.
Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show
November 28-29
Castlemaine, VIC
The 38th Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show will be held over two days at Campbell’s Creek Recreation Reserve.
Saturday kicks off around NOON with a Best on Ground trophy up for grabs.
Sunday morning starts with a truckie’s brekky, then a parade through town, followed by a day of showing off the trucks while listening to great live music, working your way through the food stalls, and exhibitor sites before the trophy winners are announced around 3.30pm.
See www.rotarycastlemaine.org.au
Truck shows bring communities together. Image: Matt Thomas & Terry Hogan
Wonder WINDY
Gusty easterly winds and blue skies provided the background for Tooradin Truck Show on January 17
Words & Images | Prime Creative Media
The first walk through the grounds at 10am
TTruck shows come in many shapes and sizes around Australia.
For some shows, like Casino in August and Castlemaine in November, it really is centred on the trucks – although Casino does have a rodeo tagged on at the end.
At Tooradin in January, it’s trucks, tractors, cars and with a little bit of a country fair vibe thrown in.
On one side of the showgrounds, more than 100 trucks roll in early and line up for judging as part of an extensive awards program that caters for all manner of truck uses and ages.
In the centre a temporary food hall materialises as a variety of carnival food operators circle the wagons around a central collection of tables, chairs and shelter.
Then there’s the truck-related exhibitors
showcasing everything from new trucks to brand merchandise, cleaning solutions, clothes and specialist services.
Climb up a grassy embankment and look over the other side and the show ring is a hive of activity with volunteers busy smoothing out the burnout ring and grading the dirt on the long straight for the second big drawcard of the day – the tractor pull.
The crowds gradually grow during the day, with arrivals bringing camp chairs and picnic blankets and claiming a spot on the hills to watch the burnouts and tractor pull.
They are also ideally located to check out the skills of the stunt pilot who drops by just after lunch to perform loop after loop and high-speed passes down the track.
The country fair element includes a
Southern Sons Transport's Kenworths were on point
The smell of burning rubber drew crowds to the hill
sideshow alley of sorts with a showbag stand, a small range of rides, child friendly food, coffee for the folks, all captured in a “no-alcohol” area of the venue. And yep, that means there is also an “alcohol” area and a bar set up on site.
The fun starts at 10am with doors open until 10pm at night, and tickets for the day range from $40 adult to $25 for concession.
Having landed at Tooradin early thanks to a smoother than expected drive across Melbourne I found myself in a queue chatting to truck fans, one of whom had driven nearly three hours to check out one of the first shows of the season.
At 87-years-old, auto-electrician Kevin Baker was up the front of the queue, keen to get out and have a look at what was on show.
As we watched the water truck rolling past trying to keep a lid on the dust being stirred up by the strong coastal breeze, Kevin told me he still helps people find parts for old trucks
and cars and has a shed full of electrical parts books from all of the major brands for the past 60 or so years.
He has worked on cars for a who’s who of Melbourne’s business world, including a few of the vehicles in the Lindsay Fox Museum, and says he still enjoys the challenge of helping people to get their vehicles going.
While he says it’s just a hobby for him now, he also handed me his own printed business card letting me know his hours are 9am to 2pm daily and his mobile in 0429 465 736. He spent a lot of his working life in Queensland, so he may be familiar to readers from that part of the world too.
The judge's had a tough time analysing more than 100 trucks
Ava and Sherri Booth with Tom Crumpton at the Highway 31 merchandise stand
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F M and G M Green's imposing C509 attracted plenty of attention
The front view of the C509 is just as impressive
These old trucks caught plenty of attention on the walk into the showgrounds
Great scroll work on show on this Kenworth
Dan's Trucking brought their massive Mack along
Code 12 Towing's Kenworth was hard to miss
What a stunning beast
Mick Pazek with the AC/DC decorated 2023 Kenworth T909 he drives for Norman Transport
Molly Courtney is loving the comfort of the truck she drives for Moncur Excavations
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And the boys lined up... So much chrome!
At the other end of the scale in the queue was a youngster who was chaffing at the bit to get through the gates and hopefully have his photo taken with Glenn “Yogi” Kendall of Outback Truckers fame. His excitement was contagious, and I’m happy to report Yogi did indeed make the trip from WA to hand out trophies at the event, and I saw the young fella and his family having a catch up and a photo within half an hour of the gates opening.
For truck drivers and owners from the Gippsland area of Victoria, Tooradin’s their local show, and it was clear as I wandered through taking photos that this annual event was the first catch up of the year with work stories being swapped alongside tales of Christmas holiday breaks and the latest additions to the trucks they’d brought to the show.
Darrin and Harley Wilson had come down from Korumburra with the 2005 Kenworth T904 they drive for M & N Blands out of Foster. The father and son duo were there with daughter/ sister Danielle Wilson and CHD Trucking owner and boyfriend Calab Dihm and his classy Western Star 4900.
Another driver busy putting the final polish on her ride was Molly Courtney, 22, who spends her days behind the wheel of a 2024
Kenworth T610 SAR for Moncur Excavations out of Rosedale in Gippsland.
Now in her fourth year of driving Molly says she’s enjoying the challenge of pulling a quad dog trailer in the “most comfortable truck I’ve ever driven”.
With truck driving in the family, Molly learned to drive on her Dad’s V8 Scania, she says she’d like to go for her multi-combination license next and “see where that goes”.
While the Kenworth brand dominated the line-up among the 100 or so trucks on display on the day, there were a few outliers including the 2010 Peterbilt 388 that CTR Truck Sales brought out for the show. Admittedly, the team also had a Kenworth K100E there that CTR’s Andy Dinicol pointed out was one of only 20 ever sold.
The green and white paint job of Dave Rule’s 1985 K100 CR Tipper was another truck that attracted plenty of attention.
Dave had a for sale sign up at the front of the truck and told me it was a reluctant sale based on the fact he had recently broken his back and could no longer drive full time.
He has his own small transport company, with his son driving for him, but as his son’s license was automatic, not manual, the fleet needed to change.
Pete Abrehart, Darrin Wilson, Harley Wilson and Zed Huysman in front of CHD Trucking's Kenworth
The Ashmore Excavations' crew, Hayden, Duane Cam, Ash and Jarrod rolled in from Cranbourne
A mobile food court of sorts was laid out for guests
The Inverno trucks were polished to perfection and featured in the awards
Tow trucks, water trucks and concrete trucks were part of the mix
These Kenworths were immaculate
Danielle Wilson and Calab Dihm from CHD Trucking with their classy Western Star
As for the injury, Dave says he caught COVID which had hit him hard. He’d passed out in bed, rolled out, broke his back on the fall and had spent two days on the ground before his son found him and he got the medical treatment he needed. Anyone keen on finding out more on the truck should give him a call on 0415 543 321.
For the AC/DC fans out there, Mick Pazek had something a little bit extra to share in the form of “Ball Breaker” album cover plaques fitted to the bullbar of Norman Transport’s 2023 Kenworth T909.
Mick says his boss is a big fan of the band, and the blue, black and white artwork featuring an electrifying Angus Young front and centre, was a great talking point whereever the truck landed.
On a different note, Ava Booth, Sherri Booth and Tom Crumpton were kept busy at the show sharing their clothing brand Highway 31 with interested showgoers.
The brand pays homage to the Hume Highway that rolls up the east coast of Australia from Sydney to Melbourne, and its range stretches from hoodies to singlets and caps.
Sherri says they’re only just getting into the show scene but she’s looking forward to travelling the country a little more this year to promote the range within the trucking community. For those who like to scroll online, you can see what they have at highway31.com.au
This was my second time at Tooradin.
The first time it rained a little. This time, while it was certainly windy and dust was a bit of a challenge, especially come burnout time, the breeze helped to keep the summer temperatures comfortable.
The organisers summarised it pretty well on their facebook post after the event saying:
“It was a cracker of a day, not to hot and not to cold so all the trucks presented were on point.. Thank you to all of you who attended to make our show a success..”
By the time I rolled out of the grounds at 1pm the crowds on the hill had well and truly settled in for the afternoon, cheering at the burnouts and readying themselves for the noise and spectacle of the tractor pull to come.
As the stunt plane roared past trailing smoke and drawing the eyes of everyone in the showgrounds and even in downtown Tooradin itself, it was clear this event has well and truly cemented its spot at the start of the annual truck show calendar and has the fans to prove it.
We wonder if they are Parramatta fans?
Tooradin Truck Show Category Winners– 2026
RIG OF THE SHOW 2026
BOB SEARLE MEMORIAL TROPHY
A & K Dorling – 2023 Kenworth T909
PRIME MOVERS
PM1 - Up to 6 months
1. SJS Haulage – 2025 Kenworth K220
2. Nil
PM2 - 6 months to 2 years
1. JBN Cartage – 2023 Kenworth T909
2. G & D Inverno – 2024 Kenworth SAR Legend
PM3 - 2 years to 5 years
1. A & K Dorling – 2023 Kenworth T909
2. Brown's Stockfeed – 2022 Kenworth SAR Legend
PM4 - 5 years to 10 years
1. Ashmore's – 2018 Kenworth Legend 900
2. G & D Inverno – 2018 Kenworth Legend 900
PM5 - 10 years to 20 years
1. Transall Motors – 2013 Kenworth Director Series T900
2. A & K Tyrell – 1993 Kenworth T950
TIPPERS
T1 - Up to 6 months
1. Ashmore's –2025 Kenworth T659
2. Brown's Stockfeed – 2026 Kenworth T909
T2 - 6 months to 2 years
1. Fowler's Asphalt – 2024 Kenworth T610 SAR
2. Dirt Rock Civil – Greg 2025 Kenworth T610 SAR
T3 - 2 years to 5 years
1. Brown's Stockfeed – 2021 Kenworth T909
2. Pirota Cartage – 2022 Mack Trident
T4 - 5 years to 10 years
1. Ashmore's – 2018 Kenworth T404 SAR
2. Ashmore's – 2018 Kenworth Legend 900
T5 - 10 Years to 20 Years
1. Melbourne Civil Group – 2012 Kenworth T908
2. Ashmore's – 2003 Kenworth T404 ST
RIGIDS
R1 - Up to 2 years
1. SJS Haulage – 2025 Scania 500G XT
2. GT Transport – 2024 Isuzu FVL
R2 - 2 years to 5 years
1. K & R Bro's – 2024 Kenworth T360
2. WFL Transport – 2021 Kenworth T360
R3 - 5 years plus
1. Advanced Tree Co. – 2021 Scania G410
2. Patrol Parts Online – 1995 Isuzu NPR
HEAVY TOW TRUCKS
HTT - All Ages
1. All Car Towing – 2006 Kenworth SAR
2. Eastside Heavy Towing – 2024 Kenworth 610 SAR
VETERAN
V1 - Any Truck 20 to 35 years
1. Campbell Earthmoving – 1997 Kenworth K100G
2. G & D Inverno – 1998 Kenworth T401
V2 - Any Truck 35 Years Plus
1. Marson Repairs & Hire – 1965 International DCO 405
2. Huon Grange – 1977 Kenworth SAR Legend
BEST FLEET 2026
G & D Inverno
• 2024 Kenworth Legend SAR
• 2018 Kenworth T900 Legend
• 2010 Kenworth T408 SAR
• 1998 Kenworth T401
STUART BAKER MEMORIAL TROPHY 2026
G & D Inverno – 2024 Kenworth Legend SAR driven by Peppi
PULLER’S CHOICE TROPHY 2026
Jamie's Transport – 2019 Kenworth T909 driven by Jamie
HALLAM & BAYSWATER TRUCK CENTRE’S
BEST 'OLD SCHOOL' TROPHY 2026 (OF ANY MAKE)
Huon Grange – 1977 Kenworth SAR driven by Bennie
STEPHEN GREGSON MEMORIAL TROPHY 2026
Southern Son's as a Fleet
• 2023 Kenworth T909
• 2007 Kenworth T950
• 2019 Kenworth T909
• 2014 Kenworth T909
• 2024 Kenworth T909
• 2024 Kenworth T909
DEALS Showcase
Built
YOUR WAY
From stock to custom builds, Sammut Agricultural Machinery delivers quality trucks nationwide
Images: Sammut Agricultural Machinery
Kenworth T610 SAR
Tipper build with custom paint and twin stack conversion, converted from a prime mover
From first time buyers chasing their very first rig to seasoned operators adding another workhorse to a growing fleet, Sammut Agricultural Machinery has you covered.
The business specialises in the sale of quality new and used trucks, providing a wide range of modification options and packages to suit the needs of customers all over Australia.
“Whether you’re looking for the next addition to your fleet, or wanting a truck built to suit a unique application, we have the solution for you,” Sammut Agricultural Machinery salesman Nathan Sammut says.
“We provide products for a wide range of applications and industries, with our stock consisting of Kenworths, Isuzu’s, Western Stars, UD’s, Mitsubishi’s, Iveco’s, and much more.
“The majority of our stock is made up of used Kenworths and various brands of new and used Japanese trucks.”
But unlike traditional dealers who hand vehicles off to third parties for custom work, Sammut Agricultural Machinery keeps everything under one roof.
“What makes us stand out in the truck sales industry is our ability to modify to suit
a plethora of applications and preferences,” Nathan says.
“We are not your regular dealership; we have a fully equipped fabrication, body and paint shop allowing us to personalise a build without shortcuts, and without outsourcing; all of our work is completed in-house.”
The set up gives the team complete control over quality and timelines.
Whether you require a trucks with a custom chassis extensions, hydraulic setups, axle conversions, trays, tippers, beavertails or tilt trays – nothing is off the table.
Each modification is tailored to suit a specific application, industry or working environment, and no two builds are quite the same.
“We also build truck and truck-mounted forklift packages, and are official dealers of Moffett forklifts, offering the best prices Australia-wide,” Nathan says.
And despite the breadth of services on offer, Nathan is clear that the quality is never sacrificed.
“There is no compromise on the quality of our work; our ultimate goal is to make the process of acquiring your necessary gear as efficient and convenient as possible, while
from a prime
providing the highest quality of work.”
Sammut Agricultural Machinery makes the process of acquiring a truck extremely simple.
All customers need to do is simply select a truck from the available stock and inform the team of any modifications required.
“The truck will then go through our workshop and receive a thorough mechanical inspection, along with your necessary modifications or special requirements,” Nathan says.
“Once all work is complete, the truck is yours.”
It’s this blend of simplicity and genuine customer focus that makes Sammut Agricultural Machinery the right fit for many customers.
So, if you’re looking at getting your business on the road with confidence, look no further.
To get in touch with Sammut Agricultural Machinery, you can call them on 02 4579 6511 or email them on sales@sammut.com. au. They are located at 67 Joshua Road, Freemans Reach, NSW 2756.
Converted
mover, this is a Kenworth T359 Beavertail build with custom paint and 6x4 to 10x4 axle conversion
Kenworth T358 Tipper build, with custom paint, and 8x4 to 10x4 axle conversion
Kenworth T404 SAR Tipper build with custom paint and matching dog trailer with new Sammut body
Kenworth T359 Beavertail build with custom paint and 6x4 to 10x4 axle conversion, converted from a prime mover
This Kenworth is a T350 Tipping Tray build with custom paint
DEALS Data
Bronze level sales result
Heavy Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Isuzu amassed 12,420 heavy vehicle sales in 2025. Image: IAL
Medium Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Light Vehicles – Monthly Sales
Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, Kenworth and Volvo came in as the top five selling truck brands of 2025, in that order, in the latest release of data from the Truck Industry Council’s T-Mark data report.
A total of 45,191 trucks and commercial vans were sold across all categories in the T-Mark data report, the third best resulted recorded in Australia, and the top five accounted for 26,432 vehicles sold.
Isuzu led the charge with 12,420 sales, followed by Hino (4,711), Fuso (3,595), Kenworth (3,349) and Volvo (2,357).
Truck Industry Council CEO Tony McMullan says the 2025 results were well received by the industry.
“Despite the challenging economic environment that prevailed across the Australian economy in 2025, it was pleasing to see new truck sales hold up well in 2025,” McMullan says.
“The result marks the fourth year in succession of record, or near
“Despite significant new truck sales, the Truck Industry Council (TIC) and our members, remain concerned that the average age of the Australian truck fleet remains much older than that of Europe, North America and Asian countries such as Japan and Korea.
“An old truck fleet is not conducive to improved safety, public health and environmental outcomes for our society. Governments across Australia must consider what more can be done to reduce the age of our nation’s truck fleet.”
Heavy duty
The calendar year 2025 saw 14,297 heavy duty trucks sold in Australia, down 2,855 trucks when compared to the same period in 2024.
Kenworth won the battle for brand dominance achieving 23.4 per cent of sales with 3,347 trucks changing hands in 2025.
Second place in the heavy duty category went to Volvo (2,326), followed by Isuzu (2,212), Scania (1,207), Fuso (793), Mercedes-Benz (793), Mack (726), Hino (712), DAF (611), UD Trucks (457), IVECO (421), MAN (293), Western Star (168), Freightliner (125), Dennis Eagle (105) and Foton Mobility (1).
Medium duty
In the Australian truck world Isuzu is well clear as the biggest selling brand in the country and in the medium and light duty segment it dominates.
For 2025 Isuzu won 49 per cent of the medium duty segment with 3,267 sales out of the total 6,672 sales made in the segment this year.
The ladder for other brand sales include Hino (2,093), Fuso (898), Hyundai (109), Iveco 78), Mercedes-Benz (68), MAN (57), UD Trucks (52), Volvo (31), DAF (16), Kenworth (2) and Ford (1).
Light duty
A total of 13,712 light duty trucks were sold in Australia in 2025 including 6,941 sold by Isuzu which gave the brand 50.6 per cent of the market.
While Isuzu dominated sales, there were just two sales separating Hino and Fuso at second and third sales positions respectively (1,906 and 1,904).
The balance of the sales went to Iveco (880), Fiat (807), Renault (447), Hyundai (135), LDV (120), Volkswagen (99), Foton Mobility (69), and Ford (53).
STONESTARDECK WIDENERWITHPTO ANDDIESEL POWERPACK
BrandnewStonestarWidener withDieselpowerpackand Ptoplumbingforwidening system price:plusgst.S49. TA625085. $85,000
When Cahal Carey went looking for a big truck to haul his crushing machines, he settled on a giant-sized Swede
Words & Images | Warren Aitken
Plenty of rain the previous week provided a great opportunity for photos, and a great test for driver Warren McCarthy as he attempted to keep the Volvo as clean as possible for as long as possible
TWhilst roof light bars are increasing in popularity down under, they are a common addition in Europe. And painted versions rather than our more common polished preference
here is no arguing that the Volvo truck catalogue contains an extremely diverse selection.
They have a truck for every occasion, stacked with state-of-the-art technology, class leading safety features, peak power performance and torque curves that’ll make your eyes water.
They pride themselves on supplying safe, reliable and cost-effective equipment designed to be economically and mechanically efficient.
They pretty much have a set-up to suit any and all applications.
And whilst on the practical side, globally, they can build whatever you need, on the aesthetics side of things Volvos Down Under don’t receive the same attention their European counterparts receive. A lot of that is dictated by the vehicle measurement differences between hemispheres, the weight limits per country, the road conditions and the fact that a 14-hour day in Europe sees you traverse half a dozen countries, whilst in Australia it’ll only see you past five roadhouses, three fuel stops and a handful of rest areas.
The Volvos that prowl the Australian Outback highways are more-often-than-not out there doing the hard yards with very little glamour.
When a young Irishman decided he needed his own heavy haulage behemoth to transport equipment for his contract crushing company, his Irish roots and
European influences of said roots, saw him purchase a brand-new Volvo.
But Cahal Carey didn’t just want a workhorse, he wanted a showpiece.
“Everything we do here we do to the highest standard, so when we ordered the truck, we wanted that to reflect the effort we put in across the whole company,” Cahal says.
With memories and influences from his Irish ancestry Cahal started the ball rolling on what has become one of the coolest XXL Volvos gracing our highways.
An Irish influence in our transport arena is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, the Irish influence on Australian culture and history is extremely profound. It is estimated that anywhere from 10 to 30 per cent of the Australian population has either full or partial Irish heritage.
The Irish have played a huge roll in the history of this country. From the likes of Ned Kelly, whose old man Jon ‘Red’ Kelly came from Tipperary, to brothers John and James Toohey, founders of Tooheys Brewery, who came from County Limerick.
You have the likes of Mick Fanning, another one with Irish ancestry through his dad, who was born in Malin Head in County Donegal.
Or if you are of a more literary persuasion, you may know the name Tom Keneally, via his grandparents who hailed from County Cork this legendary novelist and playwright is another one for the list. In case you didn’t attend any of his lectures, he is also famous for his 1982 publication ‘Schindler’s Ark’
which became the award-winning movie ‘Schindler’s List’
Whilst these are some of the more renown Australian- Irish descendants, the fact is the Irish are a huge part of Australian working culture, which I learnt a lot more about when I managed to slow Cahal Carey down long enough for an interview.
The ‘Culchie’ from the Glens of Antrim, who came over to Australia to have some ‘craic’ and ‘give it a lash’, talked me through his transition, from shovel swinging plumber, to ‘sucking diesel’ with a second-hand 13t digger. He is now ‘up to 90’ with his highly successful contract crushing business, all of which led to Cahal purchasing his first heavy haulage truck and top spec float. As you can see, this eyewatering Irish influenced combination is ‘deadly’.
Before we get into the story, let me just explain a few of the comments from the previous paragraph. Firstly, the statements highlighted in the previous paragraph are my attempt to incorporate a touch of Irish slang into this feature. Culchie is a term for someone from rural Ireland. Craic means fun. Give it a Lash obviously means to give it a go, whilst
Sucking diesel is an expression used to mean making progress. Up to 90 implies someone is extremely busy and Deadly is Irish slang for Awesome or great.
I will no doubt try and intertwine a few Irish digs into this tall tale and as a card carrying Kiwi and lifelong rugby fan, I am allowed a little extra leeway when it comes to ‘acting the maggot’ ( or in Kiwiana ‘taking the piss’). The Irish are our Achilles-heal when it comes to the footy, and because of the respect we have for them, our best way of expressing that is to have some ‘craic’ at their expense. Hence whilst we are focused on this Irishman’s perfectly put together Volvo, and the Australian companies that have been integral in its finished appearance, I will take some jabs throughout, so don’t ‘take a dander’.
Back to my interview with the young entrepreneur and his extremely impressive excursion into trucking.
As I mentioned earlier, trucking is not Cahal’s forte. Growing up in Ireland he was always fascinated with trucks and loved seeing the cool lorries that graced the Irish highways. His brother-in-law even runs several trucks back home on the Emerald Isle.
Warren musters a bit of pace out of the big Volvo as he exists one of the local quarries with another piece of company equipment.
Cahal however followed the pipes rather than the pedals and became a plumber.
Armed with a plumbing trade, youth and exuberance and I’m assuming a desire for a more enjoyable climate, 21-year-old Cahal packed his duffle and came over to Australia in 2003 with barely a four-leaf clover to his name.
Another custom BlingHQ design is the full-length bumper bar sleeve. With custom stainless cover for the rear batteries. All designed for easy access to the batteries when needed
Whilst the Big Volvo may be exceptionally dark with its black look, there’s no dark surrounding the truck with more spotlights than the MCG on this truck
“All the Irish boys seemed to be working the tunnels in Sydney, so I ended up there,” recalls Cahal.
“I’d done a little bit of plumbing, but the money wasn’t great, so I went to the tunnels.
I was on the end of a shovel and the guy didn’t turn up to drive the excavator and the boss asked me to have a go and that’s where I started.”
It’s a very humble summation by the Irishman, but also pretty accurate. He took to the excavator work like an Irishman to Guinness and pretty soon got the opportunity to buy his own little 13T digger and begin the journey to what is now Glendun Contract Crushing, an arm of Glendun Group.
Digging out the Sydney Tunnels soon led to a shift to Brisbane. By that stage he had accumulated a few more bits of equipment and put them to work in the Brisbane tunnel projects.
Contacts and opportunities there soon led to Cahal investing in some crushing plant equipment and working out west. The professionalism and approach the
young Irishman took on site, soon led to more opportunities. Followed by more opportunities. Which led to more gear, more employees and so on and so forth.
Which leads us into 2023, 20 years after Cahal landed in Australia.
With an equipment and machinery count over the two-hundred-piece mark, Cahal decided he wanted to look at putting his own transporter on the books.
“It completes a part of the puzzle when you can move your own equipment around,” admits Cahal, who up until that point had been using a contractor when gear needed returned or relocated.
“It makes more sense. We can plan projects better and when there’s a last minute issue, we are able to move it ourselves, it adds a lot more flexibility to what we do”
I reiterate, Cahal and the Glendun crew are not truck people. Cahal’s a truck fan, but that’s a far cry from knowing where to start when it comes to purchasing a brand-new truck and float setup. Although Cahal’s office manager, Sarah Emery explained the process of purchasing a float came from observing the contractors they dealt with.
“We only deal with the best, that’s what we’ve built this company on and that’s how we approach every deal and every job. None of us had experience with trailers but we noticed the best were all using Drake. So, we went straight to Drake.”
It’s about here I would make a crack about the Irishman needing to use personalize plates to identify what each piece of equipment is. GG Truck for the truck, GG Dolly to identify the dolly and GG Float to remind him what the trailer is. But I won’t stoop to that sort of Irish stereotyping
With it’s low end torque and extra crawler gears, the Mighty Volvo is a perfect set up for the kind of work Glendun Group put it through
The Glendun team took a similar approach to purchasing the trailer as they would when they chose a truck. They explained to Drake exactly what they would be doing, explained what sort of gear they would be movingmaximum and minimum and let the people in the know tell them what they needed. That would turn out to be the stunning Drake 5X8 widener and 2X8 dolly.
When it came to the truck, well there really wasn’t much of a debate there. Growing up in Europe with the landscape dominated by the two big Swedish powerhouses Cahal had his hat in the Volvo camp.
“We run a lot of Volvo gear anyway, so we’re familiar with the brand and we know how good it is.
“We went and saw the guys at VCV Pinkenba and they have been fantastic to deal with.
“Like the trailer we explained what we wanted to do with it, and they talked us through the best set up.”
Dressing the big purchase was the next challenge for Cahal.
“The Volvos and Scanias around Ireland are finished off with a bit more detail. Over here, it’s not quite the same.
“Like back at home this would just be a pretty basic truck, but here it stands out.
“If you see a Volvo or Scania coming down the road finished off differently it’ll probably be an Irishman.”
Once the decision on ‘what’ truck was finalised, dressing it up was a project the truck nut side of Cahal had already finetuned.
“I’d already been doing a bit of Pinteresting and stuff, looking at designs back home and found one with lines like this back in Holland. The colors of our logo and on our branding was black white and grey so we stuck with that.”
The truck got sent from Volvo off to Bel Air Truck Spray painting in Darra where Rob and his team set to work bringing the Holland design onto a big black Aussie Volvo. Bel Air also painted the tanks and the Icepack, keeping the whole unit nicely streamlined.
Next step for Cahal and his first truck was finding someone to take the working showpiece to the next level. Adding the extra touches needed to make the truck stand out.
“It’s not easy finding people that spec out the Volvos, but the guys put me on to Ryan at Bling HQ and he’s been great. I did have to convince him I needed all the lights though.” laughs Cahal.
Ryan has had his fair share of Volvos through his Hattonvale workshop, but the Glendun FH was one of the biggest Volvo projects for Bling HQ and a challenge Ryan.
“Cahal was very much influenced by the European look and you can see that with the big lightbar on the roof,” says Ryan.
“I built that and had it painted rather than polished and Cahal ordered the lights out of Europe for me to fit.
Cahal Carey is a very humble man when it comes to talking about his success. He much prefers just to get in, do the work and do it well. Rather than talk about it. But he let a bit of his guard down when it came to his new truck. Talking with passion and pride on the purchase of this impressive setup
“It can be a challenge with the Volvos as you can’t do a lot to them, versus the likes of a Kenworth where you can take nearly everything off and do something. So yeah, it can be a real challenge and that’s what I like about it. Customer demand has led me to come up with ways of changing and adding to the Volvos.”
A good example of this is when you look at the rear end of the big FH.
“I put a full width bumper bar sleeve on the back end which most people don’t do,” says Ryan.
“I fitted the dual exhaust which, apparently,
they do over there as well. I built the trim up the Susie plate to tidy that up, as well as the drive guard assembly to cover the air tanks, adding in a drain valve chain to drain the tanks.
“And then there’s all the other little things like mudflap pieces, wrapped tanks, extra LEDs, all up there was about 400 hours of work in this one.”
Ryan became quite familiar with Cahal over those 400hrs as the Irishmen would venture out to Hattonvale on numerous occasions to discuss and add extra ideas to the growing Volvo to-do list. Those trips became a bit of a touchy subject for office manager Sarah over the course of the build.
“I did have to pull Cahal up with the stainless, he just kept adding more. He was
like a kid in a candy store to be honest,” laughs Sarah, though she is quick to point out why as well.
“We want to be known as the best contract crushers in Australia and this truck would be representing us. It needed to look as professional as we are, and show the pride we take in our work.”
I can’t wrap this up without reiterating both Sarah and Cahal’s accolades for the man who gets the pleasure of steering this beast around Australia, Warren McCarthy.
“We are so lucking to have him as part of the team. Not just because he washes that truck more than I do my car,” laughs Cahal. “But he knows his stuff when it comes to heavy haulage.”
Sarah agrees, heaping praise on their driver for helping the whole team wrap their heads around what can and can’t be done and most importantly how to do it correctly.
It very much seems that Glendun Contract Crushing, and Glendun Group as a whole, have managed to put together the perfect package for a first-time float.
The right driver, the right setup. The perfect trailer combination and the picture-perfect truck. Just like the day back in 03 when Cahal dropped the shovel and succeeded on his first attempt as an excavator operator, the Irishman has put down his crushing gloves and tried his hand at truck design, and the result is quite simply ‘Uanhnach’ (it’s Gaelic, look it up).
you have a great story to
At Deals on Wheels, we love nothing better than to celebrate the hard work our readers put into restoring trucks, organising events and attending truck shows.
If you have news you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing our editorial team on geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au or Tiane.Gavillucci@primecreative.com.au or calling 0421 299 963.
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Mack trident, ch, chr, new breed cab shells new Freightliner argosy, century class Cat ct-630, ct-610 Westernstar 4800 International 7600 new shell & doors
Engage-Ag has strategically expanded into materials handling, having been named the o cial Bobcat Forkli s dealer for the Toowoomba region
Li Equipt has appointed Engage-Ag as the o cial Bobcat Forkli s dealer for Queensland’s Toowoomba region, strengthening Bobcat’s presence across one of the state’s most active agricultural and industrial centres.
As the exclusive Australian distributor of Bobcat Forkli s and Portable Power products, Li Equipt supplies a full range of materialshandling equipment from compact 1.6-tonne units through to heavy-duty 25-tonne machines.
The partnership will help expand access to Bobcat’s globally trusted forkli s for customers across southern Queensland.
Engage-Ag, a respected agricultural and machinery supplier based in Toowoomba, has built a strong reputation for dependable service, practical expertise and long-standing ties to the Darling Downs community. Its appointment as an authorised
Bobcat forkli dealer marks a strategic expansion into materials handling, enabling Engage-Ag to serve an even wider customer base.
Engage-Ag co-director Michael Cook says the team was enthusiastic about the opportunity.
“We are extremely excited to align with a globally trusted brand like Bobcat,” he says.
“Their reputation for quality and durability is unmatched, we’re proud to represent the Bobcat Forkli s range in the Toowoomba region.”
Engage-Ag co-director Sam Borchardt adds the move ts neatly into Engage-Ag’s long-term strategy for business growth.
“Our business has been looking to diversify, and adding materials handling brings an entirely new customer base while remaining highly complementary to our existing operations,” he says.
Li Equipt CEO Brett Johnston says Engage-Ag is the perfect partner to support Bobcat’s expansion into the region.
“The team at Engage-Ag are great, with long-standing community ties. We are excited about the long-term partnership,” he says.
Johnston adds the timing is ideal given the rising demand for reliable materials-handling equipment across agriculture, industry and logistics.
Customers in Toowoomba and surrounding districts will now have access to local sales, servicing and parts support for the full Bobcat Forkli s range, backed by Li Equipt’s national expertise and Engage-Ag’s strong regional presence.
To learn more, contact Engage-Ag on 07 4600 8770 or visit engage-ag.com.au
Lift Equipt’s Anthony Rock, Brett Johnston and Tim Worcester celebrating the partnership with Engage-Ag co-directors Michael Cook and Sam Borchardt
Is your workhorse pulling its weight? If youʼre still driving a ute, nowʼs the perfect time for an upgrade. The all-new Isuzu Ready-to-Work range tows and carries more than your average ute. It also comes with a sleek new cab design, more advanced safety features and car-like comfort. With a wide choice of factory-built bodies designed to our exact specifications, Isuzu Ready-to-Work trucks are ready to get the job done. Are you ready to step up to a redefined workhorse?
Head to isuzu.com.au or visit your nearest Isuzu Trucks Dealer today.
