FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || ISSUE 008
INSIDE >>
P2 What’s on
>>
P6-7 Weekly Torque Launch
>>
P10 Girl Torque with Holly Conroy
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
2018 FAT BOB AVAILABLE AT
PHIL’S GARAGE HARLEY-DAVIDSON®
PAGE 3
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
SPEEDO ERROR
PAGE 15
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING ON WHEELS From skate boards to semis & cars to caravans. We have all your wheels covered.
|| DRIVER’S SIDE The saying is you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but that doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind about the direction your work life is taking you. Case in point is Clayton Kindleysides who we feature on page 14. At the tender age of 46 former chef Clayton decided that he needed a change and went on to pursue a career as a mechanic. With the support of his family he took the plunge and is excited about what the future holds. Speaking personally there is a great deal of trepidation about changing livelihoods. The fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, feeling as though you are abandoning your colleagues at the coal face.
If you would like to be included in next week’s edition please contact Kieren on:
However, eventually the unknown becomes familiar, new workmates support you if you fail or falter and true mates left behind will always wish the best for you.
In my view life is too short to not love your work. Thank you to everyone who took the time to join the staff of Wagga Weekly and Weekly Torque for our Weekly Torque launch party at the MTC last Wednesday for drinks and giggles and the obligatory cake cutting. Your attendance was heart-warming and your enthusiasm for Weekly Torque infectious. Our bad road joke for this week! I was walking down the street today when a tow truck driver pulled up alongside and said, “Excuse me, I’m looking for the accident site involving a van carrying a load of cutlery.” “No problem,” I said. “Go straight down this road for a kilometre, then take the first left, and when you get to the fork in the road you’re there.” Safe Travelling, Cheers Kieren.
KIEREN L. TILLY
TORQUE BIG WHEEL kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0488 533 569 | 02 6923 3900 99 Peter Street Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
WHAT’S
|| IN THIS ISSUE Driver’s Side
2
What’s On
2
Power at the fingertips
3
PATH TO PURCHASE Cheap tyres? Tread carefully Weekly Torque: The Launch Most memorable car moment
5 6-7 8
GIRL TORQUE with Holly Conroy 10 A former chef is really cooking
14
2 || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
ON
Henry Lawson Festival Car Show
Sunday 10th June 2018 Grenfell NSW. The Henry Lawson Festival Car Show is at the lower end of Main Street in Grenfell NSW. Organised by the Grenfell Car Club in conjunction with the Henry Lawson Festival the show includes a variety of classes with prizes awarded in each. The car show provides an opportunity to observe some rare and much loved vehicles which are not normally on display in such an accessible location. Entries will be taken on the day. BBQ operating throughout the day. For more information contact Bill Wheatley on ‘phone (02) 63432207 or email info@henrylawsonfestival.com. au.
Walla Walla Swap Meet and Show and Shine
Walla Walla Showground, Commercial Street, Walla Walla. Monday 11 June 2018 All you would expect from one of the growing swap meets in the area, Show and Shine with trophies on offer, facepainting, jumping castle, hot food, licensed bar and more. Campers invited to start setting up on Sunday, gates open to the public at 7.00am. More information is available on the Walla Swapmeet, Show & Shine Facebook page or at www.auswapmeets.com/event/walla-walla-swapmeetshow-shine-2018.
Australian Hay Mini Nationals From 8th until 11 June
It will take place on the private property, Willunga, which is approximately 12 kilometres from Hay on the West Wyong Road (Mid-Western Highway) and a Show and Shine will be held in Moppett Street Hay. A collection and event all things Mini, Australia’s most prestigious Mini show and shine with a new class for Modern Mini (1983 – 2000). There will be a celebration on Saturday night which will including Hay Heroes run under stadium lights, Hay Heroes Juniors, grab a flag novelty event, bon fire, fireworks, food, music and party in a giant marquee. More details are available at www. haymininationals.com.au/hay.
Transport Heritage Expo
2018 Australian Muscle Car Masters
The award-winning Transport Heritage Expo brings Sydney’s transport history to life with heritage train and bus rides, train displays, live music and so much more. This fantastic, nostalgic long weekend event is for families and transport enthusiasts alike. For further information email info@transportheritagensw.com.au.
Celebrating Australia’s muscle car heritage and the drivers that made the cars famous see these great cars race on the track racing over the two days and meanwhile in the paddock a visual treat with show and shine displays and a fantastic merchandise alley for die-hard fans. www.musclecarmasters.com.au.
Saturday 9th to 11th June 2018 Central Station, Sydney.
Sydney Motorsport Park Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek. Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June
ON THE COVER
POWER AT THE FINGERTIPS || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
With a powerful, smooth-running engine, crisp throttle response and the soulful rumble of a Milwaukee-Eight Big Twin 107 or 114 cubic inch engine in the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Softail range, why wouldn’t you consider investing in pure riding happiness, and the Harley-Davidson legend. The open road and the new 2018 Fat Bob Softail awaits you, and it awaits you at Phil’s Garage Harley-Davidson Lavington, the go to location for all things Harley-Davidson in our region. With a two-year unlimited warranty and 24-month Harley Assist standard with any new purchase of the 2018 Fat Bob, you know you have the protection you expect, backed up by factory trained technicians. Services begin at 1600 kilometres with the second at 8000 kilometres and then at 8000 kilometre intervals following that.
The 2018 Fat Bob represents a leap forward and a change from HarleyDavidson tradition. Heralding a new era of two wheeled American Muscle, the Fat Bob features aggressive new styling with a distinctive bold new headlight design incorporating LED lighting for greater visibility at night, and, just as importantly during daylight all eyes are on you. With the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (145Nm of torque) and 114 cubic inch (155Nm) powertrains, combined with a six per cent weight decrease ensures a response that will put a smile on your face when you crack that throttle. Ride has been improved by the introduction of an all new adjustable Mono Shock Softail Chassis, which has seen an increase of 35 per cent stiffness on previous models. What this means is a quicker and more precise response to the input of the rider. A design which creates a more tightly packed engine also results in greater chassis stiffness. In fact, riding hard and true never felt easier. Whether you are blasting around the hills or cruising down the freeway you will feel amazing handling via the Showa inverted front forks. Extra ground clearance allows for fun through the Twisties, but, being a Harley, it is designed to eat up the freeways with ease. Connection to those freeways is via bold aluminium wheels with fat, aggressive Dunlop D429 tyres with traction in mind and dual disc front brakes ensure stopping ability to counter the power of the Milwaukee-Eight. The new 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob is designed to get you ahead of the pack, the time is right with the 107 cubic inch from $27,495 and the 114 cubic inch from $30,250. The place to go for these great buys is Phil’s Garage Harley-Davidson 401 Wagga Road, Lavington or call the friendly staff today on (02) 6040 0072. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || 3
OWN THE ROAD MAKE IT YOURS
AT 2.99% P.A. FINANCE* THERE’S NO MORE EXCUSES. | COMPARISON RATE 4.99% P.A.†
PHIL’S GARAGE HARLEY-DAVIDSON 401 WAGGA ROAD, LAVINGTON 2641 0260400072 Dealer Motor Licence Number: MD20328 www.philsgarage.com.au
*Finance to approved consumer applicants on a secured fixed rate loan product. Finance is under a consumer fixed rate loan with a maximum 48 month term. 10% deposit required. †4.99% P.A. Comparison Rate is based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees, charges and terms and conditions apply. Standard Lending criteria applies. Terms and conditions available on request. Subject to suitability. Harley-Davidson Finance is a registered brand name of Harley-Davidson Financial Services International, Inc. and is operated under sub-licence by St.George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit license 233714. Offer available 3 April 2018 and expires on 31 May 2018. Applications must be submitted and approved by 31 May 2018 and vehicles must be delivered by 15th June 2018. Offer available on selected Street, Sportster® and Softail® model HarleyDavidson® Motorcycles. Offer excludes Touring, CVO’s™, Trike and Anniversary models. While stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. © H-D 2018. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.
PATH TO PURCHASE
CHEAP TYRES?
TREAD CAREFULLY || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK They’re round and black. Can there really be that much difference between tyres? Is it worth forking out $150 or more when some cost $100? A good way to answer this question is to take the same approach as the People’s Front of Judea (or was it the Judean Peoples Front?) in the famous scene from the movie Life of Brian and ask the question this way; “What have expensive, premium tyres ever done for us?” Safety? Yes, premium tyres offer better handling on all surfaces in all conditions, especially in unexpected and potentially dangerous circumstances. Plus, they deliver significantly shorter stopping distances and much better control under heavy braking, which just might save your life. But apart from that? Comfort? Ok, fine, the driving experience is vastly better and more enjoyable on premium tyres. It’s also quieter because they tend to generate less road noise than budget brands. Apart from that, what have expensive tyres ever done for us? Saved money? Sure, premium tyres are more durable and can last thousands of kilometres longer than budget brands when looked after. And some tests claim premium tyres can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent if kept inflated at the right pressure, which will more than recover any premium you might have paid initially. Especially when combined with their durability. But apart from that? What about Research and Development? Alright, alright, premium brands might invest millions of dollars into continually improving their products to make the roads safer for everyone. They are also constantly tweaking and improving the quality of materials that go into making the rubber compounds to deliver more durability.
You can choose from a range of hard or soft tyres now to suit your individual driving style. And tread designs also just get better and better. There’s now an enormous range of purpose designed treads to match all driving conditions - on road, off road, wet and dry, and everything in between. Which is all pretty damned impressive. But apart from safety, comfort, economy and R&D; WHAT HAVE PREMIUM TYRES EVER DONE FOR US?
To sum up, why wouldn’t you want to give your car the opportunity to perform at its best? None of us think we are ever going to be in a crash situation, but surely it’s best to be prepared just in case. Fitting cheap tyres is like asking Usain Bolt to race in thongs. Till next week, safe motoring!
This might seem a slightly flippant approach to what is a serious decision, but the simple fact is whatever car you drive, your ride will only be as good as the tyres you’re driving on. That relatively small strip of rubber is the only thing between your car and the road. Sure, ABS will maximize whatever grip you’ve got, but it can’t make a cheap tyre grip the road any better. By all means, look for value. Compare brands and prices and look for the best deal, but make sure it’s a good deal on a good tyre. If you are ever in an emergency situation requiring urgent turning, traction or braking, you won’t be thinking “Gee, I wish I’d bought cheaper tyres.” When you do invest in a premium set for your car, look after them. Although shops and garages will balance new tyres, it’s worth paying a bit extra for a wheel alignment at the same time. When you fill up with fuel, take a moment to check they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. On that note, remember that tyre pressure is measured cold, not after you’ve been bowling along a freeway at 110kph for several hours. Under inflated tyres wear quicker and won’t perform to their full potential. Ask to have your tyres rotated when you get your car serviced, especially if you see any uneven wear and tear. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || 5
Aaron Gilmour from Liftek Wagga with Wagga Weekly Editor pennie scott.
Last Wednesday night Your Local Wagga Weekly family joined representatives from local businesses with friends and family to celebrate the launch of Weekly Torque at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club. While it was an opportunity to showcase the distinctive new motoring publication it also helped sponsor a special group of young men; Team Tumut and Team Riverina IOTA from Tumut High School. F1 in Schools is a worldwide phenomenon incorporating the use of design and technology in the real world. Students from 40 nations are put in charge of an F1 company and it is then up to them, as part of the competition, to design and build a miniature F1 race car as well as market their team and secure stakeholders. The incredible thing having seen these cars blast down the track is just how fast they are, reaching speeds of 80km/hr in one second. If you blink, you’ll miss them. The team consisting of Bronson Sutton, Vince Wood, Corey Crain, Ethan Parker, Andy Dodds and Ethan Contessa wowed the crowd at the launch. They are the first Professional Class from this region and the fundraising assisted Team IOTA attend and compete in the 2018 Singapore World FI championships in Schools international finals.
Representatives from
Phil’s Garage Harley-Da
vidson.
6 || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Team IOTA.
IS WHEELED IN Guest speakers included Professor Richard Hopkins from the University of NSW and former Red Bull Formula One racing team member, and Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of JAR Aerospace, Lochie Burke. They spoke about the achievements Team IOTA had made in such a short time and the importance of investing in people and harnessing future technology at a young age. Both made the point it is essential to create your dreams and believe in yourself. Other presentations were given by Weekly Torque contributor, Matt Vandermark and editor of Wagga Weekly, pennie scott, about using Weekly Torque as an effective advertising model and vehicle, and the passionate group of people behind it. Mention was made that Weekly Torque is the only publication of its type in this region. The night’s success was due to generous contributions from many people including Tim Kennedy, the engaging Master of Ceremonies, Dr Michael Myers for bringing the McLaren F1, Team Iota for the 25m of racing track with model F1 cars, Jackson Strong, world renowned Xtreme motor bike rider, Josef Winkler, mountain bike rider from Wagga, and Lochie Burke for bringing the latest model drones.
Jackson Strong’s Motocross bike
.
Torque Big Wheel Kieren L. Tilly with Matthew Vandermark.
Tommy Joyce.
Allisen Reid.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || 7
THE JOY OF TORQUE
THE MOST MEMORABLE
CAR MOMENT || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
If I had to nominate my Most Memorable Car Moment Ever, it would be this one. It was the day I drove my eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old son to the maternity ward to meet their brand new baby brother. Almost 10 years after it happened, it still makes me laugh out loud. As you can imagine, the preceding months had generated much discussion between the siblings about the impending arrival, often not particularly positive or enthusiastic. For instance, the daughter had recently brought home a drawing from school, which she explained to her slightly worried parents, showed her standing above a new born baby while holding a rock above her head. But surely their first visit to see the new family addition, in the flesh, would bring both kids around the concept. What could possibly go wrong? The first thing was I’d forgotten, when pulling up at North Willoughby Public, that you can’t just turn up and whip your kids out of school for a couple of hours. I’m not sure what the protocol is here in Wagga but they’re very particular about the process in Sydney. You’re meant to provide written authorisation in advance, report to the front office on arrival, fill out a permission slip and present your licence for an identification check. It’s funny how reporting to the school office still makes me a bit nervous even though it’s been 35 years since my last detention. Anyway, after being admonished by the Deputy Principal, then having to return to the office for directions because I had no idea where either class room was, I was running very late. To make matters worse, our new born had been transferred to an intensive care unit as a precautionary measure and I’d been warned they were very strict on visiting hours.
8 || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
I’m ashamed to admit that I might have been exceeding the speed limit in my trusty Falcon station wagon as I raced to get to the hospital on time. So when I spotted a diamond shaped road sign with the words 24 HOUR CAMERA I hit the brakes hard enough to make my daughter ask crossly, “Dad, what did you do that for?” I pointed to the sign while muttering something about bloody revenue raisers. After a thoughtful pause she shrugged and said philosophically, “Oh well, at least it’s only there for one day.” You’ve got to love the wonderful, lateral way a child’s mind works before they’re schooled to process everything logically. I’m saving that line for when I get mailed a fine from a 24 hour speed camera so I can go to court and ask the magistrate, “Your honour, may I ask why the camera was still there, long after the day it was installed?” Nonetheless, we arrived safely at the maternity unit and were led to a sterile room. The three of us donned long gowns, hair nets, masks, booties and thoroughly washed our hands and arms using those taps with the long handles you turn on and off with your elbows. The kids and I agreed they are the coolest taps ever and we want some in our bathroom at home. Then we were escorted past rows of medi-cribs with babies so tiny they’d fit in the palm of your hand. A couple of exhausted looking mums limped past in their dressing gowns. It was quieter than a library, apart from the soft, but steady beeping of the monitor screens. With their pulsing white lines, it was a daunting environment for the kids. By the time we arrived at our crib I could see they were wishing they were back at school. So, in an effort to reignite their earlier enthusiasm, I announced with as much flourish as I could while trying not to wake up the entire nursery, “Kids, meet your new baby brother!”
The two of them stood on tippy toes and peered in, but all you could see was a couple of tightly closed eyes almost hidden beneath a beanie and blanket. Plus, he had a couple of tubes stuck up his nose, which didn’t help with first impressions. So I carefully took off the beanie and pulled down the blankets to reveal him in all his glory, wearing nothing but a tiny nappy. I tried again; “Kids. Now have a look at your baby brother!” My six-year-old stopped staring at the floor long enough to have a look. But to my surprise, his expression changed to one of shock and dismay. He gasped in genuine horror, “Urrgh! Was he born in the nude?” I am afraid he was so revolted by this revelation that he walked straight out of the nursery in disgust, discarding his gown, hair net and booties on the way. The drive back to school was much more sedate than the drive in, but just as entertaining, because now I had to answer a myriad of awkward questions from the six-year-old about the magic of childbirth, including; “Why can’t you get born with clothes on?” and “How did the baby get out of mum’s tummy?” while his sister pulled faces and made throwing up sounds in the background. But when I dropped them off and saw the excitement on their faces as they raced to their classrooms to share their recent adventure, I knew there’d be no problem welcoming the new addition into our crowded home. As I’ve written before, the odometer in your car is like a time line of your life - and every kilometre tells a story. See you next week.
oppositelock.com.au oppositelock.com.au
OPPOSITE LOCK
EOFY SALE
SUSPENSION AVAILABLE ENDS JUNE 30th 2018 NOW AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED
from over 30 years experience
3
YEARS UNLIMITED KM WARRANTY
WAGGA WAGGA
OPEN
42 Hammond Avenue PH: 6931 9455
7
DAYS
Locally Owned & Operated
Tumut Toyota 2014 Toyota Yaris Hatchback 2014 Toyota Yaris, SX, 5 door hatch, 1.5 litre petrol, manual, alloy wheels, one owner, blue, CSG46Z. Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1500 cc Colour Tidal Blue Transmission Manual Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 39,969 VIN JTDKT3D360D599341 Stock Number N000728
$11,990
2008 Toyota Avensis
2014 Ford Ranger XLT 3.2 (4x4) Dual Cab Utility 3.2 Litre Diesel Engine, 6 speed Automatic, Steel Bullbar, Light Bar, Sidesteps, Tow Bar, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ute Liner Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3200 cc Colour Blue Transmission Automatic Body Type Dual Cab Utility Kilometres 71,875 VIN MNAUMFF50EW299307 Stock Number N000722
$39,990
2013 Nissan Pulsar St Hatchback
2008, Toyota, Avensis, Verso, GLX, wagon, 7 seater, 2.4 Litre petrol, automatic, black, CL17HG.
2013, Nissan Pulsar, ST, hatchback, automatic, 1.8 litre petrol, silver, DTD45J.
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 2400cc Colour Ebony Transmission Automatic Body Type Wagon Kilometres 168,945 VIN JTEGD23B400074058 Stock Number N000699
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1800 cc Colour Silver Transmission Constant Variable Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 74,502 VIN MNTFAAC12A0002421 Stock Number N000725
$10,990
$10,990
145-147 Wynyard Street, Tumut NSW 2720 • Ph: (02) 6947 1744
Lic. No. MD13175
GIRL TORQUE
HOLLY CONROY
PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER || BY KIEREN L. TILLY The people who take on professional truck driving as a career take on more than just the keys. They have a huge responsibility to their fellow road users while ensuring the safe delivery of thousands of tonnes of freight around Australia every day. Sometimes, spending many weeks away from home, travelling through all sorts of weather and driving to meet deadlines all becomes part of their lifestyle. This week local trans-gender woman, Holly Conroy, shares something of her experience on the road as a professional driver.
How long have you been driving trucks? Probably around six to seven years.
What sort of truck do you drive?
Usually a heavy rigid Kenworth, or a heavy rigid UD depending on the job and which vehicle is available on the day.
How heavy are the vehicles you drive?
The Kenworth cannot exceed 22.5 tonnes. That includes the weight of the truck and its load. The UD combined weight cannot exceed 15.5 tonnes, including its load on top of the weight of the truck.
Who do you drive for?
Tumut Freight Services, a local Tumut family and they are amazing people to work for. They should receive greater recognition as far as their stance not only employing Transgender but LGTB (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual) and women in their business. They would be leaders in this respect.
How many kilometres a week would you drive? Wagga to Tumut and back every day, and all my other deliveries approximately 2000 kilometres a week.
Does driving a truck like you do make you a better car driver?
Definitely, one of the biggest things is appreciating braking distances. Once you have driven a truck for 10 || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
a while carrying tonnes of weight you become more cautious when coming to a stop and the necessity of giving yourself distance to stop.
Are you more aware of traffic around you when you are driving your own car? Because I am in my truck with bigger blind spots, I really need to constantly check my mirrors when driving and out of habit doing that I find myself checking my car mirrors, so yes.
What mistakes do car drivers make around trucks?
Roundabouts are a big thing. Most rigid trucks can travel around the roundabout and stay in their lane but sometimes cars try to sneak around you and suddenly you need both lanes. Any car driver not paying attention will come off second best. Cars travelling too close to the back of trucks won’t be seen by the driver. However, the biggest mistake made is when passing a truck and then cutting the truck off when the other driver gets in front, leaving no room for the truck to brake. It will always be regarded as the trucks fault in a rear ender unless there is video footage to prove otherwise.
What is the best aspect of driving such a vehicle?
Not being stuck in an office or in the one place all day. It’s a beautiful drive from Wagga to Tumut at all times of the year. Also being able to see out from the vehicle for some distance watching for kangaroos etc. that might try to cross the road at the same time.
What do you personally get from your professional driving?
To be a woman in this industry is hard enough as it is, but my situation as a transgender woman makes things a little bit harder, but I get to drive the vehicles I do. I have landed a job that I love. If you have pride in yourself and pride in your job that alone gets respect from people. They see past everything else and just see you as someone trying to make a living.
How are the drivers in Wagga?
Everyone says the place they come from has the worst drivers, but there are good and bad drivers everywhere. Just because it is a great place to live doesn’t mean there might not be a couple of morons about.
What do you check before you take the truck out on the road? I always check air and water and oil.
How did you actually come to be driving heavy rigid trucks? When I was working on oil rigs and in gold exploration they needed someone to drive their support vehicles around Cobar and Broken Hill, up hills and along goat tracks, it was pretty hairy at times. I did my driver training and away we went.
And what about this work as a career for young women and women in general? If they are interested in vehicles then it may well be the career for them. However, I think it is very much horses for courses embarking on a career in transport. It’s not for everyone, but you can do very well for yourself, particularly in terms of long haul trucking but it requires being away from home, and, in fact, the truck will become your home. I like the fact that I get home at the end of each day in my job.
$ 1000
$ 1500
* All prices are drive away. Premium paint (Metallic/Pearlescent) and Two Tone paint (excluding White Silk) + $495. Gift Card offer applies to new and demonstrator HAVAL H2 and H6, 2017 plated cars only. Available for May and June only. E&OE
THOMAS BROS HAVAL
77 Dobney Avenue, Wagga Wagga | 6926 0559 thomasbroshaval.com.au thomasbrosgreatwall.com.au
THE LONG PADDOCK
TOURING ROUTE || BY DESTINATION RIVERINA MURRAY
Australia has a network of stock routes which are referred to colloquially as the Long Paddock because stock can move along the open stretches of unfenced land unimpeded and take advantage of the roadside grass. One of the well patronised routes stretches along the Cobb Highway from Moama on the Murray River to Wilcannia.
Visit the Peppin Heritage Centre and learn the legendary stories behind the region’s wool and sheep history. The colourful mosaic ute sculpture out the front of the centre is known as TransmUTE. In Deniliquin you can also admire Long Paddock public art sculptures Shod and Cut, which tell the story of our combined rural history.
The road trip is known as The Long Paddock Touring Route and features wonderful heritage and natural attractions. Even the highway itself is recognition of Australia’s early European history, being named after the famous Cobb and Co coach company.
There are a number of food opportunities in town near the beautiful Edward River, such as the Crossing Café which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of the many accommodation options in Deniliquin consider stopping at Moira Station, where you can stop over and admire the starry night through the retractable ceiling skylights in luxury accommodation.
Although the tour starts in Moama, immediately across the Murray River in Victoria is the Port of Echuca which held the title of Australia’s largest inland port during the times of River travel in the mid 1800’s. Today Echuca retains Australia’s largest paddle-steamer fleet and taking a ride on one of these queens of the river is the best way to travel back in time and experience some of what it was like in Echuca’s heyday. Travelling 40 kilometres north from Moama is the township of Mathoura where you’ll find natural gems such Australia’s largest red gum forest. The Mathoura Visitor Information Centre is a must visit to admire original red gum craft and see Long Paddock sculptures paying tribute to industry and the folklore of the area, such as The Woodcutters by Geoff Hocking and The Drover and Horse by Corey Thomas.
Cycling alongside the Edward River, Deniliquin. Destination NSW.
Home to the world-famous Deni Ute Muster held every October Long Weekend, Deniliquin, to the north of Mathoura, lies on the banks of the meandering Edward River which caters for activities such as kayaking, water-skiing, and fishing. For a more adventurous experience, piloting a houseboat down the river is a great way to spend time with family and friends. On foot the Beach to Beach Riverside Walk winds past magnificent red gums and hidden beaches.
Leaving Deniliquin, and you cross the Billabong Creek at Wanganella. Billabong Creek is one of the longest creeks in the world, extending 320 kilometres from near Holbrook to Moulemein where it enters the Edward River. It offers a variety of attractions including fishing for Murray Cod and bird watching at Black Swamp between Booroorban and Wanganella. There’s also opportunities for ghost hunters with stories of a headless horseman seen by drovers in 1860. Today you can see him in sculptural form in the Long Paddock Headless Horseman sculpture, by Geoff Hocking. Booroorban is a great place to stop and enjoy a refreshment. Shaded by peppercorn trees, the historic Royal Mail Hotel was an original staging post on the vital Cobb and Co stagecoach route, a surviving reminder of the many inns that once lined this route. On the banks of the beautiful Murrumbidgee River, Hay is 51 kilometres north of Booroorban. This vibrant town will charm you with its fine heritage buildings, gorgeous gardens and parks, and fascinating agriculture and World War Two history. Experience the Hay Gaol Museum and Dunera Museum, in the heritage-listed Hay Railway Station, for the intriguing history of the civilian internment camps and prisoner of war camps in Hay. The station is home to the POW and Internment Camp Interpretative Centre. At Shear Outback, discover the story of Australian Shearers Hall of Fame and the story of sheep shearing, with live demonstrations held daily.
Spreading the fleece in Hay. Destination NSW. 12 || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
There is a gift shop, cafe and maze at the museum, which is open seven days a week. Beyond Hay is Booligal and the remains of the One Tree Hotel. A popular staging post in its day, and charming stop off for photographers, this changing station was made famous by Banjo Patterson’s poem Hay and Hell and Booligal, and today it’s a fascinating reminder of a bygone era. Continue north past sprawling paddocks and station homesteads to Booligal, where the Duke of Edinburgh hotel offers a great pub lunch and you can meet friendly locals. Discover the historic attractions of Ivanhoe 133 kilometres north of Booligal. Explore the Ivanhoe Heritage Walk, following sign posted landmarks which tell the story of the local railway, as well as tales of the Hatfield bushrangers who targeted the town in the 1870’s. It is also home to The Long Paddock mural, The Pioneers, a work by Wayne Strickland which tells the story of the Ivanhoe area. Follow that with a meal or a refreshing ale at the Ivanhoe Hotel where you can relax in an ambient family environment and choose from a delicious menu featuring traditional roasts and pasta, as well as kid’s meals. Beyond Ivanhoe to Wilcannia the 163 kilometres section is unsealed, so before setting out check road conditions with local authorities who will provide updated information on its condition. Rain may cause this and other roads in the area to be closed. Wilcannia was once a thriving port for cargoes of wool, shipped along the Darling River by steamers, and today boasts plenty of historic treasures, including well-preserved sandstone buildings and a National Trust-listed bridge. Included in its heritage buildings is the 1880 post office and its attached residence, the Club Hotel which dates from 1879 and the Athenaeum Library, now the town’s Pioneer Museum, where the Wilcannia Historical Society Guide Book, which provides detailed histories of all the town’s major buildings, is available. Located 60 kilometres from Wilcannia, the Paroo– Darling National Park is a major wetland and part of the one of the unregulated flows in the MurrayDarling river system. This free-flowing river sustains its rich and diverse ecosystem that includes a large number of bird species and is an area of profound historical and cultural significance for the Paakantji Aboriginal people. Peery Lake contains the most extensive bone midden deposits in NSW while the area contains significant quarries and stone tool workshops. From Wilcannia, you can connect with The Darling River Run or the Great Central to Outback NSW Drive. Either way there is plenty more to explore, so when considering your next holiday in NSW why not get out and go west.
APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE NOW!!
Launch your career!
An exciting opportunity to be a HIGHLY PAID Diesel Technician! In a great facility on premium brands with continuous development For more info or to apply, email your resume & cover letter to admin.wagga@inlandtruckcentres.com.au
We Employ on attitude and Train for skills
DIGITAL EDITION
AVALIABLE THURSDAY EVENINGS!
Visit our website
www.yourlocalwaggaweekly.com.au
INSID E >>
P2 W hat’s on
>>
FRID AY 8
P6 -7
JUNE
2018
|| IS SU
Weekl y Torq ue La unch
HARL
2018 PHIL’S
E 008
>>
P10 Girl To rque with
E Y-D AVIDS ON F Holly Conro y
AT BO B
AV GAR A GE HA AIL AB LE RLE YDAVID AT SON ® PAGE 3
LET T THE ER TO
SPEEEDITOR WE A ERRODO FOR ERE YOUR L R From skat VERY T OCAL PAG
A FORMER CHEF IS REALLY COOKIN’
In what can only be described as a major career U-turn Clayton has swapped his apron and scrubbing brush for overalls and a spanner; and he can’t wipe the smile off his face.
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY There are two professions in which grease plays a big part – one in which grease is applied and one in which every effort is made to ensure grease is removed. Still don’t know? The answer is – applied grease, automotive; removed grease, cooking and as Rudyard Kipling said in Barrack-room ballads, Never the twain shall meet. But not always, as epitomised by 46-year-old former Chef Clayton Kindleysides turned motor mechanic. The father of four couldn’t be further removed from a catering kitchen if he tried as he services a dump truck at Andrew Walsh Mobile Mechanical Repairs workshop. In what can only be described as a major career U-turn Clayton has swapped his apron and scrubbing brush for overalls and a spanner; and he can’t wipe the smile off his face. After 23 years in hospitality Clayton realised over time he wasn’t happy. “The industry has changed so much, and I realised that I was not in a good headspace, my longsuffering wife Kath suggested that I stop whingeing and do something else,” Clayton lamented. “I want everyone to know, including Kath, who made her own career change from nursing, now midwifery, and my girls have been nothing but supportive in my decision. I love them all for that.” Having always been interested in mechanics, but with limited technical expertise, Clayton started to spend his days off working with Andrew gaining hands on experience and riding shotgun on trips to centres such as Tumut. One night, Andrew floated the idea that Clayton take on an apprenticeship in his business, Clayton’s response was instant and enthusiastic. “Bloody love to!” Clayton and his family worked hard for the next 12 months to prepare for the massive career change, 14 || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
which comes with free weekends and what he describes as one very important element.
quite a bit when we are together just chatting,” Clayton said.
“Reconnecting with family”, he said with a smile.
When he isn’t in the workshop, or on the road helping clients, Clayton likes to head bush to go camping with his favourite location in the high country where fishing and a bit of 4WD action are regular activities.
Clayton has been in his new role and attending TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga for his training since February. At TAFE he has found himself at home with his younger classmates, including one of his daughter’s boyfriends. “Everyone, staff and students alike have been very supportive. It doesn’t actually feel strange being amongst my younger fellow students at all. There isn’t really any feeling of being an odd one out age wise. We are all students doing our course and working alongside one another. Some of the chats we have are really funny. I find myself laughing
Clayton manifests his 4WD skills are evident with the statement “I haven’t gotten stuck yet!” but concedes that some 4WD devotees could claim he’s not trying hard enough. It’s a scary move changing career paths, but this former chef appears determined to make his work/ life balance the speciality of the house.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR SPEEDO ERROR This advice does not apply to L or P plate drivers who are restricted to 90km/h maximum speed on all roads. Have you been harassed by a truck while cruising at 110km/h on the Hume Highway? How can this be when you’re travelling at 110 and the truck should be doing no more than 100? The truck must be exceeding 100, or your car is doing less than 110, or both. It could well be both. Truck speed limiters are calibrated to travel at, or close to a genuine 100km/hr, some slightly more than this. Car speedometers are notoriously inaccurate, always indicating a higher speed than actual. If a truck is following and seemingly wanting to overtake, it is almost certainly because you’re travelling slower than 110. It will take only a slight increase in speed to escape it even if you feel that you’d be going too fast. Finding the accuracy of your speedo is a simple matter. The easiest way is to use GPS to compare readings. GPS is much more accurate (on level ground) than almost all car speedos. A proviso is that GPS measures horizontal speed, it will
therefore read slightly slower than actual when climbing or descending steep hills. This discrepancy is minor and never enough to get a driver in trouble with the law.
Speedometers have been known to over-indicate by as much as 10km/h, more than enough to cause problems with heavy vehicles. Add your speedo error to your indicated speed.
Another way is to use the speedometer check length available in a few places along the highway.
A genuine 110 km/hr will solve the problem!
Here’s how to use it.
Bruce Harper, Wagga
Using cruise control, travel at 110 on your speedo and have a passenger use the stopwatch function on their phone to time each kilometre and the total 5km. One kilometre at 100 will take 36 seconds, at 110 it will take 33 seconds and at 120 it will take 30 seconds. Each second is worth slightly more than 3km/hr (3.3 to be precise), so your actual speed can be discovered. Obviously, a steady speed should be maintained. If your speed varies, (it may need to) the total will be inaccurate, but you’ll still have individual kilometre readings that are useable. The total distance of 5km should take 3minutes (100), 2minutes 45 seconds (110) and 2minutes 30 seconds (120).
TBI
Transport & Business Insurance Services Pty Ltd
• Real Service • Real People • Real Experience • Real Insurance Solutions • For any Business Transport & Business Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 22 622 458 593 - AR# 0012620074. Corporate Authorised Representative of Midland Insurance Brokers Australia Pty Ltd - ABN 81 006 528 329 - ASFL No. 238963
Ph: 0269 258 788 • Email: tbi@midlandinsurance.com.au Web: www.tbiinsurance.com.au • Facebook: Transport & Business Insurance Services YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2018 || 15
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
FROM
$9,995
*
RIDE AWAY
Learn to ride on a genuine Harley-Davidson® with the LAMSapproved Street™ 500.
PHIL’S GARAGE HARLEY-DAVIDSON
®
401 WAGGA ROAD, LAVINGTON, NSW 2641 (02) 6040 0072 www.philsgarage.com.au Dealer Motor Licence Number: MD20328 *Price is for Vivid Black (or for Solid Colour where Vivid Black is not offered). Vehicle shown may vary visually by market and may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Offer ends Aug 31, 2018 unless extended. ©H-D® 2018. Harley®, Harley-Davidson® and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC