Brendan Armanasco

Brendan David Armanasco, was born in Stanthorpe, Queensland on 24th July 1986. Growing up, Brendan had early exposure to the transport Industry, with his Dad a truck driver and his Granddad a bus/coach driver. Brendan’s passion for trucking was ignited at an early age, as he eagerly accompanied anyone willing to take him on rides. By the age of 5, Brendan had become a familiar face around the Brisbane markets, often lending a hand to tighten the buckles or give directions to the new bloke.

Outside of school, Brendan committed all his free time to washing, polishing, installing lights or riding shot gun. So it was no surprise that by age 16, Brendan had already managed to sneak in a few driving experiences. By 19, Brendan had upgraded to his MC license and swiftly secured a line-haul position with TCB Transport, frequently transporting oversized cranes.

Brendan transitioned from highway driving when he decided to settle down with Pagen in 2010, working as a subcontractor for Border Express, transporting general freight. In 2011, following the devastation of Cyclone Yasi, Brendan volunteered to join a convoy delivering essential food and supplies to North Queensland. It was on these trips that he was reminded how much he loved being out on the road. As the state started its massive clean-up, Brendan was cleaning up in some linehaul work. This wasn’t the last time Brendan dropped everything for a load that needed to be moved.

Brendan was passionate about making sure the industry comradery never faded. He would attend memorial convoys and always looked forward to participating in the Brisbane Convoy for kids. Not only this, but he also spent countless hours making himself available to his mates who were working to upgrade their driver’s licence, and was  the bloke that would spend 7 hours on the phone to you, just to make sure you made it in safely.

On June 26 2013, Brendan experienced a journey he would never forget. The night started off like any other as he headed to Clybucca for a routine changeover. However, the evening took a surprising turn when Pagen went into labor unexpectedly.  It was around the same time that Brendan was alerted by his changeover driver that the highway was closed. Without delay, Brendan made the choice to drive as far south as possible, switch trailers and head back home. After crossing the Queensland border, Brendan received the news that his first child had been born – Charlotte Lorraine. Despite feeling devastated for missing the birth, Brendan's love and passion for driving remained unwavering, leading him to take his newborn daughter on her inaugural trip at just 2 weeks old. Following this, Brendan and Pagen embarked on a journey of living in the truck for the next 4 to 5 months, traveling the highways together.

In 2017, Brendan received the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, which left him devastated when doctors suggested he might never be able to drive a truck again. The highway and trucks had introduced Brendan to lifelong friends who became family to him. Despite the challenges, Brendan was determined to defy the odds and continued driving until June 2022.

Trucking was in Branden’s blood. He overjoyed when he learnt he was going to be a father again, and what better way to celebrate the gender reveal than to have the specific coloured holi powder poured into the stacks of his T403 and pink holi powder to cloud out as the engine roared.

After trying to secure a role with Otways Transport for years, this ended up being his final job. He admired their trucks and in particular their big cabs . On his first day, Brendan was filled with excitement like a child on their first day of school. Unfortunately, Brendan's health declined rapidly starting in June 2022, and he passed away on November 21, 2022, at the age of 36.

Brendan's funeral took place at a Rocklea depot, where stacks of pallets were arranged for seating. He arrived at the service on the back of the very K104 Kenworth Aerodyne, (that he not only admired for years but was also the very last truck he drove for OTWAYS TPT) followed by 20 fellow drivers in their trucks, a poignant tribute to the man who dedicated his entire life to the trucking industry.

                                                                                                                                                Inducted in 2024

Richard Beaumont

Richard ‘Richie’ Patrick Beaumont was born 26 October 1945 in Ipswich, where his parents and grandparents operated the Ipswich Bus Service for almost two decades. He has been married to Lynne for over 50 years.

As a boy, he loved Dinky Toys and dreamed of trucks with his name emblazoned on the side. He learned to drive in his dad’s 1942 four-ton Dodge, but his first paid job was in an Austin on a property outside Wandoan. Richie was 21 and this was holiday work while completing an electrical apprenticeship.

Richie started trucking in 1969 in partnership with John Stephens, carting for an Ipswich coal mine in a 1958 Ford Thames Trader, a ‘butter box’ ACCO, and an AB184 International.

Within two years, he was on his own. He continued to cart coal, but secured contracts for gravel, grain, clay, carrots, lime, fertiliser, ammonium nitrate, even livestock.

Beaumont Transport’s long association with New Hope Coal brought innovations and business growth. Beaumont Transport played an integral role in the loading of the coal trains and the carting of coal from Ipswich coal mines and the coal mine at Acland.  The coal trains from Ipswich and Acland were unloaded at the Port of Brisbane and the coal was then loaded onto ships and exported around the world.

Many businesses, in the Northern NSW and SEQ area, including sugar mills and power stations who were still using coal, utilised Beaumont Transport to provide them with their coal supply.

Beaumont trucks drove as far as north as Karumba on the Gulf and as far south as Loy Yang Power Station in Victoria. They carted fly ash from Callide Power Station in Central Queensland to Dampier in Western Australia, a round trip of 11,000 kilometres. Beaumont’s serviced long-term customers like New Hope, CS Energy, and Sibelco.

In the mid-80s, when body trucks predominated, Richie bought semis, and his advanced approach to in-house maintenance included welding, sandblasting, painting and crash repairs.

In south-east Queensland, he was among the first to run bulk B-doubles and was the only operator to use BAB quads. Richie was also one of the first bulk haulage operators to use Mass Management.

Beaumont Transport had depots in Ipswich, Acland, Gympie, Rockhampton, Warwick and Tamworth to service their customers with coal, ammonium nitrate, and other in demand products. Running fertiliser out to the Goondiwindi, Moree and North Star areas to farms and cotton gins and then returning with grain was a season that everyone looked forward to, as was the grain harvest seasons! There was a lot of excitement and a lot of work to ready all the 20+ grain vehicles (B-doubles and Road Trains) for a hectic harvest season.  Working with Grainco and other grain traders included applying to the Queensland Government for permits to carry excess weights to make the most of the season.

Beaumont Transport participated in the harvest seasons for many years from Central Queensland following it through to Roma, Goondiwindi, North Star, Moree and down to the NSW and Victorian border. They even carted grain for Uncle Tobys!

The first decade of the new millennium brought fresh challenges. Working with a mining industry consultant, Richie implemented WH&S systems and guidelines, and around 2002, received an award for being proactive in risk reduction. In 2004, Beaumont’s was awarded for risk assessment in carting ammonium nitrate; in the face of global terrorism, the company prescribed procedures to ensure its safe transport.

After 45 years, Richie had over 200 staff and was operating 300 trailers and more than 100 trucks: 33 Kenworths, 22 Western Stars, 28 Freightliners, 11 Internationals, 8 Ivecos, 4 Macks and a MAN.

Qube Corporation bought Beaumont Transport in 2014.

These days, the Ipswich depot is an industrial park, and Richie has reacquired a couple of his oldest trucks for restoration. He now has time to enjoy his family and beautiful grandchildren. Some live in New York, and when he and Lynne visit, Granddad romps on the floor with them. ‘The inner feeling of joy, I just can’t describe it. The stage I am in my life now, you can see how little is left. I sit one-on-one with them. I suppose I’m trying to get them to remember me.’

Richie Beaumont is truly an icon in the SEQ transport industry.

Inducted in 2024

Alan Bechly

Alan Albert Bechly, also known as Dozer, was born in 1955 in Kilcoy, Queensland. His journey in the transport industry commenced in 1972 when he began working casually as a body truck driver, which swiftly transitioned into full-time employment by 1973.

By 1976, at the youthful age of 21, he seized the opportunity to purchase the business from Larry & Dot Jenkinson, thereby becoming the proud owner of two eight-tonne trucks. This marked the inception of Bechly’s Kilcoy Transport.

Initially, his primary route ran from Kilcoy to Brisbane and back. Additionally, he transported flour from Toowoomba to a bakery and pollard to his family's general store in Kilcoy, which had been established in 1941. During this period, he operated his depot from the yard at his parent's store.

In 1978, he acquired his first prime mover to accommodate longer loads and transport trailers to and from Dalby for O’Conner’s Transport. Subsequently, in 1979, Dozer and his late brother Donald established a partnership and purchased a route from Graham (Spike) O’Conner.

The years between 1979 and 2007 saw Bechly’s Transport flourishing. They expanded their operations, transporting frozen foods to coastal and central Queensland for Queensland United Foods. After unloading, they would reload kangaroo carcasses and wool for transportation back to Brisbane.

In 1983, they began transporting meat from Kilcoy Pastoral Company to cold stores in Brisbane multiple times a week. Dozer even helped pack export containers when the meatworks started this venture.

Over the years, Dozer expanded his business, acquiring land on D’Aguilar Highway in Kilcoy in 1974, establishing a transport yard, workshop, and depot with his brother Lawrence's assistance. In December 2003, he purchased Fleming’s Transport in Nanango, adding four trucks to his rapidly growing fleet.

Further expansion came in 2018 when Dozer acquired Burt’s Transport, which included a fleet of up to 35 trucks. As of 2023, Bechly’s Transport boasts 35 trucks, including 30 Kenworths, 4 DAFs, and 1 Mack truck, along with 90 trailers, including 14 refrigerated vans and forklifts. Dozer, alongside 32 employed drivers, still actively manages the refrigerated and timber sections of the company.

Beyond his business endeavours, Dozer served as a councillor on the Somerset Regional Council from 2008 to 2016. He also finds joy in playing lawn bowls and indulging in karaoke, particularly favouring Elvis Presley songs.

Dozer’s journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, from accidental collisions such as running up the back of a parked police car in Fortitude Valley because the brakes failed on his first day of business. Persevering with a broken arm whilst continue working. However, amidst these trials, he has achieved his lifelong goal of owning and operating a successful transport business. His favourite truck, a 2006 Kenworth K104 Cab over, holds a special place in his heart, with plans to refurbish it to its former glory.

Inducted in 2024

Andrew Benedek

Andrew was born in South Yarra, Victoria on the 18th September 1968. Andrew and his family moved to Dingley Village when he was a young child and continues to live there still to this day.

As a child Andrew grew up racing his paddock cars around their family property with his two older brothers. Andrew has always had a love for his cars, heavy machinery and trucks. He started off his working life as a nursery hand for Dingley Sands where he then progressed to working as a Bulldozer operator.

Andrew and his two older brothers John and Gunther started A.G.J Cartage Contractors in 1986 after purchasing their first truck, a 1974 1910A International Acco tipper. They started doing quarry demand work for Dingley Sands and supplying the local garden supplies from there and continued to grow the fleet purchasing their first trailer and 1976 2226 Mercedes Benz, two 1981 2233 Mercedes Benz truck and trailer combinations and soon to follow a 1979 MAN 320.

In 1997 Andrew became the sole owner of AGJ Cartage contractors as his brothers pursued different careers within the industry. Over the last 27 years Andrew has poured his heart and soul into growing A.G.J Cartage contractors into a thriving family business. Andrew currently has a fleet of 10 truck and trailer combinations with plans to continue its growth. The fleet is predominantly made up of Kenworth tippers with his pride and joy being his T404 Kenworth with a C15 CAT motor. As he would say they just don't make them like they used to. You will very rarely find Andrew in the office as he is always out on the road driving.

Andrew has always believed in supporting others out wherever he can, going as far as sponsoring charities and local sporting clubs. He will always believe in giving people a go and is regularly taking on new drivers with no experience to give them a new start and train them in an industry he is so passionate about.

Andrew, also known as 'bushchook' by his close family and friends is very recognisable with his long beard, bluey, stubby shorts and a VB in hand. He loves a chat and always has time for a story or three. Whether you are in need of a friend or a helping hand, Andrew will always be there.

Inducted in 2024

Bev Betts

Bev was the second child of William (Bill) and Elsie Fenning, born 29th of September 1950. Her parents had trucks taking sawn timber from the mill in Gloucester NSW, delivering fuel and groceries to Gloucester, beer to the brewery in Grafton and also owned the local brick yard supplying and delivering bricks to the area. Bev started her working life in the office at Carson’s Northern Timber Sawmill in Gloucester and, after marrying Peter Betts in 1972, she began working for her parents company and his family logging company.  Peter also worked for his family logging company (one family brought the logs to the mill and the other took the sawn timber away).

In 1989, Peter and Bev moved to Walcha and started their own logging business, PW Betts Walcha Pty Ltd. They contracted to Bev’s second cousin, Leonard Fenning of Fenning Timbers. During this time, they had logging equipment and Mack and Kenworth log trucks. One of the major achievements in this time was upgrading many roads around Walcha to become B-Double routes, often having to complete the necessary road upgrades themselves. This allowed them to bring B-Double Fold-a-skel units up from Tasmania and changed the efficiency of bringing logs to the mill.  They successfully operated this business until 1996 when changes in forestry legislation meant they needed a change of direction.

Fortunately, they already had a Kenworth B-Double carting timber to North Queensland that they repurposed to become a general freight truck. Bev was instrumental in running operations, getting new customers as well as running all the administration. One truck soon became 2 and 2 soon became 4 and, with Bev’s managerial skills along with Peter’s practical ability, they were on the road to re-building their business back up.

In 2001, they renamed the business to be Betts Transport Pty Ltd and, in 2005, branded the business that you see today. In 2006, Bev and Peter added livestock trucks to the already large fleet of around 25 highway trucks. Bev campaigned heavily for the abolishment of payroll tax as she believed it was a tax that supressed business growth. Bev was also involved in various business groups and was often asked to speak about her career.

Bev continued to manage Betts Transport right up until she passed away from cancer in April 2021, when the business had 36 highway trucks and 12 livestock trucks.  Bev leaves behind her husband Peter, children Elizabeth and Christopher, grandchildren, Max, Tilly, Oliver, Poppy and Ava and is sadly missed.

Bev or BB as she was known in her later life was always around to lend a helping hand to anyone in the industry. She believed that hard work and ‘having a go’ were admirable traits. BB believed that the truck drivers working at Betts were the reason for the company’s success and she always looked out for all the staff and their families, especially never forgetting a birthday! BB was recognised several times with various industry awards and posthumously with a rose garden in her name in her hometown of Walcha where she gave generously to her community.

Inducted in 2024

Ivan Bull

Ivan ‘Bully’ Bull was born on 8th March 1949. He has always had a love for trucks as his father owned a roadworks business where he began his career at 14, driving Blitz and Chevys in South Australia. From the age of 18, trucking took him to many places, many jobs and of course, many different trucks.

His love for the Northern Territory is what pulled him there first, driving a Ford tray top in Alice Springs and carting buffalo from stations to the meatworks in Wyndham, driving a Mack for Buntine Roadways. Black tea and rib bones were always breakfasts on the stations when loading in the NT.

South Australia saw him carting livestock in a Bedford and International Gemi for Scotts, and for Hastings in an International C1800 V8. One of Bully’s favourite memories of that time were when he and his best mate Barry were loading sheep, in suits, after pulling an all-nighter in the pub the night prior. The boss at Hastings sure had a good chuckle at that one!

Bully left the NT just before Cyclone Tracy hit in 1974. He made the move back to South Australia where he married his wife Laurene in 1976. They went on to have two children. From then, Bully purchased his own trucks, from an International AB180 running general freight, to a LTL Ford 400 Cummins carting from Melbourne to Perth.

Bully and his family moved to Perth in 1992, and after a lot of hard work, owned their family company for 10 years. Their fleet consisted of 11 trucks, 2 fridge vans, 14 semi tippers and 4 dollies carting for Redymix and Westfarmers.

After selling the business, Bully bought an International Eagle and worked for Nexus Freight. He and Laurene then started working as a two up team driving for Centurion from Perth to Broome in a Western Star carting for Woolworths for the next 6 years.

Bully finally retired at 74 and spends his days in Perth or caravanning around Australia.

He still loves and misses trucks and the transport industry.

Inducted in 2024

Ian Burkinshaw

Ian Daryl Burkinshaw was born on the 6th January 1958, the son of Ray and Rita Burkinshaw from Lockhart NSW. Ray started R G Burkinshaw Transport in 1942, with mainly stock trucks and then moved into general freight and wool cartage. The main route being Lockhart, Sydney and Melbourne.

At the age of 15, Ian started working in the family business helping to load trailers, riding along with Ray and his two brothers. At 18, Ian got his truck licence and started carting sheep and cattle in a rigid tray truck to the sale yards in Wagga Wagga and Wodonga. Ian then started carting bales of wool to Melbourne.

Ian’s first truck was an International AB180, he then moved into an International C1800 with 160 Cummins rigid. When Ian started carting wool, he stepped up into a Volvo G88, he then went into a Volvo F12.

In 1979 Ian was caught up in the Razorback blockade. After four nights of sitting at Kalkallo, Ian had to leave his truck on the side of the highway so that he could make it home in time for his wedding to Debbie.

In 1980, Ian started managing Burkinshaw’s Transport. Carting for Bunge Flour Mills from Narrandera to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and CUB products from Melbourne into Queanbeyan. In the 90’s Burkinshaw’s transport had 12 trucks. Unfortunately, the flour moved from palletised products to bulk and as a result they lost the work. Times were very tough and after struggling to find work for a few years an opportunity arose and the business relocated majority of its operations to Wagga Wagga in 2002.

Burkinshaws Transport has been recognized as a founding member of Natroads.

Today, Ian has a fleet of 10 prime movers and 5 rigids. The business has recently moved towards warehousing in Wagga Wagga to keep up with the continual growth in this area of the transport industry. Ian works alongside his wife Debbie, youngest son Brendan, nephew Shane and grandson Joshua. Ian has always put his heart and soul into the business and even today he still makes the 45-minute drive into Wagga Wagga each day to work at the depot.

Inducted in 2024

Rodney Burkinshaw

Rodney “Rod” Raymond Burkinshaw was born in Lockhart, NSW on the 20th of June to parents Rita May Burkinshaw and Raymond George Burkinshaw.

Rodney’s parents operated a transport company R G Burkinshaw, located out of Lockhart which owned a variety of trucks carting grain, wool and stock to most states. They were mainly internationals such as AR160, R180, R190 and a small number of European trucks like F12 and G88 Volvos.

At the age of 14, Rod worked and drove around trucks for his dad for several years. He drove a C line international with a Perkin’s engine and later a DCO International with a Cummins engine. At the age of 19, Rod purchased his first 392 v8 petrol C line International.

Rod carted grain from the Riverina and delivered fertilizer back. Wool was also transported from the farms to Melbourne. 

In 1972, Rod married Vicki Margaret Schneider from Osborne, NSW. Two years later they had their first daughter, Rita and a few years later their son Shane was born. Rod and Vicki lived their entire lives in Lockhart.

Later in the 70’s, Rod operated a small fleet of trucks including a G88 Volvo, F700 Mack and a cab- over Kenworth. They carted general freight and subbied for Knights Transport of Kilmore for several years. In 1978, Rod bought his first W Model Kenworth with a 400 Cummins engine and it transported fuel from Melbourne to the Riverina for G. C Cornell Petroleum. A couple of Ford Louisville LNT and a few second-hand Kenworth’s were added to his fleet.  Rod refurbished his trucks and put them back to work. Soon, Rod bought a couple of W models, including Gold nuggets. Rod and his drivers carted flour to Melbourne and Brisbane, plus Bunge flour out of Narrandera Flour Mill and other general freight.

After several years of running trucks, Rod decided to go back to one truck. Rod drove a 3070 Acco from Brisbane to Townsville carting Vinidex pipe. He drove a cab-over Kenworth and Tautliner running Leeton to Brisbane carting rice for Patten’s Transport and back to Sydney for Cubico Transport. He later drove a Freightliner Argosy while still running Brisbane. He sold the Argosy and went to work with his brother at Burkinshaw’s Transport. Rod drove Wagga to Melbourne with Wool, in a Western Star, then an Argosy. His final truck was a Peterbilt 379.

Rod gave 54 years of his life driving trucks, until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018. Rod passed away on the 17th of February 2019. Rod is buried alongside his wife Vicki in Lockhart.

Inducted in 2024

Manny Carlin

Ian Carlin, known to all as Manny, was born in Casterton Victoria on 23rd March 1948.

Manny left school at the age of 13 and worked in his parents Chaff Mill. At 17 years of age, Manny was driving a Ford Thames Trader and dog trailer, carting grain to Mount Gambier SA and returning with fruit, vegetables, ice cream and pipe for the local shire and local businesses of Casterton. At 20, he was carting super for Jim ‘Slim’ Simkin.

In 1969 at 21, Manny started working for Leon Jordan Transport driving a C-Line international 160 Cummins, Bedford V6 53 GM, new Road Commander 871 GM pulling stock crates and general.

Between 1974 and 1983, Manny and Jean purchased and sold five trucks, a 9000 White 871 GM, Road Commander 871 GM, and new Road Commander with a/c and mod cons. As Manny was spending a lot of time on the road, they started their own business in 1978 adding another Road Commander and employed Pat Chapman for three years and Joe Simpson for 18 months to drive the second truck. In 1982, they sold the two Road Commanders and bought a new Kenworth 400 Cummins series 3 which was sold in 1983 so Manny could spend time with his family. From then, he drove the local school bus for Jack McCallum, run the local swimming pool and did a few trips to Melbourne for Slim. In 1986 Manny and Jean purchased their last truck, a Western Star, which was sold in 1994.

Between 1974 and 2013 Manny subbied for Bruce Marks, Peaches. Driving trucks has taken Manny to every state in Australia except for the Northern Territory, mainly carting stock. Manny had drop offs to various cities, outback country towns, feedlots and ports, including a trip to the Moomba Gas Fields to drop off first aid kits, and a journey to the QLD border crossing through the Dingo fences at Hungerford. From 1994 to 2002 Manny and Leon Jordan started a business, Carlin Engineering, building stock crate, ute trays and trailers.

Manny also did a stint working in the forestry industry maintaining vehicles for Bishop Logging, Badenoch Logging and Ferguson Diesel Servicing. Manny has carted almost everything, including wood chips for Scotts, drove a log truck for Crauford Transport, delivered super and grain for Vickery Bros.

Manny’s last job in 2013 was working at Balranald driving for Daryle Barrett Transport carting grapes, grain and cotton. This was seasonal work, driving a Western Star. After ten years with Daryle, Manny decided it was time to semi- retire at 76.

Manny said he had never had a bad trip and has met a lot of good people over the years, after driving for 59 years, life on the road has been one big adventure and Manny wouldn’t change a thing. Manny is still driving a load of cattle, sand, tractors etc. for family every now and then. Most of Manny’s days now are spent attending to the farm with Jean.

Manny will forever have Diesel running through his veins.

Inducted in 2024

Mark Castagna

Mark Castanga, known to most as Bulljump, was born on the 26th of December 1954. Mark started working for the Department of Transport and Works in 1972. Tasked with improving the pastoral roads in the Northern Territory, Mark initially drove a water cart and was soon enough a true all-rounder, operating graders and a variety of other machines.

Mark then went to work as a Station Hand on Argadargada Station, a cattle station about 500km north-east of Alice Springs. Here, he drove the Haines family’s International, carting cattle and general freight for the Station. Mark then moved into Alice Springs with Argadargada’s International Truck to subcontract for Tanami Transport. Behind the wheel of this International, Mark carted cattle using the International for Tanami for several years.

In 1983, Mark swapped the International for a Tanami Transport truck and his longstanding career and memories as a truck driver carting cattle begin. Mark remembers a major lift of cattle out of Henbury Station south of Alice Springs.  The Station destocked 3000 head of cattle over 60 decks, making for an incredibly long and tedious day of loading.

The long days in the elements and flies were simply an accepted part of the role.  That’s not to say it made the lows that come with carting cattle any easier, especially in the Northern Territory. From the country being at the mercy of Mother Nature in dry times and dealing with very poor cattle to cart, often the goal was just getting from Point A to Point B and keeping as many of the cattle alive that they could.

Looking for a new challenge, Mark left Tanami Transport and joined Bernie Earthmoving and Excavating, operating side tippers, loaders and graders. He was with the business for 2 years before Bronte Bruce called on Mark to help him out back at Tanami Transport. As Tanami were a driver short, Mark agreed to fill the gap temporarily. The reality was the smell of cattle and the love of the iconic brown trucks would win Mark over, returning to Tanami Transport as a full-time driver.

Mark swapped the wheel for the office in 2010, taking on a managerial role. Although he appreciated the opportunity to see the other side of the industry, Mark was drawn back to the real action in 2016.

Upon reading a newspaper with an ad Exact Contracting Services, Mark applied. He started with the business in August of 2017 on the Docker River Road, hauling dirt to support the earthworks on the project. Seven years on, Mark is still with Exact Contracting, driving a Kenworth with a side tipper. He is called upon to operate other machinery from time to time.

Mark is a familiar and well-respected face to many who have operated in the Northern Territory, serving the industry for over five decades.

Inducted in 2024

Leo Castles

Leo George Castles ,better know to most as Hoe, was born in Charleville QLD on 25th April 1953. He spent his early years in Cheepie with his parents. Leo wasn’t particularly interested in school and would always jump on the train to return home, no matter where he was sent.

His Uncle, Albert Lyons, had trucks that carted wool to the rail and to Brisbane. Leo worked with him for some time until he moved to Charleville to work for Brooks Bros in 1969. During this time, Leo married local Charleville girl Clare Jaeger. He was with Brooks Bros until 1974, when he moved to Tambo to work for Johnson Bros. There, he was frequently seen on the roads between Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin, carting freight, or on the little less travelled tracks, carting sheep, cattle, goats or heavy machinery.  Leo was a great operator and a great mate. He remained in Tambo with Johnson Bros until setting up his own transport company, L.G. & C.L. Castles, and moved back to Charleville in 1978.  

During this time Leo and Clare started their own little family and had 4 boys. The boys have followed their own paths in life, with one of them completing an apprenticeship with Mack Trucks.

Leo’s love for the V8 Mack Superliner had him owning and operating three within his own business, employing locals to drive and cart cattle, sheep, goats & general freight. He worked closely and in conjunction with other local transport operators throughout his time in business. He was easily recognisable in his “work uniform” of blue shorts & his blue work shirts with the sleeves cut off. He was devoted to his Mack Super Liners until his decision to retire in 2014.

After retirement, Leo purchased a cattle property near Wyandra and ran some drought master crosses for a few years before selling up and moving to full retirement in 2021. He still misses the social life of the road but not so much the long hours spent modern day droving those precious animals he loved so much.

Leo now enjoys visiting mates and attending field days when he can get to them, or simply relaxing with family in Charleville.

Inducted in 2024

Wayne Cross

Wayne “Crossy” Cross was born in Bairnsdale Victoria on the 7th of February 1949. Crossy is a well-known and respected log truck driver whose career has spanned over 60 years and included driving trucks of all makes and models.

Crossy’s love for truck driving began when he was only 12 years old, driving with his uncle carting cattle and sheep around East Gippsland in a Commer Knocker livestock tray truck.

At the age of 17, he worked for the Mount Taylor Forest Commission driving a bulldozer, pushing in bush tracks. One of the bulldozers is still named after him, “Waynes track”. This is when the truck driving bug well and truly bit him. From the early days until his retirement this year, only the best truckies could keep up with him on the bush roads.

He drove many different trucks for different employers over the years, carting logs, pulp and machinery. These included an International AB 180, KT Bedford with V671 GM, the first Isuzu log truck in Australia, a Mack B61Bogie drive as well as Volvos and Kenworth’s.

In 2009, after 37 years of driving trucks for other people, Crossy decided to become an owner driver, purchasing his first truck - a Kenworth T908. With his first logging cartage contract secured, this was the start of his company WC and EA CROSS PTY LTD.

Over the next 13 years, he worked carting logs throughout Victoria, NSW, and even QLD carting salvage timber from Cyclone Yasi clean ups. In that time, he bought numerous new Kenworth trucks with folding kennedy log trailer setups on the back.

It was always “Just one more truck and that will do me until I retire” …. That was about 4 trucks ago!

Wayne retired in early 2024, and although he was not ready to retire, he had no choice due to the government stopping native logging.

Wayne is now catching up on jobs for his wife Elaine as well as working on his farm. However, for those who know Crossy, know he would much rather be in the driver’s seat of a truck.

Inducted in 2024

Brad Embrey

Brad Embrey, or Grumpy as some call him, was born 1st September 1951 in Kingaroy QLD and has been married to his wife Pauline for 21 years.

Brad officially obtained his driver’s licence at 17 years old, however had been driving for a while before that. His Dad, Charlie, taught him how to drive an Austin truck at 14 years old.

He started working in 1968 on drill rigs, driving and working throughout QLD. Brad and a few mates decided to travel to Western Australia in 1970 in a Mark 2 Zephyr.

When Brad started working on a seismic crew drilling in the Great Sandy Desert, the opportunity came up to drive a supply truck from Derby and Broome to the camp in the desert. He drove a rigid International 6 x 6 then moved on to a new 2624 Mercedes.

In 1973, Brad started working with GRANICH Transport carting wheat and sheep in a G89 Volvo and in 1976, moved to driving a cab over Kenworth 350 Cummins.

Brad decided to buy his own truck in 1977, a 6-wheeler Dodge Perkins in which he carted dirt. Richard Lee offered him a job interstate driving, so he then sold the Dodge and drove for Richard.

In the late 70s, Brad bought a Louisville with a 903, which he drove interstate as a subby for Perth Freight Lines, Gardeners and Jayde Transport. In 1986 he started obtaining his own freight, carting pineapples from Yeppoon and Wamuran to Perth. He then sold the Louisville and bought a Mack. In 1998 he went on to buy an LTL.

Brad then drove Perth-Mt Isa-Townsville-Brisbane-Perth for 8 years as a subby for Townsville Transport Services.

In 1990 Brad opened his own yard in Maddington concentrating on Perth to Brisbane return until he opened a depot in Brisbane commencing runs from Brisbane to North QLD. His fleet consisted of 8 trucks, and he had 12 subbies until 2004. Brad also had his sons Lindon, Darren and Gavin working with him.

Brad continued as a owner driver from 2004 working locally in Perth, mainly from the wharfs doing containers and steel as a subby for a few companies. He has 2 trucks, a 1988 Western Star which still has the original 400 big cam Cummins and a 15 Road range gear box as well as a 1996 Western Star Heritage which he s still driving doing local work.

Brad and Harvey Mack organised The Gear Jammers Reunion in Perth in 2009. Brad and Pauline have continued to organise these reunions, which bring together owner drivers and drivers that do or did east-west runs.

Brad says it was a good life on the road in the day. All owner drivers were mates and looked out for each other, helped out on the road and catching up along the way for a cook up at night and a yarn. That mateship continues.

Kevin Englefield

Kevin, also known as ‘The Big Rig’, Englefield was born in Manangatang, Victoria in 1961. He made his start in the transport industry working for his parents, John and Joy Englefield. John and Joy commenced wine grape transportation in addition to their dryland farming, stock, and transport business in 1971. The mid 1970’s saw Kevin and his brother Michael, join the business as primary loaders and operators. In 1979 Kevin took on the additional role of transport operator.

Kevin married his first wife, Leanne in 1984. They went on to have three children; Daniel, Adam and Steven. Kevin spent most his time raising his three boys on the road, all of whom now work in the family business.

In early 1999, Kevin ceased interstate driving to work at management level with his father, assisting with the day to day operations that vintage demanded. Sadly, John passed away in September 2003. Kevin then took over as Managing Director in late September 2003 under the new and existing name, K. Englefield Wine Grape Services Pty. Ltd. (KEWGS). His role now incorporates the overall management of the business and the day to day operations.

In 2007, Kevin married his second wife, Lyn. Lyn took over the role of office manager in September 2003 due to Joy’s retirement. Together, Kevin and Lyn strengthened the positive direction and commitment of KEWGS and its future and made it the business it is today.

During his career, Kevin has carted grapes, citrus and other farms goods in all types of trucks, from Peterbuilts, Mack’s, Kenworths and Western Stars. He still says to this day that the Mercedes are the best truck by far.

Kevin has built KEWGS up having many facets of strength, including large resources and logistics, new technology, safe work practices, long term employees and contractors and quality service. KEWGS and Kevin are still fiercely linked to its ‘grass roots family business’ after being in business for over 40 years.

Kevin has been instrumental to the industry in Mildura and surrounds. He is well respected for his character and skills and is an avid donator to many charities, especially the RFDS. He says he doesn’t have one single favourite memory as he just loves to drive and has loved driving all across Australian roads either in the truck or his rally car.

Kevin is now trying to retire, but still has to stick around to show the young ones how it’s done!

Mario Giacci

Mario Giacci, born on May 18th, 1938, in Sant'Angelo in Grotte, is a towering figure in Western Australia's transport industry. His story is not just a tale of business success; it's a narrative of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community and industry growth.

The Giacci family's foray into the transport sector began in the early 1950s, laying the foundation for the state's largest privately owned transport businesses. Mario, alongside his brother Tony, started with a single truck and an unyielding spirit. They established A&M Giacci, marking the beginning of a legacy that would eventually span over five decades.

Mario and his family navigated economic fluctuations, industry changes, and intense competition. In the early days, jobs were often short-term, and uncertainty loomed large. However, Mario's ability to complete jobs on time, with minimal fuss, even in remote locations, earned him a reputation for reliability and efficiency. This commitment to excellence laid the groundwork for long-standing contracts with major companies and involvement in significant state projects.

Mario's journey in the industry is a classic example of starting from the ground up. From driving trucks to driving innovation throughout the industry, he has been involved in every aspect of the business. His hands-on approach and keen business acumen played a pivotal role in expanding the company's reach and capabilities. The company evolved from A&M Giacci to Giacci Bros when their third brother Peter joined the business, then to Giacci Group, before being sold in 2012 to ASX Listed company QUBE.

Mario's influence extends beyond the operation of a successful business. His vision led to diversifying into Bulk Material Handling, Bulk storage facilities, shipping agencies & state-of-the-art Quarry Development. This diversification bolstered the company's resilience and contributed significantly to the state's infrastructure and economy.

In 2004, Mario, his daughter Giudi, and his son Michael created another business called MGM Limestone, which specialised in road haulage, concrete plants, and limestone block-making for retaining walls. After running this business for more than ten years, Mario, Giudi & Michael wanted to get back into the Bulk Haulage industry, and in 2015, MGM Bulk was born.

Today, the MGM Bulk Brand is a testament to Mario's enduring legacy. With over 600 employees, 200 Kenworth trucks, and branches strategically located throughout the state, he continues to drive the company forward with his family, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Now at 85 years of age, Mario still travels up to Port Hedland and Geraldton every fortnight to check in on his operations, humorously claiming to be the country's oldest FIFO worker.

Mario Giacci's story is more than a business success. It's a narrative of a migrant making a profound impact in a new land, a tale of a visionary shaping an industry, and a journey of a leader inspiring generations.

Inducted in 2024