Ross Ashworth

Ross Ashworth (Rosco)’s career began in the rural heart of Western Australia, where from 1973 to 1978 he spent his days cutting, carting, and storing chaff and hay throughout the York district. These formative years not only built his work ethic but also laid the foundation for a remarkable journey in the transport and logistics industry.

In 1979, while delivering 220 bales of hay to Midland, Rosco crossed paths with Lawson Klopper — a meeting that would alter the course of his career. Lawson asked Rosco to cross load and store the hay by hand into his cattle crates for a northern journey. By the time Lawson returned, Rosco had completed the entire task solo — and in record time. Impressed by both the efficiency and determination of this young worker, Lawson made it his mission to track him down and offer him a position.

Rosco joined Klopper's operation in 1979, stepping into the demanding world of roadtrain driving. For the next 12 years, he covered more than 300,000 kilometres annually, navigating rugged dirt roads and notorious "jump-ups" across the Kimberley during the dry season. When the monsoon rains rolled in, he would shift to sheep cartage in the south — a testament to his adaptability and endurance in some of Australia's toughest conditions.

After over a decade on the road, Rosco spent a year operating machinery at the Pioneer Quarry, located 100km north of Broome. This brief pause from long-haul work was a stepping stone toward his next venture.

In 1992, Rosco joined Kimberley Fuels, marking the beginning of a 20-year chapter in fuel transport. Once again, he traversed his beloved Kimberley region — a place where 80% of the roads remained unsealed, filled with challenging creek crossings and remote tracks. His reliability and expertise ensured critical fuel supplies reached even the most isolated corners.

For the past 12 years, Rosco has been a vital part of the McCorry Brown team. Starting as a roadtrain operator, he has since become the lead loader operator. His deep knowledge of machinery, parts, and remote roadways is unmatched. Whether it’s a forgotten track or a complex piece of equipment, there’s little Rosco can’t identify, operate, or repair.

Rosco's career is a testament to resilience, skill, and a deep love for the land he works across. From hay bales in York to fuel runs in the Kimberley and heavy machinery in Broome, his journey is one built on hard work and a fierce commitment to the task at hand.

Inducted in 2025