Peter Waugh
Peter ‘Mingo’ Bruce Waugh was born in 1957 in Goulburn, New South Wales. Mingo’s journey in the road transport industry began in 1990 when he joined Divall’s. Over the course of his 35-year career, Mingo became an integral figure in one of the region’s most successful companies, shaping both its operations and culture.
Mingo’s first vehicle was a Besser Brick L710, a truck now proudly displayed here at the Road Transport Museum in Alice Springs. Throughout his career, Mingo drove a wide range of trucks, with a particular affinity for Kenworth models. From the T400 and T480 to the T600 and T909, Mingo has experienced nearly every model, even restoring and collecting the iconic T600. His skill and versatility behind the wheel set him apart, whether navigating treacherous conditions or hauling large loads across Australia.
Mingo's career wasn't without its challenges. One of his most harrowing experiences came while working on the Goulburn Bypass, when a near miss with a scraper left the cab of his Besser Brick completely torn off, and Mingo was run over by the machine. Not long after, while working in Marulan, the same truck tipped over. Remarkably, both Mingo and the Besser Brick survived, and Mingo continued working, undeterred by the dangers of the road.
His achievements are not confined to his time as a truck driver. In 2013, Mingo was awarded the NatRoad Excellence in Operational Support Award, recognizing his commitment to safety and operational excellence. After stepping away from the driver’s seat in 2000, Mingo transitioned into Occupational Health and Safety at Divall’s, playing a key role in the company’s pursuit of TruckSafe compliance, a status it has maintained ever since.
Mingo’s legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments. A dedicated family man, he worked tirelessly to support his wife Jacki and their three children, even rushing to the hospital with a fully laden truck just in time for the birth of their second child. Mingo’s relationship with his colleagues, especially TK, reflects his team-oriented nature, and together they traveled across eastern and southeastern Australia, building lasting friendships along the way.
Mingo’s commitment to his community is equally impressive. A volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service, he demonstrated the same level of dedication to public service that marked his professional life. Two of Mingo’s children, Jacob and Sophie, have followed in his footsteps, becoming essential members of the Divall’s workforce.
Now semi-retired, Mingo’s transition from a career on the road to a role in occupational safety, infrastructure and demolition at Divall’s speaks to his continued dedication to the company. Mingo’s 35 years of service have had a profound and lasting impact on the industry, making him a truly deserving candidate for induction into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.
