Kenneth Allan
Kenneth Allan, affectionately known as Ken or Yowie, is a man whose life has been deeply intertwined with the world of trucks. Born in June 1958 in Penrith NSW, Ken’s early years were spent on his family’s dairy farm, a piece of land that would later become the site of the Panthers League Club. Ken’s upbringing on the dairy farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for the machinery that made farm life possible.
Ken’s father, Colin, was a truck driver, a profession that would influence Ken’s future. Colin was one of the drivers who transported caravans from Sydney to Darwin after Cyclone Tracy, a monumental task that showcased the importance of truck drivers in times of need. As a young boy, Ken often accompanied his father on long hauls to Melbourne or Brisbane, developing an early fascination with trucks. By sight alone, he could identify the make and model of most trucks on the road, which would serve him well in his career.
In 1974 at the age of 15, Ken began his professional journey as an apprentice diesel mechanic at West End Truck and Tractor in St Marys, NSW. His apprenticeship was a formative period, where he honed his mechanical skills and deepened his understanding of trucks. Ken aspired to take over his father's truck after completing his apprenticeship, but fate had other plans. Colin sold the truck before Ken had the chance, leaving him disappointed but undeterred.
Ken's disappointment led him to pivot from mechanics to the sale and management of spare parts. He found employment at Penrith Truck Centre, later known as Total Trucks in Penrith. Ken's expertise in truck parts quickly became evident, and his uncanny ability to recall part numbers off the top of his head made him an invaluable asset. His career saw him taking on various roles, from workshop manager to running a branch in Blacktown. At one point, Ken entered into a partnership with two others at Wilberforce, NSW. When the partnership dissolved, Ken returned to Total Truck Centre, where he continued to excel.
Throughout his career, Ken not only demonstrated his own expertise but also shared it with others. He trained several successful spare parts interpreters, passing on his knowledge and ensuring that the industry would benefit from his experience for years to come. Ken's reputation grew, and he became known as one of the top spare parts interpreters in Australia, a title well deserved given his contributions.
When Total Trucks closed, he was employed at Iveco at Eastern Creek. Ken's career took another turn. He and his wife, Julie, whom he has been married to for 34 years, decided to move to the Central Coast of NSW. Despite the move, Ken's commitment to his work remained unwavering. He commuted daily to Eastern Creek, a two-hour trip each way, until he secured a position at Gilbert and Roach Gosford. To this day, Ken at 67 continues to work there, bringing his passion and expertise to the job. Julie is often bombarded with Ken quoting part numbers to her even in his sleep!
Ken's love for trucks extends beyond his professional life. Julie and Ken raised three children, along with four of their 10 grandchildren who would often accompany Ken to truck shows, where his enthusiasm is on full display. Ken enjoys helping drivers restore and maintain their old trucks, a hobby that further cements his status as a truck aficionado.
Ken's journey from a young boy on a dairy farm to one of Australia's top spare parts interpreters is a testament to his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment. Ken Allan's story is not just about trucks; it's about the pursuit of excellence, the importance of family, and the joy of doing what you love. Kenneth Allan's life and career reflect a profound dedication to the trucking industry. His journey is marked by hard work, resilience, and a passion that continues to inspire those around him. Ken's story is a reminder that with determination and love for one's work, dreams can indeed become reality.
Inducted in 2025
