Jeffrey Burke

Jeffrey Sidney Burke was born in the tiny town of Dirranbandi, South West Queensland in February 1968. Jeff started his trucking career alongside his father, Gordon. Jeff helped his father with both the cutting and carting of logs. The men hauled them from Nindigully to St George in his dad's green 160 Cummins truck.

Jeff has been supported by his wife Jo since 1985. 1987 saw Jeff driving a red, white and blue S-line International for Barry Smith Transport. He has carted all sorts of cargo; from general freight, hay, cotton, grain, wool, through to most varieties of livestock. Travelling all over Australia, state to state, there have been many roads travelled, sights seen and places visited, often places most only dream to visit. Jeff rated Broome, WA as one of the nicest places he’s had the opportunity to visit.

Jeff has always dreamt of owning and driving his own truck and having his own company however the opportunity never presented itself. Instead, over the years Jeff has worked hard for those who have been lucky enough to have him drive for them. He has worked for Barry Smith Transport for 20+ years, Martins Transport for 5+ years and G&R Graham for 4+ years as Director of Livestock.

For the past 10 years, and to this day, Jeff has worked for St George Freightlines as both driver and Director of Livestock. When Jeff first started working for St George Freightlines, livestock was not a common part of the operations. Ten years later, through hard work, dedication and by earning the respect of his superiors and all those he has built a rapport with, Jeff now directs seven livestock trucks at a time, which cart all types of livestock right across Australia.

Having a wife and four children at home, Jeff worked tirelessly to provide for his young family. However much he enjoyed trucking, Jeff found the hardest part of his job was being away from home for such long stretches at a time. He loves the moments when his wife, one of his kids or grandkids can ride alongside him in the passenger seat. Jeff’s love and passion for his job has now been passed onto his son who is a driver with the same company and a grandson who has earnt his truck licence. Another grandson is Jeff’s shadow, he idolises Jeff and can’t wait to grow up to be just like Pop.

Jeff’s pride and passion for his job shines through with every job he does. Jeff always keeps his truck meticulously clean inside and out. More times than not, Jeff shows up with a shiny truck and trailers, having spent hours of rare ‘time off’ meticulously cleaning them (with or without help from Jo and whichever kid or grandkid he could rope in at the time). Many times Jeff and Jo would head inside smelling of polish having spent all day, until well after dark, polishing wheels. 

Many times, Jeff has tried to change professions but, in the end, he always returns to truck driving because, as they say, “Trucking is in the blood”. Jeff is an honest, hard-working man who has earned the respect and admiration of those he has worked with and for. He has sat beside many learner drivers and passed on his wisdom over the years. To us he is a loving dad and pop, as honest as the day is long, as hardworking as any man, a great bloke and a brilliant driver.