Australia’s transport industry has a fascinating history due to the fact our country throws hardships at operators due to climate extremes and some of the toughest terrain in the world. Equipment is really put through its paces, even today, and those pioneers who opened major trucking routes across the land in days gone by did not have the technology nor the power we experience today.
In recent times transport operators and truck enthusiasts have recognised the need to restore those vehicles responsible for serving communities. Vehicles used in transport not too many years ago were never designed for our conditions, yet they forged on to develop an industry recognised as world’s best in operation and innovation.
The Heritage Truck Association of Australia is seeing growing numbers as more transport people become interested in preserving truck history, and judging by the number of associations and their events staged each year, we can be assured our past will not be lost.
The aims of the Heritage Truck Association of Australia are to encourage the restoration and preservation of trucks over 30 years old, regardless of size but with an emphasis of larger trucks; and to foster friendship and information sharing through participation in rallies, exhibitions and other events; assist members in locating parts, services information and history of vehicles; encourage the retention of heritage trucks and memorabilia in Australia; and stimulate community interest.
Recent and upcoming events are a major drawcard for not only truck enthusiasts but the general public and there has been a number to create interest around the country. Recent events conducted by the South Australian HCVA such as the Wheelin’ to Waikerie and Hills of Adelaide Run were a huge success, the Queensland HCVC truck show at Beenleigh saw a host of vehicles on display and the Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster was again a major event.
The White Truck Muster staged in Kyabram, Victoria, and organised by Ray Grima, saw a staggering number of the brand turn up with all models well represented including Road Commander, 9000, 7000, Road Boss and even a 2300 on display. There were even a number of Autocars to drool over!
Coming up on August 27 and 28 is Haulin’ the Hume Road Run for trucks over 30 years old, a trip retracing the old Hume Highway south of Sydney. Departing Uncle Leo’s at Casula, a part of trucking history itself, the route will take participants along Highway 31, through Camden, up over the infamous Razorback, through the ‘hole in the wall’ at Picton and pass through Mittagong, Berrima, Marulan, Goulburn, over the Cullerin Range before finishing at Yass. Staged by the Western Sydney Historical Truck Club, those interested can contact Ron Kirk on 0408 625 573.
In Queensland the HCVAQ will conduct its 20th anniversary show at Gatton on September 24 and 25, showcasing a huge number of vehicles restored to reflect trucking in days gone by. The majority of trucks on display will be driven to the event at Gatton Showgrounds and will feature the mighty Mack Muster with an attempt at an Aussie record to have the most Mack trucks at one venue. Show directors are Graham Kircher 0439 732 069 and Grant Larder 0403 257 033.
As restoration gathers momentum so does the level of interest and truck manufacturers too are supporting initiatives. Volvo truck enthusiasts and Volvo Group Australia has formed the Australian Volvo Truck Heritage Group to preserve the brand’s history in this country; Mack Trucks has been heavily involved in preserving its past, in particular assisting the Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs; and at the same site Kenworth dealers have banded together establishing the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame with an array of models on display.
Among the restored trucks is a variety of well-known transport company names synonymous with trucking in this country. Many companies have been actively involved in promoting their history as well, coming together to ensure days of old are not forgotten.
There’s nothing wrong with nostalgia, it reinforces the role road transport has played in this country with a touch of satisfaction in a job well done.