Being Born in 1940 and raised in outback Western Australia would certainly have had its challenges and produced some tough, hard working people. Brian Brookes is one of those blokes who knew nothing but work, heat and dust but persisted with it right through his working career. Brookesy is retired now but still very proud of his past and loved by many of our mates here at Copy Southbound. I'm sure you'll enjoy his story.
Bruce has always been in awe of Liz Martin ever since he read about her and the National Road Transport Museum Hall of Fame in Alice Springs. She was at the helm of the Hall for 25 years where she managed the day to day running's, volunteers and spectacular reunions that were recognised worldwide. But his admiration for Liz also extends to her single handed research and recording of our outback pioneers history which lead to her cataloguing as many road transport icons as she could. She still do...
Bruce has been waiting to interview Paddy Ward ever since Copy Southbound kicked off and has always sung his praises. A talented businessman, exceptional operator and gifted restorer, Paddy was also known as being one of the nicest people in transport and is still very active in the old truck scene following his retirement some years back. We couldn't have thought of a better way to kick off 2022.
Bob Thompson did his first tow at the age of 16 while his boss was at the pub, not realising that it would lead to him becoming one of NSW's most iconic tow and salvage operators in one of the Blue Mountains most notorious pieces of road. With his wife Marion by his side, this incredibly talented craftsman has helped out countless operators for over 50 years and become a legend of the Mountains!!!
Geoff Rudd, or Ruddy as he's commonly known, kicked off in transport earlier than most of us. With his gentle nature and strong work ethic, he formed some strong bonds and lasting relationships with customers back when a simple hand shake meant more than a written contract. Now in his mid 80's Geoff is now enjoying retirement but happily shared his experiences with us.
When we approached 'Pedro' to come onto Copy Southbound he agreed on one condition, he had to be our last ever interview because quite simply, he's the best there is. With more starts than Phar Lap, Pedro ended up investing in his own truck & trailer and built up Primo Transport into a well oiled machine, as would be expected because, in his own words, he's a Legend......an Icon of the Industry. So sit back and enjoy this interview with one of our finest. Oh and by the way it's not our last ...
Geoff Cootes, son of Ian Cootes recounts point by point the start of Ian's career, the build up of the business, the vehicles, the people, the sale and the anguish after the collapse of the I.R. Cootes name under different ownership. This is a great yarn about one of Australia's success stories in transport and a lovely tribute to a man that was said to be one of the countries finest employers.
At 94 years of age, Rexxy Shiel is still as sharp as a tac and positive about life after over 60 years driving trucks. This heartfelt interview left Bruce in tears as Rex recounted the ups and downs of life while also recounting his years behind the wheel of some the countries most iconic brands and whilst working for some legends of the industry. But the biggest legend in our eyes was Rex, a true gentleman and a great advocate of finding the positives in life.
You will absolutely love this chat with Glenn Reedman and his famous hero and alter ego 'Leo Wanker'. An absolute Pie-On-Ear of the industry. Just when you think this one is over, it delivers a very special surprise that we are extremely grateful for. Thanks Glenn.
Well Bruce has always referred to Frank Amoroso as a bit of an urban legend but after 5 hours of chatting to him, we now know the legend is true. With his famous Fate Express, Frank was well known on the Highway for many years with his consistently quick trucks. We're sure you'll enjoy his story. Catch us if you can!!!!
In this episode, Bruce sits down to chat with Mick Evans after receiving a tip off from some mutual friends. Mick's a pretty humble person but once the interview gets rolling you'll get to hear stories of some legendary characters in the industry, along with some raw opinions from this likeable bloke. He's like so many others who were simply out there doing their job........and loving every minute of it.
In this episode, Bruce catches up with his good mate, Robbie Marshall, son of Ray Marshall. The iconic Ray Marshall Transport Kenworths ran our highways for almost 30 years and Robbie explains how they got into transport and what led to the beginning of Marshall's, as they were known, with their unique fleet of trucks and drivers. They were immaculate, fast and from an era that will never be revisited. I think you'll enjoy this one.....
At almost 77, Barry 'Sleepy' Grimson is still behind the wheel and preaching transport and praising the industry that he loves has fought for over the years namely as one of the 6 original instigators of the now famous Razorback Blockade in 1979. His account of the blockade is as raw and as passionate as it gets. If you think Bruce wears his heart on his sleeve, wait until you listen to 'Sleepy'......
In this episode we sat down with Callie Sandilands, who is only in her mid 30's but has driven and proven herself in the transport industry through sheer determination and some great opportunities. This truck proud, advocate for heavy vehicles was refreshing to listen to and with her love of old trucks and history of transport, it was a given that these two were going to have a good yarn. And watching a starry eyed Bruce trip and stumble on his words was gold. Keep dreaming mate!!!
In this episode we sat down with a reluctant Vic & Bev Newland, whose first reaction when we arrived, was "before you unpack anything, tell us what the hell this is". It wasn't too long before we could convince this humble couple that they had a story to share and we could sit back and listen in awe as this honest, down to earth bloke gave us an insight into his start in transport and ultimate career on the Australian roads. Vic bought Australia's first ever Kenworth Aerodyne as an independe...
A bit of a change in direction in this episode as we headed to Brisbane to talk to several members of the team at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
In this episode we sit down with Don Turner, owner of the once iconic, Turners Transport. With their unique beige and light green colour scheme, Turners were well known Australia wide for not only their immaculate presentation, but more so for their unmatched family atmosphere and loyalty that saw subcontractors rate them as one of the best companies around to work for. We hope you enjoy Don's story as much as we did.
Well, we thought we should gain a bit of an audience before we introduced you to this bloke. He's been a mate of Bruce's for a long time and we now know that he is NOT an urban myth after all, but a, hilarious, old school truckie, who is full of Dad jokes!!! We're sure you'll love this one.
In this episode we sit with Denis Robertson of Roadmaster Haulage. An accountant, with a passion for trucks, Denis' sideline Business grew into one of the iconic transport companies of the 70's and 80's and is still going strong today. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his commitment to safety and better conditions resulted in some milestones in the Australian Transport Industry that we all benefit from today.
In this episode we speak to Peter Abood, son of Brian Abood of the iconic Abood's Transport from Northmead in Sydney. Well known for their fleet of Foden's and Thorneycroft's, Abood's were just as well known for their ingenuity as they were for their reputation as a fair, honest and hard working family. We hope you enjoy hearing the story of the commonly referred to 'Gentlemen of the Highway'.
Bob McMillan is a familiar name amongst the older generation following a long career as an owner driver up until his early forced retirement last year at age 73. He is what our industry is all about and spent many years lobbying the government for unity in his beloved transport industry. He is proud of his time behind the wheel and is a strong supporter of our transport heritage. This delightful interview with this humble appreciative man is well worth the listen.
In this episode we chat to Dave Lynch, a Sales Rep for Mack Trucks. Dave started his career in the thriving Bus & Coach industry as a Detroit Mechanic working with a Denning agent in Sydney. An avid GM fan, he spent many years driving coaches interstate before buying his own trucks and then moving into New Truck Sales. Enjoy a different perspective on the Transport Industry in this episode.
Chris Lyons of Lyons Transport Mittagong, was born and bred in the Southern Highlands area of NSW and was raised by a Father who did it incredibly tough carting Marble out of Wombeyan Caves. This very emotional interview about Chris's late Father shifts gears halfway through to one hilarious account of Chris's beginnings in transport through to his current tight knit operation. This is one that our sponsors will be proud of as this one-eyed Kenworth fan tells it how it is.
In this episode we sit down with Ian Pendered, from Pentrans Consulting. Ian, or "RiceEater" as he's known, has been predominant in the Australian Transport Industry for many reasons. After spending years of driving in various roles, including running his own transport business, a family tragedy pointed his life in a new direction which resulted in him delving into the world of transport justice where he has fought to change the industry for the better. Enjoy this blunt and raw interview as Rice...
Michael Kennedy shares his story of building the family business after his initial single truck purchase. As a NATROAD Board Member, Avid Historic Truck Restorer and old car enthusiast he has plenty to keep him busy. His views and opinions are strong when it comes to the industry today and stories from the road on how he got there are priceless. Brace yourselves for this one!!!!!!!
Geoff started his career in the mid 50's running interstate during the very tough early days with primitive equipment and a strong work ethic. It's easy to see where Bruce's enthusiasm comes from.
Sunny Warby is one of the Pioneers of the Highway, with a unique twist. In his early 20's he made a decision to invest in a brand new truck, a B Model Mack. His Father had to convince the Salesman that Sunny could pay it back before the deal was done. And he still owns the Mack today, making him the last surviving Original B Model owner in Australia. This is his story!!!
