Copy Southbound Podcast

After Murray contacted Bruce about some Kenworth Klassic information, a lengthy discussion resulted in him being invited onto the show. Murray has had an extensive career in road transport including being a company driver, Coach Captain and then owner driver. What appealed to us was the humble nature of this passionate truckie especially his selfless dedication to assist people struggling with life in our industry. It was our absolute pleasure to record this and share it with you all. Grab your Sydney TruckFest tickets here www.sydneytruckfest.com.au 

After working for a couple of well known and respected transport operators, Alina Hawkins met her future husband Kane and started a transition into livestock cartage and road train driving. The two of them ran two-up for quite a few years before expanding the company and running a number of trucks which saw Alina expertly piloting one following her expert tuition. In 2016 she received the LRTAV Outstanding Industry Contribution Award and her ability to research, consult and communicate to rural trucking and Government following years of industry experience resulted in her appointment as COO of the LRTAV. An amazing asset to road transport and a very insightful podcast.

Copy Southbound has opened doors that we never imagined, but by far, the greatest gift has been the amazing people we’ve come to connect with. One amazing man was Barry Grimson, who became a great mate to Bruce and I, and as we soon discovered, was admired by all who knew him. His passing last week following a long battle with cancer cut deep and as tributes flowed across social media, the values and pride Sleepy had in the transport industry resonated with every heartfelt comment. As a small tribute to Barry, we decided to go back and have another listen to the interview that was recorded back in 2021. This special episode of Copy Southbound is dedicated to mateship, pride, dedication, survival and honour, all attributes that Sleepy fought for to keep the industry alive as he knew it. Rest easy Good Buddy and thank you for making what we do so worthwhile, we’ll miss you.

After fearing we’d be banned after Episode Number 1, we are bold enough to poke the bear yet again by bringing Bernie Learson back for Round 2!! In all seriousness, Bernie swallowed his pride and took a risk  for us and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 100 episodes than listening to him for another few hours to see what the last 4 years have held for him. It’s hard to put into words just how humbled we are with the continual messages of praise, wisdom, suggestions and admiration for Copy Southbound. On behalf of Bruce, and myself, thank you to all of our listeners, sponsors, BANGERZ Members, interviewees and partners in being part of our community. And a special thanks to Meg Becker and our ever loving families for encouraging and believing in us.  BECOME A BANGERZ MEMBER www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Paul and Jenny Fellows reside in Deniliquin where they own and operate Fellows Bulk Transport. Not only are these two as genuine as they come, they have also made some amazing contributions to the transport industry and the community in regards to safety, education and promotion of road transport. Along with that, Paul is also the Chair of Natroad, Chair of Trucksafe and recipient of the John Kelly Memorial Award and was also Mayor of Edward River Council. And Jenny recently won the coveted Trucking Industry Woman of the Year. Above and beyond is an understatement. WIN THE MIDLAND BAR BIG BANGERZ GIVEAWAY | Copy Southbound

Continuing on Bruce’s Riveria trip, he caught up with Bernie Hayllar from Narrandera to get the story of long term company Hayllar Transport. A fair dinkum transport operation, Hayllar’s were well known in country NSW as well as up to Darwin where they operated road trains for many years. Bernie took the company over from his father following a unique sidestep out of the family business working in truck sales where he delivered some iconic mid 80’s show stoppers before returning to run this iconic operation where he still is to this day. Some great history here.

Bruce has been great mates with Dave Willis of Mangoplah for many years and often comments on his amazing knowledge of all things Mack in Australia. The chance to interview Dave ended up even better than expected when his father Matt and brother Andy joined the interview for a great insight into their family history. It’s obvious that Dave had no hope in his upbringing after hearing how Matt and Andy brainwashed him but he’s used it for eternal good in his knowledge of some of our early transport history. BANGERZ CLUB > Join the Club | Copy Southbound

We are fortunate to have an overwhelming band of supporters and followers with Copy Southbound but none fly the flag for us quite like Mike Minogue of Coolamon near Wagga in NSW. Like so many, Mike has a story that stems back to his childhood where a physical setback didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream. He drove for many years and we are fortunate to call him a friend of the podcast and a true mate of ours. You’re an inspiration Mike and a true Cowboy of the Transport Industry, sincerely in its truest form.

JOIN THE BANGERZ CLUB - Join the Crew | Copy Southbound  We’ve always loved the Muscat fleet of Kenworth’s with Bruce regularly boring me with the same old details of each of the 900 Legend’s – once is enough mate, I get it! Anyway, he asked the boys how they felt about an interview and although incredibly humble, they agreed, and with their Dad Tony in the background correcting the conversation from time to time, they told the story of their mentors and inspirations behind one of the most elegant fleets gracing the Eastern Seaboard. This was also the start of an eight day road trip into the Riverina and then country Victoria where we captured some terrific stories to share over the next few months.

We’ve always loved the Muscat fleet of Kenworth’s with Bruce regularly boring me with the same old details of each of the 900 Legend’s – once is enough mate, I get it! Anyway, he asked the boys how they felt about an interview and although incredibly humble, they agreed, and with their Dad Tony in the background correcting the conversation from time to time, they told the story of their mentors and inspirations behind one of the most elegant fleets gracing the Eastern Seaboard. This was also the start of an eight day road trip into the Riverina and then country Victoria where we captured some terrific stories to share over the next few months.

We attempted to interview Dennis over a year ago thanks to a recommendation from our mate Glenn Reedman. Unfortunately, Dennis took ill in the middle of recording and it’s taken this long to finally get back there and capture this unique person’s story. From driving trucks to rolling them over (on purpose), this very dry and humorous bloke still had us laughing as he recounted how he stumbled into the film industry and ended up as an icon to all who know him.

Following many years as a driver and then a long stint in Management, Les Tucker teamed up with Colin Walters to form Success Freightlines in Geelong. They operated Australia wide before his retirement and Les was kind enough to sit with us to discuss his history and career that spanned over 6 decades. We must thank Adam ‘Lefty’ Hotchin for his introduction to Les along with his incredible photo history that helped pull this story together.

Bruce has been mates with Rob Woolley for close to 30 years and refers to him as a “font of knowledge” due to his unmistakeable eye for detail with all things transport related. He’s been waiting for a long time to corner Rob for a podcast and finally the starts aligned and they managed to sit for a marathon effort and record the history of S.C Woolley Haulage. Bruce definitely retains a lot of information on transport but credits Rob with filling in the blanks.  BANGERZ Club Join the Crew | Copy Southbound

Every now and then we are contacted by someone with a story that is so moving that we act on it as soon as we can. This was one of those phone calls. Brett Harder owns a neat transport fleet on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and called Bruce to share his story. A passionate truck enthusiast which is obvious by the quality and presentation of his fleet yet this is about his early signs and sudden diagnosis of a terminal illness. We always say that life is short but it’s easy to get complacent, so Brett’s willingness to share his current situation was embraced to remind us how lucky we are. Please note that there are some sound issues again as Brett was a bit quiet at times but this doesn’t overshadow this remarkable man. Thankyou Brett, it was an absolute pleasure. JOIN THE MEMBERS GROUP www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Doyley is a man known by many following well over 50 years behind the wheel. We got out to Trangie to finally interview Doyley and hear of his love of trucks, the industry and what it is that keeps him going as a driver in his mid-80’s. He was part of the legendary Grey Ghost crew and a good mate of Gary Darlington who recently passed away. We’d like to thank Graham for his hospitality, honesty and relentless sense of humour.

Any truck enthusiast will be familiar with the legendary Freds of Shepparton fleet that grace our highways. With some customised and very individual designs, I think that most people would be proud to steer one. But with our recent catch up with Danny Borg, son of founder Fred Borg, we learnt about the non-traditional start to the company and a foundation that has ensured that Freds will be here to stay for a long time yet. Become a member Join the Crew | Copy Southbound

Bruce has known Brian Taylor through historic truck runs for many years and finally got to Yerong Creek in the NSW Riverina District to record the family history. Brian was joined by his father Geoff as the two of them recalled the early days of Taylor Brothers Transport and the trials that are faced by operators on a daily basis. Brian is still peddling up and down the highway and when he’s not reliving the early days in his original, unrestored, one family owned Cummins powered International and McGrath trailer. 

Pattens Transport had humble beginnings in 1938 as the family moved into trucking following a career in farming. The company steadily grew thanks to the local cannery along with a contract with Ricegrowers which lasted for almost 50 years. This resulted in the end of the transport business but in their wake the Patten family left a legacy in the Leeton district that will remain for many years to come. Bruce caught up with Jack and his son Steve in Leeton to record the history of this well-known transport company.

With many changes in transport we figured it was time to approach the NHVR for another interview and they happily obliged. Bruce and I see a lot of things happen in the industry and get asked many questions. The ramping up of things such as Enforceable Undertakings, Supervisory Intervention Orders and Prosecutions had us wanting to clear up a few stigmas surrounding them all. We were joined by outgoing Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes along with recently appointed Director of Investigations Emma Watson to discuss various ways in which companies could prepare themselves in the event of an incident.

Bruce had a chance meeting with Evan Jones while recording up around the Toowoomba area and was so taken with his humour, memory and knowledge of the industry that he approached him for an interview before heading back to Sydney. Evan is now a publican in a little town called Nobby, between Warwick and Toowoomba. Evan kept saying to Bruce “I know you from somewhere” and true to his word, Bruce remembered him once he saw his truck. Hopeless. Evan has been around and shared some great stories of trucks, transport and the fact that even in his mid-70’s, he can’t get away from them and is still running a 904 Kenworth incase he’s wanted for that “odd job”. What a terrific way for us to finish our road trip in the area. GRAB YOUR TICKETS TODAY www.sydneytruckfest.com.au