John’s journal

Introduction

Sitting here at my computer I look back at my life. It amazes me that while we feel we haven’t achieved very much, suddenly starting from the very beginning brings so many memories, moments, places and experiences to the surface. Time has travelled so fast that we often cannot comprehend just what we have achieved until we place it on paper.

When we are born, we have no idea what challenges life is going to put forward to us. What I have learnt is that making choices creates new roads into manydifferent directions. Through these many roads of life our destiny unfolds.  Where it leads us, we don’t know until we get there. When we do, it’s only thenthat we realise we made the right or wrong choices for ourselves. It is then up to us to be strong, focused and smart enough to make proper changes.

The most precious thing about sharing a journal with you is also allowing me to share the many people I met along the way. It’s those people that have inspired me and taught me many skills throughout my life. I have always believed that through the people we meet, we all take a little bit of each other and that is what makes us the person we are.

Allow me to share my life story with you. Perhaps it will inspire you to think about your life and realise just how many roads you have travelled and the people you have met along the way. Share your knowledge and experience with others as I believe we all have a story, information and knowledge to share.

Early Years 

Born 
Friday 10th October 1969. in Victoria, Australia.

The moment I took my first breathe in life, my journey began. I have always had two very supportive parents and I think myself very fortunate. I understand there are people who have grown up with only one parent or perhaps with other guardians and their lives have been totally different to mine. However,  Ibelieve that your journal would be so very interesting to share and read about.

As a young boy up until the age of 5 years, I was the typical child wanting to experiment and discover life’s mysteries. My hands were always dirty, runny nose and clothes that needed washing every night, followed by a bath, bedtime only to start yet again another brand new day. Yes, there were many tomorrows to look forward to as I adventured through the beginning of life as a young boy.

The Age Deliveries

The first distant memories were when Dad was delivering The Age when I was about 3 in this truck. The photo was taken outside our house in 37 Pardy St Pascoe Vale. I only remember parts of this but we would leave early hours of the morining. Dad and my sister and I would pile in the truck and off we would go to deliver The Age some mornings. Apparently we would deliver The Age non stop so we could all be home early enough so Dad could have a quick coffee and head off too his day job. But while they on their rounds they would manage time to swap news papers for meat with the butchers and bread with the bakers who he became friends with along the rounds. This went on on for a year or so. But after a while Dad became busy with his daytime work. Then Dad started working more at APM which was Australian Paper Manufactures in Alphington. 

Then my family moved to Lara as Dads work would often finish in Geelong delivering shot blast materials to Fords engine plant in Geelong. During that time I attended a preschool in Lara. I then attended Lara Lakes primary school where I really enjoyed meeting up with children was great. I always got along with everyone and enjoyed sharing my things with other children. I was very lucky to have been given the opportunity of attending such a great school and I thoroughly enjoyed attending every single day. at this school for all my primary school days which i did enjoyed  We made the big move to 15 Smeaton Close Lara  We knew it would be a permanent home for a number of years until we finished our education. That home was always full of excitement, new ideas and heaps of friends calling in. At times there were so many friends that mum and dad had nowhere to sit but they were happy that we were home and they got to know our many friends. It was a happy home full of fun, laughter and so many happy memories where made there.

Growing up 

Secondary School 

  I moved to Geelong College for my secondary schooling. I alway took up as many sports as possible from football, cricket swimming and rowing. I really enjoyed school but really wanted to leave and pursue a career. I wanted to leave school and become a motor mechanic. 

I do remember these days as Dads truck was stuck in Little River truck stop for a week or two . I do know that Little River had more than 5 trucks in there. When you watch the video it says about 70 trucks which is more like it  

https://youtu.be/t26L6z-6CxI?si=66YKTa7tD_PL-PyO

https://youtu.be/2pyTZPRZoHo?si=KHjri5qQBxVAcGQJ

40 years ago #OnThisDay 4 April 1979, a truck  blockade pictured on the Hume Highway at Razorback Mountain in the Macarthur region.

NATIONWIDE TRUCK BLOCKADES CRIPPLE AUSTRALIA’S ROADS Nationwide truck blockades — First published in The Age on April 6, 1979.
⚠️Trucks tie up nation’s roads
⚠️Cities, towns under siege

More than 3000 truck drivers had major highways under siege at nearly 40 locations in four States last night.

The NSW drivers’ leader, Mr. Ted Stevens, said national highways were about to “close down”.

Blockades built up in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia after talks on the truckies’ grievances broke down in Sydney.

Drivers would block rail yards between Sydney and Melbourne to thwart attempts to get cargo through by rail, he said.

Two hundred truckies on Mount Razerback, south of Sydney, last night voted to block off haulage terminals in Sydney. The move would virtually city off all carrier traffic.

Private cars and emergency vehicles were being allowed through most blockades, but heavier transport vehicles were stopped.

Sydney, ringed by about 19 blockages, could suffer some food shortages by tomorrow.

Fruit, vegetables and dairy products were being dumped by drivers stopped at the NSW blockades.

The major protests in Victoria were at Horsham (125 trucks) and Murchison East (100 trucks). Smaller blockades built up at Melton (40), Kalkallo (40) and Little River (5).

Victorian police were watching the blockades all night and their instructions were to avoid confrontations. Reinforcements were being organized at Russell Street in case they were needed.

A muster at the Horsham roadblock decided at 11:30 last night to ban all transport – including essential services – until at least the morning.
The biggest TNT contractor in Australia, Bunker’s, took their entire fleet off the road yesterday evening and Shell Victoria tanker drivers went out in sympathy last night.

The number of blockades across the eastern States snowballed when news spread that a delegation of drivers had walked out of Sydney talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over road tax and other issues.

⚠️Trade throttled
In South Australia, 360 transport vehicles were being held up at three places on the Princes Highway east of Adelaide. Blockades were also set up at Mt Gambier and on the south and north-east approaches of Adelaide.

In Queensland, blockades were mounted on the Bruce, Cunningham and Newell highways.

Horsham drivers were on special lookout for two West Australian rigs – UIS-386 and UIS-387 – which crashed the barrier at Rockbank doing 80 kmh.

Earlier a “rebel” truck received minor damage as it passed through the Kalkallo blockades. A flare was thrown on the back of the truck, setting a load of empty boxes alight.

The biggest blockades in NSW were at Golbourn-Yass (600 trucks), West Wyalong (400), Razorback Mountain (200) and Boggabilla (400).
Cars were not being stopped, but interstate trade was throttled. Only medical supplies, livestock and compassionate cases were being allowed through.

The five NSW truckies’ delegates walked out of their meeting with the NSW Transport Minister, Mr. Cox, after objecting to the presence of two Transport Workers’ Union officials.

On Tuesday, TWU representatives dissociated themselves from the blockade, saying it would only harm their cause.

After the walkout, Mr. Stevens returned to Razorback and told his me: “We’ve done our bit. We’ve fronted up and they’ve shat on us. Now it is up to the Government.”

Mr. Cox will meet the NSW Premier, Mr. Wran, today to discuss the developing crisis.

Mr. Wran has refused to agree to abolish road tax.

On Wednesday, the Queensland Premier, Mr. Bjelke-Petersen, announced he was dropping the tax at a cost of $5 million.

⚠️Cheering as blockade list grows
Horsham – A cheer went up as 125 of the nation’s newest militants heard the latest, longest list of towns under siege.
It was larger than anyone expected: Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Mt. Barker, Keith, Melton, Murchison, Port Kembla, all the satellite towns of Sydney, Hay, West Wyalong, Boggabilla, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast

All towns that these trucking men had rolled through. But yesterday their rigs, worth millions, stood idle beside the Western Highway.

The drivers have united to voice their claims: abolish road tax, lift freight rates, fight fuel costs and save us from Government dictatorship.

Angry and impatient, the men vowed not to move until their demands were met.

Geelong West owner-driver Sandy Vass said: “The Government subsidises decentralised industries. Farmers get drought relief. Unions go on strike. Who does anything for us?”

Freight rates that drivers say are crippling constitute their biggest gripe.

“The State secretary of the Professional Transport Drivers’ Association, Mr. Don Carter, said: “The basic operating rate is 50.6 cent per kilometer to survive.

The operators are paid 37 to 40 cents per kilometer. That’s why overloading is occurring.”

Driver Mike Hardam, from Salisbury, South Australia, said the rates were inequitable.

“We get $28 a tonne from Melbourne to Adelaide; $15 from Adelaide to Melbourne; $50 from Melbourne to Brisbane and – would you believe it – down to $14 from Brisbane to Melbourne!”

Any drivers – there were two yesterday – who did not join the stoppage had their numbers taken.

Every trucker nodded when on said: “We won’t work with scabs that let us down now.”

Most of the men say they work 80 to 100 hours a week, get home from a cross-country haul, have to spend the day servicing their vehicles, several more hours balancing the books and are, in some instances, fined for parking their vehicles in front of their own houses.

[Photo courtesy Fairfax Archives

BMX

Around this time I took up BMX bike riding as I was given a new BMX bike for Christmas. Did I think I was the ultimate amongst my friends? The BMX was so very shiny and new and though I didn’t want to get it dirty I knew I had to test its capabilities on the track and dirt roads. What I eventually realised; it was the strength and speed of my legs and the feet on the pedals that mattered.

I would ride everywhere around Lara all weekends as I had little time during the week. I recall going on the train to Geelong with my mates. We would take our bikes and ride around along the main roads across the beach. The feeling of freedom and speed with the fresh air cooling our faces was so very invigorating.With the little money we had we would stop, have something to eat over serious conversations about our dreams with our bikes.

Eventually Lara started a BMX Club which was a dream come true right at the appropriate moment for all the keen races. The track really needed to be upgraded to support the speed, safety and not forgetting those thrill seekers to ride on. How, I remember the many weekends when Dad and I were up there helping build the track. It really brought the community together with kids and parents spending so many hours to make it the track for Champions.

Finally, the track was complete and weekend after weekend races were held and the energy of the kids, whether girls or boys were heightened.  It was fantastic I remember after the weekend races, I believe as the years went by the BMX track was demolished and it no longer exists. One thing that remained was the friendship with Kevin. To this day, we are still great mates.

Avalon Raceway

It was fantastic I remember after the Saturday races, Kevin my best mate and I would ride to Avalon Raceway. A ritual every Saturday night. At interval, they would set the track up for the push bike race for children. It was a handy capped race where they would put all the younger kids closer to the finishing line thinking they were make it fare. Unfortunately, many times they didn’t calculate the distance accurately for the young kids and we would win. Were we going to say anything? No way

After racing at Avalon Raceway in the freezing night air we would ride home and head straight for the Lara Pizza Shop. We got to know the owners well and even though they were closed, and getting ready for the next day, they would give us a pizza or we made our own. Being so active all day certainly did open our appetites at the end of the day. The smell of flour and the pizza cooking in that warm shop will always stay with me.

If we were running late and the pizza shop was closed the bakery would always be open. They enjoyed seeing us as they would allow us to do odd jobs and in return would give us the first batch of fresh bread for the next day. Going home and balancing the fresh bread while riding home was so very rewarding. 

My First Jobs

I was lucky to be offered 2 jobs during school holidays and Christmas Holidays. One was with Uncle Peter who mowed lawns and gardening and a small amount of handy man work. So I would some times stay with them and help him mow lawns and then fix mowers when required  but this became more of a regular occurrence. I really learned a lot when doing handyman work. Twice a year he would work at P&O Cold Storage in Coode Rd Footscray and we would have to sweep the roof of the building. Due to its location next to an abbotoir the birds would pick up the chicken bones take them to the roof and eat them then leave the bones. So we would sweep the whole roof top then shovel the bones down.  Hard work but good fun. 

The second job I would attempt was given to me by my Uncle Glen who was the manager of Colyer Watson Limited. The brief history about Colyer Watson Limited they were a New Zealand-based company involved in processing animal hides and tallow, among other things. It was registered in 1938 and later removed from the register in 1996. The company also operated as wool brokers and had a sheep skin store in Auckland. Colyer Fehr Group, which was established in 1976, includes Colyer Watson Ltd as one of its three founding shareholders, along with Wilcox Mofflin Ltd of Australia. Both companies process and export animal hides and skins.

Lowe Corporation is owned by Graeme Lowe Finance & Investments Limited and Graeme Lowe. It had its origins in Lowe Walker Limited, and was formed when that company sold its meat processing interests.
Colyer Mair is owned by Richina Pacific Limited. It was formed from an amalgamation of Colyer Watson Hides Limited and the activities of Mair Pelts Limited.

My job was to lift the cow hides out of a steel container stack on to a pallet and then would have put a handful of salt thrown on each piece and then spay salt water all over them. When the pallet was full I would find out its destination put a label on it then the forklift driver would take it away. So the process would start all over again. I can remember most of the hides were destined for BMW. I enjoyed this work the only downside was the smell. You would go home and have a shower but still smell the same. The clothes you wore could not be used for any other use. All the older workers would always look after me with help or food and drinks. I always looked forward to our lunch breaks. 🤣

Motorbikes 

I decided to save all my Birthday money and work during the school holidays with my Uncles and save up for a motorbike and few more interest I wanted to take up.

I made a decision to work hard during the school holidays with my Uncles and save all my Birthday money. My heart was set on moving forward and my goal was set to buy my first motorbike.  My mind was just buzzing with so many other interests I had, but my goal was to buy my first motorbike.

Finally the day came and I had my money and I became the proud owner of a Honda  SL100. This motor bike was my pride and joy and I just couldn’t believe after all the work it was mine.

Dad would take me down to Avalon Beach or sometimes next to Geelong Go Kart Club for me to ride it around. On occa I would go up to my Uncle Mikes farm at Lexton and ride around there. To hear the sound of the motor roaring as I took off with such great speed and force at the time just blew my mind. For a young kid the adrenaline was pumping throughout my body and I thought I was going to be the next Evel Knievel riding those ramps and doing stunts.

Motorbikes

Enjoying all the speed, thrills and speed I decided to sell the Honda SL100 as I had brought a Honda CR80R. As time passed and I was able to obtain my riders license I decided to buy a Yamaha TT250, which I still have to this day. Adding to my collection I also purchased a Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. The jewel in the crown.

Dune Buggy 

Dad and I were always talking about we would build a Dune Buggie from scratch but I found a VW powered one already built for sale. I do remember the fuel tank was up on top of the motor and would run the fuel into the sump after a few month. So I would need to drain the fuel and oil out of the sump and fill it with oil before I could start it. The front tyres were always filled with water to help it steer better as you would accelerate hard and the boggy would go straight. Dad and I would terrorise the bush all day long together but go near mud or water I would stop and he would get out. Still don’t know why?

Go Kart

Me as I am always looking for more machinery to buy. I was looking over the fence of the neighbours house to find this dirt go kart in the long grass. I brought it and realised it had a 650cc 2 cylinder motorbike motor and 5 speed gearbox ( Very Fast ). We got it running and the first day out it caught fire whilst Dad was driving. He was going at speed so he didn’t realise till the engine stopped. The fuel tank was on top and we had nothing to put flames out so it never ran again. 

The Lara Floods  

I can remember our house nearly flooded with 2 flood events. One time I can remember waking up in the early hours and Dad had alread gone with his truck to load up sand bags at the Lara CFA. He worked all day delivering loading and unloading of sand bags as they were required the around town. For the first time in my life I used my row boat in our street. 

The Lara township experiences frequent and significant flood events. The relatively flat terrain makes the area susceptible to widespread, shallow stormwater flooding. Being positioned on the banks of Hovells Creek, the township is also at risk of riverine flooding.

Significant flood events impacting parts of the Lara community were recorded in 1933, 1973, 1983, 1988, 1995, 2005 and 2010. Localised flooding has also impacted individual properties during this time.

My First Car

This is me rarely washing my car and my shirt hanging out. 

Working

When I finished my full time course I applied for a job at New Oakliegh Motors which I enjoyed. I started off at Notting Hill Workshop at 243 Ferntree Gully Rd before they moved all together in Lever St Oakliegh. I was a new car cleaner at the start and moved through till at the end was booking in new car trucks fitting gas to cars and accessories fitting and cleaning of all the trucks from Hallam Truck Centre. I really gained a lot of experience at this job and was enjoyable. I left there after 2 years and started at Glenn Ford at 780 Burwood Hwy Ferntree Gully. I was a new car cleaner and  accessory fitter most of the time then pick up and drop off customers in the courtesy bus. I found myself very bored in this job. 

Working 

I  began looking and found a full time owners drivers job at AA Swallows working out of their depot in Keysborough. We brought this 2219 Mercedes Benz truck for the job and delivered chipboard and accessories to cabinet makers. I would deliver mostly bulk loads to their bigger customers and then to their smaller branches as they had a few smaller trucks. I really enjoyed this job and about 4 years later we were put off. I worked for many board suppliers Wesfi, Panelveneer, Amerind and Allboard Industries. 

Owner Driver 

When we sold the 2219 Benz truck and I brought a Hino Tautliner truck when I scored a job for pick ups only for Glenn Cameron’s Transport working for V/Line country. I brought the truck as a tray truck and made it in to a Tautliner as you can see. I would pick up all day around Campbellfield and Tullamarine then unload at the V/Line depot in the city. This job was quite good the only part I did not like I would start around 9:00 and would not finish at the rail yard in the city till about 6:00 7:00 every night. I did enjoy the work but did not like the hours as I was always used to leaving early morning so this job always seemed to drag on. So I then found out tha Amerind Forest Products had a full time position Available. So I Worked for Amerind Forest Products in Dandenong delivering timber products as required in the Tautliner truck. They wanted me to buy a larger truck to use so I purchased a FL7 Volvo tray truck. After a short period of time they had a lot of hand unload so they wanted to try using a crane truck for the larger hand unload deliveries. They were looking to save time and money. They found this difficult to manage the runs as the transport coordinator could not deal with the customers asking for a certain truck. So I left and started working for Powerful Crane Trucks.

Crane Trucks 

I thought I would have a try at the crane truck industry.  This was a really rewarding job as I learned a lot about change and transport. 

Story: First Truck, First Big Dream

I remember that day like yesterday, even now many years gone. I was standing in the small yard in Footscray, looking at that truck. She was not new, not shiny, but to me, she looked like a bright golden ticket. White cabin, bit of rust on door, old diesel smell strong like coffee in the morning around her.

The sales man said, “Mate, she runs well, bit rough but a strong engine. She pulls loads, not a problem.” I looked at him, I looked at the truck and my heart was beating with excitement. I never owned a big truck before, only a small ute.  But now, I wanted to be an owner driver. I was my own boss. No more waiting for someone tell me when to work, how to do my job. Just me.

I signed the papers with a shaky hand. Keys cold in the palm of my hand. They felt heavy like they carried the whole world. I sat in the cab for the first time. Seat ripped on one side, steering wheel shiny smooth from many hands before mine. I turned the key, engine coughed, then roared. Smoke puffed out so black you couldn’t see the back view in my rear vision mirror. To me, the engine sounded like a beautiful piece of music. I said to myself, “This is my new beginning. This truck will lead me tomy new future.”

My very first job came up very quickly. Old timber yard in Sunshine needed a delivery to a big site in Richmond. I drove very early the next morning. I recall the sky was still dark and Melbourne’s weather was so very cold and wet. I climbed intothe truck feeling very nervous like my first day at school. Timber was stacked high onthe tray and I tied down the straps so tight until my arms were so very sore. I checked the pack over again and again, worried it would fall off or, police would stop me and check the load.

Driving on the road with a big truck felt very different when you carry a heavy load. The truck drove so slowly up the hill, brakes squealing going down the hill.  Every corner felt like it was testing my courage and experience. Cars behind me would honk their horns if I was not going the speed they wanted me to, but I didn’tcare, I just wanted to keep the timber safe. Radio played my favourite music. I half listened and half prayed in my head.

When I finally reached the city the traffic was crazy. Trams dinging their bells.  Cars cutting in front of me and the constant rain made the road so shiny and slipperyand difficult to see the road lines.  My hands gripped that steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white and they hurt. I talked to the truck like she was my best friend, “Come on girl, we can do this, just one more turn, just one more street.” Finally in the distance I can see the site. Workers wave me in. It was a big muddy ground with pot holes and machines everywhere.

I reversed the truck slowly, scared I would hit something. One worker shouting out, “Come on back, back, back… stop!” My heart was pounding and the adrenaline was pumping through my body. I finally did it. They unload the timber with a forklift, and when the last pack was unloaded I felt so proud. One job done, and many more to come.

Being an owner driver is not easy. Some weeks I have many jobs booked in. One the other hand there are weeks I wait for the phone to ring. The truck needs fuel,tyres need to be replaced, constant services and maintenance. Always something costing money. One time the radiator overheated and burst on the West Gate Bridge. Steam was blowing out from under the bonnet and cars beeping to move out. I sat on the side of the road shaking my head thinking, maybe I made a mistake thinking I could be a truck driver. Finally the tow truck arrives and I feel relieved. When I received the bill, I almost cried.

However, I have now learned that this is a normal life for a truckie.  I just need to fix the truck and just get back on the road. Once I am behind that wheel I feel alive again. Delivering timber around Melbourne has shown me the many beautiful places in the city and what every suburb – north, south, east, west holds with different cultures living there. I have learned every back street, every yard, every site with grumpy foremen and every café where truckies stop for a pie and coffee.

Some mornings the sun rises over the Yarra as it’s razes hits the city buildingslike gold. Now when I drive with a big load of timber and think, This is my life now. Hard, yes, but free. No boss yelling. Just me, my truck, and the road.

Part Two – Life on the Road

After the first few months driving the truck, I started to gain the confidence andknowing who to call for timber jobs. Some small sawmill in Thomastown, some yard in Dandenong, some builder mob in Werribee. They call, they say, “Cliff, can you move this load, quick and cheap?” I always say yes. Sometimes the price may be too low, but I need the work to build my business up. I think to myself, small jobs will increase to bigger jobs eventually.

I wake up at 4am many days. It is still very dark outside. My wife is still sleeping soundly, kids are tucked in bed and the house is so very quiet. I put on my work boots, grab the thermos with hot coffee and walk outside where the truck is waiting for another days work.

The cold morning has covered the truck with frost. I start the engine and it grumbles like an old dog, but at least she starts. I sit there with my coffee in hand waiting for the engine to warm in the cold air, and I feel like a real truckie.

The roads at that hour are empty. Just me and other truckies heading for their  destinations, and ready to pick up their loads. We nod at each other, a little wave like a secret club member. I am a quick learner as many other truckies share their knowledge and experience. One night on Princes Highway I heard a big bang like a gun shot. My tyre blew out. I pulled over and checked the tyre and realised I had no spare big enough. Another truckie stopped behind me. A very big bloke jumped out and said,  “You alright mate?” A total stranger and he helped me change the tyre. This guy was so generous and lent me his tyre and jack and did not ask for money. He just patted me on the back, “We’ve all been there mate. No worries” From that night, I realised that truckies are one big family.

Delivering timber is not a glamorous job. Heavy lifting, mud, dust and splinters in your hands. Some yards stink of diesel or the smell of wet, mouldy wood. Some sites are so small and have no space at, I reverse my truck in their yard inch by inch, sweat running down my back. Builders yelling out, “hurry up mate”, but I don’t rush. One wrong move, and that timber pack falls then someone can get hurt badly. Finally,I’ve unloaded and I’m finished.

Money and finances are getting tougher. I get cheques and sometimes they bounce. I chase up the company boss for payment, he says next week, next week. That next week never comes. My bills keep piling and up, and so does fuel prices. One day I remember sitting in the truck counting every coin I had to buy diesel. I felt anxious and worried. How on earth am I going to make it through this week. But then, the mobile rings and a voice says ”I have a new job for you. Can you do it”. The excitement comes back again and I am ready for a new adventure. Life is like a rollercoaster. Sometimes you are up and sometimes you are down. But, that’s life I guess.

But there are times when there is excitement in what I do. Some jobs take me to places I have never been before. Yarra Valley in winter, the fog sits low like a white blanket over the tree tops, I drive cautiously with headlights cutting through the white mist.

I recall once I had a delivery to the Great Ocean Road to deliver timber to a site near Lorne. I stopped the truck on the edge of a cliff looking at the ocean below. Huge waves crashing, salty wind blowing strongly and I thought to myself, trucking has brought me here. Without this truck and job I would never see this beauty. 

I have met so many different people. Some rough, some kind, some funny and many cultures and generations. I recall one old Italian man at a timber yard would always give me a sandwich when I delivered there. He would always say, “Eat, eat, you are too skinny.” A young apprentice on site looked at my truck and said, “One daywill I will buy a truck just like yours.” I laughed, and said to him, “Be ready, mate.  Trucks eat your money faster than you earn it.” But deep down, I think how proud I am that this young man admires me.

Truck works so hard and it breaks down constantly. Gearbox once got stuck in second gear. I had to drive the truck across town so slowly at a snail’s pace. Once, the exhaust fell off on Bell Street in Preston. Sparks were flying everywhere as it dragged along the road. I panicked that day. But each time I fixed the truck, she became a great part of me. She became my problem, my pride and joy, my headache, my home.

My wife is often angry as she complains that I am never home, the kids miss me and money is always tight as the truck always needs repair. I try to explain to her that this truck has always been my dream. I want to build something bigger, better just for us, not for someone else. She sighs, shakes her head, and still packs my lunch every morning with care and love. Without her, I would not survive.

As time goes by I slowly learn more tricks and gain so much experience and confidence. I’ve learnt how to strap timber so it does not move on bumpy roads. How to find the cheapest diesel stations. Which site pays quickly and which site wastes your time. I’ve learnt to manoeuvre around Melbourne and know it like the back of my hand taking shortcuts through backstreets etc. I’m an expert in finding the best way to avoid traffic hazards and when to cross the West Gate before it jams up. I feel like a king in my own little world, driving this big beast through the city.

One day, after a long delivery run, I parked the truck at home, sat on the front step with a beer in hand. Kids climbing into the cabin of the truck, pretending to drive, honking the horn, laughing out loud. As I look at them, I look at the truck, I think to myself, perhaps I may not be rich, maybe life is difficult, but I am proud. My first truck, first step and the road is mine. 

Part Three – Trouble on the Road

Not all days are good. Some days I feel the roads are against me like an enemy. I remember one time there was heavy rain on a Friday evening. The end of the week and the traffic was just crazy. I had a load of timber strapped high, and I was coming down from Greensborough towards the city. The rain was so hard against the windscreen and the wipers were just useless as the water was running all over the truck.  Water levels on the road reached high like a river. Cars splashing and spraying water over passing cars. A sea of red brake lights reflected on the water everywhere. I tried driving slowly, but the truck was so very heavy. Brakes were squealing and the steering felt light like a speed boat on a river.

Then the car in front slammed the brakes. I stomped so very had on the brake pedal that the truck slid sideways. My heart stopped that day. As the timber shifted, I heard the straps stretching and groaning. For one second I thought this is it. The loadis going to fall off and end on top of the car behind me. Somehow, the truck straightenup, the entire timber pack remained on the tray and I just missed the bumper of the front car by inches. My hands were shaking and the sweat on my body was cold. When I finally reached my destination, I sat in the cab for a long while before I could even move. That night I confessed to my wife, “Almost killed someone today.” She hugged me tight but I could tell by her eyes that she was worried for me. I felt she thought that one day my luck might just run out.

Another time in Docklands, when it was still messy with building sites, I tried reversing into a narrow laneway where at the end was a forklift waiting to unload me. Behind me was a young bloke in a ute blasting his horn. He was not patient at all and this made me angry as I had to be cautious. I waved to him and said, “Can you just wait, mate!” but he kept on screaming. Stress was boiling inside me. I jumped out, walked up to him, “If you think you can do my job quicker, then take the truck and do it yourself. Go ahead!” He coiled back into his seat and just kept quiet. As he drove off I could hear him swearing. The forklift driver laughed so hard, “You truckies always have a fire in your belly.  I know it wasn’t funny but he certainly went quiet quickly”. My nerves were raw that day. One wrong move in that tight laneway and I could have easily smashed into a wall or crushed a car.

Then there was the fight with a builder in Brunswick. He accused me of being late and said he was not paying the full quoted price. ” I explained that the traffic was bad. I said look I’m here now, let me unload the timber and I’ll be on my way. He began swearing at me and then tried to push me. I grabbed the strap bar ready to take a swing. But another worker pulled him back saying, “Leave it, mate. The traffic at this time of the day caused him to be late. It’s not his fault and he could not get here any sooner”. Later, he sent me only half the money that was due to me. I drove home furious, and felt so very low. I punched the steering wheel so had until my hands began to bleed. That night I thought to myself that perhaps I am not cut out for this type of work. May be I need to go back to a wage job where I get paid every week and my weekends are free for the family. But, my pride stops me from thinking this way. This was just one crazy man with a short fuse and a very bad attitude. Thinking about it for a while I realised, I don’t want to go back working for a boss. I want to be my own boss making my own destination.

Truck breakdowns always seem to come at the wrong time. Once on the Monash Freeway during peak hour the truck started coughing and before I knew it, it decided to die in the middle lane. There I was, in the middle lane and not being able to move at all. Cars were honking their horns, people yelling abuse out of their windows. What could I do?

I tried starting it again and again but nothing. I sat inside with sweat pouring all over my body and felt helpless and a shame. The tow truck took two hours to arrive and itcost me almost a whole weeks pay. The job had to be cancelled and the customer wasangry as he needed the load that day. I sat at home that night with a beer in hand, staring at the floor and thinking, “Why did I ever buy this bloody truck. She has ruined me, my family and putting pressure on my life. But, the very next morning I wake up and fix what I can and get straight back behind the wheel. Once again, the road calls my name and I am addicted to it.

There are some very funny moments as well. Like the time I tied the load very loose and I could see in my revision mirror that the timber started sliding over the sides when I turned corners. I panicked and pulled over quickly. This wonderful old truckie behind stopped too. He looked at me and just shook his head. Mate he said, that load is dancing on the back like a kangaroo. You’re lucky you didn’t kill someone. Then he slowly demonstrated how to secure the load safely and correctly with those thick, leathery hands. How to cross straps securely and how to wedge timber packs tightly. He laughed at the end and said, “You’re a rookie alright, but you learn fast.” I thanked him, and from then on, I strapped that load like a pro.

Another time, I had a delivery in Fitzroy in a small, tight street. Cars parked on both sides, barely space for a truck to go through. I squeezed through slowly and I unfortunately scraped my mirrors on the fence. Sparks were flying everywhere. People come out, shouting, waving their arms trying to make me stop. I just grinned and said “Sorry folks but this timber load has to go through.” One old lady yelling out at me, “Bloody trucks ruin our street!” I wave to her and blow her a kiss and I said, “Love you too, darling!” the whole site just laughed as they could see the predicament I was going through. Every time I called to deliver at that site, the boys always laughed as they tell others that story.

I recall another time when nature nearly caused me a horrific accident one night on the West Gate Bridge. I was carrying long beams and the wind was so strong like a tornado and the truck was swaying left and right. I gripped the steering wheel so tightmy knuckles turned white. I truly thought this truck is going to fly. As the beams were sticking out the back, somehow the wind was catching  them and making the whole truck shudder. For a second I had a vision of my truck toppling over the edge with me and the timber falling into the Yarra. But I decided to crawl across slowly, heart pounding fast and the sound of the wind outside like a freight train approaching. When I reached the other side, I stopped as my hands were numb and I had to catch my breath. That night I slept very little as I had night mares of me in the truck fully loaded falling off the bridge.

Every close call teaches me many things about myself. I know how to respectthe load and be sensible. Respect weather conditions and how will it affect my load for me and others on the road driving to their destinations. Trucks don’t have a mind of their own. It is up to us to make those vital decisions.  Just one strap not secured correctly, one moment not looking, and you are finished. Your life and the lives of others can be changed forever. Many blokes I know quit after one bad scare. But me?Maybe I am stubborn, maybe stupid, but each drama makes me tougher.

Motorbike 

David a friend lost his license and needed to sell this bike quick So I bought it. It was the fastest and one of the best bikes I had ever ridden. 

The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is a sports-touring motorcycle produced by Honda from 1996 to 2007. It was designed to be the fastest production motorcycle of its time, capable of reaching speeds up to 177 mph (285 km/h).The Blackbird is known for its powerful 1137cc inline-four engine, comfortable riding position, and smooth, refined performance.    Key Features:

• Engine: 1137cc liquid-cooled inline-four cylinder, producing 164 horsepower and 126 Nm of torque. • Transmission: Six-speed gearbox. • Top Speed: 177 mph (285 km/h). • Braking System: Combined braking system with three-piston calipers. • Suspension: Conventional front forks and a rear shock with rebound adjustment. • Riding Position: Comfortable, slightly forward-leaning position suitable for long-distance touring. • Fuel Capacity: 23-liter fuel tank.   

Strengths:

• Performance: The Blackbird offers a strong and smooth power delivery, especially in the higher RPM range.    • Comfort: Its comfortable riding position and plush seat make it ideal for long-distance riding.    • Refinement: The engine is known for its smoothness and the gearbox is known for its slick and positive shifts.    • Handling: The bike is agile and stable through corners, offering a confident riding experience.    • Build Quality: The Blackbird is renowned for its high build quality and reliability.   

Weaknesses:

• Fuel Consumption: The 23-liter tank can empty quickly when riding at higher speeds.    • Combined Braking System:Some riders find the combined braking system demanding, particularly during aggressive braking.    • Heat: The Blackbird can get hot in stop-and-go traffic.    • Handling (in some situations):Some riders report that the bike can feel unstable in mid-corner or when leaned over, possibly due to suspension or lowered setups.   

Overall: The Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird is a highly capable sports-touring motorcycle that combines thrilling performance with long-distance comfort. It is a classic motorcycle that is still popular among riders today, especially those who appreciate its smooth power delivery, comfortable riding position, and reliable performance. 

Jetski 

I bought a jet ski to go out during summer with a few guys who also own jet skis that I work with. Kathryn and Lachie and I took both ours skis out on a lovely summersSunday. This is when Kathryn and I spotted Dolphins out in Port Phillip Bay swimming beside us.

Conclusion 

My favourite saying is 

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Through the years I have learned many things. The one that stands out by far comes from the show Field Of Dreams (1989 ). 

“If You Build It, They Will Come ”