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AMA Collision expands into Bundaberg

AMA Collision will open its newest site in Bundaberg, as part of its commitment to support drivers in regional Queensland.

It’s the first site that AMA Collision has opened in a new regional market since 2020.

The Bundaberg facility has been fitted out to meet AMA’s national repair standards, featuring a 1586 square metre building and 1724 square metre hardstand and parking.

Once fully operational, the site will manage 30+ repair allocations per week and support a team of up to 20 local professionals, with 14 already in place.

“We’re excited to bring the AMA Collision standard of service to Bundaberg,” said Stuart Faid, Executive General Manager, AMA Collision.

“This site represents our first entry into a new regional centre, and it’s a key milestone in extending our national footprint.”

“In regional areas, access to trusted repairs isn’t just about convenience – it’s about keeping people moving,” he added.

“We’re proud to offer Bundaberg drivers a reliable, high-quality option backed by national systems, local people and genuine care.”

The Bundaberg site has been fitted out to deliver high-quality repairs for all vehicle types, including EVs, operating to AMA Collision’s national repair standards using OEM-compliant methods and industry-leading equipment.

AMA Collision Bundaberg is expected to create up to 20 new jobs, supporting the local economy with roles across repair trades, customer service, and site operations. In addition to hiring locally, AMA is committed to engaging Bundaberg-based suppliers and contractors for mechanical services, electrical works, towing and more.

“We’re not just opening a site – we’re investing in the community,” said Faid. “We’re building long-term partnerships with local businesses and giving Bundaberg drivers a repairer they can rely on.”

AMA Collision Bundaberg joins a growing national network of over 55 locations, backed by AMA Group – Australia and New Zealand’s largest collision repair group.

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Richers Transport celebrates 90 years

In the past 90 years, Richers Transport has certainly come a long way.

Started from humble beginnings in 1935 by Walter Richers – after he was given a Ford Model T in lieu of wages owed to him – the company now operates a modern fleet of over 100 trucks, predominantly Macks.

In 1935, Walter had been working for an ice vendor, delivering ice to homes in Maryborough. When the ice vendor ran into financial difficulty, Walter was given the Ford Model T.

His ice deliveries were carried out in the early hours of the morning so the truck was free for much of the day. Walter looked for other work with his truck – and that marked the beginning of Richers transport.

One of the company’s Mack Anthems. Image: Ruchers Transport

Still based in Maryborough to this day, Richers Transport runs across the eastern seaboard, delivering everything from particle board and timber to alcohol, groceries and general freight.

The business operates across seven sites in south east Queensland and employs over 200 people. Its fleet travel approximately 14 million kilometres each year.

Richers Transport is still family owned and operated, with Graham Richers representing the second generation, as he remains at the helm as managing director. There are also third generation family members working at the company too.

Commenting on its 90 year celebration, Richers Transport said, “It has been quite a journey, only made possible by the support of many dedicated people.

“As we mark this milestone, we sincerely thank all those who have contributed to the company’s success. Here’s to another 90!”

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 Industry News

Veteran driver enjoying the role

With over 40 years on the road, 65-year-old Paul Smallman says working at Truck Moves Australia is a perfect fit.

Paul spent decades working in the bus industry, starting when he was just 16.

He got into driving from an early age, securing his heavy vehicle licence by the age of 21.

Paul has worked with the company for 17 years. Image: Truck Moves Australia

“After I finished in the bus industry, working at Truck Moves Australia had always been something I wanted to do as I was getting towards the end of my working life,” Paul said, adding he’s now been with the company for 17 years.

Based at Wetherill Park in Sydney, Paul started with Truck Moves Australia in 2008 – spending nine years as an interstate driver, before eventually transitioning into local work to be closer to home.

Paul says he was originally lured to the business by the variety of work on offer and the opportunity to drive all sorts of a new vehicles on a daily basis.

“And it’s fairly easy work, without too much stress,” he said.

“On a daily basis, I could travel anywhere as far as Dubbo, north to Coffs Harbour, over to Canberra or Bega on the south coast.”

The role predominantly involves pick-ups and deliveries of new vehicles, directly from the wharf, as well as shuttle driving.

At Truck Moves Australia, drivers are also paid for every hour they work, including travel time and overtime – not just the kilometres they drive.

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 Industry News

#PicOfTheDay – Paul OD

From Bowen to Brisbane, doing “market things”.

We’ll choose a pic to appear in our Facebook cover slot, and will publish some of the best pics in our upcoming print edition of Big Rigs where you now also have a chance to win a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.

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Small fleet of trucks come out to play

Auswide Landscape Solutions was founded in Melbourne in 2020 by business partners Tony Muscara and Jason Mawer; after they found saw a unique opportunity to combine their backgrounds in landscaping, construction, and facilities management. ​

Supported by a fleet of Isuzu tippers, the company has transformed outdoor playground design and installation into a well-oiled machine – adding some artistic flair along the way.

Auswide Landscape Solutions co-director Tony Muscara. Image: Isuzu

“Our focus is concentrated on providing landscaping and playgrounds for the childcare industry,” said Tony. ​

“Auswide staff deliver our products, install the play equipment, and then our landscapers finish off the job, giving us quality control from start to finish.” ​

Auswide manufactures its own equipment in-house and sees the project through to completion.

This means the business maintains stringent quality control and minimises material waste, embodying a lean and efficient model that delivers to clients throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia – on time and on budget.

The fleet, according to Tony, was chosen based on his previous experience in the landscaping and construction industry.

He worked closely with Geelong Isuzu and Sales Manager Phil Halleday to build up a small but versatile fleet, which now includes an NLR 45-150 AMT Tipper, an NMR 60-150 Tri Tipper and a newly collected FSR 140-260 Auto with a custom tipper body.

Navigating tight urban spaces in close proximity to other buildings isn’t always easy, and Auswide relies on its fleet’s practical features to deliver with flexibility.

The NMR 60-150 AMT Tri-Tipper, with its 6000kg GVM and 8000kg GCM (capable of towing up to 4000 kg), plus 2895kg nominal payload, offers particular advantages for Auswide’s urban application.

The narrow-cab workhorse has a two-cubic-metre volume capacity steel body that tips in three directions, supported by multi-leaf rear suspension and an independent wishbone front suspension, which ensures a smoother ride for the driver.

Auswide operates across the country. Image: Isuzu

“With the Tri Tipper, there are multiple ways of tipping your load, which gives us options in hard-access areas or awkwardly shaped playgrounds,” Tony added.

“This is important when you’re transporting playground sand; the Tri Tipper doesn’t contaminate it like other equipment potentially might – you’re still in the truck and can tip it right into the sandpits.

“With Melbourne city traffic, I decided to go with the AMT to prevent clutch breakdown for us and make it easier for navigating congestion on the streets.”

With a nominal load capacity of just over 8000kg and a 14,000kg GVM, the FSR 140-260 Auto fulfils Auswide’s need for a larger truck capable of loading pallets, bins and materials like gravel and sand.

The FSR features a turbocharged Isuzu 6HK1-TCC engine that outputs 191 kW (260 PS) of power and 761 Nm of torque at 1450 – 2400 rpm.

Also requiring a smaller tipper open to staff with standard car licences, Auswide chose the 4.5-tonne GVM NLR 45-150 AMT Tipper. ​

Auswide’s approach to building its fleet with tippers of varying sizes has paid off in terms of project deadlines and productivity for its teams.

The FSR 140-260. Image: Isuzu

“We don’t have to wait for deliveries. That’s why we’ve got our own trucks to go and pick up materials,” Tony said.

“Our Isuzu tippers are among the most frequently used tools on the job sites. They can get into tighter spots and carry everything we need plus our staff.

“The multiple uses for our tippers really highlight the flexibility that Isuzu Trucks delivers.”

From completing five to six jobs annually, Auswide says it now has the capacity to execute around 30 projects a year. ​

Looking to the future, the aim is to broaden the company’s reach further while remaining true to the founders’ core mission of delivering play environments that inspire and delight children.

“We haven’t tapped into Queensland, Tasmania or the Northern Territory, which we would like to do,” explained Tony. ​

“But our main goal is to develop our South Australian and New South Wales hubs to mirror the success of our Melbourne operations.”

For Auswide, a significant development has been establishing a dedicated maintenance department, which ensures the ongoing quality and safety of previously installed play environments.

“We have big plans over the next 12 months,” Tony revealed. ​

“This includes hiring more staff, expanding our equipment lockers and continuing to invest in Isuzu trucks with the support of Geelong Isuzu.”

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 Industry News

Upcoming trucking events: There’s plenty to see and do

Here’s a look at what trucking events are happening in the second half of 2025.

JULY

Gold Coast Truck Show
July 27
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, QLD

There will be plenty of trucks, cars and bikes on display, with show awards taking place across all three vehicle categories. The day will have lots to see and do for the whole family, with entertainment provided by cover band Pheonix Rising, who will rock it out on centre stage.

AUGUST

Casino Truck Show
August 2
Casino, NSW 

The date has already been set for this year’s Casino Truck Show, one of the biggest events in Australia’s trucking calendar. Tens of thousands of people and hundreds of trucks are expected to descend on the town as usual – last year, truck entries had to be capped at 600. Attendees can look forward to a great day out with food, trade stalls, kids’ amusements and much more.

LRTAV State Conference
August 8-9
Move Museum, Shepparton, VIC

The Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) will host its annual 2025 Conference in Shepparton, featuring all things livestock and rural. Registrations will open soon, with more details to come.

Coolgardie Rodeo and Outback Festival
August 15-17
Coolgardie, WA

Organisers of this year’s Coolgardie Rodeo and Outback Festival are planning an even bigger and better event, with an expanded truck and ute show and a brand new tractor display.

National Historical Machinery Association National Rally
August 23-31
Kingsthorpe Park, QLD

Biennial National Historical Machinery Association National Rally is being held this August 23-24 in Jondaryan, Queensland, with the fun continuing in conjunction with Steaming under the Southern Cross.
Transport enthusiasts can look forward to 10 days of heritage displays and activities – expect classic and vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, antique engines, tractors and machinery along with antique earthmoving equipment and heritage steam equipment such as traction engines and road rollers. Check out working displays, ploughing and earth moving demonstrations, a working blacksmithing display, market stalls, live entertainment and much more. Exhibitors from machinery car and truck clubs welcome. Visit the website susci.com.au for more details or contact the Secretary Warren Buckley (email secretary@susci.com.au or call 0414 334 006). www.facebook.com/trucks.trains

Festival of Transport 2025
August 28-31
Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Held at the National Road Transport Museum’s hometown of Alice Springs, the four-day Festival of Transport 2025 will host various events including the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame Induction, Transport Women Dream Maker Award, Truck Drag Racing and a street parade.

SEPTEMBER

NatRoad Connect 25
September 11-12
Shepparton, VIC 

NatRoad’s annual conference gives you the opportunity to connect with industry representatives, operators, NatRoad members and partners to receive practical operational information and advice. Save the date to your calendar and keep an eye on their website for updates closer to the time. 

OCTOBER

Mental health fundraiser
October 11
Nobby, Queensland

Following a successful event in 2024, another fundraising event will be held at Rudd’s Pub in Nobby, to raise mental health awareness in the transport, rural and civil industries. This time, all net proceeds will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Camp Quality Convoy Perth
October 12
Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley

Camp Quality’s Convoy Perth is a fun way for anyone who drives a truck to show their support for kids facing cancer and their families. Supporters will cheer on our Convoy, as we travel a 53km route around Perth City and Osborne Park, starting and finishing at Perth Hockey Stadium. The event venue will host a free Family Festival packed with entertainment and experiences catering for kids and adults alike.

There will be food vans, kids’ rides, face painting, roving entertainment, live music, fundraising awards ceremonies, and the chance to cheer on the returning Convoy.

Plus, you can check out all the trucks and vehicles at the Show ’n’ Shine after the Convoy returns.

Technology and Maintenance Conference
October 14-15
Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds, VIC

The TMC Conference brings together technical professionals, fleet and workshop managers, technical regulators, mechanics and service technicians. For 2025, the event moves to a new venue – delivering bigger exhibition spaces and a larger workshop area.

The venue will also provide greater space for workshops on trucks and trailers, and expanded networking areas.

The 2025 program will focus on key industry priorities, including safety, productivity, environmental sustainability, cost efficiency, and workforce career development.

NOVEMBER

Brisbane Convoy for Kids
November 1
Brisbane, QLD  

The Brisbane Convoy for Kids is back on November 1, travelling from Larapinta to the Redcliffe Showgrounds. Once it arrives, a family fun day will take place, with a wide range of activities on offer including live entertainment, auctions, food stalls, free kids’ rides, face painting, animal petting, magic shows, and a night lights display. Convoy participants also compete in a range of categories, with awards handed out on the day.  

Ulverstone Truck Show
November 1
Ulverstone Showgrounds, Tasmania

Held as part of the Thank You Day Show, a fundraising event to raise money for Beyond Blue and New Mornings, this year’s truck show component will feature a Kenworth focused show alongside the usual truck show. There will be prizes for both shows and lots of giveaways. The event starts at 9am.

Mullumbimby Truck Show
November 8
Mullumbimby, NSW

Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show on the second Saturday of November each year, you won’t want to miss the Mullumbimby Truck Show! This event will feature a truck parade through the town, sideshow alley, kids’ rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting. For further truck show info see the registration form at www.mullumbimbyshow.org.au.

Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
November 15
Bathurst Showgrounds NSW

The Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show is back, with plenty to see and do for the whole family. More info to come.

Illawarra Convoy  
November 16
Illawarra, NSW

Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals. 

Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show
November 29-30
Castlemaine, VIC

Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club, this year’s truck show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can expect plenty of well-presented trucks on display, as well as food, a licenced bar, kids’ rides, free health checks and live music.For more information, visit rotarycastlemaine.org.au/page/truck-show.

Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au

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 Industry News

‘We now have two massive holes within our truck wash network’

Following the announcement of the upcoming Geelong truck wash closure, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has weighed in on the ramifications.

The Geelong truck wash, located at the former Geelong Saleyards, will close in September to make way for a planned housing redevelopment of the former saleyards site.

However, the VFF says the move will leave a gaping hole in the state’s biosecurity safety net and is calling on the Victorian Government to overhaul the failing network.

The decision follows the Packenham truck wash closure in late 2024.

“Our biosecurity safety net is only as strong as its weakest point and with the closure of washes in Packenham and now Geelong, we’re left vulnerable,” said VFF Livestock President Scott Young.

“Truck washes are a vital part of keeping of our industry safe and detecting any potential threats. In the event of an emergency animal disease, the need for an efficient and effective truck wash network would be central to a state-wide response.

“We now have two massive holes within our truck wash network on the eastern and western side of Melbourne and increasing movement of livestock into Melbourne meat processors is going to see this only increase.”

Young says there needs to be increased investment from the government and industry to keep vital infrastructure like this operational.

“This includes fast-tracking of new and planned truck washes to ensure our biosecurity preparedness remains high,” Young said.

“There’s an obvious need for the government to step in and overhaul the state’s failing truck wash network in the wake in these closures.

“There’s arguably no bigger threat to Australian agriculture than a large-scale biosecurity outbreak. We see investing in this infrastructure as insurance to help protect our multi-billion dollar industry.”

The VFF is reiterating previous calls for the government to scope new facilities as well as dedicated effluent management within the greater Melbourne area and dedicated government funding to maintain and upgrade existing truck washes; along with ensuring that a new facility uses the latest technology to enable best practice biosecurity.

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Ken Buchanan announces retirement

Ken Buchanan has announced his departure from the transport industry after more than 40 years of service.

Buchanan joined Krueger as Area Manager in 1988 following a 13-year tenure at Fruehauf Trailers.

He was entrusted with managing the regional Victoria area which covered suburbs such as Shepparton, Mildura and more.

Buchanan quickly built strong relationships within his dedicated parameter and even extended his influence beyond it – earning the trust and respect of many across the broader network.

Speaking to Trailer, he said the main highlight of his time at Krueger has been seeing how far the business has come.

“The difference from what it was when I first joined to what it is now is unbelievable,” Buchanan said.

“The customer base has probably been the biggest improvement overall.

“Every day was a challenge in terms of building relationships and helping people in the company to make it grow, and that’s what I enjoyed. I liked the challenge.”

Krueger National Sales Manager, Grant Krueger, told Trailer that Buchanan was well-liked, deeply knowledgeable as well as highly sociable – a quality that has been his greatest strength at the business.

“Ken’s talent for building genuine relationships with customers is exceptional,” he said.

“It’s no surprise that people wanted to buy from him because his personal touch made all the difference.

“Ken is one of the true gentlemen of the industry. He was very social and was always good for a laugh.”

Krueger said Buchanan’s greatest contribution to the family business was his unwavering loyalty.

“He was very loyal, and not just to the brand but to our family as well,” he told Trailer.

“Ken was there during the early days when my father, John Krueger, was running the business and was actively involved across all areas, especially sales.

“After 37 years with the company, it’s that loyalty along with his dedication, experience and consistency that stands out as one of the most valuable things Kenny brought to Krueger.

“On behalf of my father and the family at Krueger Transport Equipment, we thank Ken for all of his time and loyalty given to the company. We wish him the best in the next stage of his journey.”

Reflecting on his time in the entire transport industry, Buchanan said meeting new people has also been very rewarding.

“I’ve made a lot of friends in the industry,” he told Trailer.

“You’re meeting new people all the time which is great.”

Buchanan joined Krueger during the period when founder, John Krueger, was running the business full-time.

He expressed his gratitude to Krueger for the opportunity to work for his business.

“I’d like to thank John Krueger,” he told Trailer.

“He’s been very good to me over the years.”

Buchanan is looking forward to travelling and spending time doing some work around the house in his retirement.

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 Industry News

Much loved outback truck stop reopens after recent upgrades

Oozing with history and rustic outback charm, this oasis on the Queensland/New South Wales border has reopened following upgrades to the truck parking area.

The Hebel Hotel and General Store is located in the little town of Hebel, just 4 kilometres over the border on the Queensland side.

It’s owned and run by local farmers Frank and Megan Deshon, who purchased the business four years ago.

When they originally took over, the Hebel Hotel and General Store had been closed down for about 12 months. After a refresh, including upgrading the kitchen with new appliances, they breathed new life into the historic stop.

Hebel is home to just 10-12 people. “It’s a good safe spot for truckies to pull up and it’s in a friendly little town. This is about it in Hebel, apart from the school and the church,” said Frank.

“The pub is just as it was in the 1880s – it’s been there since 1887 and is one of the old treasures of our country.”

The pub was built in 1887. Image: Frank Deshon

The business incorporates a truck stop and a pub, along with a caravan park that includes donga and fully renovated cabin accommodation.

“We had to close the truck stop in February to reseal the truck parking bay, which had cracked and had potholes, so we redid all of that and reopened at the end of June,” added Frank.

“There’s a big parking area. We could get 12-14 trucks here at once. We’re the first stop coming into Queensland from NSW on the Castlereagh and Oxley Highway.

“We get a lot of regular truckies who stop by, particularly the livestock guys moving through; and a lot of interstaters lately since the road upgrades at Oxley Highway. They come up through Broken Hill.”

Along with running the Hebel Hotel and General Store, Frank has a background in farming and livestock. “I’m a third-generation farmer and we’re still on the same property. It’s been in the family for many years.”

As for the menu, it’s a true paddock to plate philosophy, with beef being a popular favourite – and with good reason.

“The menu is pretty expansive – our speciality is steak. We have our own meat brand called Three Rivers Meats. We raise the cattle at our farm and it gets processed locally. So we pride ourselves on the high quality of our steaks and steak sandwiches,” explained Frank.

“We’ve got a lady named Suzie who runs the kitchen and then we have two French chefs under her. We pride ourselves on the high standards of our meals.”

Also on the menu are homemade pies, made fresh every morning, pizzas, parmigianas, cakes, slices – and even vacuum sealed fresh meat packs for truckies to buy and cook out on the road, along with a selection of frozen meals.

Customers can choose to eat inside the truck stop or the pub – or outside in the beer garden.

As for facilities, truckies are welcome to use the caravan park’s toilets and showers.

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 Industry News

Queensland Tippers deploys ‘Australian-first’ Haulmark live bottom combination

Gold Coast-based operator, Queensland Tippers, has taken delivery of a ‘ground-breaking’ Haulmark Trailers live bottom combination.

The Queensland Tippers application centres around a specially designed Mack 10×4 Anthem prime mover which, equipped with a 13-speed crawler gearbox, was tailor-built.

The truck is paired with a 3.2mm Hardox 450 steel body and manufactured with insulated sides to maintain the precise temperatures needed for asphalt – reducing sticking and maximising payload quality.

The rigid body on the Haulmark combination has the ability to lift to 22 degrees to provide safe access to the chassis for maintenance.

According to Mack Trucks, this is a ‘first-of-its-kind’ feature.

The Haulmark unit is set to be deployed immediately at Queensland Tippers for hot mix and waste material operations.

It is expected to offer significant gains in efficiency, safety and productivity.

Imported from Canada, the Gincor Werx live bottom system offers a safer, more versatile alternative to traditional tipping bodies.

With both rigid and trailer live bottom configurations, it can handle an impressive array of materials from hot mix asphalt, gravel and sand to agricultural products, mining materials, chemical fertilisers, dry lime, potash, calcium, coke/fly ash and millings.

“This is a product which we identified great opportunities for,” Haulmark Trailers National Sales and Marketing Manager, Mark Johnston, told Trailer earlier this year.

“There’s only a couple of other suppliers in the market and that got our interest in this particular product.”

Mack Trucks Vise President, Tony O’Connell, claimed this latest collaboration between Haulmark, Borcat and Mack is a gamechanger.

“We believe this will set a new benchmark in operational safety and material versatility,” he said.

In other news, Townsville Mini Loads has deployed a Haulmark live bottom in a road train configuration.

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