Copy Southbound Podcast

Damien Smith contacted us just before heading on our Southern trip and requested we interview his Uncle Mick following a bout of illness. It was meant to be as the plan was to travel straight through Heathcote so we were able to record these awesome members of a diehard trucking family. Bruce was amazed at his surroundings as he was picked up in a 1943 Ford Jailbar and taken to Mick’s parents house that was over 100 years old to sit and record Micks golden era trucking history with Damien by his side. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.