Copy Southbound Podcast Bruce Gunter & Brendon Ryan

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.
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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.

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.
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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.
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