Copy Southbound Podcast

Copy Southbound is a Podcast that immortalises the real life stories from some of the great Pioneers of the Australian Trucking Industry. It brings to life what they have experienced and been able to achieve in such a demanding but rewarding industry and enables their stories to live on forever and be accessed by our future generations.

110. Kym Roocke – Nuriootpa Traders 03/06/2025

110. Kym Roocke – Nuriootpa Traders Nuriootpa Traders was a family owned and operated business for over 40 years and over this time grew to become the largest local transport company operating exclusively between the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide areas. The company was sold to new owners in 2018 and continues to operate in the same capacity however, we managed to catch up with Kym Roocke, son of founders Jim and Denise Roocke, to get the first part of this fantastic story and it’s humble beginnings. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/35567920

109. Jacob and Anne Kuchel – Kuchel Contractors 02/20/2025

109. Jacob and Anne Kuchel – Kuchel Contractors The stunning Kuchel fleet has graced our roads for many years and was enough to have Bruce approach Jacob to ask him to sit down and tell the story of their long history in transport. Along with the trucking side, the company has also developed a reputation for producing some fine restorations out of their Barossa Valley workshops. The company was founded by Maxwell Kuchel over 50 years ago and is a true family business with all members working in the operation and is in its third generation of extremely talented owners. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/35369295

108. Sharon & Bob Middleton – Whiteline Transport (Feat. Steve Shearer) 02/06/2025

108. Sharon & Bob Middleton – Whiteline Transport (Feat. Steve Shearer) Sharon and Bob Middleton are extremely well known in the transport industry, not only for their striking black, white and red fleet, but also for their constant battle to improve the industry, with tireless efforts lobbying for better conditions, treatment and acceptance from the authorities, and the general public. This discussion with them goes back to their grass roots, but also visits the recent legal battle that they faced, following a terrible accident involving one of their vehicles. There is a lot to learn from this podcast, as the hell that they faced over the past few years could have happened to any one of us. Bruce and I are truly grateful to Sharon for sharing this incident with all of us, with the hope that it will help others out there. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/35183550

107. Peter Zimm - Leader Trucks 01/23/2025

107. Peter Zimm - Leader Trucks Following the interview with Keith Anderson in Toowoomba, his son David contacted us with a lead to Peter Zimm who had a strong affiliation with Leader Trucks after marrying into the family. The Leader story is exceptional in regard to ingenuity, resilience and trying to compete with big business in a small Australian market. Peter owns an incredibly rare Leader and like all enthusiasts, has researched and collaborated to ensure that the detail of these unique trucks is there for all of us to remember. join the BANGERZ CLUB /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/34986580

106. Jon Kelly - HHA 01/09/2025

106. Jon Kelly - HHA We have to be honest, having a chat with Jon was something we debated for a long time however, one thing we hate at Copy Southbound is trial by social media so, after many recommendations from people we highly regard in the industry we approached Jon for an all out discussion about his life, his rise and fall, his life after HHA and of course, his passion for trucks in general. He wears his heart on his sleeve and we came away with a new mate as his passion and attention to detail is something to admire. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/34792430

105. Glenn Nightingale – Nightingale Transport 12/29/2024

105. Glenn Nightingale – Nightingale Transport Glenn Nightingale operated out of the Wollongong area with his stunning light blue fleet of American trucks. Like everyone, he started tough and eventually was able to build up a strong clientele with reliability and service his key factors. After many years of operation, Glenn was approached to sell the company and now lives a quiet life in Ipswich where he met with Bruce to share his story. BANGERZ CLUB /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/34647740

104. Greg Hardwidge - Coffs Harbour 12/12/2024

104. Greg Hardwidge - Coffs Harbour A chance meeting on a road trip led Bruce to sit and record Greg and his story as an owner operator. Following a yarn at a caravan park, he agreed to share his life story as a simple, one-truck owner, battling away like so many others. Greg started his career back in a hard era of road transport and built his business with some strong customers and some strong trucks. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/34422010

103. Stephen O'Hare - Waltzing Matilda 11/28/2024

103. Stephen O'Hare - Waltzing Matilda Bruce topped off his Southern adventure by catching up with Stephen O’Hare in Romsey, Victoria. For those guys out there older than me – Bruce’s age – the legend of Tyrone Malon’s Super Boss, Bruce McDonald’s Detroit Devil and Terry O’Hare’s Waltzing Matilda are Legendary. Stephen is Terry’s son and has recently written a book on the famous jet truck which also captures the history of Re Car and Terry’s incredible entrepreneurial brilliance in a way that had Bruce totally star struck. BANGERZ CLUB /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/34195580

102. Mick Carboon & Damien Smith - Heathcote 11/14/2024

102. Mick Carboon & Damien Smith - Heathcote 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/33936212

101. Alina Hawkins - LRTAV – LIVESTOCK & RURAL TRANSPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA 10/30/2024

101. Alina Hawkins - LRTAV – LIVESTOCK & RURAL TRANSPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/33694522

Vale Barry 'Sleepy' Grimson 10/24/2024

Vale Barry 'Sleepy' Grimson 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/33605547

100. BERNIE LEARSON - PREMIER ONE PRODUCTS 10/17/2024

100. BERNIE LEARSON - PREMIER ONE PRODUCTS 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/33505112

99. Paul & Jenny Fellows - Fellows Bulk Transport 10/03/2024

99. Paul & Jenny Fellows - Fellows Bulk Transport 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/33319817

98. Bernie Hayllar - Hayllar Transport, Narrandera 09/20/2024

98. Bernie Hayllar - Hayllar Transport, Narrandera 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/33131602

97. Matt, Andy & Dave Willis - MACK Nuts 09/05/2024

97. Matt, Andy & Dave Willis - MACK Nuts 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 > /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/32934842

96. Mike Minogue 08/22/2024

96. Mike Minogue 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/32706217

95. Chris & Andrew Muscat - Muscat Haulage, Yass 08/08/2024

95. Chris & Andrew Muscat - Muscat Haulage, Yass JOIN THE BANGERZ CLUB - 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/32502552

Muscat Haulage - Yass 08/08/2024

Muscat Haulage - Yass 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/32494852

94. Dennis Williams - Truckie & Stunt Driver 07/25/2024

94. Dennis Williams - Truckie & Stunt Driver 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/32297872

93. Les Tucker – Success Freightlines 07/11/2024

93. Les Tucker – Success Freightlines 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/32105612

92. Rob Woolley - S.C Woolley Haulage Contractors 06/28/2024

92. Rob Woolley - S.C Woolley Haulage Contractors 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/31923287

91. Brett Harder - Harder Transport 06/13/2024

91. Brett Harder - Harder Transport 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/31740847

90. Graeme Doyle - Doyley 05/30/2024

90. Graeme Doyle - Doyley 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/31541362

89. Danny Borg – Fred's of Shepparton 05/16/2024

89. Danny Borg – Fred's of Shepparton 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/31344082

88. Geoff and Brian Taylor – Taylor Brothers 05/02/2024

88. Geoff and Brian Taylor – Taylor Brothers 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/31094843

87. Jack & Steve Patten - Patten's, Leeton 04/20/2024

87. Jack & Steve Patten - Patten's, Leeton 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/30909958

86. NHVR – Belinda Hughes and Emma Watson 04/04/2024

86. NHVR – Belinda Hughes and Emma Watson 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. /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/30686888

85. Murray Reedie - Transport for Christ 03/21/2024

85. Murray Reedie - Transport for Christ 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/30485968

84. Evan Jones 03/07/2024

84. Evan Jones 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 /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/30276218

83. Ben Fuller 02/22/2024

83. Ben Fuller Ben was part of our compliance team in Sydney and he’s been mentioned on the podcast plenty of times. Now residing back in Oakey out of Toowoomba, Ben looks after the compliance and training for Mort & Co and is an extremely talented operator. But his beginnings stem back to early days as a driver as he worked his way through the field. We have a lot of time for Ben as we learnt to respect his knowledge after the couple of years he worked with us and we truly miss his openness and sense of humour. He also has a natural ability to be as blunt as a ball pein hammer and has a dickhead meter more sensitive than mine and Bruce’s combined. Brace yourselves................ /episode/index/show/copysouthbound/id/30070583

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