Throughout schooling, we were always taught that if we do something well, we would be rewarded for it. Entering the job market, the sentiment remained: perform well and there’s a good chance a promotion could be heading your way.
For truck drivers however, they can often find themselves stuck in the same role for decades without much recognition. That’s why Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo past president John Creenaune decided the industry needed a way to highlight those who have paved the way in transport.
The Deniliquin and District Transport Wall of Fame is just that – an honour celebrating those in the region who have made their mark on the industry. Always coinciding with the Deni Truck Show, this year’s nominees were celebrated at a lavish dinner held at the Deniliquin RSL Club.
Kickstarting the evening with their boisterous personalities, Creenaune and Evan Whitbourne MC’d the affair, telling tales of old times and introducing the nominees. Nominations were presented in person to Robert Gow, Louise Allitt, Dennis Beckton and Andrew McKean, while the plaque was presented posthumously to Ray ‘Tubby’ Brooks, Warren Barnes, John Eldridge, Kieran Pascoe, Simon Edmunds and Kevin ‘Stumpy’ Petersen.
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While dozens have been recognised over the years, only four were officially inducted onto the Wall of Fame this year – which stands over on the north side of Deniliquin. Ray ‘Tubby’ Brooks was one of the lucky recipients. Nominated and inducted in the same year, his story goes back to the 1960s when he purchased his first Mercedes-Benz truck and formed Ray Brooks and Co. Tubby would then go on to develop the company into the largest private grain buying business in Australia. His love of the grain industry and transport in general was to span almost 50 years, where he remained “immensely proud” of his trucking and local roots. He passed away on August 27, 2012 at the age of 75 and the award was accepted by his family on his behalf.
The second inductee was Kenneth James Grimison, who was nominated in 2017. Joining the army back in 1940 at the age of 20, Ken spent the better part of five years serving the country. After returning, he started his livestock transport business, soon growing his singular 1942 Ford V8 side valve to a fleet of eight. Eventually easing out of the business in the ‘70s, Ken left it in the capable hands of his sons, who have grown it be a very successful business in Deniliquin. Ken passed away in 1989, and his award was accepted by his family on his behalf.
Another Deniliquin legend was then inducted in Ken ‘Brambles’ Seignior, who was nominated in 2019. Getting his start in the industry at the ripe age of 18, Ken had a long and fulfilling trucking career that lasted right up until the end. His resume included carting stock, logs, grain, pencil augers and more for Deni Freighters, Deni RCL, Rick Mill and other companies. He attempted to retire from the industry at one point, only to miss it and re-join three months later. Ken passed away on July 2, 2012 with his family accepting the award on his behalf.
The final inductee for 2024 saw Terence Marcus ‘Grimmo’ Grimison take to the stage and accept his plaque. First getting behind the wheel at 14, Grimmo has spent his entire life driving trucks. Working for the likes of J Murphy & Sons, I & D Grimison, Clyde Bros, Road Train Australia, Deni Freighters and more, he has dipped his toes into most of what the industry can offer. He spent 13 years driving road trains in the Northern Territory before eventually carting himself back to Deniliquin, where he has retired and now resides at Pretty Pine.
In the spirit of celebration, and as a way to break up the evening, the dinner also included some inspirational talks from National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) chair Paul Fellows and the daughter of legendary truckie Toots Holzhiemer, Donna Vawdrey.
“The support for the Wall of Fame has been incredible. People respond to it really well and it’s so important for the community,” Creenaune told OwnerDriver.
“Our mission is to highlight, celebrate, commemorate and memorialise those locals who are and have been a major part of our local transport industry.”
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