The HHA & Larsen’s Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show returns to the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve this weekend, November 26-27.
Among the truckers set to support this weekend’s event is Newstead local Hayley Leech of Foure Mile Transport.
The 21-year-old is a third generation trucker and began her career with her family company at 19.
“It was something I always wanted to do,” Hayley said.
“I got my Heavy Combination Licence and did a year in a tray-truck learning the trade. It was a brilliant way to learn. I gained some valuable lessons, finding my way around the truck and also streets in Melbourne, Sydney and further afield.
“I made notes about streets and where I could and couldn’t go to prepare for when I stepped up to the semis,” Hayley said.
In August 2021 she began driving semi trailers and regularly hauls freight to Adelaide, Sydney and central New South Wales.
As she grows in confidence and experience she aims to branch out to longer hauls to Brisbane, Bathhurst and Perth.
Hayley said the relationships that her father Malcolm has built in the industry has helped pave the way for her and her older brother Joel who also drives for the company.
“I’ve had a lot of support out there on the road, and friends of Dad have helped me out securing loads or with mechanical issues along the way. The trucking community is like one big family. Everyone looks out for each other,” she said.
Hayley said that some of her highlights to date have been seeing the Great Australian Bight, visiting central Australia and also Townsville.
In the future she would love to have the opportunity to go up north and drive road trains.
“It would be amazing, no pavement, no services just being left to your own devices and having to make it work,” she said.
“I’d also love to drive across America”.
Hayley said she has fond memories of visiting the annual Rotary Truck Show as a child and it’s great to be able to experience the event from the other perspective.
“I love being part of the Sunday morning convoy and seeing the grins on the kids’ faces when they see the trucks go by. It’s great to see the younger generation taking an interest in the industry,” she said.
“I’d really encourage other young women to give trucking a crack if they have the opportunity. You will face challenges, you will make mistakes but the job can be extremely rewarding,” she said.
After two years of modified covid programming this weekend’s Truck Show will feature a full schedule of events and raise important funds to assist Rotary to support community groups and events.
Truck owners from all over Australia will have the chance to win trophies across 10 categories plus Saturday’s Best on Ground and Rig of the Show with a $1,000 cash prize.
Great entertainment will be provided for the whole family over the weekend with free admission for children under 16 years. Live music. Free children’s rides and activities. Full catering and a bar are provided on site.
Special guests will be Peter Coad, the Coad Sisters, and the Jim Hermel Band live on stage Saturday November 26 from 5-8pm and again on Sunday, along with other performers. Bring a chair, sit back and take in the action. A crowd favourite is always the annual convoy of trucks from Castlemaine to the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve commencing at 9am on Sunday.
For entries and online ticket sales go to: http://castlemainetruckshow.com/