Remembering truckers lost

In News, Volvo2 MinutesBy NZ Trucking magazineOctober 1, 2021

Australia’s Nolan’s Interstate Transport has unveiled a new commemorative B-double set paying tribute to those who have lost their lives in transport accidents.

Sponsored by Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia, the new refrigerated vans acknowledge the “Lights On The Hill” memorial in Gatton and the sacrifices made by drivers and their families while keeping the wheels of the Australian industry turning.

Located an hour west of Brisbane’s CBD, the Gatton Memorial in the Lockyer Valley is updated each year and is marked with a two-day convoy featuring drivers and vehicles from the local area’s transport companies.

“It’s important to be with the drivers and wives who have lost loved ones and friends in the industry,” said Flea (Adrian) Nolan, director of Nolan’s Interstate Transport.

“To be involved is a particular passion of mine and it is great to see the event and the recognition it gets grow every year.”

The sponsorship by VCV Australia includes supporting the design and branding of the trailers, which in this case features a mural of the memorial wall in Lake Apex Park.

Volvo Group president and chief executive Martin Merrick was present at the trailer reveal along with Assistant Minister for Road Safety Freight and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, at Nolan’s Interstate Transport’s head office.

“Volvo Group has a vision of the future where nobody loses their life in a road accident. Acknowledging and remembering the sacrifices made by drivers and their families while working to supply us with our everyday needs only reinforces our passion to achieve that vision,” Merrick said.

“I pay respect and tribute to all of those truck drivers lost on our roads, I think of them every time I hit the highway and these new trailers will honour those lost, their families, friends and be a visual reminder that we all have a role to play in being safe on the roads as we drive toward.”

Before the trailers go to work behind a new Volvo FH16 hauling produce for Nolan’s, the commemorative trailers will take part in The Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy this Saturday, 2 October.