Graeme Smart

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2023.

Graeme Victor Smart was born in 1933 in Yackandah, Victoria. As a young man he worked with his father in a local timber and wood business. At the age of 14 he started his life and love of driving. Diesel was in his blood.

Working hard for himself Graeme purchased a business for the local community of Beechworth. A taxi business with 7 licences. Graeme and his drivers served the local community including the physicians, nurses and patients of May Day Hill, a local health facility.

In 1959 Graeme bought his first truck.  A Bedford, he never looked back. Meeting his beautiful wife, Lesley, they married in 1960 and had one daughter and three sons.

Graeme’s life was on a high. Driving up and down the southern old Hume Highway carting produce. The hours were long. Hardships happened on the rough road, but his ‘on road’ family kept him company. Graeme was missing home life and his wife and children. In 1961 he bought a brand new truck and called it Miss Faye. Graeme was a very proud owner.

Many years have passed with endless miles behind him, learning a lot about trucking he became known as ‘Smarty’. When the railways closed in Beechworth the doors opened for Graeme and his business.

Carting Esso bulk fuel was a hard and demanding job. Graeme supplied fuel for both the trucks and the cars within the community.

His life has revolved around trucks for over 70years. Graeme drove coaches before retiring. He still has a love of the road and trucks. Graeme is proud to be part of five generations involved in the transport industry. Graeme is a legend in his own way, he has a good reputation in the industry and as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. When asked for words of wisdom Graeme says, ‘God blessed my life.’