Allan Anderson

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2013.

Allan Gordon Anderson, nicknamed Hank, was born in the small dairy town of Maffra, Victoria, in July 1942. At the time, his father,Allan Happo Anderson, ran a small fruit and vegetable retail and transport business supplying the district with fresh produce from the Melbourne markets. Hank joined his father's business at 14 helping with the weekly trip to Melbourne markets to purchase supplies. Hank enjoyed the road and at the age of 18 began his truck driving career in earnest when he took over the weekly trip to market.

During his time on the road it became apparent to Hank that there was a real need for a furniture removal business in the Maffra area. On the proviso that he continued his produce haulage for the family business, Hank's father permitted him to move furniture with the truck in between his weekly market trips. By 1967 demand for the removal business had increased significantly and Hank purchased his first truck, a 1965 Bedford 466 and Andersons Removals started.

Hank married Valerie Graham in May that same year and together the young couple set about building their new business with Hank doing the driving, deliveries and maintenance and Valerie manning the telephones, booking jobs and keeping the book work up to date.All the while they raised three daughters and became actively involved in their local community.

Eventually the Bedford was replaced with a Fiat N130 which was then joined by a second Fiat which was driven by Hank's first employee. The fleet was gradually increased includes DAFs, an Iveco, three Isuzus and, two Internationals T 2670 trucks as well as several smaller vehicles including a Mercedes Vito van and two station wagons. All the trucks haul covered tri-axle trailers of 100 cubic metre capacity and carted all over Australia. The business employs 24 fulltime workers and eight casual staff. Andersons today service the entire Gippsland region for both small and large consignments including regular runs all over the country.

From humble beginnings with one truck Andersons has gone on to establish a solid reputation as quality removalists. Hank is also well known as a community minded citizen with many charities in the Maffra district benefitting from his generosity. Hank has been in the removal business for over 45 years and in 2013, at 70 years of age, he still travels regularly networking his clientele and quoting on jobs. Hank still enjoys turning up un-announced at job locations and helping the lads load and unload.