Peter “PJ” Annett
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2022.
Peter John Annett, known as “PJ” was born in April 1942 in Hamilton, Victoria. His parents, Mervyn and Eileen, instilled within their son an extraordinary work ethic, generous nature and a love for the country. From a young age Peter often went with his father on the “milk run” from his parent’s dairy, collecting milk from other farms along the way, bound for the Heywood Cheese Factory. These trips inspired Peter to be part of the transport industry when he grew up.
In 1960, at age 16, Peter left school to work as a ‘grease monkey’ for Bassett Brothers in Heywood, servicing bulldozers and sometimes driving trucks. In 1963 he finally obtained his truck licence and started driving Bassett’s Commer, towing heavy machinery for local jobs.
Peter married Rhonda in 1968 and they went on to have two children. They were able to start their own business, PJ & RE Annett Cartage Contractors, when Jack and Dot Bassett of Bassett Pipes offered to sell the couple two trucks. With two AB180 International trucks and single axle tippers, Peter secured work with the local shire. Tragically Rhonda passed away in 1981 leaving Peter devastated but he continued doing what he knew best - driving and providing for his young family.
While Peter always relied on International trucks, the trailers in the fleet progressed from tri-axle pig trailers to 4 axle quad dogs, 19 metre to 25 metre B-double units, as well as wood chip trailers, Stag tipper trailers and today, road trains. Peter has carted superphosphate fertilizer for farmers and businesses throughout south west Victoria and south east South Australia. In the 90’s to early 2000’s he would travel to Victoria’s Mallee area to cart grain during the annual harvest season and later, move onto the Wimmera area to complete the harvest there.
Driving a purpose-built B-double, Peter also carted wood chip to the Port of Portland. To unload, the whole unit would be parked on a ramp which was raised to a 60-degree angle. The wood chip would cascade down through the two trailers which had one front and two rear swinging panels, into a hopper and would be piled up to await export. Peter quickly learned not to leave anything on the dashboard in the truck as it would end up in the bunk!
Peter was a second-generation driver who has inspired third and fourth generation drivers in his family. His son, Nicholas, and wife, Lindy, now operate the business and his four grandsons are keen to work in the transport industry also. Nowadays, the company has converted to Kenworth prime movers and long-distance haul with bulk tippers.
The last truck Peter drove full-time was an International Eagle until his retirement towards the end of 2019 but he is often at the depot and helps out where he can; reliable as always!
Peter is the pure essence of the Australian truck driver, an iconic character, well-known for his mateship. Through good times and bad, Peter has always felt a sense of pride and admiration for the road transport industry and its rich, unique importance in our country’s history.