Tom Grace
Thomas (Tommy) Grace born in Roma, began his career after obtaining his licence aged 15, becoming competent driving various prime movers from the twin-stick gears to split geared, hauling a variety of freight throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Tom's love of western Queensland drew him away from city jobs. At 18 he cut his teeth driving cattle roadtrains for Australian Pastoral Company. Then returning briefly to the big smoke, however the call of the west was far greater.
With wife Mary and young family he moved back to Roma commencing his career as manager of Lighthouse Transport in 1979. With his strategic management skills, the company grew from humble beginnings of one single and double-decker cattle crate to become the largest locally owned and operated livestock transport business in Roma at that time. Tom foresaw clientele requirements expanded the fleet to include triple road trains, convertible crates for cattle, sheep, goats and tippers servicing the grain industry.
Tom became an owner-operator purchasing a Ford Louisville and later a Peterbuilt towing trailers for Lighthouse Transport. He was an inaugural founding member of the Livestock Transport Association Queensland, contributing on the management committee for many years. He was also spokesperson for Livestock Transporters at the Australian Rural Crisis Rally in Roma October 1990, the biggest protest rally the bush had seen for years, with Government members and media attending. Tom partook in an advisory role with the introduction of turning lanes at Roma Saleyards. Always a great supporter of community services such as the Royal Flying Doctor, local schools and charitable organisations and always eager to lend a hand wherever the need.
After a career spanning 20 years managing Lighthouse Transport Tom closed and moved to Brisbane. Launching his own family business with son Justin. Johnnie Bundy PtyLtd has been successfully transporting Fuels, Oil and Gas for the past 15 years.
Today Tommy is driving AB triples in the outback from dawn till dusk and still loving it. In his 45 years in the industry, he has gained a reputation for integrity in business, and the respect of his colleagues, along with many fond memories and long lasting friendships. He is a fair dinkum mate.