Noel Geoffrey Halliwell

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2022.

Noel Geoffrey Halliwell was born in Warrnambool, Victoria in November 1973, the eldest of three siblings. Noel’s interest in the transport industry came from his father, Don, who drove a tipper and milk tanker for over 25 years. This early interest led to Noel’s choice of career.

Noel started in the transport industry at the early age of 16 when he worked as a driveway attendant at the local Caltex service station after school and on weekends.  By the age of 18, Noel was working for Matthews Petroleum in Warrnambool. Initially a service station driveway attendant, he was soon given the greater responsibilities of closing up in the evenings and keeping records of the fuel stocks on hand.

By the time Noel was 23, he had obtained his heavy rigid licence and was promoted to driving rigid fuel tankers for Matthews Petroleum. For the next nine years, Noel was behind the wheel of International, Hino and UD rigid tankers delivering petroleum, heating oil and LPG gas bottles to local businesses and farmers in the district.  Noel enjoyed driving these trucks and developed good relationships with his many customers.  On the weekends in this period, Noel also worked for one of his customers, Damien Lee Contracting, for whom he drove tippers in their quarry and flat tops, delivering stock fodder. It wasn’t long before Noel could drive and safely operate various pieces of heavy machinery including bulldozers and heavy front-end loaders.

In his early thirties, Noel obtained his B-Double truck licence and on the weekends, began driving a 25-metre fuel tanker with his favourite truck, a blue SAR Kenworth. During the working week he would drive 18- and 22-wheel petroleum semi-trailers delivering to local farmers, agricultural contractors and service stations throughout south west Victoria. Noel’s favourite trip began with a 3.30am start, leaving from Warrnambool, loading up in Geelong or Melbourne with petroleum, then delivering to service stations and businesses anywhere from Colac to Portland but mostly in the Warrnambool area.

By his late 30’s Noel knew his job and the industry back to front. He was asked by management at Matthews Petroleum to help instruct newly employed drivers and was of great assistance in vehicle scheduling, as he knew of every local back road and understood their customers’ requirements. Noel took great pride in every vehicle he drove and was very particular about keeping his truck immaculate, inside and out.

Noel was also very involved in his local community, holding the position of School Council President for four years at West Warrnambool Primary School which his children attended. He also volunteered as a driving instructor for the Victorian Transport Accident Commission’s L2P program which pairs disadvantaged learner drivers with a supervising driver and/or vehicle so they can achieve the mandatory 120 on-road driving hours required to gain a probationary licence.

Never one to complain about anything Noel was quietly spoken, courteous, and extremely patient. He was highly respected by his workmates and the customers with whom he dealt.

Sadly, Noel passed away in his sleep in September, 2021 and is missed every day by his family and friends.