Alan James Madill

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2012.

Born in 1938 Alan Madill grew up in Drouin, Victoria, on a dairy farm but always wanted to be a transport operator. In 1956, at the age of 18 he took a job at Wridgway Bros, Auburn (Victoria). Wridgways, today one of Australia's top furniture removal companies, had its humble beginnings back in 1892 and is itself one of this country's most iconic and longest running businesses. Working for them was a safe bet for a young man just starting out.
Alan drove for the company for about five months before deciding to purchase his own Bedford van to do local work for Wridgways on a sub-contract basis. Within another twelve month Alan had upgraded to a bigger truck and was hauling interstate all over Australia. In 1963 Alan bought a Leyland semi to do interstate which he did continually right until 1975 when he decided to leave Wridgways and have a go at forming his own company. He called the business Rainbow Furniture Transport and primarily did removals from Victoria to Queensland.
Alan's three sons, Wayne, Dale and Scott, all worked with Alan in the business as they left school. It was a real family business with his sister and mother managing the office and administration. In 1995 the family decided to sell the business and retire. The call of the road was too strong and Alan found that retirement did not suit him. He went out and purchased another semi and subcontracted for Furniture Freighters (Australia).
Unfortunately Alan's health began to fail and he retired. Alan Madill passed away in 2006. He is remembered by family and friends as a very dedicated person and gave his all to the job and the trucking industry. He was well respected by those who knew of him and well deserves his place in the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame.