Jan Maher

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2006.

Jan Maher's grandfather, father and uncle owned trucks and she used to drive these and other farm equipment on the family property.  In adulthood she owned seven wholesale and retail plant nurseries and florist shops and was a well-known regular at the wholesale markets in Footscray Rd, often driving her own trucks and always wearing brightly coloured gumboots and matching headscarf.
Jan was very seriously injured by an out-of-control car which put her in hospital for 12 long months.  She had to spend two more years in a wheelchair.  Over an eight year period Jan endured 31 operations and had to learn to walk all over again.
When she recovered Jan raised millions of dollars for charities and non-profit organisations over a period of almost 40 years.  She has also donated funds to some needy truckies' families after the death of a spouse.
Jan designed and personally funded $40 000 in 2003 towards the truckie's 'Safety Sami-Trook' mascots, and associated costs, to help raise road safety awareness.  She also sponsors a number of trucking websites in Australia and does truckies' spots on national radio.  She found the Retired Truckies International Club and began the Convoy for Kids Inc Safe Driver of the Year Award in 2004.
Jan is a patron, international ambassador and secretary for Convoy For Kids Inc plus patron of Fraser Coast Convoy and a retired (as she has a life-threatening disease) patron and board member of the Australian Truck Drivers' Memorial.  She is also an ex-Ch9 and Ch-10 TV personality remembered for her charisma.
She was nominated for Australia's Mother of the Year and Mother of the Year Honours List, plus an Advance Australia Award.  Jan is highly respected within the corporate sector, the trucking industry and the charity world.  She had five children (one child deceased) and six grandchildren.  Jan is a very loyal and genuine lady who has done much to improve the quality of life for all around her.