Ron Patterson
Ronald Banjo Patterson was born on 8th January 1936 at Mudgee NSW.
In 1954, aged 18, He started driving a Thames Trader at Bracey's Store in Lithgow.
After marrying Joyce in 1959 they made their home in Sydney. He worked at Westgate Carrying Company driving BMC 8 wheeler, Bedford Prime mover, R190 International and W20 White.
He says one of the most notable trips was the trip to Exmouth Gulf WA taking a Generator for the intended American Communications Tracking Station. As was normal procedure Len Lewis and he drove to Port Augusta, loaded the vehicle onto a goods train to Kalgoorlie then drove to Exmouth Gulf. Until 1969 he had various driving jobs including many trips to Perth.
During 1970-1982 he drove for Jones Bros Transport doing Interstate and Heavy Haulage. Trucks were 634 Diamond T, Peterbilt, M.A.N., Kenworth and R190 International. A 150' long, 14' wide steel beam was transported from Transfield, Seven Hills to Glebe Island Container Terminal using two Prime movers, an ERF pulling and an Auto Car, which he was steering at rear. During the 70's wide long steel beams were delivered to build Bayswater and Edgeworth Power Stations. They used two Prime Movers, both of them pulling a Dolly, Low Loader and Rear Steer. We also took a 50 ton crane to Tom Price in WA in a 450 h.p. W. model Kenworth.
From 1983 to 1997 he was employed at Australian Native Landscapes, delivering landscape supplies in 32' Tippers and also moving Loaders on step-down trailers. I worked in ANL offices at Baulkham Hills and Easter Creek during 1995-1997, however I preferred driving.
After ANL I drove for Lantrans doing Interstate work until 1999 when I purchased their 3800 Western Star as R & J Patterson transport P/L subcontracting until selling our company in 2003. After that I continued as an employee with Lantrans until retiring in 2008 aged 72.
After 3 months of retirement I was asked to drive for Andrews Transport Group where I am currently working.
Over my 56 year career I have made long-time friends and have many memories of hard work and fun times.