Ross Stacker

Ross (Rusty) Staker got out of the farm life and into the life of a truckie. This began in 1958 for Rusty, carting logs from Benambra and Swifts Creek to Bruthen in Gippsland in a Studebaker and KB5 International and timber jinker.

After 12 months Rusty moved to Melbourne and carted VWs to Brisbane from Clayton and general freight back in a R7 Commer Knocker, this followed Stints with Banava TPT, Moram and Thompson Freight Transfers, Alltrans, Yellow Express, Coulsoni and Blakistons in all types of trucks.

Rusty then worked for BP Australia and Shell on tankers moving to Fluid Freight (Mayne, Nickless) where he became one of the original gas drivers on LPG, Ethanol, and Ammonia, later becoming Driver Trainer for the next 5½ years.

ESSO wanted a trainer driver so Rusty applied for the position and started with the company for the next 21½ years, until it was bought out by Mobil Oil, where he moved across for the next 6½ years and left them in 1997. After this Rusty began work as a tipper and worked with earth moving equipment for eight months with Williamstown Earthmovers, moving to Sergeants Refrigeration for five years and Scott's Refrigeration until he was forced into retirement in June 2003 due to back problems.

Over his working life Rusty drove a Studibaker, International KB5, 184, 90200, Ford V8, Diamond T, Bedford O Type, TK.J Commer Knocker R7, Mercedes, Oshkosh, Thornycroft, Dodge 7 Series, Leyland Beaver, Atkinson, Peterbuilt, Mack B65 onwards and Whites, 9000, Commander and Road Boss, Kenworths and Scania's.