Norman Stewart

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

Norman Stewart, known as Norm, started driving trucks as soon as he left school at the age of 14. He went jockeying with Heards Transport of Horsham and also worked with English Transport of Dooen and Hamilton. Other companies he worked for over the years include Ted Parish, Bellinger & Vickery, Hastings, Faux Transport, Southern Mallee Transport and Ryans Removals. He also worked periods for Brown and Mitchell, Hienzes Transport, Carsons Transport, Barry Curnow and Chris McGregor.

Norm travelled the east coast, Melbourne to Adelaide and Perth. His best memories of those early days, is the camaraderie among drivers who looked out for each other and were always willing to help when needed. As he drives the bitumen highways of today, with the dual carriage ways and passing lanes, Norm recalls the corrugated, narrow, dirt roads of a time well gone.

In those early days help was freely given by the truckies that shared the road but sometimes it would mean waiting, often for days, on the side of the track for someone to arrive. Better means of communication such as CB radios, and now mobile phones, have meant less time waiting for assistance. There is not the feeling of isolation when stranded which Norm believes is a good thing; especially for those at home wondering why their loved one is late.

At the time of his induction, Norm, at 64 years of age, is still working, driving and maintaining earthmoving equipment for Miller Contractors.