Robert Wise

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunions 2004.

Robert Wise is a man who believes in supporting both the road transport industry and his local community in Tasmania. He has never failed to put his hand up as a volunteer or fundraiser and has always been more than willing to do any work required of him to help all truck owners.

Some of the issues Robert has worked on are fuel tax, truck registration, road tolls and the inequities in legislation between jurisdictions. He even attended special sittings of the Tasmanian Parliament when time allowed.

Robert served as secretary of the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association for many years and was later awarded a life-membership for his contribution. He also sat on the State Advisory Committee. An example of Robert's community work is when he and three other committee members of the TTO&OA started their annual 'Truck Run' for St George's School. The first years of the Truck Run were really driven hard by Robert Wise in order to get it going.

Other community groups he has helped from the start are: the Ravenswood Fire Brigade, Police and Transport Department. A band, Midnight Rendezvous has been coming free of charge for a number of years. Robert does the 'Truck Run' as he loves seeing the happy, smiling faces of the children. They all remember, from year to year, who was in which truck and the great time they had. It is a wonderful way of bringing the many positive aspects of the trucking industry to the impressionable young children and the whole community looks forward to the event every year.

Robert's last job before Christmas each year was to repaint his truck and set off around town with the Salvation Army Band on the back playing carols in the streets.

Robert is married and has three children all of whom support him in his trucking career and with his community work. The success of the family business has always been personalized service. A special aspect of Robert's life has been his happy disposition and he is well-worthy of his inclusion on the Wall of Fame.