Nolan’s Interstate Transport and Volvo Group Australia reveal commemorative B-double trailers in “Lights On The Hill” lead up.
Nolan’s Interstate Transport has unveiled a new commemorative B-double set paying tribute to those who have lost their lives in transport accidents.
Sponsored by Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia (the wholly owned retail arm of Volvo Group Australia) the new refrigerated vans acknowledge the “Lights On The Hill” memorial in Gatton and the sacrifices made by drivers and their families while keeping the wheels of the Australian industry turning.
Located an hour west of Brisbane’s CBD, the Gatton Memorial in the heart of the Lockyer Valley, is updated each year and is marked with a two-day convoy featuring drivers and vehicles from the local area’s transport companies.
As a pillar of the Gatton community for over half a century, the Nolan family is intrinsically linked with The Lights on the Hill Memorial, participating every year and offering support in numerous ways. As the Memorial has grown, so too has the Nolans’ involvement.
‘It’s important to be with the drivers and wives who have lost loved ones and friends in the industry’, said Flea (Adrian) Nolan, Director Nolan’s Interstate Transport. ‘To be involved is a particular passion of mine and it is great to see the event and the recognition it gets grow every year.’
The sponsorship by VCV Australia includes supporting the design and branding of the trailers, which in this case features a mural of the memorial wall in Lake Apex Park.
Volvo Group President and CEO Martin Merrick was present at the trailer reveal along with Assistant Minister for Road Safety Freight And Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz at Nolan’s Interstate Transport’s head office.
“Volvo Group has a vision of the future where nobody loses their life in a road accident,” says Merrick, “Acknowledging and remembering the sacrifices made by drivers and their families while working to supply us with our everyday needs only reinforces our passion to achieve that vision.”
Assistant Minister Buchholz echoed the sentiment saying, “It is great to see the partnership between Nolan’s and Volvo continue here today, placing a strong emphasis on safety and reminding each of us, truck drivers and all road users about the importance of being safe on our roads.
“The Lights on the Hill Memorial is an important legacy of Australian trucking, particularly here in the Lockyer Valley and I thank Volvo Group and Nolan’s for their ongoing commitment to Australian trucking, road safety and supporting a safer, more productive and profitable transport sector.
“I pay respect and tribute to all of those truck drivers lost on our roads, I think of them every time I hit the highway and these new trailers will honour those lost, their families, friends and be a visual reminder that we all have a role to play in being safe on the roads as we drive toward Vision Zero – zero road crash deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Buchholz said.
VCV Australia Sales Director, Martin Lambert was also present saying that, “Our customers and their drivers mean more to us than mere transactions, “says Lambert, “They are real people with real stories like the names on the wall at the Gatton Memorial, and are a part of a close-knit community”. “I’m glad that we are able to play our small part in recognising not only the importance of the issue of road safety but the sacrifices all too often made by those that work at the coal face of road transport.”
“It’s great to have VCV and Volvo Group Australia involved,’ said Flea Nolan. ‘During my time spent with Martin Merrick, it is clear that he, and his team, are committed to safety and really care; it helps to have sponsors on board who are passionate about our industry and who help to make the event bigger every year.”
Before the trailers go to work behind a new Volvo FH16 hauling produce for Nolan’s, the commemorative trailers will take part in The Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy this Saturday, October 2nd.
For more information on the convoy and how you can be involved visit the website: https://lightsonthehill.com.au/
Picture Caption L-R
N1: Sarena Nolan, Darren Nolan, Daphne Nolan, Flea Nolan and Sandy Nolan in front of the new b-double fridge van set commemorating the Lights on The Hill memorial.
N3: L-R Flea Nolan, Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia, Scott Buchholz, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Darren Nolan, Martin Lambert, Retail Sales Director, Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia.
For further information, please contact:
Matt Wood – Strategic Projects and Communications Manager (Volvo Group Australia)
Mobile: +61 (0)436 681 117
Email: matthew.wood@volvo.com
About Volvo Group Australia
Volvo Group Australia is responsible for Mack, Volvo truck brands within Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and the South Pacific Islands. Mack and Volvo Trucks proudly carry the Australian Made certification for trucks built at the local Wacol factory in Brisbane. Volvo Group Australia is the sole authorised distributor or UD Trucks in Australia.
We provide complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, including complete solutions for financing and service. Over 1400 people are employed by Volvo Group Australia across the country, with over 80 suppliers also benefitting from local production. Volvo Group boasts the largest dealer network in Australia and New Zealand with service points across the country giving access to metropolitan and regional customers.
Volvo Group Australia is part of Swedish-based Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines.