Graeme Sutton spoke to the club about his achievements. Born in 1960, grew up on the Naring family farm, attending school in Numurkah. Left school at 16 to work on farm with father. Trucking came into his life driving farm machinery for neighbours to gain extra money.
Obtained license at 18 and granted a truck license at an early age.
In 1982 at 21 years bought first truck, with good season carted wheat, in off season helping on farm. Slowly more trucking less farming, leading in 1982-83 trucking not farming.
In 1984 bought first interstate truck. Worked for Doug Trease for 4-5 years, before branching out on own. Every Saturday night leaving for Brisbane, Monday in Brisbane, back to Melbourne Tuesday, Brisbane Thursday then back to Melbourne.
In 1985 oil-seed factory opened becoming their preferred carrier.
In 1987, bored with trucking drove Deluxe Coaches for three years with cousin looking after trucking business.
In 1989 returned home to trucking and grew fleet to 3-4 trucks. Contracts grew and in 1998 established a depot next to tip.
In 2005 slowly but surely grew to 14 trucks. In 2016 with a shortage of drivers back to eight trucks.
In 2009 son Mitchel left school to become a truck mechanic in Shepparton for 4 years then returned to buy/drive trucks.
In 2018 began coaching Mitchell to take over business.
In 2023 inducted into the Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs. After 45 years behind the wheel now works for Graeme Thompson Motors Shepparton.
Mitchel built up customer base due to reputation, now with 21 trucks and 60 trailers.