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. This year’s event is held this weekend, October 2-3.
As a pillar of the Gatton community for over half a century, the Nolan family is intrinsically linked with The Lights on the Hill event, 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.
“It’s great to have VCV and Volvo Group Australia involved,’ said Flea Nolan. ‘During my time spent with Martin Merrick [Volvo Group president and CEO], 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.”
Merrick was present at the trailer reveal along with Assistant Minister for Road Safety Freight And Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz at Nolan’s head office.
“Volvo Group has a vision of the future where nobody loses their life in a road accident,” said 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.”
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 2.
For more information on the convoy and this weekend’s memorial events on October 2-3, click here.