As this article is published the National Road Transport Historical Society – after 4.5 years of statutory management – will revert to being controlled by an independent board, with experienced trucking industry businessman, Frank Bilato, as chairman.
Big Rigs sat down with CEO Nick Prus in Alice Springs to find out what the future holds.
“To say that we are looking forward to the future is an understatement,” said Nick. “It is now in our own hands. Some 70 per cent of our buildings are non-compliant and with the ageing infrastructure, we needed government support.
“The NT gave us a $3.5 million development grant which will not only build more sheds and fix old ones, but also develop our 10-year strategic plan, so we know that the Hall is going to be here for generations to come.
“We also received a $100,000 operational grant, plus $216,000 to rebuild the ablution blocks in our camping ground for volunteers. I really want to thank the NT Government for realising how important this place is, not just to Alice Springs and the Northern Territory, but to the whole country.”
Nick said part of part of the development plan is to create and continue with the Hall of Fame as a crucial part of their entity.
“We are here to honour people behind the wheel, people that built this country, so that in fact will just grow better.”
A new entrance to the hall to replace the current building is in the planning stages, with Nick believing that extra government funding could be available if needed.
As well as the trucking history, there are other plans afoot to draw people to the Hall of Fame. There is currently an RSL museum on the grounds, which that association wants to expand.
“They want to build their own home here; to build a hall which would reflect a 1940s army camp with Nissen huts and so forth.
“I know they have approached the federal government and we are hoping, with their support, that it may be ready for next year.”
The association has also been gifted an Airbus A380 double-decker plane which is currently sitting at Alice Springs airport.
“We are working with a couple of companies to get a quote to bring here. It is 9km in a straight line but there are obviously logistical problems,” said Nick, whilst pointing at a map on his office wall, showing its proposed location.
“I know it’s not road transport, but would be an extra drawcard. I believe there are only two of those planes available to the public and they are both in Europe.
So, this would be the only one in the southern hemisphere that you can get on. It is intact, minus its engines. How many of us have sat in first-class on an A380? Hopefully Qantas would come to the party and paint it in their colours.”
Next year will be the 30th anniversary of The Hall and Nick is thinking big.
“The street parade is definitely going to happen and we have confirmation of truck drag racing plus a whole lot more.
“We are looking at a whole week of celebration and hope to attract around 10,000 people next year, with anywhere from 1000-1500 people at the dinner, and more than double the number of Inductees.
“We will make it as big as possible. If anyone could spend a couple of weeks here to volunteer we would be beyond grateful.
“Also, if anyone has any ideas – how better we could honour people in the trucking industry please contact us. Send us an email at admin@rths.com.au.”
So, after much hard work by Nick Prus, his team and many others who love this industry, the future of the Hall of Fame is assured.
Now we just have to wait to see if the first-class bar will be open on that Airbus A380.