For the past 17 years, Mark Simmons has driven trucks on the water surrounded fortress of Palm Island which is amongst the Great Barrier Reef.
I saw Mark, 57, standing near his Western Star 4800FX, powered by a 500hp motor recently
On the trailer was a giant excavator, so I asked Mark what it was used for.
“It is a PC290 and we use it at the local quarry, for smashing cement, breaking rocks and other things. It has a huge pulveriser,” he said.
A diesel fitter by trade, Mark was born in England and used to work for the family company GMP Repairs on the mainland.
He moved to Palm Island, which is across the Pacific Ocean from Townsville.
It is a two-hour trip by ferry from Townsville for passengers and light freight.
Trucks and heavy vehicles must travel by barge from Lucinda which is near Ingham.
“I also used to drive trucks to places like Boulia, Bedourie, Karumba and others,“ he said.
With Mark was another council worker Vaughan Charles, who drives a small Hino flattop carrying lots of material including recycling.
“Vaughan is a great worker and part of our team,” Mark said.
Vaughan had been a former champion rugby league player for the Palm Island Barracudas at Northern Allblacks carnivals. His offsider David Fulford was also with him.
Mark said the Western Star, which has an 18-speed Road Ranger gearbox, is great to drive.
“It is my pride and joy and I am the only one licenced to drive it,” he said.
So what does Mark do in his spare time on Palm Island, which has a permanent population of just 2500.
“Like everyone else I go fishing and catch coral trout and red emperor. On Saturday nights I go to the Coolgaree Bar and Grill which is run by local legend Vern Daisy. Life is good on Palm Island,” he said.
Sometimes Mark gets over to the mainland but said he would never leave his adopted home.
“When I am away I can’t get back here quick enough,” he said.