It was a solemn affair when crowds gathered at the Australian Truck Drivers Memorial for a moving annual service that took place on Saturday October 25.
Family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the truck drivers who are no longer with us.
Located in the small township of Tarcutta, on the old Hume Highway in New South Wales, the Memorial Wall was first erected in 1994.
Each year, more names are added to the wall, at the request of their families. For 2025, plaques for over 50 names were placed on the wall – some were those who passed recently, some passed away decades ago.
The annual service provides an opportunity to reflect on the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us.
Pam and Doug McMillan have been on the committee for the Memorial Wall since 2005.
“This year the attendance was huge. We had around 2300 people – I think it’s the biggest turn-out we’ve ever had. There were a lot of big family groups that came along too,” said Pam. Her father was also a truckie, and his name sits on the wall.
This year marked the 32nd anniversary of the service.
Former ATA Chair Kathy Williams AM was guest speaker. She made her way to Tarcutta from Perth. “She also used to be the General Manager of Bunker Freight Lines. That company was started by Ron Bunker, who passed away in 2024. His name was added to the wall this year,” explained Pam.
Managing Director of Whiteline Transport, Sharon Middleton AM, travelled to the event from Adelaide. “This is the third year she’s travelled over and sung for us. She has a beautiful voice,” added Pam.
The day also included a speech from the local mayor, before the laying of the wreaths.
Three official wreaths are laid at the wall, followed by flowers and wreaths by families and friends.
“The whole ceremony is really special, with a highlight being the symbolic releasing of the doves. You can see many people who tear up in that moment,” said Pam. “We have families who come back year after year, it’s really quite special.”
Following the ceremony, the Tarcutta RSL hosts an afternoon tea for the families; with many then moving on to the local footy club for a shared dinner together.
Pam continued, “The reason people come to the wall is for a very sad reason, but I think that for our industry, with these memorial walls, it’s really special that we can acknowledge what these drivers have done in their lifetime. They’ve supplied the country and carried this country, and we won’t forgot them when they’re gone.”