Of Portuguese descent, Helder Marques has been in Australia for 35 years and is enthusiastic about his job as a driver for Townsville-based Griggs Haulage Contractors.
I saw Helder as he parked his Volvo FH at the BP Cluden just before dark in late 2025.
“I do a lot of jobs hauling grain and oversized loads and whilst a lot of the work is local, I do get out to Hughenden on the western Flinders Highway,” he said.
Helder arrived in Townsville from Sydney about 18 months ago and is glad he did.
He rates the Flinders Highway between Charters Towers and Hughenden as amongst the worst he gets along.
“There are many narrow bridges,” he said.
One of Helder’s favourite roadhouses is the Caltex at Stuart where he says the food is delicious.
When he gets time off Helder is into motorbikes, cars and of course trucks.
Like most drivers, he was looking forward to Christmas and the entire festive season.
“I will be spending lots of time with family,” he added.
When asked what his New Year’s resolution is, Helder answered quickly. “I want to buy a house,” he said.
There was a 4WD parked next to the Volvo and it was his father Antonio who was there to pick him up.
Also there was his pet dog Sam and they all drove off together.