What’s happening
Tru Blu Transport Group has revealed its new Rocky-themed truck at Brown&Hurley. The truck features a full mural of Rockhampton and becomes the latest addition to a growing local fleet. The design connects directly to the extra civil work coming from the Rocky Ring Road project.
During the launch, Kent Murray from Rocky News spoke with representatives from Tru Blu Transport Group, Brown&Hurley, Rockhampton Regional Council and local leaders. Each spoke about the truck, the region and the impact of the project.
Simon Graham from Brownhurley said, “You don’t get an opportunity to present your product to the public like this very often so it’s great for Nathan to give us that chance.”
He also said the Kenworth already stands out. “To go and do this on top just makes it exceptional and yeah, there’s no doubt you’ll be driving down the road and you won’t miss it.”
Why it matters
The truck is a moving show of Rockhampton pride and local work. It also links directly to the Ring Road project, which is driving more work for the business.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the new truck joins a fleet of nine. “This has all come about because of the extra work that they’ve got from the Rocky Ring Road.”
She added that the mural gives viewers a strong sense of the region. “Isn’t that a magnificent view of Rockhampton? This encourages people to come along to Rocky thinking what a beautiful looking city it actually is.”
She said the work is employing locals and helping the company build its fleet.
Local impact
Rockhampton Regional Councillor Marika Taylor said the project is a strong show of support for the area. “It’s fantastic. I think that they’ve done a fantastic job and to see more of these come on board to showcase our beautiful region is amazing.”
She pointed to current civil activity. “We’ve got so much happening here in Rockhampton at the moment with the ring road and lots of civil works happening.”
She said the mural highlights key features. “We’ve got the mighty Fitzroy River that runs right through the middle of our beautiful town and it’s fantastic to see. It’s a great promotion for the Rockhampton region.”
By the numbers
-
True Blue Transport Group now has nine trucks in its fleet, as noted by Michelle Landry during the event.
-
Mural truck is one of five planned, which means more units will show Queensland to the rest of Australia.
-
One top driver, Graham, has been earmarked for this truck due to his long experience behind the wheel.
- The trucks work long hours each week, often from Monday to Friday.
Zoom in
The photos on the truck were taken by local photographer Glenn Adamas. Landry said, “Congratulations to Glenn Adamas for these amazing photos. He’s just a legend.” She said the photos took a lot of work to capture and show the region in its best light.
Nathan Turner, managing director of Tru Blu Transport Group, explained the idea behind the mural. “We wanted to tell Rocky that we belonged to Rocky, the company.” He said it was a significant cost but the aim was clear.
He said the company had tried a similar branding project before. “We did a similar marketing exercise or a branding exercise with that company about five years ago. It was very successful.”
Drivers are keen to get behind the wheel. Turner said the truck was set aside for their number one driver, Graham. “He’s got a lot of time behind the wheel and he’s a high quality operator.”
He added that the team works hard to keep the trucks in top shape. “Monday to Friday, they’re up to their wheels in mud and rocks. And then they’re able to present them the way they are here.”
Zoom out
The launch drew a crowd, which surprised Graham, who said, “I’m a little bit overwhelmed. I didn’t expect such a big crowd.” He said he looked forward to seeing the end result of the project.
Turner said the company expects another truck soon. “I believe we have another one to be delivered in the near future.” He said the goal is to replace the fleet while expanding into new sections.
What to look for next
Tru Blu Transport Group plans more mural trucks. Another unit is already on the way, with further orders likely as the company grows and takes on fresh civil work.
