Lynne Mowbray |

The Grafton Truck Driver’s Social Club held their annual memorial service at the truck drivers Memorial Wall, at South Grafton on Saturday.

The blistering hot conditions on the day didn’t deter both young and old who attended the service to remember and pay their respect to those who have lost their lives in service or through natural causes (the names of former drivers on the Memorial Wall are predominantly from the Clarence Valley).

Chris Gulaptis MP, Clarence Valley mayor Jim Simmons, a representative from the Coffs/Clarence Police District, the Salvation Army and the Grafton District Services Pipe Band were all present, to pay their respects. 

Truck driver for Cromack Transport and president of the Grafton Truck Drivers Social Club, Tim Wright, said that this year marked the 12th anniversary of the memorial service.

“Each year around 70 people attend the memorial service to remember and pay their respect to those (from the transport industry) who have passed away,” Mr Wright said.

“The Memorial Wall has plaques dedicated to around 60 people from the transport industry (mainly truck drivers) who have passed away, including Cromack Transport founder Fred Cromack and Herb Blanchard, founder of Herb Blanchard Haulage.

“This year, five more plaques were added to the wall.

“It’s always an emotionally tough day, as my dad’s name is also on the wall,” he said.