What we stand for
The dairy industry is built from the ground up, and we are committed to making a positive difference to our people, our farmers, our customers, our communities and environments where we operate.
Leon began driving in 1979 with UMT, which later became Bonlac and then Fonterra. Based in Smithton in Tasmania’s North-West, Leon has been delivering our farmers’ milk to the Wynyard factory for 30 years, where we turn it into Gouda and Cheddar cheeses. Leon is currently a leading hand and training assessor for the Wynyard depot, and in previous years, he also was an owner-operator and a scheduler.
Leon is known for having a heart of gold, always willing to lend a hand and leave you with a smile, and is described by his peers as someone that has made the Tasmanian Farm Milk Collection team into what it is today.
Probably the biggest change has been in the tankers we drive – they used to have different hoses, and they were a lot smaller. Now we have bigger tankers, there are bigger vats on farm, and better trucks – they’re a lot more comfortable these days! We’ve had plenty of trucks over 30 years – Japanese, American, and European-built. A lot of the guys like the American trucks, but I don’t mind the Europeans – they have a few more creature comforts!
I just enjoy the job in general – I’ve done pretty much every job on the FMC team and have enjoyed them all. I took on training in 2006, and I really like passing on the skills to the next generation. I’ll generally spend two weeks with new drivers, showing them the ropes, and it’s great to see them doing well and fitting seamlessly into the team.
To be honest I wasn’t that keen on them when we first introduced them – I was on a 20m B-double at the time and was happy driving that – but now that I’m on them I don’t mind if I never drive a B-double again. They’re a lot easier to get in and out of farms.
I usually listen to ABC talkback and the Country Hour, or if I’m not listening to the radio, I’ve got it tuned to country music. I like talkback though because it means I know what’s happening in the world that day, and what’s important to our farmers.
Midway between Smithton and Wynyard is the Detention River Roadhouse – although I try to steer clear of the pies! The food is pretty decent, and a bit healthier than your standard roadhouse fare – I’ll get a sandwich or bit of fish if I’m there for a meal, and the coffee isn’t bad either.