Jo Austin accepted a Wall of Fame nomination on behalf of Brian ‘The Pom’ Hearn.
Three respected figures of the Riverina transport industry have taken their place among the region's trucking legends, following another successful Deniliquin & District Transport Industry Wall of Fame induction weekend.
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Although the annual Truck Show was not held this year, industry supporters still turned out in force for the September 19 induction dinner and Sunday's memorial service, celebrating the men and women who helped build and sustain road transport across the district.
Four new nominations were accepted for Wall of Fame consideration in 2026, with Kelvin Baxter, Wayne Kempton, Brian ‘The Pom’ Hearn (dec) and Leslie Hood (dec) joining the list of future candidates.
For Kelvin Baxter, however, recognition came immediately.
The long-time transport operator named as one of this year's inductees alongside Les Bond and the late Simon Edmunds.
Mr Baxter said the recognition was especially meaningful given the calibre of people who have contributed to the industry.
"I really will treasure this award," he said.
"It means a lot to me, and I thank those that nominated me.
"There are a lot of good operators doing this job.
"Our industry is not an easy one, so to be recognised like this is an honour."
The induction recognised decades of dedication to transport, with each recipient having played an important role in supporting freight and industry throughout the region.
The evening also acknowledged the volunteers whose efforts have helped keep the Deniliquin & District Transport Industry Truck Show & Industry Expo and Wall of Fame operating for many years.
Special committee awards were presented to former president Leesa Muir, Ash Gray, and Ron and Margaret Brown for their ongoing contribution to the event and the wider transport community.
Industry leaders were well represented among the guest speakers, including Paul Fellows from NatRoad and TruckSafe, Graham Thomson Motors CEO Gerard Michel, Adam Cain from AxleFix, Alina Hawkins from the Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria, and Purtill Group managing director Neville Purtill.
Providing the lighter side of the evening was renowned transport cartoonist Steven ‘Tex’ Bloomfield of Bloomfield Cartoons.
The former highway patrol officer entertained guests with stories from his policing days, including tales of radar detection and the legendary Pilliga Yowie.
Around $10,000 was raised through raffles and auctions during the evening.
"The night was a success, it really went well, everyone was happy," organiser John Creenaune said.
The weekend concluded with a memorial service at the Wall of Legends rest stop, where about 40 people gathered to remember industry members who have passed away.
Evan Whitbourne opened the service and read the names of the newly inducted members before chaplain Josh Renn led a minute's silence in honour of those no longer with us.
"It was a beautiful service, honoured the ones passed, the weather was good, it was fitting," Mr Creenaune said.
The Wall of Fame continues to grow as a lasting tribute to the operators, drivers, mechanics and transport pioneers whose efforts helped shape one of regional Australia's proudest trucking communities.
Margaret and Ron Brown were recognised for their service to the event’s organising committee.
Wall of Fame nominee Wayne Kempton.
Rhys Edwards-Hood accepts the Wall of Fame nomination for his father Leslie Hood.
