When Jack (John) Machin started driving the family farm truck at the age of 12, he had no idea it would rev-up a passion that would shape his future.
The 86-year-old has spent his whole working life on the road and in 2018 was inducted onto the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame, recognizing his lifetime of service to the Australian Road Transport Industry.
Now, as he looks back on his journey, Jack considers his greatest achievement to be the 43 years spent driving trucks, running a successful business with his brother, and eventually partnering with his son. For Jack, life has always been about the adventure on the road, the challenges overcome, and the family that stood by him throughout.
But there’s still a whole lot of kilometres left in his tank! Jack joined Uniting AgeWell Noble Park Community in October for a respite stay and enjoyed it so much he moved in permanently. He loves group activities, outings to Parkdale Beach and the camaraderie and care he receives.
So wind back the odometer to 1938, when Jack was born in Warrnambool, Victoria, as the youngest of three boys. Growing up on a family farm, he fondly recalls the days spent working alongside his father and two older brothers, milking cows and cultivating potatoes. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the land.
Jack attended the local primary school before the family relocated to a share farm, the first of its kind in the Western District. Eventually, they settled in the picturesque Gippsland area, where Jack's affinity for trucks began. At just 12 years old, he began driving the family farm truck – and the rest is history!
At the age of 18, Jack made a significant leap into the transport industry by moving to Noble Park with his brother, Noel. Together, they bought a Fargo semi-trailer and started carrying general freight in the local and country areas. Over the years, this partnership flourished, and Jack's love for driving paved the way for exciting adventures on the road.
As the 1960s rolled around, Jack expanded his horizons and began driving interstate to Sydney, a journey he embraced for several years. He and his brother not only delivered freight but also built a reputation for reliability in the transport community.
Jack's commitment to the industry was unwavering; he carted items ranging from sawdust to fiberglass supplies over an impressive 43-year career in transport. His son, Barrie, worked alongside him during this time, ensuring that Jack’s legacy would continue through the next generation.
Jack met the love of his life, Kathie, through a mutual friend, and they married when she was just 19 and he was 24. The couple welcomed four children into the world—two boys and two girls—creating a family that valued hard work, dedication, and the joy of life on the road. Jack’s life revolved around his family and his passion for trucks, and Kathie fondly recalls how he took great pride in maintaining them in impeccable condition.
Now, as he looks back on his journey, Jack considers his greatest achievement to be the years spent driving trucks, running a successful business with his brother, and eventually partnering with his son. He treasures the rewards of hard work and the bonds created along the way. For Jack, life has always been about the adventure on the road, the challenges overcome, and the family that stood by him throughout. His legacy continues through his children, who carry forth the values he instilled in them, ensuring that his story will never be forgotten.
Learn more about life at Noble Park Community