Media Release

The 10-year anniversary of the Shell Rimula National Road Transport Hall of Fame was marked by one of Australia’s largest ever rig convoys, in Alice Springs on Sunday, 28 August.

The six-day celebration, held between 24 – 29 August 2005, attracted more than 5,000 transport industry magnates and truckies alike from around the country to honour our nation’s rich road transport heritage and pay tribute to Australian transport pioneers inducted into the prestigious Shell Rimula Hall of Fame.

Located within a working museum that is arguably without equal among its transport heritage counterparts, the Shell Rimula Hall of Fame welcomed 129 new inductees in to its ranks.

Liz Martin, President of the Road Transport Historical Society, said: “The 2005 celebrations have been a fantastic display of appreciation and respect towards the nation’s unsung heroes. The way in which Australia has embraced the Shell Rimula National Road Transport Hall of Fame highlights the importance placed on the road transport industry.”

The Shell Rimula Rig Parade, organised to honour the 10-year anniversary, showcased a mixture of more than 400 old and new vehicles, illustrating the industry’s development over the years.

Tony Firman, Shell Lubricants Communications Manager said: “The Shell Rimula Rig Parade was a tremendous success, with vehicles from all around Australia participating.  It was amazing to watch modern road trains sharing the road with vintage vehicles.”

Mr Firman also paid tribute to the people of Alice Springs for the way in which they supported the convoy:  “Thousands of people lined the streets to appreciate these remarkable vehicles.”

Another highlight of the weekend was the Saturday night Shell Rimula Gala Dinner, where 2500 people enjoyed local food and wines in the open-air.

Mr Firman said the event was a fantastic representation of the transport industry and it was a tremendous honour to be involved in the transport event of the decade.

“Shell have been delighted to sponsor this project and demonstrate once again our commitment to the Australian transport industry,” said Mr Firman.

“We were particularly pleased to be able to further show our appreciation to the transport industry by sponsoring one of Australia’s largest ever rig convoys.”