Craig ‘Boof’ Allitt and Holly Allitt with Pretty Pine Haulage Pty Ltd director and Deniliquin Truck Show committee member John Creenaune.
Driving a truck for a living is not always at the top of a list for a woman, but that’s one thing that’s quickly changing in the industry.
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For young women who grew up on farms and around the trucking industry, it’s a credible occupation that could provide some real benefits.
And that’s the path Deniliquin’s Holly Allitt wants to take ... as soon as she’s finished her studies.
The 18 year-old climbs behind the wheel as often as she can, when home on the farm during her breaks from Yanco Agricultural College.
Right now, she’s limited to the family farm.
But before too long, she’ll be able to sit for her trucking licence and be able to hit the open road.
Holly has long had an interest in machinery and rural life.
“It’s definitely something I’m interested in,” she said.
“I suppose I’ve been around it for a long time, so I’ve just been drawn to it.”
One thing about farm work and the truck driving life that appeals to Holly is the variety.
“I like that you’re not just doing the same thing every day, not stuck in one spot, that’s a big draw card.
“I’m planning to go for my truck licence pretty soon; it’s the first step, I guess.
“At the moment I just drive around the farm, but being able to take the truck out on the roads will be a big help.”
The truck Holly has her heart set on driving on a regular basis is the family’s Western Star FX 4800.
With the help of her dad Craig, better known as ‘Boof’, she took it to the Pretty Pine Father’s Day Market & Expo and won the Pretty Pine Haulage Farm Truck of the Show award.
“I wasn’t expecting to win. It was definitely a nice surprise,” Holly said.
“Some of the other trucks on the day looked great.”
Craig says while he supports Holly’s future goals, the downside is that he’ll be replaced as driver.
“As soon as she can get her licence for the roads, I’ll have to spend my time in the header,” he laughed.
“We’ve had the truck for 10 years, and Holly drives it around the farm. She can cart herself around well.
“It’s a generational farm, and Holly’s committed to stepping into the next chapter.”
Holly Allitt and her dad Craig ‘Boof’ Allitt.
Pretty Pine Haulage Pty Ltd director and Deniliquin Truck Show committee member John Creenaune with Holly and Craig ‘Boof’ Allitt.
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