By CASEY NEILL
BERWICK truckie Craig Membrey was born with transport in his blood.
The managing director of Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire in Dandenong South on Saturday 29 August received recognition for his lifetime behind the wheel.
He was among almost 300 people inducted to the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at National Road Transport Hall of Fame 20th anniversary celebrations in Alice Springs.
The nod acknowledged Craig’s achievements and lifetime commitment to the transport community.
“It was an unbelievable feeling,” he said.
“You couldn’t believe how many people were there.”
Craig’s father Jack started J and N Membrey and Son in 1962.
“My dad was in trucks all his life,” Craig said.
“I think I was born with transport in my blood and it just went from there.”
He’d help out his dad every weekend.
“I left school at 14 years old. It wasn’t meant for me. I went to work for dad,” he said.
Craig tried a number of jobs elsewhere after “a few blues with dad”.
They’d been talking about working together again when his dad had a stroke.
That was 26 years ago and Craig has been running – and expanding – the family business ever since.
“I wish he’d left me a lolly shop sometimes, it’d be less stressful,” he said.
The company had about five pieces of equipment when he took over which has since grown to 120, including forklifts, cranes and crane trucks across Australia.
“I’ve picked a good team who follow my dream,” he said.
Since Craig’s eldest son Rowan took his own life in 2011 he’s devoted his time to raising awareness for depression through Beyondblue.
“It’s a big honour to be involved in flying the flag,” he said.
“I want to get more involved in Beyondblue where I can.
“I’m a bit of a make-it-happen man.”
