He was more than a giant of the Goulburn Valley and Southern Riverina trucking industry — he was a legend of Australian transport.
The founder of Hicks Transport died on December 26, after a four-year battle with cancer. He was 71.
While the grandfather-of-four is best remembered for his work as a truck operator and safety advocate, Brian was incredibly thoughtful to those around him.
His son Warren said it didn’t matter if it was a driver, staff member or even another truck operator — if help and support was needed, Brian was there to lend a hand.
“Dad put business aside and looked at what matters; when the chips were down he put people first,” Warren said.
Brian Hicks was born on October 25, 1949.
He grew up on his family farm in Koyuga, which is where he established Brian Hicks Transport in 1968 before the business eventually moved to Cobram in 1989.
Brian married Lorna in 1971, and the couple had four children: Leigh, Warren, Simon and Naomi.
Unfortunately, life came with its tragic lows. In 1993, Leigh was killed in a truck accident and in 2002 Lorna died from motor neurone disease.
Brian continued to grow his business after moving to Cobram — from three trucks in 1989 to 10 by 2000. The same year he purchased Harley Road Freighters in Finley and Thornton's Transport in Berrigan.
For the next decade Brian was continuing to expand, buying land and businesses in Cobram, as well as other businesses in Barooga, Yarrawonga and WB Hunter Transport in Shepparton.
His impact on the transport industry wasn't limited to the Cobram and surrounding region.
Warren said Brian served as a director of NatRoad and the Transport Industry Superannuation Fund.
Cobram and its people were always at the front of his mind. He was a member of Cobram Kiwanis and Cobram Rotary, as well as a major contributor of the Ottrey Homes fundraising committee.
“He was very generous with equipment and lending it out for community events,” Warren said.
“Not only did he love Cobram but the whole regional area.”
When Brian was inducted into the National Transport Hall of Fame in August 2015, he reflected on how he ensured his town was included in shaping the business.
“Really one of the more fulfilling parts of the business though, is the fact that we are able to employ so many local people. It’s a great feeling,’’ he said at the time.
“Just recently we have taken on two new young drivers, and knowing that they are getting the training they need from us is outstanding.
“But really, the company is only as strong as the staff we can hire, and we couldn’t operate like we do without them.”
Brian Hicks was farewelled by friends and family on Saturday, January 2, at the Cobram Harness Racing Club.
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