Steve, Chris, Greg and Merylyn, and Rod Milthorpe in front of the business name.
After nearly forty years of dedicated service throughout Australia, the esteemed Milthorpe family bid farewell to their Corowa-based transport business last Friday, May 24.
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Founded in 1988 by adept diesel mechanics, brothers Greg and Ray Milthorpe, Milthorpe Transport emerged from their collective experience at Corowa Truck and Trailer Repairs, where their journey commenced in 1982.
As pioneers in the transport landscape, the Milthorpes diligently nurtured their enterprise, witnessing its growth from humble beginnings with just two trucks to 27.
It was mixed emotions for the family when The Free Press caught up with the highly respected family last Wednesday.
Chris, Steve, Greg and Merylyn, and Rod Milthorpe in front of a few of their overall 27 trucks prior to retirement.
Ray’s recent retirement, coupled with Greg's desire to follow suit, underlined the family's decision to gracefully exit the industry.
"We've nurtured Milthorpe for about four decades now. From its modest inception, it has steadily expanded into a family-owned business, with my sons, Steve, Rodney, and Chris, becoming integral parts of its operations,” Greg said.
“However, as we embark on this new chapter, we eagerly anticipate embracing the joys of family life and relishing in newfound leisure.
"Maintaining operational standards in an industry marred by stringent regulations and recruitment hurdles has proven increasingly arduous, especially at my age of 75. It's time to pass the baton and transition into a new phase of life."
While bidding farewell to their cherished enterprise evokes a bittersweet sentiment, Steve emphasised the family's resilience in the face of change.
"Though the closure marks the end of an era, it also signifies new beginnings. Our shared passion for car racing, which runs parallel to our trucking legacy, will continue to bind us as a family," he said.
Milthorpe Transport’s extensive assets including sheds, tools, trucks, and more were auctioned on Monday, the auction conducted by Pickles. "As stewards of the auction process, it's not just about the sale of assets, but about setting up the Milthorpe family for success in their next endeavours,” Taylor McGrath, Industrial Sales, Pickles said.
“We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and are confident that the proceeds from the auction will lay a solid foundation for the family's future pursuits."
All parts of Australia were covered by the Milthorpes, including numerous trips to northern Queensland to such places as Cairns and Townsville.
Greg expressed gratitude to the loyal team of over 50 individuals who contributed to the company's success.
"The camaraderie and dedication by our team have been the cornerstone of our journey. We extend our best wishes to all involved as we eagerly embrace the next chapter," he said.
Staff enjoyed working for the family business. Employee for the last 11 years Gordon Reid spoke highly of the Milthorpes. “It’s been a great, successful company,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure working with them.”
With an illustrious legacy etched in the annals of Australian transport history, Milthorpe Transport leaves an indelible mark on the industry it diligently
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