Slingshot Haulage Pty Ltd

Leigh went on to do a Melbourne to Townsville run and also worked for North QLD Express. It was during his time at North QLD Express that he spotted some freight sitting in the corner destined for Darwin. Upon enquiry, he learnt the freight would go from Melbourne to Brisbane and then Brisbane to Darwin. Leigh asked the question, why not direct, and so began one of the first direct transport services from Melbourne to Darwin.

At 24 years of age, Leigh ordered a new R600R Model Mack road train rated truck and the transport got busier. He also established/bought Central Salt Supply Pty Ltd, a salt lake just outside of Kerang. This he owned and operated for 5 years. Whilst he sold the salt lake, he kept the business name with plans to continue in the salt industry down the track.

Back in the drivers’ seat again and a move to Alice Springs, Leigh was working for NTFS (Northern Territory Freight Service) towing fridge vans, etc. from off the rail at Alice Springs to Darwin. At this time there was no rail line from Alice Springs to Darwin. He also bought another new truck, this time a Series 2 Superliner which featured in Truckin Life in 1987, pictured towing the NTFS fridge vans. (Whilst he was the first to own this beauty it was sold to Neville Dobbs soon after).