Could This Be The World’s First Vehicle?

A remarkable discovery at White Sands National Park, New Mexico, reveals that prehistoric humans were hauling heavy loads dating as far back as 22,000 years ago. Scientists uncovered drag marks alongside ancient footprints, providing the earliest evidence of primitive transport methods in North America—long before the invention of the wheel.

The transport tracks highlight the long history of moving heavy loads—something Australia’s trucking industry knows well. Much like today’s road trains hauling freight across the Outback, these ancient tracks show the ingenuity of people finding ways to move essential cargo. From wooden sleds to high-powered rigs, transport has always been vital to survival and progress, proving that the need for efficient freight movement is as old as humanity itself.

Source: New Scientist

“Darren is a highly motivated individual who always strives to do his best while inspiring those around him to do the same,” says our Growth and Strategy Manager, Anthony Serpo. “He is methodical, practical, and a strong leader who shares his knowledge with the team,” he adds, speaking about our new Production Manager, 28 year old Darren Phillips. “He is always willing to get his hands dirty and get the job done, no matter what it takes.”

Hailing from the historic town of Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, England, Darren Phillips grew up surrounded by both rich history and a bustling family life. As one of nine siblings, it’s fair to say he has mastered the art of adaptability, patience, and diplomacy growing up! His family has strong ties to the industry, with his father and younger brother both working in construction, while his younger sister has recently embarked on her own path, studying Civil Construction Management at university.

Darren moved to Western Australia in 2009, following his family in search of “blue skies and sunshine.” Drawn to hands-on work, he explored various trades, including woodwork, metalwork, and electrical engineering. A natural problem-solver, he initially pursued an apprenticeship in cabinet making before an unexpected turn led him into the asphalt industry. Starting at Boral, he soon became deeply involved in asphalt production, spray seal operations, and even float driving, transporting heavy machinery between sites. His journey took him from Boral to Downer and, ultimately, toKEE Group—where his positive attitude and team-player mentality have been welcomed.

“Darren’s commitment to KEE is unwavering,” says our CEO, David Cox. “He is truly passionate about his work, and his dedication is evident not only in his contributions on-site but also in the great project photos and drone-film footage he shares on LinkedIn.” Before joining KEE Group, Darren was already familiar with the company, having supplied them with asphalt mix since 2017.

“I’ve always been impressed with how driven everyone at KEE is—not just to get the job done, but to get it done right, efficiently, and profitably,” says Darren. “I always felt frustrated when I worked for larger companies, as it seemed like they were on cruise control. Big companies just expected work to land on their doorstep, and they didn’t really feel the need to innovate or invest—at least not in WA.”

Darren’s role involves overseeing the logistics of personnel and material movements, ensuring all equipment is well-maintained, and providing support across KEE’s Surfacing division. His position demands quick thinking, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of asphalt production. “Every day is an enjoyable day. The guys at KEE are always appreciative when you help them, and they’re just as willing to lend a hand when you need it. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

He recalls a wise supervisor once telling him, “When things get tense on the job, make sure you leave it on-site. Don’t let it affect your willingness to have a beer with that same person after work.” In an industry that demands both precision and teamwork, this philosophy has served him well.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys life in Perth with his partner, Tatum, their nine-year-old daughter, Lily, and cat, Felix.

Words by K.Quinn

Australia’s unique landscape presents both beauty and danger, with bushfires being a perennial threat, particularly during the scorching summer months. In the face of escalating bushfire risks, effective preparedness measures are essential to protect lives, property, and ecosystems. One crucial aspect of bushfire preparedness is proactive landscaping and vegetation management, which involves the strategic use of specialized plant hire equipment. In this blog, we delve into the vital role of such equipment, including excavators and dump trucks, in mitigating bushfire risks, focusing on Western Australia’s specific challenges and lessons learned from past fire seasons.

The Importance of Plant Hire Equipment

Landscaping and clearing projects play a pivotal role in creating defensible spaces around properties and infrastructure, serving as a frontline defense against encroaching bushfires. To accomplish this effectively, contractors rely on a range of specialised machinery available for hire. Among these are mulchers, slashers, excavators, dump trucks, and firebreak plows, each serving unique purposes in preparing and maintaining fire-resistant landscapes.

From Fuel Reduction to Defensible Space

Mulchers:

Mulchers are indispensable in reducing vegetative fuel loads by shredding and mulching overgrown vegetation. In Western Australia, where dense undergrowth can fuel fast-spreading fires, mulchers are instrumental in clearing scrub and small trees, creating firebreaks, and reducing the risk of ember attacks on properties.

Slashers:

Ideal for maintaining large swathes of land, slashers are commonly used to cut down tall grasses and shrubs, thereby minimizing fuel sources for potential fires. Western Australia’s vast rural landscapes require regular slashing to mitigate fire risks, particularly in high-risk areas prone to ignition from dry vegetation and lightning strikes.

Digging In: The Role of Excavators and Dump Trucks in Bushfire Preparedness

Excavators

Excavators play a critical role in preparing firebreaks and clearing debris, rocks, and other obstacles that may impede firefighting efforts. Their versatility and precision make them invaluable for excavation work, such as creating firebreaks and access roads, especially in rugged terrain where manual labor is impractical.

Dump Trucks

These trucks complement excavators by efficiently transporting cleared vegetation, debris, and soil away from the site. This not only facilitates the clearing process but also helps maintain clear access routes for firefighting crews and equipment. In Western Australia, where wildfires can spread rapidly across vast expanses of land, the timely removal of cleared materials is essential for effective fire management.

Best Practices and Regulations

In addition to utilising the right equipment, adhering to best practices and local regulations is paramount for effective bushfire preparedness. In Western Australia, authorities emphasise the importance of maintaining a clear buffer zone around properties, adhering to firebreak standards, and implementing fire-resistant landscaping techniques.

Lessons Learned, Strategies Refined: Insights from WA’s Fire Seasons

Western Australia has faced its share of devastating bushfires, including widespread destruction and loss of life. These events underscore the urgency of proactive bushfire preparedness measures, including robust vegetation management strategies and investments in suitable plant hire equipment.

As bushfire seasons grow increasingly severe and unpredictable, the role of effective landscaping and clearing projects, supported by specialized equipment such as mulchers, slashers, excavators, and dump trucks, cannot be overstated. By adhering to best practices, complying with regulations, and learning from past experiences, communities in Western Australia and beyond can enhance their resilience against bushfires, safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.