How Advanced Safety Features Are Changing the Game

“He was an exceptional man,” says his wife Cheryl Spiers, “strong in mind, body, and spirit.” Anyone who knew our KEE director’s dad, knew of his larger-than-life character. Donald ‘Bob’ Spiers was incredibly hard-working, a great motivator and always ready to lend a hand, whether at the gym or on the road with fellow truckers. His dedication to fitness was unsurpassed, always giving 100% and inspiring those around him.

The Family Tradition

His family has a rich history. His great-grandfather, James ‘Jasper’ Spiers, was a Scotsman who joined the early settlers from Victoria, crossing the Nullarbor with the bullock train to WA. James was not only a landowner and jockey who won the prestigious Perth Cup, but he also ran for Parliament. He contributed significantly to the transport and infrastructure sectors, building roads and serving as the first president of the Wanneroo Shire. Don’s grandfather and father followed in the transporting footsteps, both becoming truck drivers, with Don continuing this family tradition.

Life growing up was not easy for Don. Post-war, his family struggled. His mother, Beryl, worked tirelessly as a cook at Maris Brothers College to ensure there was always food on the table. The family had little, with their house almost bare of furniture. Although his father became a successful truck driver, sadly his drinking habits often left the family without financial security. When his father’s drinking spiralled, his mum would wrap Don in a blanket and they would leave their house and sleep in a public telephone box.

Unbreakable Spirit

Don’s life was marked by resilience and determination. He left school at 14, taking on an apprenticeship as a spray painter at Wark and Wainwright in Leederville. His love for running began here, where he would run from his home in Dover Road, Scarborough to work and back every day. After a stint in the army, where he broke the 3000-meter record, he came back to Perth and won numerous races including the City to Surf and Fremantle Fun Run. Keen to keep his love of running in the family, Don also trained his sons in the art of racing. One year at Whitford’s Fun Run Don, Stephen, Damon and Clayton dominated the day, each gaining first place in their respective age category. The event organisers were so taken-aback by the Spiers formidable winning capabilities, that they were banned from entering the following year!

Don was on target to become a professional athlete until his ambitions were cruelly taken away from him when he was hit by a car while training. Through his passion, he didn’t give up and became the Senior Athletics Middle-Distance Coach at the prestigious Trinity College, where he imparted his knowledge and motivation on hundreds of young athletes to help them reach their potentials.

Building WA’s Infrastructure

Don’s career as a truck driver was equally impressive. He helped build the Narrows Bridge for Clough (driving a Leyland Hippo-Truck) and one of the biggest projects he worked on was for Bell Brothers, where he took the first locomotive off the wharf in Port Hedland for Hamersley Iron in the 70’s. He also used the famous salt-mines for training, running up and down the mounds to keep fit.

Having never touched a drop of liquor himself, when working in Port Hedland Don noticed that the men worked hard, but drank harder. One of the few pleasures they had after a long days yakka was the boxing nights at local pubs. Don had learnt to box at Scarborough Police Boy’s Club and (perhaps less intentionally) on the beachfront in the era of the Bodgies and Widgies. Ready to unleash this hidden skill, Don cunningly waited for the fellow competitors boozing to progress in to the night. Completely sober, he would then step in to the ring, knowing that putting money on himself would the safest bet to an easy win!

Father and Mentor

Clayton fondly recalls the road trips up north with his dad. “He was a dedicated marathon runner,” Clayton said, “but he needed a way to keep in training while hitting transport deadlines.”

So, what was the 1980s solution? Simple! He put six-year-old Clayton behind the wheel of his triple-road train. As he was unable to reach the pedals, his dad used the hand throttle to keep the truck at a steady 12kms ph, so Clayton could keep the truck rolling while his dad ran in front. A bit of old-school ingenuity at its finest!

Don’s work ethic was unmatched, often working 16-hour days without lunch breaks. He set up his own successful trucking business, purchasing his own F10 Volvo single-axle prime-mover. In 1995, Damon and Clayton joined the business as low-loader drivers and Spiers & Sons was born, later inspiring the brothers to build KEE Group in 2008. “What we learnt from our dad was his persistence,” said Clayton and Damon. “Never give up, never give in and never make anyone do anything you wouldn’t be prepared to do yourself. This has stayed with us throughout our lives and business”.

Throughout his life the gym remained an essential part of Don’s routine. Even up until his sudden death, he spent up to three hours a day training in a gym he had created in his garage. His commitment to fitness was admirable.

The Unbreakable Bond

Most importantly, his love for wife Cheryl was unwavering. Cheryl was 18 and Don 21 when they first met, reaching nearly 60 years together. They were in love with each other and true soul mates, not leaving each other’s sides. They built a beautiful house in Wanneroo and they lived with a menagerie of animals including pet kangaroos, dogs, ducks, chooks, bandicoots, bin-chickens and a favourite cat called Scruffy. “I miss Bob terribly,” says Cheryl, “he would wrap his arms around me and tell me he loved me every single day. He was an incredible man, a one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed.”

KEE Group was built on the work ethic instilled by Clayton and Damon’s dad and his forefathers, and we’re proud to carry that legacy forward in serving the great state of WA.

Words and pictures by Katharyn Quinn

When it comes to choosing the right tyre for your heavy low loaders, where durability, load-carrying capacity, and reliability are paramount, several tyre brands stand out for their quality and performance. Here are some of the best tyre brands in the world for heavy low loaders:

Michelin

Michelin is renowned for producing high-quality tyres across various segments, including heavy-duty applications. Michelin’s line of commercial truck tyres, such as the Michelin X Works series, offers excellent durability, traction, and load-carrying capacity, making them well-suited for heavy low loader operations. Michelin’s headquarters are in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Bridgestone

Bridgestone is another top-tier tyre manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation and performance. Bridgestone’s range of commercial truck tyres, such as the Bridgestone M844/M860 series, is engineered to withstand heavy loads, provide superior traction, and deliver long-lasting performance on low loaders and other heavy-duty vehicles. Bridgestone Corporation is based in Tokyo.

Goodyear

Goodyear (from USA) is a globally recognised tyre brand with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Goodyear’s commercial truck tyres, including the Goodyear Endurance LHD and Goodyear Fuel Max LHD, are designed to deliver exceptional durability, fuel efficiency, and traction, making them ideal for heavy low loader applications.

Continental

Continental is a German manufacturer known for its advanced tyre technologies and premium quality products. Continental’s range of commercial truck tyres, such as the Continental HDR and Continental HSR2, is engineered to provide excellent load-carrying capacity, traction, and resistance to wear, making them suitable for heavy low loader operations.

Pirelli

With its headquarters in Milan, Pirelli is a renowned tyre brand celebrated for its performance and innovation in various automotive segments. Pirelli’s commercial truck tyres, such as the Pirelli FH:01 and Pirelli FR:01 series, offer exceptional durability, handling, and traction, making them well-suited for heavy low loader applications, especially in challenging terrain conditions.

Essential Factors to Consider

When selecting tyres for low-loaders, it’s essential to consider factors such as load-carrying capacity, tread design, compound durability, and overall performance to ensure optimal safety, reliability, and efficiency in operations. Additionally, regular maintenance, proper inflation, and adherence to recommended load and speed ratings are crucial for maximising tyre longevity and performance in heavy-duty applications.

“Daniel keeps everything safe, and he keeps everyone working,” says CEO David Cox. Daniel Stacey, aged 37, serves as our IT Manager at KEE, where he has established himself as an indispensable asset over the past seven years.

Growing up in the UK, the eldest of three siblings, Daniel experienced a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and the occasional scrape. “As a kid, I spent most of my time outdoors, always getting into trouble and exploring places I shouldn’t have been. I would head out as soon as the sun was up and only return home after it set; I’ve broken bones, had tetanus shots, and been chased by guard dogs (to name a few things). I had a normal childhood; we lived in a small house, and my bedroom was barely larger than a single bed, which is why I preferred to be outside. In 1998, Daniel’s childhood took a significant turn when his family relocated to Australia. This move was influenced by a health incident within the family that led his mother to realise the potential for a better life in WA.

Daniel’s first industry role was at PLE, a well-known computer retailer. He spent several years there before helping to launch PLE Corporate, a subdivision providing IT services to small businesses. At one point they had three Daniel’s working in the same section and assisting the clients with their issues. “Trying to determine which Daniel the client had been talking to on the phone was sometimes a challenge, so we resorted to nicknames: “og Dan” (me), “Daniel” and “baby Dan” (the newest), and to great amusement these nicknames ended up being yelled across the office or when speaking to clients saying things like “Oh, you were talking with baby Dan!”

Daniel’s professional evolution continued as he transitioned to larger Managed Service Providers (MSPs), where he concentrated on delivering comprehensive IT solutions. His tenure at KEE commenced in August 2017, and he was immediately struck by the company’s familial and inviting atmosphere. Unlike previous workplaces, KEE’s Directors were notably approachable and actively engaged in day-to-day operations, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

When asked about whether our industry should embrace or worry for the AI revolution he said, “AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our day-to-day lives.” However he also believes it comes with challenges, including ethical concerns, job displacement, and the need for more advanced security measures. “As AI continues to evolve, it will become more advanced, capable, and accessible. The key will be to harness its potential while addressing its challenges, ensuring that its development continues to benefit society. This future could feature self-driving cars that completely revolutionise the transportation industry.”

Beyond the professional sphere, Daniel enjoys drone photography, often capturing breathtaking aerial vistas during his travels with his wife and two young children. “My favourite shot would be of the Pink Lake in Kalbarri, my wife chose a perfect time to visit; resulting in the lake turning into a mirror.”