Sadness as Don Watson Transport closes

PROMINENT Victorian trucking business, Don Watson Transport, has confirmed it is to cease trading. 

In a statement, managing director Lyndon Watson blamed difficult economic conditions and said that it was “no longer possible to continue to operate”. 

Employees are expected to receive their entitlements in full. 

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson said they were “saddened to see such a well-respected transport close its doors after so many successful years of servicing its customers, keeping transport workers in gainful employment and making such a positive contribution to the industry and broader economy”. 

“It is certainly a tough time to be in transport with operating costs and competitive pressures what they are,” Mr Anderson said. 

“We extend our very best wishes to customers and staff for the future.” 

Based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, The Don Watson Group dates back to the late 1940s. 

According to the company website, the business began as a stock carrier between Melbourne, Ballarat and Dandenong in 1948, with founder G.H. “Don” Watson servicing these markets with leftover army surplus K Series Austin vehicles. 

 “Old Don” registered Don Watson Pty. Ltd as a company in 1966.  

With his passing, his son Donald Watson was appointed managing director, his time at the helm notable for the launch of a refrigerated division in 1984. 

A further restructure occurred in the 1990s following the death of Don Watson, with his wife Noelene taking over as managing director. 

Noelene was credited with overseeing a redevelopment of the company’s business strategy and operational structure, growing the business into new and emerging markets.