Happy, hardworking and everyone’s mate: Russell Allison remembered

A cherished father and longtime Territory truckie has been remembered as happy, hardworking and everyone’s mate, after his tragic death en route to his son’s birthday party.

Russell Allison and his family. Picture: Supplied.

A cherished father and longtime Territory truckie has been remembered as happy, hardworking and everyone’s mate, after his tragic death earlier this month.

Russell Allison, 58, died in a crash near Emerald Springs, when he hit a bull en route to celebrate his son’s birthday.

“He called us in the afternoon, wished him a happy birthday and said he was excited to have cake when he came home – but he never made it,” daughter Ashley said.

“He was a really, really good dad. He was so easy going. He was good to talk to, you know – he was always there.

“He’s just an extremely fun and loveable guy … he’ll be missed.”

Russell was born in Boort, Victoria, before moving to Katherine in 1997.

He met his wife Ann while working at the Katherine Woolworths, and together they raised three kids in the outback town – eldest son Dylan, and twins Nikki and Ashley.

Russell launched his own trucking business, Russtransport, in 2011.

He had contracted with Goodman Fielder since then, and worked with AJ Couriers from 2020 to 2024.

There has been an outpouring of love for Territory truck driver Russell Allison after his death earlier this month. Picture: Supplied.

Ashley said her father took pride in his job, and was extremely hard working.

“The thing he loved best about his job was getting to talk to the amount of people that he’d see every day,” she said.

“He could get out of the truck and see someone he’s never met before and instantly become friends with him.

“Dad was liked by everyone, and he didn’t have to try hard at all, it was extremely easy.”

The family moved to Darwin last year, but Russell’s impact on the Katherine community was evident in the outpouring of love after his death.

“This is so terrible, such a lovely man and devoted to his family … he will be very missed,” Sheryn Johnson Gates said on social media.

“One of the nicest blokes I’ve known in my life, a real trooper, hand working and always ready to give you a hand if you needed it. Went out of his way to make sure every thing was right for his customers. A true gentlemen,” Kev Brenton said.

“RIP mate I’m going to miss your jokes in the mornings,” Jan Cox said.

Another customer who operated the Tindal Post Office said Russell always had “a smile and a hello”.

“Hard working family man, seven days a week to make sure Katherine had their bread delivery every day,” she said.

The family has launched a GoFundMe to help fund a memorial planned for May 29: GoFundMe/015779a9

Originally published as Happy, hardworking and everyone’s mate: Russell Allison remembered