Sue Horan says she learns new skills regularly as a truckie. Photos: Supplied.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, a song from the film Life of Brian, might have been written for Sue Horan, who has fought back from unthinkable tragedy twice as she forges a career in a male-dominated industry.
In 2020, the now-53-year-old lost her first husband, Buster, to a workplace accident and just three years later, her second husband, Ken, died from pancreatic cancer.
“After losing two husbands, the way I see life and what I value is so different,” she said.
“I have rebuilt my life positively and am creating a future that honours both Buster and Ken’s memories while embracing new possibilities.”
Ms Horan grew up in Hillston before living in Griffith, Darlington Point and Leeton, where she developed a career as an aged-care worker.
But she’d always had a love of driving heavy vehicles, something that flourished after she met truck driver and future husband Buster Ryan.
“I wanted to gain some more experience in the trucking industry. I gained a licence, went on some charity rides with Buster and eventually gained a partner,” she said.
Buster and Sue on their wedding day.
Her world came crashing down in 2020.
“Buster was delivering hay to a chook farm near Goolgowi,” she said. ”He was walking back to have some lunch when he walked behind the telehandler when he was struck. He was able to talk to me after the accident, but there were too many internal injuries. Buster left some messages from me on voicemail that I still haven’t been able listen to.
“I became a recluse for months; I didn’t want to do anything. I realised I could go one of two ways. I could give up or I could use my grief as a tool and realise that there always has to be something positive to come from a tragedy.”
An opportunity to change her life came when Ardlethan farmer Ken Horan asked her to be a truck driver for harvest. So she quit her secure job in aged care and gave it a go.
“I felt that was the best way to recognise Buster’s memory, to do what he loved and what I love,” she said.
Ms Horan married Ken and for a short while, life was rosy. But when he died in 2023, she found herself in a battle to stay alive financially and escape debt.
“It was horrible … in the aftermath of my loss, I have also had to navigate the unexpected challenges related to handling my husband’s affairs. Overcoming these external pressures has been a significant testament to my resilience through this grief,” she said.
Ms Horan marched on with her career and in January 2025, secured a full-time job with Leeton-based PSP Transport, which distributes bulk fruit and vegetables.
Ms Horan drives one hour to work in Leeton every morning but loves it.
“I’m hooking and unhooking semi-trailers, something that I was once terrified to do but now gives me great satisfaction,” she said.
”I’m reversing in narrow back gates on orchards. I love the challenges. It might seem easy for truckies who have done it for 20 years, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
Ms Horan has no qualms about being the only female driver in the company, but hopes she won’t be for long.
“Working in a male-oriented industry doesn’t bother me, they’ve all been really supportive,” she said.
”But I’d love to see more women come through the industry. I’ve had a woman who I did charity hay runs with me tell me I was her inspiration, and she now has her own truck.
“Having moved forward in my life, I am now filled with positivity and fulfilment, which drives my passion to help others pursue and achieve their dreams and goals.
”It is important to me to spread this message to others so they can reach their full potential. I believe that something positive can come out of tragedy and grief.”
She has a simple message for women who dream about doing something totally different and unexpected with their lives but are held back with fear.
“Don’t hesitate. Don’t ever give up being able to realise your dream. It’s not going to be easy, you’ll have to work at it but it’ll always be worth it.”
