RTBU mourns PN driver

On the morning of Sunday August 18 PN driver Andrew Ayre got on his pushbike and headed out for a ride. Now, just over a week later, it’s with mixed emotions that his best mate, Damien Cross will pick up his new bike that the pair shopped for together. Andrew didn’t make it back from his ride on Sunday morning; as with too many other road riders, he was involved in a tragic accident.

36 year old Ayre, was involved in a collision with a truck. It would seem at this stage that the truck was unable to merge out of a closing lane, and failed to spot Andrew in the emergency lane. A lover of all things two wheels, Andrew knew the dangers of being vulnerable on the road and was taking every possible precaution, and always rode sensibly.

Andrew had only recently left the Hunter Bulk Terminal in order to become a driver after 8 years.

Andrew was a well liked member of staff who will be sorely missed by his colleagues. Sadly, he is survived by two brothers, his parents; two nephews and a niece of whom he regularly showed off photos to his colleagues. He is also being mourned by his dog Buster, who has been moping around Damien’s backyard since the accident.

The union wishes to express its deepest sympathy to Andrew’s friends, family and coworkers in this tragic time.

A funeral service will be held in Dubbo this weekend.

Damien Cross, has been collecting donations from Andrew’s generous friends and co-workers in order to ease the financial burden on Andrew’s family, anybody interested should contact Damien at the Hunter Bulk Depot.