LOCAL LIFE
Turtle Landscaping celebrates 50 years
of grit, growth and glory
In Aesop’ s famous fable, a humble tortoise triumphed over a boastful hare with steady determination. But if that hare had found himself in a match against Barry Locock, he’ d have been left in the dust- all the way to Timbuktu.
Barry Locock, affectionately known as“ Big Turtle”, is a name synonymous with hard work, integrity, and community spirit. This year marks an extraordinary double celebration: Barry’ s 75th birthday and the 50th anniversary of Turtle Nursery and Landscape Supplies, the business he founded in 1975 with little more than a dream, a dependable old truck, and his late wife Jan by his side.
To commemorate these milestones,
Barry“ Big Turtle” Locock( second from the right), joined by his sons( L-R) Peter, Mark, and Paul, celebrating the milestone events. over 150 family, friends and long-time associates gathered at The Brewery, Rouse Hill, for a night of celebration, reflection and heartfelt tributes. The evening featured a striking, commemorative cake large enough to share with everyone, and a surprise unveiling of a hand-painted artwork( right) by long-time signwriter Greig Penboss, who has been painting Barry’ s trucks since 1978.
“ It was a wonderful evening,” Barry shared.“ Being able to celebrate both my birthday and the 50th anniversary of Turtle with my family, devoted employees and friends meant the world to me.”
Barry’ s journey began behind the wheel of a 1969 AEC Mammoth Major truck while working for Martin Brothers in Dural. When the opportunity came to branch out on his own, he purchased that very truck and, with Jan managing the books, set the foundation for what would become one of NSW’ s largest and most respected landscape supply companies.
Today, Turtle Nursery and Landscape Supplies operates from two major sites- the original in Rouse Hill and a second in South Windsor- and boasts a fleet of 50 vehicles and a team of 65 staff.
Among them are Barry’ s three sons, Mark, Peter and Paul, and grandson Max, who is currently completing his motor mechanic apprenticeship.
The business has grown, but Barry’ s values have remained unchanged: hard work, honesty, and a deep appreciation for the people around him.“ Vehicles are essential in this industry,” he said,“ but it’ s the people that make the real difference. We’ ve been incredibly lucky to have had loyal, hardworking staff over the years.”
Indeed, loyalty runs deep at Turtle. Long-time team member Dominic Grech has been with the company for 38 ½ years, as was Steve Roper, with 37 years who retired in 2021.
A sentimental man, Barry’ s passion for trucks is more than practical- it’ s personal. Around nine years ago, he tracked down that original Mammoth Major truck that had helped launch his business. After purchasing it from a remote shed, he lovingly restored it to pristine condition. Today, it gleams as part of the Western Sydney Historical Truck Club, proudly bearing historic plates and
attending truck shows- not deliveries.
The story of Barry’ s life is as much about love as it is about business. His first wife, Jan, sadly passed away in 2002 at just 52. Two years later, Barry found companionship again with long-time friend June Bonser, whom he later married. Together, they continue to support the business and enjoy the fruits of a life built on resilience and community.
Fifty years on, Turtle Nursery and Landscape Supplies remains a testament to what can be achieved with vision, grit, and good people. And as Barry Locock looks to the future- surrounded by family, friends, and a beautifully restored piece of his past- he stands as living proof that slow and steady really does win the race.
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 183 // AUGUST 2025 9