The two have owned and operated Fulwood Transport since 1986, but on December 31, the transport business will cease trading.

It was a hard decision for the pair, but they're looking forward to their retirement years.

"We're going to have a well-earned holiday," Therese said.

"It's been a great journey, a lot of hard work and a lot of hours, but it's all been worth it at the end of the day."

The company started in 1986 with its first truck, a tipper.

In 1989/1990, the pair then purchased the Tooheys beer run, which Therese said was one and a half days of work a week.

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From then, the business was built up to what locals see today.

They won't be completely disappearing straight away, though, as Doug says they have a few things they need to do before they completely retire.

He expects they might finally get their relaxation period in March 2021.

"We've got to clean the yard up, get it ready for sale, and once we've done that, we'll have a holiday somewhere," he told the NVI.

Unfortunately, they were unable to sell the business, so it will stay closed until someone takes on the job.

"We tried to give it away, tried to sell it over the last eight to 10 years, but it wouldn't sell, so we decided just to close the gates," Doug said.

"A company was going to take it on but then they turned it down. We didn't know what to do but we had to think of ourselves."

It was especially hard for them as they've picked up a few new family members along the way.

"The best part is probably the way we've got to get to know people. They come in all the time and we've got to know them," Therese said.

"They've sort of included us into their family and what goes on in their families as well."

They're ever thankful for their staff, both past and present, too. Therese teared up as she explained how much her staff meant to her.

"Without them, we wouldn't have been as good as what we were," she said.

"We have to thank the staff we have had over the years, they've been exceptional."

The staff will move on from their positions at Fulwood Transport, but all will have a "really good break" beforehand.

Therese and Doug won't be putting Gunnedah completely behind them yet, though.

Their families are in town so there's no reason for them to move away, according to Therese.

"We're quite happy to stay here, and we're happy in our home and with everything we have in Gunnedah," she said.

The couple are proud of what they've achieved over the years.

"We've built the business over the last 30 years to where we now employ five people and work for numerous freight companies delivering the freight to Gunnedah," Therese said.

All parcels need to be collected by December 31 otherwise they will be returned to sender.