This week’s industry news includes a number of conference and program updates from Australia’s transport associations.
Road Freight NSW winners crowned
Road Freight New South Wales (RFNSW) has crowned its industry champions after holding its 2024 Awards at its annual conference in Sydney last week.
Winners were chosen across seven categories, with James Cauchi of JATEC Transport earning top prize as the NSW Professional Driver of the Year.
“The team at JATEC Transport is extremely proud to have James be the recipient of this prestigious award, and for him to represent us every day,” JATEC said on social media.
“James’ humility was noted by other conference goers, and is a testament to his work ethic—getting the job done with no expectation of recognition.”
Other awards included:
NSW Transport Woman of the Year: Di Caldwell-Smith, Transport Women Australia Ltd.
NSW Best Safety Culture: Carter Heavy Haulage and Transport.
Best Industry Newcomer: Billie-Jean Poihipi, Eather Group.
Outstanding Contribution to the NSW Trucking Industry: Paul Downey, MEDLOG Transport & Logistics.
Emerging Leader: Noah Hannah, Hannah’s Haulage.
CEO Award: CSR Limited Central Transport Hub Team.
NatRoad announces speaker lineup
NatRoad has unveiled its list of speakers for this year’s NatRoad Connect 24 conference, which will be led by Professor Richard Hopkins.
Hopkins boasts over 25 years of experience in Formula One and is currently spearheading HEVN Automotive, a venture focused on building climate-zero production cars with F1 technology. The Red Bull Formula One team tasted World Championship success while he was Head of Operations.
Noted NatRoad speaker Gillian Bristow will be on hand to deliver practical tips on owner-driver issues and tax. Bristow has spoken at NatRoad conferences for a decade and has over 30 years of legal experience in transport and logistics.
National Heavy Vehicle Operator (NHVR) COO Paul Salvati will lead practical sessions on compliance strategies and regulatory updates, with Salvati’s experience in service delivery and regulatory functions ensuring value can be found in his sessions by all attendees.
“We’re very excited to bring this accomplished line-up of speakers to NatRoad Connect 24. Each of our speakers is a leader in their field. I have no doubt their practical and positive insights will enhance the operational capabilities of our members and conference attendees,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.
“Our focus this year is on providing actionable advice and real-world solutions that will positively impact the daily working environment of our operators and support staff. We’re confident that this year’s conference will be a positive experience for those who attend.
“As the largest voice for the road freight transport industry, we are holding NatRoad Connect 24 to help our members, industry, and partners work smarter, save money and network with their peers.”
ATA launches diversity program
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has launched its InRoads Diversity and Inclusion program, with a further offering of 2000 free diversity and inclusion education licences for members of state and sector trucking associations.
The program was previously known as the ‘Driving Change in Diversity’ program but has been relaunched and refreshed and is a key pillar in the ATA’s long-term strategy of attracting and retaining industry talent.
Long-time partner Teletrac Navman is supporting the program. Shortly after its initial announcement in April at Trucking Australia 2024 1100 licence requests from 45 companies were received in just 24 hours.
ATA director of marketing and corporate partnerships Bianca D’Rosario says attracting underrepresenting demographics to the Australian transport sector is key to making up the current major position shortfall.
“Opening up the industry to under-represented groups (women, older workers, multicultural groups) is a key part of addressing the current trucking workforce shortage and a recurring theme from the ATA’s 2024 Driver Training and Workforce Summit.” D’Rosario says.
“Our program is based on courses from the SBS Inclusion Program, which provide a short, sharp and general understanding of inclusion, suitable for employees at any level, enabling workplaces to embed a culture of openness and acceptance of diverse employees.
“We are grateful to Teletrac Navman, who has funded the program since 2020 and is generously sponsoring 5,000 free SBS Inclusion Program licences.
“During the next 18 months, the program will provide access to important workplace safety courses: Appropriate Workplace Behaviour (including the Respect@Work and Psychosocial Hazards), Core Inclusion, Cultural Diversity and Gender Equity.
“In an industry of small businesses and high travel, the 24×7 accessibility of the courses is especially valuable.”
.JPG)
