This week the Australian Trucking Association was going live across the nation as it held its first major Covid-safe event, known as ATA Live. The ATA team created a virtual event involving presentations, an episode of Q&A, an award ceremony and charity auction, which was live-streamed via an online broadcast to viewers across Australia and the world.
One of the essential parts of the event was the 2020 National Trucking Industry Awards which recognises those who have gone above and beyond to improve the trucking industry.
“While we are in the midst of unprecedented and stressful times, it has never been more important to celebrate the valuable contribution of the trucking industry and its people,” said David Smith ,ATA Chair. “Trucking is essential to the Australian way of life and is connected to every industry from agriculture to construction and retail. That’s why it’s important we recognise the outstanding businesses and individuals whose actions inspire others and make a positive impact.
“While we were unable to present our national awards in the usual fashion, I am thrilled we were able to welcome so many people to our livestream to share in our celebrations. Our award recipients were extremely well-deserving, and I thank each winner for their contribution.”
The 2020 award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry was presented to Robert Cavanagh of Cavanagh’s Transport and Stockmaster, Inverell NSW. Robert has a long history in the livestock transport industry as well as long term engagement with industry representation in associations.
Robert has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry and is an active and committed member of state and national rural road freight transport associations. He is a strong advocate for safety, technology and animal welfare and is often recognised for his future thinking, ability to adapt to change, and an early adopter of technology and modern business practices.
Robert has served as President of the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association, and has also held the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association. In 2018 he was awarded an ALRTA life membership in recognition of his significant contribution to the organisation and to the promotion of rural transport as a sustainable, responsible and safe contributor to Australia.
Named the 2020 National Professional Driver of the Year, Russell Lee is a road train driver with Directhaul in Darwin, NT, and has served the business for more than 30 years. He was cited as a role model at the company and is described by his colleagues and management as safe, dependable, professional, trustworthy and hardworking. He is well-known for his extremely positive influence on Directhaul’s workplace culture.
In his 32 years with Directhaul, Russell has driven an estimated 11 million kilometres and delivered more than 509 million litres of fuel and is a well-respected senior driver in the industry, and holds valuable knowledge and experience of driving conditions, job requirements, risks and challenges that can be faced in the various geographic regions of the Northern Territory.
Roslyn Anderson from Wales Truck Repairs, Smithfield NSW was presented with the 2020 National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year award. Rising to her current role as Chief Financial Controller at Wales Truck Repairs in Smithfield, NSW. Roslyn grew up around trucks and has a longstanding passion for the industry.
In her time with Wales Truck Repairs, she has been responsible for multiple divisions and keeps a pulse on the latest issues by attending a range of industry events. Demonstrating a proven commitment to her business and relevant industry matters, Roslyn is a member of the Transport Women Australia and Women in Transport Australia networks.
In 2018, Rosyln became a Transport Women Australia board member and was named winner of the Road Freight NSW Woman of the Year Award.
The 2020 National Training Excellence Award went to Chemtrans based in Truganina VIC. This wholly owned division of K&S Corporation specialises in the safe delivery of dangerous and hazardous goods throughout Australia.
In 2017, after experiencing an increase in minor incident rates and near-misses involving deliveries of Class 8 corrosive liquids, it was realised that the company’s current resources were lacking.
As a result, Chemtrans developed a dangerous goods bulk tanker load/unloading simulator. The simulator enables the company’s trainers to place drivers in real-life situations without risk, enabling them to experience complex situations. The training involves theoretical and practical components to enhance drivers’ knowledge in Class 8 Corrosive Liquid distribution tasks, hazards involved and controls to be implemented.
Since the simulator implementation, Chemtrans has recorded a 51 per cent decrease in incidents.
SRH Milk Haulage, Rutherford NSW came away from the event with the 2020 TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award. This family owned business began with one truck and tanker in 1996 and has grown to an operation with 63 trucks and 110 tankers, servicing areas in NSW, Western Australia and Victoria.
SRH Milk Haulage has been a member of TruckSafe since 1998 and believes that its accreditation has helped shaped the business it is today in ensuring it is doing the right thing for its employees and customers.
SRH Milk Haulage is always looking at ways to use the latest technology in their fleet and since February 2019 has installed Seeing Machines Guardian in all new trucks.
The National Trucking Industry Awards are sponsored by BP, Volvo, National Transport Insurance, Cummins South Pacific, Sutton Road Training Centre TISC, and AEI Transport Insurance Brokers.
