The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has today announced the finalists for the 2013 National Trucking Industry Awards.
ATA Chairman David Simon said the awards recognised some of the most exceptional people and businesses in the Australian trucking industry, and were a highlight of the industry’s year.
“The finalists for the individual awards have all shown outstanding dedication and commitment to our industry and the community,” Mr Simon said.
“Meanwhile, the finalists for the TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award are some of the best and safest trucking businesses in Australia.”
The 2013 National Trucking Industry Award finalists are:
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
• Mick Best, Linfox Logistics (Melbourne, VIC)
• John Jenkin, Tatiara Truck & Trailers (Bordertown, SA)
• Mike Moylan, Johnstons Transport (Sydney, NSW)
National Professional Driver of the Year
• Robert Schalkwyk, EnergyTrans (Garbutt, QLD)
• Barry Grimson, Unanderra Tanker Hire (Shellharbour, NSW)
• Gary Deane-Spread, Linfox (Helena Valley, WA)
Trucking Industry Woman of the Year
• Tracie Dickenson, Daryl Dickenson Transport (Brisbane, QLD)
• Sharon Middleton, Whiteline Transport (Greenfields, SA)
• Melanie Cosgrove, SRV Road Freight (Ormeau, QLD)
Previously announced:
TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award
• De Gunst Transport (Bundaberg, QLD)
• G&S Transport (Alice Springs, NT)
• South West Freight (Mount Gambier, SA)
The award winners will be announced on Friday 21 June at the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner at Trucking Australia 2013 on Hamilton Island. The finalists were selected by a committee of judges led by former ATA Chairman Trevor Martyn.
The details of the finalists are attached. To register for Trucking Australia 2013, visit www.truckingaustralia.com.au.
2013 NATIONAL TRUCKING INDUSTRY AWARDS FINALISTS
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
Award sponsors: BP Australia, NTI and Volvo Trucks
Mick Best, Linfox Logistics
Melbourne, VIC
A fixture of the industry for more than 45 years, Mick has worked as a driver, driver trainer and manager. He is now Linfox Logistics’ Fleet Manager, Special Projects. Mick is dedicated to helping young people in the industry, and is always willing to share his insights and explain the reasoning behind his advice. Mick’s enthusiasm for his work is matched by his genuine care for the community. Mick gave generously of his time to coordinate transport and warehousing after the Black Saturday bush fires in 2009, and more recently to assist with flood relief.
John Jenkin, Tatiara Truck & Trailers
Bordertown, SA
After completing his apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic, John established Tatiara Trucks in a shed in Bordertown, South Australia. Today, Tatiara Truck & Trailers employs 55 staff at a contemporary and constantly expanding site with its own training facility. A man of extraordinary self-discipline, John has worked long and arduous hours for his entire career to build his company from nothing to the success it is today. He has never been scared of technology, innovation or change, and puts the welfare of his customers as his highest priority. John was recognised as the Australia Day Tatiara Citizen of the Year in 2009, and was inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2010.
Mike Moylan, Johnstons Transport Pty Ltd
Sydney, NSW
The General Manager - Operations for Johnstons Transport, Mike has been an active member of the trucking industry since the early 1970s. As the Chairman of the ATA NSW Container Section Committee and part of the Sydney Ports Cargo Facilitation Committee, Mike is dedicated to improving interaction between NSW ports, stevedores and trucking operators. Mike’s tireless efforts to bring about sensible discussion between these parties is credited with reducing the average truck turnaround time at Port Botany from 50 minutes to 30 minutes – a massive time and cost saving for trucking and port operators. He was awarded the ATA NSW Outstanding Contribution Award in 2012.
National Professional Driver of the Year
Award sponsors: BP Australia, NTI and Volvo Trucks
Robert Schalkwyk, EnergyTrans
Garbutt, QLD
First obtaining his heavy vehicle licence at the age of 16, Robert has since spent more than 40 years as a professional heavy vehicle driver and has never had an accident in his vehicle. He has a well earned reputation as a highly reliable, cheerful and immaculately presented driver, and has been described by a prominent industry figure as the most passionate driver they have ever met. Robert was awarded the Queensland Trucking Association Professional Driver of the Year Award in 2012.
Barry Grimson, Unanderra Tanker Hire
Shellharbour, NSW
Known as ‘Sleepy’ by his peers, Barry started driving for his father’s business in 1964. A conscientious employee, his high standards and positive approach to his work are an inspiration to the other employees of Unanderra Tanker Hire. Barry is dedicated to improving conditions for his fellow drivers, and is unofficially known at his home depot as the ‘drivers’ advocate.’ Barry was involved in the initial stages of the construction of the Australian Truck Drivers’ Memorial Wall at Tarcutta, and has been involved in many Camp Quality Convoys for Kids.
Gary Deane-Spread, Linfox
Helena Valley, WA
Gary entered the road transport industry as an owner driver in 1972, and started his family business, Killara Road Freight, in 1974. The business proved successful, and was sold to Key Transport in 1989. Gary continued on as an owner driver, but sold his truck and began work with Linfox in 2011. Between 1972 and 2012, Gary tallied 5 million kilometres of accident free driving. He was a member of the army reserve (11th/28th battalion, RWAR) from 1982 to 1992.
Trucking Industry Woman of the Year
Award sponsor: Cummins South Pacific
Tracie Dickenson, Daryl Dickenson Transport
Brisbane, QLD
When Tracie and her partner, Daryl, formed Daryl Dickenson Transport in 2001, they operated from their home with one truck and one fulltime employee. Today, they operate 37 trucks and 62 trailers, and have 6,000 square metres of storage in Loganlea. Tracie is dedicated to making their company a leader in workplace health and safety, and has completed extensive training in this area. She takes every opportunity to promote the transport industry as a career for young people, and provides 20-week work placement opportunities with the company through the GenR8 program.
Sharon Middleton, Whiteline Transport
Greenfields, SA
In Sharon’s 30 years in the road transport industry, she has partnered with her husband Bob to take the business from three trucks and an old typewriter to a business with depots in Adelaide, Cavan, Perth and Berri. Their drivers are treated like family, with many in their second decade of employment. In her role as President of SARTA, Sharon has worked to improve access, operating conditions and deliver fair treatment for drivers and operators alike. Sharon is the co-founder of Foundation Shine, which raises funds to address mental health issues.
Melanie Cosgrove, SRV Road Freight
Ormeau, QLD
Growing up in a trucking family, Melanie started her career in the industry by undertaking a traineeship in spare parts with Torque Power Diesel. She is now the Fleet and Compliance Manager for SRV Road Freight, where she shines as a role model and esteemed industry representative. Melanie is also a NatRoad Director, where she takes part in guiding industry policy. She takes every opportunity to bring her young son to truck shows, conferences and meetings across Australia, just as her father did with her.
TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award
Award sponsor: Austbrokers AEI Transport
De Gunst Transport
Bundaberg, QLD
De Gunst Transport began as a single truck operation in 1984. Today, the De Gunst Transport fleet has grown to include 60 prime movers and 140 trailers, along with a range of earthmoving plant and equipment. A TruckSafe member since 2002, the company found that using the clear TruckSafe procedures helps them save time on paperwork so they can spend more time looking after their customers. De Gunst Transport’s prime movers are replaced every three to five years, ensuring drivers are using safe and modern equipment when driving through our communities.
G & S Transport
Alice Springs, NT
Family owned G & S Transport specialises in bulk tipper haulage of quarry products throughout remote central and north Australia, as well as the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Working in such remote areas, G & S Transport’s highest priority is making sure its vehicles are absolutely reliable in even the harshest conditions. G & S Transport joined TruckSafe in 2003 to show the community their dedication to safety and the professionalism of their business operation. The company has previously received an award from Rio Tinto and CEMEX Australia for professionally hauling one million tonnes of products in a 12 month period.
South West Freight
Mount Gambier, SA
South West Freight has been in the TruckSafe program for more than 15 years, after receiving accreditation in January 1998. The South West Freight fleet of 30 prime movers operates throughout Australia with principle depots in Mount Gambier, Adelaide and Melbourne. South West Freight is dedicated to supporting their local industry, and take pride in just doing the job right the first time. In line with the company motto ‘excellence is an enduring quality’, South West Freight is committed to the continuous improvement of its operation through meticulous fleet maintenance, regular compliance audits and extensive staff training.
