The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has today congratulated Kathleen (Kathy) Williams on her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2015 Australia Day Honours list.
Kathy Williams was the Chair of the ATA from 2000 to 2002. She has served as a member of the ATA’s Board of Directors since 1999, and was the Treasurer of the ATA until 2014. She has also served as Treasurer for the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) and as a board member for the South Australian Road Transport Association.
The Chair of the ATA, Noelene Watson, said the honour recognised Ms William’s enormous contribution to the Australian trucking industry.
“As Chair of the ATA, Kathy led the development of the ATA’s national headquarters in Canberra, and turned the first sod on the site. This project has underpinned the long term security, viability and effectiveness of the ATA. As ATA Treasurer, she continued to drive this project by managing the payment plan for the building,” Mrs Watson said.
“Kathy also played a critical role in securing the maintenance of the on-road diesel grant. This was a $650 million per year victory for Australian trucking operators.
“Under her guidance, the ATA’ s safety accreditation program, TruckSafe, was developed into an individual entity. Today, TruckSafe is used by hundreds of operators across Australia to reach safety standards above and beyond the requirements of the law.
“In addition to her tireless work for the trucking industry, Kathy was recognised for her service to the community and the arts.
“Kathy served as a member of the Board of the Collections Council of Australia from 2004 – 2010, where she worked to set national standards for the digital recording of collections.
“As a board member for Concern Australia, a Christian welfare and ministry organisation, she is heavily involved in the Hand Brake Turn program, which helps disadvantaged children to obtain an Automotive Certificate I qualification.
“Kathy’s work was recognised by the industry with the National Trucking Industry Outstanding Contribution Award in 2006; now, her many years of service to the industry and the community have been recognised by the people of Australia.
“On behalf of the ATA and the whole trucking industry, I want to offer Kathy my warmest congratulations on this most significant honour,” Mrs Watson said.
The ATA also congratulates Mr Harry Gooden, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the road transport industry, and to the community.
Mr Gooden served as a President of the Victorian Road Transport Association (now the VTA) from 1992-1996, and was the VTA representative to the Australian Trucking Association for several years.
