TA2018: Industry's finest recognised

Some of the trucking industry's leading lights were acknowledged for their contributions recently, with the ATA 2018 National Trucking Industry Awards held at the Canberra Arboretum at the culmination of the 2018 Trucking Australia conference on Friday, April 20.

ATA Chair, Geoff Crouch, said the recipients embody the values and tenacity that further the reputation of the Australian trucking industry.

"The winners of these awards have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Australian trucking industry through their hard work and commitment," he said.

"It is important to recognise those in our industry who go the extra mile and inspire others."

And the winners are…
The winners of the 2018 National Trucking Industry Awards are as follows:

Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry: Ross Fraser OAM, Frasers Livestock Transport
Ross is Managing Director of Frasers Livestock Transport, a member of TruckSafe since 1999 and winner of a 2014 Safe Work Australia Award. Involved in the transport industry for more than 50 years, Ross has played a significant role in the industry as a founding member of the ALRTA and LTAQ, former chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), and director and member of the ATA Council. He has gained wide respect serving on many organisation and advisory committees at community as well as local, state and Australian Government levels. In 2009, Ross was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the livestock transport industry and the community of Warwick.

National Professional Drive of the Year: Barry Fitzgerald, Boral Logistics
Barry has been driving trucks for more than 45 years and has spent the last 25 with Boral Logistics, during which he has kept an unblemished professional record. In his time at Boral Logistics, he was as a member of the Safety Committee for 20 years and was a drivers’ representative on Boral’s Enterprise Bargaining Committee for 16 years. Dedicated to safety and the education of drivers, Barry has produced training videos, assessed new driver applicants, and has been a key contributor to Boral Logistics’ journey to becoming a leader in workplace health and safety.

National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year: Belinda Polglase, All Purpose Transport
Belinda is Project Manager at All Purpose Transport and is the 2017 Queensland Trucking Association Trucking Woman of the Year. Joining All Purpose Transport more than 18 years ago, Belinda has worked in a range of roles, including the organisation of ‘Project APT’, an initiative to skill the organisation’s entire workforce in a Certificate III or higher nationally recognised qualification. Belinda actively contributes to information days and school visits to promote the industry and has embedded the youth engagement program GenR8 into All Purpose Transport.

National Training Excellence Award: Brown & Hurley
Established in 1946, Brown & Hurley is a family owned Australian company employing more than 400 staff across nine branches. The Brown & Hurley Group commenced in-house technical training in 2008, before officially opening its own purpose built technical training facility in 2012. The facility is equipped with a classroom with 12 computer stations, a Cummins certified technical trainer and a training shop that is fitted with the same tools used in the working environment. Aspiring to be an employer of choice for staff ranging from young apprentices to master technicians and heavy vehicle experts, Brown & Hurley place commitment to training as one of their core values.

The night also saw the following recipients acknowledged for their contribution:

TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award: JJ Lawson Transport
Established in 1975, JJ Lawson Transport has developed a reputation for dedicated personal service in the customs clearance, freight and transport industry. A member of TruckSafe since 2002, JJ Lawson staff are highly trained in all aspects of the business. The business won an Import Export Industry Award for Best SME Freight Forwarder/Customs Broker in 2011 and 2012.

Don Watson Memorial Award: Frances Ross, Ross Transport
Frances founded Ross Transport in 1975 with her husband Reg. Still involved in the business today, Frances oversees office staff while training her granddaughter, True, to one day take over the family business. Committed to helping others, Frances has taken part in the i98FM Illawarra Convoy since 2005, helping raise $11.5 million for the local community and has donated nearly $650,000 on behalf of the Ross family in this time. Ross Transport has been a TruckSafe member since 2012.

"The ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner is a highlight not only of the Trucking Australia conference, but of the whole year," said Mr Crouch.

"I congratulate the winning individuals and businesses in receiving the recognition they deserve."