Vale Gavin Murphy

The Australian transport industry has lost one of its tireless advocates, with the passing of Gavin Murphy on Monday, December 7. He was 70.

The former managing director of Murphy Transport Solutions and former president (and Life Member) of the Victorian Transport Association, he was a staunch support of the transport industry who campaigned long and hard for its improvement over many years.

The CEO of the VTA, Peter Anderson, has expressed his and the organisation's sadness on hearing of Gavin's passing.

"On behalf the President, Executive Council, staff and members of the Victorian Transport Association, we are greatly saddened at the passing of our dearly beloved friend, former President and Life Member, Gavin Murphy," Mr Anderson wrote.

"Gavin caught the freight and logistics bug early on, working at the family business, E Murphy and Sons, during his school and later his university holidays. Abandoning the promise of medical school, Gavin instead ventured abroad to take up studies in sugar handling in the UK and the US, also gaining experience in warehousing and distribution, before returning to the family fold.

"On the death of his elder brother in 1991, Gavin assumed the reins of the company, determining to grow the business beyond its focus in the sugar sector. The '90s saw the company successfully expand into warehousing and distribution, adding to its Victorian base with facilities in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

"Rebadging as Murphy Transport Solutions, the company diversified significantly into dry and liquid tanker operations, incorporating container equipment, chiller and freezer vans, tautliners and multi-modal rail operations.

"Over his 25 years on the Board of our Association – starting out as a Councillor, then as Vice President and ultimately as President – Gavin was a tireless and passionate advocate for industry issues, a respected voice and a valued presence, both in a business and social sense. He was also president of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation for over 10 years.

"During his time, he sat on a range of committees, was heavily involved in community work supporting local programs and a strong advocate for children’s and youth initiatives.

"In over 45 years of service to the industry, one of Gavin’s proudest professional moments came in May 2008, when Murphy Transport Solutions celebrated 150 years of continuous transport service within Australia.

"In recent years, having passed day-to-day management of the business to his children, Gavin continued to drive business development and oversaw the company’s corporate governance, as well as mentoring younger employees and working consultatively with the management team.

"Aside from all this, Gavin was a keen sports fan, a die-hard Essendon supporter, and a loving family man.

"We offer our condolences to Jane, Angela and Cameron Murphy on the loss of a wonderful and cherished husband and father, and wish them every solace in their time of grieving. May his memory be a comfort to his family and to all who were fortunate to have known him as a colleague or friend."

The funeral service for Gavin Murphy will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, corner Cotham and Glenferrie Roads, Kew, on Thursday, December 17, at 1.30pm.

Photo: Gavin Murphy at the State Library of Victoria in 2008, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his family's business and his induction as a Life Member of the Victorian Transport Association.