Delegates at the conference held on the Gold Coast last week were campaigning, learning and decarbonising with NatRoad, as the largest road transport industry association had a successful gathering.
Among the highlights of the event was the joint NatRoad and Bridgestone announcement a new e-learning program to help road transport operators manage their businesses in the transition to net zero emissions.
The ‘Road to Decarbonisation’ program was developed by specialist net zero consultancy, 100% Renewables to help demystify carbon emission terminology, help businesses understand major contributors and assist them to proactively work with their customers and suppliers.
Passionate Advocate
Carol Single was announced as the recipient of this year’s Ted Pickering Award for an Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Road Transport Industry. She is the co-owner of Single Transport from Mackay in Queensland and has worked tirelessly with the Mackay Road Accident Action group, a volunteer non-profit association committed to tackling road safety issues in Mackay and the Bowen Basin.
“Carol represents the best that our industry has to offer – someone who is deeply involved in their own business but who finds time to be a champion for safer roads,” said NatRoad Chair Paul Fellows. “Road freight arteries like the Peak Downs Highway are the lifeblood to the Mackay Region and the Bowen Basin, with thousands of vehicles using it daily. Much of Carol’s work is behind the scenes but she has made a life-saving difference for her peers – and indeed all road-users – on those long stretches of North Queensland highway.”
Driver of the Year
NatRoad’s Professional Driver of the Year award went to Dennis Harding of JSC Concrete Canberra, who is a long-standing employee, nominated for his devotion to safety, integrity and performance on the job.
“Dennis is a company man who puts in long hours despite juggling commitments with a young family,” said Paul Fellows.
Youth Employee of the Year
Stephanie Arpasi of Dubbo firm Fardell’s Heavy Haulage was named the NatRoad Youth Employee of the Year. She is a 22-year-old driver-operator, Stephanie has made a huge impact on colleagues in a short period of time.
Established in 2014, Fardell’s Heavy Haulage provides heavy haulage, general and bulk freight services, wet and dry plant hire and earthmoving solutions for the New South Wales Central West.
Colleagues say that Stephanie’s skills in safely securing heavy equipment for long haulage is meticulous and she applies the same approach to driving. Paul Fellows said Stef was an outstanding example to other young women in a profession dominated by men.
Excellence in Operational Support
Shane Pendergast of Air Brake Systems in Hornsby, New South Wales was named winner of the National Road Transport Association Excellence in Operational Support Award for his years of making trucking a safer industry.
Hundreds of truck drivers and many more mechanics have attended workshops conducted over the past seven years by Shane, who is a specialist in electronic braking systems. As NSW Service Manager for Air Brake Systems, he has an industry-wide reputation for professionalism and a passion for making sure customers have fully functioning and fault-free braking systems.
New Director
Passionate advocate for women in trucking, Melissa Barry, has been elected to the Board of the National Road Transport Association.
Born and raised in the Albury-Wodonga region, Melissa is a director of Border Crane Consultants, a business in Baranduda, Victoria, which she established with her husband Jason in 2011. She worked in various roles in local government, manufacturing and defence before obtaining her truck driving licence and joining the family business full-time. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Marketing) from La Trobe University.
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