The 2025 NatRoad Awards winners have been announced, recognising and celebrating outstanding contributions to the road transport industry in Australia.
Sponsored by NTI and presented at the Industry Gala Dinner during NatRoad’s annual conference, NatRoad Connect 25 in Shepparton highlight the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of individuals who have set new standards of excellence in road transport.
The winners of the 2025 NatRoad Awards are:
- NTI NatRoad Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year: Porcha Stafford, De Bruyn’s Transport.
- NTI NatRoad Professional Driver of the Year: David Muir, Formula Chemicals.
- NTI NatRoad Excellence in Operational Support: Heather Darrington, Hayllar Transport (Narrandera).
- Ted Pickering Memorial Award: Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals.
“Our industry is full of hard-working people who go above and beyond to make a significant and positive impact on the broader road transport industry,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.
“This year’s award winners have all made outstanding contributions to the sector while exemplifying the kind of commitment, professionalism, and passion that drives the road transport sector forward.”
- Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year (sponsored by NTI): Porcha Stafford, De Bruyn’s Transport.
Porcha Stafford of De Bruyn’s Transport has been awarded with the Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year award for her positive attitude and commitment to progressing her career. Porcha has driven a total of 470,000km in two years in various trucks, including carrying dangerous goods and over dimensional freight and frequently jumping into a leadership role whenever needed.
- Professional Driver of the Year (sponsored by NTI): David Muir, Formula Chemicals.
David Muir from Formula Chemicals took home the Professional Driver of the Year award for his commitment to the road transport industry through continuous professional development with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, collaboration and efficiency. He is known to lead by example, is a great team player and inspires those around him. His driving history spans over 25 years and includes an impeccable record free of any driving infringements or accidents.
- Excellence in Operational Support (sponsored by NTI): Heather Darrington, Hayllar Transport (Narrandera).
Heather Darrington of Hayllar Transport (Narrandera) has received the Excellence in Operational Support award for more than 20 years of dedication to the transport industry. As Office Manager, Heather’s commitment to staff well-being and training has created a positive environment at Hayllar Transport that contributes to staff retention and has encouraged former employees to return to the company.
- Ted Pickering Memorial Award: Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals.
Leigh Smart has received the Ted Pickering Memorial Award for demonstrating unwavering leadership and dedication in the freight transport industry. Founding Formula Chemicals in 1973, Leigh’s career has been marked by innovation, safety advocacy, and ethical leadership. For more than 50 years, Leigh has fostered collaboration across government, industry leaders, and his own operational staff to tackle some of the most pressing issues the industry has faced, such as driver shortages, environmental sustainability, and regulatory complexity.
Clark says the NatRoad Awards acknowledge the hard work and passion of the individuals who have excelled in their roles and set the standard in the industry.
“NatRoad congratulates all the 2025 NatRoad Award winners and looks forward to their continued contributions to the road transport sector,” he says.