Hedley, Blanchard and Collins selected for their 'skill, aptitude and dedication'
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has announced three finalists for this year’s Craig Roseneder Award.
The award recognises technical and maintenance excellence in the trucking industry.
Dale Hedley from Vellex (NSW), Chris Blanchard from Herb Blanchard Haulage (Queensland) and Mark Collins from Frasers Livestock Transport (Queensland) were selected for their “skill, aptitude and dedication to the industry,” according to ATA chair Geoff Crouch.
“There are no finer examples than our three 2017 finalists,” Crouch says.
“They are all role models, outstanding in their field and demonstrate high levels of safety, expertise and professionalism.”
“Since 1998 the ATA has recognised the unsung heroes who keep Australia’s trucks on the road.”
The three finalists all developed technical innovations to improve safety in the trucking industry.
Dale Hedley was recognised for his work done in halving defects across the Vellex fleet by implementing a Vellex-owned brake and shaker testing machine, as well as designing and implementing a Vellex-patented two-buckle curtain system to reduce repetitive strain injuries among operation staff.
Hedley manages Vellex’s national fleet management.
Christopher Blanchard developed various safety initiatives at Herb Blanchard Haulage, including incorporating EBS and stability control to the company’s trailer fleet, implementing the safety accreditation “TruckSafe” and developing a new and safer way to deliver power poles using an innovative crane and PBS combination.
He is a former TAFE automotive Apprentice of the Year, and did his apprenticeship at a Holden dealership before joining the family business.
Mark Collins is fleet manager for Frasers Livestock Transport and is responsible for all workshop operations, driver training and TruckSafe inductions.
Collins was a key player in designing and building Frasers’ award-winning cross-loading module, which allows cattle to be transferred between road trains quickly and efficiently, without putting drivers’ at risk of injury.
Cross-loading is considered one of the most dangerous activities for transporters of livestock. He previously worked at Frasers as a mechanic and MC driver.
The Craig Roseneder Award winner will receive a fully paid trip to Alanta to attend the US Technology and Maintenance Council’s 2018 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, plus five nights premium accommodation and $1500 spending money.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 17 at the Castrol Vecton Awards Dinner, part of the ATA/ARTSA Technical and Maintenance Conference, to be held in Melbourne from October 16-18.