Tasmanian Transport Association farewells long-term industry servant
Respected Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA) executive director Robin Phillips has retired from the role after 11 years, with senor transport industry identity Michelle Harwood taking over.
TTA notes Phillips has supported the industry to develop and implement a range of initiatives associated with regulatory reform, industry standards and safety.
He received recognition for his contribution to the industry as recipient of the TruckSafe award for safety in the industry in 2015.
“Robin has been an outstanding executive director for the TTA, representing the interests of our members on state and national committees and forums including the National Transport Commission, the Australian Trucking Association, TruckSafe, the Australian Road Transport Industrial Association, the TWU Superannuation Board and a range of state based organisations such as the Tasmanian Road Safety Advisory Council and the Tasmanian Freight Logistics Council,” TTA chairman John de Bruyn says.
“Robin made a significant contribution to the workforce development of the industry through his role as Chairman of the Tasmanian Transport and Logistics Advisory Group and managing industry projects to inspire young people to join the industry (Careers on the Move) and encouraging participation of women in non-traditional roles through the Women in Transport Tasmania initiative.
“Through Robin’s strong engagement with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the Tasmanian Department of State Growth, the TTA achieved gains for member companies in the transport of oversize and overmass loads and assistance for the introduction of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
“The TTA board and directors wish Robin every happiness in his retirement from the TTA, and thank him for his contribution to the industry over so many years.”
Harwood has more than 25 years working in the transport and logistics industry; coming to the role from her previous duties as director and operations manager of TransTrain.
She is regarded as a strong advocate for the industry and was the recipient of the National Transport Insurance award for most valuable contribution to the Tasmanian industry in 2014.
A member of the TTA for the past five years, Harwood also chairs the Tasmanian Transport & Logistics Workforce Advisory Group, is the secretary of the Tasmanian Vocational Education and Training Network and is a member of Transport Women Australia.
She was awarded the Trevor Leo Medal in 2015 for outstanding contribution to the Vocational Education and Training Industry.
“The TTA board of directors welcome Michelle to this role as we continue to provide advice, assistance and representation for the Tasmanian Transport Industry in the pursuit of a safe, efficient, fair and environmentally friendly transport system for our members and the wider industry in Tasmania,” de Bruyn says.