Former Johnstons Transport and association leader remembered for contribution
Industry bodies and the wider transport community are paying tribute to the late Frank Johnston, who passed away last Thursday after a battle with illness.
He was the third-generation director of Johnstons Transport, joining the 120-year-old family-owned company straight out of high school in 1965.
Johnston was founding chair of Australian Trucking Association NSW (ATA NSW), now Road Freight NSW (RFNSW), and served as an ATA councillor.
Both the ATA and RFNSW were among those to pay tribute to Johnson’s industry contribution and devotion.
“Frank and Johnstons are synonymous with service and have been in the industry over 100 years. Frank was a regular feature of the freight industry for over 50 years,” RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara says.
“The Road Freight NSW Board and Policy Council, which Frank helped create as chairman, mourn his passing and pass on our condolences to his family.
“Jeff Johnston, one of Frank’s sons, took over from Frank to manage Johnstons some years ago and our thoughts are with him and the rest of the family during this time.
“It is the case that without Frank and Johnstons Transport, this association would not exist today.
“Frank had the rare quality of wanting to put back into the industry. Frank was personally very supportive and generous.
“Most of all, Frank was a gentleman.”
Johnston’s colleague, Mike Moylan, was farewelled five years ago
ATA chair Geoff Crouch says Johnston was always willing to help others and share his extensive knowledge of industry.
“It is with great sadness we say goodbye to Frank Johnston, a man well-respected and recognised in the transport industry for his passion and dedication,” Crouch says.
“With more than 50 years in the transport industry, Frank Johnston was a true industry leader.
“Frank worked tirelessly to transform Road Freight NSW into the successful association it is today, dedicated to supporting businesses across NSW like his own family company, Johnstons Transport.
“On behalf of the ATA and trucking industry, I extend my sincere condolences to the Johnston family and Frank’s loved ones, who are experiencing such a tremendous loss.
“Frank’s legacy lives on with his son Jeff, who is director and manager of Johnstons Transport, and an alumnus of the ATA’s Daimler Future Leader program.”
Johnston was recognised in 2016 with the RFNSW Outstanding Contribution to the NSW Transport Industry award for his service to the industry.