Trucking industry stalwart Brian Bertwistle has been appointed a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service
Trucking industry stalwart Brian Bertwistle has been appointed a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to transport and logistics.
Bertwistle was recognised for his more than 40 years spent in the industry, which saw him starting as a truck driver in 1957 to becoming the executive director of corporate services at Toll Holdings from 1997 to 2007.
He was also recognised for his pioneering work in boosting safety in the transport industry.
Bertwistle has supported a number of educational programs and driver safety initiatives such as TruckSafe, the accreditation scheme run by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).
Bertwistle also played a vital role in the establishment of the Adopt-A –School program in Queensland, which is currently growing as a result of its industry-education partnership between waste management company JJ Richards and Woodridge State High School.
The Palm Beach resident told local media he was humbled by the accolade and had no idea he was nominated to receive the award.
“Without a doubt this is the highlight of my career,” he says.
“Obviously someone has nominated me, but to tell you the truth, it’s like this isn’t happening.”
Bertwistle was among 458 Australians honoured with an Order of Australia.
Other transport luminaries awarded included Andrew Wright, who was recognised for his “service to the heavy vehicle design and manufacturing industry”.
John Adams was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his work in standardisation of rail transport systems, while Bruce Wilson of Queensland became a Member of the Order of Australia for his role in transport planning and infrastructure development.