Three major figures in road transport feature in this year's Queen’s Birthday honours list
By Rob McKay | June 12, 2012
Three major figures in road transport feature in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Mountain Industries Managing Director Mike Almond was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his work on heavy vehicle safety and with the Hunter Region community.
Along with his involvement with TruckSafe and in chain of responsibility efforts, his citation notes sponsorship of Forbes Rugby Union Club and Newcastle University Rugby.
Almond (pictured) says the award as it relates to trucking was in recognition of not just himself.
“It’s a little unexpected but I’m happy to accept it on behalf of all the people who put their hand up,” he says.
“It’s [for] our industry, those people who step up and, certainly, I chaired the TruckSafe board on and off over 10 years and there were many good board members putting their hand up and working on industry safety and accreditation.”
He is joined by Managing Director of PGA Group Peter Gunn, who gained an AM for service to the transport industry, to the development of innovative freight logistics strategies and as a supporter of children’s health.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has congratulated Almond, citing his involvement as a founding member of the group’s TruckSafe initiative.
“As one of the founding members of the scheme, and then as its long serving chairman, Mike has made a vital contribution to improving the safety of the trucking industry and Australia’s roads,” ATA Chairman David Simon says.
Almond was the chairman of the ATA from 2002 to 2004 and remains a director of the association.
Simon has also congratulated Gunn.
“Peter pioneered the development of road and rail transport vehicles capable of carrying greater cubic volumes, and was a director of the ATA Trust from 1995 to 2005,” Simon says.
Gunn’s addition drew praise from Australian Logistics Council Managing Director Michael Kilgariff.
“Peter Gunn is widely regarded as a giant of the freight logistics industry, and his recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List is a fitting tribute to his enormous contribution over many years,” Kilgariff says.
“He is a passionate advocate for Australia’s freight transport industry and is directly responsible for many of the innovative business practices we see today.”
Former Linfox CEO and K&S Managing Director Ivan Backman was recognised for services to the transport and logistics industry through roles with the Australian Logistics Council, along with community work.
“Ivan Backman’s recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List is a fitting tribute to his considerable contribution to Australia’s freight transport logistics industry,” Kilgariff says.
“As the inaugural chairman of the Australian Logistics Council, Ivan played an integral role developing ALC in its early years and helped to establish its national presence.”
The ALC recognised Backman in 2010 by making him an honorary fellow of the organisation.
“On behalf of the board of ALC I would like to pass to Ivan on our sincere congratulations for achieving this significant honour,” Kilgariff says.
