Australian Trucking Association announces finalists for the National Trucking Industry Awards.
Trailblazing truck driver Heather Jones is in the running for two top gongs at this year’s National Trucking Industry Awards.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA), which runs the awards ceremony, has announced the finalists for 2015, and Jones has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry and Trucking Industry Woman of the Year awards.
Jones founded Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls in Western Australia and is a passionate industry advocate and a driving force in encouraging more women to follow a career in transport.
Jones will compete against Kelvin Baxter, the owner of Kelvin Baxter Transport, and Leigh Smart from Formula Chemicals in the Outstanding Contribution category.
Julie Russell from RB Russell Transport and Jacquelene Brotherton from Oxford Cold Storage will also vie for the Woman of the Year prize.
There are five award categories all up, with the winners to be announced on March 21 at the ATA’s 2015 Trucking Australia conference to be held in Hobart.
ATA chair Noelene Watson says the awards showcase the outstanding people in the road transport industry.
“Our award finalists have made exceptional contributions to the industry and the community. Through these awards, we’re proud to acknowledge some of the most dedicated and professional individuals and businesses in trucking,” Watson says.
The ceremony includes the National Professional Driver of the Year award. Dwight Emerson from Simon National Carriers, Dave McCarthy from Toll and Aaron Busk from Tytec Logistics are finalists in the category.
The winner of this year’s TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award will also be named. Jim Pearson Transport, Mt Noorat Freighters and Tanami Transport are all in the running to claim the prize.
There is only one group in this year’s National Training Excellence category: members of the Queensland Trucking Association.