Outgoing head MacKinlay thanked for years of leadership
Prolific road transport advocate Rod Hannifey has added the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) presidency to his repertoire.
The well-known trucking figure will head the grassroots association whose board members are active participants in freight distribution operations.
Hannifey is known for his involvement in myriad initiatives to raise the industry’s profile and standards.
A regular columnist for ATN sister publication Owner//Driver, Hannifey founded and pilots the Truckright Industry Vehicle (TIV), a K200 Kenworth B-double owned by Rod Pilon Transport, promoting road safety throughout Australia.
His other projects include conducting highway truck audits, the Blue Reflector Trial for informal parking bays on the Newell, the ‘Truckies on Road Code’, the national 1800 number for road repairs proposal, the Better Roadside Rest Areas Group, and the ‘Truckies Top Ten Tips, Rest Area and Caravan’ video series.
In 2016 Hannifey was awarded the prestigious Churchill Fellowship to travel around the world in search of industry safety initiatives.
The announcement of his presidency has been welcomed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto believes Hannifey’s appointment will ensure smaller operators continue to have a strong voice when it comes to heavy vehicle safety reform.
“Rod has shown he’s willing to tackle just about any issue that leads to a safer outcome for heavy vehicle drivers and it’s often a practical solution that’s born out of decades of experience,” Petroccitto says.
“Rod is a well-respected voice across the industry and I look forward to continuing to work with him and the new Board.”
How the NRFA joined forces with the TWU, here
Hannifey succeeds outgoing president Gordon MacKinlay.
“Gordon has been a strong voice for drivers and owner-operators and I wish him well,” Petroccitto says.
“Under Gordon, the association has grown and gained significant influence with decision-makers at all levels of government.
“I’ve personally welcomed his strong leadership over the past year as the industry tackled unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic and operational restrictions.”