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NatRoad announces 2019 award-winning trio

Recipients from Lindsay Transport, Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage and ATA named

 

The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) announced the winners of the 2019 Ted Pickering Memorial Award, Professional Driver of The Year and the Youth Employee Award.

The NatRoad Awards, sponsored by industry insurer NTI, recognise the tremendous contributions NatRoad members and their staff make to the road transport industry and in advancing the sector’s reputation and operations, the organisation notes.

“Every day our industry provides countless examples of professionalism, hard work and commitment to safety,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.

“Those of us who work in road transport are aware of the vital role our industry plays in the daily life of every Australian.

“Today, we take time to recognise and celebrate those individuals who have gone above and beyond to strengthen that awareness and have demonstrated a strong commitment to the industry.”

For NTI, involvement means backing its view that excellence should be awarded.

“We are proud to once again sponsor the NatRoad Awards which recognise and acknowledge individuals who have made a positive contribution to the industry,” NTI general manager – commercial Mike Edmonds says.

“As a Platinum Partner of NatRoad, we are delighted to celebrate the rich diversity of our industry and honour those who go above and beyond.”


See who took out the awards last year, here


The winners, along with citations and commentary, are:

Professional Driver of The Year

Balwinder Singh Kullar from Lindsay Transport is the recipient of the 2019 Professional Driver of The Year Award. Each year, nominees for this award are evaluated based on the professionalism, safety and courtesy they display while performing their jobs.

“Balwinder’s commitment to the safety and education of young drivers speaks to his ability to represent our industry in a positive light,” Clark says.

“Truck drivers work tirelessly day in and day out but often only get noticed when something goes wrong. In recognising safe, dedicated drivers like Balwinder, we hope to shine a light on the great things our drivers do for the industry every single day.”

Youth Employee Award

The Youth Employee Award recognises a young employee (30 years and under) working in any part of the road transport industry who has demonstrated hard work, creativity and passion at their workplace.

Nicholas Rodger from Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage was awarded the 2019 Youth Employee of the Year Award. Since joining Divall’s in 2014, Rodger has made many positive contributions to the workplace and now manages a team of 9 full-time personnel while continuing to pursue his passion for the transport industry.

Ted Pickering Award

The Ted Pickering Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Road Freight Industry was presented to Geoff Crouch, MD at Ron Crouch Transport based in Wagga Wagga.

Crouch has a career exceeding 30 years in the Australian transport industry. Geoff is familiar with the challenges and opportunities facing trucking operators and the need to stand up for our industry.

Crouch was on the NatRoad board from August 2007 to August 2015, and president from 2011 to 2015.  Elected as the chair of the Australian Trucking Association in 2017. He has a deep understanding of the trucking industry as both an operator and at an association level.

“A tireless advocate for the road transport industry, Geoff has been instrumental in highlighting the challenges faced by road transport operators,” Clark says.

“As a long-time active member of NatRoad and current chairman of the ATA, he has provided expert guidance and support on various initiatives to improve safety and professionalism within the industry.

“NatRoad is honoured to acknowledge the outstanding leadership Geoff has exhibited in his efforts to promote a positive image of the trucking industry to policymakers, the media, and the general public.”

 

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