The Australian transport sector has been recognised at the annual Australia Day honours, with several industry members receiving medals of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Leading the way was Border Express founder Max Luff who received one of Australia’s highest civillian recognitions for his lifetime of service to Australian road transport.
Luff first founded Border Express in 1981, with the operator growing into a nationally recognised logistics network that continues today under the ownership of FMH Group.
“The values Max embedded from the beginning – reliability, strong relationships, and a people-first approach – remain central to the business and its ongoing success,” Border Express says.
“The OAM recognises not only Max’s entrepreneurial achievement, but his broader contribution to the transport industry and regional Australia. It honours a legacy built on leadership, resilience, and a genuine commitment to service – qualities that continue to influence Border Express and the industry more widely.”
Alongside being a founder of Border Express (formerly Albury Border Transport), Luff was also a chair at Finemore’s Transport from 1986 to 1996 and part-owner in the early ‘80s. He was also recognised for his service to the community, particularly across Albury and Wodonga.
Alongside Luff, National Road Transport Wall of Fame member Gordon Simpson was awarded an OAM medal in the general division for his service to the community of Alexandra.
Well-known Australian transport industry member Dr Gillian Miles was also honoured with an OAM for significant service to the transport and infrastructure sectors, including time spent at Roads Australia, Transport for Victoria, TAFE Victoria, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the National Transport Commission and the National Women in Transport Network.
Lastly, former Tasmanian Transport Council president and Australian Road Transport Federation member Kevin Claude Watkins received a medal of the OAM in the general division for his service to the community of Launceston.