The Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association shone at last night’s Queensland Supply Chain and Logistics Awards
By <a href="mailto:agamelopata@acpmagazines.com.au“>Anna Game-Lopata | September 2, 2011
The Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association shone at last night’s Queensland supply Chain and Logistics Awards.
The company received two awards and a high commendation for its role in clean-up efforts following the Queensland floods in January.
Executive Director Rick Ralph won the Industry Excellence Award for outstanding individual achievement, while his organisation took out the Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of its contribution to sustainability overall.
WCRAQ
also received a high commendation in the Supply Chain Management Award.
During the floods WCRAQ, in association with the Brisbane City Council coordinated the collection and removal of 400,000 tonnes of flood related waste.
As part of numerous transport movements over the period, the organisation has been noted for going beyond the call of duty, for example, removing 8,000 tonnes of flood related waste within 48 hours to enable businesses within the Brisbane markets to re-open.
Rick Ralph says winning the awards is a very significant recognition of the company’s reverse logistics expertise and efforts during this year’s natural disasters.
“These are the people you don’t see, who are up at 2.00am transporting waste, and did a great job during the flood clean up,” he says.
“Bear in mind we moved that 400,000 tonnes without a single workplace incident and we did it while keeping all our waste removal and recycling operations running.
“We are a proud industry and I’m very proud to lead this organisation.”
WCRAQ was one of four other winners at the Queensland Supply Chain Awards announced last night in Brisbane.
Attended by approximately 300 industry professionals the Awards gala dinner was held as part of the 2011 Queensland Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.
Retail supplier Salad Fresh won gold in the Supply Chain Management category, for its 12-month business transformation project which streamlined the company’s supply chain.
Salad Fresh CEO Peter Kemp who accepted the award on behalf of National Supply Chain Manager Matthew Crook says changes including acquisitions, mergers and an IT project enabled a number of efficiencies to be achieved.
“For Salad Fresh, the supply chain really starts at the farm and goes through to major retailers including Coles, Woolworths and IGA,” he says.
“It’s been a massive 12 months and we’re grateful for being nominated. I’d also like to congratulate all the other winners in the awards tonight.”
‘Women Take the Wheel’ an initiative of the Queensland Department of Main Roads Alliance won the Training Education and Development Award for its role in attracting women to non-traditional roles.
Director Louise Perram-Fisk says Women Take the wheel is a very diverse strategy aimed at supporting and mentoring women in the transport and logistics industry.
First piloted by transport company JJ Richards and Sons, the initiative has two aims, one to retain women and engage them in the industry and two, to address the current shortage of skilled labour by attracting and training new entrants to the industry.,
Along with attracting and developing women in non-traditional roles, the initiative also works to move them into leadership positions directly enhancing industry capabilities.”
“We’re very proud of Women Take the wheel, as it’s the first initiative of its kind in Australia.”
The Future Leaders Award was taken out by Snap Fresh Procurement Coordinator Nikki Hasicevic.
Hasicevic, who started on the operations floor in 2003, worked in most areas of the factory before moving to her current role.
A natural leader and mentor, Hasicevic is described by her management and team as being endowed with a wealth of wisdom, foresight well beyond her years.
Hasicevic modestly says she wasn’t expecting the award as she believes she was just doing what she needs to do in her role, do her best and what’s best for Snap Fresh.
Recipients of a High Commendation include:
The Strategix Training Group’s Clean Run Eco Drive initiative in the Environmental Excellence category, for successfully reducing carbon emissions by making small changes to driving habits.
Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association State President Ian Lovell in the Industry Excellence category
Blenner Transport Pallet Controller Amanda Childs in the Future Leaders category
WCRAQ in the Supply Chain Management Award