Queensland-based Followmont Transport today held an event promoting gender diversity and the significant contribution women make to Australian road transport.
Followmont CEO and managing director Mark Tobin said the day was created to allow networking opportunities for likeminded individuals and organisations, and to celebrate those driving change.
“It is about recognising the great people that make a difference and having a proactive and positive approach to embrace and encourage equality within our industry,” said Tobin.
“The transport industry is traditionally seen as a male dominant one and something which is close to my own heart is finding opportunities of growth for my people, despite gender, age or race.”
“Rather than seeing diversity as something to be feared, it should be something that we embrace. We should be looking for opportunities to break down barriers and create new possibilities for our nation,” Tobin continues.
The event was hosted at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol, Qld, headquarters with a strict COVID safe regime in place.
Queensland transport industry stalwart Roz Shaw addressed attendees as the key note speaker. A panel discussion featuring Roz Shaw, Mark Tobin, Lauren Downs, VP UD Trucks and Julie Russell, Director Russell Transport, also took place fielding questions from attendees.
To ensure COVID compliance as well as maximise the coverage of the message the event was also live streamed to other Followmont sites around Queensland and New South Wales, as well as selected media outlets.
To raise awareness on the open road, Followmont Transport also took the opportunity to unveil ‘Pinky’, a distinctive pink-themed UD Quon 6×4 rigid dedicated to promoting diversity in the transport industry.
Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick welcomed the event taking place in the company’s corporate headquarters.
“As a company we not only promote, we celebrate diversity in all its forms,” he said.
“And we are proud to take part in this event just as we are proud that it is one of our brands being used to further that messaging from a long term and valued customer.”