So much is happening in the world today much of it very depressing so I’m going to try to concentrate on the positive.
Transport Women Australia Limited has launched the second year of Driving the Difference scholarships with sponsor Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific and have had enormous response from the industry competing for the four scholarships.
These scholarships are open until October 31 and winners will be announced on November 16.
Four lucky winners will then be presented either at an end-of-year function in the closest capital city, or over a Zoom meeting, depending on the circumstances at that time.
We had our Father’s Day raffle with five lucky winners and those prizes will be sent and hopefully the winners are enjoying their windfall. We always have a great response to our Father’s Day raffle, and we thank our sponsors who are so generous with their support.
TWAL is carefully monitoring the Covid-19 restrictions as we want to hold some events as soon as possible.
Like other associations we have been restricted due to the pandemic this year. We will attempt to hold end-of-year functions in each capital city, possibly with localised members.
We will also be announcing the second Trish Pickering Memorial Award in November and presenting this at an event to be announced. This award is made possible by the generosity of Wes Pickering and is in memory of his late wife Trish.
The inaugural award was announced at the TWAL 20th anniversary gala dinner last November and was awarded to Pam McMillan for her service to Transport Women Australia Limited. The award is to honour continuous outstanding contribution to the trucking industry by a woman, we are fortunate that we are not limited by choice available, with many outstanding women in the industry.
We are well into the programme planning for our 2021 Conference to be held May 28 to 30 in Melbourne. Any interested sponsors or potential speakers who wish to submit a proposal are most welcome to send it to chair@transportwomen.com.au
Lockdown restrictions are continuing in both Metro and regional Victoria with the metro curfew and travel restrictions within five-kilometre from home to continue until October 26.
These restrictions will continue to impact on the mental health of many people, to bankruptcy and permanent closure of businesses and deny hope to the unemployed.
So many of the rules do not make sense, even with the re-opening of businesses as we move forward. With some allowed to open with restrictions, some not allowed to reopen until a later date with no certainty for anyone to plan or give reassurance to staff.
I understand that it is difficult, but the economy needs to be restarted while protecting our most vulnerable.
We have already done a very poor job of protecting them so far, maybe it is time to start looking at how we do that and let the strong and healthy rebuild the economy and our businesses.