Trucking stalwart Ray Scott has been posthumously honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Admired for his professionalism, passion, and extensive knowledge of the transport industry sectors, Mr Scott’s honour comes as recognition for his significant service to the road transport industry, and to the community.
Scott played a significant role in the trucking industry, from humble beginnings his father’s family business, through to becoming a major shareholder in Scott Group of Companies, including the K&S Corporation.
“Ray achieved a lot in his lifetime and made a great contribution the wider trucking industry, but in particular the general fuel and livestock sectors,” Australian Trucking Association Chair David Smith said.
Smith added that Scott and his family were very supportive of the ATA and helped to organise one of the ATA’s largest Forum on the Road meetings when it travelled to Mount Gambier in the early 1990s.
In 2013, Scott was inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame, recognising his history in the road transport industry and long service on road train work into the Northern Territory.
“This honours list recognition is extremely fitting and is a testament to the wonderful work our trucking industry members can deliver for the wider Australian community,” Mr Smith said.
As well as being a highly accomplished operator, Mr Scott was also well-known for his kindness and willingness to help those in need, as evidenced by his philanthropy and community spirit.
Also recognised in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List was Western Australian trucking industry leader Craig Smith-Gander, who received also received the Member of the Order of Australia.
Smith-Gander was recognised for his significant service to surf lifesaving, transport logistics and the community. He has been the owner and managing director of Kwik Logistics since 2005 and the Chair of ATA member association the Western Roads Federation since 2017.
He was elected to the ATA’s board in May 2020.
ATA Chair David Smith said Smith-Gander had made a valuable contribution to the ATA and its network of member associations.
“Craig is vastly experienced in the corporate sector and in not-for-profit governance. He was the inaugural Chair of Westcycle, is the president of Surf Life Saving Western Australia and is a board member of Surf Life Saving Australia,” Smith said.
“As a member of the ATA board, Craig has applied his immense knowledge and network of contacts to helping the ATA modernise the way we approach governance and industry strategy.
“Craig is closely involved in the development of our new strategic plan and in our internal initiatives to update our engagement with our member associations. We couldn’t do this work without his expert input.
“Craig is a fantastic recipient of this important honour,” Smith said.