The best and brightest of the nation’s freight and logistics industry were honoured at the 33rd Australian Freight Industry Awards on Saturday evening (September 2) with hundreds attending a black-tie gala presentation at Melbourne’s Palladium Room at Crown.
Organisers say the industry responded with enthusiasm to the call for submissions, with judges assessing a record number of applications, with finalists shortlisted across a range of categories.
The winners were:
• Kevin Halpin, Personality of the Year Award – sponsored by CMV Truck & Bus.
• Katharina Attana of Tasman Logistics Services, Female Leadership Award – sponsored by Viva Energy Australia.
• Melissa Scerri of Victoria International Container Terminal, Young Achiever of the Year Award – sponsored by Daimler Truck & Bus.
• Hyzon Motors, Sustainable Environment Award – sponsored by National Transport Insurance.
• iTrazo Tracetech, Application of Technology Award – sponsored by Transport Certification Australia.
• Linfox, Best Practice Safety Award – sponsored by Gallagher.
• CMV Truck & Bus, Investment in People Award – sponsored by Logical Staffing Solutions.
“It was a pleasure to host dignitaries from state and federal governments, along with VTA life members, councillors, and hundreds of VTA members, associate members, and transport industry operators and suppliers,” said VTA CEO Peter Anderson.
“Master of Ceremonies Livinia Nixon did another outstanding job hosting the awards segment, stunning guests with her entry into the Crown Palladium Room on a Harley Davidson ‘Fatboy’ to a Grease musical medley by musicians Furnace and the Fundamentals, complementing and setting the scene for the 1950s theme of the evening.”
Anderson added that the VTA is incredibly proud of the achievements of all the award winners, finalists, and nominees.
“It’s been another tough year as we all work to move higher and higher freight volumes, against a backdrop of labour shortages, higher costs, long lead times for trucks and equipment, and inflationary pressures starting to bite.
“So, to everyone that lodged an entry, thank you for taking the time to share your stories because the accomplishments of our industry are significant, and deserve to be acknowledged.”
TWUSUPER and Viva Energy Australia once again were the major sponsors of the awards, and the VTA extends its sincere thanks to them for their very generous and ongoing support.