Queensland’s Chelsea Lawson and Sophia Lafkas from NSW have been named as the finalists for this year’s Young Gunnette Award by Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL).
TWAL said Chelsea was nominated by her former supervisor who shared her journey from quitting as an apprentice due to a toxic and bullying workplace to returning later to triumph and lead the way in mentoring.
Chelsea has now become a voice for others in bettering the environment for young apprentices in non-traditional roles in predominantly male industries.
Sophia was nominated by a colleague who wrote of her journey from working with her grandmother in the transport industry to forming her own company.
The two finalists are individuals who have demonstrated potential leadership within the industry and who are bringing significant and positive change to the industry as well as inspiring others with their advocacy for the industry, said TWAL.
TWAL said the winner will be announced in the coming weeks at a time and venue still to be determined.
The award is proudly sponsored by Cummins, a long-time supporter and sponsor of TWAL and an ardent supporter of women in road freight transport.
“All the nominations were excellent, and the judges had to make the difficult choices to arrive at two finalists and only one winner,” said TWAL Chair Jacquelene Brotherton.
“The prize for this award will provide the recipient with training to assist them in their careers in transport and their roles within any organisations that they may represent as they progress throughout their professional lives.
“We encourage everyone who can, to nominate their outstanding young women for the 2026 Young Gunnette Award.”
If you have any queries about this award or Transport Women Australia Limited, contact chair@transportwomen.com.au or call 0417422319.