The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) and Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) have presented James Whelan, Managing Director of Whelan Kartaway, with the 2025 WFD Chalmers Award.
The award was presented at the VTA President’s Dinner held last night at Melbourne’s Hotel Windsor.
The WFD Chalmers Award is the VTA’s most prestigious honour, established in memory of Daryl Chalmers, who served on the VTA Executive Council for over 40 years. It recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, loyalty, and commitment to the Association and the broader transport industry over many years.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson – who presented the award along with VTA President Dennis Ryan and Gary Chalmers, son of Daryl – said the award is a recognition of individuals who have gone above and beyond to ensure that the values of the VTA and VWMA carry through on a daily basis.
“James has been rock solid in his support and leadership, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him directly for over 12 years. He is one of the most deserving recipients we’ve ever had,” Anderson commented.
In his acceptance speech, James Whelan reflected on his family’s long-standing involvement in the industry.
“This industry has been good to my family, and I was always taught to ask, ‘What can we do to make the industry better for everybody?’ That’s stayed with me throughout my career. When I started in the mid-90s, landfill levies were around $2 a tonne. Today, they’re closer to $170. That’s billions in taxes collected by the state. While landfills are often viewed negatively, they’ve provided financial support to the state and helped fund improvements in recycling. It’s an honour to be recognised with this award. My thanks isn’t enough to express how much this means to me.”
Delivering his inaugural President’s Dinner address, Dennis Ryan reflected on a year of significant achievement for the VTA.
“Peter Anderson and the VTA Secretariat have once again had a busy and productive year advocating for regulation and policy that gives our members the best chance to succeed,” Ryan said.
“We’ve secured the revocation of Victorian permit costs from January 1, 2026, continued strong engagement with government, and delivered over 400 job-ready heavy vehicle drivers through our Driver Delivery program – including more than 100 women. At the federal level, our work through ARTIO has positioned us at the forefront of industrial relations reform.”
Ryan also emphasised the importance of succession planning and involving younger staff in the work of the Association to ensure its continued strength and relevance.