Ross Transport boss True Ross couldn’t wipe the smile from her face after hearing her name called out as the winner of the Excellence in Transport trophy at the Women in Industry Awards in Sydney this week.
Posting on LinkedIn the following day, True said the achievement carried extra significance because her grandmother Fran won the same award in 2022
“So it was very humbling to be following in her footsteps,” True wrote on her LinkedIn page.
True said the night was also special because she genuinely didn’t expect her name to be called given the calibre of finalists across all categories. She also thanked Transport Women Australia Limited for putting her name forward.
She faced a strong line-up of finalists in her category including: Alexandra Bosnjak (Argon & Co), Ilaria Giovannetti (Rohlig Australia), Ronda Irvine (Asahi Beverages), Jing Liang (Yokogawa Australia), Jacqueline Madsen (Transport for NSW), Orlane Mortimer (Wollongong Crane Trucks), Priya Perera (V/Line Corporation), Kattie Risk (Billirrawarra Trucking & Training) and Sarah Singh (Elite Transport Solutions).
“The transport industry is something I am incredibly passionate about,” True said.
“I love the people, the resilience, and the sense of community that exists throughout our industry. Every day I have the privilege of working alongside people who keep Australia moving, and being able to advocate for an industry I care so deeply about is something I never take for granted.
“A huge thank you to my husband, family, friends, colleagues and everyone who has supported me along the way. As a mum to young twins, there are definitely days when balancing everything feels like a challenge, so this recognition means more than anyone will ever know.”
True also congratulated all the finalists and winners at the glittering night.
“It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented and hardworking women making a difference in their industries,” she said.
“Thank you again for this incredible honour. I’m proud to represent the transport industry and will continue advocating for the people who make it the great industry that it is.”
Transport industry representatives claimed three of the 15 awards presented at the Darling Island Wharf gala dinner.
Joining True among the transport industry winners were Caitlin Barlow of JATEC Transport, who won Rising Star of the Year – 30 Years and Under, and Karlie Zec of Tiny Tins, who took out the Women in Leadership category.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the program’s highest honour, the Woman of the Year Award, which is chosen from the winners of the 15 nominated award categories. Taking home the premier award this year was Brooke Adamson, Manager Process Operations at Newmont.
In her speech, Brooke spoke about how honoured she was to receive the award and reflected on the support that paid a pivotal role in her journey.
“Like other people have said tonight, there are so many phenomenal women, and also men, that play a key role in mining and industry in general that support women. And without a lot of those sponsors and advocates for myself, giving me the confidence to put my name forward and know I can do it, I wouldn’t be here tonight. So, thank you for this. I am incredibly honoured.”
Following a record number of nominations and attendance of more than 350 industry professionals, supporters, and guests at the gala dinner, the 2026 awards marked the largest event since the program’s inception.
In her opening address, Molly Hancock, Head of Events Marketing at Prime Creative Media, praised the high calibre of this year’s nominations and reflected on the growing influence of the awards in championing achievement, leadership, and innovation across the industry.
“The quality of nominations received this year has once again been exceptional. Every nominee and finalist has demonstrated excellence in their field, a commitment to delivering outstanding results, and a determination to make a positive difference within their organisation, industry and community,” she said.
The full list of 2026 Women in Industry Awards winners is:
- Tradeswoman of the Year- Shannen Jeffery, Newmont
- Women in Leadership- Karlie Zec, Tiny Tins
- Mentor of the Year- Laura Canning, Komatsu
- Excellence in Transport- True Ross, Ross Transport
- Excellence in Mining- Brooke Adamson, Newmont
- Industry Advocacy Award- Tatiana Delendik, Grundfos
- Rising Star of the Year- 30 years and under- Caitlin Barlow, JATEC Transport
- Business Development Success of the Year- Yuan Yuan, Sykes Group
- Excellence in Health and Medicine- Dr Sarah Crowe, OOXii
- Marketer of the Year- Caroline Luczynski, SMEC
- Excellence in Energy- Louise Bishop, Zinfra Operations
- Excellence in Construction- Alysse Reedy, Fulton Hogan Construction
- Excellence in Manufacturing- Charline Siccardi, Argon & Co
- Safety Advocacy Award- Sarah Barnbrook, Away from Keyboard Inc.
- Excellence in Engineering- Hoda Ehsani, Fortescue