WESTDALE LOCAL TAKES OUT NATIONAL TRUCKING INDUSTRY AWARD

Westdale local and secretary of Stockmaster Livestock Transport, Helen Savage, has been named as the winner of the prestigious National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award. The award is part of the 2008 National Trucking Industry Awards.

Helen was nominated for her high level of commitment to lifting the trucking industry’s professional standing in regional Australia.

In her 40 years as secretary for Stockmaster, Helen has demonstrated her extraordinary commitment to raising awareness about the importance of trucking in the community.

Helen organises all workshop inductions and driver training in fatigue management for the Stockmaster. She took a lead role in the company taking on school based apprentices in the transport industry- the first company in Australia to do so. Helen’s colleagues at Stockmaster have called her a ‘transport operator’s best asset’.

In her acceptance speech, Helen reflected on her long history in the trucking industry.

“It’s the energy of the people you meet in the industry that I like – everyone’s got so much get up and go.

“I’ve really enjoyed my role in training. I’ve enjoyed giving people the opportunity to better themselves in the industry.”

The National Trucking Industry Awards are presented annually as part of the Australian Trucking Convention.

ATA Chairman, Mr Trevor Martyn, said the awards are a crucial part of the industry’s calendar, because they identify and reward the people who have contributed to taking the Australian trucking industry to a higher level of professionalism.

“The National Trucking Industry Awards are an important part of the trucking industry’s effort to promote the commitment and achievement of individuals and organisations within the industry,” Trevor said.

“Listening to the winners speak on the night provides a strong indication of why they won – they all have tremendous passion for our industry, and an uncompromising commitment to its improvement,” he said.

Other awards presented on the night included the National Professional Driver of the Year Award, which was awarded to Kevin Cartwright from Whiteline Transport; the Training Excellence Award, won by WA Freight Group; and the Outstanding Contribution to the Trucking Industry Award, won by John Kelly (deceased).

Also awarded on the night was the Don Watson – ATA in Appreciation Memorial Award, which was presented to long-standing supporter of the ATA, Peter Rocke.