Industry Stalwart Honoured at National Trucking Awards

Trucking industry stalwart, Peter Rocke, has been named as this year’s winner of the prestigious Don Watson Memorial Award. The award recognises the dedicated efforts of individuals within the broader trucking industry to the activities of the industry network

After modest beginnings as a truck driver for his father’s company in 1955, Peter later went on to see his family business become the dominant waterfront carrier in the Port of Melbourne, in the late 1980’s.

Peter later became Director of Transport Operators at Mayne Nickless; and was appointed as the Chairman of the Port of Melbourne Authority.

Peter retired in 1994 but a year later his family purchased Coulson Transport where he presided as Chairman until the business was sold in 1999.  In 2003 he established another transport business, which he still has involvement in today as its chairman. He also maintains the facilities and cleans the driver’s smoko room.

ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn described Peter’s contribution to the Australian Trucking Association and its predecessor, the Road Transport Forum, as ‘immeasurable.’

“Peter’s vision and tireless energy in championing the Road Ahead travelling exhibition, which was launched at this week’s Australian Trucking Convention, is evidence of his belief in a better future for our industry,” Trevor said.

In his acceptance speech, Peter said one of the great things about the trucking industry was the dedication of the people working for its future.

“Over the last nineteen years, we’ve had some tumultuous times, but the great joy to me is the people who have been involved,” he said.

“I’m one of the many people who have tried to put the problems of the industry before our political masters. Never bow our heads and think we are an inferior industry.”

The National Trucking Industry Awards are presented annually as part of the Australian Trucking Convention and form an important part of the trucking industry’s effort to promote the commitment and achievement of individuals and organisations within the industry.

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, the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award, won by Helen Savage of Stockmaster and the Outstanding Contribution to the Trucking Industry Award, won by John Kelly (deceased).