16 August 2010 - 2010 National Transport Insurance NatRoad Awards For Excellence

The winners of the 2010 National Transport Insurance NatRoad Awards for Excellence were announced on Friday 6 August during lunch at the 2010 Annual NatRoad Conference on the Gold Coast.

NatRoad Foundation Partner, National Transport Insurance (NTI) sponsored the awards for the first time this year.

"We received a number of outstanding nominations for both awards this year, in many ways it is unfortunate that there can be only one winner", said NatRoad President Robert McIntosh.

Mr McIntosh continued by saying "Today’s National Transport Insurance NatRoad Awards are about the positives and recognising the fantastic efforts of all nominees. In my opinion to be nominated for recognition by your peers is a fantastic compliment and a great honour.”

The finalists/nominees in this years' Transport Youth Award were:

1. David Kreutzberger (Winner)
Border Express

2. Mitchell Lindsay (Finalist)
Lindsay Transport

3. Zebb McGlashan (Finalist)
Harris Refrigerated

4. Gus Etheridge
Fourways Haulage

5. Matthew Armstrong
Sydney Weighbridges

6. Melissa Colefax
Shoobridge Transport

7. Chris Muller
Wettenhalls Group

David Kreutzberger, Border Express from Albury won the Transport Youth Award.

Dave is a mechanic working for Border Express where he completed his Heavy Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship, achieving exceptionally high standards through Wagga Wagga TAFE. David is an adaptable and reliable worker who is able to complete any tasks allocated to him to a very high standard.

He shows great initiative and motivation in seeking further educational opportunities that will equip him with the necessary skills to be a leader in his field and also benefit us as a business. His awards include:

• NSW Training Awards 2009 Winner – Top Apprentice in the Vehicle Trade
• Ministers Award for excellence for employers of Australian Apprentices 2009
• 2008 Hartwigs Award for Most Outstanding Student and results( over all stages)
• Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia Award for outstanding Achievement 2009

The finalists/nominees in this years' Professional Driver of the Year Award were:

1. Brian Dark (Winner)
Lindsay’s Transport

2. Mickie Day (Finalist)
Hernes Freight

3. Hans Lucassen (Finalist)
Harris Refrigerated

4. Rosalind Darby
Peter Stoitse Transport

5. Scott Armstrong
Southern Star Transport

6. Rod Hannifey
Owner Driver & Rod Pilon Transport

7. Lyle Bish
Freshwayz Haulage

8. Brent Schicker
SRV Road Freight

9. Mark Smith
Fourways Haulage

Brian Dark, Lindsay’s Transport from Coffs Harbour won the Professional Driver of the Year Award.

Brian is a B-Double Linehaul Change over Driver for Lindsay Transport. After over 10 years service with the Australian Army’s Transport Corps, he joined Lindsay Transport in 1997.

As he has integrity and the right attitude, Brian assists with new driver inductions, and also with helping drivers gain experience for licence upgrades. He demonstrates a professional role in his work, and cares for his customers.

Brian is usually one of the first to undertake training provided by his employer.

He has driven 1.3 million accident free kilometers, and helps to maintain his truck and trailers in immaculate condition.

Brian will automatically be nominated for the ATA National Professional Driver of the Year Award.

The winner of both awards each received a $2,000 travel voucher prize.

NatRoad extends its appreciation to National Transport Insurance for their support of NatRoad, now including the National Transport Insurance NatRoad Awards.

NatRoad also extends its appreciation to the judging panel who has given their time and expertise in judging the nominees for the awards.

The 2010 judging panel was:

• Owen Driscoll, National Transport Insurance;
• Phyllis Jones, longstanding transport operator & NatRoad member; and
• Stuart St Clair CEO of the Australian Trucking Association.

“The awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise people you know that are making an exceptional contribution to our industry” stated Mr McIntosh.

NatRoad encourages the industry to continue to nominate those who should be recognised for their efforts by getting involved in these awards.

For more information contact:
Katarina Vrkic
Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 02 6295 3000
Email: katarina@natroad.com.au