The breadth and diversity of talent in Australia’s heavy vehicle industry was acknowledged at Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia’s annual gala awards dinner last Friday night.
HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking said the award nominations had highlighted the capacity of the industry from its newest entrants to stalwarts at the other end of their careers.
“You can’t help but be optimistic about the future of our industry when you see and feel the passion that was in the room tonight,” Mr Hacking said.
“We were thrilled with the quality and the quantity of the nominations from all parts of Australia.
“Congratulations to both the regional and national award winners, and thank you to those people that took the time to prepare such impressive testimonials.
“All nominees deserve acknowledgement; while not everyone can take home the prize, we saw a range of skills and commitment that should inspire their colleagues, peers and the broader industry.
“A big thank you also to our panels of judges for their generous time and application of their vast industry experience.
“And also to our event and award sponsors, particularly National Transport Insurance and Truck Assist, Warby Tools and Moreton Hire.”
Guest Speaker Mr Chris Whiting MP, Member for Bancroft in the Queensland Parliament paid tribute to the innovation that drives the heavy vehicle industry’s thriving manufacturing footprint.
Mr Whiting told guests that the Queensland Government is committed to supporting and enabling manufacturing productivity.
In response Mr Hacking supported his comments saying: “We are extremely proud our industry’s contribution to the economy.
“The heavy vehicle industry provides invaluable jobs and skills growth that are vital to a vibrant community.
“Tonight, we saw apprentices and young leaders coming through with the promise of great career paths, as displayed by the amazing achievements from our esteemed industry veterans here tonight.”
The inaugural Peter Langworthy Future Leader Award was presented to Madeleine Wahrbichler from Cummins South Pacific by Peter’s wife Jezz Langworthy.
HVIA’s Industry Recognition Award was presented to recently retired joint-Managing Directors of the Brown and Hurley Group, Mr Rob Brown and Mr Kev Hurley.
Evan Jones from Volvo Commercial Vehicles Brisbane North took out the National Apprentice of the Year Award.
East Coast Bullbars was announced as Eastern Region winner of the inaugural Productivity Innovation Award for Lilac – ERP Business Management Software.
The Community Leadership Award was presented to Cummins South Pacific for their Technical Education in Communities (TEC) Project.
Bulk Transport Equipment took home the Product Innovation award for their Steerable Semi Agitator.
HVIA Industry Recognition Award
Mr Rob Brown and Mr Kev Hurley from the Brown and Hurley Group
National Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Warby Tools)
National Winner and Eastern Region Winner
Evan Jones – Volvo Commercial Vehicles Brisbane North (Qld)
North-Western Region Winner
Thomas Mitchell – Cummins South Pacific (WA)
Southern Region Winner
Keegan Templeton – Cummins South Pacific (Vic)
Peter Langworthy Future Leader Award
National winner and Southern Region Finalist
Madeleine Wahrbichler – Cummins South Pacific (Vic)
Eastern Region finalist
James Allison – Cummins South Pacific (Qld)
Community Leadership Award
National Winner and Eastern Region Winner
Technical Education in Communities (TEC) Project – Cummins South Pacific
Southern Region winner
Support for RU OK Day and Food distribution for Soup Bus and SecondBite – MaxiTrans Industries (Vic)
Productivity Innovation Award
Eastern Region Winner
Lilac – ERP Business Management Software – East Coast Bullbars
Product Innovation award
National Winner & Southern Region Winner
Steerable Semi Agitator – Bulk Transport Equipment (Vic)
Eastern Region Winner
Heat in Transit Bitumen Tanker – Holmwood Highgate (Qld)
