Driver with faultess record of more than 9 million kilometres recognised at this year's QTA Awards
November 6, 2009
A truck driver with a faultless record spanning more than 9 million kilometres has been recognised alongside other industry standouts at this year’s Queensland Trucking Association Awards Dinner.
Simon Wynne from HS & SM Wynne Transport won the Professional Driver of the Year Award during the dinner on October 31 for his contribution to the industry and his approach to safety.
The QTA says Wynne has been in the industry for more than 50 years and has never had an at fault accident or lost any demerit points during his 9 million kilometre journey.
The owner of long-time trucking operator Speedie Contractors, Tim Knowles, won the Industry Excellence Award for his services to the trucking industry and professionalism.
“In 1999, Tim joined the QTA board and was elected president from 2005 to 2007,” the QTA says.
“Tim continues to serve on the QTA board and industry working groups such as the Road Freight Industry Council and is a keen participant in many industry events.”
Knowles was also responsible for introducing Team 2000, the forerunner to the industry safety scheme TruckSafe.
The Driving Excellence Award was shared by two people.
Jimmy Little from JJ Richards being recognised for 34 years of service and an “exceptional safe work record” of 2.8 million kilometres, Mick Dunn from Team Taxi Trucks and Couriers was also recognised.
Dunn began working for the company more than 17 years ago and has since covered 3 million accident free kilometres.
“His excellent driving skills are highly regarded by his employer in that when there is a tough job to do Mick is assigned to the task,” the QTA says.
Kagan Logistics won the People Leadership Award for its staff management system which runs performance appraisals and career path options.
The operator is also involved in the Adopt-A-School program to give students work experience.
Matthew Tenkate from Major Training Group won the Young Achiever Award.
The 24-year-old has been at the company since his teens and during that time has obtained multiple truck licences, gained a business degree and is now in charge the company’s industry training centre.
The QTA says Tenkate has also obtained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is a qualified trainer and assessor for multi combination heavy machinery and heavy vehicles.
The QTA says Tenkate is currently studying to become a heavy vehicle auditor and assessor.
A Queensland Government bureaucrat was also recognised during the ceremony for his efforts to improve productivity and safety in the trucking industry.
Gary Mahon from the Department of Community Safety was responsible for introducing speed reforms while he was working at Queensland Transport.
The QTA says Mahon was also instrumental in convincing government to trial the fatigue management pilot program in the 1990s.
“Gary was also prominent at a national level in implementing change to the road freight industry under performance based standards to promote productivity, safety and efficiency,” the QTA says.
The awards were attended by Queensland Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan, who presented the winners with their awards.