Transport identities recognised for a range of good works in the industry and beyond
By Rob McKay | June 14, 2011
Three people with strong links to the freight transport industry have had their accomplishments recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Former federal Transport Minister John Anderson became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, particularly through support of rural and regional communities, transport development, and water management initiatives”, the citation reads.
The one-time Deputy Prime Minister was Minister for Transport and Regional Development in 1997 and Minister for Transport and Regional Services between 1998 and 2005.
Peter Fox, the Linfox Executive Chairman since 1994, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (MA).
The award was in recongnition of service to the transport and logistics industry through a range of executive roles, and to the community, particularly to social welfare organisations.
A Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) went the way of Kathy White, for service to the community through contributions to the transport industry, particularly the Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial.
White is Founder and President of the non-profit memorial at Gatton, between Toowoomba and Brisbane.
She gained the Industry Recognition Award from the Queensland Trucking Association in 2009.
Australia Trucking Association Chairman David Simon congratulated Fox and White.
Simon highlights Fox’s “long contribution to the transport and logistics sector” and his “unwavering commitment to the community”.
“Peter has led ATA member Linfox in supporting the community in times of need with flooding and bushfires in recent years,” Simon remarks.
“Linfox contributes enormously to the community and has established a number of programs, such as Australian flood relief which is focused on re-starting supply routes through flood affected regions.
“They also provide sponsorship to many other community organisations such as FareShare and OzHarvest.
“These food rescue organisations collect enough food from major retailers and food producers to supply more than two million meals to disadvantaged Australians each year.
“In his private life, Peter has contributed enormously to the community as a philanthropist through his support of medical research, and is a current board member for the Alfred Foundation.
“Peter’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is a well-deserved recognition of his long service to our industry and his prominent role in the community.”
Simon was also fulsome in his praise of White, saying that through her “commitment to the industry, we now have an important memorial which is dedicated to those people from the Aussie trucking community that have lost their lives over the years”.