Don Watson Transport Managing Director to tackle industry image and driver welfare.
Don Watson Transport Managing Director Noelene Watson is the new chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).
She replaces David Simon who has been ATA Chairman for four years.
Watson has been an ATA director since 2004.
With plans to improve the industry’s image, Watson also hopes to promote better health and wellbeing of drivers.
“Our drivers are away from home for so much time that they don’t have access to all the services that should be made available to them,” she says.
“I’d also like to see drivers treated in a professional manner while fulfilling their transport task. This is a big issue for our drivers on the road.
“They quite often aren’t treated professionally and it then reflects back on our own businesses, and it’s left to operators to deal with this.”
Watson thanked Simon for his involvement, saying he has worked tirelessly with industry sectors.
“He’s been a marvellous public face for our industry,” she says.
“David’s easygoing manner and his intellect on all transport related issues have meant David’s counsel has been sought and respected by many of his peers.
“David’s passion for the ATA is evident in the amount of meetings he’s attended, the miles he’s travelled and the time he’s spent away from his family on behalf of our industry.”
Furniture Removers’ Association President Andrew Garrety has been elected as ATA’s Treasurer/Secretary following Kathy Williams’s retirement from the role.
Two new directors were also appointed – Austin Vella from Vellex and Gordon Martin from the Martin Group of Companies.
Western Australian trucking operator Mark Sullivan has retired from the ATA board but will continue to chair the safety committee.
He has been involved with the council since 2008.
Kathy Williams, Mike Almond, Andrew Garrety and Trevor Martyn were re-elected as ATA directors.
The elections were held at the ATA’s annual general meeting in Canberra today.
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