Industry pays respects to the former VTA president and transport stalwart.
The transport industry is mourning the passing of former managing director of Murphy Transport Solutions and president of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) Gavin Murphy.
The well-known and highly respected industry figure played a lead role in helping improve the trucking industry through his involvement with the VTA and the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO), while also running Murphy Transport Solutions.
He took over the running of the company in 1991 after the passing of his elder brother and grew the business from one focused on the sugar sector to include warehousing and distribution.
He expanded the Victorian company’s national reach through the addition of facilities in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and added dry and liquid tanker operations to the business.
“On behalf the president, executive council, staff and members of the Victorian Transport Association, we are greatly saddened at the passing of our dearly beloved friend, former president and life member,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.
“Over his 25 years on the board of our association – starting out as a councillor, then as vice president and ultimately as president – Gavin was a tireless and passionate advocate for industry issues, a respected voice and a valued presence, both in a business and social sense.”
Murphy served as ARTIO president for more than 10 years, and Anderson says he was also involved in community work supporting local programs and children’s and youth initiatives.
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chair Noelene Watson credits Murphy for helping her when she was starting out.
“I remember Gavin as a colourful character who was always generous with his time,” Watson says.
“In the mid-1990s when I had just started running a trucking business, I knew that I could always phone Gavin and receive honest sound advice about the transport industry.”
The VTA and the ATA have extended their condolences to Murphy’s wife Jane, and children Angela and Cameron.
“Our thoughts are with them at this sad time,” Watson says.
The funeral service will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Kew in Victoria on Thursday, December 17 at 1.30pm.
“We offer our condolences to Jane, Angela and Cameron Murphy on the loss of a wonderful and cherished husband and father, and wish them every solace in their time of grieving,” Anderson says.
“May his memory be a comfort to his family and to all who were fortunate to have known him as a colleague or friend.”