Owner/Driver #339

ownerdriver
EDITORIAL
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BEHIND THE WHEEL Greg Bush
Up to the challenge
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY has come and gone
for another year, but with all the media attention
centring on Canberra and some of our most supposedlyesteemed
politicians, it has attracted much attention
and become more significant than in previous years.
We’ve seen a minority of men running for cover after
being unmasked for their alleged immoral pursuits
– and subsequently being forced to resign and/or being
investigated by the authorities.
In the decades gone by, the male species has ruled the
roost in politics, as well as in the private sector.
The trucking industry, however, is one industry that is
actively encouraging women to get behind the wheel. One
reason could be the driver shortage in Australia. More
importantly, there many women out there keen to hit the
road and drive trucks.
Now, that may surprise the traditional male brigade but
it’s not uncommon for company owners to prefer women
driving their expensive rigs. “They’re not as rough on the
gear,” is one comment I’ve heard on a few occasions.
I’ve met and interviewed a number of women truck
drivers over the years, both in Australia and internationally.
Sometimes, as in the case of young men, they’ve followed
their parents into the industry. Others are fed up with sitting
behind a desk and yearn for a vocation more exhilarating
while enjoying the freedom of the road. Of course there’s
also the opportunity to earn more money.
Generally, female truck drivers are well respected by their
male counterparts. And there’s no doubt they’re more than
capable of doing the job.
Take a look at Heather Jones and the Pilbara Heavy
Haulage girls. Their effort in attracting newcomers to the
industry – both female and male – is to be commended.
Last month the inaugural Women in Trucking’s
International Women’s Day awards were announced with the
nominees coming from many and varied backgrounds. Some
were happy to drive local, while others followed Heather
Jones’ example by joining the ranks of long-haul drivers.
Driver of the Year winner Hannah Hughes, a fourth
generation truckie, is successfully plying her trade in a road
train around Western Australia for McColl’s. In contrast,
runner-up Bianca Clark does local runs around Sydney,
driving a Kenworth T909.
Another award, the Trailblazer Driver of the Year, went
to Jenny Coleman (pictured right), who has spent 10 years
driving two-up across Australia with her partner. The more
experienced runner-up in that category, Michelle McDonald,
has spent four decades on the road.
It’s not only freight companies who are encouraging
women to join the industry. Truck manufacturers are also
playing their part, with some young women eager to try their
hand at becoming diesel mechanics.
It was only a couple of years ago that Scania invited female
high school students to their Brisbane facility. A number were
noticeably interested in the intricacies of today’s trucks.
Daimler is another supporter, linking up with Transport
Women Australia to sponsor scholarships into the industry.
The world is changing, and Australia needs more drivers to
fill the ranks of our aging workforce. And women are stepping
up to meet the challenge.
In the meantime, have a read of Ben Dillon’s intriguing
report on truck driving newcomer Bobbi Lockyer in the
Pilbara region. It’s on page 34 of this issue.
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6 APRIL 2021 ownerdriver.com.au