Owner/Driver #339
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ownerdriver<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Editor: Greg Bush<br />
Ph: 07 3101 6602 Fax: 07 3101 6619<br />
E-mail: Greg.Bush@aremedia.com.au<br />
Senior Journalist:<br />
Ben Dillon Ph: 07 3101 6614<br />
E-mail: Ben.Dillon@aremedia.com.au<br />
Technical Editor: Steve Brooks<br />
E-mail: sbrooks.trucktalk@gmail.com<br />
Contributors: Warren Aitken, Katie Allison,<br />
Frank Black, Warren Caves, Warren Clark,<br />
Mark Gojszyk, Rod Hannifey, Michael Kaine,<br />
Sarah Marinovic, Ken Wilkie<br />
Cartoonist: John Allison<br />
PRODUCTION<br />
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Hollie Tinker Ph: 0466 466 945<br />
E-mail: Hollie.Tinker@aremedia.com.au<br />
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Matt Alexander Ph: 0413 599 669<br />
E-mail: Matt.Alexander@aremedia.com.au<br />
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E-mail: Max.Kolomiiets@aremedia.com.au<br />
DISTRIBUTION<br />
Circulation Manager: Stuart Jones<br />
Ph: 03 9567 4207<br />
E-mail: Stuart.Jones@aremedia.com.au<br />
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ISSN 1321-6279<br />
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<strong>Owner</strong><strong>Driver</strong> has an expanding national circulation, with emphasis on maximum saturation<br />
and readership throughout all Australian states and territories. Our efficient delivery service<br />
incorporating specialist delivery companies and Australia Post ensures that current editions<br />
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more copies than you are receiving, contact Stuart Jones on 03 9567 4207. No material may be<br />
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Largest circulation truck publication in Australia<br />
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CIRCULATIONS<br />
AUDIT BOARD<br />
(CAB Audit September 2020)<br />
CIRCULATIONS<br />
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Phone: 07 3101 6602 Fax: 07 3101 6619<br />
BEHIND THE WHEEL Greg Bush<br />
Up to the challenge<br />
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY has come and gone<br />
for another year, but with all the media attention<br />
centring on Canberra and some of our most supposedlyesteemed<br />
politicians, it has attracted much attention<br />
and become more significant than in previous years.<br />
We’ve seen a minority of men running for cover after<br />
being unmasked for their alleged immoral pursuits<br />
– and subsequently being forced to resign and/or being<br />
investigated by the authorities.<br />
In the decades gone by, the male species has ruled the<br />
roost in politics, as well as in the private sector.<br />
The trucking industry, however, is one industry that is<br />
actively encouraging women to get behind the wheel. One<br />
reason could be the driver shortage in Australia. More<br />
importantly, there many women out there keen to hit the<br />
road and drive trucks.<br />
Now, that may surprise the traditional male brigade but<br />
it’s not uncommon for company owners to prefer women<br />
driving their expensive rigs. “They’re not as rough on the<br />
gear,” is one comment I’ve heard on a few occasions.<br />
I’ve met and interviewed a number of women truck<br />
drivers over the years, both in Australia and internationally.<br />
Sometimes, as in the case of young men, they’ve followed<br />
their parents into the industry. Others are fed up with sitting<br />
behind a desk and yearn for a vocation more exhilarating<br />
while enjoying the freedom of the road. Of course there’s<br />
also the opportunity to earn more money.<br />
Generally, female truck drivers are well respected by their<br />
male counterparts. And there’s no doubt they’re more than<br />
capable of doing the job.<br />
Take a look at Heather Jones and the Pilbara Heavy<br />
Haulage girls. Their effort in attracting newcomers to the<br />
industry – both female and male – is to be commended.<br />
Last month the inaugural Women in Trucking’s<br />
International Women’s Day awards were announced with the<br />
nominees coming from many and varied backgrounds. Some<br />
were happy to drive local, while others followed Heather<br />
Jones’ example by joining the ranks of long-haul drivers.<br />
<strong>Driver</strong> of the Year winner Hannah Hughes, a fourth<br />
generation truckie, is successfully plying her trade in a road<br />
train around Western Australia for McColl’s. In contrast,<br />
runner-up Bianca Clark does local runs around Sydney,<br />
driving a Kenworth T909.<br />
Another award, the Trailblazer <strong>Driver</strong> of the Year, went<br />
to Jenny Coleman (pictured right), who has spent 10 years<br />
driving two-up across Australia with her partner. The more<br />
experienced runner-up in that category, Michelle McDonald,<br />
has spent four decades on the road.<br />
It’s not only freight companies who are encouraging<br />
women to join the industry. Truck manufacturers are also<br />
playing their part, with some young women eager to try their<br />
hand at becoming diesel mechanics.<br />
It was only a couple of years ago that Scania invited female<br />
high school students to their Brisbane facility. A number were<br />
noticeably interested in the intricacies of today’s trucks.<br />
Daimler is another supporter, linking up with Transport<br />
Women Australia to sponsor scholarships into the industry.<br />
The world is changing, and Australia needs more drivers to<br />
fill the ranks of our aging workforce. And women are stepping<br />
up to meet the challenge.<br />
In the meantime, have a read of Ben Dillon’s intriguing<br />
report on truck driving newcomer Bobbi Lockyer in the<br />
Pilbara region. It’s on page 34 of this issue.<br />
Your Transport<br />
Manufacturing Specialist<br />
5 Year Structural Chassis Warranty<br />
12-16, Fowler Road,<br />
Dandenong South, Victoria 3175<br />
Ph: (03) 979 40330<br />
Email: admin@bte.net.au<br />
38-40, Carrington Road,<br />
Toowoomba, Queensland 4352<br />
Ph: 0427 502 881<br />
Email: scotta@bte.net.au<br />
6 APRIL 2021 ownerdriver.com.au