ownerdriver EDITORIAL Editor: Greg Bush Ph: 07 3101 6602 Fax: 07 3101 6619 E-mail: Greg.Bush@aremedia.com.au Senior Journalist: Ben Dillon Ph: 07 3101 6614 E-mail: Ben.Dillon@aremedia.com.au Technical Editor: Steve Brooks E-mail: sbrooks.trucktalk@gmail.com Contributors: Warren Aitken, Katie Allison, Frank Black, Warren Caves, Warren Clark, Mark Gojszyk, Rod Hannifey, Michael Kaine, Sarah Marinovic, Ken Wilkie Cartoonist: John Allison PRODUCTION Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick Art Director: Bea Barthelson Print: IVE Print ADVERTISING Industry Sales Manager: Adrian Christian Ph: 0423 761 784 E-mail: Adrian.Christian@aremedia.com.au Brand Sales Manager: Peter Gatti Ph: 0437 895 600 E-mail: Peter.Gatti@aremedia.com.au Sales Manager (Qld): Hollie Tinker Ph: 0466 466 945 E-mail: Hollie.Tinker@aremedia.com.au Sales Manager (Vic): Matt Alexander Ph: 0413 599 669 E-mail: Matt.Alexander@aremedia.com.au Sales Manager (NSW): Con Zarocostas Ph: 0457 594 238 E-mail: Con.Zarocostas@aremedia.com.au Sales Manager (SA/WA): Nick Lenthall Ph: 0439 485 835 E-mail: Nick.Lenthall@aremedia.com.au Agency Sales Manager (NSW): Max Kolomiiets Ph: 0415 869 176 E-mail: Max.Kolomiiets@aremedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION Circulation Manager: Stuart Jones Ph: 03 9567 4207 E-mail: Stuart.Jones@aremedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION QUERIES Distributed by Ovato Distribution EXECUTIVE GROUP Are Media Automotive CEO: Andrew Beecher GM – Industry: Graham Gardiner Group Finance Manager: Cain Murphy Digital Director: Tim Kenington Commercial Director: Matt Rice Operations Manager: Regina Fellner People & Culture Manager: Nicola Ramsay ISSN 1321-6279 SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ALL SUBSCRIPTION SALES AND ENQUIRIES www.ownerdriver.com.au and click subscribe E-mail: tbm@magshop.com.au Ph: 1300 461 528, 8am - 6pm (EST) Mon to Fri Mail: Magshop GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2001 <strong>Owner</strong><strong>Driver</strong> has an expanding national circulation, with emphasis on maximum saturation and readership throughout all Australian states and territories. Our efficient delivery service incorporating specialist delivery companies and Australia Post ensures that current editions of <strong>Owner</strong><strong>Driver</strong> are delivered to respective outlets within days of its publication. If you are having difficulty obtaining a copy within your area, or alternatively, are receiving requests for more copies than you are receiving, contact Stuart Jones on 03 9567 4207. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holder. Largest circulation truck publication in Australia Member: Circulations Audit Board Circulation 26,992 CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD (CAB Audit September 2020) CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD Are Media Pty Limited Level 5, 451 St Paul’s Terrace Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Phone: 07 3101 6602 Fax: 07 3101 6619 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. <strong>Driver</strong> 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 <strong>Driver</strong> 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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