The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has recognised Cameron Dunn, one of the transport industry’s greatest contributors, with its highest accolade.
At the 2024 VTA President’s Dinner on 15 October, the former VTA President, Vice President and long-time Executive Council member was presented with the WFD Chalmers Award.
The WFD Chalmers Award is presented annually to recognise individuals that have supported and worked with the VTA over many years with dedication, loyalty and commitment to its existence and longevity.
It was instituted by the VTA in memory of Daryl Chalmers, who was a member of the Executive Council for over 40 years.
VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, said Dunn was a very worthy recipient of the Association’s greatest honour.
“Cameron has served on the VTA Executive Committee for over 12 years and has served the industry with distinction for almost 40 years,” he said.
“He served the VTA as President and Vice President, and has provided his time and counsel on several VTA committees.”
Dunn was presented with the award by VTA President, Mike Lean, who succeeded him in 2019.
Having been involved in choosing past winners during his time as President, Dunn told Trailer he felt extremely proud to receive the award himself.
“I know the prestige of the award and the requirements of choosing someone, so I was absolutely honoured and blown away,” he said.
“I didn’t even expect to be considered, so it was a huge surprise and I was very honoured.”
Dunn has made several contributions to the transport industry through his past and current roles at the VTA, as well as his positions as Deputy Chairman at the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) and Board Member at Chemistry Australia.
He’s also worked in freight and logistics in a variety of roles.
Dunn joined accredited Dangerous Goods and food transporter, FBT Transwest, as Managing Director in 2009 and continues to lead the company in this position to this day.
Prior to this, he held senior roles within the transport and logistics industry in a career that commenced in 1986 at United Tankers.
Having all of these efforts acknowledged through the WFD Chalmers Award, Dunn said, is a true privilege.
“It’s a recognition, so it’s very special,” he said.
“I feel very proud to be on that honour board with the other past winners.”
It’s also something that he’s extremely humble about.
“You do it anyway, it’s part of what you do,” Dunn said.
“My family’s background is in farming, and their ethos were to always to put in more than what you get out.
“I say that to my kids now, and that’s basically what you do in terms of the industry. You put in more than what you get out, and you reap the rewards.
Dunn reflected on some of his highlights at the VTA, expressing his gratitude for the ability to be involved in its committees – particularly the Finance Committee and his position as Chair – and of course for the opportunity to represent the Association as President.
Now, being on the VTA’s Executive Council and approaching his 40th year in the industry, he said it’s about giving back.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this if I didn’t have a great team and the support of my family,” Dunn said.
“You need a great team behind you, and it’s exciting times with FBT Transwest at the moment.
“We’re growing and getting some really good people on board, and you need that to be able to provide a good service, but also more importantly, a safe service. And that’s what we need as an industry – we need a safer industry.”
In other news, the Victorian Government has shared an update on the revised Victorian Freight Plan.
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