The National Road Transport Hall of Fame’s 2024 Festival of Transport is once again set to be a must-attend event.
The festival, celebrating all things road transport, is a chance to catch-up with friends and family, hear the stories of operators past and present and recognise the ongoing hard work of industry members.
The jam-packed program in Alice Springs begins on Friday, August 23 with the Kenworth Welcome Drinks, hosted against the impressive backdrop of the Museum’s Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame.
The Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame is dedicated to exhibiting the Kenworth story and that of the individuals who have bolstered the Kenworth name throughout Australia, from suppliers to customers.
The museum’s Old Ghan Café will then host the annual Transport Women Breakfast on Saturday morning before the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday afternoon.
The Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony honours individuals who have contributed at least 25 years of service to the road transport industry. With all facets of the industry set to be represented, we will see over 50 inductees from all Australian states and territories celebrated for their achievements.
The Industry Icon Award, also presented at the induction ceremony, highlights an individual who has gone above and beyond to represent the transport industry, having devoted themself to service and improvement for all industry members.
The 2024 Induction Ceremony will be closed out with the presentation of the History Makers Award. The History Makers Award, in its second year, will be awarded to Kurt Johanssen.
Kurt, a Northern Territory local, was a pioneer of innovation in the transport industry. He is credited with the development of the first modern road train in 1942, which he used for cattle haulage around and in Alice Springs.
Using surplus equipment from World War II, such as a Diamond T980 and Bren gun carriers, and taking inspiration from the self-tracking trailers seen on the AEC road train, Kurt revolutionised the haulage process.
Following its careful restoration, Kurt’s road train, Bertha, remains on display at the Museum for those attending the Festival of Transport to view. Beyond his own impressive service, Kurt believed strongly in honouring those who worked beside him in improving the industry and those who would continue this work.
Kurt was a founding member of the Road Transport Historical Society and, in 1992, even donated $500 to kick start the National Road Transport Museum we enjoy today.
The Transport Women Unite Red Ball will be hosted on Saturday evening, the red dress code making for an exciting visual display. The Dream Maker Awards, a joint venture between Transport Women Australia Limited and the National Road Transport Hall of Fame, will be presented at the Red Ball.
There is seldom a family business, large company or owner driver who does not have a mother, wife, partner, sister, daughter or female friend to thank for their success.
The award celebrates these women who work diligently and largely unrecognised behind the scenes to help others achieve their dreams.
The Cummins Cup Truckies Race Day at the Alice Springs Turf Club on Sunday rounds out a busy weekend. Whether you’re a lucky punter or not, all visitors are winners with the range of exhibits on offer at the Museum, which also hosts the Alice Springs sub-branch of the RSL Military Museum.
The Festival of Transport will take place in Alice Springs from August 23-25. Tickets to the exciting events on offer at the Festival of Transport can be purchased via the National Road Transport Museum website or by calling 08 8952 7161.
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