Tomorrow, Saturday July 5, marks the third annual National Female Truckies Day – celebrated on the birthdate of legendary Australian female truckie Toots Holzheimer.
National Female Truckies Day was launched by Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) in 2023.
WiTA also hosts the Toots Awards on this same day, with the event to be held this year at the Darwin Convention Centre, with awards being presented including:
Female Driver of the Year
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Safety Award
Von Fletcher Award
Young Driver of the Year Award
Billirrawarra 1,000,000km Award
National Female Truckies Day recognises the critical role women play in Australia’s heavy vehicle industry; and celebrates the growing number of women driving positive change across the transport and logistics sector in Australia.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has expressed its support towards National Female Truckies Day, with Director Northern Region Kelli Ready saying it provides an important opportunity to honour the contribution of female drivers and highlight the importance of a diverse and inclusive industry.
“This day acknowledges the incredible women already steering the heavy vehicle industry forward – their presence paves the way for a more inclusive and resilient sector,” Ready said.
“However, it also goes beyond recognition, and we must empower the next generation of women in transport, whether that’s behind the wheel, or on the frontline.
“The NHVR will continue advocating for greater gender diversity in the heavy vehicle industry.”
Ready added that the NHVR continues to work closely with industry partners such as Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA), to support programs that remove barriers and create career pathways for females.
“We’re committed to doing all we can to ensure every driver, regardless of their background or gender, has equal opportunities and a safe working environment, and supporting women who are considering a rewarding career behind the wheel,” she said.
NHVR Acting Queensland Stakeholder Engagement Officer Sarah Wilkie began her career in heavy vehicle transport in 2008, obtaining her heavy rigid licence and driving body trucks on the Western Downs.
“Working as a female in this industry has taught me resilience and self-confidence, with the benefits of autonomy, job security and competitive pay,” Wilkie explained.
“Driving trucks wasn’t just a job for me – it’s a way of life and offers a career pathway with limitless horizons.
“It’s a testament I hold close to my heart that women belong everywhere – including behind the wheel – and female truckies bring new strengths and perspectives, proving that when more women take to the road, the entire industry moves forward.”
Wilkie added that female representation in transport and a diverse and inclusive workforce community are essential for an adaptable, resilient and practical trucking landscape.
“There’s always more work that can be done, especially when it comes to paving the road to equality,” she said.
“My advice to any woman considering a pathway in transport is to go for it – I promise you won’t regret it, and take every opportunity with both hands because you never know where it may lead you.”
NHVR Safety and Compliance Officer Michelle Clarke is based in Tasmania, and said growing up around heavy vehicles meant she is proud to have a lifelong association with industry.
“I’m very grateful for opportunities to become well-rounded in the sector through interstate driving, Chain of Responsibility, and now as a Safety and Compliance Officer,” she said.
“I love helping drivers and companies understand legislation through providing information and education, and my passion enables me to collaborate across NHVR teams in reviewing policies and procedures, developing reference sheets for industry and attending stakeholder events to promote national harmonisation.
“I also appreciate working with all of industry who make it a daily pleasure for me to do what makes me happy.”
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