The winners of the 2024 Tasmanian Transport Industry Achievement Awards have been announced, with Team Global Express truckie David Stellmaker taking out Professional Driver of the Year.
Stellmaker has clocked up more than five million kilometres behind the wheel in his over 40 years of truck driving, including interstate long haul from NSW and Queensland.
He was praised for his unblemished driving record and reputation for keeping his rig in impeccable condition, earning him the nickname “Shiny Wheels”.
Meanwhile the NTI Industry Achievement Award was jointly given to Sam Critsilis, also from Team Global Express, and Graeme Elphinstone from Elphinstone Engineering.
In presenting the award, Tasmanian Business Development Manager of NTI Shane Fairhall said of Critsilis: “Despite mergers, acquisitions, business name and uniform changes, and working across several Australian states and territories, Sam’s outstanding contributions over 40 years are all with the one business; known today as Team Global Express.”
Turning to Elphinstone, he added: “Graeme’s innovation and persistence in engineering over 50 years has resulted designs that have impacted and revolutionised the road transport industry. His pioneering work, such as Australia’s first on-board weighing systems, has left an indelible mark on the industry.”
Another Team Global Express employee, Mick Saunders from the company’s Hobart depot, was also recognised with the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Saunders was lauded for fostering a workplace culture, backed by policies and procedures, that has underpinned growth in diversity and inclusion within the business, including delivering a leadership team which is 60 per cent women.
The Transport Everyday Hero Awards, celebrating the “quiet achievers” in the industry, were handed out to Max Badham, Scott Bennett, Roslyn Bonner, Seton Broomhall, Selwyn Sinfield and Nathan Hunt.
The Award for Safety, Quality and Environment was awarded to Strait Link Shipping, who have “demonstrated leadership in safety, quality, and environmental responsibility” through the successful introduction of the Peregrine, a temporary charter vessel, to the Bass Strait trade route.
In presenting the award, Jordan Caleo of AEI Insurance Broking Group said: “This initiative was essential to maintain uninterrupted freight services while both of Strait Link’s regular vessels underwent critical dry-dock maintenance.
“The project underscores Strait Link’s commitment to high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.”
Finally, the Transport Industry Young Achiever Award was given to Kyle Hutchinson of Strait Link.
Hutchinson joined Strait Link in 2020 and has rapidly progressed from Tasmanian Container Controller to Operations business Improvement Coordinator.
He was praised for his strong work ethic, constantly identifying and implementing opportunities for improvement, his customer centric approach, and his leadership.
The awards were announced at the Tasmanian Transport Association’s Gala Dinner & Awards Night in Davenport on Saturday, in front of an audience of 300 guests.
TTA Chairman John de Bruyn extended his congratulations to the nominees and award recipients.
“It’s a reflection of the depth of talent and dedication amongst our people that we received a record number of nominations for awards,” he said.
“It made it very difficult for our award judges, and we recognise all award nominees, finalists and the award recipients and thank them for their contribution and commitment to professionalism and safety of the Tasmanian transport industry.”
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