The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has announced the finalists for its 2025 technical and training awards, which will be presented at the Technology and Maintenance Conference (TMC) in Melbourne.
ATA Chair Mark Parry said the awards highlight the contribution of people and businesses whose expertise underpins the industry’s performance.
“These awards shine a spotlight on the critical role that training and technical excellence play in shaping a safer, smarter and more resilient transport industry,” Mr Parry said
“They also celebrate the unwavering commitment of the individuals who keep the freight task moving – despite rising demand, economic pressures and workforce challenges.”
Craig Roseneder Award – Technical & Maintenance Excellence
Sponsored by Castrol, this award recognises outstanding technical and maintenance expertise. The 2025 finalists are:
- Chris Montgomery, CMV Truck & Bus (Derrimut, VIC) – A Volvo Battery Electric Master Technician who has played a key role in securing EV certification across CMV dealerships.
- Scott Gardiner, Australia Post Group (Chullora, NSW) – With more than 30 years in the industry, he has led major safety and sustainability initiatives, including PBS vehicles, underrun protection, and the rollout of UBCO electric motorcycles.
- Thomas Kenny, Multiquip (Oran Park, NSW) – As National Maintenance Manager, he has driven safety innovation by introducing Guardian fatigue monitoring, seatbelt interlocks, park brake alarms and speed-limiting systems.
The winner will receive a trip to Nashville in March 2026 to attend the US Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting, including full registration, return flights, accommodation, and AUD$1,500 spending money. Complimentary registration to the 2026 TMC in Australia is also included.
National Training Excellence Award
Sponsored by bp Australia, Castrol, and the NHVR, this award celebrates operators with a demonstrated commitment to training and development. The finalists are:
- Divall’s Earthmoving Bulk Haulage (Goulburn, NSW) – Known for youth engagement, re-skilling initiatives and career pathways, with more than 40 apprentices and trainees across quarry, plant and civil operations.
- Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls Group (Wonthella, WA) – A women-owned organisation founded by Heather Jones, offering licence upgrades, refresher training and new-to-industry programs, and has trained more than 350 drivers.
- Stef’s Transport (Millicent, SA) – A national freight carrier that launched a structured training program in 2025, including safety sessions, mentoring and tailored development plans for its workforce.
The winner will receive a $7,000 prize package to be used for staff training initiatives or business services with a training consultancy.
Awards dinner
Winners will be announced at the Castrol Awards Dinner on Wednesday 15 October 2025 at the San Remo Ballroom, Melbourne. The evening will also include the Castrol Industry Achievement Award, which recognises exceptional technical innovation and industry achievement. Past recipients include Les Bruzsa (NHVR), Ian Thomson (BPW Transpec) and Bob Pearson (Pearson’s Transport Research Centre).
Registrations for TMC 2025 and the Awards Dinner close on 3 October.
