Five women working across Australia’s transport and logistics sector have been recognised as the 2026 recipients of the Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) Driving the Difference scholarships, highlighting ongoing efforts to build skills and career pathways in the industry.
The scholarship recipients were celebrated at the organisation’s annual conference in Melbourne, with the program continuing to focus on supporting women entering the transport industry or advancing their careers in transport-related roles.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific has supported the initiative since 2019, positioning the scholarships as part of a broader commitment to workforce development and diversity across the sector.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO Daniel Whitehead said the program is delivering tangible outcomes for both individuals and the industry.
“Daimler Truck is proud to work with TWAL to help enrich the transport and logistics sector and help more women make their way in this field,” Whitehead said.
He added that the long-term impact of the program is becoming increasingly visible as recipients progress in their careers.
“We’ve been thrilled to see the difference that past scholarship recipients are making in the industry. They are a great endorsement of the initiative,” he said.
Supporting career progression across the sector
The Driving the Difference scholarships are designed to address skills development and career progression, particularly in an industry that continues to focus on workforce sustainability and capability building.
At the conference presentation ceremony, certificates were awarded to recipients by Dr Stefanie Tralaggan, who highlighted the calibre of this year’s cohort and the value of ongoing professional development.
“It was an honour to present the certificates to the 2026 scholarship recipients and hear about their amazing work,” Dr Tralaggan said.
She noted that many participants are already contributing strongly within their organisations and communities.
“Each one of them is achieving great things already and we are so pleased to be able to help them advance even further in the industry,” she said.
2026 scholarship recipients
The 2026 TWAL Driving the Difference scholarship recipients represent a range of roles and transport sectors, reflecting the diversity of career pathways available within logistics, freight, and supply chain operations.
The recipients are:
- Jen Vella, TransCrane
- Chloe Hunt, StarTrack
- Brittany Grech, Divalls Bulk Haulage
- Chelsea Moen, Australian Glass Group
- Mandy Solar, Followmont Transport
Building capability for the future workforce
Programs such as the TWAL scholarships continue to play a role in addressing workforce challenges across the transport industry, including skills shortages and the need to attract and retain a more diverse talent pipeline.
Industry support from organisations like Daimler Truck highlights the increasing recognition that workforce development is not only a social objective but also an operational priority. As freight demand grows and technology evolves, building capability across the workforce is likely to remain a focus area for operators, suppliers, and industry bodies alike.
The ongoing partnership between TWAL and industry sponsors signals a sustained commitment to supporting career progression and strengthening the transport workforce for the future.
