The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association’s (LBRCA) Young Driver Award finalists have been announced for 2019, showcasing Australian trucking’s cream of the crop
The annual Young Driver Award, sponsored by Safework NSW and now in its sixth year, celebrates trucking young guns aged 21-35 that go above and beyond in both their driving and their approach to safety.
One lucky winner will be announced by NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey at the LBRCA conference in Griffith February 21-23.
Top spot scores the young driver a $5,000 trip to the USA to learn how the ‘truckers’ do things in ‘murica, as well as bragging rights!
The three finalists for the 2019 Young Driver Award are:
Luke Farrell – Divall’s Bulk Haulage, Goulburn
Rick Hetherington – C J Maddern, Bega
Steven Richardson – Richard & Sons Haulage, Henty
Founder of the competition, LBRCA president Lynley Miners, says the competition is about acknowledging drivers who deliver what we take for granted day-in-day-out.
“A lot of these operators just don’t get the recognition they deserve, especially in livestock – you’re talking guys with convertible crates that go between sheep and cattle and that’s tough,” he explains.
Meet true blue Drew, a previous Young Driver Award winner
It’s also about making sure the industry gets fresh blood to address a growing driver shortage, Lynley says, by educating young people as well as employers.
“The average age of the driver in this industry is old so it’s about encouraging our profession as a career choice for young people and addressing a shortage of drivers out there,” he says.
“It’s hard if you’re a young bloke to get a start these days in a big truck.
“It really helps getting positive news out there and letting people know there are some good young fellas out there.
“This award is about encouraging employers to give young people a go.”
LBRCA Vice President Graeme Hoare echoes this sentiment, telling Owner//Driver the award sends a positive message to young drivers and people considering a career in the highly specialised livestock field.
“It’s very important because it shows our sector is out promoting younger drivers to come into our industry,” he says.
“We need new, young drivers and this shows how serious we all are about safety and promoting this specialised industry.”
Hoare explains that while all sectors of transport are fulfilling, livestock takes the cake for him.
“I’ve had 23 years on the road and I think it’s the greatest sector in the transport game – you’ve got to be good at your job because you’re dealing with live animals.”