Yindyamarra: a Wiradjuri word that describes respect, gentleness, kindness and balance.
That title is tied to the work artist Darren Charlwood created for Qube Logistics.
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The Wiradjuri man from the yabaay wagaan mob in Wellington draws heavily from his cultural knowledge of the environment.
Rolling down the streets of Adelaide at the Camp Quality Convoy for Kids this July were the Qube trucks.
Proudly parading the Yindyamarra design created for Qube’s Reconciliation Action Plan, they displayed their commitment to provide opportunities for First Nations people.
The purpose of the art piece is to show a balance and correlation between people, the sea and the country, and with Qube having over 160 operations across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, Darren thought it was important to have their connections on display.
“The picture is showing the interconnectedness of everybody in Australia,” says Qube communications manager, Nicole Holyer.
“It shows nature, the past and the present.”
The design includes Indigenous trade routes, Australia’s ports along the coastline, inland rivers, roads and train networks that span the country.
The white objects in the ocean symbolise the movement of whales migrating or ships moving along the coastline.
The aqua shade along Queensland’s coast embodies the Great Barrier Reef, and the red in the centre represents the desert.
Heavily involved in the Camp Quality Convoy was Qube Adelaide transport manager Matthew Newman.
Working in Qube’s headquarters for the past 12 years, Newman has over 40 units in his care.
Bringing along a fleet of nine to the convoy, three Indigenous trucks and Scanias made an appearance.
But for Newman, the convoy wasn’t all about the trucks — it was about reflecting on the purpose of the event.
“We were up against some stiff competition, there are some great trucks out there,” he says.
“But it really wasn’t about that — it was about supporting this great cause.”
On the day, Newman was stationed in the gazebo Qube had set up, handing out hats, toy trucks and balloons to the kids at the convoy and putting smiles on their little faces.
But cancer isn’t the only battle he is eager to help fight.
With trucking a heavily male-dominated industry, he has been working hard to improve gender diversity within Qube.
At this year’s Toots Awards, presented by Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) on the day of the convoy in celebration of National Female Truckies’ Day, Newman won the inaugural Toots Diversity and Inclusion Award.
“The award recognises someone who facilitates female workplace participation, by establishing a culture that recognises, encourages, listens to, and supports female heavy vehicle drivers in a male-dominated work environment,” he says.
“I’m honoured to be the first recipient.”
With Qube working hand in hand with WiTA’s Foot in the Door program, women are strongly encouraged to join the company.
WiTA provides funding to upskill new female drivers, paying for training and providing mentoring, setting women up with the skills and confidence they need to get behind the wheel.
Increasing the number of female truck drivers at Qube was a no-brainer for Newman, especially with the company always on the lookout for drivers — particularly on the short runs to and from the port to their depot in Adelaide.
“In 12 months, we’ve increased the number of women driving for Qube in Adelaide on the afternoon shift from two to eight drivers,” he says.
“The national average for female truck drivers is just two per cent. It’s a no-brainer.
“The work is close to home, so it works really well in this program.”
Matthew hopes to continue his efforts to promote diversity within Qube.
“I can’t speak for the future of women in trucking broadly, but for us here at Qube in Adelaide, it’s satisfying to see how a little effort can make a big difference,” he says.
“I hope we’ll keep going from strength to strength.”
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