A former managing director of Kalari was last night honoured by the Victorian Transport Association.
In recognition of his many years of outstanding service, Peter O’Shannessy was presented with the W.F.D Chalmers Award at the VTA President’s Dinner held at Melbourne’s Atheneum Club.
A former long-time VTA Executive Council member, O’Shannessy had served on the VTA Executive Committee since 2015 and has provided much-valued counsel on a range of issues.
“As a member of the Finance Committee for many years, Peter’s advice during some turbulent economic times has been greatly appreciated,” said VTA CEO, Peter Anderson.
“Away from the Association, Peter has led Kalari Group as Managing Director, and with Swire’s Group’s recent divestment of those businesses to Qube, Peter has moved into other roles within Swire – and expects to spend more time with his second love in life being his farm and cattle.
“We extend our thanks and appreciation to Peter for his years of service and congratulate him on this much-deserved accolade.”
Regarded as one of the VTA’s highest accolades, the W.F.D. Chalmers Award was instituted in memory of Daryl Chalmers, who was a member of the Executive Council for over 40 years.
“The Award is presented annually to recognise individuals that have supported and worked with the Association over many years, with dedication, loyalty, and commitment to its existence and longevity,” said Anderson.
“We were thrilled to have Daryl’s son Gary Chalmers at the dinner to make the presentation to Peter, along with numerous past winners of the award.”
VTA President Mike Lean echoed Anderson’s remarks and extended his thanks and appreciation to Peter for his decades of service to the VTA and broader industry.
Lean also used the occasion to reflect on some of the issues and achievements of the Association over the past year.
“As President, it’s been a great pleasure to work with the VTA Executive Council and Secretariat, and I acknowledge and thank this hard-working group of people for their efforts,” he said.
“As a Victorian-based Association we have a strong focus on the issues that matter most to our Victorian members and associate members. This year we’ve had very strong engagement with stakeholders on local roads and infrastructure, with additional funding secured to repair and reinstate roads that were washed away in last year’s floods.
“Federally, it’s been an especially busy 12 months with the VTA’s membership of ARTIO seeing us closely involved with proposed Industrial Relations reforms. Through our sensible collaboration with transport stakeholders, we’re on the cusp of achieving many positive outcomes for our industry when it comes to minimum standards.”
Lean also commented on the Association’s leadership in the sensible and managed transition of the freight industry towards decarbonisation.
“We know decarbonisation will take time and require support, but as an industry association we will ensure our members’ productivity and profitability interests are looked after in the transition,” he said.
“Looking ahead and to the future, the Association is in great shape, financially, operationally, and reputationally. Our strength lies in our membership, and you can rest assured that the VTA speaks out and advocates with great authority and credibility on your behalf,” he said.
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