Peter Shields, Prime Mover Senior Features Writer, was present for Transport Women Australia Limited’s (TWAL) first function for 2023.
The TWAL dinner was held in Goulburn, New South Wales, on Tuesday 31 January which was attended by around 80 people.
TWAL Director and MC for the evening, True Ross, said the event was one of a number of activities planned by the organisation to provide networking and mentoring opportunities for women who are either working in transport or are interested in pursuing a career in the industry.
Troy Cook from Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage, who was the Australian Trucking Association’s Diversity Champion in 2020, spoke about how he and the Divall’s organisation had been keen to see a shift in the preconceived concept of the trucking industry being a stereotyped workplace and how, regardless of gender, sexuality age or physical ability, more people can be encouraged to consider a career in transport.
Divall’s initiated a recruitment and training program which has successfully integrated an increasing number of women into the industry as skilled operators. The ‘Women Behind the Wheel’ initiative provides licensing and training to introduce female drivers into the Divall’s team.
“It doesn’t matter if they come to work for us or another company, it’s still a win,” said Cook.
Keynote speaker at the event was Louise Azzopardi who has progressed from being an award-winning heavy vehicle and plant mechanic to establishing her own life coaching business.
Azzopardi told her audience how she successfully dealt with prejudice and ignorance along her inspirational journey.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of TWAL’s ‘Living the Dream’ video which features a number of female personalities speaking about their enthusiasm for their roles within the transport industry.
In related news, Prime Creative Media has formalised its support for TWAL by becoming a Gold Partner.