The Australian Trucking Association has today announced the finalists for the technical and training awards to be presented at its 2025 Technology and Maintenance Conference.
"These awards shine a spotlight on the critical role that training and technical excellence play in shaping a safer, smarter and more resilient transport industry," ATA Chair Mark Parry said.
"They also celebrate the unwavering commitment of the individuals who keep the freight task moving - despite rising demand, economic pressures and workforce challenges."
The finalists are:
Craig Roseneder Award for Technical & Maintenance Excellence (award sponsor: Castrol)
- Chris Montgomery, CMV Truck & Bus (Derrimut, VIC)
- Scott Gardiner, Australia Post Group (Chullora, NSW)
- Thomas Kenny, Multiquip (Oran Park, NSW).
National Training Excellence Award (award sponsors: bp, Castrol and the NHVR)
- Divall's Earthmoving Bulk Haulage (Goulburn, NSW)
- Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls Group (Wonthella, WA)
- Stef's Transport (Millicent, SA).
The Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence recognises technical and maintenance excellence in the industry and celebrates the men and women who work behind the scenes to keep the industry's workshops running.
The award is sponsored by Castrol and includes a prize trip to attend the 2026 US Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, in Nashville, Tennessee in March 2026. The prize includes full conference registration, return airfares, accommodation and AUD1,500 spending money.
The prize also includes complimentary registration to the 2026 Australian Trucking Association Technology and Maintenance Conference.
The National Training Excellence Award is this year sponsored by bp Australia, Castrol Australia and the NHVR. The award recognises transport operators with a strong and demonstrated commitment to training and development, thereby improving safety for all.
The winner will receive a AUD7,000 prize package to be used towards staff training initiatives or a business services package with a training consultancy.
The winners will be announced on Wednesday 15 October 2025 at the Castrol Awards Dinner to be held at the San Remo Ballroom, Melbourne, as part of the conference.
The Castrol Industry Achievement Award will also be presented on the night. This award recognises exceptional technical innovation and industry achievement.
Past winners include Les Bruzsa from the NHVR, Ian Thomson from BPW Transpec and Bob Pearson from Pearson's Transport Research Centre.
Tickets for TMC 25 and the Castrol Awards Dinner close on 3 October. Register now
The details of the 2025 finalists are below.
2025 TECHNICAL AND TRAINING AWARD FINALISTS
Craig Roseneder Award for Technical & Maintenance Excellence (Award sponsor: Castrol)
Chris Montgomery, CMV Truck & Bus, Derrimut, VIC
With more than 21 years at CMV Truck & Bus, Chris has a wealth of experience across technical and service roles.
Chris is an accredited Volvo Battery Electric Master Technician, which positions him at the forefront of the industry's transition to electric vehicles. He played a pivotal role in securing CMV Truck & Bus dealerships as Volvo EV certified locations.
Through his passion for safety and his involvement in the company's Work Health and Safety Committee, Chris has contributed to CMV Truck & Bus's safety culture, ensuring a safer work environment for all employees.
Scott Gardiner, Australia Post Group, Chullora, NSW
With more than 30 years in the Australian transport industry, Scott Gardiner has built a career defined by hands-on experience, leadership, and innovation. Starting on the workshop floor, he rose through the ranks to become StarTrack's National Multihaul Manager, and now serves as National Fleet & Equipment Policy, Regulatory Compliance & Reporting Manager for both StarTrack and Australia Post.
Scott has led major advances in fleet safety and sustainability, including the rollout of PBS vehicles, DriveCam technology and underrun protection. He also led the rollout of UBCO electric motorcycles at Australia Post. Scott has supported the growth of countless industry professionals and is widely respected for his approachable and values-driven leadership.
Thomas Kenny, Multiquip, Oran Park, NSW
Thomas is a highly respected professional across multiple facets of the transport and poultry logistics industry, known for his technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to safety and innovation. As National Maintenance Manager of Multiquip, he has led major engineering and fleet optimisation projects, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and compliance.
A champion of safety technology, Thomas spearheaded the rollout of Guardian by Seeing Machines across the truck fleet and Seen Sensors on forklifts, along with the introduction of key initiatives like park brake alarms, seatbelt interlocks, speed-limiting systems and remote PTO operations to save driver time entering and exiting truck cabs.
His leadership in adopting these technologies has enhanced employee safety and reinforced the company's commitment to proactive risk management and industry best practice.
National Training Excellence Award (Award sponsors: bp, Castrol, and the NHVR)
Divall's Earthmoving Bulk Haulage, Goulburn, NSW
At the core of Divall's training program is a forward-thinking approach that combines education and career engagement with local primary schools, training, mentorship and continuous development.
Known for its long-standing outreach to local youth through career fairs and taster days, Divall's is also known for providing training, re-skilling, work and job readiness opportunities to young people connected with the Police Citizens Youth Club, NSW Corrective Services as well as individuals with special needs.
With more than 40 apprentices and trainees actively developing their skills, Divall's has invested in growing career pathways within quarry operations, plant operations, engineering, civil construction and more.
Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls Group, Wonthella, WA
Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls Group (PHHGG), founded by Heather Jones, is a women-owned organisation based in Western Australia, committed to inspiring women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in the transport industry.
PHHGG was born out of Heather's personal experience as a single mother entering the trucking industry.
The organisation offers comprehensive driver training programs, including new-to-the-industry courses, licence upgrades and refresher training, all with a strong focus on safety, compliance and practical skills development. PHHGG has successfully trained more than 350 drivers.
Stef's Transport, Millicent, SA
Stef's Transport is a nationally recognised freight carrier that began in 1996 as a one-truck operation in Broken Hill, NSW. Founded by Stef and Karen, the company has grown through a commitment to reliability, safety and customer service. Now based in Millicent, SA, Stef's Transport operates a fleet of prime movers and high-cube tautliners servicing routes across Australia.
In 2025, the company launched a formal training and development program to support its expanding workforce and uphold industry standards. The initiative includes structured inductions, hands-on mentoring, monthly safety sessions and personalised development plans - ensuring all team members are equipped to work safely and professionally.
With a strong focus on safety, compliance and wellbeing, Stef's Transport continues to invest in its people and systems, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking leader in the transport industry.
