KEVIN BROWN, SPECTRUM SIGNS
In presenting the award, Tasmanian Manager NTI – Shane Fairhall, observed:
“Most of you in this room have admired his work long before you ever met him.
You’ve seen it rolling down the highway, gleaming paintwork, perfect scrolls, crisp lines, and murals that tell a story or capture the character of the truck and its owner. It’s artwork on wheels, and it’s part of the Tasmanian transport landscape.”
If you’ve driven Tasmania’s highways and admired the scrollwork, pin lines, and hand-painted logos shimmering on passing trucks, you’ve probably seen the work of Kevin “Brownie” Brown. For decades, Kevin has been quietly transforming plain paint into rolling artwork, one truck, one trailer, one careful brushstroke at a time. A signwriter by trade, Kevin began on cars and traditional signage before turning his passion to trucks. What started as craft became calling: murals, pin lining, scrolling, old-school lettering, all done by hand. He works as a sole operator under Spectrum Signs, travelling the state from a station wagon packed with brushes, paints and enamel know-how. He’ll arrive on site, listen to what the operator wants, sketch out a vision, and get to work – often late into the night so the vehicle can roll out by morning.
Kevin’s reputation is built on three constants: precision, reliability, and pride. He’s “always on time,” prepared to travel, and utterly focused on 100% perfection. Owners say he can make an ordinary scheme look “a million dollars,” balancing line weight, colour, and proportion until each truck feels like a signature piece.
His portfolio is everywhere: Mick Linger’s TNT truck that headed across to Alice Springs; Chris Watkins’ trucks looking amazing ready for the Casino Truck Show; CJD units finished to a show standard; Walters Contracting tribute; Hingston Transport’s striking liveries; the restoration project for Byron Bonney’s first Mack; and countless fleets large and small.
At Bonney Energy’s Epping Forest truck stop, drivers regularly point out “Brownie’s work” and call it a dying art -the kind of craft that can’t be automated or templated.
Kevin’s contribution isn’t confined to the brush. He has donated signs and support to the Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association, backing charity truck runs at Longford and auctions without fuss or fanfare. Those who’ve worked with him for more than four decades describe a quiet achiever who “does everything for everyone and expects nothing in return.”
Ask around about Brownie, and you’ll hear the same themes: respect, consistency, individuality. No two trucks are the same. Kevin listens, interprets, and delivers a look that fits the operator’s story: heritage lines for a family business, bold scrolls for a showpiece prime mover, or subtle accenting that elevates a daily workhorse.
In an era of vinyl wraps and quick decals, Kevin keeps hand-crafted signwriting alive, not as nostalgia, but as living identity for the people who keep Tasmania moving. His work turns vehicles into ambassadors; his standards lift the presentation of the entire fleet; and his generosity strengthens the community at the heart of the industry.
Unique in craft and character, Kevin Brown has painted his love for transport across the breadth of Tasmania, leaving a legacy you can see in motion, wherever the highway runs.
Finalists in the 2025 Gallagher Insurance Young Achiever Awards: Trent Henderson – De Bruyns Transport, Thomas Roberts – Strait Link Shipping, Mitchell von Stieglitz (SRT Logistics), Daniel Moszko (SeaRoad Logistics), and Blake Ockerby (De Bruyns Transport)
TRENT HENDERSON, DE BRUYNS TRANSPORT
2025 Gallagher Young Achiever Trent Henderson joined De Bruyn’s Transport in 2020, cutting his teeth on city runs and quickly earning a reputation for reliability and teamwork. After a brief period pursuing other opportunities, he returned in 2024, bringing fresh energy, sharper focus, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Now a Medium Rigid Driver, Trent is known for his hard-working, positive, “can-do” approach. He has steadily built his capability, gaining his forklift licence, Medium Rigid, and Heavy Rigid licences, and he consistently delivers safe, on-time service to customers while being a supportive, solutions-oriented colleague.
In 2025, Trent completed an extraordinary personal and community milestone: 111 marathons in 111 days, all while working full time, raising $60,000 for Speak Up! Stay ChatTY. His openness about his own mental health and his willingness to lead by example in a male-dominated sector is both courageous and impactful. Trent shows how a young professional can combine operational reliability with community leadership: reducing stigma, starting conversations, and turning awareness into tangible support.
Trent is proud to continue growing within De Bruyn’s and is equally driven to use his platform to advance mental health awareness: a cause he champions alongside full-time work. His next personal challenge is in planning and, by design, will test his resilience even more than previous efforts
Trent embodies the next generation of Tasmania’s transport workforce: skilled, dependable, and values-driven. He lifts team morale, delivers for customers, and uses his influence for good, a compelling and highly valued team member at De Bruyn’s Transport.
DANIEL MOSZKO, SEAROAD LOGISTICS
2025 Gallagher Young Achiever, Daniel Moszko didn’t plan on a transport career, but an opportunity at Betta Milk around age 20 set him on the path: from storeman and cold-store forklift operator preparing orders, to gaining his Medium Rigid (MR) licence and moving into deliveries.. Transport has been part of Daniel’s life from the start – his father spent decades as a Heavy Combination driver.
Encouraged by his dad, Daniel joined SeaRoad as an MR driver and, over the past 3–4 years, has steadily progressed. SeaRoad recently supported Daniel’s development to upgrade to Heavy Combination (HC) licence, and he is now moving into a full-time HC driving role while remaining multi-skilled across rigid and HC work. Daniel is also a competent forklift operator with solid warehouse operations knowledge, able to step in when needed.
Beyond the cab, Daniel is the Union Delegate at SeaRoad’s Launceston terminal, a responsibility he takes seriously, building constructive relationships across the site. He served as one of two subject-matter experts leading the rollout of the ICS paperless system (with Honeywell handheld scanners), mentoring operators – many from an older workforce -until the team was fully confident. He has also completed Load Restraint and WHS training with external providers.
Daniel’s short-term goal is to learn the operation end-to-end, mastering Toplifter and Sideloader equipment and upgrading to Multi Combination (MC) driver licence. Longer term, he is interested in Fleet Control and, eventually, a supervisory pathway.
In the last 18 months, Daniel has grown into a respected mentor, known for proactive safety, thorough incident reporting, and strong customer rapport. He is a clear example to young people that, with curiosity, discipline and care, you can build a diverse and rewarding transport career from the ground up.
DORY SUTHERLAND, HAZELL BROS
Dory Sutherland has rapidly become a key element of Hazell Bros’ safety, quality and environmental performance. Beginning his career as a store-person and moving into procurement, Dory identified an opportunity to contribute in compliance and, over the past four years, has transformed our on-road compliance area from a support function into a disciplined, data-driven capability.
Dory leads compliance across a diverse heavy-vehicle fleet, which includes PBS-approved cement tankers, car carriers, tilt trays, tippers and our Agitator fleet (via Mass Management). He supports and maintains our PBS, Mass Management, Fatigue and Maintenance/NHVAS requirements, coordinates heavy-haulage access permits end-to-end, and sustains a management system where audit evidence is traceable, current and easy to verify. Under his stewardship, external PBS and Mass Management audits are consistently successful, with specifications and conditions embedded in scheduling and dispatch functions, so compliance is part of business across Hazell Bros.
Strategically, Dory uses PBS and access planning to enable higher-productivity combinations, reducing trips, emissions and community impact. He works collaboratively across NHVR, State Growth and local road managers to secure efficient, compliant Class 1 routes and special-project approvals, minimising duplication and disruption. Equally important are the relationships and culture he builds. Dory engages constructively with drivers, planners and workshops, translating regulation into practical, frontline behaviours. He mentors emerging compliance personnel, giving exposure to permits, audits, PBS, fatigue and systems administration, while building his own accreditation portfolio and developing a successor to ensure continuity.
Curious, disciplined and solutions-focused, Dory exemplifies how thoughtful leadership turns complex regulation into real-world outcomes: safer people, higher quality, and a smaller environmental footprint, every day, across every transport task.
FINALISTS – L->R:
Richard McIntyre (SeaRoad Logistics), Simon Jones (Jones Transport), Matthew Williams (SRT Logistics), Shane Fairhall – NTI, John Story (SeaRoad Logistics), Bluey Harrison (7R Logistics), Arron Cole (SeaRoad Logistics). Craig Stewart – SRT Logistics unable to attend.
IAN “BLUEY” HARRISON – 7R LOGISTICS
Ian “Bluey” Harrison’s nearly 50-year journey in transport began at 17 as a meat delivery driver with Borthwicks (QLD). He honed his craft across Australia in Kenworth, Volvo and Scania fleets, pulling singles, tankers, truck-and-dog, B-doubles and triple road trains. Early roles took him through the NT as an apprentice driver, then to Simon Transport (Toowoomba) hauling pipe for the Moonie Pipeline and later running triple road trains two-up back into the Territory, where he met his future wife, Bronwyn.
With a young family, Bluey pivoted to passenger transport as a Coach Captain with Deluxe Coachlines, seeing the country and refining his people skills. After Deluxe folded, he moved to woodchip cartage into Brisbane and then fuel with Finemore/Ron Finemore Transport, serving South-East QLD for 22 years; a testament to Bluey’s loyalty and outstanding reliability and performance.
A holiday revealed his next chapter: Tasmania. Eight years ago, Bluey relocated, driving milk tankers before stepping into Driver Trainer (4 years) and now Tasmanian Depot Manager for 7R Logistics (last 3 years). Transport is a family affair – Bronwyn, Bluey’s wife, also works at 7R, and his eldest son has progressed to SA Manager.
Regarded as a calm, practical leader, Bluey remains hands-on, riding along with new drivers, available day or night, and stopping to help anyone roadside. He has embraced modern systems, mastering in-cab smart computers for milk collection, electronic work diaries, web-based fleet and maintenance platforms, rostering, scheduling, tracking and pricing analysis.
Bluey has completed his Certificate IV in Driving, Dangerous Goods Licence, and ongoing professional development training related to his management role.
Highlights of his career include: Fuel tanker operations (a long-held goal); progression from driver to management; working alongside his son in the same company; and making Tasmania home—where, between shifts, he and his grandchildren enjoy life on a 40-acre farm with Scottish Highland cattle.
Bluey is a respected colleague, a steady mentor and a dependable professional who lifts people and performance every day. And he reckons he’s proven his teacher wrong at school: he has made something of himself, and looking out the window does pay off (just that he has better views out his window now!)
ARRON COLE, SEAROAD LOGISTICS
Arron Cole has devoted 37 years to Tasmania’s transport industry; beginning a week after leaving school at CHEP in East Devonport as a yardman/forklift operator (at the very site where he now works). He went on to RFL Refrigerated Freight Lines for 11½ years, progressing from forklift/dockhand to Supervisor leading a team of 5–6. Short stints with Field Fresh and as a furniture removalist added hard-earned experience on and off the road. Arron then joined Holymans, moving from yard/forklift to Toplifter, Terberg, and ultimately full-time Driver, upgrading licences from HR → HC → MC. He continued through transitions Holymans → Patrick → SeaRoad, where he is now a Line Haul Operator.
Today Arron completes two Launceston runs daily and also serves as a fill-in A-Double operator, covering leave and maintaining service continuity. Over his career he’s hauled “a bit of everything”, from furniture, steel, timber, to dangerous goods, and supported oversize deliveries.
Within SeaRoad he’s a go-to mentor for new and developing drivers, coaching on log book entries, assisting Safety & People with work instruction reviews and training tools, and acting as a subject-matter expert delivering internal Verification of Competency (VOC) assessments state-wide. He also partnered with an occupational therapist to map task analyses across roles, bringing practical insight that improved safety and training.
Arron’s resilience stands out: after significant health challenges, he returned to the work he loves with his trademark positivity: always with a “cup half full”, and a steady focus on safety, teamwork, and service.
Arron has completed many qualifications and training during his time in the industry, from his MC licence; internal A-Double training; Certificate III in Warehousing & Distribution; Load Restraint; Dangerous Goods; Forklift; SeaRoad internal VOC assessor experience. With an unblemished driver licence, Arron further strengthens industry culture and safety through his role as co-founder and co-administrator of the Trucking in Tasmania facebook group.
CAITLIN GARRETT, STRAIT LINK SHIPPING
Caitlin is a highly capable Second Officer with Strait Link and a visible advocate for diversity and inclusion across the maritime and transport sector. She began as a teenager crewing tugs and catamarans on Sydney Harbour, then entered the Australian Maritime College. Navigating COVID-era disruptions, she completed her pre-sea training and earned her Deck Watchkeeper’s ticket, progressing rapidly to Second Officer – one of the youngest women in this role in Tasmania.
On the bridge, Caitlin’s track record reflects technical competence, reliability and calm leadership. Off the bridge, she is building pathways for others. She founded “Aussie Shefarer”, a social-media and blog platform sharing authentic life-at-sea content, career advice and day-in-the-life stories that reach thousands, encouraging young people, especially women, to consider maritime careers. Through Aussie Shefarer, Caitlin is navigating an ocean of opportunities, and charting a course for others to follow.
Caitlin’s influence spans local, national and international forums. She represented Australia at the International Maritime Organisation’s 2024 Day for Women in Seafaring (London), spoke at the Nautical Institute’s Women in Maritime event in Launceston, and serves as Social Media Coordinator for Offshore Special Ships Australia, promoting maritime pathways to high school students. She has also spoken on behalf of Strait Link at International Women’s Day and the International Day for Women in Maritime, articulating a clear vision for representation and inclusion at sea.
Her impact is tangible: within Strait Link she strengthens an inclusive culture and is frequently sought as a spokesperson; across Tasmania she broadens awareness of maritime pathways; globally she showcases Tasmanian capability and leadership on workforce diversity. With ambitions to achieve her Master’s Certificate and ultimately command a vessel, Caitlin pairs professional excellence with purposeful advocacy, demonstrating how visibility, mentorship and storytelling can grow a sustainable, diverse maritime transport industry workforce.
Steven Dietrich, CEO TasRail, and accepting the award for Caitlin: Renee Monkman-Straub, and Hayden Stewart, of Strait Link Shipping
CRAIG OSBORNE, LINDA POULTON, BLUEY HARRISON, DAVID HU, CASEY POINTON, ARRON COLE – WITH MARINKO MARKOVIC, TEAM SUPER
Everyday heroes from across the transport and logistics industry in Tasmania were recognised for their contributions. The Team Super Everyday Hero Award recognises those “quiet achievers” in transport; the hard working, reliable people who are the backbone of our industry. The behind-the-scenes contribution by people in transport to the daily successes of businesses.
CRAIG OSBORNE, TASRAIL
There is no doubt that Craig Osborne is etched into Tasmania’s rail history. With a career spanning 45 years, Craig began his journey in 1980 as a 20-year-old trainee driver at Inveresk, Launceston. Since then, he has seen the industry evolve through periods of privatisation, reinvestment, and reform, remaining a constant, steady and supportive presence throughout.
“I’ve always enjoyed the job,” Craig reflects. “I found out a lot about myself on the tracks. More than anything, I loved being outside – catching the sunrises and sunsets, and the wildlife – in parts of Tasmania that most people never get to see.”
Since 2011, Craig has served as a TasRail Training and Assessment Officer, shaping the next generation of operators and drivers. He is renowned for training to a high standard of self-sufficiency suited to Tasmania’s network, where access roads are limited and frontline decision-making matters. Craig maintains the qualifications and currency expected of a Training and Assessment Officer and rail practitioner, including up-to-date competencies in rail operations and dangerous goods procedures. Nationally recognised for his DG expertise, he contributes to the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) Dangerous Goods Development Group and, in 2025, was a finalist for RISSB’s Rail Safety Award: Development Group Member of the Year. His influence extends beyond technical mastery: Craig is a strong advocate for safety and fatigue management, candidly sharing his own near-miss to drive learning and cultural change. He has also contributed to TasRail’s public level-crossing campaign, What’s It Going to Take?, bringing credible lived experience to a critical community message.
Within TasRail, Craig is the teammate others turn to: a trusted mentor with an open door, patient coach on complex procedures, and a calm voice in high-pressure situations. Colleagues describe him as “steady, thorough and fair”, someone who listens first, explains the “why,” and ensures people leave more confident than they arrived. As a single parent who chose to remain in Tasmania to prioritise family, he exemplifies integrity and service. Quietly influential, widely respected, Craig has advanced people, performance and safety, proving how a dedicated professional, grounded in qualifications, teamwork and care for others, can leave a lasting legacy.
LINDA POULTON, TRUCKING IN TASMANIA
Linda Poulton is an unassuming and quiet force behind a small Tasmanian transport business she runs with her husband, Chris. Two years ago they purchased their own truck and trailer, adding a new drop-deck last year alongside their walking-floor trailer. While Chris puts in the long hours on the road, Linda handles the behind-the-scenes essentials, including admin, compliance, customer communication and scheduling, so the wheels keep turning. Together they champion a safety-first system designed with one goal in mind: for Chris to arrive home safely every night.
A passionate advocate for the industry, Linda co-founded and co-administers a Facebook community for truck drivers that has grown beyond 7,000 members. She curates timely, practical information, from police alerts, road closures and alpine weather warnings, to popular truck photo ‘spotto’s”, supporting drivers navigating Tasmania’s toughest conditions and seeking information on industry matters. Her page has become a trusted hub for knowledge-sharing, problem-solving and mateship – with a good dose of humour in the mix!
Community care is central to Linda’s work. She organises free-entry giveaways at Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Fellow drivers and businesses regularly contribute prizes, a testament to the respect Linda has earned. When someone posts a call for help such as collecting a part to get a truck back on the road, checking in during illness, or rallying support after a bereavement, Linda is often first to respond and last to leave.
A self-described “truck-mad” enthusiast (with a soft spot for black Kenworths), you might catch a glimpse of her out on one of her favourite roadside spots, camera in hand, capturing great photos of the trucks as they roll up and down the Midland Highway or across the Bass Highway.
Linda brings pride, positivity and practical grit to everything she does. Drawing on prior small-business experience, she combines operational know-how with genuine care for people, strengthening safety, morale and community ties across the sector.
CASEY POINTON, DE BRUYNS TRANSPORT
Based at the Burnie workshop, Casey Pointon began his career with De Bruyn’s Transport as an apprentice diesel mechanic in 1998. He progressed to Workshop Supervisor and, for the past decade, has served as Maintenance Manager, leading the function that keeps one of Tasmania’s largest freight fleets safe, compliant and on the road.
Casey manages a team of 18 mechanical trades and apprentices, overseeing planned maintenance, repairs and compliance across a fleet of 180+ trucks and 300+ trailers. Under his leadership, De Bruyn’s maintenance standards align with TruckSafe and industry requirements, with robust scheduling, documentation and quality controls that minimise downtime and lift safety performance.
Casey’s hallmark is developing people. He has mentored the majority of today’s De Bruyn Transport workshop team – often from work experience through to trade qualification – building a pipeline of skilled, long-tenured employees. Known for a positive, patient approach, he adapts training to different personalities and learning styles, ensuring each apprentice receives fair guidance, clear expectations and hands-on coaching. The workshop’s stability and culture are a testament to his leadership.
Casey holds a Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, was recognised as TAFE Tasmania’s Best Second-Year Apprentice (1999), and more recently has completed a Diploma of Management, plus additional units in Mentoring and related professional development.
Casey combines deep technical knowledge with calm leadership and a relentless focus on safety and reliability. He exemplifies what keeps Tasmania’s freight moving: skilled hands, thoughtful mentoring, and systems that put people and performance first.
DAVID HU, SRT LOGISTICS
Joining SRT Logistics as a Night Storeman in March 2020, David quickly earned a reputation for reliability, work ethic and teamwork. Recognised for his leadership and calm nature under pressure, he was promoted to Team Leader in December 2023, a role in which he continues to excel.
David is the go-to problem-solver across the operation. Beyond his core responsibilities, he regularly steps in to support Freight Clerk tasks, Customer Service, Storage Management, and acts as a relief Supervisor when required. His versatility, positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed make him an invaluable contributor to SRT Logistics’ performance and culture.
David is recognised by his colleagues for commitment, leadership in practice, and unwavering support, quietly lifting others, modelling high standards, and keeping the operation moving.
“SRT has been more than a job – it’s a place to grow, laugh and enjoy what I do every day.”
BLUEY HARRISON, 7R LOGISTICS
Bluey was also a recipient of the 2025 NTI Professional Truck Driver of the Year Award – see info on Bluey against this award!
ARRON COLE, SEAROAD LOGISTICS
Arron was also a recipient of the 2025 NTI Professional Truck Driver of the Year Award – see info on Arron against this award!