The ATA has named three exceptional workshop professionals as finalists for its 2024 Craig Roseneder Award.
Generously supported by Castrol, the award recognises technical and maintenance excellence in the trucking industry's workshops and is part of the ATA's National Trucking Industry Awards program. The winner will join an exclusive group of 25 trucking workshop legends.
Chris Montgomery (CMV Truck & Bus, Derrimut, VIC), David Re (Nationwide Towing & Transport, Noble Park North, VIC) and John Jenkins (Tatiara Truck & Trailers, Bordertown, SA) were selected as finalists by a judging panel that included representatives from industry, regulators and the ATA's Industry Technical Council.
"Since 1998, the Craig Roseneder Award has honoured the professionalism and commitment of the men and women in Australia's trucking workshops. Through their dedication to safety, training and excellence, our award winners have made an enormous contribution to our industry and Australia," ATA Chair Mark Parry said.
"With their superb technical skills and great dedication, Chris, David and John have demonstrated that they are worthy finalists for the award," he said.
This year's award winner will receive a fully paid trip to attend the 2025 US Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee from 10-13 March 2025, including full registration, return airfares, accommodation and AUD1,500 spending money.
The prize also includes complimentary registration to the 2025 Australian Trucking Association Technology and Maintenance Conference.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday 22 October 2024 at the Castrol Awards Dinner, to be held at Crown Aviary, Melbourne, as part of the 2024 Technology and Maintenance Conference.
The ATA will also present the Castrol Industry Achievement Award on the night. This award recognises technical innovation and achievement; the winner is selected from a range of exceptional people who do not need to nominate to be considered.
ABOUT THE 2024 CRAIG ROSENEDER AWARD FINALISTS
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, from meeting the stringent certification requirements to ensuring the company is fully equipped to service and support the next generation of commercial vehicles.
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.
Chris's leadership in mentoring and training the team ensures a strong pipeline of skilled technicians.
David Re, Nationwide Towing & Transport, Noble Park North, VIC
David Re has built an impressive career at Nationwide Towing & Transport, where he has progressed from a tow truck driver to Fleet Manager. With a deep technical expertise, David has played a pivotal role in advancing innovation and safety across Nationwide's truck fleet and maintenance team. His contributions have set new benchmarks in fleet management and safety initiatives within the organisation.
As a dedicated mentor, David has been instrumental in guiding fleet technicians, fostering both team growth and individual success. His leadership has directly influenced the development of a highly skilled and cohesive maintenance team.
Recently completing the company's Future Leaders program, David continues to distinguish himself in the industry.
John Jenkin, Tatiara Truck & Trailers, Bordertown, SA
John Jenkin and his partner co-founded Tatiara Truck and Trailers four decades ago. Today, it is a reputable and diverse Australian workshop with 60 employees.
The business is recognised for attracting major dealerships like Cat, Cummins, Detroit, Perkins, Volvo, and Scania, and they serve as a Kenworth sub-dealer. The Tatiara team's expertise includes general servicing, engine and gearbox work to brake overhauls, wheel alignments, engineering, tyre services, and a 24-hour breakdown service covering a 400km radius.
John's commitment to his community includes building a training facility in collaboration with local schools, RTOs, and government bodies to create job opportunities for local youth.
