The transport industry has honoured Dubbo’s John Morris for decades of contribution.
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He was one of Australia’s trucking greats recognised at the 2017 NatRoad Awards recently.
Mr Morris was “thrilled” to receive the Ted Pickering Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Road Freight Industry.
In the course of his career spanning more than 45 years he rose from carrying livestock for a local Dubbo carrier to representing the transport industry on multiple state and federal committees.
He became an owner driver in 1978 when he bought his first used prime mover and went on to specialise in general carrying including road trains to central Queensland and Darwin.
When he sold his business in 1992, a new phase in his career began, representing the industry.
In his 16 years with the Australian Road Train Association he held all executive positions, including five years as president and eight as the executive direction.
ARTA merged with NatRoad in 2008 and Mr Morris remained on the board until 2014.
“Winning the Ted Pickering Memorial Award was a huge thrill for me after being in the Australian transport industry for over forty-five years,” he said.
Mr Morris identified wife Trish as his biggest supporter in helping him achieve his success.
He also offered his “heartfelt thanks” to Mel Cosgrove, Alan Magill and Steve Fieldus for their “unwavering personal support”.
NatRoad chief Warren Clark said each year they were pleased to recognise outstanding members of the trucking community.
“We’ve heard the stories of these incredibly worthy members and are proud to honour them as part of our annual Gala Dinner,” he said.
We’ve heard the stories of these incredibly worthy members and are proud to honour them ...
- NatRoad chief Warren Clark
Taking out the Youth Driver of the Year award was Zachery Appleton, who earned his stripes working his way through from forklift driver to now a B-double driver.
Bruce Adam was recognised as the winner of the 2017 Professional Driver of the Year.
“It is a privilege to recognise these noteworthy award-winners,” Mr Clark said.