Leading union delegates in the transport industry were announced in the 2011 Delegate of the Year Awards, at the TWU Delegates’ Conference on 26 August. The conference reported a record turnout of over 700 this year.

TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno, who presented the Delegates’ Awards said,
“This years’ Delegate of the Year Awards recognise drivers from across all sectors of our transport industry: who have improved pay and conditions for their workmates in their yards, and in many cases throughout the industry on a state and national level.

“I congratulate them and I congratulate all of our members and delegates, who make this union what it is.”

Delegates of the Year for 2011 are:

John Brenan, Airlines industry - Q Catering Riverside: John is keeping Qantas on their toes and using the current agreement to keep the union strong during a period of great change at Qantas.

Scott Brinley, Pick up and Delivery (PUD) industry - TNT Express Enfield: During difficult EBA negotiations this year, Scott organised and successfully led the yard on a number of protected actions which forced the company to reach an agreement with the TWU.

Stephen Dallimore, PUD industry - Star Track Express Minchinbury: His outstanding efforts in recruitment are playing a big role in keeping this union strong.

Ross Dickson, Oil industry - Cootes Tankers (Shell) Parramatta: His well thought out and strategic negotiations with management have achieved great results for his yard.

Matthew Dixon, Waterfront – ACFS: Matthew has managed to turn what was a non-union yard not long ago into a unionised yard with membership continuing to grow.

Les Fetch, PWCS Coal: Les is an invaluable asset to the TWU in every way possible, both at work and on general industry issues, and tends to all members’ needs.

Peter Franklyn, Airline industry - Qantas Transport: Peter won this award due to the amount of effort he has put into his section of the airport and the genuine level of care he shows each worker.

Leo Hackett, PUD industry - Star Track Express Minchinbury: Leo, also ACTU Delegate of the year runner up, continues to be one of the strongest delegates in the whole of the union movement and this award adds to Leo’s long list of honours.

Carl Hoy, Courier industry – UPS: Carl managed to unionise not only the drivers but the entire DC as well, an exceptional effort.

Barry Hupton, Bus industry - Westbus St Marys: Barry led the yard in taking action following a series of attacks on drivers earlier this year. As a result, security guards were placed on dangerous routes and safety cages were installed to protect drivers.

Graeme Johnston, Quarries industry - Holcim Quarries Albion Park: Graeme has achieved 99% union membership at the yard which now puts them in a position of great strength.

Peter Kritikos, Waterfront -  Patricks Port Botany: The yard is now fully unionised, including casuals, owner drivers and outside hire. With strength like that and a leader like Peter we can take Patricks on and keep winning!

Jason Lavell, PUD industry – TNT Homebush: Union membership at this yard has revived and Jason has been fundamental to this membership growth. The union’s new EBA with TNT is a testament to Jason’s hard work. 

Greg Leslie, Brewery industry – Bevchain: Greg has significantly increased membership at the yard, which is the key factor in union strength.

John McFadzian, Warehouse industry - AAE Domestic: Has led from the front to ensure that the yard remains strongly unionised.

Jim Mitropoulos, Airline industry, Qantas International Ramp: Another one of our strong delegates who has united the yard, which has put us in a strong position in our campaign for our members’ Qantas EA this year.

Michael Moore, P.U.D. industry – Toll Priority Erskineville:  Michael is ACTU Delegate of the Year. He continues to show that the TWU is second to none when it comes to producing the best delegates in the entire union movement!

Jeff Moses, General Haulage industry - SCE Coniston: Jeff’s built the yard up to a point where there is now 90% union membership, putting them in a position of great strength.

Steve Newton, PUD industry - Toll Ipec Moorebank: Steve has maintained full union membership at the yard and goes above and beyond the call of duty assisting members in all areas.

Alex Sau, Milk and Ice Carters industry – Parmalat Lidcombe: after 17 successful years onsite as a TWU member working for Dairy Farmers, National Foods and now Parmalat, Alex has been consistently active and has now taken on the role of site delegate (day shift).

John Waltis, Retail industry - Linfox Chullora: runs a heavily unionised yard and is a hands on delegate who can independently resolve the majority of issues.

Steve Wells, P.U.D. industry - Star Track Edgeworth: Steve has done a good job in the yard under difficult circumstances and has stuck to his guns and kept up the fight in the yard for all TWU members.

Charles Xerri, Ultimo Tippers Penrith – Special Award: Charles has been in the transport industry for more than half his life and has been a member of the TWU for 38 years and a delegate for over 15 years.

Samir Yako, Milk and Ice Carters industry - National Foods Wetherill Park: Samir has been staunch in taking up issues with the company for over 8 years.