QTA challenge mindset changes to improve equity

The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) celebrated 2023 International Women's Day with another sold out breakfast event at Hillstone, St Lucia Golf Links in Brisbane yesterday. With the theme "Embrace Equity", the premier IWD event in the country for the transport industry, once again attracted a sell out this year. MC Lisa Fraser, QTA Membership Manager, introduced the theme by asking why we are still talking about embracing equity, and that current mindsets need to be challenged and actioned to lead change.

QTA Chief Executive Officer, Gary Mahon said, "We are proud to hold Australia's leading IWD event for transport and logistics and it was a fantastic turnout from industry. The event continues to attract tremendous support from sponsors and with the event being oversubscribed this year, it's a great indication that the event hits the mark with industry."

First on the program was Melira Lister who was awarded the 2022 QTA Trucking Woman of the Year. Melira is currently working as a National Key Account Manager Project Services, Qube Heavy Lift, QUBE Bulk. Melira has successfully managed the logistics operations on some of the country’s largest projects, including the Sydney Metro, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, The Level Crossing Removal Project in Melbourne, the Gympie Bypass as well as countless renewable and infrastructure projects nationwide. Melira delivered in a determined manner and was honest as she described the barriers, challenges and bias she has faced as a female, working in a male dominated industry and as a working mum. Although Melira has encountered some tough situations in the industry, she is determined to pursue her quest to succeed and encourages other women to do the same.

Melira Lister said, "If you’re like me and love your job and you are committed to what you are doing, keep at it for no one other than you. As an industry we are moving forward, and we are changing attitudes as to what the industry looks like. You may not be where you want to be at this very moment in time- you may be doing circles or even feel like you are going backwards. Stay strong, be yourself and persevere through it. Take that winding road and see more things. Nothing will be as disappointing as giving up."

Belinda Brosnan, Executive Coach and Change Agent, took the audience through key changes impacting leaders in 2023 and why embracing equity means being clear on how your beliefs, values and experiences of the world, shapes the way you engage with others personally and professionally.

Belinda Brosnan said, "What if leading yourself first, is in fact, the game changer for creating connection, wellbeing and progress in a world where ‘business as usual’ is a thing of the past?"

Among the VIPs in attendance were Hon. Mark Bailey, Member for Miller and Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Steve Minnikin, QTA President Paul Kahlert (Managing Director, All Purpose Transport), as well as senior representatives from Department of Transport and Main Roads, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Transurban.

The event also attracted seven former QTA Trucking Woman of the Year Roz Shaw, Tracie Dickenson, Merry Manton, Karen Bow, Belinda Polglase and Annastasia Denigan.

The Principal Event Sponsor was TWUSUPER and on behalf of the fund, Mel Birks from the Australian Industry Superannuation Trust (AIST), took the opportunity in her vote of thanks to highlight the gap between the superannuation balances of women compared to men. She encouraged all attendees to login to their super fund account and do an insurance and balance health check.

Other sponsors of the day were BP, Cummins South Pacific, Teletrac Navman and Transurban.

All media enquiries to Gary Mahon, 0418 736 802, gary@qta.com.au