bool(false)

About

Transport Women Australia Limited Founders

Glenys Jardine

Leanna O'Neill

Nola Bransgrove OAM

Tania Macaulay

Julie Ann Pobjoy

Samantha Palmer

Jan Middleton

Robyn Stepnell

Our Team

Jacquelene Brotherton

Jacquelene Brotherton

Chair

Jacquelene has worked in the transport and logistics industry for over 5 decades, she has worked in the livestock, general and refrigerated transport sectors as well as in fleet management, training, and compliance. She is a well-known public speaker and industry advocate.

She was awarded Life Membership of the Livestock Transporters Association of NSW (now LBRCA) in 1998; this was bestowed for her contribution to the organisation. In 2018, she won both the Excellence in Road Transport Award at the Women in Industry Awards and the Inaugural Female Leadership in Transport Award at the Australian Freight Industry Awards.

In 2019, at the prestigious Wyndham Business Awards, she won the Businessperson of the Year Award. In 2023, she was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry at the Australian Trucking Association Awards.

Jacquelene has dedicated her career to the transport, logistics and supply chain industry both here and in the USA.

She is now sharing her passion with future generations of people who are being encouraged to join the industry, she can do this through the TWAL projects and initiatives and her many speaking engagements. She also contributes regular articles to national and international magazines.

She says, “Trucking has been a wonderful career and life for me, and I know that it can be for anyone.” Transport Women Australia are continuing their campaign to improve the profile and everyday image of everyone in our industry.

Pam McMillan

Pam McMillan

Immediate Past Chair

Pam McMillan remains on the Board as the Immediate Past Chair. Pam was invited to join the board of Transport Women Australia Limited in 2000, soon after incorporation.

 

She served 11 years as Chair in the ensuing years. She is always available for invaluable advice and knowledge about the history of TWAL.

 

She was the Transport Women Australia Limited representative on the Australian Trucking Association Council for seven years. Pam was the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year in 1999 and the 2017 Women in Industry Award winner for Excellence in Road Transport.

 

In 2019, Pam was awarded the Inaugural Trish Pickering Memorial Award which is awarded to recognise women who have dedicated themselves to improving the road transport industry through continuous years of contribution whilst upholding the four pillars on which it is based – being a role model, and showing strength, leadership, independence, and encouragement to future generations.

 

At the 2022 TWAL Driving the Difference Conference, Pam was awarded Life Membership for her years of dedication to the organisation.

Coralie Chapman

Coralie Chapman

Company Secretary

Coralie Chapman has been working in the transport industry for over 20 years and is now the National Logistics Manager for Humes Concrete Products (Holcim).

 

Coralie has worked in most aspects of the industry including having her own trucks with her ex-husband. She loves working around trucks and holds a current heavy rigid licence. Since joining the board in 2016 Coralie has served as company secretary’ and is now Vice Chair. Coralie also looks after most of the admin with the support of other board members. In 2018 Coralie represented the Victorian Transport Association at the inaugural Future Leaders program run by the Australian Trucking Association and sponsored by Daimler Truck Australia Pacific. In 2019 Coralie was awarded the ATA National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year at Trucking Australia in Perth, and in 2023 Coralie was awarded the Women in Industry Excellence In Transport award.

 

“I love the industry and I enjoy every aspect of it. Working in transport has given me purpose and an amazing career so far. You get to work with some of the most amazing people all while doing something that supports everyone.”

 

Coralie also loves being on the TWAL board and is looking forward to continuing the great work that has already been done by TWAL and working on new and exciting projects that promotes and helps support the transport and logistics industry.

Di Caldwell-Smith

Director (Governance)

A board director since November 2016, Di is proud to be part of an incredible board of women working towards creating opportunities for women in the transport and logistics workspace.

 

Di advocates and encourages non-traditional careers and diversity whenever the opportunity presents itself.

 

Di is a governance and compliance specialist in the Superannuation and Wrap investment industry.

 

Di has worked with and formed lasting friendships with many transport and logistics operators, association members, charities, and generally those with an interest in providing opportunities for diversity in the transport and logistics space over the years.

 

She has a long history with working with various transport associations in Australia, as well as with her family and friend’s transport businesses. Di is enthusiastic about the future for women in the transport and logistics space, the variety of opportunities available, as well as the role Transport Women Australia Limited can play in promoting and encouraging women and all seeking non-traditional careers to enter and thrive in their chosen working arrangement.

Penne Murphy

Penne Murphy

Vice Chair

Penne has worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years.

 

Currently, Penne is the Executive Account Manager of the Transport & Logistics Division at Interlink Insurance Brokers and has  specialised in sourcing insurance and risk solutions for the Transport and Logistics Industry since 2013 both as an Underwriter and an Insurance Broker.

 

Through her engagement with diverse transport businesses and operators over the years, Penne developed her passion to educate and empower as many people as possible. Penne loves having honest discussions surrounding the issues being faced by the industry and always welcomes discussions surrounding better business practices.

 

“I am appreciative of the way Transport Women Australia Limited advocates for women in the transport industry and am honoured to be given the opportunity to make a positive difference in the industry through active participation in the Board. Transport Women Australia Limited initially sparked my interest as I wanted to align myself with a remarkable team who share my passion with respect of making this great industry, even greater” – Penne Murphy

Claudia Foini

Director

Claudia has worked in the Transport industry for 22+ years. Starting out when she was 19, Claudia worked her way through the ranks in the General freight sector from PM Manifesting quickly through to Operations Supervisor role running the NSW country network for two of the largest Interstate carriers in the industry. With this experience Claudia took a change and worked in the Commercial Waste Management section of the industry. Also, in the Operations department responsible for all drivers consisting of between 40-80 at any given time. Ensuring safety and compliance always with a very strong focus on fatigue management.

 

Claudia took an opportunity to come back into the General freight section and spent some time on Business Development / Sales. This was great exposure and further knowledge and experience.

Then, having extensive experience in Operations & Sales Claudia was able to progress further in her career.

 

The years following Claudia has spent her time as a Transport Manager and then through to State Manager. Currently State Manager for DXT, Claudia is responsible for the entire DXT network – 12 x company owned depots & staff. Along with a number of Agents.

 

Claudia loves that each day is different and set with many challenges – extremely rewarding though.

 

It is a fantastic industry for anyone looking to be part of!

Loretta Hartley

Director

Loretta Hartley has been involved in the transport industry all her life, her parents owned a transport business for over 35 years with Loretta working in the family business during her high school and university years. Learning the ropes in the family’s small fleet operation exposed her to local and long-haul risks and sparked her interest in transport.

 

With qualifications in Business and Safety – Bachelor of Business: Human Resources and Master Workplace Injury Management and Occupational Rehabilitation Loretta worked in both the human resources and safety fields for over 10 years across both public and private sectors including transport.

 

In 2012 Loretta joined the insurance industry using her skills and knowledge in transport and logistics to work as a specialist transport insurance broker. Up until 2023 Loretta was the director of her family transport and logistics insurance brokerage, it is during this time that she became heavily involved in transport associations including Transport Women Australia Limited.

 

In 2024 Loretta joined Aon Risk Services as a transport insurance broker working nationally across their network to grow their presence in the transport industry. Loretta was awarded Elite Woman in Insurance 2022 and Transport Women Association Limited Dream Maker award in 2024. Loretta has been a member of Transport Women Association Limited for 10 years and joined the Social Media Sub Committee in early 2024 and was appointed to the board in November 2024.

 

A passionate transport advocate she loves networking with transport operators to better understand the risks and requirements of the industry. Loretta is always looking for ways to foster and mentor newcomers to the industry.

Ainsleigh Thomas

Director

Ainsleigh has progressed through various roles in the industry for almost a decade in the workforce, gaining valuable experience in transport, operations & logistics where she is the NSW/ACT Linehaul Manager.

 

In 2023, Ainsleigh was a recipient of the Driving the Difference Scholarship, sponsored by Daimler Trucks Australia Pacific. Awardees are selected based on their initiative, commitment to professional development, and exemplary work ethic. Ainsleigh’s selection for the scholarship recognised her dedication to advancing her career and making a positive impact within the industry.

 

Her achievements were further recognized in 2024, when she received the inaugural Young Gunnette Award, established by Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) to honour young women under 30 who contribute to the transport and logistics industry beyond their paid employment. The award highlights Ainsleigh’s leadership, advocacy, and commitment to continue driving positive change within the sector.

Ainsleigh is also engaged in industry efforts to support drivers, who she believes are at the very forefront of the transport and logistics sector. Through her work, she advocates for better conditions, recognition, and support for drivers, understanding that their role is pivotal in keeping the industry running smoothly.

 

With her remarkable achievements and forward-thinking approach, Ainsleigh is paving the way for future leaders in the transport industry, proving that dedication, hard work, and a commitment to progress can drive meaningful change.

Katrina Burns

Director

Katrina Burns is a passionate leader, having spent over 12 years in the transport and logistics industry. Through her various operational and management roles, Katrina has enjoyed training and mentoring others and seeing women reach their full potential.

 

Katrina holds qualifications in work health and safety, continuous improvement and is currently completing her MBA degree, believing in upskilling to serve others and give back. Using her firsthand experience, Katrina has developed bespoke load restraint guidelines and best practice safety systems to contribute to an evolving industry.

 

In 2018, Katrina was awarded the Australian Freight Industry Award for Young Achiever of the Year, an accolade reflective of her hard work over many years and one of her proudest moments. Katrina is also a past dual nominee in the Women in Industry awards.

Our Story

In December 1999, eight amazing women joined forces and Transport Women Australia Limited was formed.

These women wanted to make a difference and although their roles were varied, they wanted to give women a single voice as they realised that women were often running the companies but getting no recognition and had nowhere to be heard.

 

They tested the boundaries, spoke about the issues that had not been spoken about before and opened avenues of development for young people, and provided opportunities for women in the industry.

 

One of the values of the organisation is being able to give back to the industry while paying forward what has been given to you.

 

The women who followed built on these foundations offering support to women in the industry as everyone faces the same issues whether it is rules and regulations, road safety, OHS, or training. The transport and logistics industry is a very practical industry and finds realistic and practical solutions to adapt; other industries can learn from this.

 

They conducted research, began to hold conferences to bring the women in the industry together on common ground, bestowed the original scholarships, joined the ATA Council, and had a national voice. They nominated many women for national awards and ensured women gained recognition for their contribution to the industry.

 

The organisation today has a large membership across Australia as well as some international members, we have established successful initiatives as we grow to assist those members in their personal professional development or for them to contribute more to the successful operation of their business. We have other projects in the planning stages to continue this work and are dedicated to raising the profile of and improving the industry for all participants but especially for women. We are passionate about ensuring our role models are recognised and take the message of our great industry to the community. We do this through our many TWAL events throughout the year, attending schools, career and trade fairs, truck shows and speaking at conferences and forums.

Additional Resources

Transport Women Australia Limited 'Living the Dream Promo'

Download the song on Spotify today!

Living the Dream Conference Highlights Reel

Creating Connections Mentoring Program

Transport Women Australia Limited 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner