On Thin Ice, Navigating Australia’s Cold Chain Viability

As we confront challenges; geopolitical unrest, food insecurity and food wastage, environmental changes, regulatory updates, and technological innovations, this theme emphasises the importance of maintaining a robust, strong and sustainable cold chain operations in our country.

Our aim is to foster dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to share insights and best practice. The conference will focus on strategies to ensure we bolster overall supply chain sustainability.

We invite attendees to join us in identifying and addressing the key challenges facing our industry, with a focus on collaborative solutions and innovative approaches.

Together, we can strengthen Australia’s cold chain and ensure its long-term viability.

Conference Video:

Conference Photos:

Day 1

Day 2 AM

Day 3 PM

Day 2 PM

Day 3 AM

Gala Ball

Our Program:

WELCOME - SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST
12:00pmMontalto Winery Networking Lunch, departure Cape Schanck Lobby
4:00pmReturn to Cape Schanck
4:30pmRegistration open, Southern Ballroom Foyer
4:30pmExhibitors Bump In, Horizon Ballroom
6:00pmWelcome Cocktail Reception, Cape Schanck Mantellina, Sponsored by Better Storage Systems
7:00pmWelcome Dinner, Cape Schanck Mantellina, Sponsored by Flow Power
9:00pmEnd of day
MONDAY 5TH AUGUST
7am-8amBreakfast buffet at Samphire Restaurant ground floor
8:00amWelcome Coffee in Exhibitors Hall Horizon Ballroom, Sponsored by Labourforce
9:00amWelcome,Graeme Joy, Master of Ceremonies, Southern Ballroom
9:15amRWTA Chairman's Opening Remarks, Graham Harvey, NewCold
9:50am1st Speaker
Victorian overview
10:25amTech Talk: TMHA
10:40amMorning Tea in Exhibitors Hall Horizon Ballroom, Coffee Cart Sponsored by Labourforce
11:45amKeynote Speaker: Emilie Perrot, WeInclusive
Embracing diversity and inclusion, Growing your teams performance
12:50amPresenter: Flow Power
Title
1:30pmLunch, Exhibitors Hall Horizon Ballroom, Coffee Cart Sponsored by Labourforce
2:30pmFrank Vale Award 2024, Nominee Presentations
Sponsored by Askin Performance Panels
3:15pmPresenter: Ian Jenson, FIRST Management
3 Degrees to Change
4:00pmTech Talk: Dematic
4:20pmPanel: Cold Chain, Sustained
Facilitator: Marianne Kintzel (RWTA) Speakers: Ian Jenson(FIRST Management),Mark Holden (Oomiak),Simplot
5:00pmMC wrap up of the day
5:10pmCocktail Dinner, Exhibitors Hall Horizon Ballroom
8:00pmEnd of the day
TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST
7am-8amBreakfast buffet at Samphire Restaurant ground floor
8:00amWelcome Coffee in Exhibitors Hall Horizon Ballroom, Sponsored by Labourforce
9:00amWelcome, Graeme Joy MC
9:15amPresenter: Rob Edwards, Edwards The Health Presenter
It's All About People
10:20amPresenter: Richard Cholewick, Benjamin & Benjamin Insurance Group
Discretionary Mutual Fund Update, Insurance Savings
10:35amMorning Tea in Horizon Exhibitors Hall, Coffee Cart Sponsored by Labourforce
11:35amPresenter: To be announced
Title
12:20pmPresenters: Chris O'Brien and Andrew Needham, CBRE
Development in the Cold Chain, Australia and Internationally
1:00pmLunch, Exhibitors Hall Horizon Ballroom, Coffee Cart Sponsored by Labourforce
2:30pmPanel
Facilitator: Andrew Needham (CBRE) Speakers: Chris O'Brien (CBRE),Jason Blake (Aliro)
3:15pmTech Talk: FDC Construction & Fitout
3:35pmPresenter: Matthew Green, Askin Performance Panels
Title
4:10pmPresenter: To be announced
Title
4:40pmMC wrap up & Outlook
5:00pmEnd of Sessions
6:00pmCocktails, Southern Ballroom Foyer, Sponsored by Wagner Fire Safety
6:45pmGala Dinner and Frank Vale Award Ceremony, Southern Ballroom Foyer
10:00pmFormal Conference Finale

The RWTA 2024 Conference Program is a live document and we are working to deliver up-to-date topics and brilliant speakers!

Our aim is to provide you with access to knowledge, experiences and networks in the Temperature Controlled Industry to assist you to create an informed future for you and your organisation

Venue:

We are excited to welcome you at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

To book your room at the negotiated rate of $299/night please click here.

Getting to RACV Cape Schanck Resort

1.5 hours drive south of Melbourne.

The fastest route to the resort is via the Monash Freeway, taking the EastLink turn-off to Frankston and then following the Mornington Peninsula Freeway to Rosebud. From there, turn into Boneo Road and follow it for about 10 minutes to reach the resort.

For a scenic route, follow the Nepean Highway to Mornington, before turning onto the Esplanade and follow the coast to Boneo Road. From here, the resort is a short drive.

Conference Speakers:

Networking Sunday Lunch:


Montalto Winery, Estate to Plate

  • Enjoy an ever-changing set menu showcasing a seasonal celebration of our estate-grown heirloom produce, alongside the very best locally sourced ingredients from across the Mornington Peninsula.

    A true estate to plate experience overlooking the very gardens and vineyards you toured earlier in the day.

    Shuttle bus available, leaving the Conference Venue at 12:00pm for the Winery.

    Return at 3:30pm.

    Price: $240

    Transport, guided tour, drinks, lunch included.

Exhibitors Opportunities:

Applications are now closed.

Thank you to our 2024 Exhibitors:

Conference News: 

Partners Program


Hands on Tapas and Gin inspired cooking extravaganza

  • Georgie Bass Cafe & Cookery is all about fresh & local

    The Chef runs fun, informative delicious cooking class.

    We have chosen for you the theme of tapas and Gin. The class runs for 3 hours and you will get to enjoy the food that was cooked

    They will cater to most dietaries with notice.

    Date: Monday 5th August Departure 10am from the RACV Cape Schanck, returning at 3:30pm

    Price: $250

    Transport, cooking class with lunch included

Luxurious Thermal Springs Experience

  • We invite you to pause and just be. Soak in the springs and embrace the sense of calm.

    Enjoy a nice lunch at Thyme with your friends from the Partners Program.

    The springs are fed by underground aquifers that are heated by the earth's natural geothermal energy.

    The water is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.

    Date: Tuesday 6th August Departure 10am from the RACV Cape Schanck, returning at 3:30pm

    Price: $260

    Transport, spa, robe hire, 2 course lunch and 1 glass of wine included

 Frank Vale Award 2024

Frank Vale Nomination - How does it work?

This prestigious award is open to all employees of RWTA member companies, who meet the following criteria: 

All candidates must be 35 years of age, or younger; 

  • have worked within the industry for a minimum of three years; 

  • possess insight into their organisations strategic values and direction, it’s policies, rules and regulations; 

  • possess a broad knowledge of the Cold Chain; 

  • demonstrate excellence in their work; 

  • demonstrate potential to excel further in any of the many facets within the industry. 

Candidates may come from any sector within the Cold Chain and possess expertise in a commercial, administrative, technical, engineering, accounting, sales, handling, service or management role. 

Candidates must be available to attend the RWTA’s state based networking events and, of course, the RWTA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in 2024.

Evaluation Process

Step 1 - Complete and send the Nomination Form by the Wednesday 15th March 2024 to marieb@rwta.com.au

Step 2 - Send your written Application by Friday 28th April 2024. 

Step 3 - Each State Division’s appointed judging panel will interview all Nominees and then forward their recommendation for a State Finalist to the RWTA Executive Officer, based on the interview and the submitted written application. 

Step 4 - During the course of the National Conference each State Finalist will be interviewed by a National judging panel 

Step 5 - State Finalists will give a 5 min oral presentation to Conference attendees (no power point) 

Step 6 - By the end of the Conference the appointed judging panel will nominate a  FVA Winner, based on the interview, written application and oral presentation 

 Previous Frank Vale Award Winners

2023 Conference Video & Photos

Diamond Sponsors


Gold Sponsors


Conference Sponsors