RWTA 74th Conference & Expo – Wed 26th to Fri 28th August 2015

The 2015 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide, South Australia from Wed 26th to Fri 28th August 2015.

Delegate and Partner Registration is now open via the dedicated RWTA Conference Website

Visit Conference Website

RWTA (QLD Division) Electricity and Energy Management Forum - Wed 20th May 2015

Date: Wednesday 20th May 2015

Venue: Mantra - South Bank Brisbane – 161 Grey Street, South Bank QLD

Time: 9.00 am – 10.30 am

Presenter: PG Energy (Progressive Green Pty Ltd)  

Forum Topic: “Why your business should consider purchasing your electricity from the wholesale market?”

Cost: Free

RSVP: Monday 18th May via email to billie.bozickovic@americold.com.au 

Download Flyer

Privacy Statement:
The RWTA collect personal information about participants in order to manage and maintain their event booking. Contact information will be used by the RWTA to provide information about future functions, events, training opportunities, key news and issues effecting the Australian Cold Chain Industry. Your contact information will not be released to any third parties without your prior consent.

RWTA (NSW Division) Annual Golf Day – Tue 19th May 2015

 

Castle Hill Country Club - Spurway Drive, Baulkham Hills NSW

We are once again looking forward to our Annual NSW RWTA Golf Day - the 15th year on the hallowed grounds of the Royal & Ancient Castle Hill Country Club.  The Golf Day is the single largest corporate social event on the RWTA NSW Division calendar, and the support afforded by our many Corporate partners, members and guests has always been extremely good, growing continuously over the past 14 years.

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Major Sponsor:

 

TMHA (Toyota Material Handling Australia) have once again taken up Platinum Sponsor status, and will oversee our Presentation Lunch - We offer a huge vote of thanks to Steve Takacs - COO & VP of TMHA for their most generous long term support for this event.

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Programme:

• 7.00 am Registration & Light Breakfast
• 7.50 am Player Briefing and Shotgun Tee-off
• 2.45 pm Completion of Round, followed by Lunch and Presentations
• 3.00 pm Wrap-up

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Dress Regulations:

• Shirts must have collars, sleeves, be clean & tucked in at all times.
• Tailored trousers, shorts or skirts with white socks (any club logo allowed) may be worn.
• No denim, cargo or pull-string pants permitted.
• Golf Shoes are essential for play (soft spikes preferred)

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Sponsorship:

• All Sponsorships now include a complimentary team (of 4 golfers).
• We no longer have Bronze/Banner sponsorships, but instead, Logo Sponsorships.  If you take up this option, you simply need to email us your logo, and we'll include it on one of our banners inside the clubhouse.
• There are a limited number of Longest Drive/Nearest The Pin Sponsorships (first come, first served) and they each include one banner on one of the Competition holes.  If you don't have a banner, please contact us for a quotation to have one made up.
• The Charity Queen Sponsorship has been pre-sold and we look forward to seeing this year's Charity Queen at the Practice Putting Green.
• Silver Sponsorships allow two of your Banners – one Teardrop Banner near the Practice Putting Green (at the high visibility halfway point) as well as one Rollup Banner inside the clubhouse, visible during morning registration and post-golf lunch.  Multiple Silver Sponsorships are available.  If you don't have banners, please contact us for a quotation.
• One Drinks Cart Sponsorship is available and this will include signage on the Drinks Cart that circulates the course, as well as provision of two of your Banners – one Teardrop Banner near the Practice Putting Green (at the high visibility halfway point) as well as one Rollup Banner inside the clubhouse, visible during morning registration and post-golf lunch.  If you don't have banners, please contact us for a quotation.
• A maximum of 3 x Gold Sponsorships are available.  The offer includes pre-event exposure in promotion of the event (including this registration form as they are locked in) and on-screen promotion in the clubhouse.  Provision of two of your Banners – one Teardrop Banner near the Practice Putting Green (at the high visibility halfway point) as well as one Rollup Banner inside the clubhouse, visible during morning registration and post-golf lunch.  If you don't have banners, please contact us for a quotation.

 
For 2015, we now have an online registration form, have modified some of the Sponsorship Packages with more flexible options - see registration section for details.

Booking Form

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Parbery 0400-993455 or Eugene Devine 0416-046161

RWTA (Victorian Division) - Networking Luncheon - Thu 30th April 2015

Date: Thursday 30th April 2015

Venue: Sunshine Golf Club – 475 Mount Derrimut Road, Derrimut VIC

Time: 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Speakers: Two entertaining speakers to listen to, followed by questions and time for networking will be available.

Cost: Members $70.00
         Non-Members  $90.00
        (please feel free to invite as many quests as you wish !!!)

Bookings are now open, using the attached Registration Form.
Please email your completed form to: gregl@aboxford.com.au

Download Registration Form

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Payment Terms:
The RWTA’s preferred method of payment is EFT, and payment must be received prior to the event to confirm your attendance, an Invoice or / Receipt will be issued.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 3 days prior to the event will receive a full refund. Refunds are not applicable when cancellation of a booking occurs within 3 days of the event.

Privacy Statement:
The RWTA collect personal information about participants in order to manage and maintain their event booking. Contact information will be used by the RWTA to provide information about future functions, events, training opportunities, key news and issues effecting the Australian Cold Chain Industry. Your contact information will not be released to any third parties without your prior consent.

RWTA (QLD Division) - Members Meeting - Fri 17th April 2015

Date: Friday 17th April 2015

Venue: Americold – Murrarie Site – 61 Queensport Road, Murrarie QLD

Time: 12.00 noon to Finish at 1.30 pm

Topics to be discussed:

·         General Business:
·         Industry news – National Level
·         Industry news – Local Level
·         Frank Vale Award Nominees
·         Dinner Dance
·         Golf Day
·         RWTA Q – Support local charity – Community approach
·         Market Information

Lunch : Will be provided by Americold, please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions to be catered for when you register ………

Cost: Free

RSVP: Thursday 16th April via email to billie.bozickovic@americold.com.au 

Cold Running Magazine - March 2015

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Welcome to our “New Look Cold Running” we have updated our masthead, and changed the format from that of a newsletter to an eMagazine, enabling it to new be read across multiple devices (using ISSUU -  the fastest growing digital publishing platform in the world)  while still being able for download as a pdf and printing out if that is what you prefer.

In this issue you will find some great articles covering issues impacting the Australian Cold Chain including …….

Conference Announcements:

• 124th IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo – 25th to 29th April 2015
• SMART Supply Chain & Logistics Conference & Expo – 26th to 27th May 2015
• NZCSA National Conference and Exhibition – 9th to 11th August 2015
• RWTA National Conference and Exhibition – 26th to 28th August 2015

Keep your Cool –  JLLS Report on “The case for Refrigerated Logistics and Distribution Investment”

International News

• Peter Worthington Smith Award (South Africa)
• Dematic Acquires SDI Group Europe

Montague Open New Facility at Truganina

HR News – 3 Strikes and you’re out – the myth!

 News from GCCA

• IARW Global Cold Storage Capacity Report
• GCCA NextGen Award

Employee Engagement

Refrigeration Air Conditioning & GHG Reduction

Plus lots more ……

We trust that you enjoy reading the March ‘15 Issue, and if you would like to advertise, or contribute an article for inclusion in the next issue, Cold Running – June 2015, please email: rsturzaker@rwta.com.au  by COB on 1st May.

RWTA (NSW Division) – Networking Breakfast – Tue 14th April 2015

Date: Tuesday 14th April 2015

Venue: Breakfast Point Country Club – 72 Village Drive, Breakfast Point NSW

Time: 7:00am for 7:30 am (cooked breakfast) to Finish at 9.00am

Speakers: Three entertaining speakers to listen to, and time for networking will be available.

Cost: $60.00 for members, and $90.00 for non-members. (please feel free to invite as many quests as you wish !!!)

Bookings are now open, using the attached Registration Form ….. please email your completed form to: marieb@rwta.com.au or Fax to: (03) 9645 6445.

Download Registration Form

Payment Terms:

The RWTA’s preferred method of payment is EFT, and payment must be received prior to the event to confirm your attendance, an Invoice or / Receipt will be issued.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made more than 3 days prior to the event will receive a full refund. Refunds are not applicable when cancellation of a booking occurs within 3 days of the event.

Privacy Statement:

The RWTA collect personal information about participants in order to manage and maintain their event booking. Contact information will be used by the RWTA to provide information about future functions, events, training opportunities, key news and issues effecting the Australian Cold Chain Industry. Your contact information will not be released to any third parties without your prior consent.

RWTA (SA Division) – Networking Breakfast – Tue 31st March 2015

Date: Tuesday 31st March 2015

Venue: Stamford Grand Adelaide (Ballroom 4) Moseley Square – Glenelg SA

Time: 7:00am for 7:30 am (cooked breakfast) to Finish at 9.00am

Speakers: Two entertaining speakers to listen to, and time for networking will be available.

Michael Bellstedt (Managing Director - MINUS40 Refrigeration Engineers - Designers, Consultants and Project Managers.)

Michael will not only discuss refrigeration, but solar, lighting and other energy use, and address government support and energy efficiency finance also.

Steve Parbery (Corporate Accounts Client Manager - Toyota Material Handing Australia Pty Ltd.)

Steve will address the topic of Forklift Safety, and the ongoing improvements being utilized in order to reduce accidents and fatalities.

Cost: $44.00 for members, and $66.00 for non-members. (please feel free to invite as many quests as you wish !!!)

Download Registration Form

Payment Terms:

The RWTA’s preferred method of payment is EFT, and payment must be received prior to the event to confirm your attendance, an Invoice or / Receipt will be issued.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made more than 3 days prior to the event will receive a full refund. Refunds are not applicable when cancellation of a booking occurs within 3 days of the event.

Privacy Statement:

The RWTA collect personal information about participants in order to manage and maintain their event booking. Contact information will be used by the RWTA to provide information about future functions, events, training opportunities, key news and issues effecting the Australian Cold Chain Industry. Your contact information will not be released to any third parties without your prior consent.

RWTA (QLD Division) Networking Breakfast – Wed 4th March 2015

 

When: Wednesday 4th March 2015
Where: Observation Café – Port of Brisbane Visitor’s Centre 3 Port Central Ave, Brisbane QLD
Time: 7.00am for a 7.30am Start to Finish at 9.00am

The Networking:

We invite you to take a couple of hours before you start your day to connect with others in the industry to discuss high level topics of real importance, develop new relationships and gain critical information. This is a rare opportunity to network with other senior management professionals within the industry. Ample opportunity will be given for you to discuss issues and network with others.

The Speakers:

Ray Hodge Director of Ignite Business Consulting

• Ray will speak on crafting efficient business processes, optimising human resources, aligning your business with the buyer, and delivering results-based work through strategic planning and measurements.

Dean Watson National Product Manager - Toyota Material Handling

• Dean will address the topic of Forklift Safety, and the ongoing improvements being utilized in order to reduce accidents and fatalities.

Register Now

2015 Frank Vale Award – Nominations Now Closed

Nominations are now closed for the 2015 Frank Vale Award.

The Frank Vale Award has been awarded annually since 1993 to acknowledge talented young people within the industry, who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to become future leaders, and make a positive contribution to the development of the Australian Cold Chain Industry.

The 2015 Frank Vale Award Winner will be announced at the RWTA National Conference and Exhibition Gala Dinner at the Stamford Grand Adelaide (Glenelg) South Australia on Friday 28th August 2015.

REWARDS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE AWARD

Participation in the Frank Vale Award is a rewarding process regardless of whether you win the award. State Finalists and their partners travel as special guests of the RWTA to attend the 2015 RWTA Conference and Exhibition to be held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide (Glenelg) South Australia from 26-28 August 2015. Travel expenses, conference registration, accommodation and meal expenses of State Finalist’s and their partners are met by the RWTA.

The 2015 Frank Vale Award Winner will receive a $5,000 travel prize to attend the Global Cold Chain Alliance (IARW/WFLO) 125th Convention & Expo to be held at the Cosmopolitan - Las Vegas, Nevada USA from 9th to 13th April 2016.  This prize is generously sponsored by Retracom Contracting.

Participating in the Award process and attending the RWTA Conference and Exhibition also provides State Finalists with an outstanding opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the Australian Cold Chain Industry, along with an opportunity to meet many of the key players.  Past finalists agree that this experience has been invaluable.

2015 Frank Vale Award Poster

2015 Eligibility Criteria & Nomination Form

RWTA (NSW Division) Networking Breakfast – Tue 10th February 2015

When: Tuesday 10th February 2015
Where: Breakfast Point Country Club – 72 Village Drive, Breakfast Point
Time: 7.30am to 9.00am

The Networking:

We invite you to take a couple of hours before you start your day to connect with others in the industry to discuss high level topics of real importance, develop new relationships and gain critical information. This is a rare opportunity to network with other senior management professionals within the industry. Ample opportunity will be given for you to discuss issues and network with others.

The Topic:

Vehicle Rollovers!

• Why do Rollovers Occur? 

• What is the Appropriate Industrial Relations Response?

The Speakers:

 Mike Robertson, Managing Director & Engineering Manager, Engistics.

• Mike will cover why rollovers occur – including speed, sudden steering responses, loading, dynamic slosh, suspension and tyres etc. 

Tony Wilks, Group General Manager, Industrial Relations, Toll Group

• Tony will cover the industrial relations issues to be considered when a driver is involved in a rollover incident.

Register Now

124th IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo – Sun 26th to Wed 29th April 2015

 

At the 124th IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo, we will explore the challenges and issues facing today’s temperature-controlled logistics industry. This year’s event theme, Delivering Value, puts a spotlight on the role logistics companies play within the cold chain around the world. In today’s temperature-controlled logistics industry, companies have advanced to offer services as total supply chain solution providers to address growing customer needs. Attendees of the 124th IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo will explore:

• The bigger picture of the cold chain worldwide
• How each company can increase their positive impact in the global cold chain
• How companies can maximize their services to address total customer needs
• Strategies to deliver greater value to customers

Details: April 26-29, 2015 | Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek | Orlando, Florida

Learn More

RWTA Welcome New Executive Officer and Administration Officer

The Board of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) welcome Russell Sturzaker to the position of Executive Officer. Russell commenced with the Association on 22 September, and officially took over his new role on Friday 3rd October.

After an exhaustive recruitment process, the RWTA Board appointed Russell Sturzaker as the new Executive Officer. Russell has extensive experience in the Not for Profit Sector, currently serving as Chairman of the Australasian Society of Association Executives (Melbourne Chapter). His previous role was as CEO of Four Wheel Drive Victoria, a position he held for five years. At Four Wheel Drive Victoria, Russell was responsible for the overall development and management of the Association. His key task was to provide services to members and key stakeholders in accordance with the strategic intent, statutory requirements and membership agreements. He initiated, developed and implemented sound business practices, financial planning and reporting. Russell helped to build the membership base through strong communication, marketing, and consultation skills. He brings strong database management skills, web development experience and a track record of service delivery.

Russell replaces David Costelloe, who retired from the RWTA on Thursday 2nd October, after more than nine years serving the Association. For the past seven years David has been ably supported by his wife Dianne as the RWTA’s Administration Officer. Dianne also retired from the RWTA on Thursday 2nd October. The RWTA Board wish to thank Dianne & David for their great efforts over the last nine years, the Association has come a long way over this period, and our growth and success have been to a very large part due to the great work of David & Dianne. David has been the face of the RWTA, and has worked tirelessly to benefit the Association, and both David & Dianne leave a great legacy.

Also new at the RWTA and supporting Russell in his new role is Anne Thornton who commenced on Monday 29th September (working three days per week) as our new Administration Officer. Anne also has extensive experience in Association Management and the Not for Profit Sector, having served as the the Executive Officer for a national specialty nursing group for 9 years. One of Anne’s tasks during this period was to assist the board with moving the College from a federated body to a

company limited by guarantee, and with the rewriting of their constitution. Anne has excellent organisational and administrative skills having run the college’s office on her own for 5 years, and then with minimal assistance for the following 4 years. Anne also assisted in the organization and running of conferences and seminars across Australia.

We welcome Anne to her new position and wish her well in her new role.

New Contact Details at the RWTA

Listed below are the new contact details for the Executive Officer and Administration Officer, and we would ask that you update your contact details for the RWTA as follows:

Executive Officer

Russell Sturzaker

Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd

VTA Offices, 50 Wirraway Drive Port Melbourne VIC 3207

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PO Box 5 South Melbourne VIC 3205

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Administration Officer

Anne Thornton

Refrigerated Warehouse & TransportAssociation of Australia Ltd

VTA Offices, 50 Wirraway Drive Port Melbourne VIC 3207

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PO Box 5 South Melbourne VIC 3205

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2014 FRANK VALE AWARD WINNER

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to acknowledge talented young people within the Industry, who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to make a positive contribution to the development of the industry, and who will become future leaders in the industry.

 Three very worthy finalists contested the 2014 Frank Vale Award. They were Joel Chapman, Team Manager, Americold Logistics Ltd (QLD), Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) and Cherie Wassell, Quality & Compliance Coordinator, Americold Logistics Ltd (NSW).

 At the Gala Dinner held on 22nd August, at the conclusion of the 2014 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition, Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) was announced as the winner of the 2014 Frank Vale Award.

 When asked for his thoughts on the Award, Jeff commented as follows, “Participating in the 2014 RWTA National conference for me personally was a humbling experience, not every day do you get an opportunity to be sitting in a room filled with leaders who have helped shape our industry and speak about what the future looks like and areas of opportunity. Winning the 2014 Frank Vale award came as both a shock, and surprise at the time, as all the state finalists had a wealth of knowledge and experience in the cold chain industry”.

 “There were some very memorable presentations through the conference from topics such as the supply chain in Asia and the United States, through to Heavy Vehicle Regulation in our states, the Prawn Industry in Australia, and Business Fundamentals just to name a few. For me it was great to see people speak about their roles, where they fit in the chain, and most of all seeing the passion for what they do to service the growing demand in their areas. As a young leader in the industry it is encouraging seeing professionals speak about their passions, and most notably seeing their drive to change current practices for the future of the industry”.   “On the night of the Gala Dinner, the announcement of the Frank Vale Award was initially nerve racking, however the overall experience and recognition from members of the Association, and fellow participants made the night (for me) something to remember”.  

“Retracom’s support and sponsorship of the travel prize for The Frank Vale Award is a credit to their business through recognizing young leaders in the industry. I look forward to participating in the IARW/WFLO Annual Convention and Expo in Orlando Florida in April 2015, were I will be looking to absorb as much information as possible, while sharing my experience with the team”.

2014 RWTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION VOTED A REAL WINNER

The 2014 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, held at Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Cairns, Queensland, from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22md August 2014 was a resounding success.
Under the theme “Leadership, Transformation and Technology”, our 2014 Conference featured some outstanding Australian and International speakers, and there were plenty of opportunities to network during the 3-day event, not only during the plenary sessions but also at the 2 cocktail functions and Gala Dinner.
In terms of attendance and support it ranked in the top four most successful RWTA Conferences & Exhibitions, following Sydney in 2013, Launceston in 2011 and Melbourne in 2010. 139 delegates and partners attended the event, and the exhibition was a sell out, well ahead of time, with 12 exhibitors, including 3 overseas companies.
We sincerely thank the support of all exhibitors, namely:
Exhibitors:

• TWUSuper
• Accellos Inc Canada
• Crown Equipment
• EMSC Australia
• Toyota Material Handling
• Dematic
• Stow Australia
• Vocollect by Honeywell
• GEA Refrigeration Australia
• Minus40
• Efficient Refrigeration & Energy Saving
• Genuine Tuck Bodies

RWTA Conference & Expo – Wed 26th to Fri 28th August 2015

SOUTH AUSTRALIA SELECTED FOR 2015 RWTA CONFERENCE

The 2015 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide, South Australia from Wed 26th to Fri 28th August 2015.

Just a short flight from all states in Australia, Adelaide is the "perfect host city" and is "ready to be uncorked"... says Lonely Planet which named the South Australian capital as one of the top 10 must visit cities for 2015.

The city centre is surrounded by parklands and is a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, parklands, cafes and restaurants. Adelaide is easy to get around with rolling hills to the east and beaches to the west.

Conference Location: Glenelg
Located only 10 kilometres from the heart of Adelaide City, Glenelg is a charming seaside resort set on the long sandy white shores of Holdfast Bay. Glenelg is the site of
South Australia's original mainland settlement in 1836, and is Adelaide's most popular coastal region.

Glenelg has a perfect Mediterranean climate characterized by warm dry summers and cool mild winters. Summer temperatures average around 27 degrees Celsius and winter months around 15 degrees Celsius. Just a short 25 minute trip, by tram departing Moseley Square, the centre of Glenelg takes you to Victoria Square in the heart of Adelaide.

Conference Venue - Stamford Grand Glenelg
Stamford Grand Adelaide Glenelg Hotel is one of the best luxury accommodations in Glenelg Adelaide. Located on one of Adelaide's premier beachside resorts of Glenelg, the Stamford Grand provides you with in an absolute beachfront location with all the facilities and services you expect from a Stamford Hotel. The Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel is an ideal base for you to discover all that Glenelg and Adelaide has to offer.
and a cocktail.

Stamford Grand Features

• 220 luxury rooms, including
• 29 suites with beautiful ocean or Adelaide Hills views
• 12 function rooms available for small meetings to large conventions featuring balconies with ocean and city views
• Grand Ballroom offering seating capacity up to 500 people
• Fully equipped gymnasium and pool, spa and sauna
• A la carte dining and stunning panoramic views at The Promenade Restaurant
• The Grand Bar with its polished floors, spacious bar and ocean
• Horizons Cocktail Lounge is the ideal spot to chill out with friends

Conference Details

Conference Program Details will be released shortly detailing Speakers, Exhibition Packages, Partner Program, Social Events, Golf and Sponsorship Opportunities

Delegate and Partner Registration will again be available online in early 2015.

Glenelg is the perfect location for delegates and their partners to make a holiday out of their time in South Australia, including the wineries of the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley and Limestone Coast and numerous other attractions close by...

So make sure you put these dates in your diary, as the place to be in August 2015 will be the STAMFORD GRAND ADELAIDE, GLENELG SA

Download Flyer

Exhibitors and sponsors are encouraged to contact the Executive Officer - Russell Sturzaker at rsturzaker@rwta.com.au to discuss your involvement at this exciting conference and exhibition.

RWTA RESIGNATION ANNOUNCEMENT

After more than nine years serving our organisation, David Costelloe has decided to move on. David has also indicated that Dianne, who has supported David for the last seven years, will also be resigning.

David and Dianne will stay on in the Executive Officer and the office support roles until after this year’s conference. They have also agreed to stay on and help to transition process to a new Executive Officer.

I thank Dianne & David for the great efforts over the last nine years. The Association has come a long way over this period. Our Association’s growth and success have been to a very large part due to David & Dianne’s great work. David has been the face of the RWTA. He has worked tirelessly to benefit the association. Both David & Dianne will leave a great legacy. The association is financially secure and through the State meetings and sub-committees, engages members at a level the association has never done before. Dianne & David have developed our annual conference ensuring it remains relevant to all our members. Despite the contraction in the number of companies in our industry, conference participation has remained extremely strong. David has ensured that both members and associate members derive great benefits from their association with the RWTA.

Paul Fleiszig
Chairman RWTA

CAIRNS IS THE DESTINATION FOR 2014

The 2014 RWTA National Conference & Exhibition will be held at Pullman Cairns International (previously Sebel Cairns) from 20-22 August.

Contemporary and elegant, Pullman Cairns International reflects the grandeur and style of a colonial past and includes 321 spacious guest rooms with views of either the harbour or hinterland.  All guest rooms include furnished private balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, mini bar, safe, movies on demand and complimentary internet access for RWTA delegates.

With flexible event rooms and beautiful outdoor venues, Pullman Cairns International is ideal for our conference and exhibition and is designed to impress.

The hotel’s CBD location puts delegates right in the heart of Cairns.  Guests have hundreds of local attractions and adventures to choose from right at the hotel door step.  Cairns has so much on offer and only 30 minutes away are the renowned tropical beaches like Palm Cove and a little further north the magical Port Douglas. The location is perfect for delegates and their partners wishing to make a holiday out of their time in Cairns and the exciting Tropical North Queensland region.

Further details on the conference program, exhibition and sponsorship will be available shortly.

2013 RWTA CONFERENCE A REAL WINNER

The 2013 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, held at Sheraton Four Points Darling Harbour, Sydney, in August was a great success.

In terms of attendance and support it ranked in the top three most successful recent RWTA Conferences & Exhibitions, following Melbourne in 2010 and Launceston in 2011.

Over 140 delegates and partners attended the event. The exhibition was a sell out, well ahead of time, with a record 21 exhibitors, including 3 overseas companies. We sincerely thank the support of all exhibitors:

• Commonwealth Bank
• Bondor
• Xtralis
• TWUSuper
• Assa Abloy Entrance Systems
• Dexion
• Askin
• Vocollect Asia Pacific
• Barpro Storage South Africa/Dematic
• Hepworths
• Temperature Technology
• EMSC Australia
• Labourforce Impex Personnel
• Toyota Material Handling Australia
• Ampac Technologies
• Accellos Inc Canada
• Minus40
• GEA Refrigeration Componentry
• Microlistics
• Stow Australia
• Ulti Group New Zealand

We had terrific support from sponsors – our 3 Gold Alliance Partners (Commonwealth Bank, TWUSuper and GSA Insurance Brokers), Accellos Inc Canada, Americold Logistics, Carrier Transicold, Montague Cold Storage, Progressive Green, Retracom Group, Swire Cold Storage, Toyota Material Handling Australia and Treasury Wine Estates.

Delegates enjoyed 2 days of plenary sessions with excellent speakers covering a variety of industry issues, including our 2 international speakers generously sponsored by the Global Cold Chain Alliance, namely Corey Rosenbusch, President & CEO GCCA and Doug Thomas, President/CEO of Bellingham Cold Storage USA and Chairman IARW.

The Gala Dinner was another night of glittering entertainment, fine dining and dancing where three awards were presented.

The Greg Montague Award for 2013, in recognition of outstanding contribution to the RWTA and our industry, was presented to Cate McGuire Chief Executive Officer for Oomiak Industrial Refrigeration. Cate has been a tremendous supporter of the RWTA over many years in South Australia and also served on the National RWTA Board as the SA Representative. Cate was instrumental in progressing a number of recent initiatives, including the new RWTA website and reviewing the selection guidelines and scoring for the Frank Vale Award. Well done Cate.

A new Life Membership was also announced on the night, namely to Peter Quinn, previously Director of the Montague Group. Peter has served as National Chairman of the RWTA for four years and was previously Vice Chairman and Board Member for a number of years prior to taking on the Chairmanship. Peter actively worked on the consolidation of the RWTA as a national body in all respects, helped strengthen our association with GCCA and VTA and instigated a number of sub-committees. Congratulations Peter on your Life Membership.

The Frank Vale Award for 2013 was announced and the winner is Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Logistics, Queensland (see story in this edition).

We have received terrific feedback from delegates and partners, with expressed intentions by many members, including non-attendees this year, to attend the 2014 event.

2013 FRANK VALE AWARD WINNER

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to an outstanding young achiever in our industry.
Three very worthy finalists contested the 2013 Frank Vale Award. They were Daryl Nightingale, Customer Supply Chain Manager, BE Campbell (NSW), Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Logistics (QLD) and Grant Keating, Telecommunications & Security Systems Manager, Oxford Cold Storage (VIC).

At the RWTA Gala Dinner in August, concluding the 2013 National Conference and Exhibition,  Scott Barbour was selected as the winner of the 2013 Frank Vale Award.

A very excited Scott Barbour stated “winning the Frank Vale Award for 2013 was a very pleasant surprise and honour. To just attend the 2013 RWTA National Conference was very rewarding in itself as Daryl, Grant and myself were able to mingle with the leaders of our industry for the duration of the Conference. 

Scott commented “all members were very inviting and wanted to know our stories and it really made me feel like we were a big part of the National Conference. On the night of winning the Frank Vale Award, it was a bit overwhelming with the amount of support that I received and it really was a special night”.

After winning the Frank Vale Award, Scott made a special trip to the Retracom Group site at Crestmead, Brisbane and met with the team who has sponsored the international travel prize component of the Award for the past 7 years. 

Scott comments were “Retracom's generous support of the Frank Vale Award and young leaders in the industry is instrumental and a great credit to them. The Frank Vale experience has really opened my eyes to the industry as a whole.  I think as a young member you tend to be quite micro in your thoughts and have the blinkers on while you cover off your specific responsibilities.   The Frank Vale Award and the entire Frank Vale Award process helps you open your eyes to the industry as a whole and all the pieces that come together to make it work.  As April 2014 fast approaches, I am really looking forward to heading over to San Diego California for the 2014  IARW/WFLO Annual Convention and Expo to soak up as much information as I possibly can. I am sure it will be a fantastic event and the opportunity to attend and contribute is very exciting”.

Well done Scott, you are a most deserving winner of the 2013 Frank Vale Award.