The Global Next Generation Award

Back in 2019, the RWTA excitedly announced Demi Hiriaki from Iceland Cold Storage as the Winner of the 2019 Frank Vale Award.

This is the first step for young leaders to progress over the span of  a year to an international platform, the GCCA Next Generation Award (NextGen).

This International Award annually acknowledges 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 become future leaders in the cold chain sector.

The Global NextGen competition was to be held in the USA in September 2020; but as the pandemic dictated, this was cancelled and the International Competition was instead held virtually this week.

This final competition was to seek a winner from three great contestants from around the world. These competitors included our very own Frank Vale Winner, Demi Hiriaki, Chief Operations Officer of Iceland Cold Storage, Luca Quaresima, the Europe Operations and Logistics Manager from Newcold and Zeshan Hassan, Continuous Improvement Leader from Congebec Inc in Canada.

We are pleased to invite you to view the presentations of the three professionals, below!

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/4231235616622678796

On this occasion, Luca Quaresima was the overall winner this year, and we would like to pass our congratulations to him from Australia on behalf of the RWTA.  

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Demi for participating at world class level and representing Australia in it’s very best light.

She has worked hard to be part of this competition in the most challenging of circumstances and did an excellent job and did herself, company and RWTA proud!

Well Done Demi Hiriaki!

Introducing Brett Lynch, Scotts RL new appointed CEO

The RWTA is excited to introduce you to Brett Lynch, the brand new CEO of Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics, formerly known as AHG.

Brett discusses this recent business name change, the plans he has to bring the different companies under one united banner and his passion for encouraging future leaders of the cold chain in the year ahead. We would like to welcome our new colleague into the Australian Cold Chain, sit and have a 10 minute break to get acquainted!

An update from Washington by the new CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance

Matt Ott is the CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance in Washington and hit the ground running at the beginning of 2020 just as COVID hit. In this interview, Matt spoke of the Presidential Election and the pandemic situation. He discusses the availability of the COVID vaccine in terms of storage and transport and the effect that it has had on the American psyche. Take 10 mins and a coffee to find out more about what’s happening in the Cold Chain in the USA!

Steve Johnstone from Lago Cold Stores discussing his experience as the Frank Vale Winner, 2002

There are many ongoing faces of the Frank Vale Legacy.

Steve Johnstone from Lago Cold Storage has been in cold storage since 1986 and competed as a Frank Vale Contender, and won, in 2002.

Take 7 minutes today to listen to him speak about the long term benefits of his experience. From the great mentors, professional and personal contacts, public speaking opportunities and his belief that the Australian Cold Storage Industry has indeed become a desirable career for all manner of promising people in the future.

The Frank Vale Award is an extraordinary opportunity, just take it from Steve!

We would like to introduce you to Mathew Reiffel, the Frank Vale Winner of 2017

Take a minute to see what this invaluable opportunity has done to fast track his career, give international visibility to he and his company and further his personal growth.

With the Frank Vale Competition to be announced in March this year, make sure you nominate a workmate before the 22nd January!

More details and nomination form here.

Episode 1 - The Australian Cold Chain Show

Brought to you by Better Storage Systems

We kicked off with Matt Ott, CEO at the Global Cold Chain Alliance, who spoke of the Presidential Election and the pandemic situation. He discusses the availability of the COVID vaccine in terms of storage and transport and the effect that it has had on the American psyche.

Next is Brett Lynch, the new CEO of Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics. We discussed the recent business name change from AHG to Scott’s RL, the plans he has to bring the different companies under one united banner and encouraging future leaders of the cold chain in the year ahead.

To wrap up the episode, I spoke with Patrick Hutchinson, CEO of Australian Meat Industry Council. His information about the meat industry which has been heavily hit with the deteriorating communication between Australia and China may not be all bad news.

The game changing pandemic and how it has affected the Temperature Controlled sector in Europe

Whether it’s been virtual events, OH&S requirements or the availability of skilled labour, the pandemic in Europe has been a game changer. Join with the RWTA as we speak with the European Director of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, Julie Hanson for the inside information.

Since when has alcohol NOT been considered as an essential item??

RWTA speaks with long time Member, James Cunningham from Barpro in Cape Town about skewed pandemic priorities in Africa and the flourishing contraband market.

Transport Women, Cold Chain & Optimism

Watch this vodcast hosted by Trade Australia and Lawrence Christoffelsz, interviewing:

• Marianne Kintzel, Executive Officer of RWTA who speaks about gaining visibility for the Australian Cold Chain during the pandemic and upcoming events in 2021.

• Jacquelene Brotherton, Chair of transport Australia Limited regarding mentoring and how TAL encourages women to join the Industry for a fulfilling career in the Transport sector.

• Victor Perton, Chief Optimism Officer of The Center for Optimism who covers with energy and enthusiasm about how to create positive relationships, and that trust is inherently optimistic.

A power-packed episode that you don't want to miss!

Energy Consumption in Refrigerated Warehouses and how to cut Operating Expenses

Stefan Jensen, Managing Director of Scantec Refrigeration

Marianne Kintzel, Executive Director of the RWTA

The UK Cold Chain in 2020; Brexit, COVID and Vaccines

Shane Brennan, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation;
Marianne Kintzel, EO of the RWTA

Conference Registration is OPEN

Business Insights Series Vodcast 21/10/2020 at 6:45am AEDT

Click here to listen to the Vodcast

KIZAD Webinar

This webinar will provide an overview of the opportunities available to companies from Australian and New Zealand to establish their base of operations in Abu Dhabi and KIZAD.

Welcome to Danrae, Experts in Waterproofing, as a new member and part of the RWTA Family!

Danrae  are a family owned and operated company with over 70 years combined experience in waterproofing and roofing membranes.

For the Australian Cold Chain, Danrae can install insulation and membrane systems to improve the energy efficiency of warehouses which drastically increases the thermal performance of the roof which is fully compliant to NCC 2019 and can reduce energy costs by up to 30% per annum.

This insulation reduces overall project costs compared to removing and replacing with a like-for-like metal roof system and eliminates the risk of damaging the internal space during the remediation works by not having to remove the existing metal roof. They also offer the same labour warranties with a maintenance plan.

Their fully waterproofed system doesn’t rely on silicon sealants, tapes and self sealing fixings like that of a metal roof system and they offer up to 30 years manufacturer backed system warranty.

You can trust Danrae  as they have fully trained waterproofing tradesmen and project managers that specialise in problem solving your specific issues. Danrae run major projects on warehouses such as IKEA and are presently working with key commercial customers such as Goodman, JLL and Frasers Property.

Take advantage of their free waterproofing knowledge workshops to the industry. To discover more, click here: https://www.danraegroup.com.au/waterproofing-company/

Welcome to Iceman, Transport Refrigeration Experts, as a new member and part of the RWTA Family!

INDUSTRY UPDATE: Automotive Holdings Group

AHG, as of today, will now be known as Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics or ScottsRL.
They will no longer refer to themselves as AHG Refrigerated Logistics or AHGRL and they will also begin to retire the SRF, Rand and JAT brands.
Under the new name, SCOTTS RL will be retaining three legal entities which are Scott’s Refrigerated Freightways Pty Ltd, Rand Transport (1986) Pty Ltd and JAT Road Transport Pty Ltd. Importantly the ABNs of these entities will not be changing, however the registered name of the three legal entities will change in the near future. These new legal entity names will be released once these changes are finalised.
New branding of facilities, fleet and documentation will be rolled out over the next few months. Their email and website will change from today to www.scottsrl.com.au and by using the format firstname.surname@scottsrl.com.au to contact employees.
Should you have any questions you can contact their Customer Support via email at nationalcustomersupport@scottsrl.com.au or by phoning 1800 874 885.

RWTA EO Message - Federal Government Update

Legislation has been passed to implement the Payment Times Reporting Scheme, which will shine a light on large business payment performance.

Under the scheme, large businesses and applicable government enterprises with a total annual income of over $100 million will have to report publicly on how they pay their small business suppliers.

The government sees this as supporting millions of small businesses to get paid on time aslate payments have a significant impact on small business cash flow and inhibit the ability of a firm to invest, grow and employ.

Cash flow is crucial to the health of any business, but especially small business.

The government suggests that

• The introduction of this is transparency will lead to fairer and faster payments for Australia’s small and family businesses

• This will help small businesses make more informed decisions about who they do business with

• That the general public can make better decisions about the large businesses they purchase from.

• Reducing long and late payment times to small business will help improve their cash flow and boost employment and wages.

This will commence on 1 January 2021, and a dedicated web portal is being developed to help large businesses identify their small business suppliers and allow them to report on their payment performance.

RWTA EO Message - SA, QLD & NSW Border Update

UPDATE for Friday 10th July 2020 for SOUTH AUSTRALIA, QUEENSLAND AND THE NEW SOUTH WALES BORDER

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia has issued an updated Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 8) (COVID-19) Direction 2020, effective from 12:01am, 9 July 2020.
This Direction requires commercial transport and freight drivers who usually reside in Victoria to:

• wear a face mask when interacting with the public in South Australia;

• maintain records of close contacts; and

• self-quarantine in South Australia when not undertaking work related duties (You may quarantine in your truck or alternatively other private arrangements provided you are segregated from others.

Transport workers who enter South Australia in the conduct of their duties are not required to self-quarantine, but are required to complete a cross-border pre approval form.
SA authorities encourage specific questions about personal circumstances to be addressed to the dedicated SA information line - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days on 1800 253 787.

QUEENSLAND

From 12:01pm today, Friday 10th July, freight operators entering Queensland are required to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. This is a new requirement.

The declaration will require drivers to state whether they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the previous 14 days. Please note that Queensland defines the entire state of Victoria as a hotspot.

Being present in a hotspot does not prevent drivers from carrying out their essential work and entering Queensland.

Queensland authorities will not physically stop trucks at the border, however they will conduct random spot checks. Authorities have advised freight and logistics providers are not required to quarantine - see Schedule 2 (6) of the Border restrictions Direction (No. 8). However, a person entering Queensland for an essential activity (including transport of freight and logistics) must:

1. keep and retain written records of close contacts for a 14-day period commencing on the date of arrival in Queensland, or, if they remain in Queensland for a period of less than 14 days, for that period; and

2. provide the records to an emergency officer (public health) if directed by an emergency officer (public health) or to a contact tracing officer; and

3. minimise contact with the community for a period of 14 days; and

4. to the extent reasonably practicable, practice social distancing including by remaining at least 1.5 metres from other people.

NEW SOUTH WALES

The NSW Government is creating an additional permit to support critical freight and logistics workers to cross the Victorian border with NSW. This permit will allow people within the freight and transport industry to travel between NSW and Victoria for the purpose of their duties, providing their employer has a COVID-19 Safety Plan. They will not be required to quarantine.
The NSW Government has commenced the development of the new permit, which will be live through Service NSW by close of business yesterday the 9th July.  COVID-Safe plans and guidelines to assist the industry are also available to align with this additional permit at www.nsw.gov.au/covid/covid-safe-businesses

Talking Business at Bubbles

As the last three months have been undoubtedly a cluster, we decided to host a networking function at a former brothel in Fortitude Valley, ‘Les Bubbles’!

Yesterday heralded the loosening of COVID restrictions for the QLD Chapter of the RWTA in Brisbane and although we were limited in numbers and distance, we managed to get 20 in the room and had the place to ourselves.

We invited Warehouse Members and non-members alike to chew the fat and break the drought in the flesh!

‘Les Bubbles” is a Parisian steakhouse and is forged in the very same building which housed the illegal casino, bath-house and brothel. While the card decks and kerb servers are absent, the buildings colourful history remains pinned to every wall; a great place where we were able to enjoy and excellent meal and great conversation. *All who attended assured me that they had no idea that the place existed!

We are very much looking forward to doing the same in other states when it is deemed safe.