Open to all Australians in a wide array of competition categories, the aim of the Fishing Challenge is to raise awareness of prostate cancer through fishing fun and $130,000 in cash and prizes. As in previous years, the money raised through the competition is being donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

The Group General Manager of Pirtek Fluid Systems Pty Ltd, Stephen Dutton, said “We had a tremendous surge of support for last year’s challenge and were delighted to hand over to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia a cheque for $80,000. In 2012 we’re aiming for 6,000 competitors and $120,000 for PCFA.

“There are over $130,000 in cash and prizes for this year’s challenge and I urge fishos young and old to become involved. Everyone at Pirtek wishes all competitors good luck and a great day out.”

Prostate Cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in men, and around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed in Australia each year. Annually, about 2,700 deaths will be recorded in Australia due to prostate cancer.

In its early stages, prostate cancer is treatable. However, symptoms are rarely noticed before the cancer has started to spread to other parts of the body, making successful treatment much more difficult.

There are early detection methods widely available in Australia, and all men are advised to talk to their healthcare provider about their prostate health regularly after the age of 50, or 40 if there is a history of prostate disease in the family.

The ATA NSW health and wellbeing library includes an article about prostate cancer [PDF]. The library is provided by RT Health Fund.

Photo Credit: Dacre Timbs, wikimedia commons.

The vehicle’s driver, Jason, said “the wheel came off the ramp and bounced on the southbound lanes, then bounced in the air, over the wall and into the northbound lanes.
“The wheel hit the bonnet of my car and brought me to a crawl. I was able to roll it into the sliplane, but it was undrivable.”
The incident occurred at 1:50pm on the 6th of January near the Falcon Street overpass. As yet, no one has reported losing the wheel. If you believe that one of your trucks could have been involved, please consider reporting it to the police. If you are a member of ATA NSW, you can also phone our office on (02) 9571 8600.
Don’t let this happen to your truck- consult the ATA’s wheel security advisory procedure for best practice guidance on wheel security.

The seminars will be held in Sydney on 24 January and in Newcastle on 2 February.

The seminars will be run by ATA NSW’s industrial relations partner, Ai Group, and will cover:

• an overview of the reforms
• implications of provisions concerning consultation
• implications of the remote and isolated work provisions
• an explanation of the issue resolution provisions
• advice regarding HSR and committee functions and practical solutions for management.

Ai Group will also provide a brief update on the TWU’s ‘Safe Rates’ campaign, including the introduction of the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011 into Federal Parliament. If passed in its current form, the Bill would have major impact on both employers and hirers of owner drivers.

ATA NSW sent out registration forms for the seminars in the 9 January issue of NSW Freight News. If you need another copy, just contact the office.

If you’re not a member, why not join now?

The 2012 Australian Trucking Convention will feature international safety leader Don Osterberg, the Senior Vice President of Safety, Security and Driver Training at Schneider National, one of the largest truckload carriers in America.

ATA NSW members who register before 23 December will receive a $350 discount.

The convention will be held from 16-19 May 2012 at the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre, Sydney.

The discount consists of a $250 Christmas bonus and a $100 member discount for being in ATA NSW. In addition, delegates who register before 23 December have the chance to win back the cost of their registration.

Register now and save.

Under Don Osterberg’s leadership, Schneider National has achieved massive safety improvements, productivity gains and business growth.

Don Osterberg will explain how he got these results – and how his approach to workplace safety, engagement and motivation can transform any Australian trucking business.

At the convention, leading economic forecaster Chris Richardson from Deloitte Access Economics will brief delegates on the industry’s business outlook.

And corporate adviser Brendan Richards from Ferrier Hodgson will provide expert advice on how trucking businesses can manage the changes in the industry to come.

There will be social events as well: the Hino Australia Golf Day at the beautiful St Michael’s course, Volvo’s Night at the Races and the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner.

If you’re not a member of ATA NSW you won’t get the member discount — so join now.

Chain of Responsibility Australia is powered by Urban E-Learning, an award-winning registered training organisation and a new member of ATA NSW. More than 20,000 people have completed its courses.

The course can be completed in less than an hour at a time that suits staff schedules. Staff can print out their completion certificate as soon as they have finished the course.
The staff must be registered for the online course before the end of December 2011.

ATA NSW members received a link in the 7 December 2011 issue of NSW Freight News to register staff for the course. If you’re a member and don’t have the registration link, email atansw@truck.net.au. If you’re not a member, you’ll need to join.

The Government introduced the bills into Parliament last week.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the bills would establish a new Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.

“The bill empowers the tribunal to inquire into sectors, issues and practices within the road transport industry and, where appropriate, determine mandatory minimum rates of pay and related conditions for employed and self-employed drivers,” he said.

ATA NSW manager Jill Lewis said the organisation would fight for its members.

“ATANSW is an association that supports and represents operators, and we will continue to push for compliance and enforcement rather than unnecessary red tape,” Jill said.

“In our submission to the safe rates secretariat in February, we very clearly stated that ‘safety is a culture that should be nurtured and grown through improved practices and encouragement.’ The creation of yet another tribunal will do nothing to improve compliance.”

The two bills will be debated in Parliament next year. If passed, they will take effect from 1 July 2012.

If you are a member of ATA NSW and have not received the fact sheet, contact us.

If you are not a member, join now.