PAUL KAHLERT  

ALL PURPOSE TRANSPORT (APT) -  BERRINBA

Paul commenced his transport career as a 19 year old, working for a freight forwarder at Expo 88.  A conversation at Expo 88 with the owner of APT lead to a job offer, helping to set up a new computer system and 31 years later Paul remains at APT.  Paul has now held the role of General Manager for 17 years after working his way through the business in various roles.

Paul specialises in Strategic Planning, Business Planning & Budget, Project Management and Implementation, Workforce Development and now, Pandemic Crisis Management. 

Paul is a keen Brisbane Lions fan and enjoys getting out on his jet ski or beach 4WDing.

 TRACIE DICKENSON
DARYL DICKENSON TRANSPORT (DDT) - YATALA

Tracie started out in the industry when she met her husband Daryl back in 1990 although she wasn't entirely new to the industry, with her father driving trucks when she was a baby.

Since 1990, Tracie and Daryl have grown the business from owner/operators to the successful small/medium company it is today.  DDT has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency and a focus on safety. 

Tracie has a real passion for safety and is involved in a number of committees and focus groups that specialise not only on this topic but industry improvement in general.   In 2013 Tracie was awarded the QTA Trucking Woman of the Year Award and in 2017 the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year.

In her spare time, Tracie loves spending time with her beautiful grandchildren. 

Kevin started his career in transport and logistics working for Greyhound Buses initially. He was then offered an opportunity with Bus Freight and it was here that Kevin was bitten by the T&L bug and he never looked back.

Kevin has worked in a variety of businesses in the industry, gaining experience in many roles before eventually landing at Bonds Transport Group where he has now been for the past 6 years in management positions. 

Kevin believes in and strives to promote the importance of a blended workforce/team to gain success, ensuring this is based on and driven by structure and a positive culture. 

When not at work, Kevin likes to follow the motor racing and is also actively involved in his son's baseball club. 

Samantha grew up in her family towing business on the Sunshine Coast and has had a passion for transport since she was a kid. She went on to study at university gaining degrees in Business and Accounting and worked in financial compliance and advisory services before being drawn back to the family business.  She enjoyed the operational side of things and joined the newly acquired Barnes Auto Co as a Director in 2018.

Samantha has since gained hands on experience in the full spectrum of operations within a transport business. She has implemented various new systems ensuring efficient and profitable processes, she has the ability to think outside the box, always looking for better ways to get the job done and enjoys working and learning from talented individuals within the industry. 

Outside of work Samantha enjoys contributing to the community through working with not-for-profit organisations and volunteering for At Risk Youth in regional QLD. She is also a self-confessed adrenaline junkie. 

 BEN COLVIN  
PROCHEM HAULAGE PTY LTD - MACKAY

Ben may have started in the transport industry officially in 2008 but he has been involved in the family transport business since he was 10 years old. As soon as he was able to sit in the drivers seat properly, Ben's father John had him backing truck and dog combinations between 44 gallon drums in the yards. 
Ben never looked back and has been the Operations Manager at Prochem Haulage for over 3 years. 

Ben brings a wealth of mechanical and regional/mining knowledge to his role at Prochem, as well as his numerous competencies with three trades under his belt (Engineering, Mechanical Automotive and Electrical/Refrigeration Automotive) , he is an Approved Examiner with Transport and Main Roads and has also recently started an Advanced Diploma.   Ben was part of the inaugural QTA/Daimler Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program in 2018.

Mechanics is his passion and Ben works on his Harley's in his time off and loves spending time with his young family. 

 CHERYL CONNOR 
EXODAS PTY LTD - YATALA

Only fairly new to the industry compared to some, Cheryl left her Administration Management role seven years ago to go work for Exodas.  After being part of the management team for three and a half years, Cheryl was appointed as CEO in 2019. 

Cheryl has strong organisational, communication and leadership skills, and has an ability to adapt and manage any situation that arises.  Cheryl strongly promotes the importance of building a team environment in any business. 

Cheryl loves nothing more than spending time with friends and family, camping, reading and also volunteers her time on a number of committees within her local community. 

Michael started MJ Mahon transport straight after High School with one small truck, completing courier deliveries. He eventually upgraded the business by selling his single vehicle to buy two 12-tonne trucks.  Since then, his business has gone from strength to strength and gradually grown to the successful, 30-truck operation it is today. 

With over 20 years of experience, Michael has developed strong business management skills including customer service, employee relations, business and cash flow analysis and forecasting experience. 

Michael is continuing to expand his knowledge and share his experience by joining our Board of Directors. 

Aside from his love of trucks, Michael has a keen interest in classic cars, country music and taking the family camping and 4WDing. 

David's first experience in the transport and logistics industry was back when he was in school, working in depots after school and on school holidays. It was then that David developed a passion for the industry and decided to join the family business where he has now spent the last 26 years in the role of CEO.

David believes in giving back to the industry, volunteering much of his time participating in committees and on boards. David is a past Australian Trucking Association Chair, and currently serves as an ATA Board and Council member and QTA Board of Directors member. In 2013 David was awarded the QTA Industry Excellence Award and in 2014 the ATA Outstanding Contribution to the Trucking Industry Award.

Outside of running a busy transport company, David enjoys skiing, travel, food/wine and spending time with friends. 

Lance has been in the transport industry for over 25 years as the Director or Innisfail Carrying Company, deciding he would make the move from the mining sector into transport so as to spend more time with his family. He is still unsure if that's been the case. 

Outside of running a specialised transport service throughout NQ, Lance is a very passionate Rugby League supporter or any sport for that matter, being a committee and board member for Brothers Leagues Club and Brothers Football Club. 

Lance will bring to the QTA Board a great knowledge of the FNQ Region, an experienced but level head with a willingness to continue his learning journey. When Lance is out of the office, he's spending time with his family!