LIVESTOCK and Rural Transporter Association of Victoria (LRTAV) executive officer, Alina Hawkins has been honoured with the Australian Trucking Industry’s 2023 Woman of the Year award.

Ms Hawkins was nominated for the award by the LRTAV and her extensive history in the livestock transport industry made her a great role model for others to follow.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to attend Trucking Australia 2023,” she said.

“I am overjoyed with the Cummins sponsored accolade of National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year.  

“I am grateful for the nomination and feel very honoured to represent the livestock industry which I am very passionate about.

“I couldn’t have achieved what I have over the past 20 years without my husband and two children and my extended family and friends.”

Alina is considered an excellent role model for women in trucking and is a passionate advocate for the transport industry, particularly the rural trucking sector.

One of Alina’s greatest assets is her grass roots knowledge in rural trucking that allows her to apply practical thinking to policy making in her executive officer role.

Alina Hawkins has over 20 years of experience in interstate transport, has been a member of the LRTAV for many years while she and husband Kain operated their livestock business - Hawkins Stock Transport.

“My role involves a lot of behind the scenes work to ensure government policies and regulations are realistic for our industry and designed to support safety and productivity,” she said. 

“I look forward to using my industry knowledge to assist our membership into the future.” 

Alina gained her heavy vehicle licence in 2005 and was mentored on the job to train to cart cattle.

She had to be proficient in changing tyres, driving in all conditions, loading, and unloading stock, as well as repairing trailer plugs and washing out.

 “Over the years I have enjoyed every aspect of livestock transport from operations and administration right through to the truck driving and the challenges that come with being a female in a male dominated industry,” Ms Hawkins said.

“As I became more involved in the rural transport sector, I was able to grow and adapt to most situations.

“Life is all about your attitude, nothing in life is ever easy but doing a job you love makes life easier.” 

Ms Hawkins would love nothing more than to see more young people, women in particular, join the rural transport industry and said it has much to offer.