AN INCREASED focus on mental health was one of Geoff Crouch’s key achievements during his three years at the helm of the Australian Trucking Association.
Mr Crouch is to retire as ATA chair in the annual meeting on 20 May, having been first elected in 2017 and then re-elected in 2019.
He is managing director of Ron Crouch Transport, which specialises in general and dangerous goods freight, warehousing and third party logistics.
Mr Crouch said it had been a privilege to chair the ATA, noting efforts on mental health.
“I was… able to turn the ATA’s focus to mental health issues, with the formation of our mental health and wellbeing committee,” he said.
“I am looking forward to continuing my personal work on mental health as a director of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, an independent organisation that will develop a national approach to mental health and well-being for the entire transport and logistics industry.”
Mr Crouch said he was especially proud of the master code of industry practice, which the ATA developed with the Australian Logistics Council.
The NHVR formally registered the code under the Heavy Vehicle National Law as evidence for the courts and the industry of the safety measures that are reasonably practicable.
“During my time as chair, the ATA redeveloped our travelling road safety exhibition and renamed it SafeT360,” he said.
“My board colleagues and I took the evidence-based decision to change the focus of the truck from primary school students to 16-25 year olds: the most vulnerable group of road users.”
Mr Crouch thanked ATA directors and councillors for their support, and in particular his immediate past chair, Noelene Watson, and vice‑chairs, David Smith and Austin Vella.
“To ATA CEO Ben Maguire and his wonderful team of dedicated staff: my sincere thank you for your professionalism and dedication to making the Australian trucking industry better and safer.”
Mr Crouch is to remain a member of the ATA board and its council.
