Gina Rinehart & Jessica Paton win Global CILT Logistics Award

Two Australians have gained international recognition for services to logistics – one is a household name and the other may be in future.

They are mining magnate Gina Rinehart and QR Training Facilities and Simulator Specialist Jessica Paton.

Both figured highly in awards from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) at its international conference in Malaysia.

Rinehart gained a lifetime achievement award with Hancock Prospecting in the midst of construction of its Roy Hill iron ore mine and associated rail and port infrastructure.

"Infrastructure and logistics are critical to our success," she says in her acceptance speech.

"In the very competitive international mining industry, getting this right is essential for reliable and successful trade."

Rinehart dubs the project "the largest-ever financed development of a land-based mining and infrastructure project anywhere in the world and I am pleased to say this infrastructure will be in Australia".

It includes a 344km heavy gauge Pilbara railway, presently under construction, and a remote operations centre in Perth that is already built.

The port facility includes rapid refuelling and maintenance systems.

Paton was awarded International Young Achiever of the Yearfor a rail system she has developed for supporting drivers to improve their capabilities when human errors have caused SPADs (signal passed at danger).

"To be recognised for my achievements amongst such a high calibre group of young professionals is incredibly humbling," Paton says.

"The alumni of CILT Australia and CILT International is a collection of highly experienced, talented and motivated people within transport and logistics, and acknowledgement by individuals at this level is an incredible honour."

This is the second year in a row that an Australian Transport and Logistics young professional has won the International Award.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) chairman Andrew Stewart says the award showed the high standard of young people working in Australia’s supply chain was at world’s best ranking.

"Jessica Paton was up against the most talented young professionals in our industry from around the world, so this is a huge achievement," Stewart states.

"The award highlights that the best transport employers and education in Australia are developing world class management and professional talent.

"But much more needs to be done to include more bright young people in to transport and logistics, and to give them continuing professional education and support."

CILT International secretary Steven Rinsler says the standard of submissions was extremely high, showing a depth of research and thinking about transport issues and solutions by young professionals in transport and logistics globally.

Article from www.fullyloaded.com.au/