Sharon Middleton (left) and Phyllis Jones

The outstanding achievements of two professional women in trucking have been recognised in the Australia Day 2019 Honours List for their service to the road transport industry.

Director of Whiteline Transport, Sharon Middleton, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, and co-owner of NJ and NP Jones, Nancy Phyllis Jones, has been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) represents the 50,000 businesses and 211,500 people in the Australian trucking industry and congratulates the women for their achievements.

“Both Sharon and Phyllis are well known within the trucking industry for their passion and dedication, each demonstrating a commitment to improving the industry and ensuring its professionalism,” ATA chair Geoff Crouch said today.   

In addition to being director of Whiteline Transport, Middleton is the president of the South Australian Road Transport Association, is an ATA board member, a former director of Transport Women Australia, and was inducted into the Transport Hall of Fame in 2014.

Middleton was named the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year in 2013 and was awarded the South Australian Road Transport Association‘s Outstanding Contribution Award in 2011.

Co-owner of NJ and NP Jones since 1969, Jones was a driver for 11 years and stands as a member of the Livestock and Rural Carriers Association of Victoria, Transport Women Australia and NatRoad.

Jones was named the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year in 2001, awarded the NatRoad Quiet Achiever Award in 2003, was inducted into the Transport Hall of Fame in 2004, and awarded life membership of the Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association in 2010.

“The Australian trucking industry is home to many outstanding women, and it‘s important they are recognised for their contribution,” Crouch said.

“I commend Sharon and Phyllis on their achievements and congratulate them for receiving such a prestigious honour,” he said.