The Fleet News Group Awards judging panel has been announced, with experienced fleet leaders set to play an important role in recognising the organisations, people and vehicles helping shape the future of fleet management in Australia.
For the Fleet EV News audience, the awards program is particularly relevant because many of the nominations reflect the changing priorities of fleet operators, including emissions reduction, charging infrastructure, vehicle suitability, safety, whole-of-life costs and the practical challenges of introducing new technology into everyday operations.
The first stage of judging will take place in July, when the panel reviews nominations across each award category and conducts online interviews with nominees. These interviews will help the judges understand the strategy behind each nomination, the outcomes achieved and the lessons that could be shared with the wider fleet industry.
The judges will then select three finalists in each category. Once the finalists are announced, the industry will have the opportunity to vote and help decide the winner in each category. This gives fleet managers, suppliers, consultants, OEMs and industry peers the chance to recognise the teams and projects they believe are leading the way.
In August, the judges will also participate in the vehicle awards program to determine the Fleet Car of the Year and Fleet Truck of the Year category winners. This will include hands-on evaluation using a Best Value Analysis process that reflects how fleet buyers assess vehicles in the real world.
For electric, hybrid and low-emission vehicles, this approach is important. Fleet buyers are not just looking at purchase price or driving range. They need to understand how a vehicle performs as a workplace tool, how it supports operational requirements, how it contributes to lower running costs and whether it can be integrated into a fleet without creating unnecessary complexity.
The judging process will consider the factors that matter to fleet operators, including safety, driver comfort, payload, energy efficiency, whole-of-life cost, charging practicality, technology, emissions performance and overall fit-for-purpose value.
The Fleet News Group Awards judging panel includes:
Christine Walley – Fleet Strategy Specialist, Thiess
Peter Armour – Manager, Fleet Services, Benevolent Society
Shannyn Garrett – Procurement Manager – Corporate Services, Serco Asia Pacific
Josh Hedley – Group General Manager – Fleet (Australia/New Zealand), Downer
Chris Fogarty – Retired Fleet Manager
Sarah Johnson – Head Consultant, WLC Fleet Consulting
As the fleet industry continues to transition towards safer, cleaner and more efficient transport, the Fleet News Group Awards will highlight the organisations taking practical steps forward. The combination of judge assessment and industry voting is designed to recognise real-world achievement and give the fleet community a voice in selecting the winners.
