ATA names eight transport professionals for 2026 Future Leaders Forum
News · October 4, 2026
Eight people working across driving, training, fleet maintenance, operations and transport technology have been selected for the Australian Trucking Association’s 2026 Future Leaders Forum.
The program is backed by Volvo Group Australia and Geotab. ATA member associations and TruckSafe nominated the participants.
This year’s forum combines online study with face-to-face workshops, allowing the cohort to continue working while completing the program. A joint industry advocacy project will be presented at Trucking Australia 2027.
Who is taking part?
- Mandy Solar, Followmont Transport — NatRoad: a Brisbane operational trainer whose experience includes pick-up and delivery and linehaul driving.
- Chris Swadling, Lindsay Australia — Queensland Trucking Association: national maintenance manager at Lindsay Transport, overseeing workshops and wash bays across the fleet.
- Luke Morton, Ron Finemore Transport — TruckSafe: operations manager for the Goulburn/Sydney division, based at Marsden Park.
- Casuarina (CJ) Smith, Trucking with CJ — Transport Women Australia Limited: a multi-combination and dangerous-goods driver and founder of the Trucking with CJ platform.
- Jacinta Lane, Airtec — National Road Freighters Association: business manager working on on-board mass technology and customer relationships.
- Daniel Mikosic, Multiquip — Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association: a general manager with experience in fleet operations, workshops and compliance.
- Shane McLoughlin, Formula Chemicals — Road Freight New South Wales: an operations manager working across transport, dispatch and hazardous-goods deliveries.
- Dimity Andrews, North West Quarries — Western Australia Transport Industry Association: working in industry research, policy and strategic development.
ATA chair Mark Parry said the forum would help participants develop the skills and industry connections needed to take on leadership roles.
The cohort brings experience from the workshop, dispatch desk and driver’s seat to the same program. Its advocacy project will give participants an opportunity to turn those operating perspectives into a shared industry proposal.