NatRoad has renamed their annual National Young Driver of the Year Award in honour of industry icon Sam Sali.
The NTI NatRoad Awards will be presented at the NatRoad Connect 24 Conference, during the Dealer Industry Fund Gala Dinner hosted by Cummins and PACCAR in September.
The newly-named award celebrates inspiring young professionals (30 years and under) in any part of the road transport industry.
Sali, who passed away in January this year, made a significant contribution to road transport and was a passionate champion for the industry.
Born in 1937, Sam Sali completed his motor mechanic apprenticeship aged 19 before joining forces with his brother to buy a truck and co-found S.Sali & Sons.
Sali spent decades driving trucks before transitioning to management as company director, and becoming the founding member of several leading industry organisations.
In 1994, he was involved in the amalgamation of the NTF with the Long Distance Road Transport Association to form NatRoad, where he served as a director until 2001.
“Sam was a remarkable man, who was dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of drivers and operators across the industry,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said.
“Sam made a real and meaningful impact on road transport. Honouring him in connection with the next generation of operators just makes sense.”
The Sam Sali National Young Driver Award honours Sam’s legacy by recognising young professionals who exhibit exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in the road transport sector.
“Our sector is the backbone of the national supply chain, and we want to make sure that outstanding people, like Sam, are recognised for their contributions,” Clark said.
The NTI NatRoad Awards will be presented at NatRoad Connect 24.
For more information and to submit nominations, visit natroad.com.au/events-networking/natroad-awards/.
NatRoad Connect 24 is a must-attend event for the Australian road transport industry, connecting industry representatives, operators, NatRoad members and partners with practical operational information and advice.
