Frank Vale Award

“Recognising Outstanding Young Professionals in the Australian Cold Chain Industry"

The Frank Vale Award has been awarded annually since 1993 to acknowledge talented young people within the industry, who are 35 years of age, or younger, have worked in the cold chain industry for a minimum of three years, and who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to become future leaders, and make a positive contribution to the development of the Australian Cold Chain Industry.

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2023 Frank Vale Award Winner

The RWTA is proud to announce the 29th Frank Vale Award Winner in 2023 is Stacey Cook from NewCold!

The Winner of the 2023 Frank Vale Award, presented at the 2023 RWTA 81st Conference and Exhibition, Stacey Cook of Newcold, has won the GCCA NEXTGEN, the International Cold Chains future leaders award!! The Global NextGen Award recognizes outstanding young professionals in the world’s cold chain industry.

Congratulations Stacey, you've done Australia proud!!

Being the national winner of the Australian Cold Chain’s Frank Vale Award entitled Stacey to compete at the International GCCA's Next Gen Award in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Congratulations also to the 2023 GCCA NextGen Award finalists;

Jared Argabright, North America
Stacey Cook, Australia
Gonzalo García Calderón, Latin America
Megan Graaf, Africa
Bruno Nahas, Brazil

Among other eligibility requirements for the award, finalists demonstrate excellence in their work; the potential to excel further in many facets within the industry; and insight into their organisations strategic values, direction, policies and ways of working.

“The Global NextGen Award Competition showcases the talent of our industry’s rising stars on a global stage,” said Greg Laurin, Chairman of the Global Cold Chain Foundation. “This competition proved to be exceptionally challenging due to the high level of talent showcased on stage. They all exhibited dedication and talent by playing a role in advancing the global temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics industry.”

As part of the selection process, each finalist was interviewed and judged by a panel of industry leaders from around the world. Candidates were evaluated on their knowledge level of the industry, track record of excellence, communication skills and leadership skills. In addition, each candidate delivered a presentation from the Convention general session stage.

Take a moment to hear what Stacey's thoughts on this process and her experiences!

2022 Frank Vale Award Winner

The RWTA is proud to announce the 28th Frank Vale Award Winner in 2022 is Mark Jackson from Linfox!

Mark is the Distribution Centre Manager, managing the Bega Chullora Cold storage and Erskine Park ambient facilities for Linfox Logistics Australia. His track record in successfully leading and transforming multi-site operations in a highly competitive logistics, supply chain and transport market has led him to where he is today. His belief in establishing a strong organisational vision, he has delivered value to shareholders in the form of continuous improvement projects that have delivered safety and cost benefits to both Linfox and to their customers. Mark recognises that logistics is a people business, and to lead he has endeavoured to lead by example. Mark has enjoyed learning from those around him and and enjoys watching his team grow and develop. A stong advocate in enabling staff, this way of thinking has directed his professional life. Mark’s ultimate goal is to be the leader people feel comfortable approaching, one who enables growth within the business through continual improvement and optimisation and growing the team that he leads.

2021 Frank Vale Award Winner

We congratulate Liam Neilly as this year’s Frank Vale Award Winner, announced in March 2021 at Noosa Heads RWTA Conference!

Liam is Team Leader at Lineage Logistics in South Australia, which he has taken on recently.

He is responsible for productivity, planning, rostering and commercials within the DC2 operation.

Liam has enjoyed the opportunity to learn more aspects of the business and to develop his skill sets further. Although initially he had seen cold storage as a way in which to fund travelling, over the years he has enjoyed the progressive nature and learning that the cold chain brings.

Liam has observed many changes in the last few years and welcomes especially those around safety. He is keen to continue working within a company that has innovation at the forefront. He is excited by automation as a way of the future and its introduction into Lineage sites across Australia and look forward to the challenges, growth and increased efficiencies that will occur as a result.

We wish Liam the very best in his cold chain career and welcome the opportunity for him to compete internationally at the GCCA Next Gen Awards in the USA later this year, COVID willing!

2019 Frank Vale Award Winner

We would like to introduce Demi Hiriaki, the 2019 winner of the Frank Vale Award!

After a stint at Emergent Cold Demi is now working with GRT, Iceland Cold Storage’s transport division; a company that has been active in the refrigerated transport service industry for over 10 years.

Demi has evolved with Iceland/GRT, as she initially joined the business with an intention to work alongside the transport team and then, after witnessing process challenges and inefficiencies within the warehouse sector, she invested time to understand both sides of the business. After becoming heavily involved in the development of continuous improvements within the operation, Demi was offered a senior management role, Warehouse Operations Manager.

Demi is excited to take part in the Executive Coaching supplied by Logistics Executive (value of $5,000) which has been generously sponsored by Retracom Contracting,

Demi has the opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas, to attend and compete at the GCCA Global NextGen Award at the Global Cold Chain Expo in September, 2020.

On behalf of all RWTA members we wish to congratulate Demi on becoming the Frank Vale Award Winner for 2019, and we wish her all the best for the future.

2018 Frank Vale Award Winner

The Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) is proud to announce Anthony Crowhurst as the recipient of the 2018 Frank Vale Award.

“The Frank Vale Award process, from the moment you’re nominated, is both challenging and exciting. The entire process is about self-development; although completely out of my comfort zone, it was an amazing experience. The support I received from everyone involved was inspiring; I will remember the experience for years to come.”

Anthony Crowhurst, the winner of the RWTA Frank Vale (2018) Award at the Global Cold Chain Expo in Chicago in 2018.

Anthony Crowhurst, went on to compete at the Global Cold Chain Expo in Chicago in 2018. Although he didn’t take home the International Award he conducted himself with professionalism and passion.

This was no easy feat for Anthony as it stretched his confidence by learning to promote himself, mastering public speaking and travelling to compete on the International Stage while juggling work and family life. By his own admission this was a quantum leap in personal growth and feels now that he is completely and irrevocably UNSTOPPABLE!

Anthony has taken part in the Executive Coaching supplied by Logistics Executive and feels that it has added a dimension to his work practices and growth as a person.

On behalf of all RWTA members we wish to congratulate Anthony on becoming the Frank Vale Award Winner for 2018, and we wish him all the best for the future.

2017 Frank Vale Award Winner

The Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) is proud to announce Mathew Reiffel, Operations Manager, Americold Logistics, as the recipient of the 2017 Frank Vale Award.

(Left to right): Shannon Porter, CEO, Retracom Contracting and 2017 Frank Vale Award recipient Mathew Reiffel, Operations Manager, Americold Logistics

The Award was presented to Reiffel by RWTA Immediate Past Chairman, David O’Brien and Shannon Porter, CEO Retracom Contracting (award sponsor) during the Global Cold Chain Summit conducted by RWTA and the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) in Sydney (October 2017).

“RWTA is committed to recognizing the next generation of leaders through the Frank Vale Award program and every year, the emerging leaders within the Australian Cold Chain never cease to impress me,” O’Brien stated. “Mathew is respected as a leader among his peers and is an example of the bright future our industry holds.”

Bestowed by RWTA annually, the Frank Vale Award, acknowledges talented young people within the industry who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to become future leaders, and make a positive contribution to the development of the Australian Cold Chain Industry. The award is named in honor of Frank Walter Blake Vale, born in October 1908 and best known as a pioneer of the Australian Cold Storage Industry as well as the Victorian Dairy Industry.

Reiffel competed alongside two of his fellow future leader nominees. Those nominees included Ashlee Arnall, Customer Engagement Manager, Swire Cold Storage, Pty Ltd (NSW) and Lars Clement, Infrastructure Manager, ANZ (Technology Solutions Group), Americold (QLD). Judges for this year’s Frank Vale Award competition were Bill Andary, Managing Director, Auscold Logistics, South Australia; Nick Pedneault, President, Congebec Logistics, Canada; Gabor Hilton, Engineering Manager, Oxford Logistics, Victoria (and RWTA Life Member).

“Being able to attend the RWTA/GCCA Summit in Sydney and compete with my peers for the Frank Vale Award was a fantastic experience and something that I will value throughout my career” stated Reiffel. “I’d like to again thank Retracom for their ongoing support of the Frank Vale Award and their support for the young up and coming leaders in our industry. Their continued backing of this award allows us young future leaders to experience an environment that many of us may have thought was not possible.”

Retracom generously sponsored a travel stipend for the award winner. The funds will enable Reiffel to attend the 2018 Global Cold Chain Expo, 25-27 June in Chicago. During the Global Cold Chain Expo, Reiffel will compete with other young leaders from around the world as they vie for the GCCA NextGen Award, which seeks to recognise and reward future leaders in the temperature controlled logistics industry globally. Reiffel will compete onstage alongside the young leader award winners from North America, Latin America, Europe and South Africa.

On behalf of all RWTA members we wish to congratulate Mathew on becoming the Frank Vale Award Winner for 2017, and we wish him all the best for the future.

2016 Frank Vale Award Winner

Graeme Lee (Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services) representing the RWTA NSW Division was announced as the 2016 Frank Vale Award Winner by Mr. Shannon Porter (CEO – Retracom Contracting) at the Conference Gala Dinner on Friday 2nd September 2016.

Pictured above (from left to right): David O’Brien (RWTA Chairman), Graeme Lee (Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services) and Shannon Porter (CEO – Retracom Contracting Pty Ltd)

When asked for his thoughts on winning this year’s Award, Graeme commented as follows, “Being totally honest, when I arrived at the Gold Coast for the 75th RWTA National Conference, I thought I knew what I was in for….… I would present in front of a room filled with the most innovative minds and key players in the Australian Cold Chain Industry, then I would have a nerve racking interview, and win lose or draw, I was just honoured to be there and proud of what I had achieved so far…… Well... I was wrong.

What took place over the next 3 days was above and beyond anything I had anticipated. The experience was something I will always take with me on my Cold Chain journey and remember for years to come. From incredibly inspirational key note speakers touching on topics such as entrepreneurship, opera singing, Olympic coaching and even healthy bowel movement, to the picturesque backdrop of the beautiful Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast, and McLarens Landing… and although these things are not directly related to cold chain logistics, there was a common theme that resonated through every attendee, and every aspect at the conference…. Passion!!

I have always been passionate about my job and this industry. However, after gaining such invaluable knowledge, forming relationships with so many amazing people at the conference and having the honour of winning the Frank Vale Award, my passion has now become impossible to contain. I now truly hope I can instil this passion in others and can help to shape the future of cold logistics as we know it..”

On behalf of all RWTA members we wish to congratulate Graeme on becoming the Frank Vale Award Winner for 2016, and we wish him all the best for the future.

2016 AWARD NOMINATIONS

Nominations opened for the 2016 Frank Vale Award on Thursday 7th April 2016, with nominations being

forwarded to the respective RWTA State Division Chairman prior to the close of entries on Friday 27th May 2016.

This year saw nine (9) nominations received:

Three (3) from New South Wales (two from Americold and one from Polar Fresh), Two (2) from Queensland, (from Polar Fresh), One (1) from SA (from Oomiak), and Three (3) from Victoria (one from Americold and two from Polar Fresh)

Once these applications were received the individual State Divisions formed their judging panel, and conducted interviews with each of their respective State Nominees. Candidates are assessed against three elements, Application, Interview, and Conference Presentation, with the latter being judged following the State Nominees presentation at the 2016 National Conference on the Gold Coast, QLD.

The individual State Selection Panels would like to thank all of those who applied this year for the particularly high caliber of applications received, and the professional manner in which the nominees conducted themselves during their respective State pre-selection interviews. For those who were not successful we wish you the very best for your future in the Australian Cold Chain Industry.

2016 STATE FINALISTS

**NSW State Finalist**
Graeme Lee
(Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services)

**QLD State Finalist**
Alex Prizeman
(Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services)

**SA State Finalist**
Doug Steel
(Oomiak)

**VIC State Finalist**
Robert Sobol
(Americold)

2015 Frank Vale Award Winner

Melissa Hunt (S&D Logistics) representing the RWTA NSW Division was announced as the 2015 Frank Vale Award Winner by RWTA Chairman Mr. Paul Fleiszig at the RWTA Conference Gala Dinner on Friday 28th August 2015.

"The Frank Vale Award experience and the NextGen Award on the international platform was amazing and who would have thought that me, a kid from rural Australia would be given the opportunity to stand up in front of the world and share my love for our industry and tell the leaders in our field my story and about our family business.

Winning these awards had been on my goals list for over six years. I knew that I had to be at a high level both professionally and personally to even be at a level to be considered to vie for such a prestigious accolade. Both award processes proved to be one of the greatest personal challenges and ultimately one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and career."

These two experiences have changed my life for the better and one of the most valuable element to this process was for me to analyse my working career, see what I do well and look at areas where I have learnt and found opportunities for me to grow. In a busy world where we get caught up in the doing, this is a powerful exercise and has helped me set my future goals both as an individual and for S&D Logistics.

In congratulating Melissa on her achievement, Mr Fleiszig commented ”that in the years that he had been involved in the judging of the Frank Vale Award, the standard presented by each of the participants had been truly exceptional, with the final judging this year, being the closest ever”. Melissa was then presented with her trophy by award sponsor Mr Martin Porter – Managing Director of Retracom Contracting.

As the 2015 Frank Vale Award Winner, Melissa received a $5,000 travel prize to attend the Global Cold Chain Alliance (IARW/WFLO) 125th Convention at the Cosmopolitan Hotel - Las Vegas, Nevada USA from 9th to 13th April 2016.

2015 AWARD NOMINATIONS

Nominations opened for the 2015 Frank Vale Award on Tuesday 17th February 2015, with nominations being forwarded to the respective RWTA State Division Chairman prior to the close of entries on Friday 1st May 2015.

This year saw nine (9) nominations received:

Four (4) from Queensland, (two from Americold and two from Polar Fresh), Three (3) from Victoria (one from Americold and two from Polar Fresh) and Two (2) from New South Wales (one from Polar Fresh and one from S&D Logistics)

Once these applications were received the individual State Divisions formed their judging panel, and conducted interviews with each of their respective State nominees. Candidates are assessed against three elements, Application, Interview, and Conference Presentation, with the latter being judged following the State Nominees presentation at the 2015 Conference in Adelaide.

2015 STATE FINALISTS

Victorian State Finalist - Stacey Lamb (Americold), Queensland State Finalist - Dane Stowers (Americold)and NSW State Finalist - Melissa Hunt (S&D Logistics)

Stacey, Dane, and Melissa presented individually to a National Judging Panel while participating at the 74th RWTA National Conference held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide, South Australia, and on the final day of the conference, they were joined on stage by 2014 Frank Vale Award Winner - Jeffrey Tusa from Polar Fresh, where following their individual presentations to delegates, the final judging occurred and a winner was decided.

On behalf of all RWTA members we wish to congratulate Melissa on becoming the Frank Vale Award Winner for 2015, and we wish her all the best for the future.

2014 Frank Vale Award Winner

Martin Porter – Managing Director - Retracom Contracting with Jeffrey Tusa Project Manager -Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) – 2014 Frank Vale Award Winner, and Paul Fleiszig – Chairman RWTA

Three very worthy finalists contested the 2014 Frank Vale Award. They were Joel Chapman, Team Manager, Americold Logistics Ltd (QLD), Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) and Cherie Wassell, Quality & Compliance Coordinator, Americold Logistics Ltd (NSW).

At the Gala Dinner held on 22nd August, at the conclusion of the 2014 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition, Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) was announced as the winner of the 2014 Frank Vale Award.

When asked for his thoughts on the Award, Jeff commented as follows, “Participating in the 2014 RWTA National conference for me personally was a humbling experience, not every day do you get an opportunity to be sitting in a room filled with leaders who have helped shape our industry and speak about what the future looks like and areas of opportunity. Winning the 2014 Frank Vale award came as both a shock, and surprise at the time, as all the state finalists had a wealth of knowledge and experience in the cold chain industry”.

“There were some very memorable presentations through the conference from topics such as the supply chain in Asia and the United States, through to Heavy Vehicle Regulation in our states, the Prawn Industry in Australia, and Business Fundamentals just to name a few. For me it was great to see people speak about their roles, where they fit in the chain, and most of all seeing the passion for what they do to service the growing demand in their areas. As a young leader in the industry it is encouraging seeing professionals speak about their passions, and most notably seeing their drive to change current practices for the future of the industry”.

“On the night of the Gala Dinner, the announcement of the Frank Vale Award was initially nerve racking, however the overall experience and recognition from members of the Association, and fellow participants made the night (for me) something to remember”.

“Retracom’s support and sponsorship of the travel prize for The Frank Vale Award is a credit to their business through recognizing young leaders in the industry. I look forward to participating in the IARW/WFLO Annual Convention and Expo in Orlando Florida in April 2015, were I will be looking to absorb as much information as possible, while sharing my experience with the team”.

Our congratulations go to Jeffrey, a most deserving winner of the 2014 Frank Vale Award.

2013 Frank Vale Award Winner

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to an outstanding young achiever in our industry.

Three very worthy finalists contested the 2013 Frank Vale Award. They were Daryl Nightingale, Customer Supply Chain Manager, BE Campbell (NSW), Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Logistics (QLD) and Grant Keating, Telecommunications & Security Systems Manager, Oxford Cold Storage (VIC).

Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Logistics (QLD), 2013 Frank Vale Award Winner, receiving his Award from Martin Porter, MD Retracom Group, sponsor of the international travel prize.

At the RWTA Gala Dinner in August, concluding the 2013 National Conference and Exhibition, Scott Barbour was selected as the winner of the 2013 Frank Vale Award.

A very excited Scott Barbour stated “winning the Frank Vale Award for 2013 was a very pleasant surprise and honour. To just attend the 2013 RWTA National Conference was very rewarding in itself as Daryl, Grant and myself were able to mingle with the leaders of our industry for the duration of the Conference.

Scott commented “all members were very inviting and wanted to know our stories and it really made me feel like we were a big part of the National Conference. On the night of winning the Frank Vale Award, it was a bit overwhelming with the amount of support that I received and it really was a special night”.

After winning the Frank Vale Award, Scott made a special trip to the Retracom Group site at Crestmead, Brisbane and met with the team who has sponsored the international travel prize component of the Award for the past 7 years.

Scott comments were “Retracom's generous support of the Frank Vale Award and young leaders in the industry is instrumental and a great credit to them. The Frank Vale experience has really opened my eyes to the industry as a whole. I think as a young member you tend to be quite micro in your thoughts and have the blinkers on while you cover off your specific responsibilities. The Frank Vale Award and the entire Frank Vale Award process helps you open your eyes to the industry as a whole and all the pieces that come together to make it work. As April 2014 fast approaches, I am really looking forward to heading over to San Diego California for the 2014IARW/WFLO Annual Convention and Expo to soak up as much information as I possibly can. I am sure it will be a fantastic event and the opportunity to attend and contribute is very exciting”.

Well done Scott, you are a most deserving winner of the 2013 Frank Vale Award.

2012 Frank Vale Award Winner

Andrew is pictured above (centre), holding the 2012 Frank Vale Award trophy with from left Paul Fleiszig, RWTA National Chairman ( Director Oxford Logistics Group), Shane Triggell, Queensland Division Finalist (Cold Store Manager Rand Transport), Nathan Roylance, Victorian Division Finalist (Assistant Manager Oxford Cold Storage), and Martin Porter, Managing Director of Retracom Group.

Andrew Mates, Operations Manager at Americold Logistics in NSW is the winner of the 2012 Frank Vale Award which recognizes outstanding performance from our young achievers. The announcement was made at the Gala Dinner which concluded the 2012 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition at Peppers Salt Resort on Friday 31 August.

Once again, we are most grateful for the generous sponsorship of the Frank Vale Award travel prize by Retracom Group. This is the sixth year running that Retracom Group has sponsored the $5,000 travel prize which will enable Andrew to travel to the USA next May to attend the IARW/WFLO Convention in Hollywood, Florida.

Our warmest congratulations go to Andrew Mates on his success and to our state finalists, Shane Triggell and Nathan Roylance, who were outstanding candidates and most worthy runners-up in a very close contest.

Applications, together with award guidelines and criteria, for the 2015 Frank Vale Award will be distributed to all members in early 2015. Remember the Award is open to each and every member of the RWTA who meets the award criteria.

All members are encouraged now to start thinking of suitable young achievers in their midst to put forward. All state finalists receive an all-expenses paid invitation to attend the 2015 RWTA National Conference & Exhibition and, if announced the winner, a trophy and a $5,000 travel prize to attend the 2016 IARW/WFLO Convention in USA.

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