We are very pleased to have Melbourne Cold Storage on board as a New Member, Welcome!

Melbourne Cold Storage is a state of the art, purpose-built facility offering tailored cold chain storage and logistics services.

Strategically located in the logistics hub of Northern Melbourne, MCS provide DAFF approved chilled to frozen temperature-controlled warehousing to both Australian and overseas manufacturers.

A New Dawn for Driver Safety and Comfort: Western Sydney Welcomes Its First Heavy Vehicle Rest Area

In a significant advancement for road safety and driver welfare, Road Freight NSW proudly announces the establishment of the first dedicated heavy vehicle rest stop in Western Sydney. This initiative, unveiled in collaboration with key governmental stakeholders, marks a critical step toward enhancing the working conditions of truck drivers across the region. Located strategically near major arterials, the Eastern Creek rest area promises a safe, well-equipped haven for rest and rejuvenation, reflecting the ongoing commitment to the dignity and well-being of our hardworking truckies.

Tasman Logistics Unveils New Facility, Boosting Cold Storage Capacity

Tasman Logistics Services, Cold Chain Solutions, has significantly expanded its cold storage capabilities with the launch of a new facility at Morningside, Queensland. This strategic move, effective 3rd March, has tripled the company’s capacity to 7,400 frozen pallets and 1,300 chilled pallets.

The Cold Chain Solutions division offers comprehensive services ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products through advanced technology, secure storage, efficient packaging, continuous monitoring, transportation, certification, customs clearance, and product management.

The new facility features four loading docks, modern office space, and advanced racking systems, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery within the transport and logistics industry.

"With the launch of our new cold storage facility at Morningside, we are excited to significantly enhance our capacity and capability to serve our clients in the digital transport and logistics industry. Our commitment to safeguarding temperature-sensitive products is stronger than ever. This expansion allows us to not only meet the growing demands of our high-volume clients but also to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for every product we handle," said Stan Bearder, Head of Cold Chain Solutions at Tasman Logistics Services.

The RWTA welcomes Brianna Casey as a speaker for the 83rd National Conference.

RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour, 2025

The Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) 2025 Frank Vale Tech Tour, hosted by Swisslog in collaboration with ASKIN Performance Panels offers an inspiring exploration of cutting-edge automation technologies within the refrigerated warehousing sector.

 Named after Frank Vale, a pioneer in Australian cold storage, this prestigious event connects the past with the future, celebrating innovative leaders and their transformative impacts on the industry.

This year, the tour will spotlight exceptional, space-saving automation solutions that allows companies to maximize their operational footprint and accelerate their return on investment. 

Amid rising industrial land costs and the premium on space, these technologies offer compelling alternatives to traditional expansion through costly new facilities.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to visit multiple sites across Sydney, each presenting its own set of sophisticated automation setups. These include high-density pallet systems, advanced robotic handling, and tailored automation solutions designed for specific industry needs—from food and beverage to e-commerce and retail.

The Tech Tour is more than just a showcase; it's a platform for aspiring industry leaders to witness firsthand the potential of modern intralogistics. It emphasizes the practical benefits of these technologies, demonstrating their role in enhancing efficiency and scalability within existing spaces, thereby paving the way for a more innovative and sustainable future in the cold chain logistics.

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The Australian Cold Chain and the RWTA mentioned in The Australian this morning

In the face of soaring energy costs and rising food prices, the RWTA is advocating for significant policy reforms to alleviate the financial strain on Australia's cold-chain industry.

We have emphasized the urgent need for an overhaul of energy policies to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs and substantial renewable energy levies on food prices. Our involvement is crucial as it supports a broader coalition of industry bodies pressing the government to develop a comprehensive food-security strategy. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Australia’s food supply chains, particularly highlighted disruptions caused the pandemic. The RWTA's proactive stance is a testament to its commitment to ensuring that the cold-chain sector can continue to operate efficiently and cost-effectively, ultimately helping to stabilize food costs for consumers across the nation.

We are excited to welcome Vawdrey Australia to the RWTA!

Watch now as we introduce new member Paul Vawdrey, CEO Vawdrey Australia, speak about his company and the cold chain!

Vawdrey Australia is the nation’s leading manufacturer of quality semi-trailers and associated transport equipment.

Designed and manufactured in Australia at their Dandenong facility in Melbourne’s south eastern logistics hub, they build equipment that is custom made for the unique conditions found in the Australian operating environment.

Learn more about Vawdrey and get in touch now!

Paul Vawdrey 

CEO

Vawdrey Australia

Mob: 0417 559 512

Web: www.vawdrey.com.au

RWTA Chain Of Responsibility, Melbourne

Great numbers rolled up to the recent networking breakfast in Melbourne.

There were many early birds there to get a great coffee, enjoy the sunrise through the bay windows at The Strand and to do some serious networking prior to the presentation by Chris Catchpole about Chain of Responsibility.

Chris will be a great resource for the RWTA Members and there is a link with more information here (https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility/)

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RWTA Chain Of Responsibility, Brisbane

First off the blocks in 2025, the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) celebrated our first networking event at the Gabba today with Chris Catchpole in the seat leading the Chain of Responsibility conversation with a room full of interested delegates. It helps to have someone to assist with deciphering an 800+ page document, to ensure safety at every turn and clarity for all. Thanks Chris, and thanks to all who attended to learn more about this important subject!

More CoR Resources here: https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility/

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So, does this item need to be cold…or just fresh?

Are there options to store things without having to chill them? There is an FDA approved coating to avoid rot- so does food need to be COLD or FRESH? Do we need to risk a biodiverse diet, does meat need to be refrigerated and perhaps there is another option and a way to sidestep the cognitive dissonance, the struggle to make sense of contradictory thoughts or behaviours. Watch the video and find out more.

RWTA Perth Function, 18th February

Great to see all the Western Australians at the recent Perth function last week at the stunning and spacious beachside venue ‘Coast Port Beach Restaurant’, ready to catch up and engage in some great networking.

We were honoured to host Peter Hughes, Bali Bombing survivor as a guest speaker. Peter was the man whose swollen and blistered face we saw on television during the shock first hours of news coverage from Bali. He literally took our breath away when we heard him quietly tell medical staff at the scene to help those worse off than him. Looking at Peter, anyone could see that he was badly injured himself. And indeed he was. He had experienced burns to 60% of his body and wasn’t expected to live. Later, he lapsed into a month long coma and died briefly three times whilst on life support. Fortunately, he was able to be revived.

RWTA Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) Update FEB25

We all agree, the cost of insurance is crippling. The Discretionary Mutual Fund(DMF) is a cold chain initiative and proposed solution.

The document outlines the process for setting up a DMF, broken into three main stages:

1. Pre-Feasibility (1 week): This initial phase involves a basic review of past premium and claim data to assess the viability of a DMF.

2. Feasibility (6-8 weeks): This crucial step involves determining the fund's financial retention levels, obtaining potential reinsurance pricing, and deciding the most suitable legal structure for the DMF. This phase has not yet begun and will require a $50,000 feasibility study fee, half of which needs to be paid upfront.

3. Implementation (6-8 weeks): Post-feasibility, this phase will commence once there is approval from the client(s) to establish the DMF. This involves setting up the actual structure and beginning operations.

Key Management Questions and Answers:

• Setup Costs and Payments: The Mutual Manager (MM) clarified that a 50% deposit of the feasibility study fee is required upfront due to past issues with project continuations.

• Data Requirements: For the feasibility study, the DMF needs detailed past data on premiums, claims, and exposure information summarized in specified formats.

• Control and Oversight: Once operational, the DMF bank account will be controlled by the Mutual Manager under the DMF board’s direction, with regular audits to ensure compliance and financial integrity.

• Financial Returns and Capital Structure: The return on investment and the exact capital requirements will depend on the level of risk retained within the DMF. Initial capital is mainly used to cover potential risks, with any surplus possibly returned to members or reinvested as decided by the DMF board.

We are looking to set up, with Benjamin and Benjamin, a video link soon to answer any questions that there may be, and the next steps. Interested? Please book here.

We are excited to welcome Value Materials Handling to the RWTA!

As the Australian arm of Value Logistics, originally established in South Africa 45 years ago, Value Material Handling brings a legacy of expertise in logistics and material handling directly to your doorstep. Value Logistic has grown to be one of the largest logistics companies in South Africa, with 4,500 employees, 4,000 vehicles, and 2,000 forklifts and over 350,000m2 of warehousing. Serving all aspects of logistics from clearing and forwarding to warehousing, cold-store and linehaul.

In Australia, they've established themselves by acquiring Total Forklift Services that has serviced the industry for 35 years, which was primarily known for its repairs, maintenance, and servicing of material handling equipment. They have since expanded their offerings to include sales of their own brand of equipment, known as ValueQuip. They now provide a full spectrum of service offerings, sales of new equipment, short-term, and long-term lease options, ensuring you get tailored solutions that fit your business needs.

Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their introduction of the safest Lithium-Ion products on the market, helping clients reduce their carbon footprint while saving on operational costs. To better represent their comprehensive service offerings, they've transitioned from Total Forklift Services to Value Materials Handling (VMH).

Located in Cannington, with plans for expansion to Naval Base, VMH is strategically positioned to serve all Western Australia. What differentiates them is the focus on providing exceptional customer service, whether in rentals, sales, repairs, or maintenance. They've also been innovative in introducing new products to the market, such as electric wheelbarrows, stair climbing trolleys, self-loading tables, and stackers for easy loading and unloading of trucks and vans, aiming to create more efficient work environments for clients.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your equipment, need reliable servicing for your existing fleet, or want to explore options that enhance your warehouse and logistics operations. Are you keen on automating your existing fleets scheduled maintenance through their internally developed management system? Contact Dalefor more information. 

Dale Vinnicombe |  WA State Manager
M: +61 498 554 716 

DaleV@totalforkliftservices.com.au

www.valueforklifts.com.au

Frostbite - The Global Impact of the Cold Chain

In this video, we discuss that Ammonia is negligible global warming impact on the environment, and on that, global warming in the cold chain- why are we not reading about this?

If developing countries builds a cold chain, population increase, is this sustainable? Are there enough renewables to offset a world with more cold chain facilities? Our sector's emissions have now surpassed those of the aviation industry. Everyone is talking about green miles, no one is talking about the extended cost of keeping food cold. The 3 degrees of change, the Kigali agreement and are there options? Ice batteries, decarbonising options, cooling off the grid. Should Government offer incentives improve?  There are emerging new methods of cooling. The technology is exciting.

TRS Victoria Moves to Truganina: New Facility, Enhanced Capabilities

We are excited to announce that TRS Victoria has officially relocated to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Truganina! This strategic move marks an important milestone for us, as we continue to evolve and enhance our ability to better serve our customers. 

Luke Gordon, TRS National Sales Manager, shares his excitement about the new facility, stating, "I’m thrilled about the opening of our purpose-built facility in Melbourne. Thermaxx is, without a doubt, the best insulated rigid body on the market. With our new production capabilities, coupled with our expert team, we’re ready to bring that message to the Victorian market in a bigger and more impactful way.”

At our spacious new location, we proudly craft the most thermally efficient truck bodies using advanced Thermaxx body panels. These panels are designed to deliver unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring that your business is equipped with the best in the industry.

Peter Goulis, TRS Victoria and Tasmania Sales Manager, explains, "our state-of-the-art facility in Truganina is designed to streamline production processes and set new industry standards. This facility enables us to efficiently deliver both custom-made solutions and standard bodies at scale."

Additionally, we continue to support your business needs with our premium refrigerated vehicle rental service. Offering flexibility and convenience, we provide the perfect solution when you need it most—whether for short-term or long-term requirements.

We invite you to visit our new facility and experience the same trusted service. Let us show you how we can help your business grow, with high-performance truck bodies and services designed for today’s competitive landscape.

Frank Vale Award. Watch. Be Inspired. Nominate Now.

It’s that time of year for Managers to nominate their best and most promising Leadership talent to be part of the Frank Vale Award 2025!

Take a few moments to see what FV 2024 Winner Noah Hedlt, Linfox, has to say about this life changing competition in the Cold Chain.

Don’t let your emerging leaders miss out on this incredible opportunity.

GridBeyond now has the largest portfolio of 1s (very fast) raise Contingency FCAS

Sydney, 21 January 2025. GridBeyond has consolidated its position as the largest very fast FCAS aggregator in the NEM (National Electricity Market), managing a 145MW portfolio of Very Fast frequency control ancillary services in Australia. 

FCAS refers to a set of mechanisms and services implemented within power systems to regulate and stabilise grid frequency by providing a fast injection or fast reduction of energy, to manage supply and demand. 

FCAS operates through a combination of market-based mechanisms and technical solutions. It involves a range of services aimed at both managing sudden imbalances in supply and demand (known as contingency events) and providing continuous adjustments to maintain frequency stability. 

The Very Fast Contingency Frequency Control Ancillary Services launched in 2023 are designed to ensure there is enough frequency response in the system to deal with a single credible contingency – typically the loss of a large generating unit or major industrial load. 

FCAS finds application in various sectors. To participate assets are required to respond to a fall or rise in frequency within about a second or less by changing the output of their generator or load to attempt to arrest that fall or rise in frequency. Batteries, for example, can dispatch their stored energy to support the grid during times of high demand or unexpected fluctuations. 

Participants can deliver very fast FCAS while also delivering fast, slow and delayed FCAS. This means if a participant is already providing contingency FCAS, and has fast enough meters and operational response times, then they’d likely want to participate in the very fast markets. When participating in the FCAS market, participants typically work through aggregators, such as GridBeyond, that coordinate multiple sites. 

1s (very fast) raise Contingency FCAS 

GridBeyond’s FCAS Auto-rebidder combines sophisticated hardware control with backend software algorithms, this enhanced capability allows GridBeyond to optimise the bidding strategy for customers with large and dynamic loads leading to a significant increase in their revenue. Its success so far has meant that, with 145MW, GridBeyond is now the largest provider of 1s (very fast) raise Contingency FCAS. 

Gabriella Di Salvo
Global Head of Communications  |  GridBeyond

Three Degrees Of Difference - Progress in 2025

Dr Ian Jenson of First Management Pty Ltd has published the attached paper documenting the shelf life of beef and lamb at -12°C as well as at -18°C. The upshot is that the result is (drumroll) there is a long shelf life at both temperatures, a small step in justifying a change in storage and transport temperatures.

Dr Jenson has been working with the American Frozen Food Institute on a protocol for measuring food temperatures in supply chains, and will be implementing it through a contract with the Australian Meat Processor Association.

A brief overview of the document:

The recent study explores the practical frozen shelf life of Australian boxed beef and lamb stored beyond 12 months. Researchers examined meat quality after storage at -12°C, -18°C, and -24°C for up to 38 months. This study involved commercial conditions, using vacuum-packed beef and lamb loins, alongside overwrapped lamb trim. Analysis included sensory evaluation, lipid oxidation, microbial safety, and texture.

Findings revealed that meat stored at all tested temperatures showed no significant sensory degradation for up to 36 months. Lipid oxidation increased with storage time and warmer temperatures but remained below levels detectable by sensory panels. Vacuum-packed products retained quality better than overwrapped samples, particularly lamb trim, which exhibited earlier signs of oxidation. Importantly, microbial quality was maintained across all storage temperatures, affirming the safety of frozen storage.

This research challenges existing perceptions of frozen meat's shelf life, suggesting that under proper storage conditions, Australian boxed beef and lamb can retain quality well beyond the traditional 12-month benchmark. It highlights the importance of vacuum packaging for extended storage and provides valuable insights for global cold chain logistics and export markets.

New RWTA Member in WA, TRACS!

Welcoming our new Member from WA, Brett Claus from TRACS! After meeting last year at the RWTA Function in Perth, TRACS has joined the RWTA as a Member.

TRACS are transport refrigeration experts and are an Australian owned and operated company, based in Perth. They are an authorised WA dealer of Carrier Transicold and have the added benefit of doing repais for cutomers as well! Familiar with the Cold Chain, take a few minutes to meet Brett and contact him with your requirements:

Brett Claus
Director
Mob: +61 413 884 320
Tel: +61 8 9353 4544
Email: brett@tracs.com.au
Website: tracs.com.au

Transport Refrigeration Specialists
Carrier Transicold Parts Australia | Tracs WA
3 Tipping Road, Kewdale, Western Australia 6105

A Warm Welcome to GoodWe, New Member of the RWTA!

GoodWe BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic  Solutions) is the PV Building Materials Business Unit of GoodWe, dedicated to advancing PV building materials to the cold chain.

GoodWe BIPV provide swift and hassle-free installation, unhindered architectural styles, active electrical safety protection in all scenarios and have a comparable building lifetime, better than traditional PV materials.

GoodWe's Galaxy light-weight solar panel install on the refrigerated trucks without penetration can save diesel cost up to 40%, with payback less than 2 years. 

The panels are designed to be glued directly onto the roof surface and so are particularly beneficial for preserving the integrity of the roof, reducing the risk of leaks, and simplifying the installation process.

These panels are typically made from lightweight composite materials, which contribute to ease of handling and reduced stress on the building structure. Their design might incorporate features for enhancing durability, UV resistance, and thermal insulation. 

This type of system is ideal for buildings that require a lightweight roof with minimal structural impact, ideal for cold chain warehouses and older buildings where the roof might not support heavier loads. It’s also a preferred choice for environmentally sensitive installations where penetration might affect thermal barriers or moisture seals. Besides being leak-resistant due to the lack of penetrations, these panels are often designed for quick and easy installation, which can significantly reduce labour costs and time. Additionally, the glue-on approach minimizes disruptions at the installation site.

Key Contact:

Apollo Chai
E: apollo@goodwe.com
M: 0423 313 288
W: www.en.pvbm.com