NatRoad has proudly announced the winners of the 2025 NatRoad Awards, sponsored by NTI. The prestigious annual awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the road transport industry in Australia.
Presented at the Industry Gala Dinner during NatRoad’s annual conference, NatRoad Connect 25, in Shepparton, the awards highlight the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of individuals who have set new standards of excellence in road transport.
The winners of the 2025 NatRoad Awards are:
- NTI NatRoad Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year: Porcha Stafford, De Bruyn’s Transport.
- NTI NatRoad Professional Driver of the Year: David Muir, Formula Chemicals.
- NTI NatRoad Excellence in Operational Support: Heather Darrington, Hayllar Transport (Narrandera).
- Ted Pickering Memorial Award: Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals.
“Our industry is full of hard-working people who go above and beyond to make a significant and positive impact on the broader road transport industry,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said.
“This year’s award winners have all made outstanding contributions to the sector while exemplifying the kind of commitment, professionalism, and passion that drives the road transport sector forward.”
- Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year (sponsored by NTI): Porcha Stafford, De Bruyn’s Transport.
Porcha Stafford of Debruyn’s Transport has been recognised with the Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year award for her positive attitude and commitment to progressing her career. Porcha has driven a total of 470,000km in two years in various trucks, including carrying complex loads like dangerous goods and over dimensional freight. Regularly jumping into a leadership role whenever required, Porcha’s positive, can-do attitude is appreciated by De Bruyn’s customers.
- Professional Driver of the Year (sponsored by NTI): David Muir, Formula Chemicals.
David Muir from Formula Chemicals has been awarded the Professional Driver of the Year award for his outstanding commitment to the road transport industry through continuous professional development with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, collaboration and efficiency. David is known to lead by example, fostering teamwork and inspiring those around him with his technical and leadership skills. His outstanding driving history spans over 25 years and includes an impeccable record free of any driving infringements or accidents.
- Excellence in Operational Support (sponsored by NTI): Heather Darrington, Hayllar Transport (Narrandera).
Heather Darrington of Hayllar Transport (Narrandera) has received the Excellence in Operational Support award for more than 20 years of dedication to the transport industry. As Office Manager, Heather’s commitment to staff well-being and training has created a positive environment at Hayllar Transport that contributes to staff retention and has encouraged former employees to return to the company. Heather takes on overall management of the company when required, develops strong relationships with long-term customers, and is active in the community, regularly arranging donations for local charities.
- Ted Pickering Memorial Award: Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals.
Leigh Smart has received the Ted Pickering Memorial Award for demonstrating unwavering leadership and dedication in the freight transport industry. Founding Formula Chemicals in 1973, Leigh’s career has been marked by innovation, safety advocacy, and ethical leadership. For more than 50 years, Leigh has played an active role in fostering collaboration across government, industry leaders, and his own operational staff – to tackle some of the most pressing issues our industry has faced, such as driver shortages, environmental sustainability, and regulatory complexity.
“The NatRoad Awards play an important role in acknowledging the hard work and passion of the individuals who have excelled in their roles and set the standard in our industry,” Mr Clark said.
“NatRoad congratulates all the 2025 NatRoad Award winners and looks forward to their continued contributions to the road transport sector.”
Media contact
Richard Garfield
PR & Communications Manager, NatRoad
