INDUSTRY LEADER
Industry leader: Rachael Topp TRAILER SAT DOWN FOR A CHAT WITH RACHAEL TOPP, A PROFESSIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER WITH LINFOX FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, WHOSE FORMER CAREER WAS MAKEUP ARTISTRY. TM: What first drew you to the commercial road transport industry?
V8 Supercar driver, Garth Tander, and Linfox driver, Rachael Topp.
RT: I had been doing makeup artistry for 10 years beforehand and I felt a bit stagnant, like I needed a change. My brother-in-law, who worked for Linfox, alerted me to an ad for the Driving the Difference scholarship program for which I applied and, gratefully, was accepted. This meant that I was employed by Linfox while completing the training to gain my Heavy Rigid truck licence. TM: What does a standard day for you look like? RT: It was super daunting going from my previous career to this one, but I was eager to learn and in due course upgraded my licence to Heavy Combination. In the last three years with Linfox I have worked in various contracts including Target, Myer, Woolworths and Bunnings. Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to move to the fuel division which I have been doing since July and absolutely love. TM: What has been a highlight of your career so far? RT: I enjoy meeting people and this industry has so many good people in it. It has been wonderful learning new skills and I am particularly keen to learn all about the fuel transportation arm of the industry – there’s certainly a lot to learn. scholarship program run by Transport
TM: What do you think could
TM: What do female-driven events
Women Australia Limited (TWAL) with
be improved?
in commercial road transport
sponsorship from Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific.
RT: While at present I am thoroughly
meanto you? RT: I think they are vital to the future of
enjoying driving heavy combinations, down the track I would like to be involved in a
the industry as we are facing a significant
TM: What is the best thing about the
managerial role. As I used to be a manager
driver shortage and having more female
transport industry?
in the makeup industry, it kind of comes
drivers to do the work will definitely help.
RT: There is just so much variety. I am a
naturally to me and I look forward to having
I certainly feel blessed that I was given
person who needs new challenges to stay
my hand in different elements, helping
the opportunity to get into the industry
fresh and I don’t think I will ever run out of
through the Driving the Difference
new challenges in the transport industry.
out with what’s going on and seeking to improve outcomes.
68
Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21
