Kennedy Trailers’ Ryan Camera has been awarded the Peter Langworthy Future Leader Award at the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) gala awards.

The HVIA awards, held in Brisbane in mid-November, acknowledge and celebrate the Australian heavy vehicle industry’s capacity to “provide innovative solutions for the road transport task with a suite of leadership and innovation awards”.

The award Ryan won is given in honour of the late Peter Langworthy, HVIA past president and an industry leader, in recognition of his long-standing commitment to mentoring young people and supporting their development to leadership roles.

It acknowledges young people who have recently graduated from an apprenticeship and demonstrated outstanding leadership within their organisations and/or the industry.

Ryan, who is known for his machining skill, said he was incredibly appreciative his efforts had been noticed.

“It makes the effort I’ve put in worthwhile and I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have,” Ryan said.

Ryan has worked at Kennedy’s for three and a half years, completing his apprenticeship in two and a half years.

“The best part about my job is that I really enjoy what I do, no day is the same and there’s always new things to learn,” he said.

At the awards night, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, praised the quality nominations competing for HVIA awards.

“The heavy vehicle sector is a real Australian success story in manufacturing,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Some terrific innovation and designs are boosting the nation’s productivity and keeping Australia moving.”

HVIA chief executive, Todd Hacking, said the record number of nominations had created a difficult but rewarding task for the judging panels.

“A big thank you to our judges for their generous time and application of their vast industry experience,” Mr Hacking said.

“Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive about the calibre of nominees, every one of whom should feel extremely proud to be held up in such company.”

PICTURED: Debbie and Garry Kennedy proudly congratulate staff member, Ryan Camera, on winning the Peter Langworthy Future Leader award in Brisbane in mid-November.