The IPWEA Fleet Achievement Awards sponsored by Repco were announced at the IPWEA Australasian Fleet Conference in May this year. The national winner was Grant Everett from Dubbo Regional Council.

FLEET intouch took the opportunity to catch up with Grant (far left in photo) recently, to see what makes an award-winning fleet professional tick.

FI: Grant, tell us about your current role. 

GE: I am the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor for Dubbo Regional Council, we operate out of two locations and have 13 staff comprising seven mechanics, five apprentices and office administration.

Our branch is responsible for the total asset management of the council’s fleet. I oversee the two workshops and I am responsible for the servicing, repair and maintenance of all fleet assets, including safety, quality assurance, statutory and regulatory requirements.  

FI: That’s a huge job, what type of fleet assets do you run?

GE: Dubbo Regional Council runs a very modern fleet; with the recent amalgamation with Wellington Shire Council we have 950 assets. With Dubbo being a regional hub and Wellington being a rural based council we have a wide and diverse mix of fleet items and demands.

We operate five garbage trucks, two landfill operations, two street sweepers, five loaders, six truck and dog applications, about 35 mid-range light trucks and roughly 170 light vehicles and commercials.

FI: How long have you been involved in fleet and how did you get to this point?

GE: I have worked in the Local Government Fleet business for nine years and also spent 20 years in private enterprise. 

I have tried many jobs throughout my career in the fleet and automotive business. I started out as an apprentice plant mechanic, went to a heavy vehicle mechanic, supervised and managed large workshops for a long time, had some time in truck sales and then had the opportunity to apply for a job with the local council here in Dubbo.

The concept of working on a council fleet was appealing and was fantastic for a good work / life balance. The main thing is to take opportunities offered to you; there is so many options within the fleet arena; repairs, sales, marketing, business operations. 

Make sure you enjoy what you do.

FI: What are the biggest challenges in managing a diverse fleet?

GE: The control and knowledge required to administer all the agencies and regulatory information to ensure the fleet is maintained and operating safely. The change in vehicles and technology is growing so rapidly, so  it's important to make sure your staff and business are moving to and accommodating this change. 

FI: What do you enjoy most in your current role?

GE: The people, diversity, being part of the council and the role it plays in the community, the new technology and innovations and challenges

FI: What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the fleet business or moving into more senior fleet roles?

GE: Make sure you enjoy and are passionate about your roles, take opportunities presented to you, work with change, and embrace technology and innovation. 

FI: Thanks Grant – any is there anything else you would like to add?

GE: Thank you to IPWEA and all the work and programs they have initiated and provided. It is this sort of system and networking that raises the profile of fleet and its role and importance within organisations and companies. Fleet is making big inroads and the benefits have been noticed to all areas within the fleet and you can see the results with people now being able to make the transition from the floor into senior management roles.

Grant was the recipient of the Fleet Achievement Award 2017 sponsored by Repco.

Congratulations also to the award nominees:

Chris Reardon – City of Hobart
Clinton Wood – Gympie regional Council
Daniel Hutton – City of Karratha
Ron Ahmat – Mackay Regional Council