Pauline Kearney’s 40 years of transport industry experience has been honoured by the industry.
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At the 2025 National Rural Carrier’s Convention in Canberra on Saturday night, she was named the inaugural recipient of the Rural Transport Woman of the Year.
A new initiative by Repco Commercial and the Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA), the award is to promote the input by women to the rural transport industry.
The new award was announced on International Women's Day last year.
Presenting the award to Mrs Kearney by LBRCA life members were Phyllis Jones and Tracey Boschetti - ladies she looks up to.
Mrs Kearney and Kearney Trasnport are based in Barooga.
As well as being a driver, she has been on the Berrigan Shire Transport Committee, meeting quarterly to discuss heavy vehicle access and any issue arising around heavy vehicles within the shire.
Her journey in the transport industry began at the age of 15 when she spent weekends washing trucks at Pullar Transport in Cobram.
Alongside her brothers, she washed a fleet of 10 to 12 trucks for $7 a truck.
But for Mrs Kearney, it was never about the money.
The real joy came from driving the 1km trip from the sheds to the wash bay.
Then just 17, Mrs Kearney left school to work at her parent’s business, Wilmac Cobram Bearings.
There, she embarked on an apprenticeship in bookkeeping and spare parts.
Mrs Kearney's memory remains remarkable to this day, effortlessly recalling product codes, wheel seals, bearings and filter numbers.
She still remembers learning about various truck parts that she now uses regularly in the transport business.
Her family's business offered everything from the front of the truck's bullbar to the tail lights of its trailer, and Mrs Kearney played a pivotal role in ensuring it ran smoothly.
Her love for transport deepened when she obtained her heavy vehicle licence at the age of 19, in a Ford Louie with DECA in Shepparton.
She then upgraded to a B-double road train license 20 years later.
From there, she gained invaluable experience behind the wheel with Trease's in Numurkah.
From hauling paper reels from Smorgan's Melbourne yard to Numurkah, to delivering tomatoes to Heinz for Brian Hicks Transport, Mrs Kearney’s hands-on experience with all aspects of the industry only furthered her dedication to the craft.
She then started a transport business with her husband, Glen Kearney, in 1997.
The Kearneys co-own a fleet of eight impressive Kenworth trucks, accompanied by a range of diverse trailers, including tippers, tautliners, fridge vans, flat tops, and drop decks.
The couple have three sons - Brendon, Matt and Jack - who are also involved in the transport industry.
Mrs Kearney sat with each of them in the truck, teaching them how to drive, and each one is as passionate about the industry as their parents are.
Family is very important to Mrs Kearney, with her two brothers also working for Kearney Transport.
Mrs Kearney was nominated by Alina Hawkins from Hawkins Stock Transport.
Alina described her as a “true force in rural transport”, and said her passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire all who work with her.
The award means a lot to Mrs Kearney.
“The award was a tremendous honour and is incredible recognition. I feel incredibly humbled and grateful,” she said.
“It is a testament to all the women who work in the transport industry.
“I hope it inspires others to pursue careers in the transport industry and encourages them to believe in their potential.
“I love seeing young drivers coming through and help guide them, especially as there is a driver shortage at the moment.
“I understand what it is like for young women entering the transport industry such as recently when my son’s partner just received her heavy vehicle licence.”
“I am extremely proud about that.”
“Overall, I’m excited to see what the future holds and to continue to take part in its growth and success.”
Mrs Kearney said attending the National Rural Carriers Convention was a good experience.
“It was an absolutely wonderful event, and a very great weekend, just to be with so many icons.”
As much as Mrs Kearney has done in the industry, she did not have an inkling that she would receive the award.
“Absolutely none, it was such a surprise, I was absolutely shocked.
“I only found out when my son and his partner got their phones out, so they clearly knew about it and they helped research about my earlier days.
“I don’t feel I’m special, I just do what I love.
“I get the opportunity to work with my husband - we love doing trips together and sharing the driving on the way.
“I always say it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. I think that sums us up pretty well, and I would encourage all young women to consider a career in the industry.”