By Ben Maguire – Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds
Over the past ten days, I’ve driven more than 4,000 kilometres representing Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds during Truck Week.
What struck me most wasn’t simply the distance travelled, the events attended, or the logistics involved.
It was the leadership.
Leadership from parliamentary representatives who took the time to engage meaningfully with the well-being of the transport industry.
Leadership from sponsors and industry partners who understand that supporting mental health is not just good business, it is essential to the future sustainability of an industry that contributes enormously to Australia’s economy and keeps our nation moving every single day.
Leadership from people on the ground: drivers, operators, mechanics, depot teams, volunteers and event organisers who continually show energy, humour and resilience despite the demands of life on the road.
And leadership from the extraordinary people I had the privilege to travel alongside and learn from: Naomi Frauenfelder CEO of Healthy Heads, whose passion and relentless commitment continue to drive national impact; Melissa Weller whose stakeholder leadership and ability to connect people is second to none; and Steve Power from HVIA, whose advocacy and enthusiasm for the heavy vehicle industry never wavered; Sally Hemmings who waved the flag and supported me at the conference.
Over the course of my travels, we moved between the highest offices in the land and roadside truck stops, and somehow the conversations carried the very same themes: service, resilience, connection and care for others.
One moment we were engaging with leaders at Parliament House and Government House, and the next, we were standing roadside talking with Mick, a truck driver, former member of the ADF, and someone so passionate about the mission of Healthy Heads that he spoke about wanting to establish a foundation to further support the work.
That conversation stayed with me.
Because it reminded me that leadership and generosity are not defined by title or position. They are defined by purpose.
From RUOK Day activations at Ampol, to Parliament House, to drive days, truck stops, BP activations and conversations over coffee at sunrise, every stop reinforced the same lesson:
Emotional energy, consistency, showing up. It is caring for people even when you are tired yourself.
Over ten days, I saw the Governor General, Ministers, Senators, industry leaders and frontline workers all united by a common purpose: creating a healthier, safer and more connected transport industry.
To everyone who welcomed “Kenny”, shared a story, shook a hand, put on an event, backed the mission or simply had a conversation… thank you.
This video captures only a fraction of the story, but it reflects something I will carry with me for a long time: great leadership exists everywhere in Australia… especially out on the road.