VICT delivers 2nd batch of containers to fire survivors
Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), in close cooperation with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), has turned over the second batch of the 42 shipping container donations for the survivors of last year’s bush fires.
The delivery commenced on 20 February with a fleet of trucks that included semi-trailers, side loaders, and tilt tray trucks transporting 21 containers to Corryong in North East Victoria. The containers are part of the joint commitment of VICT and VTA back in July before the pandemic forced lockdowns all over the state.
“VICT is proud to be involved with this project. Never at the time of offering to donate the 42 containers did we think what an effort it would take to complete,” said Philip Lovel, a non-executive director at VICT.
He adds: “It is very easy to just donate the containers, but someone had to deliver them to all the locations. This was a task Peter and his members from the VTA took on. Well done to them all.”
Putting his years of transport industry experience to use, Peter Anderson, VTA Chief Executive Officer, coordinated the entire project systemically by first asking Bush Fire Victoria to identify the fire survivors who needed assistance. He then travelled to personally to inspect the locations and workout where to place the 21 containers from Melbourne.
The main drop off point was on a truck bypass route to the north of Corryong, on a gravel road called Stock Route Road. Mr. Anderson had identified individual drop off locations during his initial visit and detailed the locations, contacts, and phone numbers of every fire survivor. He was accompanied by Mr. Lovel.
All 21 containers were dropped off on the roadside on the afternoon of 20 February for delivery within the next 24 hours. The team was assisted by the local TOWONG Shire Council representatives Kaye Nankervis and Tony Irwin in the loading of containers for local distribution to the areas of Cudgewa, Colac Colac, Thowlga Valley, Biggara, Nariel Valley, Towong, Tintaldra, Mt. Alfred, Walwa, and Corryong.
VICT extends its gratitude to Michael Cahill of Cahill Transport, Colin and Kellie Rees of Ettamoogah Rail Hub Wodonga, Danny Sebdick of DSN Transport, Dave Farvis of Nationwide Towing, Vincent Arthur of L. Arthur Transport, Bill Smith of Hi Haul Transport, and Paul Freestone of Freestone’s Transport for supporting the project.
(From left) Peter Anderson, VTA CEO, with Kaye Nankervis of the TOWONG Shire Council and Philip Lovel, VICT Non-Executive Director
Despite the challenging terrains in some of the destination sites, truck drivers managed to complete their tasks without any complaint or comment regarding the difficulties they encountered.
Greg (left), one of the farmers who received the container donations, together with Navjot Khaira, one of the truck drivers who facilitated the delivery of the containers. All the truck drivers who took part in initiative offered their services for free.