The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has recognised James Whelan, Managing Director of Whelan Kartaway, with the 2025 WFD Chalmers Award.
The WFD Chalmers Award is the VTA’s most prestigious honour, established in memory of Daryl Chalmers who served on the VTA Executive Council for over 40 years.
It recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, loyalty and commitment to the VTA and broader transport industry over many years.
VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, presented Whelan with the award alongside VTA President, Dennis Ryan, and Chalmers’ son, Gary, at the 2025 VTA President’s Dinner last night (14 October 2025).
Anderson said the award is a recognition of individuals who have gone above and beyond to ensure that the values of the VTA and Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) carry through on a daily basis.
“James has been rock solid in his support and leadership, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him directly for over 12 years,” he said.
“He is one of the most deserving recipients we’ve ever had.”
During his acceptance speech, Whelan reflected on his family’s long-standing involvement in the industry.
“This industry has been good to my family, and I was always taught to ask, ‘What can we do to make the industry better for everybody?’,” he said.
“That’s stayed with me throughout my career. When I started in the mid-90s, landfill levies were around $2 a tonne. Today, they’re closer to $170. That’s billions in taxes collected by the state.
“While landfills are often viewed negatively, they’ve provided financial support to the state and helped fund improvements in recycling.
“It’s an honour to be recognised with this award. My thanks isn’t enough to express how much this means to me.”
Ryan reflected on a year of significant achievement for the VTA when delivering his inaugural President’s Dinner address.
“Peter Anderson and the VTA Secretariat have once again had a busy and productive year advocating for regulation and policy that gives our members the best chance to succeed,” he said.
“We’ve secured the revocation of Victorian permit costs from 1 January 2026, continued strong engagement with government and delivered over 400 job-ready heavy vehicle drivers through our Driver Delivery program – including more than 100 women. At the federal level, our work through Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) has positioned us at the forefront of industrial relations reform.”
Ryan also emphasised the importance of succession planning and involving younger staff in the work of the association to ensure its continued strength and relevance.
