Oz Truck app to support female truck drivers in Victoria

The new $1.38 million Oz Truck app supported by the Victorian Government will be a one-stop-shop for female truck drivers to give them the confidence and support they need on the road.

The smartphone app will provide 24/7 emergency support during breakdowns and crashes, as well as an online forum for drivers to provide peer support, health and wellbeing information, and petrol station, weighbridge and rest-stop finders.

Related: OzHelp Foundation launches Share the Load podcast for truckies

The project will be piloted using 5000 truck drivers from mid-2021 before being rolled out for free to the broader industry.

“The Oz Truck App is a great example of TAFEs working with industry in innovative ways – creating great opportunities for Victorians, stronger and more diverse workforces, and addressing skills needs,” said Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills.

The app was developed after research undertaken at Wodonga TAFE identified negative cultural perceptions of women in the freight and logistics industry.

Women have reported intimidation and bullying by male counterparts, and a desire for more support and training for new female drivers and those of diverse backgrounds.

“The representation of women in Victoria’s freight industry continues to grow and this app is a fantastic example of how we can enhance health and safety and boost the number of women entering the freight industry,” said Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight.

As part of the Victorian Government’s Women Driving Transport Careers program, Wodonga TAFE developed the app in collaboration with Launchpad App Development – alongside Australia Post, Linfox, Volvo Group Australia, the Australian Trucking Association and Transport Women Australia.

Other initiatives to support women in transport careers include a VET ambassador in schools program, a diversity training program for middle managers in trucking organisations, the creation of a modified heavy vehicle training course and creation of a new truck driver capability framework.

Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said that the app functions as a catalyst for change within the trucking industry.

“We’re proud to support this project – which is helping modernise the freight and logistics industry by creating cultural change and providing more support to Victorian women,” Williams said.

Source: Victoria State Government media release