A GRANDIOSE scene akin to something out of Phantom of the Opera greeted guests as they entered Melbourne Town Hall for the recent Australasian Supply Chain & Logistics Association Awards.
As guests sipped their drinks or networked, a quartet sang a series of pop songs in operatic style, notably Queen’s hit Bohemian Rhapsody.
An organist’s notes contributed to the sense of anticipation, and guests were not let down with a series of big announcements.
These included that Stephen Lakey would be taking over from Sue Tomic as chair effective from the end of the year and that Steven Ballerini had been appointed inaugural chief executive.
In her speech, outgoing chair Sue Tomic reflected upon some of the importance of “momentum” in a business environment.
“Momentum”, Ms Tomic said, was “business critical” with a lack of momentum contributing to decline if one’s competitors had this vital component.
“Momentum can be the biggest blessing in hard times with the theme ‘this too shall pass’ so thank God for momentum,” she told the gathering.
“Ironically it also can be sad as we try to hold on to those feelings in happier times, but nothing stays the same.”
Ms Tomic said ASCLA (previously the SCLAA) had enjoyed much momentum in recent years with recognition of their role having increased significantly. She reflected upon the recipe for success being based upon vision, leadership and business strategy.
“My tenure as chair ends this year and that is a good thing. Going back to momentum, I am incredibly proud of our achievements from both past and present boards to help make all this happen,” she said.
Ms Tomic said Steven Ballerini was well-placed to make a contribution as chief executive and said that "he comes to us with an enormous amount of experience, with fresh ideas to take us to the next level”.
Comedian Jimeoin was master of ceremonies and ensured proceedings went along at a good pace.
The winners are list below:
Start Up Award
Winner: Mobiledock
Training, Education & Development Award
Winner: Young Guns Container Crew
Environment Excellence Award
Winner: BioChill
Big Data, IT, & Business Intelligence Award
Winner: Nick Scali Limited & Explorate
High Commendation: NavLabs
Industry Excellence Award
Winner: Kelly McGinty
High Commendation: Sean Ledbury MAICD MAIP - Prological
Future Leaders Award
Winner: Natalie Le - TMX Transform
High Commendation: Josh Eastwell - Crocs
Judges Choice Award
Winner: NSW Rural Fire Service
Automation, Robotics, or Emerging Technology Award
Winner: Swisslog, ANZ & Mondelēz International
International Supply Chain Award
Winner: EWE Group Pty Ltd
High Commendation: DMS & Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited
Supply Chain Management Award
Winner: ASICS, Vanderlande & ThreeSixty Group Ltd.
Workplace Health & Safety Award
Winner: Young Guns Container Crew
High Commendation: Fulfillio
Transportation & Logistics Award
Winner: Shippit