Newsroom
Media Enquiries: Anthony McClellan 0419 229 271
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31 May 2007
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Star Track Express supervisor, Brett Flannery, was seriously injured, and subsequently died last year, after being thrown from his forklift truck at our Tullamarine depot. The forklift overturned when its mast struck an overhead structure.
All of us at Star Track Express were shocked and deeply saddened by Brett’s death. Brett had worked with us for nearly 10 years.
As a result of this incident, Star Track Express faced one charge of a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Star Track Express pleaded guilty to that one charge and was today fined $200,000 in the County Court, Melbourne.
We accept this outcome, as we understand our obligations as a good corporate citizen. Consistent with accepting responsibility, and in expression of our deep regret, the company entered a plea of guilty at the earliest opportunity. We also cooperated immediately and fully with WorkSafe's investigation.
In response to this incident, Star Track Express conducted an extensive review of workplace safety systems, including a complete retrofitting of interlocking seat belt restraints on all our forklifts nationally. This means that none of our forklifts can now operate unless our drivers have fastened their seat belts.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Brett's family and friends, in particular his wife Danielle and his mother Glenys. We are deeply sorry for their loss.
Derek Lightfoot
CEO Star Track Express
Media Contact:
Anthony McClellan
AMC Media
Mob: 0419 229 271
anthony@amcmedia.com.au
BACKGROUND
The incident occurred on 15 September 2005. Tragically, Brett died as a result of his injuries on 20 July 2006. He never regained consciousness.
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19 April 2006
David McArdle Trust Fund |
David McArdle, a Sydney driver for Star Track Express, was seriously injured last month while coming to the aid of a motorist whose car had crashed on the M4 motorway in western Sydney. He stopped his truck and was assisting the distressed female motorist when another truck and some cars ran into her car. Despite countless operations and the best medical treatment available, doctors were unable to save David's legs.
Derek Lightfoot, Chief Executive Officer of Star Track Express said today:
“We are all very proud of David. What he did was typical of his generosity. It’s just terrible that he has been so severely injured when he was trying to help someone in need. David has told us that he couldn’t leave the motorist in danger without trying to help. Even knowing what has happened to him now, he tells us he would do it again.
Staff here at Star Track Express wanted to help David, as did the company. We have set up a payroll deduction facility so that staff can donate money to assist David in his recovery. The Company will match all donations by staff on a dollar for dollar basis. Also, in response to requests from the general public, we have established a special trust account through which members of the public can donate money.
All proceeds from both appeals will go directly to David. Star Track Express staff have been fantastic with their support, and we thank them for that. We also want to thank the public for their support and we all look forward to David’s recovery."
Please follow the links for more details of David's brave journey:
'McArdle meets his idols at Concord' (courtesy of West's Tigers, 18 July 2006)
'A hero's feat of selfless bravery' (courtesy of the Sunday Telegraph, 21 May 2006)
'One of a kind' (courtesy of the Mt Druitt - St Marys Standard, 29 March 2006)
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28 October 2004
Evacuation plan goes smoothly |
 In late October, an accident occurred at our Tullamarine facility when there was a spillage of a corrosive substance from a carton. This incident underlies the sometimes dangerous nature of aspects of our operation. It also showcased how well the whole staff of Star Track Express worked together to overcome a potentially dangerous situation. The Star Track Emergency Plan was activated successfully and all 400 staff were evacuated from the facility quickly in a matter of minutes. There were no serious injuries sustained, although 26 staff were taken to hospital for a short time as a precaution due to the nature of the chemical fumes involved. All staff were released later the same day.
That this situation was managed so well is a testament to our staff at Tullamarine. And it’s not just us saying this. Media reports and emergency authorities echoed this view.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade incident controller, David Bruce, praised emergency procedures at Star Track Express, telling the media on site that the company dealt with the incident well.
“It was a very quick evacuation and really good organisation," he said. "They really have to be complimented on their procedures." (The Age 29 October 2004)
Star Track Express would like to thank all our staff and also the emergency authorities for the professional manner in which this incident was handled.
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19 December 2003
Qantas and Australia Post buy Star Track Express |
Australia Post and Qantas said today they had been successful in their joint bid to acquire express road freight operator, Star Track Express for $750 million.
The companies said the purchase would be made through a 50:50 joint venture and funded from net cash reserves and undrawn credit facilities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon, and The Managing Director of Australia Post, Graeme John, said they were delighted to buy such an outstanding business.
"Star Track Express is a high quality operation that provides superior service levels and has achieved consistent revenue and profit growth. It also comes with an experienced management team that has a proven track record," Mr Dixon said.
"This acquisition is consistent with the Qantas strategy of growing its non-airline businesses.
"Star Track Express adds to the portfolio of freight businesses in which Qantas is involved, including Australian air Express, a domestic express freight business that has been successfully operated by Australia Post and Qantas for many years."
Graeme John said Qantas and Australia Post would operate Star Track Express as a separate joint venture to ensure its brand, management, operational focus and customer relationships are maintained.
"Our aim is to grow the business to business market for express logistics. The business potential, both in Australia and overseas, means that the market will provide plenty of scope for future opportunities," Mr John said.
The founder and owner of Star Track Express, Greg Poche, said he was extremely pleased that Qantas and Australia Post, two leading Australian companies, had acquired his business and would now take it forward and grow it further.
The current Chief Executive Officer of Star Track Express, Derek Lightfoot, and his management team will continue to run the business. Mr Lightfoot and Mr Poche will continue on the Board of Star Track Express.
Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication and Australia Post Corporate Public Affairs
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