Media release
23 November 2018
Queensland’s taxi industry celebrated the achievements of its drivers and operators at the annual Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) Industry Awards. The ceremony, held at the Rydges Hotel in Brisbane’s South Bank, saw winners named in seven hotly contested categories on the night (Tuesday 20 November).
The TCQ Industry Awards recognise those drivers and operators who have taken customer care, service, and professionalism to even higher levels than the industry standard. It is an opportunity for the taxi industry to acknowledge those members who have consistently gone the extra mile in serving their local community.
Having been nominated by their peers, winners on the night were judged by a panel made up of Adam Hazell, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Natasha Montesalvo, Queensland Tourism Industry Council, and John Mayo, Spinal Life Australia. Each of the shortlisted finalists received a certificate marking their contribution to the industry, with the winners also taking home a beautiful engraved trophy.
TCQ CEO, Blair Davies, thanked all of the finalists and those who had helped make the night possible.
“Each year we come together to celebrate those from our industry who truly exemplify a commitment to exceptional customer service and professionalism. Not everybody can win on the night but all of our finalists can be very proud of themselves. I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to nominate this year and our judging panel who gave up their time to come along and help pick our deserving winners” said Mr Davies.
Winners on the night were:
- Driver of the Year (Wheelchair Accessible Taxi)
- Jagdeep Suman (Black and White Cabs)
- Driver of the Year (Conventional Taxi)
- Shane Longland (Black and White Cabs)
- Operator of the Year (1-20 vehicles)
- Chris Cochrane
- Operator of the Year (21-100 vehicles)
- Ertan Yasar
- Operator of the Year (100+ vehicles)
- Greg Neighbours
- Customer Service Award
- Atambeer ‘Ruby’ Kalra
- Significant Achievement Award
- Allan Rowe
“It is always pleasing to hear each year at the TCQ Awards, about the incredible lengths some of our drivers and operators have gone to during the last 12 months to serve their customers and promote a great image for the industry.
“In communities large and small across Queensland, there are lots of people who rely on cabbies to get them from A to B as a regular and essential part of their daily lives and that is something which isn’t lost on our industry. We are extremely proud to serve.
“Year on year, the taxi industry faces evolving and new challenges but what stays constant is the hard work, dedication, and optimism with which our drivers and operators face those challenges. Rain, hail or shine, our cabbies make sure one thing comes first and that is getting their passengers quickly and safely to their destinations across our great State” added Mr Davies.
End