Shipping Australia would like to wholeheartedly thank Rod Begley for his leadership as our State Chairman for Victoria over the past two years.
Rod assumed the role as of January 2018 and he stepped down in March this year, having previously filled the position many years earlier during the long tenure of former state secretary, the late Phil Kelly OAM.
Shipping Australia acknowledges, and is grateful for, all of Rod’s commitment to advancing the interests of our members. His efforts and representation were particularly evident in respect of the proposed rail development at the Port of Melbourne, emphasising its further connection to the state network.
Rod has decided to broaden his experiences within the sector and has taken on a chief operating officer role with a Papua New Guinea-based stevedoring company.
Shipping Australia would like to thank Rod for his support and we wish him well in his future endeavours.
Welcome James Kurz
The role of State Chairman for Victoria has been ably filled by James Kurz, who previously held the Deputy State Chairman role. Shipping Australia Victoria therefore remains on a solid footing with attributes of experience and enthusiasm to maintain its momentum.
James has a long experience with us, having set-up Young Shipping Australia Queensland in 2012.
James studied at the Australian Maritime College and have 14 years in the shipping industry, including time sailing as a cadet on bulk carriers. He has worked with several well-known names in the shipping industry including Teekay Shipping, Pacific International Lines, Pacific Direct Lines and Mariana Express Lines among others.
Today James works as a Senior Commercial Manager at Coastalbridge, a logistics provider that provides tailor-made distribution solutions for the Australian domestic market.
