Mrs Fellows - who operates Fellows Bulk Transport with husband Paul - has been named as a finalist in the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year.
Only one other finalist has been announced - Michelle Harwood from Tasmania.
Ms Fellows said being recognised was a lot for her to take in, given it is such a cooperative industry.
“It is overwhelming, especially to be singled out as working in the trucking industry where you are really part of a team.
“We (the nominees in any of the national awards) don’t do anything to be recognised, but rather because it is what we think we should do.
“The other nominee, Michelle Harwood, has also been doing extraordinary things.”
Mrs Fellows has been part of the trucking industry for almost 20 years, and said she is proud to be part of an industry which is so important to the national and local economy.
“Hopefully, this brings awareness to the trucking industry and some of the many things we are trying to do,” she said.
“It is such a great industry.
“During COVID, it gave people awareness and highlighted how important the industry is.”
“I’ve been running the business for 19 years with my husband, Paul.
“I joined after being a hairdresser.
“The transport industry is a family-orientated industry. Working with and meeting people, it is such a good industry.”
Mrs Fellows’ involvement in the industry has also allowed her to educate the community on safer roads, in partnership with her other community role with the Deniliquin High School P&C.
She is a founding member of the committee which instigated the school’s driver education program.
It is specifically targeted at Year 10 students - those who have recently applied for a learners’ permit or who are about to - and truck safety is only one small part of an all encompassing program.
“Through the transport business, we’ve been focused on the safety on our roads and driver education.
“We try to bring awareness and help develop our driver education program while we support and volunteer for the driver education program.
“We’re trying to spread the program through schools in the region, including places like Moama Grammar.
“The program is about sharing the road with heavy vehicles, making the roads safer for all of us.”
The National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year, and other National Trucking Industry Awards 2024 winners, will be announced at the Trucking Australia 2024 conference in Canberra on April 19.
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