Our Staff

BOB AND SHARON MIDDLETON
George Cushnie, Joe Hegedus, Gary Ebert

ADELAIDE OFFICE STAFF
Cheryl Davies, Leah Cushnie, Sue Plumeier

PERTH OFFICE STAFF
Karleen Penrose, Jean Hunter

WORKSHOP STAFF
Phil Cook, Ron OBrien, Matthew Farquhar, David Henderson, Tony Jackson, Andrew Cook, Daniel Harding

 


 

DIRECTORS
Bob & Sharon Middleton


 

Bob
Originally with an airforce background, transport was and is still my life. Apart from my management role, my main tasks involve selecting and upgrading the fleet we operate. Given that we have some 100+ registered items on the road this is an ongoing process.
My wife, Sharon and I have worked together for nearly 3 decades and have enjoyed our team effort to be what and where we are today.
Away from work I am a motorsport fanatic, having started out in the early years in Speedway, circuit, NASCARs, Supertruck racing and in 2009 commenced racing in a 1969 Camaro in the Biante muscle car series.
The Supertruck has brought me much success with four consecutive Australian titles in 2005, 06, 07 and 08. In 2005 I won the TransTasman title – Aust v NZ.
I also have a passion for old cars which I enjoy organising the restoration of and cruising around in. Catching up with friends, wining and dining and a lemon topped Corona.
In August 2009 I was inducted into the Alice Springs Hall of Fame and, given my love of the industry, am naturally very proud.


 

Sharon
My background in transport spans in excess of 26 years with my role being to manage and control the administration of our business from day to day. In particular our financial systems, administration, OH&S, IT and coordinating consultants to our business.
I am very passionate about positive outcomes for our industry and am currently vice-president of SARTA having joined the board in 2002.
In 2009 I decided to obtain my heavy licence to experience myself first hand driving a semitrailer rather than just behind a desk. The experience has enlightened me further and given me a greater understanding of the task.
When not at the depot, I am busy supporting my husband's motor racing pursuits with Whiteline Racing Promotions, coordinating merchandise, fitting out the crew, providing for crew needs, writing newsletters, brochures and sponsor proposals, organising events and the administration and financial requirements for the business.
I am co-founder of Foundation Shine with close friend Robyn May. We promote awareness with regard to mental illness, raising funds for organisations providing much needed support to sufferers.
Singing and performing has been important to me haing recorded 3 cds, written jingles and themes – in particular one for SARTA – and singing at corporate events and functions.
Away from all of the above, like Bob, I enjoy life on the water boating, swimming, rowing, riding my bike, beach walking and spending time with Nugget [my four legged baby].
I have a closeknit group of girlfriends and I love spending time with friends.

 

Chief in Charge of Security and Morale
Nuggett Lee Middleton



 

George Cushnie – Adelaide, SA Depot

With a long history in transport beginning as a diesel mechanic in Scotland, I joined Whiteline in Nov 2002 as National Operations Manager and Logistics Manager. My role is to co-ordinate, manage and oversee operations of the Whiteline fleet, and dealing with staff and customer issues.
Away from the hectic pace of work, I love soccer – Manchester United is my team – NASCAR racing and collecting racing memorabilia with a dream to go to the Brickyard. I also enjoy driving and restoring old and retro cars and participate in various car rallies and field days.
Quality time with my wife Leah and kids Brannon and Ellen is important to me. I enjoy Japanese food and Kilkenny beer. Recently, despite 2 left feet and tone deaf ears, have enjoyed learning Rock'n'roll dancing.


 

Gary Ebert – Berri, SA Depot

I am the manager of the Berri Operations.
I joined Whiteline Transport in 2002 co-ordinating loading ex the Riverland and overseeing the Berri Depot.
Away from the office I enjoy golf and fishing and spending time with my wife Heidi and children Sarah and Nathan.
My favourite food is steak washed down with bourbon.


 

Adelaide Office – Staff

 

Cheryl 'Chez' Davies – Adelaide, SA Depot

I commenced with Whiteline in September of 2000 working in the office as the Truck Safe Assistant. My role is to co-ordinate day to day management of records for our accreditation requirements under Truck Safe / WAMAN Rds / NHVAS
Away from work I enjoy life by the ocean with hobbies including sailing, golf, fishing, walking, cooking, entertaining and travelling. My favourite food is seafood and Jim Beam is my choice of drink. My adult children Ashlyn and Travis are very important to me, so I love visiting and spending time with them and my grandchildren.

 

Leah Cushnie – Adelaide, SA Depot

I joined Whiteline in 2002 and co-ordinate and process debtors within the company.
Work for me is quite family orientated working alongside my husband George, having done so for many years.
In my own time I enjoy eating out, especially Japanese and Thai cuisine. I enjoy reading, gardening, home decorating, shopping and cruising in our colliection of cars. I love spending time as a family including watching movies. I recently embarked on dancing lessons favouring Rock'n'roll.

 

Sue Plumeier – Adelaide, SA Depot

My employment status with Whiteline is as a permanent part time employee having been here since 1997.
My current responsibilities are creditors, subcontractors, payroll and assisting with Truck Safe / NHVAS.
I have been married for 30+ years with 2 married adult sons. I am extremely family and friend orientated and enjoy holiday weekends in neighbouring Adelaide surrounds. I now have the enjoyment of grandchildren in my life.
Loud music is a must when working around the house, gardening for my therapeutic wellbeing and reading is my time-out solution.
Some people classify me as a course ‘junkie’, from self defence to cushion making with many more in between.
Always ready to experience the cuisine of all types of restaurants and have been known to enjoy a glass of champagne.
I not only thrive on the daily challenge my job gives me, but enjoy the company of all my work related colleagues.


 

Perth Office – Staff

 

Karleen Penrose – Perth, WA Depot

Karleen is my name and I answer to ‘Karls’. I am based in the Perth Office and have been employed with Whiteline Transport since December 2002 as Office Assistant. I work 3 days per week and it’s great and I really enjoy my job.
My partner’s name is Laurie and I have 2 boys, Luke and Jye.
I enjoy going out to dinner, mainly in the Fremantle area. I just love Freo. I enjoy having a few wines with friends and general socialising.
My favourite food would have to be Italian (pasta) – luv it!
I love the beach and mainly go to Coogee Beach.


 

Workshop – Staff

 

Phil Cook – Adelaide, SA Depot

I am the Workshop Manager. I joined in 2001 and am in charge of managing the workshop and maintaining the fleet.
Away from the spanners I enjoy bush-bashing in buggies at my country property and spending time with my family.