Conroy Removals is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of Conroy crew member, Sydney Sangster, who received the EROAD Young Driver Award at Transporting New Zealand’s South Island Seminar Industry Awards recently.
At just 22 years old, Sydney is already leaving her mark on the road transport industry, and this national recognition is a well-earned testament to her dedication, talent, and work ethic.
Sydney’s reaction when her name was announced was a mix of surprise and pride.
“I felt surprised, happy, and proud of myself,” she said. “It feels good to be recognised for the hard work that has been put in to get me where I am now.”
Sydney’s journey into the transport world was inspired by her father, and her passion for driving has been with her from a young age. She joined Conroy Removals in 2022, starting with a Class 1 licence, and quickly proved herself to be a capable and reliable operator. Today, she is a Full Class 5 licence holder.
“I’ve always loved driving, and being able to turn that into a career is a bonus.”
Conroy Removals Operations Manager, Mark Carter, says Sydney quickly built a reputation for more than just her technical skills.
“Sydney has become known for her calm, confident approach to even the most complex moves,” says Mark.
“Her dedication to safety, attention to detail, and proactive attitude have made her a trusted go-to across the team. She’s quick to support others, leads by example, and has earned the respect of her peers and managers alike.”
Conroy Removals Managing Director, David Conroy, says he’s proud to have Sydney on the team and looks forward to supporting her as she continues her impressive career.
“Her achievement is not only a personal milestone, but a proud moment for all at Conroy Removals who’ve been part of her journey. She is a great example to her young peers of what is possible if you put your mind to something,” David says.
Like any great driver, Sydney knows there’s always more to learn.
“My biggest learning curve has been adjusting to the size of the vehicle and how differently you need to move it on the road.”
She credits much of her growth to the people who’ve supported her along the way.
“Mark, our Operations Manager, has been a massive help and great support. And Craig, my fellow driver and crew, has been amazing in the passenger seat, teaching me everything I need to know.”
When asked what advice she’d give to other young drivers starting out in the industry, Sydney doesn’t hesitate:
“Don’t be scared of old truckers. They aren’t that bad!”
Quick Q&As with Sydney
What do you like to do in your spare time/outside of work?
Keep myself fit with the gym, running and playing tennis. Spending time with family and friends.
If you could customise your own truck, what would it look like?
Big, blacked out flat nose truck that you can hear from a mile away.
What has been the biggest learning curve for you as a young driver?
Adjusting to the size of a vehicle and how differently you need to move it on the road
What’s one thing people don’t realise about being a removalist truck driver?
The customer interaction side.
How do you prepare for a big move day?
Prioritise sleep and a well-balanced diet.
How do you stay focused and alert on long drives?
Taking breaks when needed (a walk around the truck helps!)