24/7 SUPPORT LINE

Dianne Carroll OAM, founder of the Trans-Help Foundation is married with six children.  Although never formerly educated, her contribution to community organisations span over 25 years.

Since Dianne's first husband and father's name was placed on the wall at the Australian Truck Drivers Memorial in Tarcutta, she assisted Ron Pullen in some of the organisation of the annual event. It was talking to people and witnessing the struggle and heartache out there that rekindled her personal experiences and gave her the idea of the Trans-Help Foundation.

Dianne Carroll has been associated with the transport industry from as far back as she can remember, often going on trips interstate with her father. Being the daughter of a truck driver and one of six children she also vividly recalls the hardships encountered by her mother.

Following the sudden death of her first husband in a transport accident and Dianne endured a three year legal battle to ensure his children were looked after.  She remarried and had another three children.

Through the school of adversity she has become a well known published author, a sought after historical consultant and a competent computer operator - all self taught.
 
Dianne says "Through my personal experiences and achievements I have learned that if you put your heart and sole into what you believe in you will succeed, and there is a lot of hearts and soles going into the future and success of the Trans-Help Foundation"
 
 
AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• 1998 Victorian Community & Local History Award Special Commendation
• 2002 Victorian Community and History Awards – Best Research, Records and Register
• Hero’s Award – Year of the Volunteer – High Country Heritage
• Bronze Award – Australian Signs and Graphic Award – Design of Mural “Through the Periscope”
• Recipient in the Federation “Peoplescape” Heroes, displayed at Parliament House –Canberra
• 2008 – Finalist ATA Australia Transport Woman of the Year

               
SEVERAL OF HER MAJOR  ACHIEVEMENTS

• Lee Kernaghan Pass the Hat Around Australia
  Coordinator of the Victorian Concert, held in Omeo which raised $60,000 for the community – over 4,000 people attended 

• The Great High Country Muster
  Co-Founder and coordinator of 5 day international event - $250,000 Event which attracted over 20,000 people over the five days
• The Golden Age Centenary Celebrations
  Organiser and coordinator of 3 day event.
• 1994 Telecom Winter Games
  Coordinator & Secretary – 3 Day event with all funds raised going to charity
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• Dandenong Country Music Festival
  All marketing, Coordinated National artists during the event—raising money for Windermere, an annex of Oz Child, formerly Melbourne Orphanage
• Victorian High Country Huts Association
  Founder of organisation which now has over 1000 members