Hunter Women’s Network and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport will meet at The Newcastle Club for a special luncheon on September 8.

One of the organisers Race Barstow said the transport industry remains a male dominated industry but is one where there are plenty of employment opportunities for women.

“This is about getting the message across that there are job opportunities there for females and degenderizing the industry making it more female friendly,” Ms Barstow said.

“We need to get more people engaged in this conversation so we can spread the word.

“We know the industry is about to grow and it doesn’t have the personnel there to see it reach its full potential.

“We have to work on this to encourage more women to apply for jobs in the transport and logistics fields such as road, rail and shipping,” she said.

Industry experts have forecast there will be a 26 per cent increase in the demand for logistics and transport professionals over the next five years.

“There is no way this increase can be met while the logistics and transport industry continues to be seen as a male dominated industry,” Ms Barstow said.

Lochinvar woman Brittney Bayliss is supporting the cause.

Ms Bayliss has recently obtained her heavy rigid truck licence and in 12 months can obtain her heavy combination licence.

This means she will be able to help her truck driver parents Brett and Jo Bayliss with the family transport business.

“There is a need to break down some barriers in an industry where there is still plenty of room for women," she said.

At the lunch a panel of industry professionals will provide insights into how the logistics and transport industries can tackle the problem and identify the impediments to change.