Following April’s QBIC Conference in Cairns, incoming QBIC executive director Jason O’Dwyer pays tribute to David Tape
Executive director of QBIC David Tape is retiring after 16 years spent serving the bus industry in both Queensland and Australia. David has had an enormous impact on the industry, enabling it to come together to ensure a safe, reliable and cost-effective service for all.
David’s career has not been solely in the passenger and logistics industry. David’s leadership, communication and advocacy skills have been years in the making. His skills were first honed as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Warrant officers are renowned for leading, coaching, training and counselling their team to ensure the job gets done. From what I’ve seen in my short time at QBIC, he achieves this with a great level of humility, knowledge and understanding. He has enjoyed a varied career including industries as diverse as health, security, rehabilitation and account management, all in leadership positions.
David has witnessed the industry evolve and has guided it over the past 16 years through some tumultuous times. Significant events and changes include the COVID-19 response, improvements in contract terms and conditions for operators, safety for drivers such as barriers and safety for passengers and children, including a major contribution in the passenger code of conduct.
Simultaneously David has been instrumental to the growth of QBIC, with an engaged membership, a committed management and committee structure, a supportive supplier network, two staff and a product offering that reflects members’ needs.
Over the past month that I have worked with David, his passion is obvious, not only for the industry and members but through his commitment to QBIC. He has made QBIC the conduit for all sectors of the industry to ensure their messages and challenges are addressed by government. It’s obvious he has worked tirelessly during his tenure.
I have had the privilege to witness two events at the QBIC Conference that encapsulate David’s commitment and standing. The first was the heart-felt thanks and acknowledgement of David by the Minster for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey. Minister Bailey’s words were a testament to David’s standing within government and the department. The second event was the bestowing of the association’s highest award, honorary life membership, to David. I have had the privilege of working for a number of industry associations over my career and can attest that these awards are rare. Honorary life membership is a reflection of the esteem QBIC has for David. It was truly marvellous to see the emotion on David’s face as he received this unexpected and well-deserved award.
On behalf of QBIC, I personally would like to wish David all the best and thank him for his hard work and sound counsel in passing on the mantle of executive director to me – it’s wonderful to receive a handover from him. I have some very big shoes to fill but I am looking forward to continuing David’s legacy and ensuring that QBIC continues to grow and support members well into the future.
So I am sure you will join me in saying to David: your hard work and dedication have made a significant impact on QBIC and the industry. We are grateful for all that you have done and we wish you continued success and happiness in everything you do.