A new Forklift Operator of the Year has been crowned after a tightly contested grand final at the Brisbane Markets on Tuesday, 29 October, with Nikola Ivosevic from BG Brisbane taking the coveted title.
The event saw the top ten contestants battle it out over a timed, practical course, losing precious seconds for every error they made. Launched to promote forklift safety, the competition has steadily gained traction and is now a fan-favourite fixture in the Brisbane Markets event calendar.
Mr Ivosevic took out the top prize of $3,000, after safely completing the course in a time of 1 minute and 41 seconds. Anaru Ruri from Pershouse Produce came second with a time of 1 minute and 51 seconds, scoring $1,500, and the 2023 Forklift Operator of the Year, Aaron Rizzolo coming in at 2 minutes to place third and scoring $500 for his efforts.
“Brisbane Markets is home to 406 registered forklifts with 1,006 registered forklift operators authorised to operate a forklift on the site. This year saw the highest number of entrants in the competition since it started in 2015. Next year will mark 10-years since the competition was launched at the Brisbane Markets,” said BML’s Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young.
After competing in a month-long observation period, where they were scored on their adherence to the Brisbane Markets Regulations, safety and traffic rules for the site, the entrants were narrowed down to the top 10 who competed in the grand final obstacle course in front of a crowd that gathered within the Brisbane Markets to watch the spectacle.
This was Nikola’s first appearance in the competition.
Nikola encouraged other forklift operators to get involved in the event, even if they feel nervous.
“It feels pretty good to win,” Nikola said. “I’d encourage everyone to join and have a go, things are only hard until you get better at them.” Nikola said.
The event is hosted by Brisbane Markets Limited, with the support of event sponsors Toyota Material Handling, The Drug Detection Agency, SBP Australia, Veolia and Brismark.
