When VACC President, Mark Awramenko, VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym and VACC Industry Policy Advisor, Michael McKenna hit the road out of Melbourne, Murray River-bound, their mission was not solely to celebrate the past and membership milestones – it was also about looking to the future.
And that road led them to Shepparton and it’s soon-to-be-open Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE).
Before heading to the museum, formally the Shepparton Motor Museum, the group met with Board Member and Chair of the FIMDA, Paul Bertoli of Bertoli Farm Machinery.
Paul was able to provide some insight into the local industry. “The farm machinery industry in Shepparton is a valuable lifeline for the production of some of Australia’s premium farm produce. When the harvesting season begins, it’s all hands at the wheel amongst Bertoli and the other farm and machinery dealers in the area,” he said.
A great advocate for Shepparton and surrounding districts at VACC, Paul maintains a valuable connection to local political leaders and plays a key role in identifying and championing Chamber opportunities in regional Victoria, including the museum.
The group was greeted by MOVE directors, Peter Hill, Darren Linton and Geoff Cootes, as well as manager, Jenna Law. A tour of the historic car and motorcycle museum extension followed, and the team were particularly impressed by the undercover industry and community event space.
“(VACC has) provided sponsorship to the car museum in various ways over the years but this visit is more strategic than that. We need targeted messages to get young people and Mums and Dads interested in promoting the industry and its careers to their children,” said Mr Awramenko.
The new space at the museum was an eye opener and a testament to local donor, Jim Andreadis’ passion, along with other supporters in town. The state and federal governments may have contributed financial support, but the Chamber recognises that the expansion really has been driven by local businesses, car and truck enthusiasts and the public.
Over 30,000 people annually visited the existing car museum and with the recent works, as well as a new truck space and one of Australia’s best historic costume collections – dating back to the first fleet – it is anticipated the entire facility will attract more than 50,000 people in the coming years.
With such an audience expected, a Chamber partnership just makes sense. With the support of museum directors, VACC looks forward to engaging with their visitors, and getting automotive careers front of mind.
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