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Best in automotive crowned at President’s Gala Dinner

13 May 2023

Victoria and Tasmania’s finest automotive businesses and top apprentices have been revealed.

Sixteen elite businesses, business people and apprentices have been announced as leaders in their field at the 2023 Automotive Industry Awards (AIA), the premier night dedicated to the Victorian and Tasmanian automotive industry.  

View full event photo gallery: 2023 AIA and President's Gala Dinner

Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) CEO Geoff Gwilym said the awards demonstrate member and apprentice commitment to quality and customer service. 

“It is a huge accolade to be named the best in Victoria and Tasmania. These winners go above and beyond, and have proved themselves more than worthy of these titles,” Mr Gwilym said. 
 

President’s Awards

• Employee of the Year – Phillipa Gray-Finning, PJ’s Discount Tyre Service sponsored by DENSO 
• Employer of the Year – Patterson Cheney sponsored by DENSO 
• VACC Apprentice of the Year – Zak Cretella, Bundoora BMW sponsored by Spirit Super
• TACC Apprentice of the Year – Ben Bailey, Hobart Performance Autos sponsored by Spirit Super

VACC

• Essendon Panels – Best Small Business (Metropolitan) sponsored by OurAuto Insurance
• BM Tech – Best Large Business (Metropolitan) sponsored by Podium 
• Euro Panels – Best Small Business (Regional) sponsored by Zembl
• Morrow Motor Group – Best Large Business (Regional) sponsored by Bendix

TACC

• Autobody Solutions – Best Small Business sponsored by Commonwealth Bank
• Cooper Automotive – Best Large Business sponsored by Haynes Australia
                                                 

VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships

VACC and TACC recognises the achievements of apprenticeship graduates and presented awards to outstanding apprentices from across Victoria and Tasmania as part of the annual Automotive Industry Awards.

• Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice – Jonathan Roy, Eastern Subaru sponsored by the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
• Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice – Benjamin Anstice, Jeff Wignall Ford Mornington sponsored by the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
• Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice – Taylor Brown, AD Diesel sponsored by the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
• Outstanding Trainee of the Year – Aiden Johnstone, Airport Toyota sponsored by SP Tools
• VACC Progressive Excellence Award – Alex Cachia, South Morang Mazda sponsored by Mas National
• TACC Progressive Excellence Award – Brock Costello, Launceston Mazda sponsored by Mas National

“The Automotive Industry Awards have been very well supported this year, proving that they are valued by industry and recognised by consumers,” said Mr Gwilym.

An independent judge evaluated entries based on business management, workplace practices, customer service and environmental impacts. To ensure only the finest of VACC and TACC’s more than 5,000 members would be crowned, finalists were randomly audited.

“Congratulations to all of our 2023 winners and finalists. We recommend them to Victorian and Tasmanian motorists. Remember to look for the famous orange sign: the mark of the industry professional,” said Mr Gwilym.

Winners were announced at the VACC President’s Gala Dinner, a formal evening that combined industry awards and apprentice graduation festivities. Attendees heard from master of ceremonies, VACC Ambassador Shane Jacobson, and a string of top-notch entertainers on Saturday 13 May at the Palladium at Crown, Melbourne. 

Special thanks to major event partner and President’s Awards sponsor DENSO for its support, as well as AIA category sponsors Podium, OurAuto Insurance, Commonwealth Bank, Bendix, Zembl and Haynes Australia. Additionally, VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships sponsors, Spirit Super, Mas National, SP Tools, and the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance.

For more information, contact:

Ismini Tsiftis
Functions Coordinator
03 9829 1263
info@automotiveindustryawards.com.au
automotiveindustryawards.com.au