VACC's Paul Bertoli crowned MOVE 'legend'

20 May 2022

VACC Executive Board member, Paul Bertoli has been honoured at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE), formally the Shepparton Motor Museum.

One of seven new Avenue of Legends inductees, Mr Bertoli's display, which features a banner detailing his industry journey and a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor, was unveiled at MOVE's Kenworth Dealer Pavilion. The pavilion space is dedicated to recognising the legends of road transport and associated industries in the Goulburn Valley and beyond.

Mr Bertoli began his career in 1968 with an automotive apprenticeship, before deciding to work for himself in 1976 – with only an iconic Holden Ute, a toolbox and $300 to his name. It wasn’t long before he established a dealership and, with a focus on quality service and customer care, it went on to become one of the region’s leading farm machinery businesses. During his induction speech, Mr Bertoli acknowledged the support he has received throughout his career from Kubota Tractors and John Berends instruments, products he continues to sell and service to this day.

MOVE hosted an industry dinner to celebrate the new inductees and pay tribute to the 14 foundation Avenue of Legends members. In addition, the event was an opportunity to recognise two leading MOVE supporters, the CMV Truck and Bus group and its Jim Crawford Historic Fleet, and the Bus and Coach Society of Victoria. MOVE's first Honorary Legend, a much loved local trucking identity, the late John McCarrol, was also recognised. 

VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym – the Chamber is a major museum sponsor – was in attendance, supporting Mr Bertoli and speaking with local Chamber members, including Jarrod Mackin of L&P Mackin Forklifts. Mr Mackin raised the critical issue of skills shortages, including the challenge of securing future skilled labour, and he and Mr Gwilym discussed the Chamber's action plan – including direct dialogue with the Australian Government and an upcoming mass-media automotive careers campaign.