The Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has revealed the winners of its inaugural Automotive Excellence Awards.
The awards recognised the businesses and individuals setting the benchmark across the state’s $55 billion automotive sector.
More than 300 industry professionals and dignitaries gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth for the gala presentation, including NSW Minister for Better Regulations and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong and CareSuper Chair Linda Scott.
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MTA NSW CEO Stavros Yallouridis congratulated the winners and finalists.
“These awards are about celebrating the very best of our industry, the businesses and individuals who raise the bar every day. I congratulate all our winners and finalists on this outstanding achievement,” he said.
“Since 1910, MTA NSW has supported its members as the voice of the NSW automotive industry. The Automotive Excellence Awards are our way of celebrating the people and businesses who form the backbone of our $55 billion industry.”
Apprentice of the Year Awards
The awards highlighted emerging talent across multiple trades:
- Apprentice of the Year – 1st Year (Penrite): Bridie Bennett – Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Singleton Earthmoving, Singleton
- Apprentice of the Year – 2nd Year: Jack Berry – Certificate III Automotive Refinishing Technology, Taminda Smash Repairs, Tamworth
- Apprentice of the Year – 3rd Year: Roy Lardner Burke – Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Heavy Diesel Specialists, Rutherford
- Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (CareSuper): Roy Lardner Burke – Heavy Diesel Specialists, Rutherford
- Women in Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Jennifer Smyth – Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology, John McGrath Auto Group, Belconnen ACT
NSW Metropolitan Business of the Year
Sponsored by Tyrepower, metropolitan category winners included:
- Small Automotive Business: Dulwich Hill Automotive, Marrickville
- Medium Automotive Business: Sylvania BMW, Sylvania
- Large Automotive Business: Penrith City Automotive, Kingswood
NSW Regional Business of the Year
Supported by Capricorn, regional winners were:
- Small Automotive Business: Sampson’s Car Repairs, Tamworth
- Medium Automotive Business: Geoff Richards Panel Beating, Dubbo
- Large Automotive Business: Thomas Bros Toyota, Wagga Wagga
Specialist Automotive Business of the Year
- Automotive Mechanical Repair Business (IMA B2B): Bold Trailer and Caravan Repair Centre, Miranda
- Collision Repair Business (Scott & Broad): L & M Smash Repairs, Seven Hills
- New Vehicle Dealership (CareSuper): Mercedes-Benz Parramatta, Granville
Member Recognition Awards
- MTA NSW Member Recognition Award: Lancaster Motor Group, Singleton
- MTA NSW President’s Award: Thomas Bros Toyota, Wagga Wagga
Gala celebration and industry support
The evening was hosted by comedian and television presenter Charlie Pickering, with entertainment from speed painter Brad Blaze and Sydney band Bermuda Social.
Special guests included Foodbank NSW & ACT CEO John Robertson, 2025 Aussie Racing Cars Champion Kody Garland, and Women in Automotive co-founders Kate Peck and Rachel Butler. A live charity auction raised funds for Foodbank NSW & ACT, supporting efforts to address hunger and food insecurity.
The event was backed by Platinum Sponsor CareSuper, with Capricorn and Tyrepower as Gold Sponsors. Silver Sponsors included Women in Automotive and IMA B2B, while Bronze Sponsors were Penrite, Scott & Broad and PMA Global. Supporting Sponsors included RT Health, Henry William Lawyers and Steadfast Workplace Risk.