In workshops across the country, automotive technicians are solving some of the toughest problems on the road, but the hardest challenges are often the ones we don’t see… writes Jason Steporowski, General Manager – Membership & Sales, MTA NSW Group
The Australian automotive sector is built on resilience, precision and problem-solving, yet those same traits can make it difficult for people to speak openly when they’re struggling.
Mental health affects every part of our industry: apprentices under pressure, business owners carrying financial strain, technicians working long hours, and employees dealing with stress both on and off the job.
And while the culture in many workshops is shifting, the stigma around mental health hasn’t disappeared – especially among men, who make up the majority of our workforce.
A community that cares
Behind the scenes, the automotive community is often incredibly supportive.
Mates look out for each other, shop owners treat their teams like family, and car culture itself is built on connection.
But unlike a faulty alternator, mental health challenges don’t show up on a scan tool. They’re easier to hide, and all too often, they stay hidden.
That’s why organisations that speak directly to our community’s culture are so important.
And why, this year, the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW is choosing to highlight a charity created by the automotive community, for the automotive community.
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Cars For Hope was founded on a simple truth: sometimes the easiest way to talk is when you’re side-by-side, not face-to-face.
What began as a grassroots movement has grown into a national mental-health initiative that uses car culture as a bridge to connection and help.
The organisation works to connect people to support, and reduce the stigma around mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and suicide.
And because it was created by car enthusiasts, this message resonates where many traditional awareness campaigns do not.
The need to elevate the conversation
As an industry body, MTA NSW has long advocated for the wellbeing, professionalism and progress of automotive businesses.
But supporting a thriving industry also means supporting its people – not just the skills they bring to work, but their lives beyond the workshop door.
Our collaboration with Cars For Hope aims to shine a light on an issue that impacts every workshop, every business owner and every employee, regardless of size, trade or specialisation.
As part of this commitment, MTA NSW will be hosting an auction at its upcoming Automotive Excellence Awards night, to raise funds for Cars For Hope – it’s a reminder that excellence isn’t only about technical mastery; it’s about the wellbeing of the people behind the tools.
If we want a strong future for the automotive sector, we need to make mental health part of the conversation, in our training, in our workplaces, and in our everyday interactions. Sometimes that means checking in on a team member.
Sometimes it means recognising the signs of burnout early.
Sometimes it simply means opening the roller door to a conversation that someone else is too scared to start.