Victoria and Tasmania’s leading automotive businesses and apprentices have been honoured at the 2025 Automotive Industry Awards, showcasing the talent, innovation, and dedication driving the sector forward.
Held on 28 June at the Palladium at Crown in Melbourne, the prestigious event combined the industry’s annual awards with the graduation of top apprentices.
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Established in 2016, the Automotive Industry Awards are hosted by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), recognising the best among VACC and TACC’s 5,000-strong membership across Victoria and Tasmania.
A total of 22 elite businesses, industry leaders, and apprentices were crowned winners across multiple categories.
VACC CEO Peter Jones said the awards are a testament to the high standards of the region’s automotive professionals.
“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 Jones said.
Among those recognised were standout businesses in the automotive repair sector, where four category winners demonstrated outstanding customer service, technical skill, and business excellence.
Business awards
- Best Small Automotive Business – Metropolitan: Allpoint Automotive, Tullamarine
- Best Medium Automotive Business – Metropolitan: Original Engines Co, Kilsyth
- Best Large Automotive Business – Metropolitan: 3 Point Motors, Fairfield
- Best Small Automotive Business – Regional: Always There Automotive, Grovedale
- Best Large Automotive Business – Regional: Complete Body Craft, Rutherglen
- Best Small Automotive Business – Tasmania: Kate Presnell Bodyworks, Invermay
- Best Large Automotive Business – Tasmania: Powell Motor Group, Hobart
- Employee of the Year: Dylan Eagleton, Agpower, Lilydale
- Employer of the Year: Patterson Cheney, Keysborough
Apprentice Awards
- 1st Year Apprentice of the Year: Zola Liang (Berwick Volkswagen)
- 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year: Max Goulter (McHarrys Buslines) Breakwater
- 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year: Gurkarandeep Singh (Palm Trans) Laverton North, Joseph Hanna (Airport Toyota) Essendon Fields
- Outstanding Apprentice: Aidan St Mart (Essendon Hyundai)
- TACC Progressive Excellence, Logan Latham-Coombes (Co-Op Toyota) Hobart
- VACC Progressive Excellence: Alexandra Calcraft (Total Automotive), Lilydale, Andre Valdenbenito (Essendon Mazda), Jacob Robinson (Heavy Automatics), Lynbrook
- TACC Apprentice Development Award: FT Guy Bodyworks Pty Ltd, Launceston
- VACC Apprentice Development Award: Dandenong Mitsubishi
- TACC Apprentice of the Year: Isaac O’Byrne (Launceston Toyota)
- VACC Apprentice of the Year: Sean Perry (Western Ford) Melton
“These businesses represent the backbone of our industry, providing essential services that keep vehicles safe and roadworthy,” he said.
“From metropolitan areas to regional communities, these winners demonstrate that excellence in automotive repair is found across our entire network. Their commitment to quality workmanship and customer service sets the standard for the industry.”
“These businesses not only deliver exceptional repair services but also invest in the next generation through apprenticeship programs, ensuring the future of our industry,” he added.
Winners were selected through a rigorous, independent judging process that evaluated entries on business management, workplace practices, customer service, and environmental impact. To maintain fairness and integrity, all finalists were subject to random audits.
“Congratulations to all our 2025 winners and finalists,” Mr Jones said.
Special thanks were extended to major event partner and President’s Awards sponsor DENSO, as well as category sponsors including Officeworks, Exedy, Podium, Sixfam, Shell Card, Commonwealth Bank, Cleanaway, Tecalemit, Apprenticeship Support Australia, SP Tools, Lubewise, Trico, BG Products, Bendix, CareSuper and Haynes Pro – proud partner of VACC MotorTech.
Sponsors specifically supporting the repair sector categories included Officeworks, Sixfam, and Trico. As the automotive industry embraces innovation and transition — particularly in areas like sustainability, technology, and workforce development — the 2025 Automotive Industry Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the excellence already embedded in its foundation.