The Automotive Industry Awards ceremony, held last Saturday (May 13) celebrated the VACC and Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) combined industry awards and apprentice graduation festivities.
The VACC’s 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.
2023 Employer of the Year – Patterson Cheney Cars & Trucks: Cameron Bertalli, CEO and managing director (second from left) and Daniel Waixel, head of people & performance (second from right)
The winners included Patterson Cheney which took out the Automotive Industry Awards Employer of the Year.
Commenting on the win, Patterson Cheney Cars & Trucks said they were ‘humbled to be awarded the VACC Presidents 2023 Employer of the Year’.
“It is a real honour and it recognises our commitment to our team members.
“Our award winning dealerships are blessed with a strong and positive culture that is the backbone of our success. As a locally owned family business, we thank all of our 750+ direct team members, as it is a testament to their hard work, passion and dedication.
Daniel Waixel, head of people & performance told GoAutoNews Premium: “Most of our prosperity, our wealth if you like, derives from the skill, enterprise and technology enhanced hard work of our people.”
Mr Waixel congratulated all the nominees and winners on the night, “especially the automotive apprentice award winners and graduates”.
The Best Large Business (Regional Victoria) was won by dealership Morrow Motor Group, based in Horsham.
Morrow Motor Group
2023 Automotive Industry Awards winners are:
- Employer of the Year – Patterson Cheney
- Best Large Business (Regional Victoria) – Morrow Motor Group
- VACC Apprentice of the Year – Zak Cretella, Bundoora BMW
- TACC Apprentice of the Year – Ben Bailey, Hobart Performance Auto
- Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice – Jonathan Roy, Eastern Subaru
- Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice – Benjamin Anstice, Jeff Wignall Ford Mornington
- Outstanding Trainee of the Year – Aiden Johnstone, Airport Toyota
- VACC Progressive Excellence Award – Alex Cachia, South Morang Mazda
- TACC Progressive Excellence Award – Brock Costello, Launceston Mazda
VACC Ambassador Shane Jacobson was master of ceremonies at the awards event.
By Peter Barnwell