The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has announced the winners of its inaugural Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, celebrating the businesses and individuals driving excellence across the state's automotive industry.
More than 300 industry professionals, business leaders and dignitaries, including the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Better Regulations and Fair Trading and the Chair of CareSuper, Linda Scott, gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Saturday night to recognise outstanding achievement across 16 award categories, including mechanical repair, collision repair, new vehicle dealerships, and member recognition.
MTA NSW CEO Stavros Yallouridis congratulated all winners and finalists for their exceptional contribution to the industry.
"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," Yallouridis 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,” he added.
NSW Regional Business of the Year (sponsored and presented by Capricorn)
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Small Automotive Business: Sampson's Car Repairs, Tamworth
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Medium Automotive Business: Geoff Richards Panel Beating, Dubbo
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Large Automotive Business: Thomas Bros Toyota, Wagga Wagga
Specialist Automotive Business of the Year
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Automotive Mechanical Repair Business (sponsored and presented by IMA B2B): Bold Trailer And Caravan Repair Centre, Miranda
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Collision Repair Business (sponsored and presented by Scott & Broad): L & M Smash Repairs, Seven Hills
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New Vehicle Dealership (sponsored and presented by CareSuper): Mercedes-Benz Parramatta, Granville
Apprentice of the Year – 1st Year (sponsored and presented by Penrite)
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Bridie Bennett – Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Singleton Earthmoving, Singleton
Apprentice of the Year – 2nd Year (presented by Jack Richards)
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Jack Berry – Certificate III Automotive Refinishing Technology, Taminda Smash Repairs, Tamworth
Apprentice of the Year – 3rd Year (presented by Kody Garland)
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Roy Lardner Burke – Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Heavy Diesel Specialists, Rutherford
Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (sponsored and presented by CareSuper)
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Roy Lardner Burke – Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Heavy Diesel Specialists, Rutherford
Women in Automotive Apprentice of the Year (sponsored and presented by Women in Automotive)
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Jennifer Smyth – Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology, John McGrath Auto Group, Belconnen ACT
The gala event was hosted by comedian and television presenter Charlie Pickering, with entertainment from award-winning speed painter Brad Blaze and Sydney band Bermuda Social.
The evening also included special guests, Foodbank NSW CEO, John Robertson, 2025 Aussie Racing Cars Champion, Kody Garland, the co-founders of Women in Automotive, Kate Peck and Rachel Butler, and a live charity auction, raising funds for Foodbank NSW and ACT, to help them tackle hunger and food insecurity in the community.