The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has announced a slew of industry heavyweights as guests and sponsors for the Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, which highlights the state’s leading automotive businesses, apprentices and trainees.
TV personality and comedian Charlie Pickering will host the inaugural event with entertainment from speed painter Brad Blaze and dynamic Sydney band, Bermuda Social.
Special guests announced recently include 2025 Aussie Racing Cars champion, Kody Garland, and Joanne Ciconte (pictured), who has been blazing a trail in the F1 Academy at only 16 years of age.
Other high-profile names joining the event include TV presenter and model Kate Peck, alongside renowned industry communications specialist and motoring enthusiast, Rachel Butler, both co-directors of Women In Automotive.
"Our MTA NSW Automotive Excellence Awards have received an overwhelming response from the industry,” MTA NSW CEO, Stavros Yallouridis, said.
“We’ve seen an exceptionally high standard of entries across all categories, emphasising the calibre of talent across the NSW automotive sector.”
This same quality is also reflected in the confirmed guests and sponsors that the event is attracting.
“We welcome the addition of these special guests. Women in Automotive is the national peak body and is doing exceptional work to broaden the appeal of our industry,” Yallouridis said.
“As long-term supporters of Kody Garland, we are thrilled that he has just won his first national title, which was extremely well-deserved. We’ve also been supporting Joanne Ciconte throughout 2025 and watching her represent Australia on the global stage in the F1 Academy. We’re proud to have them both join us on the night.”
The event has also attracted a strong line-up of sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor CareSuper, Silver Sponsors Women in Automotive and IMA B2B, Bronze Sponsors Scott & Broad and Penrite, and Supporting Sponsor RT Health.
The awards span 16 categories across apprenticeships and automotive businesses, with finalists representing metropolitan and regional NSW. Winners will be announced on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at the Sofitel Sydney, Wentworth.
“We are really looking forward to celebrating these achievements with everyone on what is shaping up to be a spectacular night for the industry,” Yallouridis concluded.
The event will be held on Saturday 28th February 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event information click here.