The Motor Trades Association of Queensland has announced the finalists for the 2023 Industry Awards.
To be awarded at the annual MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on Saturday 11 November, the Industry Awards are a celebration of the success and triumphs the automotive industry has made over the last 12 months. With many members leading the way in the pursuit of driving the highest quality of service, the 2023 awards have been the most competitive yet.
In a first for the awards, this year introduces two new award categories – the Small and Large Business Awards for Excellence – recognising businesses that have truly gone above and beyond to deliver continued excellence and customer satisfaction.
Finalists for the Community Award include:
- Alexander Body Works (Townsville) – Based in Townsville, Alexander Body Works is at the centre of community engagement in the region, supporting initiatives including the Queensland Government’s Deterring Drivers Program, the NRL’s Cowboys House, and NQ Employment.
- Filby’s Motors (Proserpine) – Since 1965, Filby’s Motors has upheld their mission statement of ‘supporting the local community that supports the dealership’, supporting an extensive range of local fundraisers and community groups including CQ Rescue, Ronald McDonald House, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention, QCWA, and the Men’s Shed.
- Wheelnutz Garage (Brisbane) – Wheelnutz Garage offers an alternative pathway for people with a disability interested in learning about vehicle repair and restoration. Supporting individuals of all ages, the program has been designed to actively engage hands-on learning for people who are usually illiterate and require lifelong assistance with independence.
Finalists for the Innovation Award include:
- Benzina Zero (Brisbane) - Benzina Zero is at the forefront of innovation in the automotive and mobility space as a leading importer and distributor of electric first- and last-mile mopeds and scooters to more than 18 countries across Europe and Asia.
- British Off-Road (Sunshine Coast) – A leader in the traditional Land Rover automotive industry, British Off-road has launched an EV conversion business that specialises in converting classic Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles into fully electric marvels.
- Sarfraz Ali Kyani (Brisbane) - As PhD Candidate from QUT, Sarfraz is exploring the topic of ‘recycling of automotive parts for additive manufacturing’, researching the landscape of the automotive industry to identify opportunities and obstacles for the establishment of sustainable business activities related recycling plastics.
Finalists for the Women in Industry Award include:
- Chelsea Bowers (John Edwards Automotive, Geebung) - A recently qualified light vehicle mechanic, Chelsea is an active advocate for women in the automotive trade, regularly attending career and industry expos to share her story and inspire individuals of all ages to join the trade.
- Hatice Hutchinson (All Car Engine Reconditioning Services, Yatala) – Hatice is the Owner of All Car Engine Reconditioning Services in Yatala. With over 25-years’ experience across the automotive landscape, Hatice has taken on the role of mentoring the countless young women that have come through her business over the years.
- Siobhan Macdonald (Premium Diagnostic Equipment, Arundel) – A qualified mechanic by trade, Siobhan started her own business selling automotive tools back in 2020, which quickly took off and turned into a multi-million-dollar operation.
Finalists for the Small Business Award for Excellence include:
- Highfields Mechanical (Toowoomba) – With year-on-year growth since its introduction in 2007, Highfields Mechanical focuses heavily on training and professional development opportunities for all staff, while also ensuring they are ahead of the curve when it comes to innovation.
- The Garage Miami (Gold Coast) – The Garage Miami has experienced remarkable business growth over the last five years, introducing several initiatives including continuous professional development programs, a Family First Policy, and a dedicated social media presence to create an inclusive workplace culture that promotes growth.
- R.H.D Classic Supplies and Services (Townsville) – Priding itself on inclusivity, RHD Classic works hard to deliver an inclusive work environment that supports all employees uniquely and ensures all staff are on the same page, while also supporting customers through regular maintenance and repair workshops.
Finalists for the Large Business Award for Excellence include:
- AMA Group – AMA Group is a leader in the Australian collision repair industry, supported by a leading Australian distributor of vehicle collision parts. Everything they do, they do with purpose, from delivering repairs to pre-accident condition to providing exceptional customer service to driving workforce growth and diversity.
- Auto Parts Group – Auto Parts Group (APG) has revolutionised the spare parts experience through internal changes, implementing efficient processes and systems such as a Warehouse Management System and online portal, staff development opportunities and work-life balance initiatives to deliver growth and customer satisfaction.
- McAully Group (Ipswich) – The McAully Group pride themselves on being true leaders in the automotive industry, working tirelessly to deliver excellence in service, training the next generation of panel beaters to the best they can be, and an inclusive work environment.
- Westco Motors (Cairns) – Westco Motors strives to stay ahead of the curve by implementing innovative methods that promote increased business activity, from strategic digital marketing strategies to flexible work arrangements to community engagement initiatives that promote awareness of the services and products they offer.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm said, “Our Awards Gala is the signature event on the Queensland automotive calendar and serve as an incredibly important evening for celebrating the individuals and businesses who contribute so heavily to the industry’s ongoing success. The talent and dedication displayed by our members over the last 12 months in the face of ongoing supply constraints, uncertain economic conditions, and weather events have been inspiring and leaves me comfortable in knowing that our industry is in as good hands as ever before.
“This year I am really excited that we will get the chance to honour the businesses, both large and small, who have stood out as industry leaders. I think it is important that we as an industry highlight those who are driving industry standards and delivering continued excellence, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them on the night!”
MTA Queensland thanks platinum supporters Capricorn and Spirit Super for their support of the Industry Awards Gala.