Thanks to David Newton-Ross, the founder of National Collision Repairer for this Vale on Graham Winter and for contributions from I-CAR and Motor Trades Association of Queensland.
Long-standing industry stalwart Graham Winter passed away suddenly on 8 October, 2023.
Graham’s business, Graham Winter’s Smash Repairs was opened over 40 years ago in his hometown of Dalby, Queensland. This allowed Graham to do what he loved and did best, work in an industry he believed in and providing a great service to his customers and the community.
He was always looking to improve his business purchasing the latest and best equipment, training his staff and employing apprentices which eventually led to his sons David and Paul joining him in the business. They still run the very successful business today.
Graham was a long serving member of the body repair committee of the MTAQ and also served on the board of MTAQ for over 10 years. His commitment to these roles often involved a journey of 450kms round trip from Dalby to Brisbane to attend meetings, sometimes twice a week.
He was a founding member of the CRSA (Collision Repair Specialists Australia) and attended many tours to the USA visiting both the SEMA and NACE trade shows as well as bodyshop tours.
In fact, it was at a SEMA show that he joined David Newton-Ross at a meeting with the CEO and board members of I-CAR USA to discuss I-CAR entering the Australian marketplace. Of course, once again he was a founding member of I-CAR Australia.
He was a recipient in 2008 of the NCR Lifetime Achievement Award and had this to say at the ceremony: “I was both very surprised, honoured and humbled to even have been nominated for this prestigious award, to be included up there with the best is almost beyond belief. I say to all repairers, be positive and give your best, it is worth it.”
Graham will be sadly missed by all his friends in the industry. Our condolences go out to his family at this sad time.
Jason Trewin Chief Operating Officer I-CAR Australia
When the idea of introducing I-CAR to Australia was first conceptualised there was a select group of dedicated individuals that banded together to take on the challenge. Graham Winter was one of the first to put up his hand to do whatever was needed to ensure the success in those early days and quickly became the first regional Foundation Member of I-CAR Australia. Always keen to advance the knowledge of our industry, he would often drive the long trip from his home in Dalby to attend industry meetings or events for only a few hours, only to turn around and drive straight back afterwards. Every club, group, committee, or organisation has one of those people that just seem to be there when you need them and that was Graham.
The entire team at I-CAR Australia would like to pass on their condolences to Graham’s family and those that were close to him at this very difficult time.
Rod Camm, Group CEO Motor Trades Association of Queensland
We are deeply saddened to hear of Graham’s passing, and our thoughts are with the Winter family at this time. Graham was a tremendous advocate for the collision industry, as well as the wider automotive industry throughout his illustrious career, and played an integral role in supporting and mentoring countless Queensland collision business owners.
One of MTA Queensland’s longest-serving members, Graham exemplified the values of MTA Queensland with great honour during his 12-year tenure as a Director of the MTA Queensland Board. In 2012, we were incredibly proud to recognise Graham as a Life Member and are pleased to say his dedication to further progress of the crash repair sector will continue to have a positive influence on members of the automotive collision industry for years to come.