The Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has announced the winners of its inaugural Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement across the state’s automotive industry.
More than 300 industry professionals, business leaders and dignitaries gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Saturday night to celebrate excellence across 16 award categories, including mechanical repair, collision repair, new vehicle dealerships, and member recognition.
Among the attendees were the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Better Regulations and Fair Trading and the Chair of CareSuper, Linda Scott.
MTA NSW chief executive 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 said.
Apprentice recognition highlights industry development
Roy Lardner Burke from Heavy Diesel Specialists in Rutherford claimed two major apprentice awards, winning both the 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year and Outstanding Apprentice of the Year categories for his work in Certificate III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
The Women in Automotive Apprentice of the Year award went to Jennifer Smyth from John McGrath Auto Group in Belconnen ACT, recognising her achievement in Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology.
Other apprentice winners included Bridie Bennett from Singleton Earthmoving for 1st Year Apprentice, and Jack Berry from Taminda Smash Repairs in Tamworth for 2nd Year Apprentice.
Business excellence across metropolitan and regional NSW
The business awards recognised companies across small, medium and large categories in both metropolitan and regional areas.
In the NSW Metropolitan Business of the Year categories, Dulwich Hill Automotive in Marrickville won the small business award, Sylvania BMW took the medium business honour, and Penrith City Automotive in Kingswood claimed the large business title.
Regional winners included Sampson’s Car Repairs in Tamworth (small), Geoff Richards Panel Beating in Dubbo (medium), and Thomas Bros Toyota in Wagga Wagga (large).
Thomas Bros Toyota also received the MTA NSW President’s Award, while Lancaster Motor Group in Singleton was recognised with the MTA NSW Member Recognition Award.
Specialist categories celebrate sector expertise
The specialist automotive business awards recognised sector-specific excellence. Bold Trailer And Caravan Repair Centre in Miranda won the Automotive Mechanical Repair Business category, L & M Smash Repairs in Seven Hills took the Collision Repair Business award, and Mercedes-Benz Parramatta in Granville claimed the New Vehicle Dealership honour.
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.
Special guests included Foodbank NSW chief executive John Robertson, 2025 Aussie Racing Cars Champion Kody Garland, and the co-founders of Women in Automotive, Kate Peck and Rachel Butler.
A live charity auction raised funds for Foodbank NSW and ACT to help tackle hunger and food insecurity in the community.
The event was supported by Platinum Sponsor CareSuper, with Capricorn and Tyrepower as Gold Sponsors. Silver Sponsors included Women in Automotive and IMA B2B, while Bronze Sponsors were Penrite, Scott & Broad and PMA Global. RT Health, Henry William Lawyers and Steadfast Workplace Risk provided supporting sponsorship.
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