| Media item | |
| | President's Gala Dinner and industry awards | | National Collision Repairer,
Victoria
| 01 Jun 2023 | | General News - Page 26 - 885 words - ID 1865430201 - Photo: Yes - Type: News Item - Size: 1122.00cm2 | |
There was a full house at Melbourne's iconic Palladium ballroom last month for the 2023 VACC President's Gala Dinner and Automotive Industry Awards. The Master of Ceremonies, VACC ambassador and media personality Shane Jacobson, kicked off the evening, recognising the importance of this reimagined occasion and introducing VACC president Chris Hummer.
Hummer welcomed VACC and TACC members, honoured guests (including the CEOs of the various MTAs from around the country) and, of course, the sponsors. He also congratulated the finalists in the six award categories and highlighted that each finalist was now among "the best of the best" with their commitment to the industry's future and a continuous improvement philosophy in their own businesses.
He also said that the automotive industry has never been more attractive, particularly with the accelerating growth of technology and the challenges, opportunities and exciting new roles being created. He added that even with the current skill shortages, the industry will thrive, and
with the talent on show at the event, he was confident that the future will be in good hands.
Unbeknownst to Hummer, he would be called upon later in the evening by Illusionist Matt Hollywood to participate in entertaining the audience - but more about that later.
The Voices Supergroup, a who's who of Australian rock, kept the atmosphere upbeat throughout the evening, covering a wide array of local and international rock classics.
As we moved on to the business awards, a quick scan of the finalists across all categories revealed that almost 30% were from the collision repair industry, well above the proportion of businesses in the market.
In fact, three of the six winners were from our industry, which really reinforces the calibre of collision repair industry business owners.
Best metropolitan small automotive business was won by Essendon Panels, which was accepted by managing director Michelle Ferbrache. This was the third consecutive award for Ferbrache, which in previous years won back-to-back best body repair passenger vehicle small business.
Best regional small automotive business was won by Euro Panels, which was accepted by directors Carly and Jake Ruggeri, who are resolute in their belief that there is no shortcut to delivering a safe and proper repair.
Best small automotive business in Tasmania was won by Autobody Solutions, which was accepted by TACC state manager Bruce McIntosh on behalf of owners Ben and Kelly Jack.
Autobody Solutions specialises in both general collision repair work and classic car restorations.
One of the other winners that also caught my eye was Cooper Automotive, which was awarded best large automotive business in Tasmania. This award was accepted by Capricorn chair Mark Cooper, who has been involved in the automotive industry for over 40 years and currently owns and operates a number of mechanical services and repairs businesses. He became a Capricorn member in 1995, was first elected to the board in 2013 and became chair in 2019.
Now, back to the entertainment.
Illusionist Matt Hollywood performed several well-known illusions, including teleportation and levitation, both of which I saw live for the first time.
I would almost swear they were real - or magic! However, it was when Hollywood "invited" Chris Hummer to assist with a "song and dance act" that the audience really got involved. To his credit, Hummer, who is clearly a conservative character by nature, went along with the act, and the audience appreciated the commitment from their president. Sorry, no pics as you really had to be there! Jacobson then announced the apprentice of the year awards, inviting a round of applause for all the finalists who had chosen to join our industry and, as he put it, made a wise choice.
He pointed out that they are indeed the future of our industry and welcomed them to the automotive family.
Hummer then presented the President's Awards to Employer of the Year Patterson Cheney and Employee of the Year Phillipa Gray-Finning of PJ's Discount Tyre Service, both sponsored by Denso. He also presented the President's Award for VACC Apprentice of the Year to Zak Cretella of Bundoora BMW and TACC Apprentice of the Year to Ben Bailey, Hobart Performance Autos.
Jacobson, who displayed exceptional professionalism, class and character managing the "enthusiasm" of the audience throughout the evening, wrapped up the formalities by inviting The Voices Supergroup to return to the stage as we danced the night away.
Commenting on the event, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym said the awards demonstrate both member and apprentice commitment and dedication to quality and customer service.
"It is a huge accolade to be named the best in Victoria and Tasmania.
These winners go above and beyond and have proved themselves more than worthy of these titles. Congratulations to all of our 2023 winners and finalists," said Gwilym. "We recommend them to Victorian and Tasmanian motorists, so remember to look for the famous orange sign: the mark of the industry professional." Editor: We congratulate all the finalists and winners, and Geoff and his team on yet another fantastic event and, of course, the VACC for supporting and contributing to our industry for over 100 years.
Caption Text:
The ambience was just perfect.
Michelle Ferbrache, Essendon Panels with Chris Hummer.
Jake and Carly Ruggeri, Euro Panels with Chris Hummer.
Bruce McIntosh, TACC with Chris Hummer.
Master of Ceremonies, Shane Jacobson.
Mark Cooper (second from right), CEO Cooper Automotive and Capricorn Chair.
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