THREE prominent automotive executives – David Blackhall, Frank Agostino and Peter Stevens – have been acknowledged in the latest Kings Birthday honours list, each receiving a medal of the order of Australia (OAM).

Mr Blackhall, who is the chair of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and audit and risk committee chair of Eagers Automotive, was honoured for service to the automotive industry.

He is a former vice president and treasurer of the FCAI and has a 50 year career in senior automotive roles at Ford Motor Company in Australia, Taiwan and the US.

Mr Agostino, former chair of the Motor Trade Association of Australia (MTAA), received an OAM for his service to the motor trade and to the community.

He is a former board member of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Council, former president of the Chrysler Service Managers Group and former national chair of the Mitsubishi Dealer Council.

David Blackhall, Chair of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA)

Mr Stevens, former owner of Peter Stevens Motorworld in Victoria, was honoured for service to the community of Ballarat.

The Ballarat Times said Mr Stevens started in the industry as an apprentice motor mechanic with Craig Bros in 1954 and was awarded apprentice of the year four times.

Mr Blackhall, who said he was “humbled to be recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list” was previously owner and managing director of a Sydney Ford, Mazda, Subaru dealership group (1981-1992) and managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Australia and Asia Pacific (2004-2015).

“All I’ve ever done is to seek the right and proper outcomes for the automotive industry,” he commented upon receiving his OAM.

AADA CEO James Voortman said: “We are so pleased that David has been recognised for all of the work he has put into the automotive industry over the course of a more than 55-year career.”

“David has significant experience working for various OEMs and owning dealerships. But what makes him so deserving of this award is the meaningful service he has given to the industry through associations like the AADA and the FCAI.

“His leadership, integrity, and industry expertise have shaped not only our organisation but also the direction of the sector as a whole.

“David is much loved by so many in the automotive industry and it is entirely appropriate that he has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.”

The MTAA said Mr Agostino “has been instrumental in advancing the interests of motor traders across Australia”.

Frank Agostino, former chair of the Motor Trade Association of Australia (MTAA)

“His leadership and vision have helped shape national policy and strengthen the automotive sector’s voice at the federal level.”

The MTAA said his journey from apprentice mechanic to industry leader “exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Australia’s motor trade sector.”

“His extensive business portfolio and commitment to excellence have set a benchmark for industry professionals nationwide.

“Beyond his commercial success, Frank’s dedication to charitable causes, including Variety – the Children’s Charity and Anglicare SA, reflects the values of community service that MTAA champions amongst its members.”

MTAA interim executive director Rod Camm said: “Frank’s contribution to the motor trades industry has been extraordinary. His strategic leadership as chair of MTAA helped navigate critical industry challenges and positioned our sector for future growth.

“This Order of Australia recognition is richly deserved for someone who has dedicated his career to advancing our industry whilst giving back to the community. We’re proud to call Frank a valued colleague and leader,” Mr Camm said.

Automotive dealer Peter Stevens also received an OAM for services to the community.

Mr Stevens invested in the Craig Bros business in 1971 and by 1976 had bought out the remaining shareholding to enable the Craig brothers to retire. The business name was changed to Peter Stevens Motors in November 1983.

He said in an interview that his success did not come without challenges. He said that supporting his staff remained of utmost importance.

“Challenges were the recessions and how to get through them because all the people that joined us were the most important part of the dealership,” he said.

“We fought to keep them on at all costs.”

Peter Stevens, Peter Stevens Motorworld, Ballarat Victoria

Peter Stevens Motorworld was sold in 2017. Mr Stevens’ philanthropic activities include the donation of several cars to Grampians Health and support of prostate cancer awareness with the Male Bag Foundation.

This followed the diagnosis of his friend, and former Aussie rules footballer and coach, David Parkin.

The organisation has raised money to install 20 machines that detect prostate cancer in a more reliable and less invasive way around Australia, the first of which was at the Ballarat Base Hospital.

Mr Stevens is a life member of Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Centre for Aged Care and was awarded a Grampians Health governor award in 2019.