AS REPORTED exclusively last week, the annual Angle Auto Finance AADA Chairman’s Dinner saw four regional dealer families receive the AADA Lifetime Achievement Award honouring dealer businesses with more than 50 years of service in the automotive retail industry and in their communities. 

The CEO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), James Voortman, while introducing the awards, said they were for dealers who have made a significant contribution to the auto retailing industry as well as have been significant contributors to the community in which they operate.

Dealers are selected by their fellow dealers and their performance and contribution is vetted by other dealers.

Winners must also have been in business for at least 50 years with one group this year, Dwyers Group from Bairnsdale Victoria, operating for 125 years;  beginning as a farrier shoeing horses.

Mr Voortman said that this year the AADA selection committee has chosen “four exceptional regional automotive dealers” from Victoria and NSW.

2024 AADA Lifetime Achievement Award: Callaghan Motors, presented by Mick McKenna and James Voortman

“I think we can all agree that regional dealers are the lifeblood of our local communities,” Mr Voortman said. “ The jobs they create and the community sponsorships and sporting clubs they support and the investments they make flow on into the wider towns in which they operate”. 

He said each of the recipients of the award are at least third or fourth generation businesses and collectively have 260 years of operating experience and this has left a legacy in each of their communities

The winners are …. 

2024 AADA Lifetime Achievement Award: Baker Motors, presented by David Blackhall, Terry Keating and James Voortman

Baker Motors began in 1946 when Alfred Edmeades Baker moved to Albury and set up a dealership on Olive Street. His son John ‘J.B.’ Baker expanded the business incorporating new brands including Mitsubishi, Honda and Mercedes. Today, his five children continue this legacy, running Baker Motors across different locations in Albury Wodonga and engaging in philanthropic activities, such as supporting events like the Winter Solstice Evening.

2024 AADA Lifetime Achievement Award: Callaghan Motors

Callaghan Motors began in 1933 as Callaghan & Graham in Warrnambool. Following Campbell Graham, Frank Callaghan rebranded it F.P. Callaghan Motors and expanded the brand lineup post-WWII. Frank’s son Brian took over in 1974, and added Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, becoming the sole GMH dealer in Warrnambool by 1987. His son Steve continues the legacy from 1996, introducing brands like LDV, RAM, and Hyundai, and reintroducing MG in 2021.

2024 AADA Lifetime Achievement Award: Dwyers Group

The Dwyer story began a massive 125 years ago in 1898, with Jeremiah Dwyer’s blacksmith shop in Bairnsdale. Transitioning to the automotive sector in 1927, the business expanded through the decades, becoming a Dealer for Hillman, Rover, Datsun, and later Toyota in 1991. Under Anthony Dwyer’s leadership since 2007, the company has grown further by adding new brands like MG and acquiring Bairnsdale Mazda & Hyundai. Dwyer’s continues to evolve with modern facilities and a diverse range of offerings

2024 AADA Lifetime Achievement Award: Wagga Motors

Wagga Motors began in 1950 under Jim Braid, initially selling Vauxhall cars, Oldsmobiles, Bedford and GMC trucks. The dealership’s pivotal moment came in 1957 with the Holden franchise, leading to decades of success. Over 61 years, Jim, alongside his sons John and Gordon, grew the business, spanning across a nine-acre site and employed 92 locals. John and Gordon’s sons – Scott and Richard continue the legacy, forming partnerships with brands like Mercedes Benz, Honda, Isuzu Trucks, and now represent nine brands, including Hyundai, Jeep, and Chery.

By John Mellor