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WESTERN Australia’s automotive industry put on a sparkling night to celebrate almost 1500 nominations in 14 awards at the Motor Trade Association of WA Automotive Excellence Awards event held at the Crown Towers ballrooms last week.

MTA CEO Stephen Moir said the annual event recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions made by WA businesses through a difficult yet ultimately rewarding year.

The event was attended by long-time supporter of the industry, premier Mark McGowan, and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Oliver Peterson and with entertainment from Perth band Murphy’s Lore.

It was held a day before WA’s largest sporting event, the AFL Western Derby, and secured derby rivals Will Schofield (Eagles) and Hayden Ballantyne (Dockers) for on-stage game discussion and some light-hearted banter.

The 2021 Automotive Excellence Awards dinner announced winners in 14 categories including Pre-Apprentice of the Year that went to Madeline Varcoe after what the MTA said was very, very tight voting. Ms Varcoe was the only female of the category’s four finalists.

Her win was followed by Paige Gregson (Maddington Smash Repairs) taking out the Women in Automotive award.

The Apprentice of the Year was Zachary Randolph (Mindarie Workshop & Auto Electrical), again awarded from a strong field.

The winners for the year are:

  • Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Madeline Varcoe
  • Apprentice of the Year: Zachary Randolph (Mindarie Workshop & Auto Electrical)
  • Host Employer of the Year: First Class Automotives
  • New Car Dealer of the Year: Perth City Prestige
  • Used Car Dealer of the Year: Westside Auto Wholesale
  • Motorcycle Dealer of the Year: The Honda Shop
  • Body Repairer of the Year: Bert Bennett Panel Centre
  • Automotive Repairer of the Year: Euro Technik
  • Commercial Vehicle Business of the Year: Catalano Truck & Equipment
  • Off-Road Vehicle Business of the Year: Core Off-Road
  • Recreational Vehicle Business of the Year: RV Solutions WA
  • Regional Business of the Year: Great Southern Towing
  • Innovative Business of the Year: Core Off-Road
  • Women in Automotive: Paige Gregson (Maddington Smash Repairs)

By Neil Dowling

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