We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2026 Automotive Industry Awards — and on behalf of everyone at TACC, we want to say: congratulations to every single one of them.
This year’s Tasmanian finalists are a source of tremendous pride for our state’s automotive community. These are the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond — for their customers, their apprentices and their communities across Tasmania. They set the standard for what our industry can and should look like, and they deserve every bit of recognition coming their way. They deserve to be celebrated and on Saturday 27 June, they will be.
The 2026 Tasmanian finalists
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR – TACC & VACC
- Chloe-Emma Hart — Southern Automotive, Hobart
- Devon Maxwell — Latrobe & Ulverstone Tyres and More, Latrobe
- Darren Gawne — The Mower Shop Seymour, Seymour
- Hayley Barber — Ballarat Performance Auto Wreckers, Delacombe
- Jaak Dixon — Mont Eltham Auto Electrics, Briar Hill
- Jacqui O’Sullivan — Traralgon Automotive Group, Traralgon
- Jeremy Coakley — Agpower, Lilydale
- Lisa Rakintzis — Total Collision Repairs, Airport West
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR – TACC & VACC
- Cooper Automotive, Mornington
- Jackson Motor Company, Launceston
- Kate Presnell Bodyworks, Invermay
- Always There Automotive, Grovedale
- Auto Tech Malvern, Glen Iris
- Original Engines Co, Kilsyth
- PJ’s Discount Tyre Service, Castlemaine
BEST LARGE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS — TASMANIA
- Cooper Automotive, Mornington
- Jackson Motor Company, Launceston
- Powell Motor Group, Derwent Park
- Subaru Hobart, Hobart
BEST SMALL AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS — TASMANIA
- AutoTechnik, Hobart
- Bridgestone Service Centre Huonville, Huonville
- Fatbuilds 4×4, Shearwater
- Kate Presnell Bodyworks, Invermay
- Southern Automotive, Hobart
- Tasman Auto Electrics, Cambridge
- TJP Auto, Derwent Park
Recognising the next generation
The 2026 Automotive Industry Awards also celebrate Tasmania’s future automotive talent. Automotive Apprenticeships will present awards on the night to outstanding apprentices and graduating talent from across the state, including:
- Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice
- Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice
- Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice
- Outstanding Trainee
- Progressive Excellence — TACC
- TACC Apprentice Development Award
- President’s Award — TACC Apprentice of the Year
These young Tasmanians are the future of our industry. We look forward to honouring them alongside our business and individual award winners on the night.
An evening to remember
The 2026 Automotive Industry Awards gala dinner will be held at the magnificent Palladium at Crown Melbourne. Hosted by the much-loved Shane Jacobson, the evening will feature gourmet food and drinks, live music entertainment and dancing — all building to the moment our winners are revealed.
Tasmania has always punched above its weight in these awards, and we are looking forward to a big night for our state.
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Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
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Venue: Palladium at Crown Melbourne
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Host: Shane Jacobson
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SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW —
automotiveindustryawards.com.au