Hi Tan, DO you have a spare 5 mins to add this to the TACC site as a blog post?
Tasmania’s automotive best shine on record-breaking awards night
Tasmania’s automotive sector had plenty to celebrate on Saturday 27 June, with the state’s leading businesses and apprentices recognised at the 2026 Automotive Industry Awards (AIA) at the Palladium at Crown Melbourne.
Presented by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC), and hosted by actor and motoring enthusiast Shane Jacobson, the celebration brought together more than 900 guests from across both states for a night of recognition, gourmet dining and entertainment.
This year’s awards drew a record number of entries from across Victoria and Tasmania, raising the bar for every category and making the competition tougher than ever. For Tasmania’s winners to come away with trophies against such a high-calibre field is a significant achievement.
All AIA winners are selected through a formal entry and independent judging process. Entrants provide information against the relevant category criteria, including business performance, customer service, training, workplace culture and industry contribution, while apprentice categories consider skill development, progress, attitude and commitment to the trade. Independent judges assess submissions on merit to determine finalists and winners.
VACC and TACC CEO Peter Jones said the results were a proud night for Tasmania.
“Our Tasmanian winners stood shoulder to shoulder with the very best and came away with the recognition they thoroughly deserve,” Mr Jones said.
“With a record number of entries this year, the standard was higher than we’ve ever seen — so to win in 2026 means you are genuinely among the best in the business. These results show the real depth of skill, professionalism and commitment right across Tasmania’s automotive industry.”
“From established businesses to our standout apprentices, our Tasmanian winners set the benchmark for the sector. Congratulations to every winner and finalist.”
Tasmania’s 2026 AIA winners
- Best Large Automotive Business, Tasmania: Jackson Motor Company (Launceston)
- Best Small Automotive Business, Tasmania: Kate Presnell Bodyworks (Invermay)
- President’s Award, TACC Apprentice of the Year: Ben Moore, Tilford (Hobart)
- Progressive Excellence Award: Jackson Wallis, Hobart Performance Autos (Hobart)
- TACC Apprentice Development Award: Howell Automotive (Moonah)
Mr Jones said the apprentice results were especially encouraging for the state’s future.
“Backing the next generation of auto technicians is how we keep our industry strong, and Tasmanian employers are doing exactly that,” he said. “Recognising apprentices like Ben Moore and Jackson Wallis, alongside the businesses that develop them, is one of the most rewarding parts of the night. It tells us the future of automotive in Tasmania is in very capable hands.”
The AIA recognise excellence in business and apprenticeships across Victoria and Tasmania, honouring the people and businesses shaping the future of the automotive sector.
Proudly supported by our 2026 AIA sponsors
Gold Sponsor: DENSO
Silver Sponsor: CareSuper
Bronze Sponsors: Officeworks, Podium, Apprenticeship Support Australia, Apprenticeships Victoria, SIXFAM, BG Products, Marsh, Tecalemit, Bendix, EXEDY, Commonwealth Bank, Bunnings Trade, TRICO, SP Tools, Shell Card and FedEx.
ENDS
About the Automotive Industry Awards
The Automotive Industry Awards recognise excellence, achievement and contribution across Victoria and Tasmania’s automotive industry. Delivered by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce and the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate outstanding businesses, apprentices, trainees and industry professionals across a broad range of automotive sectors.
Each year, entries are submitted by businesses and individuals from across the industry and assessed through an independent judging process. Winners are selected based on the strength of their submission, demonstrated business performance, customer service, innovation, industry contribution and commitment to best practice.
The awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the people and businesses helping to drive the automotive industry forward.