The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is elated to announce that the finalists have been selected for the 2022 Industry Awards.
MTA Queensland says the awards recognise outstanding individuals and businesses for their contributions to the automotive and mobility industries.
To be announced at the 2022 MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on November 19, 2022, at the Emporium Hotel, Southbank, the awards are a celebration of the contributions MTA Queensland member businesses and individuals continue to make in driving the forward progress of the automotive industry.
With so many member businesses under enormous pressures during the past 12 months, the calibre and volume of nominations were astounding says MTA Queensland.
The award categories celebrated at the Industry Awards Gala include:
- Community Award – presented to an individual or member business who is a role model in their community.
- Innovation Award – presented to an innovative individual or business that is supporting or implementing emerging technologies in the automotive or mobility industry.
- Women in Industry Award – presented to an outstanding female leader or business achieving success through their commitment to driving change in the automotive or mobility industry.
- Apprentice of the Year Award – presented to an MTA Institute apprentice who demonstrates a dedication to learning and performs above and beyond expectations and their peers.
Finalists for the Community Award include:
- Jeeepart Recyclers (Hervey Bay) – For the last 7 years, Joy Beacham, owner of Jeeepart Recyclers, has participated in the Fraser Coast Dunga Rally for a Cause, raising over $110,000 for local charities across the Fraser Coast.
- Southeast Auto Mechanical (Beenleigh) –Southeast Auto Mechanical has become an integral member of the Logan community, regularly delivering training programs to local school students, as well as hosting the quarterly ‘Women on the Move’ initiative to empower women and teach them basic car maintenance and repair skills.
- The Garage Miami – Dedicated to a mission statement of ‘become the first choice for locals’ The Garage Miami goes to great lengths to support various initiatives in the local community, including active sponsorship of the Broadbeach Cats AFL Old Boys, the Bond Pirates Rugby Club, Miami Nippers SLSC, Palmy in Pink Dinner Fundraiser, and more.
Finalists for the Innovation Award include:
- Benzina Zero – Benzina Zero are at the forefront of innovation in the automotive space as a leading importer and distributor of electric first and last-mile mopeds and scooters to more than 18 countries across Europe, Asia and Australia.
- E-Motion Concepts – e-Motion Concepts is a leading specialist of commercial and consumer light electric vehicles, offering a portfolio of vehicles that covers a curated range of business and lifestyle settings.
- Sarfraz Ali Kyani – As PhD Candidate from QUT, Sarfraz is exploring the topic of ‘recycling of automotive parts for additive manufacturing’, researching the landscape of the automotive industry to identify opportunities and obstacles for the establishment of sustainable business activities related to recycling plastics.
Finalists for the Women in Industry Award include:
- Hatice Hutchinson (All Car Engine Reconditioning Services, Yatala)– Hatice is the Owner of All Car Engine Reconditioning Services and has over 25 years’ experience across the automotive landscape. Hatice has taken on the role of mentoring countless young women that have come through her business over the years, while also encouraging a business environment that supports the needs of the many women who make up their customer base.
- Skid Control (Brendale)– Identifying a lack of support for women looking to take part in driver training events, Skid Control introduced the ‘She’s in Control’ event, an initiative that teaches women the skills to control their car in the wet in a safe, controlled environment. Since introducing ‘She’s in Control’, Skid Control has seen female participation more than double at their events.
Tania Meli (Frizelle Sunshine Automotive, Southport) – Tania is the Dealer Principal of Audi Centre Gold Coast and Ferrari Gold Coast. As a mentor for young professionals, Tania is passionate about women in business, regularly opening up her dealership as the host venue for the Gold Coast chapter of ‘Future Females’, and often acts as a panel facilitator for the event.
The finalists for the Apprentice of the Year Award are made up of the 12 MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month winners from the preceding 12-months and will be announced shortly.
“During the last 12 months, we have experienced extreme weather events, impacts from COVID-19, shortages in both skilled labour and parts and supplies, and ongoing disruption at the hands of technological advancements,” MTA Queensland chief executive Rod Camm says.
“However, the ingenuity, dedication, and excellence displayed by this year’s finalists in leading us through these challenges and continuing to prosper gives me comfort knowing our industry is in safe hands, and they deserve the recognition. I congratulate all finalists and look forward to celebrating their success,” Camm says.
MTA Queensland thanks platinum event supporters BUSY At Work, Spirit Super, and Capricorn for their ongoing support of the Industry Awards Gala.
