Tamworth has emerged as one of the big winners at the inaugural Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, with a local apprentice and business both taking home honours on the night.
Jack Berry, completing a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology with Taminda Smash Repairs, claimed the 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year award (sponsored by MTA NSW), while Sampson’s Car Repairs took home the Small Automotive Business of the Year award (sponsored by Capricorn) in the NSW Regional Business of the Year category.
The inaugural Automotive Excellence Awards, held on Saturday, 28th February, celebrated businesses and individuals across 16 categories spanning mechanical repair, collision repair, new-vehicle dealerships and apprenticeships, with the event attended by more than 400 industry professionals, businesses and dignitaries, including the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading.
MTA NSW CEO Stavros Yallouridis congratulated both winners and said the results reflected the depth of talent and professionalism that regional NSW, and Tamworth in particular, continues to bring to the automotive industry.
“Tamworth had a remarkable night. To see a local apprentice and a local business both recognised at a state level speaks volumes about the quality of the people and businesses working in the region,” Mr Yallouridis said.
“Regional NSW is the backbone of our industry, and results like these are a reminder of why it’s so important we celebrate excellence right across the state, not just in the cities.”
For both Jack and Jodie Sampson, owner of Sampson’s Car Repairs, the wins were as much about the people behind them as the awards themselves.
“To win this award in my second year is something I never expected. I’m so grateful to the team at Taminda Smash Repairs for their support. This is as much theirs as it is mine,” said Jack Berry.
‘We are incredibly proud to be recognised at a state level. This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our whole team, and of the community that has supported us here in Tamworth,” said Jodie Sampson, owner of Sampson’s Car Repairs.
The gala event was hosted by comedian and television presenter Charlie Pickering, with entertainment from award-winning speed painter Brad Blaze and Sydney band Bermuda Social.
The event was proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor CareSuper, with Capricorn and Tyrepower joining as Gold Sponsors. Silver Sponsors included Women in Automotive and IMA B2B. Bronze Sponsors were Penrite, Scott & Broad and PMA Global. RT Health, Henry William Lawyers and Steadfast Workplace Risk rounded out the evening as Supporting Sponsors.
The Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales is one of Australia’s largest state-based industry associations, dedicated to representing owners and business principals in the New South Wales automotive industry. MTA NSW provides extensive industry information to its membership base, representing 28 different motor trades, and assists members in the daily running of their businesses, as well as lobbying governing bodies to ensure a robust and thriving automotive industry.
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