Leading industry figures announced as special guests for MTA NSW Automotive Excellence Awards 2026

The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has announced a slew of industry heavyweights as guests and sponsors for the Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, which spotlights the state’s leading automotive businesses, apprentices and trainees.

The inaugural event will be hosted by TV personality and comedian, Charlie Pickering, with entertainment from speed painter Brad Blaze and dynamic Sydney band, Bermuda Social.

Special guests announced this week include 2025 Aussie Racing Cars champion, Kody Garland, and Joanne Ciconte, who has been blazing a trail in the F1 Academy at only 16 years of age. 

Other high-profile names joining the event include TV presenter and model Kate Peck, alongside renowned industry communications specialist and motoring enthusiast, Rachel Butler, both co-directors of Women In Automotive.

"Our MTA NSW Automotive Excellence Awards have received an overwhelming response from the industry,” said MTA NSW CEO Stavros Yallouridis. “We’ve seen an exceptionally high standard of entries across all categories, emphasising the calibre of talent across the NSW automotive sector.”

This same quality is also reflected in the confirmed guests and sponsors that the event is attracting.

“We welcome the addition of these special guests. Women in Automotive is the national peak body and is doing exceptional work to broaden the appeal of our industry,” said Yallouridis.

“As long-term supporters of Kody Garland, we are thrilled that he has just won his first national title, which was extremely well-deserved. We’ve also been supporting Joanne Ciconte throughout 2025 and watching her represent Australia on the global stage in the F1 Academy. We’re proud to have them both join us on the night.”

The event has also attracted a strong line-up of sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor CareSuper, Silver Sponsors Women in Automotive and IMA B2B, Bronze Sponsors Scott & Broad and Penrite, and Supporting Sponsor RT Health.

The awards span 16 categories across apprenticeships and automotive businesses, with finalists representing metropolitan and regional NSW. Winners will be announced on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at the Sofitel Sydney, Wentworth.

“We are really looking forward to celebrating these achievements with everyone on what is shaping up to be a spectacular night for the industry,” concluded Mr Yallouridis.

Event Details 

• Saturday 28 February 2026
• Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
• Early bird tickets are available until 31 December

Sponsors

• Platinum Sponsor: CareSuper
• Silver Sponsors: Women in Automotive and IMA B2B
• Bronze Sponsor: Scott & Broad and Penrite 
• Supporting Sponsor: RT Health

Additional sponsorship packages are still available.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event information, visit www.mtaautomotiveawards.com.au