It was once again a very emotional morning at the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Awards 2016 breakfast held on Saturday 16th July at MCEC in Melbourne. This event is where the industry meets to honour those who have served the industry over many years ‘over and above the call of duty’. More than 30 worthy recipients have already been inducted and two more were added to this prestigious list:-
Tony Warrener, OAM who sadly passed away in 2015 was posthumously honoured with the National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement for 2016. Tony was instrumental and a driving force in organising the Smash Repair Team who were on hand to repair damaged vehicles at many V8 races around Australia especially at Bathurst. Tony and his wife Diana would take many young apprentices under their wings for these races and not only mentor them but look after them, feed and house them for the duration of the event. It is hard to say how many in total passed through the team over the years and Phil Nixon from IAG was on hand to present the award to Tony’s wife Diana and son Jason.
Also receiving an award was Brenton Abbott of Fleurieu Crash in Adelaide (Victor Harbor) who has owned his business for more than 30 years and represented the industry at a State (MTA SA) level and also National (AMBRA) in many capacities. He has also been a member of many groups and organisations over the years including MCRS, CRSA, AARN and Car Craft of which he is a director. Brenton and his wife Meredith were presented with their award by Robin Taylor of Axalta Coatings.
A special guest at the breakfast was Australian Motorsport legend John Bowe who was interviewed by John McCoy-Lancaster and what a very entertaining and informative interview it was! John has a fascinating story to tell and if anyone has the opportunity to see him talk about his career it would be well worthwhile.
More than 170 attended the event and it will be held in 2017 at the Collision Repair Expo, April in Melbourne.
Editor: Once again some very special people honoured for outstanding contributions to the industry-congratulations and thanks to the many sponsors of the NCR Lifetime Achievement Awards.