Less than 12 months after being recognised as VACC Best Small Automotive Business – Regional, Always There Automotive has achieved an even greater milestone, taking home the 2026 VACC President’s Award – Employer of the Year.
Presented at the 2026 VACC Automotive Industry Awards at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium, the President’s Award is the highest honour of the evening. It recognises the automotive business that sets the benchmark for workplace culture, leadership, innovation and commitment to its people.
What makes this achievement even more significant is the calibre of the competition. Always There Automotive was recognised as the Employer of the Year across all of Victoria and Tasmania, standing alongside and ultimately outperforming some of the automotive industry’s largest corporate organisations.
For a business that began with a single mobile mechanic van in Geelong in 2014, it’s an incredible achievement and one that reflects the dedication of every member of the Always There Automotive team.
A people-first philosophy
When Director Sean Radford founded Always There Automotive after leaving the Australian Army, his goal wasn’t simply to build another mechanical workshop. He wanted to create a business that people could trust and a workplace where talented technicians could build rewarding careers.
More than a decade later, that philosophy continues to shape every part of the business.
Today, Always There Automotive operates six workshops across Grovedale, Lara, Anglesea, Ocean Grove, Torquay and Ashmore, employing a passionate team committed to delivering exceptional customer service and quality workmanship.
While customers see the finished result each time they collect their vehicle, it’s the culture behind the scenes that has become one of the company’s greatest strengths.
The VACC recognised Always There Automotive for its outstanding workplace culture, leadership, innovation and commitment to its people, describing the business as “a leading example of what a regional automotive business can achieve.”
More than a workplace
Being named Employer of the Year isn’t simply about business performance.
It’s about creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued and motivated to succeed.
Always There Automotive invests heavily in training, modern equipment and ongoing professional development, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to build a long-term career in the automotive industry.
This commitment not only benefits employees but also delivers better outcomes for customers. Skilled, engaged technicians combined with a supportive workplace create the reliable, honest service that customers have come to expect from Always There Automotive.
Proudly supporting the communities we serve
The award also recognises Always There Automotive’s strong connection to the local community.
Supporting local organisations has always been part of the company’s DNA. From the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Challenge Cancer to local sporting clubs and the Geelong Animal Welfare Society, the team is proud to give back to the communities that have supported the business throughout its journey.
For Always There Automotive, success isn’t measured solely by workshop growth. It’s also about making a positive contribution beyond the workshop doors.
Recognition built over many years
This latest honour follows another significant achievement, with Always There Automotive being named Best Small Automotive Business – Regional at the 2025 VACC Automotive Industry Awards.
Receiving the President’s Award just one year later demonstrates the consistency, commitment and continual improvement that have become hallmarks of the business.
It also reinforces that businesses based in regional communities can compete with and outperform much larger organisations when they invest in their people, their customers and their community.
Thank you to our incredible team
While Sean proudly accepted the President’s Award on behalf of the business, this recognition belongs to the entire Always There Automotive family.
Every technician, apprentice, service advisor and support team member has contributed to creating the culture that earned this prestigious honour.
We would also like to thank our loyal customers for their continued trust and support. Every booking, every recommendation and every relationship we’ve built over the past 12 years has helped make this achievement possible.
Winning the 2026 VACC President’s Award – Employer of the Year is an incredible honour, but it doesn’t change who we are. We’ll continue doing what we’ve always done — putting people first, supporting our communities and providing honest, reliable automotive service across every Always There Automotive location.
Experience the award-winning Always There Automotive difference
Whether you visit us for logbook servicing, tyres, fleet maintenance, air conditioning repairs, suspension upgrades or general mechanical repairs, you’ll be looked after by a team that’s passionate about delivering outstanding service.
Contact one of our six locations across Victoria and Queensland or book your next service with Always There Automotive today.
