Jeremy Kelleher and Erin Hallcroft accept the awards at the gala event. Photo: Supplied.
Wagga Wagga’s Thomas Bros Toyota has taken home top honours at the inaugural Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, claiming the MTA NSW President’s Award and the NSW Regional Business of the Year, Large Automotive Business award (sponsored and presented by Capricorn).
The awards, held on Saturday 28 February, celebrated businesses and individuals across 16 categories spanning mechanical repair, collision repair, new vehicle dealerships, and apprenticeships. The event was attended by more than 400 industry professionals, businesses, and dignitaries, including the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading.
Erin Hallcroft of Thomas Bros Toyota said the double recognition was an incredible honour for the whole team.
“To receive the MTA NSW President’s Award and be named NSW Regional Business of the Year – Large Automotive Business is an incredible honour for our entire team. These awards recognise the dedication and professionalism that our staff bring every single day. We’re proud to represent Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina region, and we thank our loyal customers and community for their continued support,” she said.
New apprentices enjoy a feed at a recent Thomas Bros Toyota celebration. Photo: Facebook.
MTA NSW CEO Stavros Yallouridis congratulated the winners and said results such as these highlighted why it was so important to celebrate excellence across the state.
“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,” Mr Yallouridis said.
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 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.
