John Deere salutes top technicians in gala ceremony

Five talented Australian technicians have taken out top honours at the fourth annual John Deere Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner event in Brisbane recently.

Western Australia’s Bradley Skinner was named Australia’s Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year, while Victorians, Kirsten Rush and Andrew Moat, took out the Parts Technician of the Year and Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year categories respectively.

Queensland technicians also won two awards, with Daniel Barnes taking home the Service Apprentice of the Year Award and Tracy Hogan named as the Parts Apprentice of the Year.

More than 130 nominees from 69 dealership locations were in the mix this year, with the 32 finalists then travelling to the company's Australian headquarters in Brisbane to be put through a rigorous assessment of testing diagnostic capabilities, technical knowledge and customer service skills.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated the Australian winners and acknowledged the value they bring to their local communities.

“Bradley, Kirsten, Andrew, Daniel and Tracy represent the best of the best in customer service, technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, and thoroughly deserve their awards,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the New Zealand winners: Marcus Vine, Daniel Stonely and Liam Gee.

“The calibre of each of this year’s finalists is a testament to the value we place on providing the best possible service to our customers and communities.”

JOHN DEERE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS