Local P plate & L plate drivers will be given an introduction to vehicle ownership & safety, at a free Kick Start Motoring Information night, to take place on Tuesday 12th December 2017. 

Professionals in the motoring industry will come together to present the interactive, hands on workshop, aimed at increasing the confidence, knowledge & safety of young drivers in the community.

Autocorner Dealer Principal Georgia Thomson said the event was developed with young driver safety in mind.

“We are overwhelmed with positive feedback from our Kick Start Workshops which we hold each year to help equip young drivers with motoring know-how so they can confidently get behind the wheel when beginning to drive. We also hope it helps to take the edge out of what can be a stressful experience for parents in their children’s next stage of life”.

“We love being active community supporters and we see this as a great way to offer something back to our region. We have a great team of automotive specialists who have a lot of experience and knowledge to share with the community”.

The workshop has specifically been designed with L & P plate drivers in mind, with parents & those looking to gain their Learner Driver’s license in 2017 also invited to register for the event.

With over 43 years’ experience in the automotive service industry, Autocorner Service Manager Paul Barfield will be one of the event guest speakers.

While participants will learn how to change a tyre, checking oil & jump starting a vehicle, there is much more to this event than just nuts & bolts Mr. Barfield said.

“In addition to providing hands on training on things to keep you out of a pickle in a break-down situation, our guest will also learn about what to look for when purchasing a vehicle both privately & at a car yard, as well as the all-important tips on driving & road safety by industry professionals.”

Sergeant, Nigel Dalton, is confirmed to speak at the event again this year parting with all the knowledge to keep young drivers safe on the road.

Autocorner’s free Kick Start Motoring Information evening will take place Tuesday 12th December 2017, 6:15pm at Autocorner.  Registration is essential with numbers limited.  Visit the “Autocorner Mackay” Facebook or contact the dealership on 49618000 for more information.  

Event Details:

DATE:   Tuesday 12th December

STARTS:   6.15pm for Registration (Workshop starts 6:30pm SHARP)

WHERE:   Autocorner Service Department  (Via Hyne St off Nebo Road)

FB EVENT ON:  Find out more on our Autocorner Mackay Kick Start Event Page OR register for the event here

AUTOCORNER'S RECOGNITION FOR 10 YEAR STAFF

Staff enjoyed a a day out playing croquet and watching the Cowboys game at Harrup Park to celebrate 10 years of dedication and support to Autocorner. Each year staff members who have been employed with Autocorner for 10 or more years enjoy a day to relax and celebrate. Last Saturday eight more staff were inducted into the special club and recognised for their contributions. 

KIDS TO LEARN MORE THAN JUST A TRADE

Mackay Christian College Trade Training Centre students have a fantastic project to work on thanks to the support of Autocorner Mackay. Autocorner and Mackay Christian College have teamed up to give valuable experience to its automotive trade students through a donation of a vehicle to the Trade Training Centre. The students will work towards repairing this vehicle and obtaining a road worthy certificate and will then donate it to a local charity or family in need.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain huge hands on experience for their future but also for them to develop a sense of accomplishment once the project is completed.

Mr Warren Tysoe, Director of the Trade Training Centre said “The 2005 Hyundai Elantra donated will be repaired and brought up to roadworthy condition by the Year 11 and 12 Trade Pathway Students with the end goal, thanks to Autocorner, to donate the roadworthy vehicle back into the local community either to charity or family in need.

We like our students to think outside themselves and MCC is about serving our community, so we figured what better way to achieve both purposes. This is more than just building stronger skills, we want to build a strong sense of community.”

Autocorner Dealer Principal Georgia Thomson could not be happier with the direction the school is taking with the vehicle donation.  “We love that we can be a part of this special project that will not only benefit our community, but also provide great experience and training for future automotive technicians in the region.”

Mackay Christian College Principal Dr Barclie Gallogray said they were grateful for the experience the vehicle donation brings to students. "MCC would like to thank Autocorner for their donation and partnering with us to give this amazing opportunity for students to learn some valuable skills while looking outside themselves to help others".

Autocorner has also recently worked with Mackay Christian College on coordinating a SafeTALK suicide-awareness training session by Grapevine to the school next term in conjunction with the dealerships strong partnership with Change the Game & Mackay Regional Suicide Prevention Centre.

 

AUTO CORNER TO BECOME DEFENDERS OF MENTAL HEALTH!

Autocorner have pledged their commitment to become defenders of Mental Health and suicide awareness in 2017.  The local automotive dealer calls for the community support to further attention on encouraging people to seek help through the difficult times. 

The initiative comes with a strong partnerships formed between Autocorner, Mackay Regional Suicide Prevention Network (MRSPN) & Change the Game, which sees the dealer’s primary fundraising focus on the cause.

Georgia Thomson, Dealer Principal of Autocorner said “Let’s start talking about Mental Health openly, if we can help one person seek help and guidance our partnership with Change the Game and Mackay Regional Suicide Prevention Network (MRSPN) will be a success”.

“Suicide is an important issue for our region, Mackay Regional Suicide Prevention Network needs support in educating our community on how this topic can be tackled head on and to help to remove the stigma associated with suicide, we’re here to lend our voice and actively participate in generating more awareness”

"We found this a deeply important issue to our staff and are honoured at the opportunity to be infvolved in supporting such a cause that touches so many families in the community."

To kick start the partnership Autocorner have put their money where their mouth is and have covered the cost of the first round of Safe Talks for the Cutters Under 20s and Under 17s teams which was held on 22nd March at the BB Print Stadium.

Mackay Regional Suicide Prevention Network (MRSPN) Chair Shelley Wyles said she was so thankful to Autocorner for their generous donation to sponsor the launch of the first two safeTALK Suicide Alert Workshops presented to Mackay Cutters under 18’s and 20's in the roll out of the Change The Game initiative. 

Change the Game will be putting 700 footy players in the Mackay region through the safeTALK training. The education and awareness program will give young men the skills to actively help the Mackay community reduce the incidence of suicide in our community.  

“MRSPN is excited about the difference the Network can make in the Community now it is "Driven by” Autocorner!” Shelley said.

“Mackay has been in crisis with suicide with an extremely high suicide rate, it’s great that large local companies like Autocorner are genuinely concerned and supporting this initiative.”

Troy Rovelli, Mackay Cutters Executive Officer said “We are overwhelmingly appreciative of the support that Autocorner have shown towards our Change the Game initiative.  We initially approached them to become a corporate partner but they wanted to do more and have taken this as their only fundraising cause for 2017 which is absolutely fantastic.”

If you would like to donate or like more information about Change the Game and MRSPN please visit www.mackaycutters.com.au.

Watch the Cutters talk about Mental Health

If you need help…YOU ARE NOT ALONE: • Lifeline 13 11 14 • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 • Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 • MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 • Headspace 1800 650 890

Autocorner Ambassador

Every year at our end of year Christmas Party we take time to honor staff who have worked hard in their roles whilst living by our Core Values: Customers Always Come First, Be the Best, Make it Fun. These awards are voted by management and staff and it was extremely close year for all awards. Here are the WINNERS! 

2016 Award Winners:

• Best on the Ground: Daniel Lambley

Honourable Mentions:  Pauline Gauci, Kim Luehman

• Players Player:  Pauline Gauci

Honourable Mentions:  Gareth Hartley, Paul Barfield, Daniel Lambley

• Rookie of the Year: Kallan Franklin

Honourable Mentions:  Ian Scott, Adam Brandenburg, Laura Young

• Golden Boot – Sales: Hamish Walding

Honourable Mentions:  Brett Walsh, David Mullins, Ian Scott, Nicholas Williamson

• Golden Boot – Service: Hayden Bombardieri

Honourable Mentions:  Banjo, Noel Hicks, Ryan Cooper

• Autocorner Ambassador: Henry Dunn

Honourable Mentions:  Carlo Benincasa, Andrew McLellan, Kris Brennan, Elly Mathewson, Pauline Gauci

Congratulations to Henry Dunn for winning the annual Autocorner Ambadsador Award 

Henry was on leave and missed receiving his award so luckily last year's winner Elly Mathewson was on hand to present it! Congratulations Henry!!

L Plate & Plate Drivers Given Motoring Hot Lap

Exclusively for L Platers, P Platers & their parents, Autocorner's Kick Start Motoring Information Evening, held Wednesday 7th December was a huge success!

Our 2017 Kick Start-ers learnt a lot of valuable lessons in motoring, ranging from jump starting a car, changing a tyre, tips for buying a used vehicle & safety on the road.

We were very privileged to have special guest speaker Sgt Nigel Dalton (QLD Police District Crime Prevention) run through some driving safety tips, and covering off the Fatal Five - the 5 major contributors to accidents on our roads. These include Speeding, Distractions, not wearing a Seat Belt, Drunk/Drug Driving & Fatigue.  For more information on this visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/fatalfive or for some safety driving tips this is a great resource as well: https://jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/

We were also joined by Richard Incledon  (Road Accident Action Group) who finished off the evenings talks with some great tips on driving on our local roads.

Our Kick Start Drivers were quizzed at the end - passing with flying colours.  Winners of our Quiz pictured below (L-R - Nicholas Hazel, Grady Hamilton, Josh Hartley, Esther Ramage, Josh Haplin).

View our full Kick Start photo album on our Facebook page.

Nepal for Elly Mathewson!

 

Autocorner to Kick Start Young Drivers

Local P plate & L plate drivers will be given an introduction to vehicle ownership & safety, at a free Kick Start Motoring Information night, to take place on Wednesday December 7 at Autocorner.

Professionals in the motoring industry will come together to present the interactive, hands on workshop, aimed at increasing the confidence, knowledge & safety of young drivers in the community.

Autocorner Dealer Principal Georgia Thomson said the event was developed with young driver safety in mind.

“We received overwhelming positive feedback from last year’s Kick Start Workshop, so we decided to make it a yearly event to help equip young drivers with motoring know-how so they can confidently get behind the wheel when beginning to drive. We also hope it helps to take the edge out of what can be a stressful experience for parents in their children’s next stage of life”.

“We love being active community supporters and we see this as a great way to offer something back to our region. We have a great team of automotive specialists who have a lot of experience and knowledge to share with the community”.

The workshop has specifically been designed with L & P plate drivers in mind, with parents & those looking to gain their Learner Driver’s license in 2016 also invited to register for the event.

With over 42 years’ experience in the automotive service industry, Autocorner Service Manager Paul Barfield will be one of the event guest speakers.

While participants will learn how to change a tyre, checking oil & jump starting a vehicle, there is much more to this event than just nuts & bolts Mr. Barfield said.

“In addition to providing hands on training on things to keep you out of a pickle in a break-down situation, our guest will also learn about what to look for when purchasing a vehicle both privately & at a car yard, as well as the all-important tips on driving & road safety by industry professionals.”

Sergeant Nigel Dalton is confirmed to speak at the event along with a representative from the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG).

Autocorner’s free Kick Start Motoring Information evening will take place Wednesday, 7th December 2016, 6:15pm at Autocorner.  Registration is essential with numbers limited.  Visit the “Autocorner Mackay” Facebook or contact the dealership on 49618000 for more information. 

Event Details:

DATE:   Wednesday 7th December 2016

STARTS:   6.15pm for Registration (Workshop starts 6:30pm SHARP)

WHERE:   Autocorner Service Department  (Via Hyne St off Nebo Road)

FB EVENT ON:  Find out more on our Autocorner Mackay Kick Start Event Page OR register for the event here

HEELS, WHEELS & AUTOMOBILES

FREE Motoring Information Night for Women!

The Autocorner Workshop team introduced the ladies of Mackay to some unknown territory – their own vehicles!

Autocorner’s Heels Wheels & Automobiles workshop, supported by Hyundai Motor Corporation, was held on Wednesday 27th July 2015 and was aimed at acquainting women with the mechanics of their vehicle, learning practical lessons in motoring safety and car maintenance, irrespective of what make or model they are driving.  The event was free, fun, and was open to women of all ages.

The Autocorner’s top team of technicians worked late – to teach our guests how their vehicle operates, ways of keeping it safe and dependable, and what to do in an emergency situation, such as changing a tyre, jump starting a vehicle, checking tyre pressure and much more. 

Always looking forward to this annual community event is Paul Barfield, Autocorner Technical Service Manager. “We always receive such positive responses from those who have attend the night and it’s great to know we are empowering women to know more about their vehicle with simple tricks and tips. It’s a fun way for women of all ages to learn how important it is to keep their vehicle as safe as possible for themselves, their families and friends” Mr Barfield said.

 “The workshops run over an enjoyable few hours, and we try to make each workshop as hands on as possible. It is a great way for us to give back to our local community” he said.

The event, which as become a tradition at the dealership, catered to all ages, from teenagers with their first car to ladies just looking for a refresher. 

Autocorner Dealer Principal, Georgia Thomson, enjoys offering these events to the community.  “This initiative has proved a great success in past years. Autocorner is strongly focused on supporting the community and this free event is another great opportunity for us to engage the community and give back.” she said.

Autocorner Heels, Wheels & Automobiles Workshop offers a fun, informative night for ladies to learn all about their cars.  If you are interested in being contacted about Autocorner’s next Heels, Wheels & Automobiles workshop dates, simply email your details to marketing@autocorner.com.au.

LOCAL STUDENTS PUT THROUGH ROAD SAFETY EDUCTION

Autocorner is proud to support the Rotary Club of Mackay in facilitating the RYDA program to Mackay senior high school students this year.

RYDA is designed for 16-18 year old students who are approaching that crucial time in their lives where they start to drive independently or are travelling as passengers of novice drivers.

About 300 students were expected to attend the course locally, which involves six interactive sessions to challenge the way they think about road safety; participating in a stopping distance demonstration, devising personalised strategies, gaining an understanding of their individual risk profile and getting tips from road safety experts on how to protect themselves, their friends and family.

Mackay Rotary Club has been involved since 2008 and in that time some 1,800 students have been through the program. Noel Kidd from Mackay Rotary said this year there was about 340 students expected to go through the program.

“The program is always well received and gets good reviews from both students and teachers.” Mr Kidd Said

Autocorner thanks the efforts of the Rotary Club of Mackay for continuing to drive such an important program in our region and for allowing us to contribute this year.

Toolkit for Girls Programme

Autocorner once again supported the Toolkit for Girls programme which Hail Creek Mine is partnering with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) at the Mackay Engineering College. The workshop was held on Wednesday 11th May with the purpose of the event is to showcase career and study information and options relating to non-traditional job opportunities, particularly in the trades and vocation areas for young female secondary school students across the region.

Many thanks to Adele and Casey from Autocorner for their participation in the Toolkit for Girls event this year.  It was fantastic for them to again give up thier valuable time and be involved.

Adele shared her journey from being an apprentice to her current role as the Apprentice Master was interesting and beneficial for the students to understand the various pathways there are available through the trades.  Casey as a new apprentice also provided good feedback and information to the students.

 

2015 Fleet Award Winners

Autocorner Fleet Solutions have returned home winners at the Toyota's annual Fleet Awards Night which saw the team take out multiple awards across the team. They were recognised for their high sales achievements in 2015 as well as leadership in the fleet area. 

Autocorner Awards:

• Guest Advocacy (Rural) - David Croxon
• Gold Leader - David Croxon
• Welterweight Retail - David Croxon
• Gold Leader - Dane Bentley
• Welter /  Bantam / Fly Fleet- Rebecca Bachmann 
• Gold Leader - Rebecca Bachmann 
• Fleet & Government Rural Sales - Rebecca Bachmann

 

2016 COWBOYS ACADEMY LAUNCHES IN MACKAY

PATHWAY TO THE TOP – developing rugby league talent in North Queensland    

22 March 2016

 

Promising local junior rugby league recruits met at the first 2016 Cowboys Academy session yesterday at the BB Print Stadium Mackay.

The Cowboys Academy, proudly supported by Toyota and the North Queensland Toyota Dealers, provides a structured pathway to support the development and transition of promising young rugby league players through the playing ranks, from scholarship through to NYC and ultimately NRL.

The Academy focuses on high-school aged players (13-17 years), with sessions run in regional centers encompassing Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Brisbane.

Local Toyota General Manager Liam Gaskin said Mackay Toyota are excited to support such an important program again this year.  “Giving our talented juniors the opportunity to develop their skills in such a quality program like this is fantastic.  We are proud to enable programs like these to continue locally.”

For more information on the Cowboys Academy structure & recruitment process visit http://www.cowboys.com.au/team/cowboys-academy.html

As seen featured in The Daily Mercury: Quality in Cowboys Academy

 

MACKAY ISUZU UTE NUMBER 1 DEALER

Mackay Isuzu UTE has come out on top after being awarded the 2015 Isuzu UTE Dealer of the Year in Australia.  First position was awarded to the local dealership, part of the Autocorner group, last week following a successful year. The Dealership Award encompasses all areas of the business from Sales Results to Customer Satisfaction and was judged against 110 other Isuzu UTE dealers in the country.

Isuzu UTE has gained attention in the Mackay region for its exclusive 3L Isuzu Turbo Diesel Engine and 5 star ANCAP ratings. Attracting a wide range of customers from tradies and farmers needing a work vehicle, families looking for competitively priced SUV and local businesses needing fleet vehicles, the team at Mackay Isuzu UTE specialise in matching the customer to perfect vehicle as well providing genuine Isuzu UTE servicing.

In recognition of the achievement, Yasuhiro Takeuchi, CEO for Isuzu UTE Australia presented Mackay Isuzu UTE with a Japanese Daruma Doll. The Daruma Doll is designed to help the owner keep track of goals and used as motivation to complete them. The eyes of the doll are blank, with the first eye coloured in to mark the setting of a goal, and the second eye is only coloured in once this goal has been achieved, symbolising that both eyes are now ‘open’.. The Mackay Isuzu UTE team are consistently focused on achieving their goals and living by the Autocorner Core Values of ‘Customers Come First, Be the Best and Have Fun’. 

Dealer Principal, Georgia Thomson said she is pleased with the achievement. ‘It’s a fantastic result and a testament to the hard work and dedication the Isuzu UTE team invest in our company values and our customers. The brand’s range of vehicles have proven to be popular contenders in the SUV and Ute markets with fantastic reliability, quality and value for money - they are becoming an ever growing presence in the region.

I want to thank our team and our customers, the fans of our brand, for making this achievement possible. We look forward to seeing more growth in the years to come! 

Mackay Isuzu UTE – just over the Forgan bridge