NEWS RELEASE   02 July, 2025

Aussies to compete for John Deere Technician of the Year Awards

Crestmead, Queensland (2 July, 2025) — A concert pianist, a volunteer firefighter and a female competitive motorcycle rider are just three of the 25 amazing Australian John Deere technicians who have earned their place in this year's prestigious Technician of the Year Awards.

The fifth annual John Deere Technician of the Year Awards honour the essential work technicians do every day to support industries critical to Australia's economy and rural and regional communities.

The Australian finalists will travel to Brisbane in mid-September to undergo a final round of intense technical testing, where they will be judged individually on their ability to perform hands-on diagnostics and troubleshoot real-life scenarios and customer challenges.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated the finalists, acknowledging the significant impact they have made not only in their dealerships, but also across their communities and the wider industries they support.

"Being a technician today is all about supporting customers and the industries that keep regional Australia strong," Mr Chandler said.

"They play a crucial role that calls for digital expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems. All of which keeps our customers up and running, boosting their productivity, and supporting more sustainable business practices.

"All the finalists should be incredibly proud. Their dedication, strong work ethics and commitment to delivering outstanding customer service has been recognised by their dealerships and acknowledged through the first round of internal judging.

"We look forward to hosting all our finalists at our headquarters in South East Queensland, where they will take on a range of challenging real-world scenarios, designed to test their diagnostic and problem-solving abilities and to determine the winners in each category."

Australian finalists will have the opportunity to compete for titles in five categories in this year's awards including Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Service Apprentice of the Year, and Parts Apprentice of the Year.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Customer Support Business Manager, Marko Koelln said it was rewarding to see many new contenders in this year's lineup of finalists and several technicians returning who have progressed in their careers.

"This year in our Parts Technician of the Year category we have two former Parts Apprentice of the Year winners among the finalists," Mr Koelln said.

"It's a great reflection of their ongoing growth and commitment. They've continued to build their careers while maintaining the exceptional customer service that made them stand out in the past.

"We are also excited to welcome new names to the program, with technicians representing dealerships from across Australia.

"All our finalists have unique backgrounds, some with roots in agriculture or a strong interest in machinery, while others have discovered their career path later in life.

"Regardless of how they arrived at their current roles, each of them shares a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and seizing every opportunity to grow, learn and succeed in their field."

The Award winners will be announced at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards gala event on Thursday, 18 September 2025.

2025 JOHN DEERE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS AUSTRALIAN FINALISTS

(Biographies further below)

Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year finalists
(will compete against each other for an Australian country Award)

  • Robb Burrows, Emmetts, Murray Bridge, South Australia
  • Michael Moriconi, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria
  • Karl Moschella, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
  • Daniel Popovici, AFGRI Equipment, Albany, Western Australia
  • Vincent Powditch, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Parts Technician of the Year finalists
(will compete against each other for an Australian country Award)

  • Poppy Blohm, AFGRI Equipment, Narrogin, Western Australia
  • Tracy Hogan, RDO Equipment, Emerald, Queensland
  • John McMillan, Hutcheon & Pearce, Lavington, New South Wales
  • Wyatt Sciacca, Honeycombes, Innisfail, Queensland
  • Tanisha Sevenich, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria
  • Kaylyn Sutherland, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year finalists
(will compete against each other and one New Zealand finalist for the Award)

  • Damian Aspinall, RDO Equipment, Roma, Queensland
  • Bradley Hallett, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
  • Johannes Offringa, AFGRI Equipment, Albany, Western Australia
  • Cameron Wood, RDO Equipment, Mount St John, Queensland

Service Apprentice of the Year finalists
(will compete against each other and one New Zealand finalist for the Award)

  • Henry Barkley, Haeusler's, Mildura, Victoria
  • Rickard Gardner, RDO Equipment, Derrimut, Victoria
  • Nathan Murdoch, Hutcheon & Pearce, Cowra, New South Wales
  • Jared Olson, Emmetts, Murray Bridge, South Australia
  • Abbey Smith, RDO Equipment, Toowoomba, Queensland

Parts Apprentice of the Year finalists
(will compete against each other for the Award)

  • Olivia Barsley, Hutcheon & Pearce, Cowra, New South Wales
  • Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings, AFGRI Equipment, Merredin, Western Australia
  • Tiffiny Kajewski, RDO Equipment, St George, Queensland
  • Chelsea Lullfitz, AFGRI Equipment, Narembeen, Western Australia
  • Alex Sinclair, Haeusler's, Shepparton, Victoria

BIOGRAPHIES - AGRICULTURE & TURF SERVICE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Robb Burrows, Emmetts, Murray Bridge, South Australia

Robb Burrows believes that working for John Deere means you can get a job anywhere in the world, and he's proven it.

His love of the green machines began as a 14-year-old on the family farm outside Christchurch, New Zealand, where his neighbours had several John Deere tractors. After finishing school, Robb got an apprenticeship with the local John Deere dealership in Christchurch.

He worked at the dealership for five years before travelling to Canada, where he met his future wife who was from South Australia. In 2014, Robb moved to Australia to start working for RMGH Murray Bridge, which later became Emmetts.

Local farmer, Brett Phillips from Langhorne Creek, has been working with Robb for a decade and said he is an 'invaluable asset' - exceptionally capable and highly skilled. He said it is crucial to their business to have a technician who is knowledgeable and reliable to ensure smooth operations during critical periods.

Robb's love of green was evident in his early 20s, when he built a drift car and competed on racetracks across the South Island. After gutting the car's interior and fitting a roll cage, he thought it needed a new coat of paint. It was painted in the same shade of green as John Deere, inside and out!

 

Michael Moriconi, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria

When Michael Moriconi was six years old, his father bought his first John Deere tractor. Michael can still remember the day it arrived on the family mango farm in North Queensland. The way it gleamed in the sun, the sound of the engine when it started and his father's look of pride, joy and purpose. From that moment, Michael said he was hooked. It wasn't just a machine to him; it was a symbol of something bigger and sparked a fire him that still roars today.

He did a trade apprenticeship as a diesel fitter in North Queensland and had a short stint working on John Deere equipment, but it was a chance encounter and handshake in a Ballarat a café while on holiday in Victoria that changed Michael's destiny.

Seeing men wearing John Deere and Brandt co-branded shirts, Michael plucked up the courage to introduce himself. He was keen to pursue his career with a focus on John Deere's broadacre cropping machinery and the precision ag technology that drives farmers' productivity. By the end of the week, Michael had attended an interview and when he arrived home, a job offer was in his inbox. Taking a leap of faith, Michael packed up his life in North Queensland and has now been working at the Brandt Ballarat John Deere dealership for more than a year.

Supporting customers is his primary driver. Whether it's a farmer who needs to get back into the paddock before the rain hits or a family trying to mow their lawn before the weekend, Michael takes satisfaction knowing he can show up and gets things moving again. He also enjoys mentoring young apprentices and sharing his expertise.

His focus on customer service is acknowledged and appreciated by his customers including local lot feeders, Garvan Park, which relies on Michael to have their harvest equipment being operational in peak times. Manager Lewis Redpath said Michael goes over and above, following up on any requests or queries with a smile, communicating well and always keeping them updated.

 

Karl Moschella, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland

At high school, Karl Moschella was often called out of class to help repair the school's ride-on mower – an early sign of the hands-on skills and mechanical aptitude that would lead to a highly successful career as a service technician.

It has been 23 years since Karl started his apprenticeship at Honeycombes John Deere dealership in Ayr, Queensland, and in that time a lot has changed. He is now a John Deere Master Technician, Backup Technical Communicator for the Honeycombes group, Field Service Technician in the Ayr branch, and also manages a pre-season maintenance program for sugar cane harvesters for Honeycombes' customers across North Queensland.

His expertise in John Deere's sugar cane harvesters is so highly regarded he was invited to the Thibadoux factory in Louisiana, USA, to help identify quality control measures for the sugar cane harvesters on the assembly line. During his career, Karl has seen many advances in John Deere technology and is proud to work on equipment which is a step ahead of its competitors.

He's also built long-lasting relationships with his customers including Daniel Adcock, Owner and Director of Drynie Road Harvesting, which produces and contract harvests sugar cane in North Queensland. For the past 18 years, Karl has been Daniel's 'go-to person' for any troubleshooting issues and for learning how to effectively use the technology on his new CH570 harvester.

While Karl's expertise is vital to North Queensland's sugar industry, another sweet moment came 12 years ago when he and his dance partner were named runners up in a local charity dance competition. Performing three routines in front of 500 people, including many of his customers, Karl ended the final number wearing nothing but Speedos. It's a moment he says his customers still talk about.

 

Daniel Popovici, AFGRI Equipment, Albany, Western Australia

With a mechanic for a father, Daniel Popovici grew up around machinery and was exposed to engines, tools, and the process of diagnosing and fixing machines, which made him curious about understanding how things work and ignited his passion for modern machinery and technology.

Daniel was attracted to a career working on John Deere equipment because of its advanced technology and says one of the things he enjoys the most is working on models from the older 10 and 20 Series tractors to the latest combines and sprayers.

He started his career with a John Deere dealership in Romania more than ten years ago, before moving to Australia where he now works for the AFGRI Equipment dealership in Albany. Daniel sees his role as more than just a job, given his responsibility for keeping the equipment operating and contributing to the productivity of the local farming community.

His ability to keep high-tech machines operating at their best, whether it's through regular maintenance or complex field jobs, is appreciated by Marno Muller, Farm Manager at Frankland River Grazing Co, northwest of Albany. Marno said Daniel's ability to quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues, often under the intense pressure of peak farming periods like sowing or harvest, has made a "significant and measurable difference" to productivity and peace of mind on the farm.

Daniel's enthusiasm for the John Deere brand and equipment has been infectious, with both his father and brother now working for John Deere dealerships in Romania. Daniel says their shared passion for the brand and the industry motivates him to continually improve his skills and uphold the high standards valued by his family.

Vincent Powditch, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

It's no surprise that Vincent Powditch enjoys working as a John Deere technician for RDO Equipment in Taree South, on the NSW Mid North Coast. He was named after the Vincent Black Lightning; a motorcycle first built in the UK in 1948 which set a USA motorcycle speed record of 241.9km/hr.

Vincent has lived in five countries – Scotland, England, the USA, New Zealand and Australia – and while he has worked on all types of machines, from golf carts to construction to million-dollar yachts, he said he hasn't looked back since he started working on John Deere tractors and heavy machinery.

After six years in the role, Vincent still finds his role challenging at times but extremely rewarding. He takes great pride in investing in training apprentices, many who have gone on to become great mechanics.

RDO customer John Polson, from Oxley Island on the Manning River, said Vincent's work on his farm equipment has been exemplary and his machinery knowledge is vast. John always feels comfortable having Vincent on his farm and has great confidence that his work is done correctly and safely.

BIOGRAPHIES - PARTS TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Poppy Blohm, AFGRI Equipment, Narrogin, Western Australia

Poppy Blohm is back for another tilt at the top honours at the John Deere Technicians Awards, after taking out the Parts Apprentice of the Year Award in 2023 which, along with a WA Regional Tafe Trainee of the Year Award, she cites as the highlights of her career so far.

The path to being a technician was not a typical one for the Perth native, who had no exposure to farm machinery until going to Ag school in Harvey, WA. Even then, she felt destined to work in the sheep industry but when a job beckoned at AFGRI Equipment in Narrogin, she grabbed onto it with both hands and hasn't looked back.

Starting off as an apprentice, Poppy has forged a very successful career as a Parts Technician and is a great role model for other people considering entering the industry. Her greatest piece of advice is to never be afraid to ask questions if you don't know the answers.

Poppy's favourite part of the job has two equal parts - solving complex problems and helping her customers by providing them with solutions.

It's the kind of dedication that has been recognised among Poppy's customers, who have also praised her ability to solve their problems. Stuart and Jack Moyses said Poppy consistently goes above and beyond, and has even assisted them with John Deere Operations CenterTM, which they recognise is not a normal part of her role.

When she's not at work, Poppy enjoys spending time with her animals, a lifelong love inspired by her mum, who was a vet. She has two horses, Magic (an off-the-track Thoroughbred) and Flora (a Clydesdale–Thoroughbred cross), along with a miniature Dachshund named Brandy.

Tracy Hogan, RDO Equipment, Emerald, Queensland

Tracy Hogan survived a close call with an elephant and a lion in South Africa's Kruger National Park, and while she loves her job as Parts Technician at RDO Equipment in Central Queensland, it feels tame in comparison.

Tracy was working in aviation parts in Mount Isa when an apprenticeship opportunity came up at the RDO Equipment John Deere dealership in Emerald, Central Queensland. She jumped at the chance to enter a new and exciting industry and started her apprenticeship in January 2023. At the time, her knowledge of John Deere was limited to seeing the green tractors in the movies. Agriculture and John Deere are now the big focus of her life, and as a quick learner, she won the title of the 2024 Parts Apprentice of the Year.

Tracy feels privileged to have since taken on responsibility for training new Parts Interpreters. She encourages them to create opportunities for themselves, and to meet customers in the field to develop relationships and to build a stronger understanding of their business.

Local farmer Ross Armstrong said his multi-generational staff at Armstrong & Sons, all ask for Tracy when contacting RDO Equipment for parts, as she embodies the essence of a great Parts Technician - a friendly, enthusiastic and professional approach, that includes sending screenshots if necessary to ensure the delivery of correct parts. Ross also said she has an ability to learn quickly and work diligently.

John McMillan, Hutcheon & Pearce, Lavington, New South Wales

John McMillan has an unlikely background to now find himself as a finalist in the John Deere Parts Technician of the Year. John spent 20 years as a franchisee running a bakery business, winning two major sales awards and training about 60 teenagers in their first job, before switching careers to become a Parts Interpreter with Hutcheon & Pearce in Lavington, NSW.

John enjoys seeing the mechanical and technical advances, as well as the seasonal change in parts required for tractors, windrowers, balers, combines and seeding machinery. His advice for those contemplating a career change? "Have a go. It's very satisfying with new challenges each day."

Branch Parts Manager, Andrew Guthrie, agreed and said he could not be happier with the level of customer service John brings to the Parts Department. He said his ability to interpret parts, liaise with suppliers, take calls and serve over the counter has been extremely impressive for someone taking on a career change.

When he is not being a Parts Interpreter, John is an avid sports fan and is actively involved in a number of clubs in the Albury region. One of his greatest memories is attending a sports lunch in Albury a few years ago, where he found himself sitting next to the rugby league great, Wayne Bennett. He said he enjoyed chatting to someone who was at the top of their field, and that he was the envy of his mates that day.

Wyatt Sciacca, Honeycombes, Innisfail, Queensland

Wyatt Sciacca's enthusiasm for agriculture and turf started early, with both of his grandfathers nurturing his curiosity for machinery. His paternal grandfather would take him to the local Council depot where he worked as a diesel mechanic to show him how the machinery worked, while his maternal grandfather taught him how to fix a mower and decipher a parts manual.

He later joined the Australian Air Force Cadets at 13, which taught Wyatt the values of teamwork, loyalty and self-discipline. This combination of knowledge and attitude separated him from the field when he applied in 2022 to join the Honeycombes John Deere dealership in Innisfail, Queensland.

For Wyatt, one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is the opportunity to deepen his knowledge of John Deere machinery and equipment, and to understand how customers rely on their machinery to drive their businesses forward. He is passionate about learning the intricate details of the equipment, from its operation to its repair, and takes great pride in using his expertise in parts to contribute to finding practical, timely solutions for customers. 'Bleeding green' is more than just a phrase to Wyatt - it represents a strong commitment to the John Deere brand and his career.

Long-term customer Jason Sendra appreciates Wyatt's willingness to help and find solutions for him and said he is his 'go-to' person at the dealership for all his parts needs.

Wyatt's kindness and generosity extends well beyond his customers. He has three rescue cats; one he raised since it was three weeks old, another he adopted from a shelter for his nan and nursed it back to health after it survived a tick paralysis, and the third he saved after its owner was forced to give it up by a landlord.

Tanisha Sevenich, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria

After working as a beauty therapist and traffic controller, it took a huge leap of faith for Tanisha Sevenich to apply for the role of a Parts Technician. Agricultural machinery was a completely new industry and a massive step out of her comfort zone, but three years on from starting at the Brandt dealership in Ballarat, Victoria, Tanisha hasn't looked back.

Every day she enjoys new challenges, and she says the ability to see the direct impact of her work in supporting farming customers is incredibly rewarding. Tanisha describes the people in the industry as very down-to-earth, supportive and passionate, and she has developed strong and meaningful relationships with customers and colleagues.

In recognition of the hard work and dedication she has put into her role, Tanisha recently stepped up into a team leader role, which has allowed her to grow personally and professionally.

Brandt customer Jeremy Barr, from Burnside Ag, said her dedication, commitment and loyalty to the job was outstanding.

Tanisha jokes that having worked as a beauty technician, a traffic controller and parts wizard, she's ready to help whether you're lost, broken down or not looking your best!

Kaylyn Sutherland, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales

Kaylyn Sutherland joined John Deere dealership, RDO Equipment, in Taree South, NSW, in 2020. She landed the role with what she describes as "pure luck", having come from a background in bartending and early childhood education, with no prior experience in agriculture. But it didn't take long for her to fall in love with the job.

Kaylyn immersed herself in the world of John Deere machinery, completing every training course she could get her hands on, and now couldn't imagine working with any other brand.

Supporting customers is what gives her the most enjoyment at work. Whether it's someone with a broken lawn mower or a farmer with a breakdown, Kaylyn says they're just as important as each other and equally deserve the best service she can provide.

She also finds joy in the little moments, such as seeing children walk into the showroom and their faces lighting up when they spot the big tractors and equipment on display. It makes her excited for the future of agriculture and the role the next generation will play in it.

A third-time regional finalist, Kaylyn says those thinking about a career as a Parts Technician should just go for it. It's an attitude she takes into her personal life as a self-confessed adrenaline junkie who loves anything fast. From a young age, she was obsessed with American muscle cars and dirt bikes. She's skydived from 15,000 feet, conquered the world's highest bungy jump in New Zealand at 134 metres, and even built her house next to a motocross track on her property.

BIOGRAPHIES - CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY SERVICE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Damian Aspinall, RDO Equipment, Roma, Queensland

Usually a trifecta is a good thing, until you get three ducks (and a diamond duck) at the start of your first cricket season in a new club, and an award is subsequently created in your honour. That's what happened to Damian Aspinall when he relocated to Roma in Western Queensland, and while he's scored some runs since then, he's never managed to live down this unique achievement.

Thankfully, his career as a John Deere technician has been much more successful.

Growing up in Richmond, in North West Queensland, Damian lived a life many children would envy given his proximity to large machinery. His grandfather had a small earthmoving business and when his father bought a grader when he was 12, the passion for machinery and mechanics was ignited. He later started an apprenticeship with the local council, where he was first exposed to John Deere equipment after a 770G grader was added to the fleet.

Damian relocated to Roma two-and-a-half years ago and secured a role with RDO Equipment. He was excited to learn new skills on their range of equipment, especially as he had noticed more and more John Deere machinery appearing on jobsites and farms.

Damian loves travelling the region, meeting both new and returning customers, sharing stories, and working on their machines. To him, it's incredibly rewarding to see a customer's happiness when everything is back up and running smoothly.

One such happy customer is Jade Armstrong, from local timber business Hornick Cypress, who said Damian is a huge asset to the RDO Equipment Roma branch and always goes above and beyond to keep their fleet operating to their full potential.

Bradley Hallett, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales

Bradley Hallett has had a long career working on heavy equipment. In the early years, he worked in the earthmoving and mining industries, gaining hands-on experience on a wide range of machinery and strengthening his skills in fault finding, problem-solving, and delivering quality work under pressure.

Three years ago, Bradley saw a resident technician role advertised with RDO Equipment to work on John Deere forestry and construction machinery, and knew it was the right next step for his career. The role aligned with his experience, qualifications, and passion for the industry, and he was keen to work on equipment with such an iconic and innovative brand.

Bradley is a natural problem solver and enjoys working through mechanical issues and finding practical solutions. He takes satisfaction knowing this approach and his attention to detail can make a real difference on challenging jobs. More than anything, he finds it rewarding to support the people relying on the equipment by helping to keep their operations running smoothly.

As a field technician, Bradley travels the countryside to visit customers. One such customer is Pine Harvesters, based in Oberon, NSW, which operates 30 John Deere forestry machines across a 200km radius. Workshop Supervisor, Trent Robinson, said Bradley is their go-to-person for technical support as he always shows up prepared with whatever he needs to get the job done.

He takes the same approach in his spare time – a few years ago, he hung up the tools so he and his partner could spend a year travelling around Australia. They fitted a ute with a canopy and rooftop tent, and visited many remote communities and met fabulous people, which Bradley says is one of his greatest personal experiences.

Johannes Offringa, AFGRI Equipment, Albany, Western Australia

Johannes Offringa started his career as a mechanic working on buses in Perth, Western Australia, before a role with a contracting firm gave him experience in maintaining a wide variety of vehicles and equipment. A move to the Western Australian port city of Albany meant finding a new job, where Johannes began working with local John Deere dealership, AFGRI Equipment.

Johannes said the opportunity to develop his knowledge and skills as a technician had exceeded his expectations, and he specifically enjoyed having access to regular training.

The small local government Shire of Jerramungup, two hours northeast of Albany, relies heavily on AFGRI Equipment to maintain its plant and equipment and their Works Supervisor was keen to support Johannes's nomination, saying he has an outstanding attitude, follows through on his commitments and is always willing to assist in reducing downtime.

Johannes has achieved his Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic and advises anyone coming into the industry to 'look for a business that is eager to make you a better technician.'

Cameron Wood, RDO Equipment, Mount St John, Queensland

Cameron Wood started his apprenticeship working on heavy machinery nearly 16 years ago and then jumped at the opportunity to apply that experience to John Deere equipment when a role came up at RDO Equipment three years ago.

Initially working in the workshop at the Mount St John dealership in Townsville, North Queensland, Cameron recently moved into a field service technician role. He enjoys travelling throughout the region and visiting customers to help find solutions and minimise machinery downtime.

On one such journey, Cameron travelled to the small country town of Richmond to assist three customers in one week, and the word of his excellent service quickly spread. Despite his busy schedule, Cameron managed to fit in two additional customers, completing the extra work to the same high standards.

Cameron achieved Level 3 Certified Technician this year, and Branch Service Manager, Josh Walker, said Cameron's deep understanding of machinery and strong diagnostic skills across a wide range of equipment, allowed him to solve even the toughest problems with confidence. However, he said what really sets him apart is his dedication to helping every customer he meets.

BIOGRAPHIES - SERVICE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Henry Barkley, Haeusler's, Mildura, Victoria

After school holidays spent helping on his uncle's farm near the Barossa Valley and just one week of work experience at the local John Deere dealership, Henry Barkley's decision was cemented to pursue a career in the agriculture industry.

He instantly fell in love with John Deere equipment and was amazed with how advanced it was. He immediately knew that becoming a service technician was what he wanted to do. During a school-based apprenticeship, Henry worked at his local John Deere dealership before moving from South Australia to start a role at the Haeusler's Mildura branch in Victoria.

Now in the final year of his apprenticeship, Henry is a trusted and valuable member of the team because of his work ethic and skills, and enjoys building trust and lasting relationships with his customers by providing exceptional service.

Broadacre farmer Paul Wisneske, from Linga, said Henry shows a genuine care for his equipment and his business, and was thrilled to recommend him for the Service Apprentice of the Year Award.

"Henry takes pride in his client relationships, always provides follow-up calls or checks to ensure the work has been completed to a high standard, and that we are more than satisfied with the work that has been completed," Paul said.

"It is a pleasure to have Henry attend any jobs."

It's been a big year for Henry, who is not only appearing for the first time as a finalist at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards, but has moved interstate and just bought his first home. He is proud of how far he has come and said he will always be thankful to the people who've supported him along the way.

Rickard Gardner, RDO Equipment, Derrimut, Victoria

Almost two-and-a-half years ago, Rickard Gardner and his wife and two children packed up their life on Queensland's Gold Coast so Rick could start a new career as a John Deere Service Technician at the RDO Equipment Derrimut branch on the western outskirts of Melbourne.

Now in his third year as a mature-age apprentice, Rick is incredibly grateful to his family for backing his career change, which allowed him to pursue his passion for machinery, and in particular to work on John Deere's extensive range of construction equipment.

Since he started, Rick has embraced all the learning opportunities available, progressing through training modules to ensure he can be the best in his field. He enjoys the hands-on nature of his work and forming friendships with his colleagues and fellow technicians, who he said provide invaluable support and mentorship.

One such mentor is Field Service Technician, Andrew Moat, who said Rick had demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and developing his skills with great enthusiasm and willingness to take on challenges. Andrew said Rick does this all while displaying professionalism, teamwork and a positive attitude, which makes him a pleasure to work with.

Coming into the industry as a mature-age apprentice with experience in other fields, Rick knows the value of a career change. His advice for anyone thinking of embarking on a similar career choice is to show up with a positive attitude, be open to learning, and never hesitate to ask questions.

Nathan Murdoch, Hutcheon & Pearce, Cowra, New South Wales

From a young age, Nathan Murdoch eagerly grabbed every opportunity to visit his grandparents' farm, sparking an early interest in farming equipment. Combined with watching his father work as a mechanic, this fostered his passion for machinery and inspired him to pursue a career as a John Deere technician.

During high school at Grenfell, NSW, Nathan was actively involved in the agriculture and cattle show team, which deepened his enthusiasm for the industry. And after spotting an advertisement for an apprenticeship with the Hutcheon & Pearce John Deere dealership in Cowra, NSW, he completed two rounds of interviews and a period of work experience, which he thoroughly enjoyed and ultimately led to a position as a first-year apprentice starting in 2022.

Now in his fourth year, Nathan enjoys working on a wide range of farming equipment, taking pride in diagnosing and repairing machines, meeting a diverse range of customers, and supporting them in critical times such as sowing and harvest.

Nathan's outstanding work ethic and commitment is commendable, according to broadacre cropping customer Brad Howard, Operations Manager - Plant & Equipment at Viridis Ag. Brad said Nathan communicates clearly, sets realistic expectations, and holds himself accountable throughout the process.

"It's clear that he takes great pride in his work, and the results speak for themselves," Brad said.

When he is not working or hanging out with his friends camping, fishing, or four-wheel driving, Nathan enjoys baking cakes and cooking meals.

Jared Olson, Emmetts, Murray Bridge, South Australia

Fourth-year service technician apprentice, Jared Olson, has a hobby not usually associated with mechanics and one which requires him to clean the dirt and oil from his hands at the end of each day on the tools.

Alongside his interest in agricultural machinery, Jared is a talented musician, performing as a concert pianist for more than 10 years and playing other instruments, including guitar and drums, in his spare time.

But Jared's first love was agriculture. Spending time on his grandparents' farm in northwest Victoria gave him his first experience with John Deere machinery, watching in amazement as his uncle and grandpa rebuilt engines or sprayed crops. For secondary school, Jared attended the renowned Urrbrae Agricultural High School in Adelaide, SA, where he completed a Certificate in Agriculture and his excitement for fixing and repairing machinery was sparked.

Now working at Emmetts John Deere dealership in Murray Bridge, SA, Jared said meeting customers and repairing their machines to have them back in action quickly was the most satisfying part of his role. He's a strong advocate for John Deere's technology, making recommendations to farmers to increase their efficiency and productivity by using the innovations available in their equipment.

One of the highlights of his career since starting his apprenticeship was being asked to present on his chosen career path at the Adelaide Wine Centre's launch of its agricultural career hub. In front of more than 200 teachers, agronomists, and agriculture and livestock experts, Jared shared his passion about the future of sustainable farming and the advances John Deere is making to keep farmers profitable and productive.

Jared's enthusiasm for his chosen career is making a big impact to his customers and colleagues. Emmetts Regional Branch Manager, Alysha Sayers, said Jared approached every task with a huge smile, can-do attitude and a genuine passion for his craft, whether it be diagnosing complex systems, performing meticulous repairs, or mastering the latest John Deere technologies.

"His work is thorough, precise and efficient, earning him the trust and respect of both his colleagues and our customers," she said.

Abbey Smith, RDO Equipment, Toowoomba, Queensland

Abbey Smith's deep connection to the land and Australia's agricultural industries started from day one, growing up on her family's Merino sheep farm. And while she's immensely proud of the traditions of the sector and her family heritage, her chosen path in agriculture has been away from the property in supporting farmers from a range of sectors with their machinery needs. As a John Deere service apprentice with RDO Equipment Australia, she has developed specialised skills in fitting and setting up precision agriculture systems, which are helping to shape the future of farming.

Abbey completed a warehousing certificate after finishing high school in Toowoomba, Queensland, and secured a position in the tool store at the local John Deere dealership, which is now owned by RDO Equipment. This role gave her further appreciation of the agriculture industry and when the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship arose, she accepted without hesitation.

Now in the fourth year of her apprenticeship, Abbey said one of her greatest achievements was discovering and stepping into the world of Ag Management Solutions. The move has expanded her technical capabilities and deepened her understanding of precision agriculture.

She loves the challenge of the job, and the fact that no two days are the same. Abbey recognises how important agriculture is not only to Australia, but to local communities, and stated that being part of RDO Equipment and John Deere gives her a real sense of purpose.

Luke Connor, National Product Specialist Supervisor for RDO Equipment Australia, said Abbey was always willing to accept challenges and consistently over-achieves on the outcomes, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

BIOGRAPHIES - PARTS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Olivia Barsley, Hutcheon & Pearce, Cowra, New South Wales

For someone who grew up in an urban environment with no direct connection to agriculture, Olivia Barsley has thrived on the feeling that she's playing a part in keeping farmers up and running by getting them the right parts at the right time. She recognises agriculture as "the backbone of Australia's economy" and takes pride in supporting "the people who feed and clothe the nation".

It was Olivia's annual attendance at the Western Australia Youth Cattle Handlers Camp over a seven-year period that introduced her to the agriculture industry and sparked her passion for farming and machinery. She completed a Cert III in Agriculture at Tocal College, where she gained hands-on experience on cattle stations, feedlots, and mixed farms. A determined Olivia then pursued a career with John Deere dealership Hutcheon & Pearce in Cowra, NSW, where she has just completed a traineeship in Parts Interpretation.

Every day brings something different for Olivia and she likes the pressure of having to get machines back up and running quickly. She says her supportive, reliable co-workers make all the difference, especially on tough days, and that strong team culture is critical to things running smoothly in the workshop.

Olivia was recently awarded 2025 Trainee of the Year for the Western Region at the NSW Training Awards. Outside work, her diverse hobbies include waterskiing, showing cattle, campdrafting, video editing and learning how to operate machinery.

Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings, AFGRI Equipment, Merredin, Western Australia

Hannah brings valuable agricultural experience to her role as a parts trainee at AFGRI Equipment's Merredin branch, in the middle of Western Australia's Wheatbelt. Born locally, Hannah spent her final two years of schooling an hour away at the award-winning Western Australian College of Agriculture in Cunderdin, and after graduating, she worked on the local wheat harvest.

Only nine months into her parts apprenticeship, last year, Hannah was selected as a 2024 finalist for the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards, in recognition of her hard work, dedication, and love of the industry, and is proud to make the finals again this year.

For Hannah, mechanics runs in the family. Her sister is a parts manager, and her brother works as a mechanic at a nearby dealership. Outside the workshop, Hannah is a passionate netball player and enjoys staying fit with regular gym visits.

Thomas Kerse, from Altek Farms at Merredin, said Hannah had demonstrated outstanding customer care and communication skills. Despite being in a trainee role, Thomas said Hannah is a remarkably fast learner and had quickly become familiar with Altek Farms' parts requirements.

Tiffiny Kajewski, RDO Equipment, St George, Queensland

Tiffiny Kajewski's first introduction to John Deere machinery was in 2008 on her partner's family property. Affectionately known as the 'old girl', the 4440 tractor was dusty and showing her age, but still faithful and running like clockwork and Tiffiny thought to herself, "this is seriously awesome".

It was the same year that Tiffiny moved to St George, Queensland from Dalby, and although she had lived in rural location, she had never really been exposed to rural living and agriculture before. She quickly fell in love with the lifestyle and the people who lived and breathed it, and especially the generosity farmers showed each other during hard times.

In 2012 the opportunity arose to work as a receptionist at the local John Deere dealership and Tiffiny knew only good things could come of it. As a small-town branch with a large customer base, Tiffiny broadened her knowledge of John Deere equipment and agriculture and was quick to recognise how the machinery and technology complemented each other to drive a farmer's success.

Fast forward to 2025 and the 4440 is still going strong, and so is Tiffiny's career. She has now worked her way up to the role of Parts Interpreter for RDO Equipment and is just about to start the second year of her apprenticeship. The mother of two is proud of her achievements and for taking a step out of her comfort zone to start an apprenticeship in her 30s. Importantly, she is proud to be a role model for her children and for other women contemplating a career in the ag industry.

When she is not at work or studying, Tiffiny is an avid motorcycle rider and competes in gymkhanas around the state with her children. She is also a die-hard Brisbane Broncos fan and an accomplished guitarist who has played since she was eight years old.

Chelsea Lullfitz, AFGRI Equipment, Narembeen, Western Australia

Growing up on the family farm at Hyden, in the heart of Western Australia's Wheatbelt, provided Chelsea Lullfitz an excellent background for the role of Parts Trainee at AFGRI Equipment, in nearby Narembeen.

Helping with seeding, harvesting and everything in between gave her first-hand experience in finding solutions to minimise machinery downtime.

Now nearly two years into the job at AFGRI Equipment, Chelsea enjoys the challenge of finding solutions for both small- and large-scale farmers and is proud to be part of the company's Parts Trainee Program.

Branch Manager, Craig Roissetter, says Chelsea's communication skills are a standout strength. Customers often ask for Chelsea by name and service technicians seek her out for support. She consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism and a genuine passion for her role.

A keen netballer in her spare time, Chelsea was selected in the Corrigin & Districts team to play at the Netball WA Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships in Perth.

Her advice for anyone contemplating a traineeship or a job in parts? Be willing to learn new things; take it step by step; read a lot about the job to understand products and processes; and work closely with colleagues, because a lot of the time they've experienced similar challenges.

Alex Sinclair, Haeusler's, Shepparton, Victoria

As a first-year apprentice, Alex Sinclair has an impressive and varied resume from roles that are shaping him into an outstanding parts technician. His previous experience in front-of-house and kitchen-hand roles in busy restaurants taught him to work quickly while staying calm, professional, and composed with customers. These roles also helped him develop strong communication skills and the ability to multitask in fast-paced environments.

Working with dairy and beef cattle gave him exposure to the agriculture industry and through word of mouth, he heard about a role at Haeusler's, the local John Deere dealership in Shepparton, Victoria. His application was successful, and he started his apprenticeship in March 2024.

With John Deere's huge range of equipment, Alex said he has learnt about everything from an S100 mower to the X9 combine harvester, and the thousands of parts that make up these machines. He uses his strong communication and problem-solving skills to help understand what the customer needs and works with them and the dealership service technicians to find solutions and the correct parts to minimise downtime.

Alex's dedication to his role is genuinely appreciated by both internal and external customers. Brian Hayes, Branch Parts Manager, said Alex is always professional and provides customers with correct, timely solutions to their needs or queries.

Deeply committed to his community, Alex has volunteered with the Mooroopna CFA since he was 16. Over the years, he's shown up when it matters most to the community. Whether that's responding to fires, storms, roadside emergencies or rescuing pets from tricky situations, he's always ready to lend a hand. Alex is also actively involved in fundraising and as a member of the CFA running team, he competes against other towns to showcase hose relaying with speed and accuracy.

ABOUT JOHN DEERE:

It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fibre, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.

For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.
Copyright © 2025 Deere & Company. All Rights Reserved.

Media enquiries:

Kate Scott
kate.scott@bluehillagency.com.au
0438 389 092

Sophie Day
sophie.day@bluehillagency.com.au
0408 935 885

Images of all finalists are available in Dropbox using this link.

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