NEWS RELEASE July 11, 2022
John Deere Australian Turf Service Technician Award finalists announced
Crestmead, Queensland (11 July, 2022) – FOUR outstanding Australian technicians have demonstrated they are a cut above their field, after being announced as regional finalists in the Turf Service Technician category of the second annual John Deere Technician Awards.
The Awards celebrate the critical role high-performing technicians play in providing backup support and technical expertise to the agriculture, turf, construction, and forestry industries.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated the four Australian Turf Service Technician finalists: Cameron Black, RDO Equipment, Lismore; Michael Gemzik, RDO Equipment, Loganholme; John Mooney, AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford; and Adam Kent, Brandt, Knoxfield.
"Australia is fortunate to have an enormous pool of talented technicians working across the country, so these finalists deserve to be very proud for being named among the best in their field," Mr Chandler said.
"As turf specialists they're supporting some of Australia's premier golf clubs and large sports grounds, as well as local governments and commercial contractors who are maintaining parklands and roadside verges."
"Each of these finalists is driven to supporting their customers' efficiency, productivity and profitability, by not only providing vital backup support and remote diagnostics, but by empowering operators to get the most out of their machinery and technology."
The four Australian finalists have progressed to the next phase of judging and will also compete against a New Zealand finalist to be in the running to win the title of Australian and New Zealand John Deere Turf Service Technician of the Year.
More than 100 nominations from across Australia and New Zealand were received for the Awards, with finalists competing in six different categories, including Ag Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Service Apprentice of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year and Parts Apprentice of the Year. The Turf Service Technician of the Year category is a new addition in this year's Awards program.
The award winners will be announced at a special gala event planned for 5 August in Brisbane, Queensland.
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Cameron Black, RDO Equipment, Lismore, New South Wales
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Michael Gemzik, RDO Equipment, Loganholme, Queensland
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John Mooney, AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford, Western Australia
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Adam Kent, Brandt, Knoxfield, Victoria
AUSTRALIAN JOHN DEERE TURF SERVICE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Cameron Black: RDO Equipment, Lismore, New South Wales
Growing up on a family farm outside Lismore, Cameron Black has always been fascinated with repairing equipment and working with his hands. After leaving school, Cameron worked in a small farm equipment store repairing motors and is now focused on working on John Deere equipment at RDO Lismore.
Complementing his strong technical skills is Cameron's ability to forge long-lasting relationships with customers to better understand their needs. He is committed to delivering on his promises, whether that's returning a call or attending a customer's property on time. He is recognised within the dealership for going above and beyond for customers to support them to continuously operate their business. Having played local football and cricket, and captained teams, Cameron has been able to transfer these attributes to the workplace by demonstrating exemplary leadership skills and being a valued member of the Lismore RDO Equipment team.
Michael Gemzik: RDO Equipment, Loganholme, Queensland
Originally hailing from an engine reconditioner trade and a background working at local mower repair shops, Michael Gemzik was excited to start his career with John Deere equipment six years ago alongside the RDO Equipment team in Loganholme. With genuine leadership skills, Michael's colleagues gravitate to his professionalism and calmness in the way he conducts himself in his role. He also offers the newest staff members training, support and assistance to help foster their career journey.
Developing strong rapport with customers and providing a solution-focused work ethic consistently earns Michael positive feedback while his open and honest approach facilitate strong partnerships and makes customers feel like they're treated fairly and have a voice when it comes to decisions regarding their equipment.
John Mooney: AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford, Western Australia
Work experience at an agricultural/turf dealership during high school had John Mooney hooked on turf equipment from a young age and was the catalyst to his career choice servicing John Deere turf equipment.
Western Australia's vast size means John's customers are often located more than 1,500 kilometres away, so using John Deere's remote diagnostic tools is key to John providing efficient service and timely advice. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, John always looks for solutions to keep his customers operating, with good relationships and open communication an integral part of his toolkit. He is well recognised by customers and the team at AFGRI Equipment in South Guildford for his positive attitude and enthusiasm to mentor the next generation of technicians.
Adam Kent: Brandt, Knoxfield, Victoria
After starting his career with John Deere equipment at Glenmac (now Brandt) in 2014, Adam Kent's capability was clear to management, quickly offering him a mature-age apprenticeship to gain his qualifications. Since then, Adam has worked through the ranks and his technical knowledge, diagnostic skills and positive attitude are well-respected by customers, including Melbourne's most prestigious racecourse, which relies on perfectly maintained turf for its operations.
A self-starter, Adam is committed to updating and furthering his skill set and knowledge and uses the range of John Deere precision technology to assist technicians and customers to remotely diagnose and repair units that are time sensitive. As a natural communicator and team player, Adam is a valued mentor within the Brandt Knoxfield team and enjoys encouraging his younger colleagues to be the best at what they do.
LIST OF AUSTRALIAN FINALISTS:
Agriculture Service Technician of the Year Finalists
(will compete for Australia only Award)
- Jaymee Ireland, Emmetts, Roseworthy, South Australia
- Vincent Powditch, RDO Equipment, Taree South, New South Wales
- Karl Moschella, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
- William Lawless, Brandt, Sunshine, Victoria
Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year Finalists
(will also compete against two New Zealand technicians for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)
- Peter Roughley, RDO Equipment, Eastern Creek, New South Wales
- Scott Jackson, RDO Equipment, Richlands, Queensland
- Max O'Brien, RDO Equipment, Wingfield, South Australia
- Ben Mummery, AFGRI Equipment, Albany, Western Australia
Turf Service Technician of the Year Finalists
(will also compete against two New Zealand technician for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)
- Cameron Black, RDO Equipment, Lismore, New South Wales
- Michael Gemzik, RDO Equipment, Loganholme, Queensland
- John Mooney, AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford, Western Australia
- Adam Kent, Brandt, Knoxfield, Victoria
Service Apprentice of the Year Finalists
(will also compete against two New Zealand apprentice for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)
- Oliver Dean, Hutcheon & Pearce, Cowra, New South Wales
- Jack Jones, RDO Equipment, Roma, Queensland
- Josh Kramer, Emmetts, Roseworthy, South Australia
- Thomas Conroy, Brandt, Ballarat, Victoria
Parts Technician of the Year Finalists
(will compete for Australia only Award)
- Sally Clayton, Hutcheon & Pearce, Forbes, New South Wales
- Caitlin Williams, RDO Equipment, Gympie, Queensland
- Dillon James, AFGRI Equipment, Narrogin, Western Australia
- Sarah Lewis, Brandt, Terang, Victoria
Parts Apprentice of the Year Finalists
(will also compete against one New Zealand apprentice for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)
- Kaylyn-Rose Netrval, RDO Equipment, Rutherford, New South Wales
- Lauren Cortes, RDO Equipment, Dalby, Queensland
- Mitchell Channer, AFGRI Equipment, South Guildford, Western Australia
- Matt Harvey, Midland Tractors, Longford, Tasmania
About Deere & Company:
Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, golf & turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and See & Spray™ are just two of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.
Media Contacts:
Stacey Wordsworth
0438 394 371
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au
Hannah Hardy
0421 196 004
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au
