Seven service and parts technicians were celebrated at the third annual John Deere Technician of the Year Awards gala dinner in Brisbane last week, following a rigorous assessment process to test their diagnostic capabilities, technical knowledge and customer service skills.  

Victorian mechanic Lachlan Corridan was named Australian Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year, while Bryce Dickson took out the New Zealand title. Second time winner, Sarah Lewis, who also hails from Victoria, was crowned Australian Parts Technician of the Year, with Jimmy O'Donnell receiving the NZ award for the same category. NZ's Mark Haughton won the Construction and Forestry Technician of the Year award, while Queenland's Darcy Miller took out the top prize for Service Apprentice of the Year and Western Australia's Poppy Blohm received the Parts Apprentice of the Year Award against a competitive field of Australian and New Zealand finalists.  

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated each of the Australian winners and emphasised how important their work was to prosperous industries and local communities.

"Lachlan, Sarah, Darcy and Poppy have demonstrated exemplary performance among a high calibre field of finalists and should be incredibly proud of their efforts in taking home their respective Awards tonight," Chandler said.

"There can only be one winner in each category, however after meeting many of the technicians in Brisbane over the past few days, it's clear we have a terrific pipeline of talent servicing John Deere equipment and supporting our customers across the country.

"I would also like to acknowledge the New Zealand winners, Bryce Dickson, Jimmy O'Donnell and Mark Haughton for their achievements tonight."

Chandler said the work technicians do has never been more critical, especially given recent record years, and recognised the role they play in ensuring John Deere's customers are prepared and their machines run as efficiently and sustainably as possible.

"With technological advances driving industry growth, future demand for technicians across rural and regional Australia continues to increase," he said.

"It is important for us to recognise and reward our John Deere technicians for striving for excellence and the important contribution they make to the industries they service."

Australian Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year, Lachlan Corridan, said he was honoured to be nominated and selected as a finalist, let alone as a winner.

Corridan works at Hausler's John Deere dealership in Sea Lake where he gained experience working on the large broadacre machinery.

"I love being a John Deere tech and dealing with customers each day," he said.  

"It's really fulfilling to get their machines going and to develop long-term relationships with them.

"All my customers are good people and their trust and support is what I love most about my job."

John Deere Australian Parts Technician of the Year Sarah Lewis from Brandt's Terang dealership in Victoria said it was humbling to win the award back-to-back.

"We had a fantastic group of techs this year who are also very skilled and passionate," Lewis  said.

"I was fortunate enough to be the title holder for the past 12 months, so it's amazing to even consider that I'm here for the second time.

"I see this as a great opportunity to develop my skills and support our customers. There's no greater reward than providing assistance and expertise in parts to all customers, no matter the size of the equipment."

For more information John Deere career pathways and progression opportunities, and ongoing training and support in John Deere equipment visit the John Deere website.