Check out the contenders for the highly prized John Deere Technician of the Year Awards for 2026 as you might need their expertise one day
In a hotly contested competition, there are 30 regional finalists in five award categories recognised for their outstanding service and parts expertise vying for the John Deere 2026 Technician of the Year Awards.
Launched in 2021, the Awards celebrate technical excellence and customer connection, while showing the rewarding career opportunities available within the John Deere dealer network.
Judges described competition across all categories as some of the strongest seen since the inception of the program, with finalists representing a mix of emerging talent and experienced professionals from dealerships across Australia and New Zealand.
While united by a passion for supporting customers, their lives outside the workshop are equally impressive, with elite musicians, ironman triathlon competitors, volunteer firefighters and motorsport enthusiasts within this year’s finalist group.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, highlighted the exceptional quality of this year’s finalists reflected the commitment dealers continue to make in developing highly skilled professionals who support customers every day.
“What stood out this year was not only the technical expertise on display, but the clear connection between that expertise and the results being delivered to customers when it matters most,” Luke Chandler outlined.
“Whether it’s helping a farmer complete harvest, keeping construction equipment operating on a major project, preparing elite sports turf or supporting local councils and contractors, our technicians play a critical role in helping customers minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
“However, behind every great technician is a dealership that has invested in training, mentoring and professional development. These awards recognise individual excellence, but they also highlight the strength of our dealer network and its commitment to building the skilled workforce our industries need for the future.”
This year’s judging panel noted exceptionally close competition in multiple categories, with many submissions supported by customer testimonials highlighting the important role technicians play in helping them overcome challenges, improve productivity and get the most from their equipment.
John Deere Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Steph Gersekowski, pointed out how the stories behind this year’s submissions were incredibly powerful, demonstrating the real-world impact technicians have on customers and the communities they serve.
“We saw examples of technicians going above and beyond to support customers, often in critical situations, where keeping equipment operating had a direct impact on a customer’s business,” Steph Gersekowski offered.
“Those outcomes don’t happen by chance. They are the result of dealerships creating environments where people can develop their skills, embrace new technologies and build long-term careers.”
The regional finalists will now progress to the next stage of the competition, with winners to be announced at the John Deere Technician of the Year’s Awards gala event on Thursday, 3 September 2026.
John Deere Technician of the Year Awards AU and NZ finalists
The 30 regional finalists will compete in five award categories, including Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year, Service Apprentice of the Year and Parts Apprentice of the Year.
Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year finalists
- Brady Gunter, Hutcheon & Pearce, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
- Henry Barkley, Haeusler’s, Mildura, Victoria
- James Doherty, Drummond & Etheridge, Rolleston, New Zealand
- Luke Gray, Emmetts, Kadina, South Australia
- Luke Hynam, Haeusler’s, Mildura, Victoria
- Mark Cullen, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
- Robb Burrows, Emmetts, Murray Bridge, South Australia
- Thomas Fyfe, Brandt, Rotorua, New Zealand
Parts Technician of the Year finalists
Aaron Game, Brandt, Silverdale, New Zealand
Alex Tyler, Emmetts, Murray Bridge, South Australia
Ashley Ralph, Brandt, Rocherlea, Tasmania
Bradley Sibson, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
Brett Zimmerman, Brandt, Whangārei, New Zealand
Danielle Mison, Hutcheon and Pearce, Finley, New South Wales
Demi Russell, Honeycombes, Ayr, Queensland
Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year finalists
- Bryce Wagstaff, Hutcheon and Pearce, Sydney, New South Wales
- Cameron Wood, RDO Equipment, Mount Louisa, Queensland
- Hayden Cox, Hutcheon and Pearce, Sydney, New South Wales
- Tom Fuhrer, Brandt Hastings, New Zealand
Service Apprentice of the Year finalists
Adam Patane, Honeycombes Sales & Service, Ayr, Queensland
Charlie Thurtell, Hutcheon & Pearce, Cowra, New South Wales
Ilias Apostolidis, Emmetts, Cummins, South Australia
Jayden Silvester, RDO Equipment, Emerald, Queensland
Kyle Burns, Emmetts, Horsham, Victoria
Sam Middleton, Brandt Gisborne, New Zealand
Parts Apprentice of the Year finalists
Alex Sinclair, Haeusler’s, Shepparton, Victoria
Carissa Ryan, Hutcheon & Pearce, Tamworth, New South Wales
Chelsea Jones, Hutcheon & Pearce, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Lauren Lester, RDO Equipment, Toowoomba, Queensland
Logan Dobbs, Brandt, Te Puke, New Zealand
