Get to know these award winning technicians as they may be working on your tractor or harvester one day soon
Five talented Australian technicians have taken out top honours at the fourth annual John Deere Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner event in Brisbane QLD.
Western Australia’s Bradley Skinner was named Australia’s Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year, while Victorians, Kirsten Rush and Andrew Moat, took out the Parts Technician of the Year and Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year categories respectively.
Queensland technicians also won two awards, with Daniel Barnes taking home the Service Apprentice of the Year Award and Tracy Hogan named as the Parts Apprentice of the Year.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated the local winners and acknowledged the value they bring to their local communities.
“Bradley, Kirsten, Andrew, Daniel and Tracy represent the best of the best in customer service, technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, and thoroughly deserve their awards,” Luke Chandler elaborated.
“The calibre of each of this year’s finalists is a testament to the value we place on providing the best possible service to our customers and communities.
“They came to Brisbane QLD this week with a proven track record of supporting farmers and construction and forestry businesses to increase their productivity and get the most out of their investment in John Deere equipment.
“It’s promising to see the pipeline of talented technicians who will continue to support our customers across the country.
“I would also like to acknowledge the New Zealand winners tonight, Marcus Vine, Daniel Stonely and Liam Gee.”
More than 130 nominees from 69 dealership locations were put forward for this year’s event, demonstrating the momentum the awards program has gained across Australia and New Zealand
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Steph Gersekowski, said the diversity of this year’s finalists showed it’s never too late to become a technician.
“Not all the finalists have traditional rural or farming backgrounds – many of them have made the switch from other careers,” Steph added.
“John Deere is committed to providing every opportunity to learn and develop within the role, which has been clearly on show in the standard of finalists we have seen over the past two days of testing.
“One thing they all have in common is a commitment to supporting our customers and contributing to the communities in which they work and live.”
Bradley Skinner AFGRI Equipment WA
The John Deere Australian Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year
is Bradley Skinner who is based at AFGRI Equipment based in Esperance WA.
Announced as the Australian Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year Award winner, Western Australian, Bradley Skinner, said he knew he would face some tough competition walking into John Deere’s Australian and New Zealand headquarters in Brisbane this week.
“I feel really privileged given the calibre of all the other technicians and their years of experience compared to me,” Bradley contemplated.
“It’s pretty humbling and I reckon I’ve done AFGRI, my region, and Esperance pretty proud.”
In the seven years Bradley has worked for AFGRI Equipment in Esperance WA, he has built enduring relationships with his customers, supporting a range of broadacre farmers.
Leaving a farm at the end of the day, knowing the equipment he has worked on is running and keeping the farmer operating is what he loves the most about his job.
“I put my best into my work, and to see the equipment running and know it’s making the farmer happy is actually the most rewarding thing,” Bradley added.
Since he started his apprenticeship in 2017, Bradley said he’s seen many changes in technology, which not only keeps his role interesting, but drives him to continually develop his toolbox of skills.
“I’m always adapting my skills. Right now, I’m doing a dual trade to auto electrical.
“All our machines now are pretty much heavily reliant on electrical stuff, so it’s important to continue to learn,” Bradley concluded.
Kirsten Rush Brandt Equipment Ballarat Victoria
The John Deere Australian Parts Technician of the Year is Kirsten Rush who is based at Brandt Equipment at Ballarat Victoria.
Claiming the John Deere Australian Parts Technician of the Year Award was a moment of disbelief for Kirsten Rush, who has paved a successful career at Brandt Ballarat since she started in 2017 as a receptionist.
“I was shocked when it was announced that I was a finalist, so winning is just complete disbelief,” Kirsten offered.
“I’m pretty proud of myself, my journey, and the achievements I’ve had along the way.
“This is my biggest achievement, and I am very grateful for the support that I’ve had.”
Before starting at Brandt, Kirsten had no previous background in farming and said she rapidly gained deep appreciation of the industry and the importance of providing timely and accurate support to keep farmers operational.
“It’s been so important to learn to understand farming needs, the urgency around getting parts out quickly and efficiently and getting the right parts to the customer,” Kirsten continued.
“I love dealing with customers, and over the past seven years, I’ve built such great relationships with them.
“I absolutely love everything about it, and to top it off, I really love working with the John Deere equipment as well.” Kirsten concluded.
Andrew Moat RDO Equipment Derrimut Victoria
The John Deere Australian Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year is Andrew Moat who is based at RDO Equipment Derrimut Victoria.
Andrew Moat from RDO Equipment’s Derrimut branch in Melbourne’s west proudly took out the Australian Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year Award.
Competing against four other talented finalists, Andrew said he had enjoyed the testing as part of the Technician of the Year Award assessments.
“I really enjoyed the in-person testing – the instructors were great, and we always leave having learned a lot,” Andrew said.
Originally completing an apprenticeship as an aircraft mechanic, Andrew switched gears to undertake a diesel mechanic apprenticeship and work on heavy machinery.
Three years ago, he found his true calling working on John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment.
Andrew enjoys the challenge of diagnosing faults and the sense of achievement in repairing them and building lasting relationships with customers.
“The best part of my job is probably helping people and going onto site when their machine isn’t working and when you leave it is. Really I just love getting people going again,” Andrew concluded.
Daniel Barnes RDO Equipment Beaudesert QLD
The John Deere Service Apprentice of the Year is Daniel Barnes who is based at RDO Equipment Beaudesert Queensland
As someone who has spent most of his working life as a dairy farmer, the John Deere Service Apprentice of the Year, Daniel Barnes, knows all too well the importance of ensuring machinery stays operational.
The humble mature age apprentice, based at RDO Equipment’s Beaudesert branch, said his primary focus each day is to support his customers and understand their business.
“I like getting to know the customers and what they’re doing with their machinery and with their business, and then being able to diagnose and help solve their problems,” Daniel outlined.
“It’s very rewarding to see their machines get going again and to help them win.
“And for me personally, this is good as well, because it helps me grow as a technician and as a person, so I’m always thankful for the customers.”
While he’s looking forward to completing his apprenticeship, and becoming a fully qualified technician, Daniel is committed to continuing to learn and said he had enjoyed the experience of the Technician of the Year Awards.
“It’s been a really awesome few days. I’ve learned a heap of different things and met a lot of great people,” he said.
“I know that it’s going to get bigger each year and more people will get involved, and I’m very excited to see what the future brings,” Daniel concluded
Tracy Hogan RDO Equipment Emerald QLD
The John Deere Parts Apprentice of the Year is Tracy Hogan who is based at RDO Equipment Emerald Queensland
Still early into her career in agriculture, Tracy Hogan is already inspiring future farmers.
“I call them the ‘next generation of green’,” Tracy expressed.
“I love seeing kids getting excited seeing a big John Deere header or a mower and explaining how it all works to them. It really inspires me and makes me super optimistic about the future of this industry.”
Until 18 months ago, Tracy had never been close to farm machinery, having previously serviced aviation equipment, however she’s covered a lot of ground in the first year of her apprenticeship at the RDO Equipment John Deere dealership in Emerald.
“The basic principles of machines are the same, but there’s a lot of specialised knowledge on equipment like a header for example, which has a lot of moving parts,” Tracy added.
“We’re fortunate to receive amazing training, both in the dealership and from John Deere courses. There’s always something new to learn and a challenge to tackle.
“The best part of my job is the customers and the unique challenges of repairing their parts. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them, understanding their needs and providing them the best service I can.”
Tracy said she was surprised to win her category at the Technician of the Year Awards.
“Win or lose this has been a great experience getting to meet new people and learn new skills, so to take out the title is a bonus,” Tracy concluded.
About the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards
Established in 2021, the prestigious awards champion the important contribution John Deere technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries, and honour the outstanding service and support highly skilled and committed techs make to the lives and businesses of John Deere’s valued customers.
More than 130 technicians were nominated by their dealerships in 2024, with input from customers, and the 32 finalists travelled to the company’s Australian headquarters in Brisbane to be put through a rigorous assessment process, testing diagnostic capabilities, technical knowledge and customer service skills.
How to become a John Deere Technician
John Deere technicians work in dealerships located across Australia and New Zealand providing back-up support and technical expertise to the agriculture, turf, construction and forestry industries.
There are many career pathways and progression opportunities, and ongoing training and support in John Deere equipment. Visit the John Deere website for more information: Dealership Opportunities | John Deere AU
Honour roll 2024
JOHN DEERE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS:
Australian Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year • Bradley Skinner, AFGRI Equipment, Esperance Western Australia
New Zealand Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year • Marcus Vine, Brandt, Feilding North Island New Zealand
Australian Parts Technician of the Year • Kirsten Rush, Brandt, Ballarat Victoria
New Zealand Parts Technician of the Year • Daniel Stoneley, Brandt, Masterton North Island New Zealand
Australian Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year • Andrew Moat, RDO Equipment, Derrimut Victoria
New Zealand Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year • Liam Gee, Drummond & Etheridge, Blenheim South Island New Zealand
Service Apprentice of the Year • Daniel Barnes, RDO Equipment, Beaudesert Queensland
Parts Apprentice of the Year • Tracy Hogan, RDO Equipment, Emerald Queensland
