AFGRI Equipment Celebrates its People at Annual Awards Night

Against a vibrant "Formal Meets Neon" backdrop, 150 AFGRI Equipment employees and their partners gathered at The Maali Room at Perth Zoo on Saturday evening to celebrate outstanding achievements across the business at the company's Annual Awards Night. 

The event recognised exceptional performance from employees and branch teams across Western Australia while reflecting on a season that challenged both growers and the agricultural industry. 

AFGRI Equipment CEO Wessel Oosthuizen said the evening was ultimately about recognising the people behind the company's success. 

"Awards nights often focus on achievements, numbers and milestones, but behind every achievement is a person who made a difference," Mr Oosthuizen said. 

"At AFGRI, we don't simply sell machinery. We provide confidence, support and partnership. When our customers need us most, we show up." 

Image: AFGRI Equipment CEO Wessel Oosthuizen addresses the team during the 2026 Annual Awards Night, celebrating the people driving our success.

Mr Oosthuizen said the company's service culture was built on the commitment of employees across every area of the business. 

"The technicians who answer the call after hours, the parts teams who find solutions when everyone else says it can't be done, the sales teams who build trusted relationships over many years, and the branch teams who work together to support customers and one another, all play a vital role in our success." 

A highlight of the evening was Carnamah being named AFGRI Equipment's Branch of the Year for the third consecutive year, recognising the branch's consistent commitment to customer service, teamwork and operational excellence. 

AFGRI Equipment General Manager – Branches and Aftermarket, Graeme Henderson, said the Branch of the Year category was one of the most closely contested awards of the evening. 

"The top three branches were separated by only a handful of points, which speaks to the consistency and commitment being demonstrated across our branch network," Mr Henderson said. 

"For Carnamah to be recognised as Branch of the Year for a third consecutive year is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the culture, teamwork and customer focus the branch has built over a number of years." 

Carnamah Branch Manager Wayne Barry said the achievement reflected the dedication of the entire team. 

"This recognition belongs to everyone in our branch. Every member of the team plays a role in supporting our customers and helping each other succeed," Mr Barry said. 

"To be recognised as Branch of the Year for the third year running is something we're incredibly proud of. We're fortunate to have a team that genuinely cares about our customers, our community and delivering the support growers need when it matters most. This award reflects the commitment our people bring to work every day." 

The evening also reflected another strong year for AFGRI Equipment, with the business continuing to strengthen its position across Western Australia. 

General Manager Sales and Marketing Jacques Coetzee said the results achieved during the year were a reflection of the effort being made across the entire organisation. 

"While sales teams are often the most visible part of the business, results like these are only possible because of the contribution of every department and every person across AFGRI," Mr Coetzee said. 

"Our people continue to build strong relationships with customers, deliver outstanding support and work together to create positive outcomes for the communities we serve. That's what makes these awards so special." 

Reflecting on the year, General Manager Construction and Forestry Brad Forrester acknowledged the contribution of the division's employees and the strong relationships they continue to build with customers, which has supported the ongoing growth of the business. 

"The dedication of our team and their commitment to supporting customers continues to create opportunities across the Construction and Forestry sector," Mr Forrester said. 

Special acknowledgement was given to the AFGRI Parts Distribution Centre team following the facility's first full year of operation. Holding more than $10 million in parts inventory, the centre has strengthened parts availability across Western Australia and played an important role in helping customers get back to work faster during critical seeding and harvest periods. 

Long-serving Dalwallinu Parts Sales Representative Rob Wilson was also acknowledged ahead of his retirement later this year for his outstanding contribution to customers, colleagues and the wider business. Rob Wilson was named AFGRI Equipment's 2026 Parts Sales Representative of the Year, recognising the dedication and customer service that has defined his career. 

2026 Award Winners 

Branch of the Year 

• Carnamah 

Top Three Branches 

• Carnamah 

• Lake Grace 

• Narrogin 

New Equipment Salesperson of the Year 

• Rohan Ballard 

Used Equipment Salesperson of the Year 

• Jake Ollis 

Small & Mid Ag Salesperson of the Year 

• Jack Latchford

Construction & Forestry Salesperson of the Year 

• Damon Pavlinovich

Parts Sales Representative of the Year 

• Rob Wilson 

Parts Department of the Year 

• Geraldton  

Technician of the Year 

• Willem Wessels 

Workshop of the Year 

• Carnamah 

Mr Oosthuizen thanked employees, their partners and families for their ongoing support and commitment to the business. 

"Our award recipients represent the very best of AFGRI. They represent teamwork, accountability, customer commitment and a culture where success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the difference we make in the lives of our customers," he said. 

Image: Our 2026 award winners, recognised for their outstanding contribution to AFGRI Equipment and our customers.
Backrow: Jacques Coetzee - General Manager: Sales & Marketing, Rob Wilson - Dalwallinu Parts Sales Representative, Rohan Ballard – Esperance Sales Manager, Maxwell Holliday – Geraldton Parts Manager, and Wessel Oosthuizen - Chief Executive Officer.
Front row: Graeme Henderson - General Manager: Branches & Aftermarket, Jack Latchford - State Manager: Golf & Turf, Wayne Barry – Carnamah Branch Manager, Christiaan Van Zyl – Carnamah Aftermarket Manager, and Jake Ollis - Albany Sales Representative.
Absent: Willem Wessels – Narembeen Service Technician

Photos From the Night