Mount Gambier’s Peter Roberts has been recognised as a South Australian recipient of the 2023 Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, which was presented at the recent AADA Chairman’s Dinner, recognises the exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication of individuals and businesses who have served the automotive retail industry in Australia for more than 50 years.

Mr Roberts has been involved in his family business, OG Roberts & Co. as owner and dealer principal since taking over from his father Owen in 1979.

OGR has been operating in the Mount Gambier region for over 60 years since the family arrived in 1956.

Mr Roberts said he was proud to be associated with such a prestigious group of people and had enjoyed many aspects of the automotive industry.

“My involvement in the Motor Trade Association has given me the opportunity to be involved in the higher level of the motor industry including being a board member in Canberra,” he said.

“It has given me the opportunity to mix with many important people in the industry including politicians and I have been involved in high level discussions on many industry matters.

“I was honoured alongside Paul Crawford for the CMV Group which was very appreciated by me because they are an amazing South Australian company so to be honoured alongside them was pretty gratifying.”

As a driving force behind OGR, Mr Roberts has left an indelible mark on the industry, consistently displaying a commitment to the philosophy of having quality people and providing quality vehicles, service and products.

He is a life member of the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT and stepped away from the business in 2018 to pass on the day-to-day operations to his son Bryce.

OGR has long-standing community partnerships with numerous local sporting clubs, festivals, events and charities and is one of the longest serving vehicle dealerships in regional South Australia and of course on the Limestone Coast.

Australian Automotive Dealer Association chief executive officer James Voortman said the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award winners exemplified the very best of the industry.

“Peter’s exceptional commitment, passion, and perseverance have not only set benchmarks for automotive retail but also inspired generations of professionals,” he said.

“We are honoured to recognise his outstanding contributions to not only our industry but to his own community and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Peter.”