CPK McLaren Motorbody Named Finalist in the 2025 Gippsland Business Awards
We’ve got some pretty exciting news to share with you. CPK McLaren Motorbody has been selected as a finalist in the Transport & Automotive Services category of the 2025 Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards.
Now, we know what you’re thinking – another business award? But this one actually means something to us, and here’s why it should matter to you, too.
When you hand over your keys after a crash, you’re trusting us with more than just a car. You’re trusting us with your family’s safety, your way to work, and often your biggest asset after your house. That’s a responsibility we’ve never taken lightly, and apparently, the judges noticed.

What Makes These Awards Different
The Gippsland Business Awards have been around for 27 years now – they’re not some new marketing exercise. This year, they had their work cut out for them, selecting just 48 finalists across 13 categories from what the organisers described as an exceptionally high standard of entries.
In our category, Transport & Automotive Services, only three businesses made the cut. We’re genuinely chuffed to be among them.
Award committee chair Graeme Sennett called the finalists “businesses that are the heart of their communities,” which really resonates with how we see ourselves. We’re not just fixing cars – we’re helping people get their lives back on track after what’s often a pretty stressful experience.
Why We Think We Made the List
We’d like to think a few things set us apart:
We actually fight for your rights. When insurance companies try to steer you toward their preferred repairers, we remind customers that you have the legal right to choose who fixes your car. It’s your choice, not theirs.
We don’t cut corners. Ever. If the manufacturer says use OEM parts and specific repair techniques, that’s exactly what we do. No “near enough is good enough” repairs that might fail when you need them most.
We invest in proper equipment. Our workshop isn’t stuck in the 1990s. We’ve got precision measuring systems, dust-free paint booths, and all the tools needed to get your car back to how it was before the accident.
We train the next generation. Several of our panel beaters and spray painters actually completed their apprenticeships right here with us. There’s something satisfying about watching someone learn the trade properly and knowing they’ll carry those standards forward.
We care about road safety beyond our workshop doors. We support local road safety initiatives because, frankly, we’d rather you never needed our services in the first place.
What This Actually Means for You
Here’s the practical stuff:
Independent validation. A panel of industry experts looked at what we do and said “yes, these guys know their stuff.” That’s not us saying it – that’s external validation from people who understand what quality automotive repair looks like.
Extra confidence in your choice. If you’re dealing with crash damage and weighing up your options, you can now book with us knowing that Gippsland’s peak business organisation backs our approach.
Same fair pricing. This recognition doesn’t change how we quote jobs. We still base everything on the actual work required, parts availability, and manufacturer specifications. Awards are nice, but they don’t pay for inflated prices.
Mark Your Calendar
If you’re interested in following along:
- Finalist Breakfast: Friday 1 August 2025, Traralgon
- Awards Night: Friday 29 August 2025, Federation University Churchill
We’ll definitely be sharing updates on our social media and here on the website. Win or lose, it’s going to be a good night celebrating what makes Gippsland businesses special.
What’s Next for Us
Being shortlisted has given us extra motivation to keep improving. Over the next few months, we’re planning to:
Expand our paintless dent repair services. For minor hail damage or parking lot dings, this technique can often get you back on the road much faster than traditional panel work.
Launch a customer portal. You’ll be able to log in and see exactly where your repair is up to, view progress photos, and get real-time updates without having to call and ask.
Create more helpful resources. Starting with a guide called “Five Questions to Ask Before Authorising Repairs on Your Car” – because knowledge is power when you’re dealing with insurance companies and repair decisions.
A Bit About Us
We’ve been part of the Gippsland community for over 25 years now, based right here in Leongatha. Our workshop handles everything from minor scrapes to major collision repairs, always sticking to manufacturer specifications because that’s how you ensure the repair will protect you in future accidents.
Whether you’re dealing with insurance repairs, need panel beating work, or want quality spray painting, we’re here to help.
Need repairs after an accident?
Visit or contact us today We’re ready to help with any repair needs. Reach out today or drop by to see how we can get your car looking like new.
Phone: 03 5662 4173
Address: 17-19 Roughead St, Leongatha VIC 3953
Email: info@mclarenmotorbody.com.au