Design 'could fill carmaking void'

If Australia lost its car manufacturing industry, design would be able to step in, says the head of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at last night’s announcement of the organisation’s annual design awards, VACC executive director David Purchase said the future was bright for automotive design in Australia.

“The Awards are VACC’s attempt to generally focus on automotive design as a high value-add that could fill the void if, heaven forbid, we lose automotive manufacturing in this country,” Purchase said.

“Recent announcements by Ford and Holden make this potentially a little more likely, than we would like to think. Faced with this prospect, the relevant Governments must work with all stakeholders and do everything they can, financially, morally and every other thing, to ensure we have a world class automotive design capability in this country.  We are good at design and you should do what you are good at,” he said.

Event organiser Murray Collins said this year’s entries – which were judged by design heads from the three Australian manufacturers: Holden, Ford and Toyota -- were of a very high standard. “This year’s designs are excellent and the event was a great success,” Collins said.

The awards include two secondary students earning an opportunity to have work experience at the Ford Design Centre and all shortlisted secondary students being invited to a master class at both Monash and RMIT. In addition, one tertiary student has won an overseas scholarship. The entries will be displayed in Federation Square, for public viewing, until June 28.

FINAL RESULTS

Secondary Model Winner: Hamzah Brown – Trinity College, Kew
“The detailing was impressive, there was a good understanding of 3D form, good visualisation and a high degree of modern technology.”

Tertiary Model Winner: Anthony Farnell – Monash
“Anthony’s model was very professional, well-conceived, with excellent execution and incredible attention to detail.”

Secondary Design Winner: Todd Linnett – Mildura Senior College
“The complete visual package, highly resolved, well-conceived and comprehensive, high quality”

Tertiary Design Winner: Daniel DeBono – RMIT
“Great attention to surface quality, well-conceived, a super concept and thoughtful future needs of transportation.”

Secondary Essay: Eddie Gaudernack – Simonds Catholic College

Tertiary Essay: Daniel Debono – RMIT

AOF/VACC Scholarship: Kouhei Kawakami – Monash

Ford Work Experience winners:
1. Hamzah Brown – Trinity College, Kew
2. Aman Bhatti – Lavalla Catholic College