CoolDrive Celebrate Growth, Achievement and its People at 2026 Annual Managers Conference

24 Aug, 2026

CoolDrive Auto Parts has brought together leaders from across Australia, New Zealand and CoolDrive International in Shanghai, China, for its 2026 Annual Managers Conference, held recently in Melbourne under the theme ‘Accelerating Together’.

The ‘Accelerating Together’ theme reflected CoolDrive’s continued focus on collaboration, investment and shared success across its expanding operations, brands and international network.

Across the conference, attendees participated in a varied program of workshops, business updates, presentations and networking activities designed to encourage discussion and collaboration across the CoolDrive group.

CoolDrive Auto Parts Chief Operating Officer Tim Blanchard said the conference was an important opportunity to bring the wider CoolDrive family together.

“Accelerating Together is about recognising that the strength of CoolDrive comes from our people, our branches, our brands and our partners all moving forward with a common purpose,” Tim Blanchard said.

“Having our managers and leaders together from across Australia, New Zealand and CoolDrive International is incredibly valuable, particularly at a time when there is so much happening across the business.

“The past 12 months have been a period of significant investment and progress for CoolDrive, whether that has been through our new Boronia facility, expanding our branch network, strengthening our CoolDrive own brands or investing in our people.

“The conference gives us the opportunity to recognise those achievements, share ideas across different areas of the business and, importantly, make sure we are aligned on where CoolDrive is heading next.”

A key highlight of the conference was a tour of CoolDrive’s new Boronia distribution centre and head office, which is nearing completion.

CoolDrive’s annual Awards Dinner, presented with event partner REDARC, was also held during the conference, celebrating outstanding performance and contribution from CoolDrive branches and team members.

The awards are structured to acknowledge operations of different sizes, with the major awards named after CoolDrive’s founders and key members of the Blanchard family, reflecting the company’s history and family heritage.

The WJ (John Senior) Blanchard Large Branch of the Year Award was presented to Banyo, Queensland, with Acacia Ridge, Queensland, named runner-up.

The SL (Shirley) Blanchard Small Branch of the Year Award went to Launceston, Tasmania, with Cairns, Queensland recognised as runner-up.

The John Blanchard Jnr Region of the Year Award was presented to South-East Queensland, recognising the collective performance of the region.

“The Branch and Region of the Year awards are always a highlight because they give us an opportunity to recognise the people who represent CoolDrive every day,” John Blanchard, Executive Chairman said.

“Our branch network is at the heart of the business, and these awards recognise far more than a single result. They reflect the commitment, teamwork, customer service and consistent performance demonstrated by our people throughout the year.”

Attendees at the Awards Dinner also heard from Geelong Football Club senior coach and dual premiership player Chris Scott, who shared insights from his journey from elite footballer to senior coach, including the importance of leadership, teamwork, trust and optimism in creating high-performance environments.

Former CoolDrive Executive Director and General Manager Jeff Hooper was also inducted into CoolDrive’s Hall of Fame, recognising his significant contribution to the business during a pivotal period in its history.