New HVIA Principal Partner and Brisbane Truck Show Diamond Partner, Penrite, celebrated a remarkable 100 years of Australian history with a spectacular Centenary Gala at Melbourne’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Thursday, 24 September.
The milestone event – attended by HVIA CEO Todd Hacking and National Manager – Partnerships & Member Engagement Harrison Hunkin – brought together the Dymond family, employees, customers, suppliers, partners, brand ambassadors and friends of Penrite to celebrate a century of innovation, determination, family ownership and Australian manufacturing.
Founded in 1926, Penrite has grown from humble beginnings into one of Australia’s most recognised automotive brands. The Centenary Gala paid tribute to the generations of people who have contributed to that journey, while looking ahead to the company’s next century.
Guests were taken on a journey through Penrite’s history, beginning with an impressive Museum Concourse sponsored by Repco and NAPA, featuring significant vehicles and motorcycles connected to the Penrite and Dymond family story.
Penrite CEO Toby Dymond led guests through the collection alongside family members, Penrite Racing drivers and special guests, sharing the stories behind vehicles spanning generations of Australian motoring and motorsport.
The Royal Exhibition Building was transformed for the occasion, with 1920s Gatsby-style entertainment paying homage to the decade in which Penrite was founded. Guests were also treated to Speakeasy presented by Supercheap Auto, creating an immersive experience that brought the spirit of the era to life.
The evening was hosted by television personality Grant Denyer and featured a special opening performance by Australian music icon Mike Brady, including a custom tribute to Penrite’s centenary.
Penrite CEO Toby Dymond says the celebration was ultimately about recognising the people who had made the milestone possible.
“Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone, but Penrite’s story has never just been about the products we make. It’s about our family, our people, our customers, suppliers and partners who have supported us and grown with us over generations,” he says.
“We’re incredibly proud of where Penrite has come from, but this celebration was also about looking forward. We have a strong Australian business, an incredible team and an exciting vision for what the next 100 years can bring.”
Family remained at the heart of the evening, with three generations of the Dymond family present in the room to celebrate the milestone together. Members of the Dymond family also joined a special ‘100 Years in Conversation’ discussion, reflecting on the company’s history, memorable moments and the next generation who will help carry the Penrite legacy forward.
The celebration culminated in the cutting of Penrite’s centenary cake and a toast honouring Penrite founder Les Mecoles, John and Margaret Dymond, the wider Dymond family and the generations of employees, customers, suppliers and partners who have helped shape the business.
Throughout the evening, guests were also able to watch a live artist, Olga Dziemidowicz, capture Penrite’s centenary story on canvas, creating a unique piece inspired by the company’s 100-year journey and a lasting tribute to the milestone.
Penrite Head of Strategy and Content Engagement Priscilla Robb says creating an event worthy of the milestone meant bringing Penrite’s history to life in a way that felt unmistakably true to the brand.
“We wanted our 100-year celebration to be more than a gala dinner. We wanted people to experience Penrite’s story: the family, the cars, the motorsport heritage, the people and the moments that have shaped the brand over the past century,” she says.
“Seeing it all come together at the Royal Exhibition Building was incredibly special. From having three generations of the Dymond family together in the room to celebrating with the people and partners who have been part of Penrite’s journey, it was a fitting way to honour our first 100 years and look ahead to what comes next.”
As Penrite enters its second century, the business continues to evolve through Penrite Automotive, bringing together an expanding portfolio of automotive brands and businesses alongside Penrite’s established lubricants operations.
This growth includes Australian Automotive Parts (AAP), Brandlines and BLAHST, further strengthening Penrite’s presence across the wider Australian automotive aftermarket.
Penrite Automotive represents the next chapter in the company’s story: building on 100 years of heritage while creating new opportunities for growth across the automotive industry.
As it looks to the future, Penrite remains proudly Australian owned and committed to innovation, performance, quality and the family values that have shaped the business for generations.
Giving back to the community was also an important part of the centenary celebration, with the evening raising approximately $70,000 for charity through Penrite’s silent and live auctions.
Funds raised will support Beyond Blue, the Australian Men’s Shed Association, The Shed Door Mitcham, Australian Working Dog Rescue and The Generosity Collective, extending the significance of Penrite’s centenary beyond the celebration itself and into the wider community.
The formal celebrations were followed by live entertainment from Furnace & the Fundamentals, with guests continuing the festivities late into the evening.
Penrite extends its sincere thanks to Octane Events & Production Corp for its partnership in bringing the Centenary Gala to life. The scale and detail of the evening reflected months of planning and collaboration, transforming the Royal Exhibition Building into an immersive celebration of Penrite’s first century.
Penrite also acknowledges the generous support of its event sponsors and partners, whose contributions helped make the centenary celebration possible.
>> Dymond Sponsor: Afton Chemicals
>> Gold Sponsors: Marchem and Right2Drive
>> Silver Sponsors: Platinum Print Group, IMCD, A&J Australia, Dial-A-Label, Harrison Group, IXOM and Hilditch
>> Speakeasy: Supercheap Auto
>> Vehicle Concourse: Repco & NAPA
Their support helped bring Penrite’s centenary story to life and contributed to an unforgettable celebration of the company’s first 100 years.