A NAME synonymous with Shepparton’s agricultural heartland, Bertoli Farm Machinery has been inducted into the Greater Shepparton Business Hall of Fame, recognised for nearly 50 years of service, innovation, and community contribution.
The local business became the 17th inductee at Friday night’s Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards, receiving the honour from 2024’s recipient, Watters Electrical.
From its early days as a small workshop, Bertoli Farm Machinery has evolved into a multi-site business employing almost 50 staff across Shepparton, Albury and Benalla. Its dealerships supply leading agricultural and industrial machinery brands, reflecting the group’s growth and commitment to regional customers.
Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) president Stephen Schneider said Bertoli Group’s induction recognised its longstanding impact on the region.
“From humble beginnings in 1976, when Paul Bertoli started with a Holden Ute, a toolbox and a vision, Bertoli’s has grown to become a trusted name not only in Shepparton, but across northern Victoria and southern New South Wales,” he said.
Mr Schneider also said that the Hall of Fame honour acknowledged both the business’s longevity and its contribution to local industry.
“Beyond the business, Paul has been a tireless advocate for the agricultural machinery industry. A long-standing member of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) since 1982, he serves as vice president and chair of Farm, Industrial and Machinery Dealers Association Committee, working closely with CEO Peter Jones and the Board to support and strengthen regional businesses.
“Paul’s commitment to the Goulburn Valley extends beyond his dealerships, with a strong focus on training, apprenticeships, and community initiatives that continue to contribute to the region’s growth,” said Mr Schneider.
GSBN hosts the annual Business Excellence Awards, proudly supported by SPC, to recognise enterprises that make an enduring contribution to the local economy. The Hall of Fame celebrates businesses that demonstrate consistent excellence and community commitment across generations.
As the Bertoli Group approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the business stands as a testament to vision, hard work and enduring contribution to the Goulburn Valley.
2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards’ category recipients:
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Tarsha Brown, Zest Hairstylists
Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign: Industrial World Shepparton
Emerging & Micro Business of the Year: Shepparton Cleaning Service
Excellence in Business (Professional Services): Wyndham Early Learning
Excellence in Business (Retail Services): Total Tools Shepparton
Excellence in Business (Trade Services): Watters Electrical
Excellence in Customer Service (Professional Services): Fastsec Security
Excellence in Customer Service (Retail/Hospitality Services): The Eye Shop Shepparton
Excellence in Customer Service (Trade Services): 5S5 Barbershop
Excellence in Export Market Development: Noumi
Excellence in Innovation: JMB Modular Buildings
Visitor Experience of the Year: Shepparton Art Museum
Young Professional of the Year: Alex Liacos, Goulburn Valley Health.
Look out for the full 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Excellence Awards’ winners feature in next week’s edition of The Adviser.
