Huge congratulations to Beckie Kernich and the Berry Springs Mechanical team for winning the Australian Small Business Trade Champion Awards... 

Australian Trades Small Business Champion Award for Automotive Mechanical Repairs 2024 has been awarded to Berry Springs Mechanical

The Berry Springs workshop was started 30 years ago by Doug Barden at Bardens Lakes until Tony Saliba took over the reins, becoming a Repco Authorised Service Centre and adding a new shed on higher ground to solve the issue of water surrounding the old shed at times. Then a little over ten years ago Beckie Kernich acquired the business and that's when the magic really started to happen.

This is an incredible achievement for Beckie and the team

Calm and unassuming, Beckie epitomises the laid back, straight from the shoulder Territorian as she navigates the challenges and crises that come with running a successful car service workshop. Beckie began her work with engines as a motorbike mechanic in her teens before pursuing other avenues. They say that life begins at forty though and Beckie took this to heart. 

As a single mum who found herself in a poor financial position, Beckie took stock of her life and decided to head back towards her first love - mechanical repairs. The opportunity to take over the Berry Springs workshop came up and Beckie jumped at the chance to improve her lot by taking over the business as both the boss and the then resident apprentice, building it into what it is today, a well respected car service workshop with a reputation for getting the job done. 

Beckie says she gets the occasional odd reaction at the senior mechanic of the workshop or Roadside Assist operator being a woman but those that know her well also know that her calm, no nonsense attitude to problem solving will no doubt win them over in short order. Needless to say the female customers of Berry Springs Mechanical often feel more comfortable dealing with a woman to woman relationship when it comes to car service.

But Beckie's story doesn't end there. As a workshop owner Beckie cares deeply about others, especially the battler out there dealing with situations similar to her own or worse. Not only does Beckie look out for the wellbeing of team at Berry Springs Mechanical and ensure her customers vehicles are safe and efficient to drive, Beckie also extends that care to the community in general, sharing her skills and knowledge to help others in their struggles.

For example, Beckie has been an incredible supporter of No One Left Behind since it's inception. No One Left Behind is a series of events and community workshops that brings people together to share challenges faced and offer support, connection and solutions at a grass roots level. Founded by another "Bec", the great female role model and 2022 NT Local Hero Australian of the Year Bec Forrest. No One Left Behind has grown until these initiatives have branched out across the country and champions men’s, women’s, LGBTQI, youth and disability rights.

Beckie began her support of No One Left Behind by offering a Tyre Changing and Basic Mechanical Workshop at the inaugural No Woman Left Behind Conference. This has since blossomed into monthly "Bec's Basics" workshops, empowering anyone, particularly women, with essential car care skills. The regular workshops, which Beckie hosts at no charge to the participants leads car owners through such mechanical tasks as how to check your oil levels, check your coolant, check tyre pressures, how to change a tyre and changing wiper blades. 

Beckie also shuts down her workshop so her team can attend the International Men's Day Forum, recognising the importance of men connecting and having conversations around mental health and other crucial issues.

Keep an eye out for our events where you can attend the Berry Springs Mechanical workshop for one of Bec’s free classes, a place for young and old to learn basic mechanical car skills...

The team at Berry Springs Mechanical provide a range of car service and repair tasks to all manner of vehicles, ranging from vehicles of 1940 and 1950 vintage through to the many 4WD's that tend to be found in the NT and right up to the modern vehicles of today. While tyre issues and overheating vehicles make up a good portion of the issues Berry Springs Mechanical deal with, the team regularly face the full gamut of car repair and service tasks that can confront a busy modern workshop.

When it comes down to how Beckie runs the business, in a recent ABC interview she quipped "Everything comes down to customer service at the end of the day and trying to make all our customers happy. Obviously that comes with some blood, sweat and tears. There's a lot of that goes into certain cars, just giving good customer service, you know, helping people out when they're stuck and obviously need maintenance and repairs, but we get a lot of people just drop in for emergency repairs and we just do our best to accommodate everyone".

Running a business can be difficult at times so it is really great to see a successful business owner selflessly putting back into the community on a regular basis...

So well done Beckie. It's great to see the past 10+ years of your dedication and determination you have put into building your business and supporting the local community has not gone unnoticed.

Come on down to Berry Springs Mechanical's next "Bec's Basics" workshops and learn some basic car skills with Bec. No cost. No booking required. Just bring yourself and a water bottle. We are now running a small poll to find out what time suits everyone best.

Congrats again to Beckie and the entire Berry Springs Mechanical team

As the warm, dry sunny days take over and the cool nights set in across Berry Springs and the Top End, most of us breathe a sigh of relief. The dry season, spanning from May to October, brings with it a much-welcomed break from the high humidity and monsoonal rains characteristic of the wet season. 

It's a time when the landscapes transform, and the open road calls. But, is your car ready to answer that call?

Regular car servicing is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity, especially when preparing for the dry season in Berry Springs, NT. The shift in weather—temperatures dropping to a comfortable range between 21.6–31.8°C and humidity levels dipping to around 60-65%—though pleasant, can have subtle yet significant effects on your vehicle.

During the dry season, you will likely find the decreased humidity and cooler nights mean your car will face different demands compared to those it typically faces in the wet season. 

Regular servicing ensures your vehicle is not just surviving but thriving in these conditions. Tasks such as checking the coolant system, ensuring your air conditioning is functioning efficiently (to tackle those warmer days without high humidity as a backup), and inspecting the battery and lights become even more crucial.

The drier conditions also mean dust and debris can more readily accumulate, affecting air filters and potentially clogging up engine components. A thorough service will take care of these aspects, ensuring your car's engine breathes freely and runs smoothly.

One of the key reasons for regular servicing before and during the dry season is safety. Brake checks, tyre inspections (including pressure and tread depth), and suspension checks are vital to ensure that your car can handle long drives, whether you're exploring the remote areas of the region or navigating the daily commute. Remember, even though the roads might be drier and seemingly safer, ensuring your vehicle is in top condition is paramount for your safety and that of others on the road.

A local mechanic that understands the unique demands of the Top End's dry season can be your best ally. 

Berry Springs Mechanical - Your Dry Season Car Care Partner

Berry Springs Mechanical, nestled in the heart of this beautiful region, offers comprehensive servicing for all makes and models, ensuring your car is prepared for whatever the dry season has in store. From emergency roadside assistance to routine maintenance checks, their expert team is ready to ensure your vehicle remains reliable, safe, and efficient.

As you welcome the arrival of the dry season in Berry Springs and the broader NT area, make vehicle maintenance a priority. Regular servicing is not just about preventing breakdowns; it's about enhancing your driving experience, ensuring safety, and maintaining the condition of your car so you can make the most of this glorious time of year.

So before you set off to enjoy the crisp mornings and warm, sunny days around Berry Springs, book a service with your trusted local mechanic at Berry Springs Mechanical.

Embrace the dry season with confidence, knowing your car is as ready as you are to explore everything the Top End has to offer...

Prepare your vehicle for the Berry Springs dry season with expert car servicing. Discover how temperature changes and reduced humidity impact your car's performance, and why regular maintenance is crucial for safe driving in NT's dry season...

Get Your Car Dry Season-Ready with Regular Service in Berry Springs NT

Ensuring Your Vehicle is Ready for the Dry Season in Berry Springs

Wheel balance refers to how smoothly an individual wheel rotates around its own centre. Unbalanced wheels can cause other parts of your car to wear down faster - such as shock absorbers, struts and steering. If your wheels are not balanced properly it can affect the overall performance and feel of your car. 

Your steering wheel or car vibrates at high speed.

Your tyres have had some rough treatment such as potholes or extremely rough roads. 

Berry Springs Mechanical are fully equipped to balance your wheels - if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to make a booking today. 

Wheel balance refers to how smoothly an individual wheel rotates around its own centre.

Wheel Balancing in Berry Springs

Wheel Balancing

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We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 20th of December and reopening on Monday the 6th of January

We advise that the workshop will be closed over the Easter long weekend reopening on Tuesday the 11th of April

We also advise that we will be closed Monday the 24th and Tuesday the 25th of April for ANZAC Day reopening Wednesday the 26th of April.

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the public holiday on Monday the 7th of August and reopening on Tuesday the 8th of August

Berry Springs Mechanical take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times.

Conveniently located in Berry Springs, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Berry Springs Mechanical have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

Berry Springs Mechanical

Wheel Balancing

You might need a wheel balance when:

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