The History of VASA
VASA (Automotive Air-conditioning, Electrical and Cooling Technicians of Australasia) is a not-for-profit association, formed by aftermarket vehicle air conditioning specialists in 1993 to encourage best practice repair procedures, continuous learning and ethical conduct. It also looks after the interests of aftermarket technicians through representation on key industry regulatory bodies and government liaison.
When factory-installed air in all new cars took over from aftermarket installation, VASA extended its charter to embrace auto electricians, and eventually heat exchange repairers. This was partly achieved through the merging of the original body, the Vehicle Air-conditioning Specialists of Australasia and the Australian Association of Automotive Technicians in 2005.
VASA membership extends throughout Australia and New Zealand and comprises mainly service workshops and technicians, but also includes parts wholesalers, equipment manufacturers and educators.
VASA Honour Board
Legends, Pioneers, Life Members, Special Awards
Pioneer awards were inaugurated in 1996 to recognise those who have contributed to standards, innovation and growth of the industry. These awards are not ONLY about years in service. They are about people who contributed something extra by way of innovation with components, or quite often they challenged the way things are done and brought about a mini-revolution of their own in air conditioning sales, parts or practice.
If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please contact VASA.
Previous Award Winners
Please select an award winner from the list below.
VASA Legends
- Frank Allison (2000)
- Mark Mitchell (2004)
Life Members
- Tony Heat (2003)
- Ralph Cadman (2006)
- Glen Watkinson (2007)
Pioneers
- Jim Russell (1996)
- George Jackson (1997)
- Norman Bilton (1997)
- Les Howard (1998)
- Damien Petrie (1999)
- Brian Haley (1999)
- Bruce Griffiths (1999)
- Geoff Merritt (2000)
- W.J. Blanchard (John Senior) (2000)
- Rob McLaren (2000)
- Rodney Bradley (2001)
- John Wallace (2001)
- Tom Drummond (2001)
- Bevan Carrick and Steve Whitelock (2002)
- Les Bennell (2002)
- Roy Brown (2002)
- Ralph Cadman (2004)
- Bill Penfold (2006)
- Ken Rudder (2008)