Meet The Team

Michael (Mick) – Owner

Michael is the driving force behind Austral Auto Electrics. With over 40 years of experience in the auto electrical industry, he has built a reputation for expertise, reliability, and unmatched knowledge.

Starting his journey as an apprentice with Austral, Michael has grown alongside the business and played a key role in shaping it into what it is today. His hands-on experience across decades means there’s very little he hasn’t seen or solved.

Widely regarded as a go-to professional in the industry, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to every project. Whether it’s complex diagnostics, custom solutions, or guiding the team, his leadership ensures every job meets the highest standard.

Despite his experience, Michael remains incredibly humble and always goes out of his way to help others—whether it’s supporting his team or taking the time to assist customers with honest advice and practical solutions. 

Greg – Parts Specialist/Accounts

Greg joined the Austral Auto Electrics team in 2024, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in automotive parts and the wider industry.

With a strong background in batteries, Greg has worked with leading suppliers across the automotive sector, giving him valuable insight into product quality, performance, and reliability. His experience ensures that the right parts are sourced for every job, helping deliver long-lasting and dependable results.

Greg’s expertise and attention to detail make him an essential part of the team, supporting both the technicians and customers with trusted advice and efficient solutions.

Shalendra (Sal) – Onsite Technician

Shalendra, known to most as Sal, is a highly respected senior figure within Austral Auto Electrics and across the wider industry, with over 20 years of dedicated service to the business.

As our Onsite Senior Technician, Sal plays a critical role in delivering complex and high-demand work, specialising in forklifts, straddles, and catering trucks. His depth of experience, technical precision, and ability to diagnose and resolve issues in the field make him an invaluable asset to both the team and our clients.

You’ll often see Sal’s onsite van across Sydney at all hours, responding to urgent callouts and keeping businesses running when it matters most.

Known for his reliability and leadership on-site, Sal consistently handles challenging jobs with confidence and efficiency, ensuring minimal downtime and the highest standard of workmanship. His knowledge and experience make him a cornerstone of the Austral team. 

Paul – Onsite Technician

Paul is a key member of the Austral Auto Electrics team and is widely known as the “Bus Expert” within the industry.

As an Onsite Senior Technician, Paul specialises in diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing bus electrical systems. His expertise spans everything from door faults to advanced node reprogramming, making him the go-to for both everyday issues and highly technical challenges.

Working out on the road, Paul plays a vital role in keeping fleets operational, delivering efficient solutions and minimising downtime. His depth of knowledge, consistency, and problem-solving ability make him a trusted name for customers and an invaluable part of the team.

Kamarinos (Kam) – Classic Car Specialist / Onsite Technician

Kamarinos, known as Kam, has been a valued member of the Austral Auto Electrics team for nearly a decade.

Kam is well known in the industry for his work in restoring and rebuilding classic vehicles, bringing them back to life with precision and care. With strong old-school knowledge and hands-on experience, he has a deep understanding of classic systems that sets him apart.

There’s almost always a classic car in the workshop with Kam under the hood, reflecting his passion for the craft and attention to detail. He also has a genuine passion for Valiants, with a particular appreciation for their heritage and engineering.

In addition to his restoration work, Kam is highly experienced with bus GreenRoad systems, having fitted and repaired well over 1,000 units in the past five years. This combination of classic expertise and modern system knowledge makes him a versatile and highly valued technician.

As an Onsite Technician, Kam delivers reliable, high-quality work in the field, earning the trust of customers through his commitment to getting the job done right.

Steve – Workshop Senior Technician

Steve joined the Austral Auto Electrics team in 2019, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time at Toyota, where he progressed to a senior technician level.

With a strong technical foundation, Steve specialises in advanced diagnostics, complex fault finding, and air conditioning systems, with a deep understanding of both electrical and integrated vehicle systems. His ability to systematically analyse issues and identify root causes allows him to resolve even the most challenging faults with precision and efficiency.

Known for his calm and composed nature, Steve approaches every job with a logical, methodical mindset. A true professional and a gentleman, he earns the respect of both customers and colleagues through his consistency, attention to detail, and high standard of workmanship.

His experience and technical depth make him a cornerstone of the workshop and a trusted expert within the Austral team.

Seth – Apprentice Automotive Electrician

Seth joined the Austral Auto Electrics team in 2024 as an apprentice and has quickly developed a strong foundation in the trade.

Since starting, he has learned a great deal across a wide range of auto electrical work, building practical skills and confidence in both the workshop and onsite environments. His enthusiasm and willingness to get involved have helped him progress rapidly.

Supported and guided by the team, Seth is on a strong path to becoming a highly skilled technician.

Seth is a valued part of the team, contributing with a positive attitude and a growing level of knowledge as he continues to develop into a capable auto electrician.

Hugh – Apprentice Automotive Electrician

Hugh is new to the Austral Auto Electrics team and currently in his first year as an apprentice, but don’t let that deter you.

Growing up on a farm, Hugh brings practical, hands-on experience and a level of mechanical understanding well beyond his years. He has developed strong fault-finding abilities through self-learning, showing initiative and a natural aptitude for problem solving.

Capable and driven, Hugh is already proving himself as a valuable member of the team, with the right attitude and foundation to grow into an excellent technician.

Katina – Administration / Accounts

Katina has been a core part of Austral Auto Electrics for over 20 years, bringing with her a strong background in finance and an incredible depth of experience within the business.

A true all-rounder, Katina does a bit of everything—handling administration, accounts, HR, and compliance, while also stepping in as social organiser, first aid support, and the go-to person who keeps everything ticking along behind the scenes, working closely alongside Mick.

Known for her reliability and care, Katina is the person everyone turns to when something needs sorting. Whether it’s solving a problem, supporting the team, or keeping things organised, she has a way of making everything come together.

If something needs sorting, Katina is usually the one making it happen

Zachary (Zac) - Accounts Payable

Zac joined Austral Auto Electrics part-time while studying at university, bringing a strong attention to detail and a professional approach to his role. Having grown up in the business and working with the team since 2019, Zac has developed a strong understanding of the industry and the values that drive Austral.

He looks after accounts payable and is often the friendly, professional voice you’ll speak to when calling Austral.

Zac is a valued part of the team, with his approachable nature and professionalism making him someone both staff and customers enjoy dealing with. A footy nut at heart, he’s always up for a chat about the game.

Zac plays an important role behind the scenes, helping keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly and ensuring strong communication between the workshop and customers. His reliability, organisation, and commitment to the business make him a key contributor to Austral’s continued success.