Three of our talented team are heading to Brisbane
We’re absolutely stoked to share we have THREE regional finalists in this year’s John Deere Technician Awards. Both Alex Sinclair and Henry Barkley are returning finalists plus Luke Hynam has joined them to represent team Haeusler’s in 2026!
The Technician Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the Service and Parts Techs who help keep the wheels in ag turning. They’re the people behind the tools, the laptops, the diagnostics and the problem-solving, often working under pressure when a machine needs to be back in the paddock, the orchard, the vines or the yard as quickly as possible.
Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise the kind of skill that matters in the real world. Technical know-how is a big part of it, but so is patience, problem-solving, pride in the job and genuinely caring about the people on the other end of the machine.
Alex, Henry and Luke will head to John Deere’s Head Office in Brisbane for the final round of practical testing and diagnostics, followed by the official awards night in September.
We’re incredibly proud to have three Haeusler’s finalists in the running. It says a lot about these three and it also says a lot about the quality of people we’re lucky to have across our workshops, parts counters and branches every day.
For anyone thinking about a career with us, our Apprentice Mentoring Program (AMP) opens this September. It’s a chance to learn from experienced people, get hands-on with some seriously impressive equipment, cutting-edge tech and build a career that plays a real part in the future of ag. More details here.
Read on to meet Alex, Henry and Luke and learn more about their journey and the experience that’s gotten them through to this stage.
Henry Barkley, Mildura
Henry Barkley knew from a young age his future lay in agriculture, but it wasn’t until he completed work experience during high school that he knew exactly where he wanted to build his career.
After spending his younger years by his grandfather’s side on the family farm in South Australia, surrounded by John Deere equipment and learning how the machinery worked, an opportunity to spend some time at his local John Deere dealership opened his eyes to the company and its innovations.
Inspired by the experience and keen to spend his days working on the equipment, Henry took up a school-based apprenticeship.
Six years on, Henry is still as enthusiastic about the John Deere brand as he was during his childhood, and has established himself as a Service Technician with ‘exceptional’ skills and capabilities.
Henry said he understands there are “many different aspects that need to come together for things to go right in farming”, and he finds great satisfaction in being part of the equation that helps farmers succeed.
Despite being a combine specialist, Henry’s versatility allows him to service and repair all John Deere equipment, and customers frequently request he be assigned to their jobs.
Luke Hynam, Mildura
The world of V8 Supercars and Bathurst might seem a long way from the paddocks of western Victoria, but for Haeusler’s Service Technician, Luke Hynam, the two worlds have more in common than most people realise.
Before joining Haeusler’s, Luke spent a year working with Tickford Racing, helping prepare some of Australia’s fastest race cars. While the experience was unforgettable, the bright lights of Melbourne couldn’t compete with the pull of home.
Raised on a broadacre cropping farm at Patchewollock, Luke grew up around machinery and agriculture. Returning to the industry felt like a natural fit, and he joined Haeusler’s as an apprentice before progressing to become a fully qualified Service Technician.
Today, one of the most rewarding parts of his role is helping customers and mentoring younger apprentices.
“I’m teaching more than being taught now,” Luke said.
“I find it really rewarding helping younger apprentices and working with customers to get the most out of their machines.
Luke has developed a passion for John Deere’s spraying technology and is excited by the rapid pace of innovation transforming agriculture.
“You’re not really a mechanic anymore; that’s why they call us technicians. The technology side is separating us from a lot of other jobs.”
Luke’s product knowledge, particularly of self-propelled sprayers, coupled with his outstanding electrical diagnostic skills, consistently allow him to optimise equipment performance. He is well known within the industry and demonstrates leadership well beyond his age.
Alex Sinclair, Shepparton
Alex Sinclair is not your average second-year apprentice parts technician – as a 26-year-old father, he came to the role at Haeusler’s Shepparton with a background in restaurants and retail sales.
But stints working as a farmhand on dairies in Victoria sparked a curiosity about agriculture, and when a position became available at Haeusler’s he jumped at the opportunity.
Here, his customer service experience shone through and it wasn’t long before he was offered an apprenticeship to kick-start his career.
“I only had basic machinery knowledge at that time, but it was the complete package for me,” Alex said.
“It’s the right mix of conversations with customers, physical work, computer work and problem solving.
“It’s about being able to continually provide the service the customer needs and wants, otherwise they’re not going to stay loyal to the brand. Their experience with Haeusler’s will shape their opinion of John Deere.”
Alex is proudly also a Country Fire Service volunteer of 10 years and a ‘go-to’ source of safety knowledge in the dealership.
He has emerged as one of his team’s leading parts technicians, with an infectious customer-focus and ‘can-do’ attitude, and doesn’t hesitate in recommending his career choice to others.
“Whether you go into the part side of things or the mechanic side of things or the service, you will grow and learn as long as you’re willing to,” he said.
