11/10/2026
🧡 DON’T SHUT THE BONNET ON IT! 🧡
At Autosmash, we take mental health and well-being seriously! It's a topic that needs to be discussed between those who do suffer from it and those who don't, so they can offer support and spot the warning signs.
"Don't Shut the Bonnet on it" is an initiative of MTAQ, Trademutt and TIACS. We have embraced the idea since its launch at the 2025 Australasian Panel and Paint awards night.
It specifically targets those in and linked to the Automotive Industry.
For this event, we wanted to take it a step further.
We were lucky enough to welcome Darius Boyd (ex-Bronco, Maroon and Kangaroos NRL player; also the newly appointed Maroons head coach) on both "World Mental Health Day" and his son's second b'day!!!
We cannot thank Darius enough for sharing his story and helping open important conversations around mental health—
***recognising the signs, whether that's in yourself or in someone else.
***learning strategies to overcome some of life's day-to-day tasks
***and understanding how we can better support ourselves and each other.
Hearing that someone can overcome some of the issues he's faced is remarkable.
A huge thank you to Kerry, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help bring this day together. As Al mentioned, Kerry has been the "gearbox, transfer case and rear differential"! A real driving force!! We couldn't have done it without you! ❤️
This year had a real Automotive Focus. We targeted our staff, family, friends and any other like-minded automotive businesses. We went out on a limb with this one, so a real heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along, supported the day and helped us start some important conversations. We also truly appreciated those who had prior commitments but messaged to support us.
We also had some amazing feedback and expressions of interest from outside the Auto industry.
We'd love to open this event to all trades and workplaces, because mental health doesn't stop at one industry, and we all need to have these conversations.
So, next year we're thinking BIGGER! Get ready Kerry Espin lol!
Remember, don't shut the bonnet on it. Keep the conversation going! 🧡