Australian mechanic receives state honour for donating restored cars to youth
Gavin Hynam was named Victoria’s 2027 Local Hero after gifting at least 19 vehicles to young people in need.
Australian mechanic Gavin Hynam has been named Victoria’s 2027 Local Hero by the National Australia Day Council. The Horsham-based mechanic was recognised for his work helping disadvantaged young people gain mobility and independence, according to the Times of India.
Hynam started his Cars 4 Youth programme in 2017 after meeting two refugees in the Wimmera region. He used his mechanical skills to repair second-hand vehicles and gift them to young people once they obtained their driving licences. The vehicles include six months of registration to assist the recipients.
By August 2025, Hynam had donated at least 19 cars, ABC News reported. The initiative has helped recipients access university, employment, and community services. Hynam has also contributed approximately $20,000 of his own money to the scheme.
The mechanic's work began following the 2008 death of his eldest son, Preston, in an accident. Fundraising efforts in Preston's memory raised almost $8,000, while a Wimmera business group added $10,000 to the programme in December 2024, according to The Weekly Advertiser.
In addition to providing cars, Hynam mentors learner drivers through the Transport Accident Commission’s L2P programme and the Center for Participation’s P21 driving practice programme. He will join other winners at a national awards ceremony in Canberra on January 25, 2027.