VACC President's Grand Prix Dinner: A Celebration of Automotive Excellence

The annual VACC President's Grand Prix Dinner unfolded in perfect Melbourne Autumn weather at Albert Park Chicane Pavilion.

Following an exciting day of Formula 1 action, guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the garden as the sun set before moving inside for the evening's festivities.

Master of ceremonies Shane Jacobson guided proceedings with wit and automotive enthusiasm.

The Grand Prix represents what we value in our industry – innovation, performance, and teamwork. It's the perfect occasion for us to come together, drawing automotive industry leaders alongside politicians from across the political spectrum and creating valuable opportunities for discussion about the future of Victoria's automotive sector.

Motoring journalist Elise Elliott led an engaging panel discussion that served as the evening's main entertainment. The charismatic trio of John Goss OAM, Steve Richards, and rising F1 Academy driver Joanne Ciconte delighted attendees with entertaining stories and previously unheard anecdotes from their racing careers — with plenty of candid conversation and humorous tales from behind the scenes.

As conversations flowed throughout the night, the 2025 VACC President's Grand Prix Dinner successfully bridged the gap between motorsport excitement and the broader automotive landscape. The event reinforced VACC's position at the heart of Victoria's automotive community, bringing together enthusiasts, industry professionals, and policymakers to celebrate automotive passion and innovation.

Attendees departed with strengthened industry connections and a collective interest in following Joanne Ciconte's racing journey and the evolving automotive landscape VACC continues to champion.