Past & Present of Garry Milne Panelbeating

The history of Garry Milne Panelbeating begins back when a Mr Evan Jones returned from World War 2 and started panelbeating in Invercargill. In the mid 1950's, Garry Milne joined the team and worked alongside Evan.

In 1960, Evan Jones built the current workshop on High Street in Balclutha and relocated the business there. Upon Evan's retirement in the late 1970's, Garry took over the business and hired his first apprentice, Neill McKenzie, in January 1982.

When Garry retired from panelbeating in 2006, Neill took over ownership of the business to the present day.

The team

Neill McKenzie

Neill left school at the age of 16 and headed straight into his apprenticeship with Garry Milne. With over 33+ years in the industry, Neill's day mainly involves quoting and pricing all insurance work, as werll as sourcing and organising parts for the busy workshop. From time to time, Neill likes to get his hands dirty working on wheel alignments and smaller jobs that won't take too much time out of his busy clerical duties.

Neill's interests include cars (especially Ford Escorts), work, his home and his wife Rosie. A Ford man a heart Neill drives a Ranger.

Jason Brookland

Jason has 15 years in industry. Jason works mainly on the larger crash and restoration jobs in the workshop. He is learning how to do wheel alignments and enjoys improving his skills.

Jason’s greater family is involved in the panelbeating industry and he spends his weekends at family sporting events. Cars are a passion of Jason's and he drives a VK Commodore.

Jason Inglis

Jason has only ever worked in the panelbeating industry - 15 years to be exact. Jason's likes to see the finished product or vehicle and is an all rounder in the workshop completing fibre glassing, rust repairs, restoration and large crash work.

Jason spends his weekends with family and as rally crew for local Reese Gardner. Jason drives a VW.

Josh Stephen

Ever since Josh was young, he has had a liking for cars, whether that be panelbeating or mechanical repairs. Josh is passionate about the industry and has been panelbeating for 10 years. He loves to see the finished result of all the repairs

Josh loves the tasks of number 2 wheel alignment man in the workshop and all aspects of panelbeating. He is a great part of the team.

Josh's hobbies include fishing, cars and his new son Harley. Josh drives a Corolla.

Murphy Peoples

Murphy has 2 1/2 years in the industry and is 2 years into his apprenticeship at Garry Milne Panelbeating. Murphy works on the smaller crash repairs and the odd rush repair job.

He likes working on "several" cars he owns and enjoys seeing the finished cars he has worked on. In his spare time, Murphy enjoys spending time with his partner and he is a new member of the local RSA. He drives a Hilux.