Ford Salute to Dealers – Global Recognition

We are incredibly proud to share that Bendigo Ford, have been named 2026 honourees in the prestigious Ford Salute to Dealers program — a global award from Ford Motor Company recognising dealers who make an extraordinary difference in their communities.

After first being recognised across the Southern Hemisphere for their philanthropic efforts, Travis and Donna (Owners of Bendigo Ford) were selected from more than 10,000 Ford dealers worldwide as global winners — one of the highest honours a Ford dealer can receive.

They were presented with the award in the United States by Henry Ford III, and their achievement is now permanently recognised with a custom watercolour portrait displayed at Ford World Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.

This recognition reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to supporting the Bendigo community. From helping fund a da Vinci Xi surgical robot at St John of God Bendigo Hospital, to supporting vital fundraising through the Bendigo Ford Fun Run for Bendigo Health — impacting areas such as neurology, cancer care, and mental health — their contribution has made a meaningful difference to countless lives.

Their passion for community also extends to supporting young people through initiatives at Red Energy Arena, as well as working alongside Bendigo Family and Financial Services to provide food relief and financial assistance to families in need.

“Seeing first-hand how much small acts of support can mean to someone really changed us,” Travis and Donna shared. “It stopped being something you do from time to time and became something you carry with you every day.”

“Being involved in disability personally has given us the experience that opened our eyes to just how powerful compassion, care, and practical support can be. It’s one of the reasons we feel so strongly about doing what we can to make life a little easier for others.”

At Bendigo Ford, this spirit of generosity extends across our entire team. We are proud to see our people come together to support local causes, reinforcing that what we do is about far more than just cars — it’s about people looking after people.

We hope this recognition not only celebrates Travis and Donna’s impact, but also inspires others in our community — especially young people — to get involved, give back, and make a difference.

For over 26 years, the Ford Salute to Dealers program has recognised individuals creating positive change around the world. For us, this honour is a reflection of the values we stand for every day, and the community we are proud to be part of.

We would also like to thank Ford Australia for providing us with the opportunity to continue supporting Bendigo and the surrounding communities.