Ayr’s Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs: Nearly Four Decades of Old-School Values and Community Trust

It was 1988 when Stephen Scuderi took a solo leap into the world of panel beating—a move built on the foundations laid by his parents, Sam and Tina Scuderi, who, despite coming from a farming background, encouraged their sons to pursue trades and instilled in them the drive to build something of their own.

Nearly four decades on, with the steady partnership of his wife and business ally, Maria, that business remains a cornerstone of the Burdekin community—stronger and more trusted than ever.

The success of Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs has been no accident. It’s the product of trusty service, deep community ties, and the old-school values that have kept it a local favourite in a place where business turnover is particularly high, and reputations are hard-earned.

“We’re old-school. It’s very much a mum and dad shop, and that works here,” says Stephen. “There were about 12 panel shops in town when I first started. Now, there are only two—including us.”

This identity of quality and family-style care has been meticulously nurtured by both Stephen and Maria since day one, each using their unique, complementary skillsets to keep the wheels turning.

“I try to stay out of the personalities of the shop,” says Maria. “I handle the apprenticeship paperwork, the phone calls—anything to do with the admin side. But anything that happens on the floor, that’s Stephen’s area.”

“That’s how it’s always worked best,” Stephen adds. “Without Maria, the business wouldn’t have survived. We just trust each other to do what we do best.”

That trust extends to their staff, too. Over the years, they’ve trained more than 15 apprentices and worked with many tradespeople who have come and gone.

“We always try to give apprentices a good start,” says Stephen. “I try to be firm, but to encourage them, and to teach them, because there's no point them being here and learning nothing.”

“That’s one area we won’t compromise—quality of work,” adds Maria. “It’s a car, and there’s a lot of responsibility. You can’t leave one little bolt loose.”

Adaptation has been key to their longevity. The automotive industry has changed dramatically since the 1980s, with new car models, increased technical demands, and sophisticated repair equipment now essential.

“When I started, it was all handwritten paperwork,” says Stephen. “Now we’ve got computerized systems, advanced chassis straightening machines, and more technical repairs that require investment.”

The business expanded physically too, purchasing neighbouring buildings and upgrading equipment to keep pace with the industry.

“It’s a continual investment,” Maria explains. “For example, a mirror that used to cost $60 can now be $1,000. Parts are more expensive, and repairs require more attention.”

Despite the technical advances, their philosophy remains rooted in community and local support.

“We source parts locally whenever we can,” says Stephen. “We have a good relationship with local dealerships and suppliers. It’s a mutual respect—if we look after them, they look after us.”

The couple credit Ayr’s close-knit community values as a driving force behind their success—a place where reputation is built through word of mouth rather than flashy marketing campaigns.

“We don’t even have Facebook,” she laughs. “Here, word of mouth carries a lot of power.

Stephen adds, “If you do the right thing by people, they’ll do the right thing by you. That’s the how it works here.”

Both Stephen and Maria are proudly Burdekin through and through. Stephen’s family has been cane farming in the region, and Maria’s Sicilian background instilled a strong work ethic that’s reflected in their business approach.

“I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” says Maria. “We’ve raised our three daughters here—Rosanne, Amanda, Laura, and three grandchildren Elosie, Angus and Percy. Even though we travel on holidays, this is home.”

Looking ahead, they anticipate another five to ten years of service to the community, with a focus on quality over expansion.

“If it’s not broken, we don’t fix it,” says Stephen. “We’ll keep doing what we do best and adapt where it makes sense.”

Maria adds, “We love the Burdekin and are proud to serve the community. We appreciate the support and look forward to providing our customers with the same quality and personal service as we did when we started.”

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TIMELINE

Stephen Finishes Grade 12

1982
Stephen completes high school, setting the stage for his entry into the workforce

Begins Apprenticeship at Scuderi Panel Beating

1983
Starts training as a panel beater under his brother at Scuderi Panel Beating

Earns Trades Qualification – Panel Beater

1986
Becomes a fully qualified panel beater after completing his apprenticeship

Launch of Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs

1988
Stephen starts his own business in partnership with Maria, who takes on administration. The business is aligned with MTAQ guidelines and becomes a registered Queensland apprenticeship provider

Certificate in Business – TAFE

1985
Maria completes a Certificate in Business, equipping her for administration and office management

Marriage of Stephen and Maria

1989
Stephen and Maria marry, formalising a personal and professional partnership

Autobake Spray Booth Installed

1993
Installation of modern spray booth technology, increasing quality and efficiency

Computerised Quoting Introduced (Flexiquote)

1994
Transition from handwritten quotes to digital system via Flexiquote, improving compliance with insurance protocols

Adjacent Property Purchased

1999
Expansion of the business by acquiring land next to the workshop

Autorobot Speed Bench Added

2004
New frame straightening equipment introduced to keep up with vehicle technology

Australian Business Quality Award Nomination

2015
Nominated for a national award recognising outstanding customer service and business quality

New Office Building Constructed

2018
Upgraded office facilities built to support continued growth and professionalism

Present Day

2025
Now nearing four decades in operation, Stephen Scuderi Smash Repairs remains a trusted name in Ayr—proudly family-run, community-focused, and committed to quality craftsmanship. The business continues to adapt to industry advancements while staying true to its old-school service values

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Stephen Scuderi

Music, Machines & Mate Ship

To many in the Burdekin, Stephen Scuderi is the steady hand behind one of the region’s most respected crash repair businesses. But to others, he’s the man with the guitar on stage, belting out country classics beside lifelong friend David Adcock.

Both are true.

“I’ve basically lived two lives,” Stephen says. “People who know me as a panel beater only know that side of me, and people who know me as a musician only know that side. Sometimes when they cross over, they’re like—‘Is that the same person?’”

Now 60, Stephen is as passionate about cars as he is about music. He started his career under the guidance of his brother before opening his own shop in 1988. In the decades since, he’s earned a reputation for quality fairness and leadership style built on mutual respect. “I like to work with the boys, not have them work for me,” he says. “That’s how you get the best out of people.”

He’s also quick to credit Maria—his wife and business partner—for keeping the engine running behind the scenes. “Any problem on my back is halved when you’ve got the right person,” he says. “We’ve worked side by side from the start, and that’s made all the difference.”

Music has been with him the whole way. He’s been in bands since his teens and still performs regularly in a duo with David . “It’s just always been there,” he says. “And I think it’s helped me in business too—it gave me a confidence in dealing with people, and taught me how to read people.”

At home, Stephen’s surrounded by music, with Maria and their daughters all playing instruments. He also finds joy in fishing, collecting antiques, and family time at Alva Beach. He describes himself as consistent, honourable and fair—values that echo across every part of his life.

Three decades on, Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs continues to thrive, thanks in no small part to his ability to balance craftsmanship with character—and a bit of rhythm on the side.

Maria Scuderi

Keeping the Wheels Moving

Behind the steady success of Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs is Maria Scuderi—the woman who’s quietly kept the wheels turning for nearly four decades.

Maria has been involved in the business from the very beginning, balancing administration, compliance, and bookkeeping while also raising three daughters and staying true to her passions. “We don’t get sick leave or holidays,” she laughs, “but the biggest reward has been being able to work around my girls, raise them, look after the grandchildren and still contribute to something we built from the ground up.”

Her parents migrated to Australia from Sicily and instilled in her a strong work ethic—something she’s carried into the business. “My parents started from nothing but succeeded through hard work, saving and investing in real estate. Here I learned so much from watching my parents manage home life and business. That admin background really helped when we started out.” Also, Maria’s first job was working at Burdekin TAFE College 1985-1991 in administration.

While managing the administration side of their business, Maria also pursued further qualifications to support her growing role. She obtained certifications in Austswim (Infant & Preschool Aquatics and Swimming Water Safety), a Certificate III in Business, a Certificate III in Fitness Instruction (including Aqua, Group, Gym, Spin, and Les Mills Body Balance), and a Certificate IV in Personal Training.

Maria started her fitness journey at Future Fitness, which led to her employment at the Burdekin Swim School in 1996—initially as a Certified Aqua fitness instructor, and then as an Austswim Instructor 2009. She has also been employed at FirstIn Physio as a receptionist, group ex & spin instructor since 2018.

Outside of work, Maria has always carved space for her own pursuits. A natural sportswoman, she played touch football for years—representing at a high level with her team Lasers—and later found a passion for long-distance running. “I went from 5Ks to marathons,” she says. “That love of movement and pushing yourself just stuck.”

She says “My part-time work has never felt like work, more like hanging out with best friends”. And then there’s music. While Stephen took to the stage, Maria stayed behind the scenes—organising, supporting and encouraging their daughters as they entered country music festivals. “I was more the roadie,” she jokes. “But music was always in the house.”

That warmth and reliability extends to every part of Maria’s life—from cooking traditional Sicilian pasta dishes to helping care for her grandchildren today. “That’s the beauty of still working in the business,” she says. “If my daughters need a hand, I’m here.”

Maria describes herself with a simple but powerful motto: “Smile for life.” It’s not just a saying—it’s a way of living that’s helped define the culture of the business she and Stephen have built together: hard-working, human, and grounded in care.

Tynan Odegaard‍

Pride,Passion and Precision

At 36, Tynan Odegaard has finally found where he belongs. After stints in building, plumbing, and machinery work, the Sarina-born tradesman joined Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs as an apprentice two years ago—and hasn’t looked back since.

“I’ve always been into cars,” Tom says. “It just felt like the right time to try something new, get out of the sun, and do something I actually enjoy.”

Now nearing the end of his apprenticeship under veteran panel beater Stephen Scuderi, Tynan’s passion for the job runs deep. He speaks about the trade with pride and precision, describing paintwork as a “beast” that demands attention to detail. “You can only paint as good as your prep,” he says. “One little slip, and it’ll come back to bite you.”

He credits the family-style work environment—and Stephen himself—as major reasons why he’s thriving. “It’s honestly like working with one of the best in Queensland,” Tynan says. “And everyone here treats each other like family. There’s no yelling, no drama, just respect.”

Tynan’s eye for detail isn’t just reserved for the workshop. A longtime hobbyist, he collects and paints miniatures in his spare time—something he says laid the groundwork for his career. “I’ve always loved painting, even if it was just spraying a model car with a rattle can. That love’s what led me here.”

As for the future? Tynan says he’s right where he’s meant to be. “It’s taken a while, but I’ve finally found my spot.”

the Poli’s

Three Generations, One Craft

When Michael Poli stepped into the panel beating world as a teenager, he couldn’t have predicted his two sons would one day be right beside him in the workshop—let alone his third son, Brody, who also completed an apprenticeship here.

Michael, 62, is now the head panel beater at Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs. After stints at other shops—including a long spell at KT 4x4—he’s found both a steady home and a surrogate family in the Scuderis. “It’s old-school,” he says. “But it’s good. Steve’s always been there for me—we’ve had a couple of heated moments over the years, but never a proper argument. It’s just that kind of place.”

He’s been training Patrick (22) and Anthony (18), who now work alongside him—Patrick as a trades assistant and Anthony as an apprentice. For Patrick, the trade came naturally. “Since I was ten, I’ve been into it,” he says. “I stopped for a bit, tried boiler-making, but it wasn’t for me. I came back to this.” Anthony, on the other hand, admits it wasn’t always the dream: “I just wanted to get out and work, get my own stuff. Now I’m getting used to it.”

Patrick's passion for cars even bleeds into his downtime. “I’ve got three cars I’m doing up now—one for each of the boys. It’s just what I enjoy.” Anthony’s downtime looks a little different. “Gaming,” he grins. “Call of Duty, Rainbow Six... that’s more my thing after work.”

The family grew up in the Burdekin, though Michael spent part of his childhood in Ingham before returning at ten. “You could say I left home then,” he says. “It gave me a lot of freedom. I was a bit of a wild one—definitely not the prim-and-proper one of the family.”

Despite their differences, there’s a shared focus among the Poli’s: get in, work hard, and keep it moving. “It’s a family mentality,” says Patrick. “We help each other out. That’s how it works here.”

For all three, the shed isn’t just a workplace. It’s a second home—and, in many ways, a legacy.

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