Sandgate in Ignition Magazine Australia
We’re proud to share that Sandgate Wreckers was recently featured in Ignition Magazine Australia’s October 2025 edition!
Ignition Magazine Australia is a national publication by Capricorn that highlights standout members and preferred suppliers across the automotive industry. The feature article celebrates our family’s long-standing commitment to quality auto recycling, innovation, and community - values that have driven Sandgate Wreckers for nearly four decades.
A Family Legacy That’s Still Growing
The feature traces our story back to 1985, when Viv Connolly took over the family mechanical workshop, Connolly Motors, and soon after purchased Sandgate Wreckers. What started as a small, two-person operation in Brisbane’s north has grown into a state-of-the-art, twenty-first-century vehicle recycling yard employing 19 people and supplying customers across Australia.
Today, the business is led by Darren and Tanya Connolly, who have continued to build on Viv’s founding values of integrity, professionalism, and good old-fashioned service.
Next Generation, New Energy
In 2023, the next generation joined the fold when Darren’s son Mitch took on the role of Business Development and Innovations Manager.
“Since Mitch came on, he’s brought a whole lot of energy to the place,” Darren told Ignition Magazine. “When we started, we were still using an old analogue phone system. Now we’ve got phones that run through the computers. We’ve got the ability to send payment links to customers to make payments so much easier.”
Mitch has helped modernise inventory and racking systems, streamline ordering and dispatch processes, and strengthen relationships with long-term partners like Capricorn.
Proudly Part of the Capricorn Community
Sandgate Wreckers has been a Capricorn Preferred Supplier for 18 years, something the Connolly family takes great pride in.
“Members like using Capricorn suppliers,” Darren said. “They just ring up and say, ‘here’s my Capricorn number, send me the part.’ We say ‘OK.’ How easy is that? And for us, it also means we’re guaranteed payment.”
Tradition Meets Innovation
Even as the business evolves, some things haven’t changed. Viv still visits the yard three days a week, keeping an eye on operations and offering his trademark encouragement. His guiding principles remain the foundation of Sandgate Wreckers’ success: hard work, integrity, and a smile.
The article captures exactly what makes Sandgate Wreckers special - a family business that continues to grow, adapt, and lead in Australia’s auto recycling industry while never losing sight of its roots.
Read the full article here.
