It was our biggest and best Women in Collision event yet. Around 170 people gathered at the funky venue Number 10 in Sydney’s Darlinghurst.
It certainly got off to an unexpected start with a fire alarm and everyone mingling on the street. Once everyone was inside there were drinks and canapés and plenty of networking. The event kicked off with an introduction from yours truly with a couple of reflections of how far the recognition of women’s vital role and achievement in the industry had come over the last decade of these awards, with of course acknowledgement there is still a way to go.
Our keynote speaker Lucy Bloom was a blast. Her story is truly inspirational, starting out with a motorbike wipeout on the Harbour Bridge and nearly losing her leg. By embracing a positive mindset of thinking about best case scenario outcomes she made a full recovery and started her own advertising agency. She then went onto philanthropic work as the CEO of a charity which raised money for African initiatives. Her presentation made everyone laugh and all the people I talked to afterwards commented on what an amazing speaker she is.
We were very fortunate to have Michelle Klein from IAG as a speaker. Klein is the Chief Customer and Marketing Officer and has worked all around the world including being vice president of global business marketing at Meta (Facebook). Klein shared her journey and also talked about the customer journey and how important it is to IAG.
George Manos IAG's Manager Industry Risk and Governance and a truly enthusiastic supporter of the Women in Collision Awards spoke briefly about why IAG is the Platinum Sponsor and how this program aligns with IAG's values around diversity.
Sarah Moynihan of Fortress Collision Repair Group and board director of the Australian Collision Industry Alliance gave a brief presentation about the not for profit’s aims and about the activities of her working group within it - the diversity and inclusion group.
After dessert is was time to reveal the two winners in the five categories. All the winners gave acceptance speeches. There were a few tears and so much humility and surprise. Thank you to all of the many sponsors who are so enthusiastic about their support for these awards, especially to Platinum Sponsor IAG. All big thanks to Carbiz for shouting the well attended kick on event at a lovely venue nearby.
Congratulations to all of the finalists, you are all stars.
Technicians/Estimators finalists
Kim Black Mikes Panel and Paint Repairs QLD
Caitlin Brodie JV Crash Repairs SA
Jordan Lavergne Alexander Bodyworks QLD
Cahrin Rattenbury Gemini Mitchell ACT
Mia Simione Campbelltown Smash Repairs NSW
Jessica Smith TNT Motor Mechanics and Spraypainters WA
Technicians/Estimators winners
Mia Simione Campbelltown Smash Repairs NSW
Jessica Smith TNT Motor Mechanics and Spraypainters WA
Owner/Manager Finalists
Leah Cahill Northside Smash Repairs QLD
Michelle Febrache Essendon Panel Service VIC
Kristy Fragomeni Everything Automotive WA
Clarissa Iacobucci DSI Panels Group VIC
Sally O'Meara Bendigo Accident Repair Centre Vic
Helena Willmot Willmot Smash Repair Specialists QLD
Owner/Manager Winners
Leah Cahill Northside Smash Repairs QLD
Clarissa Iacobucci DSI Panels Group VIC
Admin / Customer Service Finalists
Taleena Fitz Gemini Townsville QLD
Chantel Griezans Action Smart Group NSW
Chantelle Grills Wales Truck Repairs NSW
Jacqui Meadows Vanderpoel Smash Repairs NSW
Sara Metcalfe Gemini Pinkenba QLD
Olivia Ott Tony Farrugia Bodyworks ACT
Kate Quinn Cuthbert Automotive VIC
Jemen Wong Quest Collision Centre NSW
Admin / Customer Service winners
Olivia Ott Tony Farrugia Bodyworks ACT
Chantel Griezans Action Smart Group NSW
Parts Manager finalists
Rebecca Bencich DSI Panels VIC
Chelsea Donges Fortress Collision Repair Services QLD
Carlie Martin Gemini Rockhampton QLD
Juliet Muncunabitu Action Smart Group NSW
Vicki Pryor Gemini Pinkenba QLD
Nicole Tukavkin Fix Auto Somerville VIC
Parts Manager winners
Chelsea Donges Fortress Collision Repair Services QLD
Carlie Martin Gemini Rockhampton QLD
Industry Supplier Representative finalists
Ria Anderson Sherwin-Williams Automotive NSW
Rachel Daly Work Skills QLD
Charlotte Decker Compass NSW
Debbie Evans Wallaby Crash Supplies NSW
Dawn Lim sia Abrasives WA
Melanie Swift Axalta NSW
Industry Supplier Representative winners
Dawn Lim sia Abrasives WA
Rachel Daly Work Skills QLD
Quotes from people who attended Women in Collision
"Thank you Sam and your team for hosting a wonderful, inspiring and fun event. We all had such a marvellous time celebrating such a meaningful occasion. I look so forward to being a part of next year’s event by being a judge and reading everyone’s submissions."
Olivia Ott, Tony Farrugia Bodyworks
"We had a great afternoon celebrating all the fantastic women in our industry, guest speakers were awesome, finalists and winners were deserving, after party drinks function a bit of a blurr! Lots of fun.– looking forward to going again next year!"
David Iacobucci DSI Panel Group
“Congratulations to all the amazing women in collision – not only the winners, but finalists as well. An amazing achievement from a very talented group of people. An exceptionally well-run event by Sam and the team at Paint and Panel.”
Darren Wales AMA Group
"I attended the Women in Collision Awards event for the first time last Friday. The support provided by the Collision Repair Industry to women was amazing. It was inspiring to see the passion and emotion of the finalists and winners. I spoke to some young finalists about their career choices, and it was very motivating. One of those young ladies won in her category and was astounded. Her mother was with her and so proud. As Executive Administrator at the Australian Collision Industry Alliance, I felt privileged to be a part of such an inspiring event."
Hiliary Bradbury Australian Collision Industry Alliance