If you needed proof that Women in Collision has firmly earned its place on the industry calendar, you only had to step into the elegant surrounds of Doltone House in Sydney's Hyde Park last Friday13 February.
More than 200 people - and yes, plenty of men among them - gathered for this year’s awards lunch, creating an atmosphere that was warm, confident and genuinely upbeat.
The tone was set early by keynote speaker Brenda Denbesten, whose career path has taken a few unexpected turns. As she told the audience, she once imagined herself working for L’Oréal – because she’s worth it – only to find herself instead flying in and out of remote mine sites in Western Australia, hard hat on, red dust in her eyelashes, working as an engineer in environments where women were few and far between.
Brenda spoke about the three Cs she believes you need to succeed in your career: courage, confidence and community. Her message wasn’t abstract. It was practical. Back yourself. Build your network. Stay in the room when it gets uncomfortable. Brenda summed up the event beautifully on a Linkedin post: "The stories, the grit, the pride in this industry… you could feel it in every corner of the room. These women are not just building careers – they’re shaping the future of an industry that’s stronger because they’re in it.
"What I loved most was the vibe: celebration, laughter, honesty, and that shared recognition of just how far this community has come – and where it’s headed next."
Next up was Kellie Dewar, founder of Auto Women – a Queensland initiative that has now grown nationally. What started as a local support network is spreading its wings across the country with a clear vision: to inspire confidence, build community and champion success at every stage of a woman’s journey in automotive. Kellie spoke about visibility and connection, not as slogans but as tangible change. When women see others succeeding in technical, operational and leadership roles, it shifts what feels possible. Auto Women is working to make that shift permanent.
Then Jing Tadeo from Toyota Australia took the microphone and quickly had the room in stitches. Jing shared her journey from arriving in Australia from Malaysia to building her career within one of the world’s largest automotive organisations. Along the way there were cultural missteps – including famously misunderstanding a colleague being described as “crook” and assuming something far more alarming than a simple sick day.
Her story was funny, honest and refreshingly real – proof that confidence often comes from navigating the bumps rather than avoiding them. Last but by no means least we heard from Keira Dyer, IAG's manager of motor assessing operations, who talked about why it's so important to IAG to be the Platinum Sponsor of these awards and how it aligns so well with the insurer's culture.
After a relaxed lunch, it was time for the main event: revealing this year’s winners.There were stirring speeches, a few restrained tears and plenty of applause. Each name called was met with enthusiastic applause. When the formalities wrapped, the energy didn’t fade. Guests crossed the hall to the Carbiz-sponsored kick-ons, where conversations carried on and new connections and friendships were made.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. It was confident, celebratory and generous. Elly Wildermoth of DRS Group said: "Such a great event. The speakers were relatable, insightful and incredibly well prepared. The turnout was amazing, and the bright, open space created the perfect atmosphere to genuinely connect and have meaningful conversations."
Thanks to all of our sponsors without whom we couldn't have created such a successful event and for their continued support of the awards program. Thanks to last years winners who made up this year's judging panel. Lastly, thanks to Chanel Borg and her team at Two De Force who organised the event and worked so hard to ensure it went seamlessly.
2025 Women in Collision Winners
(Click on the winner's name to read their award profile)
Owner / Manager
Shari Agnew, Sommerville Smash Repairs, QLD
Tracey Richards, Geoff Richards Panel Beating, NSW
Customer Service
Lauren Flint, Fortress Collision Repair Services, QLD
Alayna Uduste, MotorOne Autobody, QLD
Office Professional
Rita Hardham, DSI Panels Group, VIC
Adina Nijemcevic, AMA Group, VIC
Parts Manager
Leesa Fox, Gold Coast Collision Centre, QLD
Danielle Petta ,Fortress Collision Repair Services, NSW
Technician
Caitlin Fraser, Richmond Prestige Smash Repairs, NSW
Shané Meyer, McClure Refinishing ,QLD
Estimator
Cahrin Rattenbury, AMA Collision - Gemini Mitchell, ACT