Hot on the heels of the Bodyshop Awards, we now invite nominations for the 2026 Women in Collision Awards. This prestigious recognition program shines a light on the many awesome women powering our industry.
The 2026 Women in Collision Awards and Seminar will take place on Friday 26 February at the elegant Doltone House Hyde Park in Sydney. From modest beginnings in 2014, the program has been wholeheartedly embraced by the industry, attracting more than 200 nominations and over 200 guests last year.
As always, the day will feature inspiring speakers, moving stories and some thoroughly well-deserved recognition. Once the awards have been presented, Carbiz will again host the post-lunch “kick-on”, conveniently located at the same venue.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate.
We’re expecting more than 250 people to join us for what has become the collision industry’s first major networking event of the year. With eight categories there's a spot for your favourite female colleague from technicians to managers, office professional to parts managers.
George Manos, Manager, Industry Risk & Governance at Platinum Sponsor IAG, said: “IAG is proud to have been the inaugural Platinum sponsor of the Women in Collision Awards. We’re delighted to continue supporting this program that celebrates women’s contributions, promotes gender equity, and shines a spotlight on the career opportunities available in collision repair.”
Award categories
Owner/Manager
Parts Manager
Technician
Estimator
Customer Service
Office Professional
Industry Supplier Representative
Rising Star
How judging works
The judging panel is made up of the previous year’s winners. With nominations continuing to grow, it is no longer practical for every judge to read every entry during the first round.
Instead, the two previous winners from each category assess the nominations in their category and select the strongest entries. All judges then review the shortlisted nominations across every category and vote to decide the final two winners in each.
The more detail you provide about how your nominee contributes to the business, supports her colleagues and makes a difference, the greater her chance of standing out. A couple of sentences in each section will not be enough, so take the time to tell her story properly.
The winners will be profiled in Paint & Panel magazine and presented with their trophies and limited-edition winner polo shirts at the awards lunch and seminar.
Community and support
The closed Women in Collision Facebook group now has over 450 members who share industry insights, advice and support. All women working in the collision repair industry are welcome to join.
Nominated before?
If you have nominated someone previously and she did not make the finalist list, don’t be discouraged. A new panel of judges assesses the entries each year, so nominate her again and add more detail wherever you can.
Even before the judging begins, a nomination tells a member of your team that her contribution has been noticed and valued.
Entries close at 4pm on Friday 23 October 2026.
Finalists will be announced on Monday 16 November.
