MTA Queensland has announced the 2025 Industry Award Finalists, unveiling the Queensland businesses and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive industry over the past year.
PETRINA BRIMS
Petrina Brims, Company Director of Maryborough Service Centre (MSC), is a dynamic leader driving innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in the automotive industry. Under her leadership, MSC has won Repco Authorised Service Centre of the Year (2024, 2012, 2009), the 2024 AAAA Excellence in Service & Repair Award, and other major accolades.
Petrina helped introduce Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology to her regional workshop, advancing independent repair capabilities. A strong advocate for women in automotive, she has supported female professionals, promotes inclusive hiring, and supports MTA Queensland career programs across Queensland, shaping a future-ready, customer-focused, and more inclusive automotive industry.
KELLIE HARRISON
Kellie Harrison, Store Manager of Bridgestone Orion – the largest store in the DMH Group – has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. Managing a team of up to 16, she fosters professional growth, inclusivity, and a strong workplace culture while delivering consistent business results.
Kellie actively mentors team members, promotes career pathways in automotive, and supports staff wellbeing through both professional initiatives and social engagement. Her passion, integrity, and strategic mindset are breaking barriers for women in the industry, inspiring the next generation of female leaders to dream big and achieve success.
COURTNEY ARMSTRONG
Armstrong Mechanical Solutions, led by Managing Director Courtney Armstrong, is a mechanical business delivering fleet maintenance, heavy diesel servicing, diagnostics, fabrication, and breakdown support across mining, civil, defence, and transport sectors.
Courtney introduced preventative maintenance programs featuring oil analysis and engineering insights to cut downtime and extend machinery life, rapidly growing the business through client referrals and a reputation for safety, quality, and innovation. A strong advocate for women in trades, she fosters an inclusive workplace and actively supports industry development through MTA Queensland and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce.
ANNE MCCLURE
Anne is Managing Director of McClure Refinishing in Townsville and has led the business to multiple accolades, including Small Business of the Year at the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Awards and Owner/Manager of the Year at the national Panel & Paint Women in Collision Awards.
She promotes automotive careers for women and youth through school expos, workshops, and STEM programs while driving sustainability with initiatives such as an in-house thinners recycling and waste-to-energy research at James Cook University. A board member of the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), Anne also supports Ladies in Drift and is launching Vesta Workwear – a brand dedicated to supporting women in the automotive trades and which is designed by women – to empower women in trades.
BRIOHNY DE VERE
Briohny de Vere has dedicated 25 years to the automotive industry, co-leading Accelerate Auto Electrics & Accelerate Off-Grid Touring on the Sunshine Coast. From its 2008 beginnings as a single-van operation, the business has grown to two workshops, employing 20 staff and pioneering bespoke 4WD off-grid touring systems and a thriving eCommerce division.
A strong advocate for women in automotive, Briohny has created pathways in customer service, marketing, sales, and education while producing over 200 educational YouTube videos with 3.5 million views. Her leadership combines innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, inspiring women and shaping Australia’s automotive future.
The 2025 Women in Industry Award winner will be announced at the Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, 29 November 2025.
