Auto Women is proud to celebrate the exceptional finalists recognised in the 2025 MTA Queensland Women in Industry Award – a group of remarkable leaders who are reshaping the future of Queensland’s automotive sector through innovation, advocacy, technical excellence, and unwavering commitment to progress.
Together, these women reflect the strength, diversity, and momentum of a rapidly evolving automotive workforce. Auto Women co-founder, Kellie Dewar, said this year’s finalists represent the highest calibre of leadership across the sector.
“The women recognised in this year’s awards are leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” said Kellie. “Their achievements reach far beyond their businesses — they are redefining what’s possible for women in our industry and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.”
Congratulations to the 2025 Women in Industry Award Winner – Anne McClure
Anne McClure embodies the spirit of progress, leadership, and inclusion that Auto Women champions. As Managing Director of McClure Refinishing, Anne has led her business through significant growth while advocating tirelessly for youth engagement, women’s participation, and sustainable innovation across the collision repair sector, including the upcoming launch of Vesta Workwear – a woman-designed workwear brand set to address the market gap for women in automotive trades PPE gear.
A passionate industry advocate, Anne delivers hands-on career education in schools, hosts meaningful workplace experiences for students, and leads sustainability initiatives that have earned her local and national recognition, including 2024 Small Business of the Year at the Townsville Chamber of Commerce Awards and Owner/Manager of the Year at the 2024 Panel & Paint Women in Collision Awards.
Kellie added that Anne’s win is a celebration of both her leadership and her impact. “Anne leads with courage, compassion, and a commitment to progress. Her passion for innovation, sustainability, and creating opportunities for others is extraordinary. She is a role model not only for women, but for the entire industry.”
Congratulations to the 2025 finalists:
Courtney Armstrong – Armstrong Mechanical Solutions
A mechanical expert and entrepreneur, Courtney has built a women-led, trailblazing business servicing Queensland’s mining, civil, defence, and transport sectors. Through strategic preventative maintenance programs, oil analysis, diagnostics, and 24/7 mobile support, she has transformed Armstrong Mechanical Solutions into a trusted and rapidly expanding regional specialist. Courtney is known for her strong technical skill, inclusive leadership, and commitment to encouraging women into mechanical trades — proving that women can and do lead at the highest levels of heavy industry.
Briohny de Vere – Accelerate Auto Electrics & Off-Grid Touring
With 25 years in the industry, Briohny has evolved a small, family-run business into one of Australia’s leading names in auto electrics and off-grid touring systems. She leads operations, eCommerce growth, and educational outreach, producing highly viewed technical content that has reshaped public perceptions of who belongs in automotive. Briohny champions pathways for women in non-traditional roles, mentors her team, and represents a modern, dynamic form of automotive leadership rooted in innovation, communication, and customer insight.
Kellie Harrison – DMH Group
Kellie is a standout leader whose passion and drive have transformed her store and inspired her team. Rising from Assistant Manager to Store Manager of the largest shop in the DMH Group in just 12 months, she leads with authenticity, empathy, and exceptional business acumen. Kellie fosters an inclusive workplace culture, mentors staff of all ages and skill levels, and shows daily that leadership is about people first. Her impact across the DMH Group continues to grow, supported by her unwavering commitment to empowerment, community, and excellence.
Petrina Brims – Maryborough Service Centre
A powerhouse within regional automotive, Petrina has helped steer Maryborough Service Centre to become one of Australia’s most awarded independent workshops. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing new technologies, including ADAS calibration, and driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and gender equity. Petrina advocates strongly for women in automotive careers and contributes to workforce development across multiple regions. Innovative, community-minded, and future-focused, she is shaping a more dynamic, diverse, and technologically advanced sector.
