Auto Women Brisbane returned in 2026 with incredible momentum, welcoming more than 130 guests to Victoria Park for an evening dedicated to connection, celebration and supporting the women shaping Australia’s automotive industry.
Bringing together apprentices, tradespeople, office professionals, business owners, industry leaders and supporters, the event showcased the strength, diversity and growing presence of women across every corner of the sector.
The evening began with sunset drinks overlooking the Brisbane skyline, as guests connected and shared experiences in a relaxed and welcoming environment. From there, attendees moved inside for a two-course dinner and a program centred on meaningful conversation, inspiration and community.
Speaking on the night, Auto Women Co-Founder Kellie Dewar reflected on the growth of the initiative and the overwhelming support it has received.
“When we first started looking at this project it was based on the very complex theory of if we build it, they will come . . . and thank goodness people did,” she said. “I completely underestimated the support we would get for this, and I am grateful every day for the support we continue to receive.”
Kellie also highlighted the program’s continued expansion beyond Queensland, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Auto Women.
“We have recently launched Auto Women nationally with a dedicated website . . . and there is another Auto Women event happening today . . . a lunch event was hosted in Western Australia, and we can’t wait to see more of them being hosted around the country.”
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A Powerful Keynote from Romy Mayer
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address from Romy Mayer, one of the most respected figures in Australian motorsport and Supercars’ first female Race Engineer.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in elite racing environments, Romy shared insights into leadership, teamwork and performing under pressure, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look into the high-stakes world of motorsport.
Her reflections on decision-making, resilience and backing yourself in moments of uncertainty resonated deeply with the audience, sparking meaningful conversations that continued well beyond her presentation.
Romy’s story served as a powerful reminder that success is not always linear, and that confidence, courage and conviction are critical in navigating both professional and personal challenges.
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Building a Stronger, More Connected Industry
Throughout the evening, guests experienced genuine networking opportunities, curated gift bags, and a strong sense of community that continues to define Auto Women events.
More than just a dinner, Auto Women Brisbane reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women and their supporters can come together to share experiences, build connections and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive automotive industry.
With growing national reach and continued industry support, Auto Women is set to expand its impact even further, bringing more events to communities across Australia.
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Auto Women extends its sincere thanks to all attendees, partners and contributors who helped make the evening such a success, including the incredible event sponsors: Capricorn, CareSuper, BUSY Sisters, Carbiz, and National Quality Consulting.
Additionally, thank you to the incredible gift bag sponsors, Outback Armour, TradeMutt, Yarn, TeaTonic, and Selfawear!
