Auto Women

16/06/2026

From pharmacy and hospitality to collision repair, industry advocacy and workwear innovation, Anne McClure’s automotive journey proves that there is no single pathway to success.

As Managing Director of McClure Refinishing, founder of Vesta Workwear, and recipient of multiple industry awards, Anne has become one of Queensland’s most influential voices in collision repair.

In this month’s Behind the Wheel feature, Anne shares:
🔧 How she unexpectedly found her place in the automotive industry
🔧 The challenges of stepping into workshop ownership with no automotive background
🔧 Why the future of collision repair is more high-tech and exciting than ever
🔧 Her mission to attract more women into the industry
🔧 The story behind Vesta Workwear and the development of PPE designed specifically for women in the trades

Perhaps most importantly, Anne reminds us that some of the most rewarding careers begin when we take a chance on something new.

“If you’re thinking, ‘I do enjoy cars, I enjoy being around them,’ then give it a shot.”

Through her leadership, advocacy and determination to create a more inclusive industry, Anne is helping ensure the next generation of women entering automotive can see a place for themselves - and have the support they need to thrive.

Read Anne’s full story in this month’s Behind the Wheel feature.
📽https://youtu.be/wXo3xisM9iQ
🔗https://autowomen.com.au/anne-mcclure/

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12/06/2026

Another fantastic evening for Auto Women, this time in Gladstone! 💜✨

It was wonderful to see so many women from across the automotive industry come together to share experiences, build new connections, and support one another.

These events are all about creating meaningful conversations, celebrating career journeys, and strengthening the network of women driving our industry forward.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our event sponsors CareSuper, Capricorn Society and BUSY Sisters for their continued support in making these opportunities possible. 🙌

Next stop: Cairns! 📍

10/06/2026

After Elle's recent workshop with Auto Women, one thing became very clear: A lot of women are functioning… but not actually feeling well.

They’re tired. Stressed. Running on adrenaline. Struggling with sleep, energy, weight, hormones or burnout. And many have normalised feeling that way.

After her own cancer diagnosis, Elle realised that real health is about much more than looking “healthy” on the outside.

It’s about learning how to properly support your body with:
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Movement
• Stress management
• Recovery
• Routines that are actually sustainable

That’s why Elle created her 7-module Feel Better Blueprint, alongside personalised coaching for women who want more tailored support.

And she's got two special offers for Auto Women: $100 off her Feel Better Blueprint using code 'BETTER' or 20% off her personalised coaching.

Join her series, or book a health coaching conversation today
Learn more👉https://www.ownyourhealthcoach.com.au/

Own Your Health With Elle

01/06/2026

Stress doesn't always look like stress.

It can show up as:
😴Feeling exhausted after the weekend
👩‍💼Trouble switching off after work
🤨Irritability
💭Poor Concentration

And whilst many women dismiss these signs as simply being "busy", there's more happening under the surface.

Join our upcoming Connect session and learn practical strategies on building resilience and managing stress with Own Your Health With Elle.

9 June | Online | 12 - 1pm
Register now - https://bit.ly/4dJSxAe

29/05/2026

What an incredible turnout at our Auto Women Social event in Mackay last night! ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us to connect, network, and celebrate the women making an impact across the automotive industry.

Events like these play an important role in strengthening industry networks, fostering collaboration, and creating more opportunities for women across the sector. 💜

A special shout out to our event sponsors CareSuper, Capricorn Society and BUSY Sisters for helping make the evening possible 🙌

Next stop - Gladstone! 📍

26/05/2026

For many women, stress isn’t caused by one big thing - it’s often the accumulation of many small pressures over time.

Join us on 9 June as Elle Sproll shares practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience and creating a healthier definition of success.

Register here 👉https://bit.ly/4dJSxAe

23/05/2026

From studying Ancient Greece and Rome to becoming one of Australia’s most influential voices in collision repair, Sam Street’s automotive journey is proof that careers don’t always follow a straight line.

As Editor of Australasian Paint & Panel magazine for the past 15 years, Sam has helped champion the collision repair industry, celebrate its people, and shine a spotlight on the incredible women shaping its future.

In this episode of Auto Women’s Behind the Wheel series, Sam shares:
🚗 How a cheeky letter to a classic car magazine launched her automotive career
🏆 The evolution of the Paint & Panel Bodyshop Awards and Women in Collision Awards
🤝 Why networking is one of the most valuable career tools you’ll ever have
🔧 The exciting opportunities available in the collision repair sector
💡 The advice she would give her younger self about backing herself and taking opportunities

One of our favourite takeaways?
“Networking is one of the most valuable things you can do, whatever you do in life. What you know is important, but who you know is important too.”

Thank you, Sam, for your passion, advocacy and unwavering commitment to promoting the collision repair industry and the people who make it such a dynamic and rewarding sector to be part of.

🎥 Watch the full interview below!

Get Behind the Wheel with Sam Street, Editor of Paint and Panel Mag...

21/05/2026

What does success cost? 🤔

Many women are balancing careers, families, study, leadership responsibilities and everything in between.

Over time, the pressure can build gradually - showing up as stress, exhaustion, poor boundaries, declining wellbeing, or simply feeling like you’re constantly running on empty 😔

Join us for the first 2026 Auto Women Connect webinar as we welcome Elle Sproll, Health & Nutrition Coach and Founder of Own Your Health With Elle

After being diagnosed with aggressive Breast Cancer at just 33, despite appearing healthy and high-performing, Elle completely redefined her understanding of resilience, stress and sustainable success. She now helps women regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and protect their long-term health without sacrificing ambition - equipping those in high-pressure industries to build careers that are sustainable, not self-destructive.

In this practical session you’ll learn how to:
✔ Build resilience in demanding environments,
✔ Better manage stress and competing priorities
✔ Create healthier boundaries
✔ Develop sustainable strategies to support long-term wellbeing and career success

📅 Tuesday 9 June
💻Online
⏰ 12pm–1pm (AEST)
🎟 Register now - https://bit.ly/4dJSxAe

19/05/2026

Congratulations to our Round 1, 2026 Auto Women Scholarship Recipients! ✨

🎓Elsie Miklovic, Eagers Automotive Mt Gravatt | Executive Ready
"This scholarship represents an opportunity I intend to honour not just through my own career progression, but through the tangible difference I can make for the women I work alongside," said Elsie. "I am committed to using what I learn to elevate the standards, visibility, and opportunities available to women in the automotive industry, and to being a resource that others can turn to as they navigate their own paths," said Elsie.

🎓Taylah Johnson, McCarthy Panel Works | Leading Edge
"I am deeply honoured to receive this scholarship," said Taylah. "The automotive industry is full of opportunities, and I am committed to continuing to grow, to learn, and to contribute to a culture where others - particularly young women - can see a real and rewarding future here."

These scholarships are designed to support women across the automotive sector by creating opportunities for professional development, leadership growth and career progression.

We are continually inspired by the passion, determination and ambition of the women within our industry, and we’re excited to follow the journeys of our recipients as they continue to make their mark in automotive.

Thank you to everyone who applied and shared their stories with us!

The Auto Women Scholarships are presented by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland - MTAQ, in partnership with Women & Leadership Australia, and proudly supported by CareSuper.

15/05/2026

A huge congratulations to Anne McClure on the launch of Vesta Workwear and the new Apex spray suit - designed specifically with female automotive spray painters in mind 👏🎨

Created in Queensland and shaped by real industry experience, the Apex suit has been thoughtfully designed to improve comfort, movement, practicality and safety for women working in collision repair.

What started as frustration around the lack of suitable PPE for female apprentices has grown into an innovative new product and brand that is already making an impact across the industry.

Seeing women identify gaps, create solutions, and drive innovation within automotive is incredibly exciting - not only for the collision repair sector, but for the future of the industry as a whole.

We can’t wait to continue following Anne and the journey of Vesta Workwear as the brand grows.

P.S. Keep an eye out for Anne's upcoming feature in Behind the Wheel!