AFTER 25 years under Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) stewardship, Women in Automotive has transferred to independent control led by experienced industry professionals Rachel Reed-Butler, Nadine Armstrong and Kate Peck.

With a track record of assisting and supporting womens’ participation in all levels of the Australian automotive sector as well as hosting networking and motivational events and seminars, Women in Automotive is rolling out an ambitious national growth plan under its new leadership.

The Women in Automotive program reaches 10,500 people working in all aspects of the automotive industry throughout Australia from panel-beaters to dealer principals, apprentice mechanics to marketing managers and CEOs to rally champions through its various initiatives, with major growth plans starting with a national expansion of its membership base and events calendar.

Rachel Reed-Butler, Director, Women in Automotive

Now independently run for the first time, Women in Automotive continues to have the support of the VACC as a founding partner but has an expanded scope to operate outside of Victoria.

“Without the VACC’s steadfast commitment to date, Women in Automotive would not be where we are today, and we thank them for their efforts. We also thank them for entrusting us with the future of Women in Automotive,” said Ms Reed-Butler.

“We’re going to accelerate everything: more networking, more educational events and seminars, more member collaboration, and more industry and expert guidance so that Australia’s automotive industry becomes a beacon of inclusivity on a national scale.”

Geelong-based Ms Reed-Butler brings a wealth of experience to Women in Automotive from more than two decades in brand communications, media relations, and event management at brands including BMW Group Australia, Fiat Chrysler Australia and Mercedes-Benz Australia, as well as her own communications agency.

Kate Peck, Director, Women in Automotive

She has been part of Women in Automotive’s steering committee since 2020 and served as caretaker for the programme during 2023 prior to its transfer away from VACC. As well as a director of Women in Automotive, she is also the organisation’s main spokesperson.

Ms Armstrong, a motoring journalist and Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year judge whose current role is Carsales.com.au consumer editor based in Melbourne, has served on the Women in Automotive steering committee since 2016 as a driving force behind Women in Automotive’s mission.

Sydney-based Ms Peck, known for her multifaceted career spanning modeling, television hosting, journalism and advocacy – both on the board of Motorcycling NSW and, along with Ms Armstrong, as an ambassador for the FIA Motorsport Australia Girls on Track initiative – has also been affiliated with Women in Automotive for a number of years.

Ms Reed-Butler said the trio’s decision to become the new custodians of Women in Automotive was a natural next step.

“We know first-hand the challenges that women face in this vibrant and growing industry, and we’ve seen how fostering collaboration, education and networking can provide the support necessary to overcome these challenges,” she explained.

Nadine Armstrong, Director, Women in Automotive

“Women continue to be underpaid and underrepresented in the Australian automotive industry, from apprenticeships to boardrooms,” said Ms Reed-Butler, who added that studies by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency revealed the sector to have a 19 per cent pay gap between male and female participants.

“The Australian automotive industry has taken great strides in transitioning from its male-dominated roots into a more inclusive and supportive career choice for all Australians, but we’ve really only seen the first steps.”