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About Women in Automotive

Since 1999, Women in Automotive (WinA) has been empowering women across all levels of the automotive industry. Originally a Victorian initiative under the VACC, WinA expanded nationally in 2024, marking its 25th anniversary with new owners and a fresh leadership team.

WinA has supported women through education, apprenticeships, and networking events, helping them thrive in roles ranging from trades to leadership positions. Today, WinA is trusted by thousands across Australia's automotive sector, from mechanics to CEOs, panel beaters to rally champions.

WinA is independently owned by passionate automotive experts - Rachel Butler and Kate Peck. With decades of experience across media, retail, manufacturing, and insurance, these industry leaders have come together to drive meaningful change.

Kate Peck

Director

Kate Peck emerged onto the scene at 16 through Channel Ten's Search for a Supermodel, embarking on an unexpected career trajectory. Following international modelling gigs, she shifted to online studies before transitioning from the catwalk to TV.

A three-month motorcycle journey across Africa changed her life, leading to roles like Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2012 ambassador and MTV Australia's VJ. Collaborating with Nat Geo People, Kate co-produced 'A Model Adventure,' tackling iconic Australian challenges partially from the back of a motorbike and part navigating in a truck in the Kalgoorlie desert race.

From here Kate spent five years at Channel 10 co-hosting the popular weekly motoring program RPM and broadened her skills by spending two years as a Director on the Board of Motorcycling NSW. Currently the host of The Aus Moto Show, the live broadcast of ProMX on SBS and Stan, and as a senior journalist at Torquecafe.com, she ferociously promotes women in all areas of motoring. Since 2018 she has also been a FIA Motorsport Australia Girls on Track Ambassador. Based in Sydney NSW with her auto loving partner and budding biker toddler, you will generally find her at a racetrack or a wine bar.

Rachel Reed Butler

Director

Rachel Reed Butler has over 25 years’ experience predominantly in the automotive industry, spanning the automotive insurance sector and the national operations of some of Australia's most successful premium car brands, including BMW Group Australia, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) and Mercedes-Benz Australia. She has held senior management roles focussing on lifestyle media relations, partnerships, sponsorships, brand communications and events.

As a freelancer operating her own communications agency for the past 7 years, she has applied these skills to clients in the luxury real estate, mass media and hospitality industries. Including freelance presenting on Whichcar TV and Project Managing The Australian Motoring Awards for the then named Bauer Media group.

Rachel sat on the steering committee for Women in Automotive since 2020 and worked for the program managing the marketing and communications for a term as well as care-taking the entire program during 2023. Residing in Geelong, Victoria, with her motoring journalist husband and two toddler boys, their lives are very much filled up with a passion for all things with wheels!

FAQs

What is WinA?

Women in Automotive has been bringing together passionate professionals since 1999, when the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) founded our vibrant community.

We're all about creating meaningful connections and opening doors for women in the automotive industry. Through carefully curated experiences, engaging content, and genuine industry relationships, we've built a space where members can shine and be celebrated, swap stories, tap into expert wisdom, and really thrive in their careers.

We love seeing ambition and curiosity come to life – whether that's through sharing wins, exploring new ideas, or lifting each other up as we grow. It's a community where success is something we chase together.

How does it work?

We provide a network for women and non-binary who are interested in the broad world of automotive to connect.

Is WinA not for profit?

No, we are an independent business.

How big is your community?

We are currently reaching just over 14,000 people nationally across our channels of Linkedin, membership database, Facebook and Instagram. These numbers increase week on week so please get in touch with us for up to date audience and demographic data. Current numbers are 14,400 at 22/10/25.

What about men's involvement?

We encourage this. Our aim is to be inclusive, and although we largely cater for women as that is the group that we identified requires more support in this area, we recognise that we don’t want to do this without our male friends, colleagues and partners. Stronger together.

Can I be a man and be a member? Can men attend events?

Yes. Everyone is welcome.

How old do I need to be to be a member?

There are no age requirements. Come one, come all.

What do I get for being a member?

Engaging and interesting content, WinA benefits from partners, mentorship, education and networking. Overall, access to an incredible community of powerhouse women who are working, interested and inspired by automotive.

What events do you have this year?

We run a series of our large Signature Series Events around the country. We have not scheduled the 2026 events yet but sign up for our newsletter and follow us on our social channels to be the first to hear when one is booked in!

How do I get involved?

Sign up as a member
Get your company or business to become a corporate member or event partner
Get in touch, we’d love to hear your ideas!

Can we partner with WinA?

Absolutely! We have opportunities for event partners and annual partners. We also work with you on a partnership that will suit the needs and interests of your business.

Can we have WinA speak at our event?

Yes, the Directors of WinA are available to request as MC’s, keynote speakers, panellists or panel moderators at your next event.

Can we advertise with you?

Yes, we have a number of advertising opportunities across our website, newsletter and job board as well as integrated advertising campaigns. Please get in touch with us for rates and to discuss further.

Is WinA a national organisation?

We are a national organisation. Although founded in Victoria by the VACC, since early 2024 WinA has expanded to include all States.

IDo I need to work with cars to be a part of this epic community?

No way! Have you seen a car? Do you want to connect with inspiring and like-minded women? You’re in!

Are non-binary and trans members included in Women in Automotive?

Everyone is welcome regardless of gender, race, religion.

How do I become a mentor?

At this stage, send us an email to register your interest and we will come back to you once we have more information on our mentor program.

How can I gain access to the mentors?

At this stage, please send us an email with your particular wants and needs in a mentor and we will be in touch once we have more information on our mentor program

Further questions or ideas?

Let's get them answered. Email us hello@womeninautomotive.com.au