A people first approach, mixed with a desire to see the industry succeed, Hiliary Bradbury from the ACIA is one name behind a team of industry veterans aiming to uplift the collision repair industry.
Hiliary Bradbury ensures that her work is centred around one element: people. With a strong focus and a genuine care for the industry, Hiliary’s investment is geared towards long-term success.
Wearing many different hats and managing multiple different roles, Hiliary thrives on jumping in at the deep end and embracing the challenges in the repair industry. Hiliary’s keen interest in creating and supporting the collision repair industry has manifested in a few different ways.
Whether it’s being part of the Australian Collision Industry Alliance, attending career events and trade expos, or her role at the Auto Glass Association, to mastering virtual reality spray painting systems, her commitment is always evident.
Hiliary’s involvement in the repair industry
Based in Brisbane, Hiliary is the executive administrator for the ACIA and Secretariat for the AGA.
Her role with ACIA is to look after the administration side of things, which includes managing the memberships, databases and working closely with the ACIA board, ensuring good governance and function.
Hiliary is also involved in numerous action groups within the Alliance, where her role is to assist with the action groups activities, whether it be communications and marketing, financial and audits or events and expos.
Hiliary highlights how the main goal of the ACIA is to change the perception of the industry through generating interest for people to take a second look.
“I get to attend a lot of fun events and meet a broad range of people,” Hiliary says.
“At these career events we are always looking for a way to maximise the exposure of the industry and get as many people on board as possible.”
The broadness of her multiple roles keeps her engaged in the industry, and up to date with the latest challenges and changes.
Hiliary acknowledged how her roles aren’t necessarily hours based, but are rooted in a passion for the ACIA’s cause – to uplift the industry from the grass roots level.
“We try and get others to share the vision and passion for the industry too,” Hiliary says.
As well as being an advocate with the ACIA, Hiliary and her partner also own auto glazing businesses.
“There is a synergy between the glass industry and collision repair. Through my associations with the auto glass industry, I was introduced to the ACIA to work with them,” Hiliary says.
‘The two industries complement each other well.”
Uplifting the industry
A significant part of Hiliary’s work is promoting the industry in alignment with the vision of the ACIA.
“It’s all about educating young people and their parents that the industry has changed,” Hiliary says.
“We aim to give them the view that collision repair isn’t what it used to be. It is a highly technical trade. It’s a very attractive career pathway with opportunities.”
For Hiliary, helping people to see the reality of the industry is her main focus while she is at industry events.
“I love to help develop people,” Hiliary says.
“When we speak to the parents at the career days we try to open their eyes to careers in the collision industry.”
“Most people only know about the mechanic side of the automotive industry, so it’s great to explain and share the possibilities available in the repair industry specifically.”
Female representation in the industry has been one of the many focuses for the ACIA, and Hiliary actively encourages females to rethink a career in the industry.
“There is an artistic side to the industry that not many people know about,” Hiliary says.
“When we speak to young girls, the artistic side to spray painting is often of interest to them because a lot of them enjoy being creative, and a career in spray painting is just another way of expressing that.”
“It’s all about providing an opportunity for people to consider a career in collision repair.”
Networking and connecting with other females in the industry has identified the multiple roles females can explore if they give the industry a chance.
“I met some inspiring young ladies at a women’s event last year. They were all spray painters and have now gone into parts, estimating and the quoting sides of the business,” Hiliary says.
Changing the perception of the industry, and creating a culture among workshops to embrace change, is at the forefront of Hiliary’s ethos.
“The ACIA is a great tool for the industry. Everyone knows there are issues with the ageing workforce, retaining staff and attracting people in the industry,” Hiliary says.
“The industry is on a huge curve, and the technological updates and advancements are constant. There are so many new skills that need to be learned.”
Hiliary believes the industry needs to pivot towards focussing on learning, evolving and growing. She aims to create a fresh atmosphere in the industry that is excited by change and technology.
“We are trying to encourage a new mindset. It’s all about a long-term goal,” she says. “We have to be prepared to move forward and adapt to the changes. At the ACIA we have great support from the suppliers, we now just have to convince the smaller operators that there is a long-term benefit to investing in the future.”
What’s next
In her role with the AGA Hiliary is currently preparing for the Auto Glass Trade Show, which will be held in Melbourne on the 9th of November. (See page 54 for more details.)
Forecasting into 2025, the ACIA will be at Summernats in January, chatting to motor vehicle enthusiasts. Hiliary will also be representing ACIA at multiple Career Events when the calendar commences again in 2025.
“We meet a lot of people who have a passion for vehicles, and we love to spotlight our industry and let them know they can turn their passions into a fulfilling career,” Hiliary says.
Her continued motivation all boils down to one central element: the people. Whether that is other industry members, students at a careers day or general members of the public, Hiliary is passionate for the growth of the industry.
“The ACIA aims to be the united front for the collision industry, backed by a strong and trusted guidance,” Hiliary says.
“It is a great industry to be in, and we want more people to know how great it is.”