The winner of the National Collision Repairer awards, 2025 Woman in Automotive Award, has been announced as part of an exciting night in Melbourne.
Fix Auto Mulgrave owner Lana Pagiamtzis was announced as the winner for the prestigious Woman in Automotive Award as an outstanding role model for the collision repair sector.
The Woman in Automotive Award, which joined the Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2024 seeks to honour a female professional in the industry who has been a promoter of positive change.
Recipients not only showcase their own contributions to diversity and inclusion but also exemplify the skill to inspire more women to embrace opportunities in the field.
Pioneering spirit
Lana, an early adopter of new ideas and technologies was one of the first members of the Fix Network’s operations in Australia.
After running the repair business as a sole owner, in 2016 Lana took the leap and flew to Canada to see how the network operated and was impressed by what she discovered.
Receiving the award on her behalf was Cathy Mastrogiannoks who said while Lana came to collision repair through bookkeeping, once she fell in love with the industry there was no stopping her.
“I so proud, because she’s not only my boss, but she’s my sister,” Cathy said. “I am super proud at what she has achieved in this industry, and watching her dominate it in such a male-dominated industry. It’s truly an honour for her and she will be so proud. Thank you.”
Cathy extended her thanks on Lana’s behalf to the Fix Network team and their ongoing support and the fabulous team at Fix Auto Mulgrave.
Growth and Support
As owner and manager of Fix Auto Mulgrave, now an integral part of the Fix Auto network in Australia, Lana has successfully grown her business, expanding staff from five to 25 and quadrupling turnover.
Lana has been a strong advocate for the ‘family culture’ within a workshop, one she found replicated in the Fix Network’s work’s culture.
Her capacity to develop and support employees as well as focus on a culture of continual improvement and quality customer outcomes has been core to her success.
Her decision to join the Fix Network, has provided her with invaluable support in managing daily operations, liaising with insurers, and staying current with industry trends.
Lana is also focused on training, EV readiness, and overcoming recruitment challenges, ensuring her team is well-equipped for the future of the collision repair industry.
Lana Pagiamtzis won the award over a prestigious line-of finalists for the Woman in Automotive Award including;
The finalists:
Colette Kirby – Logicar
For 9 years as CEO of Logicar, Colette has led the business with a focus on customer experience, community engagement, equality, diversity, inclusiveness and most recently, mental health.
Colette has grown Logicar as a trusted brand and extended her leadership to the industry by raising awareness of these issues, nominating and being elected to the Board of the AAAA.
Her role as a Director on the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has allowed Colette to drive positive change at an industry level. Through this platform, she has been able to advocate for independent businesses, influence
key industry conversations, and support initiatives that benefit the broader aftermarket ecosystem.
Andrea McCarthy – McCarthy Panel Works
Andrea McCarthy is Director of McCarthy Panel Works in Queensland and brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to the collision repair industry. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Andrea has championed workplace success stories with neurodiverse team members and believes embracing difference strengthens workshop culture. She is committed to reshaping perceptions of the trade, urging educators, parents, and industry leaders to view it as a modern, sophisticated career path. Andrea’s forward-thinking approach focuses on elevating recruitment strategies and aligning the industry with broader professional standards to ensure its relevance and appeal for future generations.
Hiliary Bradbury – Australian Collision Industry Alliance
Hiliary Bradbury is a driving force behind the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), where she leads with a people-first approach and a deep commitment to uplifting the collision repair industry. As the Executive Administrator for ACIA and the Secretariat for the Auto Glass Association (AGA), Hiliary thrives in her multi-faceted roles, focusing on industry advocacy, education, and change.
Her ongoing efforts at events like Summernats and the Auto Glass Trade Show are a testament to her relentless drive to showcase the collision repair industry as a dynamic and rewarding career path.
Chantel Griezans – ADAS Solutions
Chantel Griezans discovered her passion for the repair industry while on a working holiday in Australia in 2017. Initially starting as an administrator, Chantel quickly developed a strong interest in automotive technology and customer service. She now works as an ADAS Specialist at ADAS Solutions in Brisbane, providing invaluable support to clients across Australia. With a commitment to continuous learning, Chantel has earned recognition for her exceptional customer service and was awarded the Admin/Customer Service Award at the Women in Collision industry night.
Siobhan McDonald – Premium Diagnostics
Siobhan Macdonald, founder of Premium Diagnostics, began her entrepreneurial journey at just 25 years old, driven by a passion for cars and a keen eye for market gaps. In just four years, Siobhan has built a trusted tool wholesaling business, specialising in car diagnostic scan tools, while earning a stellar reputation for customer service. Despite being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Siobhan’s determination and expertise have led to multiple industry awards and a rapidly growing business. With a focus on customer satisfaction and future-proofing her business, Siobhan continues to thrive and push boundaries in the automotive sector.
See more from the awards here