An auto mechanic with a keen focus on bringing young people into the trade has been named Transport Women Australia Limited’s Young Gunnette Award winner for 2025.
Queenslander Chelsea Lawson was presented with her award on July 2 at the Brisbane office of Cummins Inc, who sponsor the program.
SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter
The Perfect Recruit Founder and CEO Sophia Lafkas was named as runner-up.
Lawson started her career as an auto mechanic working on light vehicles and is now working with the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) coordinating mentoring and support networks for female automotive apprentices in Queensland.
Her primary role with MTAQ is to lead the Auto Women project, which Lawson joined herself when MTAQ first launched the program in 2022.
Lawson has also been actively involved in generating interest for the automotive industry for school children and potential apprentices through countless school careers days and MTAQ industry connect events over the past five years.
Summing up the reasons for her win TWAL’s winner’s announcement says Lawson has been involved in multiple Queensland government round tables, industry connect, and industry relation events, where she has been a keen advocate for the automotive industry and the absolute necessity for apprentices to be supported (not just financially but personally and professionally) throughout their apprenticeship and into their early careers.
TWAL Chair Jacquelene Brotherton says Lawson’s work highlights the need to support young apprentices as a way of increasing retention rates of male and female apprentices alike, both throughout their apprenticeships and in the five or so years after finishing their training.
In a Facebook post celebrating the win, the MTAQ team said: “Chelsea’s passion, professionalism, and commitment to the industry make her a truly deserving recipient of this honour. The team at MTA Queensland couldn’t be prouder to celebrate you every step of the way.”
The Young Gunnette Award, open to those under 30 years of age, is an annual award created to recognise the achievements of up-and-coming females in the transport and logistics industry.
To find out more about the Young Gunnette Award or nominate for 2026 email chair@transportwomen.com.au or call 0417 422 319.
