Nominations open for Barbara Cox Award

If you know or work with a woman in the Australian automotive industry doing great things, why not nominate them for the 2026 Barbara Cox Award and get them some public recognition and reward?

Cox Automotive Australia and Manheim Australia are now taking nominations for the fourth annual Barbara Cox Award, designed to raise the profile of women who demonstrate commitment to innovation and leadership within the multifaceted auto industry, and recognise their achievements.

"We’re looking for women who are making a real difference. Those who are driving progress in their own way and helping to shape a more inclusive, innovative automotive industry," explained Manheim Corporate Affairs executive Mike Costello.

"This could be through leading change within their organisation, supporting and championing others, contributing to their local community, or bringing new ideas, perspectives or ways of working."

"The Barbara Cox Award is not about job titles or seniority - it’s about impact," he continued. "Whether someone is early in their career or already established, what matters is the difference they’re making, and we want to celebrate that."

The award is named for the late Barbara Cox, a business pioneer and director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s US-based parent company.

The 2026 winner will receive $5000 towards her professional development, and will be announced from a final shortlist of four nominees at the Women in Automotive Luncheon in Melbourne this October.

Nominees from interstate will be offered flights and accommodation to attend the event.

Click here to go to the nominations applications page.