Andrea is an owner and office manager at McCarthy Panel Works. With more than 20 years of experience in the collision repair industry, Andrea skillfully guides our clients through every stage of their motor vehicle repair.

Throughout her career, Andrea has worked tirelessly to be a voice amongst organisations who can spark positive change. In 2011 she joined the committee of the National Auto Collision Alliance (NACA). In June 2020, she was elected Chair of the association. This prestigious position also brings the honour of being the first female in more than 40 years to hold the MTAQ Chair seat.

Her role with NACA coupled with her position as one of two repair panellists with I-CAR Australia allows Andrea the opportunity to invoke unique and broader perspectives into the male-dominated industry. Andrea believes her insight as a regional panel beater and her understanding of how families think, will allow her to push I-CAR and NACA into new and far-reaching demographics. Thus, sparking the change.

Andrea believes that education is essential in every aspect of the panel beating industry. She encourages her team members, including her admin staff, to learn all they can about the collision repair process. This will help them better serve McCarthy’s clients as they can explain why specific methods are required. Andrea believes that by doing this extra step to educate staff and clients, the collision repair industry’s stigma may lessen, and trust and understanding will form between all parties.

When not inspiring industry change, Andrea relaxes in the outdoors. Living in gorgeous tropical Queensland, and as a mother of two young men, Andrea has a well-developed appreciation for the quiet calm of the ocean and a fishing rod. However, when she and Craig organise a getaway is generally at their favourite camping spots surrounded by a large group of family and friends. Andrea is also active in the Mackay community and is an active member of the Bella Mamas Choir; a musical group for women who are looking for a non-judgement space to feel empowered. Entertainment must run in the McCarthy gene pool as one of their sons studies drama in Melbourne and is looking to break into the entertainment industry.

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