Women in Automotive: Donna’s Journey to Leadership at Patterson Cheney Trucks

June 3, 2025

For Donna, a career in the automotive world wasn’t handed to her. It was earned, step by step. After moving from New Zealand to Australia in 2008, she started her journey at one of Patterson Cheney sister stores “New World Honda” as a car washer.

“That was my foot in the door,” she says. After two years, she moved into customer service, handling bookings, phone calls, and coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups. Her dedication and people skills quickly stood out, and she rose through the ranks. First as a Service Advisor, then as an Assistant Service Manager.

In 2018, she took on the same role at Ferntree Gully Honda but with a shift in business direction for Honda, Donna set her sights on the world of heavy vehicles at Patterson Cheney Trucks in April 2022. Though she’s been with Patterson Cheney Trucks for 3 years, her time with Patterson Cheney spans an impressive 17 years.

“I’ve worked across a lot of dealerships, but Patterson Cheney Trucks feels like home,” Donna says. “The people, the culture, the way everyone looks after each other, it really is like a big family.” She also enjoys the complexity and challenge of working with trucks. “They’re different to cars, slower paced, but more technical. It keeps things interesting, and I love that.” Beyond the work itself, she appreciates the extras Patterson Cheney Trucks brings to the table. “There’s always something going on, social events, food trucks, fun activities. You genuinely feel valued here.”

Being a woman in the automotives industry for almost 2 decades, Donna says that “It’s hard and great at the same time”. “You’re working in a male-dominated space, so you deal with strong personalities and egos. It can be challenging, but it also builds your resilience.” She’s noticed real change over the years. “When I started, it was all blokes. Now, more and more women are stepping into roles—mechanics, service advisors, techs. It’s great to see the industry becoming more balanced.” Her advice to other women is “You’ve got to have the stomach for it, it’s not for the faint-hearted,” Donna says. “You need to be confident, adaptable, a good listener, and have patience.”

“And the blokes? They’ll teach you. They’ll challenge you in a good way—and that’s what builds your confidence. That support makes you stronger.”

Thanks Donna. You are an amazing team member and we at Patterson Cheney value you as family.

If you are interested in a career with us, please visit our careers page at: https://www.pattersoncheneytrucks.com.au/careers/