Sister Act: Northern Gal GirlPower Show 2026

Now in its ninth year, the ‘Northern Gal’ GirlPower show is proving that car meets are not just for the boys. Hosted by Shannons at its Heatherton showroom for a second time, a variety of around 50 cars were lined up inside, ranging from chrome-bumper classics to muscle cars, custom builds and daily drivers. All owned and driven by women. Every car had its own story, and the owners were more than happy to share.

Outside, things naturally spilled over into a relaxed Cars & Coffee vibe with more of the girls’ cars & motorcycles, plus a huge turnout of visitors filling the street.

Organised by Paula, the heart and driving force behind the Northern Gal movement, the aim of the day was to build a relaxing atmosphere with just a group of girls who genuinely love their rides and are happy to chat about them. Paula has built a solid community over the years that’s all about encouraging more women to get involved in the local car scene, whether they’ve been into cars for years, or just getting started, and the GirlPower show does exactly that.

Entrants were given their own branded T-shirts and merch; a nice touch from Paula that went a long way in making everyone feel part of something special. Friends and family also had their own ‘Support Crew’ tees.

Having the event inside the Shannons showroom gave it a polished feel without losing that laid-back atmosphere. Staff and security were onboard all day, and the racing simulators were a big hit.

By the time things started winding down, it was pretty clear the event was a huge success, with Paula receiving a lot of positive feedback. It feels like GirlPower is quickly becoming something people will look forward to each year.

Meet some of the ladies and their cars:

1. (Left) ‘Northern Gal’ Paula (Iron Maiden, SM Mar ’18) and (right) AFLW star Tayla Harris (Iron Maiden, SM Sep ’23). Tayla brought her stunning XB hardtop, with proud dad riding shotgun.

2. P-plater Chloe Sherman’s 1970 KEII Corolla is full of personality. Dubbed ‘Rat Rolla’, it was inherited from her dad and Chloe says she drives it everywhere.

3. Kym Sanderson’s matching-numbers XC hardtop is a head-turner with its bright Pine N Lime paintwork. Kym has owned the XC for 14 years and says it underwent a four year rebuild from a rolling shell which came with around 100 boxes of accessories.

4. Jen Vaughan has owned her Spitfire Green 1982 Datto 1200 ute for three years.

5. Kat Hard has owned this 1970 Beetle for four years. She had a choice of cars to bring to GirlPower, as she owns one of each generation of Beetle.

6. Leanne Groen has owned her 1977 LX Torana for five years and this is the second time she has displayed the Torrie at GirlPower in the Shannons showroom.

7. Lakeisha Fosbender-Kotsalis, pictured with her 1987 VL Berlina and partner Ben.

8. Kylee has owned her 253-powered, Firethorn Red HZ Holden for around 14 years. She restored the car over three years, doing some of the work herself.