In this episode, Sam Street talks with Brendan Gale from EV Safe Australia about Electric Vehicle (EV) safety.

We begin our discussion with Brendan's journey into EV safety consulting, exploring the current state of EV safety in Australia, and the variance in information between states and businesses. Then, we delve into the different approaches to EV safety, the range of services businesses may provide, and how following OEM procedures is crucial for direct repairs, while standards like AS5732 offer broader guidelines covering site safety and emergency response. We also examine the complexities surrounding training and equipment and sourcing appropriate EV-specific PPE.

We wrap up by reviewing government support options through grants like the DRIVEN Program (Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally), offering rebates on eligible EV safety equipment and processes.

Links & Resources:

EV Safe Australia

https://evsafeaustralia.com.au/

Body Shop Australia

https://www.bodyshopaustralia.com.au/

EV Repair Services (EV battery specialists)

https://evrepairservices.com.au/

Bell Automotive Group

https://bellautomotivegroup.com.au/

Government's DRIVEN Program

https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/driven-charger-rebate-stream

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron
Editor: Chris Visscher
Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street travels to the Collision Repair Expo in Melbourne where she interviews representatives from 3M about their new products.

We begin our discussion by exploring 3M's new Performance Spray Gun, a carbon composite offering enhanced ergonomics, comfort benefits, high transfer efficiency to save paint, and the ability to switch between fine finish and conventional spray modes. Our discussion also gives us an insight into 3M™ Cubitron™ Abrasives, specifically the re-engineered Cubitron™ 3 range which can provide up to a 50% increase in performance over the previous model. We highlight its cost-effective use through its longer life, whilst it has a higher initial cost, it is recovered through its superior quality and productivity gains.

We wrap up by reviewing the new 3M™ Hookit™ Blue Net Abrasive Discs, which feature improved dust extraction capabilities compared to standard paper discs, enhancing workshop health and reducing cleanup time for better overall productivity.

Links & Resources:

3M Abrasives for Collision Repair

https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/p/c/abrasives/i/automotive/collision-repair/

3M™ Performance Spray Guns

https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/collision-repair-au/paint-preparation-system/

3M Stand at the 2026 Collision Repair Expo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVjCOEeTh_E

James Lawson - Collision Repair MSO Specialist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lawson-123415160/

Jason Nagy - Application Engineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nagy-982210360/

Contact 3M

https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/collision-repair-au/support/

3M Customer Service: Dial 1-3M 1-3M (136-136)

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street meets with Australia's automotive repair representatives for the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 event.

We begin our discussion by reviewing WorldSkills' origins as a not-for-profit charity for the last 40 years, and its role in promoting trades to students with Brigitte Collins. We speak to WorldSkills experts Paul Poverino and Cameron Killen along with our Skillaroos Sam Sheddon and Jack Richards about their roles and journeys to Shanghai, the pathways and standards involved in international body repair, and their experiences with global trainers, employers, and competitions. Our discussion gives us a behind the scenes look at industry partners like Axalta and Glasurit, and what it's like going from competing at local and then international competitions.

We wrap up by reviewing how WorldSkills Australia encourages industry involvement and highlights young talent.

Links & Resources:
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
https://worldskills.org/what/competitions/worldskills-shanghai-2026/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldskills-australia/

https://www.facebook.com/WorldSkillsAU

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron
Producer: Steve Visscher

In this episode, Sam Street and Grant McHerron talk about Paint & Panel's 2026 Bodyshop Awards with sponsors and former winners. The group includes James Frape, CEO of Compass, Glenn Harvey, Managing Director of Harvey Accident Repairs, Martin Dickinson, General Manager Collision at AMA Group, and Stuart Faid, Chief Commercial Officer with Clear 21.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the evolution of the Paint & Panel's Bodyshop Awards now that it's entering its 30th anniversary, and is being held at Movie World in Gold Coast on November 27th. Our conversation recognises the importance of giving recognition in an underappreciated industry, celebrating excellence, and the value of bringing the collision repair community together. We get insights into why companies sponsor the event, the benefits experienced by previous winners and their teams, and receive updates for the 2026 awards, which promise for a simplified entry processes, and in person judging for best shop categories.

We look forward to the awards being a celebration and strategic opportunity for repairers to gain recognition, improve performance, and strengthen their place within the industry.

Links & Resources:

2026 Bodyshop Awards: https://bodyshopawards.com.au/

iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/

Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.com.au

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street travels to the ADAS Solutions Australia headquarters in Brisbane to talk with Adrian Parkes (Founder & Director) and Amy Morgan (Project & Administration Manager ) about their new AirPro Diagnostics & Auggie solutions.

We review the launch of AirPro Diagnostics by ADAS Solutions Australia, a remote diagnostic solution designed to address the growing complexity of modern vehicle repairs. We get an insight into how the diagnostic tool physically connects to the vehicle while being remotely operated by master technicians, delivering OEM-level accuracy without requiring in house expertise. Allowing everyone, everywhere to access high-level diagnostics, reduce errors, and identify issues earlier in the repair process. Our discussion also highlights the rapid evolution of ADAS technology and the industry's shift toward software driven solutions, making traditional tools obsolete. Innovations like Auggie, a portable augmented reality windscreen calibration device, removes the need for traditional target setups.

We wrap up by looking to the future where diagnostics, calibration, and repair planning are more automated, data driven, and remotely supported, improving efficiency, accuracy, and overall repair outcomes.

Links & Resources:

ADAS Solutions Australia https://adassolutions.com.au/

AirPro Australia: https://airproaustralia.com.au

iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/

Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.com.au

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Steve O'Brien, Managing Director of Clear21, about iBodyShop's AI capabilities, including estimation and business intelligence.

We begin by exploring the rapid expansion of AI in collision repair, outlining how iBodyShop's virtual estimating platform is transforming the quoting process. We get an insight into how the system uses vehicle images and historical data to generate increasingly accurate estimates in minutes, whilst also identifying potential write offs. Our discussion also explores the new "Ask iBodyShop" feature, which provides live business intelligence reporting, technician performance tracking, and AI assisted scheduling based on real parts delivery data.

We wrap up by looking ahead to the Collision Repair Expo launch, where repairers can experience the technology first-hand and see how AI is reshaping workshop management.

Links & Resources:
iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/

Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.com.au
------------------------------
The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher
Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Ash Jardine, Managing Director of Bodyshop Recruitment, about the Plan 4 Profit initiative starting this year.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the evolution of Body Shop Recruit. We explore how many repairers lack a clear understanding of their true shop rates, and get an insight into the origins and development of the Plan for Profit calculator, including its expansion into multiple rate categories and the importance of the achieved rate.

Our discussion delves into the national roadshow, how the workshops will help repairers calculate accurate rates, reverse engineer estimates, and make stronger business decisions in negotiations with insurers. The episode also explores why shop rates must be reviewed regularly as costs change and how better rate awareness can significantly impact profitability.

We wrap up by highlighting the practical structure of the workshops, their accessibility, and the broader industry benefit through financial support for the Australian Collision Industry Alliance.

Links & Resources:

Plan 4 Profit

bodyshoprecruit.com.au/plan-4-profit

Do you want to sponsor Plan 4 Profit?

bodyshoprecruit.com.au/sponsors

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Hiliary Bradbury from Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), Dan Maher from L&M Smash Repairs and Ann McClure from McClure Refinishing about ACIA's successes and challenges.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of ACIA. Why it was founded, the work it has undertaken and the challenges involved with funnelling interested students into apprenticeships. We also explore the costs involved with attending career expo events, the need for more repairers to join, the increased interest from young car enthusiasts, and how repairers can get involved with ACIA to help attract talent and the many benefits that come with volunteering.

We wrap up by reviewing how young staff can breathe a new life and perspective into the shop, as well as supporting mature staff.

Links & Resources:

Australian Collusion Industry Alliance (ACIA)

www.theacia.com.au

McClure Refinishing

www.mcclurerefinishing.com

L&M Smash Repairs

lmsmash.com.au

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025